connection terminal

Abstract

A connection terminal (2) is proposed, which has a housing (6) and a conductor introduction (8) for introducing a conductor wire (4) having a conductor (10) and an insulation (12) surrounding the conductor (10), which has a cutting contact (16), which has a spring element (20) having a movement section (22) and a bearing section (24), which has a release device (38) having a holding contour (40) for holding the movement section (22) in an open position, which is designed in such a way that the release device (38) is activated when the conductor wire (4) is introduced into the conductor introduction (8), thereby releasing the movement section (22) and springing from the open position into a clamping position, whereby the conductor wire (4) is introduced into the cutting contact (16) and the conductor (10) is contacted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection terminal. Background Technology

[0002] A connector terminal is an electrical connector used to make contact with an electrical conductor. One type of connector automatically makes contact with the conductor by cutting the surrounding insulation layer, without needing to strip it beforehand; this is called a cut-out connector (IDC = Insulation Piercing Connector). Another type of connector has a clamping mechanism that automatically releases when the conductor is inserted (self-releasing connector).

[0003] See reference EP 4 376 221 A1.

[0004] Terminal blocks are commonly used in the wiring of switch cabinets, telecommunications equipment, and circuit boards. Compared to screw or solder joints, terminal blocks can save time. Due to their ease of installation, terminal blocks are also suitable for automated production processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved connection terminal.

[0006] The technical problem described herein is solved by a connecting terminal. The connecting terminal has a housing and a conductor inlet for inserting a wire having a conductor and an insulator surrounding the conductor; the connecting terminal has a cutting contact; the connecting terminal has a spring element; the spring element has a moving section and a supporting section; the connecting terminal has a release device; the release device has a retaining profile for holding the moving section in an open position; the connecting terminal is designed such that, when the wire is inserted into the conductor inlet, the release device is activated, thereby releasing the moving section and springing it from the open position to a clamped position, whereby the wire is inserted into the cutting contact and the conductor is contacted. According to this application, the spring element and the release device are constructed as a single piece. Alternatively, according to this application, the connecting terminal has a conductive rail on which the cutting contact is disposed, wherein the spring element, the conductive rail, and the cutting contact, in the clamped position, together with the wire and optionally also with the conductor inlet, form a closed force cycle. Alternatively, according to this application, the moving section locks the cutting contact in the clamped position. Alternatively, according to this application, the elastic element may be designed as a torsion spring and / or a leaf spring.

[0007] The features of the connection terminals described above according to this application can be combined with each other. Advantageous designs, improvements, and variations are the technical solutions of this application. If the steps or similar steps related to the function of the connection terminals are described below, it specifically refers to the connection terminals being designed to perform one or more of these steps.

[0008] The core aspect of this invention is the combination of IDC functionality with a snap-all function, meaning that when a wire is introduced, the connector automatically triggers a cutting and clamping operation. This type of connector is also known as an IDC snap-all connector or a snap-all IDC connector.

[0009] The connecting terminal according to the invention has a housing and a conductor inlet for introducing a wire. For introducing the wire, the conductor inlet particularly has a conductor inlet through which the conductor is introduced. The conductor inlet is defined by the (inner) wall of the conductor inlet. The wire has a conductor and an insulating layer surrounding the conductor. Therefore, "wire" refers to an insulated electrical conductor, i.e., a conductive core surrounded by an insulating layer.

[0010] The connecting terminals particularly have conductive rails for electrically connecting a conductor to another conductor connected to the conductive rail. Another design may be employed where the conductive rail has insertion contacts, solder pins, or similar components through which the cut terminals can be electrically connected, for example, soldered to a circuit board.

[0011] The connecting terminal also has a cutting contact, also known as a cutting terminal contact. The cutting contact particularly has a cutting profile for cutting the insulation layer. The cutting contact preferably has two side arms for clamping the conductor. The cutting contact is preferably designed separately from and different from the conductive rail. The cutting contact is particularly directly mounted on the conductive rail, thus being electrically connected to it. In suitable designs, the cutting contact is a bent piece of metal sheet, thus being particularly easy to manufacture. The connecting terminal may optionally have multiple cutting contacts, especially for wires with different conductor cross-sections. Multiple cutting contacts are arranged in order of conductor cross-section, moving the wire to the appropriate cutting contact.

[0012] The connecting terminal also has a spring element, which has a moving section (also called a clamping section) and a supporting section. The spring element is used to clamp the conductor. The spring element is preferably made of a conductive material and / or metal, such as spring copper or spring steel, and particularly preferably made of spring plate. Similar to the cut-off contact, the connecting terminal may optionally have multiple spring elements or at least multiple moving sections for clamping conductors with different cross-sections.

[0013] The connecting terminal also has a release mechanism with a retaining profile for holding the moving section in the open position. In the open position, the moving section is held in particular against the spring force of the spring element.

[0014] The aforementioned components, namely the cutting contact, spring element, release device, and conductive rail, are all or partly housed within the housing. The housing is made of insulating material and serves both for contact protection and for securing, guiding, and / or supporting one or more components. For low-voltage applications, a metal housing may also be used.

[0015] The connection terminal is designed such that a release mechanism is activated (automatic release, SnapAll function) when the wire is inserted into the conductor inlet, thereby releasing the moving section and springing it back from the open position to the clamped position. By springing from the open position to the clamped position, the wire is guided along the clamping direction to the cutting contact and makes contact with the conductor (IDC function). Therefore, the spring force of the spring element is used both to cut the insulation and to contact the wire. During contact, the wire is clamped at the cutting contact, i.e., electrical and mechanical connection is achieved simultaneously. When the wire is introduced into the cutting contact, the insulation is automatically cut in the separated position, and the wire is accordingly exposed and electrically contacted simultaneously or subsequently. Electrical contact is particularly direct at the cutting contact. The wire is preferably pressed, pushed, pulled, or driven into the cutting contact by the spring element. When springing from the open position to the clamped position, the wire preferably moves relative to the housing, while the cutting contact remains fixed relative to the housing.

[0016] When the wire is inserted, the release device is activated directly by the wire itself. The end of the wire strikes the release device, thereby activating it. For this purpose, the release device is suitably positioned at the wire insertion end. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the wire actuates the release device upon insertion. The moving section is preferably held directly by the retaining profile in the open position, i.e., no intermediate component is required between the release device and the moving section. The moving section abuts against the retaining profile. After the release device is activated, the retaining profile moves accordingly, thereby releasing the moving section, and springs back to the clamped position due to spring force, for example, by rotation.

[0017] With the IDC (Insulation Distribution Center) function, there's no need to manually strip and crimp wires before connecting. Simply insert the fully insulated wire into the connector terminal, and the insulation will automatically peel off within the terminal. This allows for quick wire stripping. Thanks to the automatic release design, users don't need to perform any separate release operation; the connector terminal automatically releases upon wire insertion. There's no need to manually press the contact cutter. Similarly, users don't need to apply additional force to cut the insulation; this is entirely achieved by the spring force of the spring element. Therefore, wire connections can be completed without applying any force.

[0018] In advantageous designs, the spring element and release device are designed as a single piece (integral). Therefore, the spring element and release device are combined in a single component, especially with the release device integrated into the spring element; hence, this component is also referred to as a "spring element with an integrated release device." This combination of spring element and release device reduces the total number of required components, thereby lowering the tolerance requirements for the components. When multiple components interact, their tolerances accumulate, thus requiring higher tolerances for each individual component to achieve a lower overall tolerance. Fewer individual components allow for larger acceptable tolerances, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the wire contact in the clamped position safer. Furthermore, fewer components simplify the installation of the connecting terminals. Integrating the release device reduces the required installation space within the housing, allowing for a lighter housing design, saving installation space and making the overall connecting terminals more compact. In principle, designs for a release device separate from the spring element (e.g., a separate release element) are also feasible and equally applicable. The design of such separate release devices, especially their shape and function, should be adapted to the implementation of a single-piece integrated release device.

[0019] In another advantageous design, the spring element, conductive rail, and cutting contact form a closed force loop together with the wire and optional conductor guide in the clamped position. The housing is not part of this force loop, meaning the clamping action achieved by the spring element does not require support from the spring element, conductive rail, or cutting contact on the housing, at least in the open and clamped positions. Instead, the spring element and conductive rail support each other with the cutting contact, so that the electrical contact of the wire does not depend on the integrity of the housing, for example, if the housing melts due to high temperatures. Because the force loop is closed, the wire remains reliably clamped in the cutting contact and maintains electrical contact with the conductive rail, thus ensuring particularly safe wire contact. Another advantage is that the housing is not subjected to spring force, especially in the open position, allowing for a lighter housing design, i.e., saving installation space, resulting in a particularly compact overall connection terminal. Suitablely, the support section of the spring element rests directly on the conductive rail. Alternatively, a force chain is established at least between the support section and the conductive rail, with the support section suitably resting directly on the housing (i.e., the housing wall), and the housing resting directly on the conductive rail. Optionally, one or more intermediate elements can be arranged between the support section and the housing and / or between the housing and the conductive rail to form a closed force chain from the support section to the conductive rail. In the clamped position, the moving section presses the wire against the cutting contact, thereby transmitting the spring force from the moving section through the wire to the cutting contact. Since the cutting contact is mounted on the conductive rail, and the support section is mounted on the conductive rail, the spring element ultimately supports itself. This is at least the case from the open state of the clamped position, but in the case of switching from the open position to the clamped position or vice versa, the spring force may be briefly transmitted to the housing, but this is not a problem given the short actuation time. Alternatively, a force cycle without using the conductive rail can be considered, with the support section directly supporting the cutting contact. Here, clamping in the cutting contact is also guaranteed, but contact with the conductive rail is no longer mandatory. Whether the wire introduction is part of the force cycle depends on its specific design, and more precisely, on whether the moving section directly contacts the wire or directly contacts the conductor inlet and then indirectly contacts the wire. In the latter case, if a fault occurs, such as the conductor inlet melting, the spring force will eventually push the moving section further toward the conductor; if the insulation fails, it will push it further toward the conductor anyway.

[0020] In another advantageous design, the moving section closes the cutting contact in the clamping position. The cutting contact preferably has an inlet formed by two cutting edges. The inlet is preferably a clamping gap that gradually narrows in the clamping direction, for example, in a V-shape. The wire is introduced into the inlet via a spring element. Then, the spring element covers the inlet in the clamping position, thereby closing the cutting contact and preventing the wire from being pulled out of the cutting contact in the opposite direction (i.e., opposite to the clamping direction) without overcoming the spring force. Therefore, to remove the wire, the spring element must be rotated from the clamping position back to the open position, for example, using a suitable operating element, such as the conductor guide itself or a tool. Closing the cutting contact ensures particularly safe wire contact. With the above arrangement of the cutting contact and spring element, they occupy a very small overall space, thus allowing for a space-saving housing design and a particularly compact overall connection terminal.

[0021] In another advantageous design, the spring element is designed as a torsion spring and / or leaf spring. The moving section is typically referred to as the moving arm (clamping arm), and the supporting section as the supporting arm. The spring element is preferably strip-shaped. The spring element is preferably multi-bent with multiple bends that connect the different parts of the spring element. The spring element is preferably made of sheet metal. It has a cost advantage compared to other spring elements, such as coil springs. Furthermore, spring elements designed as torsion springs and / or leaf springs have particularly few degrees of freedom, a more defined transition from the open to the clamped position, and require less guidance, thus making wire contact more secure. Additionally, the housing can be designed to be more compact, i.e., particularly saving installation space, resulting in a particularly compact overall connection terminal.

[0022] In a preferred design, the spring element has a spring bow, through which the support section is connected to the moving section. Therefore, the spring element as a whole consists of at least two parts, preferably two arms, wherein the moving section and the support section constitute the two parts of the spring element. The spring bow specifically realizes the spring force of the spring element. The support section is particularly used to fix the spring element to the housing, preferably indirectly via a conductive rail, and the support section is preferably firmly connected to the conductive rail.

[0023] In a suitable design, the support section is curved, having a connecting portion and an end portion. The connecting portion leads to and is connected to the moving section via a spring bow, while the end portion is located away from the moving section. The connecting portion and the end portion 25 are connected by a bend, preferably within an angle range of 60° to 120°, thus forming an overall L-shape. Preferably, only the end portion is supported on the conductive rail, while the connecting portion is not supported on the conductive rail but directly on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting portion can also provide spring force. The moving section and the support section, especially their connecting portion, are preferably arranged at an angle of 30° to 90° to obtain optimal spring force.

[0024] The moving segment has a suitable curved shape, preferably S-shaped, to ensure shape stability. In a suitable design, the moving segment has curved ends, thus forming a protrusion at the ends for contacting the conductor or conductor guide (i.e., the (outer) wall of the conductor guide), particularly as a movable guide wall. The protrusion has a convex outer side and is oriented such that the convex outer side abuts against the conductor or conductor guide to minimize friction.

[0025] In a suitable design, the support section has an end that surrounds the cutting contact and / or the cutting contact is mounted (preferably fixed) on that end. This end is specifically the end portion of the aforementioned support section on the end side. The spring element is thus supported, particularly on the cutting contact, but at least the spring element is fixed relative to the cutting contact. The support section has, for example, a corresponding notch into which the cutting contact is inserted, and / or through which the cutting contact is mounted on the conductive rail. This end is preferably curved, for example, at an angle between 10° and 45°. This improves the force flow during cutting and clamping, as the spring force acting on the wire and the cutting contact can be better transmitted to the conductive rail. The curved end of the support section forms a ramp on which the cutting contact is located.

[0026] In a particularly preferred design, the release device is formed from a support section, especially from the end portion, preferably as a stamped part of the support section. Preferably, the release device extends from and is connected to the connection portion, but is primarily formed from the end portion. Therefore, the release device is advantageously rotatable about a fulcrum on or near the connection portion. The end portion has a notch matching the shape of the release device. The release device extends along the support section, preferably substantially parallel to and at a certain distance from the support section (especially its end portion). The support section (especially its end portion) suitably forms a stop for the release device, thereby limiting the movement, especially deflection, of the release device when the support section is inserted into the wire. For example, when the wire is inserted, it encounters the release device, causing it to rotate about the fulcrum and towards the end portion, whereby the release device eventually stops, thus preventing further insertion of the wire. The release device itself is preferably angular, especially with an angle between 135° and less than 180°. This angle allows for convenient adjustment of the distance the release device can move before contacting the support section. The release device is preferably designed as a spring tongue. In one design, the spring element is particularly designed as a leaf spring. The spring tongue design is particularly simple and allows for a flexible design of the release device. Regardless of the specific design of the release device, it is preferably designed to be flexible so that the release device can automatically reset and return to the open position when the wire is removed from the conductor guide.

[0027] The release device is preferably an integral design, meaning the retaining profile is an integrated part of the release device. The retaining profile is particularly fixed relative to the other parts of the release device. The retaining profile is not a separate component but is integrated into the release device. The retaining profile is preferably designed as at least one locking hook or at least one locking edge. In suitable designs, the retaining profile is designed as one or more wings of the release device. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining profile is formed by at least one portion extending from a plane of the release device, where "plane" particularly refers to the exterior or surface of the release device, from which the retaining profile extends, for example, protruding or projecting. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining profile is designed as an extension of at least one release device. In a suitable design, the retaining profile is curved, particularly away from the support section and / or upward and / or toward the moving section. Advantageously, the retaining profile is formed by stamping and / or bending a portion of the release device, particularly one or more edge portions of the release device, thereby forming a wing / protrusion / extension. In the open position, the moving section is shaped-engagedly supported on the retaining profile.

[0028] The connecting terminal is suitably designed such that, when moved from the clamped position to the open position, the moving segment can lock onto the retaining profile and be held in the open position by the retaining profile. "Moving from the clamped position to the open position" is also referred to as "reset" because the spring element returns to the open position during this process. Therefore, the clamping process is reversible, and the connecting terminal can be reused, even to connect another wire. In an advantageous design, the retaining profile and the moving segment form a locking device, so that when the moving segment resets from the clamped position to the open position, the moving segment passes over the retaining profile and locks behind it in the open position. Here, the retaining profile is a tooth, and the moving segment is a pawl that passes over the tooth and locks onto it behind the tooth.

[0029] The cutting contact suitably has a cavity defined by two side arms for receiving the end section of the conductor. In the clamped state, the end section of the conductor is located between the two side arms and thus received within the cavity. The cavity is further defined by the aforementioned inlet with a cutting edge, particularly the top and / or bottom of the cutting contact (also called the bottom section). The base section is also particularly used for mounting and / or securing the cutting contact to a spring element or conductive rail. The cavity is framed on all four sides by the cutting edge, side arms, and base section. The remaining two sides (front and rear) remain open, at least the front side is open, because the end section enters the cavity when clamped.

[0030] In a suitable design, the release device is located below the conductor inlet (especially as described above) and above the base section of the contact, along the height of the cutting contact. This ensures that the release device is positioned above the base section, thereby ensuring that the conductor end has sufficient space within the contact, especially within the cavity, under all circumstances. The length of the end section depends primarily on the position of the release device relative to the inlet, specifically the distance between the inlet and the release device (in the open position). This distance is now less than the height of the contact, i.e., the distance between the inlet and the base section. Therefore, the height of the cavity is greater than the length of the end section.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the cutting contact specifically has an inlet for the conductor. Similarly, as described, the moving section has an end. In an advantageous design, the end of the moving section is located below the inlet in the open position and above the inlet in the clamped position. Therefore, the end can rotate through the inlet when moving from the open position to the clamped position. The separation position, where the insulation separates from the inlet, marks the cutting plane (perpendicular to the conductor in the open position), through which the end moves from one side of the plane to the other when moving from the open position to the clamped position. In the open position, the end is below the future separation position, while in the clamped position, the end is above the separation position.

[0032] The conductor inlet is either part of the housing or a separate component that is properly connected to the housing.

[0033] If the conductor guide is part of the housing, it is preferably an opening in the housing. The housing has no guide rails; the moving section acts directly on the conductor. Suitably, the conductor guide is expanded, preferably funnel-shaped, when viewed into the housing (i.e., from the direction of introduction and along the conductor). This creates sufficient space for the conductor to rotate for contact. The conductor guide is formed by walls that are correspondingly expanded into a tapered shape, thus providing optimal stopping for the conductor.

[0034] If the conductor guide is a separate component from the housing, in an advantageous design, the conductor guide has a guide wall that is movably supported on the housing. The conductor guide and the guide wall are preferably identical. In particular, the conductor guide is integrally and movably mounted on the housing. Then, when the wire is introduced into the conductor guide, the wire is inserted into the conductor guide, for example, by inserting / placing it onto or along the guide wall, and moves with the guide wall as the spring element springs back from the open position to the clamped position. As the moving section moves, the guide wall and the wire also move accordingly. The housing preferably has an inner wall with a guide profile along which the guide wall moves during movement. Furthermore, the housing also has an inner contour that forms a stop for the guide wall during movement.

[0035] The guide wall (especially the inner wall) preferably has a structured surface, particularly for accommodating the wire. The guide wall is designed, for example, to form a profile that allows the wire to be fixed and / or moved. The cross-section is preferably U-shaped or V-shaped, thus forming a structure for accommodating the wire. The cross-section is particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire. Therefore, the guide wall forms grooves, recesses, or notches in which the wire is accommodated.

[0036] In a particularly suitable design, the conductor guide is designed as a conduit, thus the guide wall is the wall surrounding the conductor. This advantageously ensures that the conductor guide optimally guides the conductor from all directions. The conductor guide surrounds the conductor inserted therein. The cross-section of the guide wall preferably conforms to the outer contour of the conductor. Since the conductor typically has a circular outer contour, the cross-section of the guide wall is also correspondingly circular to accommodate the conductor.

[0037] The guide wall faces the conductor and forms the inner wall of the conductor guide. Furthermore, the guide wall also forms the outer wall of the conductor guide, which is designed for optimal interaction with the housing. Suitably, the outer wall typically has a rectangular cross-section when perpendicular to the conductor.

[0038] In a first suitable design, the guide wall is rotatably or pivotally supported on the housing. "Pivotally" specifically refers to a combination of rotation and translation. The guide wall can, in particular, rotate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of wire introduction. In a second suitable design, the guide wall can alternatively move linearly along the housing, for example, via linear bearings or floating bearings.

[0039] The guide wall particularly has a preferably square (outer wall) base, through which a preferably cylindrical opening (inner wall) penetrates for introducing wires. The guide wall may also optionally have one or more functional protrusions, which are preferably integrally formed with the base. Such functional protrusions are, for example, the described protective protrusions, reset contours, and indicating elements, but in principle they can also exist separately from the guide wall and are independent of its presence. A single functional protrusion can also perform multiple functions simultaneously; for example, a protective protrusion may also be a reset contour and / or an indicating element.

[0040] The guide wall is suitably shaped to leave a gap between the guide wall and the housing in the open and / or clamped positions. For this purpose, the guide wall has protective protrusions as functional protrusions. By closing the gap, contact protection is ensured; furthermore, it can also serve as an indicator element to show whether the spring element is in the open or clamped position.

[0041] Suitably, the guide wall is complementaryly shaped to the surface of the cutting contact on its end side, and / or shaped such that the guide wall contacts the cutting contact in the clamping position, preferably through form engagement and / or friction engagement. In an advantageous design, the guide wall is wedge-shaped on its end side, particularly to match the cutting contact which is sloping through the support section. The guide wall particularly restricts the movement of the conductor, where the cutting contact acts as a stop to the guide wall, thereby correspondingly restricting the movement of the moving section and precisely defining the clamping position. In a suitable design, the guide wall has a notch for receiving the cutting contact in the clamping position. The notch can be adjusted according to the shape of the cutting contact, especially in addition to the clearance required for movement.

[0042] The guide wall is preferably manufactured separately from the moving section and / or not rigidly connected to the moving section. This particularly allows for the selection of different materials for the two components. Therefore, the guide wall is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, while the spring element is preferably made of metal. Alternatively, in suitable variations, the guide wall is fixedly connected to the moving section or integrally formed with the moving section. In this way, the guide wall reliably moves in perfect unison with the moving section, and the position of the spring element (open or clamped) can be directly determined from the position of the guide wall.

[0043] In designs where the guide wall and moving section are separate, the guide wall is suitably coupled to the spring element in a conformal shape and / or has a guide profile, with a portion of the moving section embedded therein, particularly when moving from the open position to the clamped position. This ensures reliable guidance of the guide wall and the guide wire.

[0044] The guide wall and housing are preferably designed such that the guide wall covers the moving section in both the open and clamped positions. This ensures protection against contact in both positions. For example, when the moving section changes from the open to the clamped position, the guide wall tilts accordingly so that the opening in the housing into which the guide wall inserts is closed in both positions. In a suitable design, this is achieved by the housing having an outer side for inserting the guide wall, the outer side having two offset local sections, the guide wall forming a step in the section between the two in the open position and a ramp in the clamped position. In both positions, the guide wall is at the top of the opening, thus achieving optimal closure. The outer side is, for example, the top.

[0045] The conductor guide preferably has a reset profile, which is designed such that when the reset profile is operated manually, the conductor guide moves the moving segment to the open position. Therefore, the reset profile is particularly used to overcome the spring force of the spring element for reset. Here, the wire is also withdrawn and released from the cutting contact, and can then be removed from the conductor guide. The spring element is tensioned, and in the open position, the moving segment is again locked on the retaining profile, particularly as described above. Suitably, the housing forms a stop for the reset profile in the open and / or clamped positions, thereby limiting the movement of the conductor guide in a defined manner.

[0046] The reset profile is preferably integrally formed with the conductor guide, for example, as a functional protrusion on the substrate of the conductor guide designed as a guide wall.

[0047] In suitable designs, the reset profile is a user-operable element, and / or a gripping area for manual operation. For example, the reset profile is a lever-like shape at the conductor inlet. For operation, the reset profile is particularly arranged such that it at least partially protrudes from the housing in the open and / or clamped positions (preferably both) for easy access. In suitable designs, the reset profile is arranged such that it at least partially enters the housing when moved to the clamped position, e.g., sinks into the housing, and / or protrudes from the housing when moved to the open position. The reset profile can also serve as an indicator element showing the open and / or clamped positions.

[0048] In a suitable design, the reset profile can be operated via an access port within the housing, especially in the clamping position. The access port is appropriately sized so that it cannot be operated by bare hands, but only with a separate tool. This ensures safe contact. The access port is preferably designed separately from the conductor guide. The design of the access port is particularly suitable when the reset profile is entirely within the housing and acts as a limiting profile to restrict the movement of the conductor guide.

[0049] In a suitable design, the reset profile covers the cutting contact when in the open position. Advantageously, from the operating port, the reset profile covers the cutting contact. This ensures good contact safety, especially regardless of the size of the operating port.

[0050] The lateral and / or wedge-shaped extensions of the conductor guide are particularly suitable as a reset profile. This allows the above-mentioned functions to be easily achieved.

[0051] The connecting terminal preferably has an indicator element to indicate whether the moving section is in the open or clamped position, and / or whether the wire has entered the cutting contact. The indicator element is typically adjusted along with the moving section by a spring force. The aforementioned reset profile is particularly suitable as an indicator element. In principle, the indicator element can also be designed separately and / or placed in other locations.

[0052] The connection terminals preferably have a test port, especially in the clamped position, through which the cut contact can be accessed from outside the housing for contact using a testing tool. In other words, the testing tool can enter the housing through the test port and contact the cut contact to perform electrical tests, such as measuring voltage. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 The connection terminals in the open position are shown schematically.

[0055] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The connecting terminal in the clamped position

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic illustration shows a variation of the connection terminal in the open position.

[0057] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 The connecting terminal in the clamped position

[0058] Figure 5 This schematically illustrates another variation of the connection terminal in the open position.

[0059] Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 6 The connecting terminal in the clamped position

[0060] Figure 7 This schematically illustrates another variation of the connection terminal in the open position.

[0061] Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 7 The connecting terminal in the clamped position

[0062] Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the connection terminals. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figures 1 to 8 Four embodiments of the connection terminal 2 are shown, wherein, Figure 1 ,3 Points 5 and 7 show the open position of connection terminal 2. Figure 2 , 4 Figures 6 and 8 show the clamping position of connector 2. The core aspect of all the shown variations is the combination of the IDC function and the SnapAll function, meaning that connector 2 automatically triggers the cutting and clamping operation when wire 4 is inserted. Due to the IDC function, wire 4 can be quickly stripped without manual stripping and crimping before connection. Due to the self-locking function, connector 2 automatically locks when wire 4 is inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking by the user. No manual pressing or additional force is required. Therefore, wire 4 can be easily connected.

[0064] The connecting terminal 2 has a housing 6 and a conductor guide 8 for inserting a wire 4. The wire 4 has a conductor 10 and an insulating layer 12 surrounding the conductor 10. Figures 1 to 6 In the middle, the conductor guide 8 is designed as a guide wall separate from the housing 6. Figure 7 and 8 In the middle, the conductor inlet 8 is an opening in the housing 6.

[0065] The connecting terminal 2 has a conductive rail 14 for electrically connecting the conductor 10 to other conductors, which are connected to the conductive rail 14 at other locations (not shown).

[0066] The connecting terminal 2 also has a cutting contact 16, also known as a cutting clamping contact. The cutting contact 16 is identical in all embodiments shown here. The cutting contact 16 has a cutting profile forming an inlet 18 for cutting the insulating layer 12. In the illustrated design, the cutting contact 16 is a sheet metal bending piece and is easy to manufacture, and has two side arms 19 for clamping the conductor 10. Furthermore, the cutting contact 16 shown here is designed separately from and is not identical to the conductive rail 14, and is directly mounted on the conductive rail 14, thus being electrically connected to the conductive rail 14.

[0067] Here, the cutting contact 16 also has a cavity defined by two side arms 19 for receiving the end of the conductor 10. As shown, in the clamped position, the end of the conductor 10 is located between the two side arms 19, thus being received in the cavity. In an embodiment, the cavity is further defined by an inlet 18 with a cutting edge on the top of the cutting contact 16 and a base section 21 of the cutting contact 6 located on the bottom side of the cutting contact. Here, the base section 21 also serves to support and / or mount the cutting contact 16 onto the spring element 20. The cavity is framed on all four sides by the cut, the side arms 19, and the base section 21. The remaining two sides (front and rear) remain open, especially the front side, because the end section of the conductor 10 enters the cavity from here when clamped.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, viewed along the height of the cutting contact 16, the release device 38 is located below the inlet 18 for the conductor 10 and above the base section 21. This ensures that the release device 38 is positioned above the base section 21, thereby ensuring that the end section of the conductor 10 has sufficient space within the cutting contact 16 under all circumstances. The length of the end section is determined by the position of the release device 38 relative to the inlet 18, specifically (in the open position) by the distance from the inlet 18 to the release device 38. This distance is now less than the height of the cutting contact 16, i.e., less than the distance between the inlet 18 and the base section 21. Therefore, the height of the cavity is greater than the length of the end section.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, end 32 of the moving segment 22 is located below inlet 18 in the open position and above inlet 18 in the clamped position. Therefore, when rotating from the open position to the clamped position, end 32 rotates to inlet 18. The separation position is where the insulating layer 12 separates from inlet 18, marked by a cutting plane (perpendicular to conductor 10 in the open position) through which end 32 almost crosses the plane when rotating from the open position to the clamped position, i.e., moving from one side of the plane to the other. In the open position, end 32 is positioned below the future separation position, while in the clamped position it is positioned above the separation position.

[0070] The connecting terminal 2 also has a spring element 20, which has a moving section 22 (also called a clamping section) and a supporting section 24. The spring element 20 is used to clamp the wire 4 and is made of conductive material and / or metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 20 is designed as a torsion spring and a leaf spring and is integrally strip-shaped. The spring element 20 also undergoes multiple bends and has multiple bend points that connect the various sections of the spring element 20 together. Compared to other spring elements, such as helical springs, it has a cost advantage. Furthermore, the spring element 20, designed as a torsion spring and leaf spring, has particularly low degrees of freedom, a more defined transition from the open position to the clamped position, and requires less guidance, thus making the contact of the wire 4 more secure.

[0071] Specifically, the spring element 20 shown here has a spring bow 26, and the support section 24 is connected to the moving section 22 via the spring bow. Therefore, the spring element 20 is composed of two parts: the moving section 22 and the support section 24. The spring force is achieved through the spring bow 26. The support section 24 is used to support the spring element 20 on the housing 6, and is indirectly supported here via a conductive rail 14 connected to the support section 24.

[0072] In the illustrated design, the support section 24 is curved and has a connector 28 that leads to and connects to the moving section 22 via a spring bow 26, and has an end portion 30 located away from the moving section 22. The connector 28 and the end portion 30 are connected by a bend, where the bend angle is between 60° and 120°, thus forming an overall L-shape. Only the end portion 30 is supported on the conductive rail 14, while the connector 28 is directly supported on the housing 6. The moving section 22 and the support section 24, more specifically, their connector 28, are arranged at an angle of 30° to 90° to achieve optimal spring force.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the moving segment 22 extends in a curved S-shape, thus exhibiting particularly high shape stability. Furthermore, the moving segment 22 also has a curved end 32, forming a protrusion at the end for abutting the wire 4 or conductor guide 8. The protrusion has a projecting outer side and is oriented such that the projecting outer side abuts the wire 4 or conductor guide 8, thereby minimizing friction.

[0074] In the illustrated design, the support section 24 has an end 34 that surrounds the cutting contact 16, which in Figure 9 This is particularly evident in the diagram. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting contact 16 may also be arranged on the end 34. The end 34 is the end section of the end portion 30. Therefore, the spring element 20 is supported on the cutting contact 16 and is fixed at least relative to the cutting contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the support section 24 has a corresponding notch 36 into which the cutting contact 16 is inserted and through which the conductive rail 14 is connected. Figures 1 to 4 In the design shown, end 34 is bent at an angle between 10° and 45°, thereby improving the force flow during cutting and clamping, as the spring force acting on the wire 4 and the cutting contact 16 is better transmitted to the conductive rail 14. The bent end 34 forms a ramp on which the cutting contact 16 is located. Figures 5 to 8 In the design shown, end 34 is not bent. As can be seen from the figure, the bent design of end 34 is particularly meaningful when the conductor guide 8 is a rotatable / swinging guide wall.

[0075] Except for the angle of the end 34 of the support section 24, the design of the spring element 20 is the same in all the embodiments shown.

[0076] The connecting terminal 2 also has a release device 38, which has a retaining profile 40 for holding the moving segment 22 in the open position. Figure 1 , 35, 7). In the open position, the moving segment 22 is held against the spring force of the spring element 20. The connecting terminal 2 is designed such that when the wire 4 is inserted into the conductor guide 8, the release device 38 is activated (automatic release), thereby releasing the moving segment 22 and causing it to spring back from the open position to the clamped position. Figure 2 , 4 (6, 8). By springing from the open position to the clamped position, the wire 4 is guided in the cutting contact 16 along the clamping direction K and comes into contact with the conductor 10 (IDC function). Therefore, the spring force of the spring element 20 is used both to cut the insulation layer 12 and to contact the wire 4. At contact, the wire 4 is also clamped in the cutting contact 16, i.e., electrical and mechanical connection is achieved simultaneously. When the wire 4 is introduced into the cutting contact 16, the insulation layer 12 automatically separates in the disengaged position, and the conductor 10 is exposed, achieving electrical contact simultaneously or subsequently. Electrical contact is performed directly on the cutting contact 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire 4 is pressed and pushed into the cutting contact 16 by the spring element 20, and alternatively pulled or driven (not shown). When springing from the open position to the clamped position, the wire 4 moves relative to the housing 6, while the cutting contact 16 remains fixed relative to the housing 6.

[0077] When the wire 4 is inserted, the release device 38 is immediately activated by the wire itself; specifically, the wire 4 strikes the release device 38 at its end, thereby activating the release device. For this purpose, the release device 38 is located at the end of the wire insertion port 8. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the wire 4 actuates the release device 38 (not shown) upon insertion. In the open position, the moving segment 22 is directly held by the retaining profile 40, i.e., no intermediate component is required between the release device 38 and the moving segment 22. In the open position, the moving segment 22 rests directly against the retaining profile 40. When the release device 38 is activated, the retaining profile 40 moves accordingly, thereby releasing the moving segment 22, which springs back to the clamped position due to spring force, in which case it rotates.

[0078] In the illustrated design, the spring element 20 and the release device 38 are constructed as a single piece (integral). The spring element 20 and the release device 38 are combined as a separate component; specifically, the release device 38 is integrated into the spring element 20. This combination reduces the total number of required parts, thereby lowering the tolerance requirements for the parts. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the contact of the wire 4 in the clamped position more secure. Furthermore, the fewer parts the connecting terminal 2 has, the simpler the installation.

[0079] In all the embodiments shown, the structure of the release device 38 is the same. Specifically, the release device 38 is manufactured as a stamped part of the spring tongue and the support section 24, more precisely, at least mostly stamped from the end portion 30. This is particularly simple and allows for a spring-like design. Here, the release device 38 is connected to and extends from the connector 28, and thus can rotate at a fulcrum on or near the connector 28. The end portion 30 has a notch 42 that matches the shape of the release device 38. As shown, the release device 38 extends along and is substantially parallel to the support section 24, maintaining a certain distance from it. The support section 24, especially its end portion 30, also constitutes a stop for the release device 38, thus limiting the deflection of the release device 38 when the wire 4 is inserted. For example, when the wire 4 is inserted, it encounters the release device 38, causing it to rotate about the fulcrum and deflect toward the end portion 30, whereby the release device 38 is finally stopped, preventing further insertion of the wire 4. The release device 38 itself is angular, with an angle between 135° and less than 180°. The angle allows adjustment of the distance the release device 38 can move before contacting the support section 24. As previously mentioned, the release device 38 is also resilient so that it can automatically reset and return to the open position when the wire 4 is removed from the conductor guide 8.

[0080] Furthermore, the release device 38 is designed as a single piece, meaning that the retaining profile 40 is an integral part of the release device 38 and cannot move relative to the rest of the release device 38. The retaining profile 40 is not a separate component but is integrated into the release device 38. In the illustrated design, the retaining profile 40 is designed as two side wings (extending from the plane of the release device 38 and also as extensions of the release device 38) and located on opposite sides of the release device 38. Furthermore, the retaining profile 40 is curved, specifically curving upwards from the support section 24 and towards the moving section 22. In the illustrated design, the retaining profile 40 is formed by stamping and bending a portion of the release device 38, specifically two opposing edge sections of the release device 38, thereby forming the side wings. In the open position, the moving section 22 is shaped-jointedly supported on the retaining profile 40, as shown... Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0081] The connecting terminal 2 is designed such that when the moving segment 22 moves (resets) from the clamped position to the open position, it engages with and is fixed in the open position by the retaining profile 40. Therefore, the clamping process is reversible, and the connecting terminal 2 can be reused, and if necessary, used with another wire 4. In the illustrated design, the retaining profile 40 and the moving segment 22 form a locking mechanism, so when the moving segment 22 resets from the clamped position to the open position, it passes over the retaining profile 40 and locks behind it in the open position. Here, the retaining profile 40 is a tooth, and the moving segment 22 is a pawl, which passes over the teeth and locks behind them.

[0082] The cutting contact 16, spring element 20, release device 38, and conductive rail 14 are all arranged within the housing 6. The housing 6 is made of insulating material and serves as both a protection device against electric shock and a means of holding, guiding, and / or supporting one or more components.

[0083] In the design shown, the spring element 20, the conductive rail 14, and the cutting contact 16 are in the clamping position with the wire 4 and Figures 1 to 6 The conductor guide 8 forms a closed force loop together with the spring element 20. The housing 6 is not part of this force loop; that is, the clamping action achieved by the spring element 20 does not require support from the spring element 20, the conductive rail 14, or the cutting contact 16 on the housing 6. Instead, the spring element 20, the combination of the conductive rail 14, and the cutting contact 16 mutually supports each other, therefore, the electrical contact of the wire 4 does not depend on the integrity of the housing 6. For example, the housing 6 may melt due to high temperature. Because the force loop is closed, the wire 4 remains reliably clamped in the cutting contact 16 and maintains electrical contact with the conductive rail 14, thus ensuring particularly reliable contact for the wire 4. Here, the support section 24 of the spring element 20 is directly supported on the conductive rail 14. In the clamped position, the moving section 22 presses the wire 4 against the cutting contact 16, thus the spring force is transmitted from the moving section 22 through the wire 4 to the cutting contact 16. Since the cutting contact 16 is mounted on the conductive rail 14, and the support section 24 is also mounted on the conductive rail 14, the spring element 20 ultimately supports itself. Alternatively, the force cycle of the conductive rail 14 (not shown) can be omitted, with the support section 24 directly supported on the cutting contact 16. Clamping in the cutting contact 16 is still guaranteed, but contact with the conductive rail 14 is no longer mandatory. Whether the conductor guide 8 is part of the force cycle depends on its specific design, more precisely, on whether the moving section 22 is in direct contact with the conductor 4. Figure 7 , 8 ), or directly contact the conductor guide 8 ( Figures 1 to 6Then, it indirectly contacts the conductor 4. In the latter case, if the conductor guide 8 fails, for example, melts, the moving segment 22 will eventually be pushed by the spring force and continue to move, thus pressing against the conductor 4. If the insulation layer 12 fails, it will continue to move towards the conductor 10 anyway.

[0084] In the design shown, the moving segment 22 closes the cutting contact 16 in the clamping position. Figure 2 , 4 (6, 8). As previously described, the cutting contact 16 has an inlet 18, which is formed by a cutting profile consisting of two cutting edges. Here, the inlet 18 is a V-shaped clamping gap that gradually narrows along the clamping direction. The wire 4 enters the inlet 18 through the spring element 20. Then, the spring element 20 covers the inlet 18 in the clamped position, thereby closing the cutting contact 16 and preventing the wire 4 from being pulled out of the cutting contact 16 in the opposite direction, i.e., opposite to the clamping direction K, without overcoming the spring force. Therefore, to remove the wire 4, the spring element 20 must be rotated from the clamped position back to the open position, for example, using a suitable operating element or tool. The closed cutting contact 16 makes wire contact particularly safe.

[0085] The conductor inlet 8 can be part of the housing 6, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it can also be a component designed separately from housing 6, and then appropriately connected to housing 6, such as... Figures 1 to 6 As shown.

[0086] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the conductor guide 8 is located directly at the opening of the housing 6. The housing 6 has no guide rails, and the moving section 22 directly engages with the wire 4. As can be seen in the figure, the conductor guide 8 expands towards the interior of the housing 6 (i.e., along the guiding direction E of the wire 4). This creates sufficient space for the wire 4 to rotate to contact the conductor 4. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This can be clearly seen in the comparison.

[0087] exist Figures 1 to 6 In this embodiment, the conductor guide 8 has a guide wall movably mounted on the housing 6. Here, the conductor guide 8 and the guide wall are identical, but not necessarily. When the wire 4 is inserted into the conductor guide 8, it is placed / aggregated / guided / along the guide wall and moves together with the guide wall as the spring element 20 springs back from the open position to the clamped position. The guide wall 8 and the wire 4 move with the moving segment 22. The housing 6 has an inner wall with a guide profile 44 along which the guide wall 8 moves during movement. Furthermore, the housing 6 also has an inner profile that forms a stop 46 when the guide wall 8 moves.

[0088] Here, the guide wall has a structured surface and is constructed such that the wire 4 is held and moved by the guide wall. Here, the cross-section of the surface (inner wall) is U-shaped, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire 4. Figure 7 , 8 This is especially evident in figure 9, but can also be seen in other figures. Figures 1 to 6 In embodiments 9 and 1, the conductor guide 8 is even designed as a wire sleeve, so the guide wall is the wall surrounding the wire 4. This ensures that the wire 4 can be optimally driven by the conductor guide 8 in all directions. The conductor guide 8 surrounds the wire 4 introduced therein, and the cross-section of the guide wall conforms to the outer contour of the wire 4. Since the wire 4 has a circular outer contour here, the cross-section of the guide wall used to accommodate the wire 4 is also correspondingly circular. In all embodiments of the wire 4, the guide wall generally also faces the wire 4 and forms the inner wall of the conductor guide 8. In embodiments with a guide sleeve, the guide wall also forms the outer wall of the conductor guide 8, which is designed to achieve optimal interaction with the housing 6, and its cross-section is generally rectangular when viewed perpendicular to the wire 4.

[0089] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the design shown, the guide wall 8 is rotatably mounted on the housing 6, specifically, it can rotate about a rotation axis D perpendicular to the direction E in which the wire 4 is introduced. Alternatively, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the design shown, the guide wall 8 can move linearly on the housing 6 by means of a linear bearing or a floating bearing.

[0090] Figures 1 to 6 The guide wall 8 shown exemplarily has a cubic base 48 through which a cylindrical opening for introducing the wire 4 extends. Furthermore, the guide wall 8 has one or more functional protrusions integrally formed with the base 48. Examples of such functional protrusions, such as the protective protrusion 50, the reset profile 52, and the indicating element 54, described below, can in principle exist separately from the guide wall 8 and are independent of its presence. A single functional protrusion can also perform multiple functions simultaneously.

[0091] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the design shown, the guide wall 8 is shaped such that it creates a free space 56 between the guide wall 8 and the housing 6 in both the open and clamped positions. Figures 3 to 6 In the middle, the guide wall 8 has a protective protrusion 50, while Figure 1 and 2 This is achieved through the base 48 itself. The enclosed space 56 ensures contact protection and also serves as an indicator element 54 to indicate whether the spring element 20 is in the open or clamped position.

[0092] exist Figures 1 to 6In the design, the guide wall 8 is complementaryly formed on the end side to the surface of the cutting contact 16, such that the guide wall 8 fits into the cutting contact 16 in a form-fitting manner when in the clamped position. Figures 1 to 4 In this configuration, the guide wall 8 is wedge-shaped at its end, matching the sloping cutting contact 16 that passes through the support section 24. The guide wall 8 restricts the movement of the conductor 4, and the cutting contact 16 provides a stop for the guide wall 8, thereby correspondingly restricting the movement of the moving section 22 and precisely defining the clamping position.

[0093] exist Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, the guide wall 8 is manufactured separately from the moving segment 22 and is not fixedly connected to it. This allows the two components to be made of different materials. Thus, the guide wall 8 is made of an electrically insulating material, while the spring element 20 is made of metal. Alternatively, in a variation not explicitly shown, the guide wall 8 is firmly connected to the moving segment 22, or even integrally formed with the moving segment 22.

[0094] In this way, the guide wall 8 can move reliably and synchronously with the moving section 22, and the position of the guide wall 8 can be used to directly determine whether the spring element 20 is in the open or clamped position.

[0095] In the design shown in the figure, where the guide wall 8 is separated from the moving section 22, the guide wall 8 is shaped to the spring element 20 and has a guide profile 58, within which a portion of the moving section 22 is located during movement from the open position to the clamped position. This ensures reliable guidance of the guide wall 8 and the wire 4.

[0096] exist Figures 1 to 6 In this configuration, the guide wall 8 and the housing 6 are designed such that the guide wall 8 blocks the passage of the moving section 22 in both the open and clamped positions. This ensures contact protection in both positions. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, when the moving section 22 changes from the open position to the clamping position, the guide wall 8 tilts accordingly so that the opening in the housing 6 into which the guide wall 8 is inserted is closed in both positions. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In China, basically also Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is achieved by the housing 6 having an outer side 60 (here, the top), into which a guide wall 8 is inserted, wherein the outer side 60 has two staggered local sections 62, 64, and in the open position, the guide wall 8 forms a step between the two local sections 62, 64. Figure 1 , 3 ), and a slope is formed at the clamping position ( Figure 2 , 4 In both positions, the guide wall 8 is located on the outer side 60 of the opening to optimally close the opening.

[0097] exist Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, the conductor guide 8 also has a reset profile 52, which is designed so that when the reset profile 52 is manually operated, the conductor guide 8 moves the moving segment 22 to the open position. Therefore, the reset profile 52 is used to reset against the spring force of the spring element 20. Simultaneously, the wire 4 is also withdrawn and released from the cutting contact 16, and can then be removed from the conductor guide 8. The spring element 20 is tightened, and in the open position, the moving segment 22 is again locked onto the retaining profile 40, as described above. The housing 6 also forms a stop for the reset profile 52 in both the open and clamped positions, thereby limiting the movement of the conductor guide 8 in a specific manner.

[0098] Here, the reset profile 52 and the conductor guide 8 are manufactured as a single piece, i.e., as a functional protrusion on the base 48 of the conductor guide 8, which is designed as a guide wall. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this configuration, the reset contour 52 is identical to the protective protrusion 50. Here, the reset contour 52 is also a user-operable element and a grip area for manual operation. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the reset profile 52 is a lever-shaped design on the conductor guide 8. For ease of operation, the reset profile 52 is arranged so that it fully protrudes from the housing 6 in the open position and partially protrudes from the housing 6 in the clamped position, achieving optimal accessibility. Furthermore, the reset profile 52 is arranged so that it partially enters the housing 6 when moved to the clamped position. Figure 4 For example, it sinks into it, and when moved to the open position, it is removed from the housing 6. Figure 3 The reset contour 52 can also serve as an indicator element 54 to indicate the open and clamped positions.

[0099] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the process, the reset profile 52 is operated through the operating port 66 in the housing 6, especially in the clamping position. The operating port 66 is sized to be inaccessible by bare hands and requires a separate tool. This ensures good contact safety. The operating port 66 is designed separately from the conductor guide 8. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the design of the operating port 66 is particularly suitable when the reset profile 52 is completely located within the housing 6 and serves as a stop profile that restricts the movement of the conductor guide 8.

[0100] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the design shown, the reset profile 52 covers the cutting contact 16 when in the open position, as also when viewed from the operating port 66. This ensures good contact safety regardless of the size of the operating port 66.

[0101] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the lateral wedge-shaped protrusion of the conductor guide 8 can serve as the reset profile 52. This makes it easy to achieve the above-mentioned function.

[0102] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the middle, the connecting terminal 2 also has an indicator element 54, which is used to indicate whether the moving section 22 is in the open position or the clamped position, and whether the wire 4 has been inserted into the cutting contact 16. Figures 1 to 4 In this configuration, the indicator element 54 is identical to the reset profile 52. The indicator element 54, together with the moving section 22, is adjusted accordingly by spring force.

[0103] List of reference numerals

[0104] 2 connection terminals

[0105] 4 wires

[0106] 6 shells

[0107] 8. Conductor guide (opening or guide wall)

[0108] 10 conductors

[0109] 12 Insulating Components

[0110] 14 conductive rails

[0111] 16-cut contact

[0112] 18 entrances

[0113] 19 side arms

[0114] 20 Spring Elements

[0115] 21 Basic Section

[0116] 22 (of the spring element) moving segment

[0117] 24 (of the spring element) support section

[0118] 26 (Spring element) Spring bow

[0119] 28 (The connection part of the support section)

[0120] 30 (end section of support)

[0121] 32 (the end of the moving segment)

[0122] 34 (end of support section)

[0123] 36 (support section) notch

[0124] 38 Release Device

[0125] 40. Maintain the outline

[0126] 42 (end) notch

[0127] 44 (Housing) Guiding Profile

[0128] 46 (of the housing) stop

[0129] 48 (guide wall) matrix

[0130] 50 protective protrusions

[0131] 52 Reset Profile

[0132] 54 Indicator Elements

[0133] 56 Space

[0134] 58 (Guide Wall) Guiding Profile

[0135] 60 (outer side of the casing)

[0136] 62, 64 (outer) local sections

[0137] 66 operation port

[0138] D Rotation axis

[0139] E Import Direction

[0140] K clamping direction

Claims

1. A connecting terminal (2), a. The connecting terminal has a housing (6) and a conductor inlet (8) for inserting a wire (4) having a conductor (10) and an insulator (12) surrounding the conductor (10). b. The connection terminal has a cutting contact (16), c. The connecting terminal has a spring element (20), the spring element having a moving section (22) and a supporting section (24). d. The connecting terminal has a release device (38) with a retaining profile (40) for holding the moving segment (22) in the open position. e. The connection terminal is designed such that when the wire (4) is introduced into the conductor inlet (8), the release device (38) is activated, thereby releasing the moving segment (22) and springing it from the open position to the clamped position, whereby the wire (4) is introduced into the cutting contact (16) and the conductor (10) is brought into contact. f. The spring element (20) and the release device (38) are constructed as a single piece.

2. A connecting terminal (2), preferably the connecting terminal according to claim 1, a. The connecting terminal has a housing (6) and a conductor inlet (8) for inserting a wire (4) having a conductor (10) and an insulator (12) surrounding the conductor (10). b. The connection terminal has a cutting contact (16), c. The connecting terminal has a spring element (20), the spring element having a moving section (22) and a supporting section (24). d. The connecting terminal has a release device (38) with a retaining profile (40) for holding the moving segment (22) in the open position. e. The connection terminal is designed such that when the wire (4) is introduced into the conductor inlet (8), the release device (38) is activated, thereby releasing the moving segment (22) and springing it from the open position to the clamped position, whereby the wire (4) is introduced into the cutting contact (16) and the conductor (10) is brought into contact. f. The connecting terminal has a conductive rail (14), and the cutting contact (16) is disposed on the conductive rail. g. Wherein, the spring element (20), the conductive rail (14) and the cutting contact (16) together with the wire (4) and optionally also with the conductor guide (8) in the clamped position form a closed force cycle.

3. A connecting terminal (2), preferably the connecting terminal according to claim 1 or 2, a. The connecting terminal has a housing (6) and a conductor inlet (8) for inserting a wire (4) having a conductor (10) and an insulator (12) surrounding the conductor (10). b. The connection terminal has a cutting contact (16), c. The connecting terminal has a spring element (20), the spring element having a moving section (22) and a supporting section (24). d. The connecting terminal has a release device (38) with a retaining profile (40) for holding the moving segment (22) in the open position. e. The connection terminal is designed such that when the wire (4) is introduced into the conductor inlet (8), the release device (38) is activated, thereby releasing the moving segment (22) and springing it from the open position to the clamped position, whereby the wire (4) is introduced into the cutting contact (16) and the conductor (10) is brought into contact. f. Wherein, the moving segment (22) locks the cutting contact (16) in the clamping position.

4. A connecting terminal (2), preferably a connecting terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a. The connecting terminal has a housing (6) and a conductor inlet (8) for inserting a wire (4) having a conductor (10) and an insulator (12) surrounding the conductor (10). b. The connection terminal has a cutting contact (16), c. The connecting terminal has a spring element (20), the spring element having a moving section (22) and a supporting section (24). d. The connecting terminal has a release device (38) with a retaining profile (40) for holding the moving segment (22) in the open position. e. The connection terminal is designed such that when the wire (4) is introduced into the conductor inlet (8), the release device (38) is activated, thereby releasing the moving segment (22) and springing it from the open position to the clamped position, whereby the wire (4) is introduced into the cutting contact (16) and the conductor (10) is brought into contact. f. Wherein, the elastic element (20) is designed as a torsion spring and / or a leaf spring.

5. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The spring element (20) has a spring bow (26), and the support section (24) is connected to the moving section (22) via the spring bow.

6. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The support section (24) is curved and has a connecting portion (28) extending to the moving section (22) and an end portion (30) extending away from the moving section (22).

7. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The movable segment (22) has a curved end (32) such that an arched portion is constructed on the end side of the movable segment (22) for abutting against the wire (4) or conductor guide (8).

8. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The support section (24) has a preferably bent end (34) which is positioned around the cutting contact (16) and / or the cutting contact (16) on the end.

9. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The support section (24) is directly supported on the conductive rail (14).

10. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The release device (38) is made from the support section (24), and is preferably constructed as a stamped part made from the support section (24).

11. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The release device (38) extends along the support section (24) and at intervals from the support section.

12. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The support section (24) forms a stop for the release device (38), such that the support section (24) restricts the movement of the release device (38) when the guide wire (4) is introduced.

13. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The release device (38) is constructed as a tongue spring.

14. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The release device (38) is constructed as a single piece.

15. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The retaining profile (40) is configured as one or more wings of the release device (38).

16. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The retaining profile (40) is formed by at least one extension extending from the surface of the release device (38).

17. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The retaining profile (40) is configured as at least one protrusion of the release device (38).

18. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The contour (40) is curved.

19. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The retaining profile (40) is made by stamping and / or bending a portion of the release device (38).

20. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The moving segment (22) is supported in the shape engagement of the retaining profile (40) in the open position.

21. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The connection terminal is configured such that when the moving segment moves from the clamping position to the open position, the moving segment (22) is engaged on the retaining profile (40) and held in the open position by the retaining profile (40).

22. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The retaining profile (40) and the moving segment (22) constitute a locking mechanism such that when the moving segment (22) returns from the clamped position to the open position, the moving segment (22) moves past the retaining profile (40) and stops behind the retaining profile in the open position.

23. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The cutting contact (16) has an inlet (18) formed by two cutting edges of the cutting contact (16).

24. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein, The inlet (18) is a clamping gap that gradually narrows along the clamping direction (K).

25. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein, The cutting contact (16) is a bent plate.

26. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein, The cutting contact (16) has two side arms (19) for clamping the conductors (10, 24).

27. The connecting terminal (2) according to claim 26, wherein, The cutting contact (16) has a cavity defined by two side arms (19) and is used to accommodate the end section of the conductor (10).

28. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, The release device (38) is arranged below the inlet (18) for the conductor (10) when viewed along the height of the cutting contact (16), or above the base section of the cutting contact (16).

29. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein, The cutting contact (16) has an inlet (18) for the conductor (10). The movable segment (22) has an end (32) positioned below the inlet (18) in the open position and above the inlet (18) in the clamped position.

30. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein, The conductor guide (8) has a guide wall (8) which is movably supported on the housing (6).

31. The connecting terminal (2) according to claim 30, wherein, The guide wall has a structured surface, preferably U-shaped or V-shaped in cross-section, for accommodating the wire (4).

32. The connecting terminal (2) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein, The conductor guide (8) is designed as a guide sleeve, such that the guide wall is a wall plate surrounding the conductor (4).

33. The connecting terminal (2) according to claim 32, wherein, The guide wall (8) is rotatably or swingably supported on the housing (6).

34. The connecting terminal (2) according to claim 32, wherein, The guide wall (8) is linearly movable and supported on the housing (6).

35. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein, The guide wall (8) is shaped such that it closes the space between the guide wall (8) and the housing (6) in the open position and / or the clamped position.

36. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein, The guide wall (8) is shaped complementaryly to the surface of the cutting contact (16) on its end side, and / or the guide wall is shaped such that the guide wall (8) abuts against the cutting contact (16) in the clamped position.

37. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein, The guide wall (8) has a gap for accommodating the cutting contact (16) in the clamped position.

38. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein, The guide wall (8) is fixedly connected to the moving section or is constructed as a single piece.

39. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein, The guide wall (8) is shaped to be coupled to the spring element (20) and / or has a guide profile (58), a portion of the moving segment (22) extending into the guide profile.

40. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein, The guide wall (8) and the housing (6) are configured such that the guide wall (8) covers the entry channel of the moving section (22) in both the open and clamped positions.

41. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein, The housing (6) has an outer side (60), and the guide wall (8) is disposed on the outer side. The outer side (60) has two local segments (62, 64) that are staggered relative to each other. The guide wall (8) forms a step between two local sections (62, 64) in the open position and a ramp in the clamped position.

42. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein, The conductor guide (8) has a reset profile (52) configured such that when the reset profile (52) is operated, the conductor guide (8) moves the moving segment (22) to the open position.

43. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein, The reset profile (52) and the conductor guide (8) are manufactured as a single piece.

44. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein, The reset contour (52) is an operating element that can be operated by a user, and / or wherein the reset contour (52) is a gripping area for manual operation.

45. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein, In particular, the reset profile (52) can be reached in the clamping position via the operating port (66) on the housing (6), wherein the operating port (66) is constructed separately from the conductor guide (8).

46. ​​The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein, The reset contour (52) covers the cutting contact (16) in the open position.

47. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein, The reset profile (52) is a side and / or tapered protrusion of the conductor guide (8).

48. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein, The conductor inlet (8) is a direct opening on the housing (6).

49. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein, The conductor inlet (8) is widened, especially in a funnel shape, when viewed inward from inside the housing (6).

50. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein, The connection terminal has an indicator element (54) configured to display, a. Whether the moving segment (22) is in the open position or the clamped position, and / or b. Whether the wire (4) is inserted into the cutting contact (16).

51. The connecting terminal (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein, The connection terminal has a test port through which the cutting contact (16) can be reached from the outside of the housing, especially in the clamped position, for contact with the test tool.

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