Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connection terminal (1) comprising a housing (10) which has a plug-in opening (101) into which an electrical conductor (2) can be inserted in order to be connected to the connection terminal (1). A contact element (11) and a spring element (12) having a clamping leg (120) are arranged on the housing (10). The actuating element (14) is designed to act with a pressing section (142) on the clamping leg (120) in order to transfer the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position into the release position. A retaining element (15) can be pivoted relative to the housing (10), which retaining element is latched with the trigger element (13) in the operating position of the operating element (14) and is designed to retain the operating element (14) in the operating position, the trigger element (13) being adjustable relative to the housing (10) by interacting with it when the electrical conductor (2) is inserted into the insertion opening (100), and the retaining element (15) being designed to retain the operating element (14) in the operating position. In this way, the latching between the trigger element (13) and the retaining element (15) is released.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a kind of terminal for connecting electric wire. BACKGROUND

[0002] This terminal includes a housing having a plug-in opening into which an electric wire can be inserted to be connected to the terminal. On the housing, a contact element for electrically contacting the electric wire is arranged. Further, on the housing, a spring element is arranged, which has a clamping leg configured to act on the electric wire in a clamping position in order to bring the electric wire into contact with the contact element, wherein the clamping leg is transferable from the clamping position into a release position. An operating element movable relative to the housing along an operating direction between an operating position and a non-operating position is configured to act on the clamping leg with a pushing section in order to transfer the clamping leg from the clamping position into the release position, wherein the operating element is held in a position relative to the housing in the operating position in order to hold the clamping leg in the release position. A trigger element is configured to cooperate with the electric wire when it is inserted into the plug-in opening in order to release the operating element from the operating position.

[0003] This terminal enables spring force wiring by using the spring element, wherein in the connected position, under the resilient spring action of the spring element, the electric wire is clamped with the contact element and thus electrically connected therewith.

[0004] In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by means of the elastic spring action, pulls the connected electric wire into abutment with the corresponding contact element and thus establishes a clamping connection between the electric wire and the contact element. To this end, the electric wire is moved through an opening in the clamping leg when being placed in and is clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0005] In the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a locking device is provided, by means of which the clamping leg is latched relative to the housing in the release position. When the electric wire is inserted, the locking device is triggered and thus the latching is cancelled, so that the clamping leg is adjusted out of the release position and thereby clamps the electric wire with the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg into the release position, in particular in order to be able to place the electric wire, or in order to release the connected electric wire from the terminal, a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be placed onto the terminal and thereby a force is exerted onto the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 the clamping legs are directly adjusted by means of a tool, whereas in the terminal known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 there is respectively provided an operating element in the form of a so-called pusher which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal in order to act in this way on the clamping legs and to move the clamping legs into their release position. The operating element is respectively spring-prestressed with respect to the housing of the terminal by means of a tension spring in the form of a pressure spring. In the terminal known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 there is arranged on the operating element an operating projection which in the operating position of the operating element hooks onto a fixing section of a holding element.

[0007] A terminal for connecting electrical conductors is known from DE 10 2021 129 652 A1, wherein the operating device has an operating element and a push element. The push element engages via a rack section with a tooth element of the operating element, so that a movement of the push element causes a pivoting of the operating element. Here, the operating element is configured for acting on clamping legs of a clamping spring in order to adjust the clamping legs from a clamping position into a release position. Utility model content

[0008] The task of the utility model is to provide a terminal which enables a simple operation and a reliable triggering for connecting electrical conductors.

[0009] The task is solved by a terminal as described below.

[0010] The terminal thus has a holding element which is pivotable with respect to the housing, which holding element in the operating position of the operating element is latched with a triggering element and is configured for holding the operating element in the operating position, wherein the triggering element can be adjusted with respect to the housing by a joint action with the electrical conductor in order to release the latching between the triggering element and the holding element when the electrical conductor is inserted into the plug-in opening.

[0011] In the terminal, the electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the electrical contact element in such a way that in the case of an insertion of the electrical conductor into the plug-in opening the clamping legs act on the electrical conductor and spring- elastically load the electrical conductor in the direction of contact with the contact element. In order to make the plugging of the electrical conductor easy, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected by an operation of the operating element in order to move the clamping legs in this way into a release position in which the space in the region of the plug-in opening is released and the electrical conductor can thus be inserted into the plug-in opening in a substantially force-free manner or (alternatively) the connected electrical conductor can be removed from the terminal in a simple manner.

[0012] The operating element is configured for acting on the clamping leg by means of the pressure section. By moving the operating element from the unoperated position into the operated position, the clamping leg is thus moved in the direction of the release position from the clamping position in order to be able to release the accommodation space for connecting electrical conductors inside the housing in this way or in order to be able to release the connected electrical conductors from the terminal.

[0013] Here, when the operating element is transferred into the operated position by means of the movement relative to the housing, the operating element is held in the operated position by means of the holding element. The holding element is latched with the trigger element in the operated position of the operating element. Thus, in the operated position, the operating element is indirectly held in position by means of the holding element latched with the trigger element. Since the operating element acts on the clamping leg by means of the pressure section, the clamping leg of the spring element is also held in its release position, in which the electrical conductors can be attached to the terminal simply or the connected conductors can be removed from the terminal in an essentially force-free manner.

[0014] The trigger element serves for latching with the holding element in the operated position. By operating the operating element, the clamping leg can be adjusted relative to the housing and transferred into the release position in such a way that the operating element acts on the clamping leg with the pressure section and thereby adjusts the clamping leg into the release position, so that, inter alia, the electrical conductors can be inserted simply into the plug-in opening of the housing for connecting the conductors to the terminal. Here, the trigger element also serves for releasing the operating element from the operated position in order to release the operating element automatically from the operated position when the electrical conductors are inserted into the plug-in opening and thus to transfer the clamping leg into the clamping position, in which the electrical conductors inserted into the plug-in opening are in electrical contact with the contact elements of the terminal.

[0015] Due to the deflection of the trigger element upon insertion of the electrical conductors, the terminal is automatically closed upon insertion of the electrical conductors. By means of the clamping action of the clamping leg, the electrical conductors are brought into reliable contact with the contact elements, while a simple connection process is obtained.

[0016] In one design variant, the trigger element has a trigger leg which is configured for coaction with the electrical conductors upon insertion of the electrical conductors into the plug-in opening. By means of the coaction with the electrical conductors, the trigger leg is moved such that the latching of the holding element with the trigger element is cancelled and thus the operating element is released from the operated position.

[0017] After the release of the latching, the operating element can be adjusted back in the direction of the unoperated position, in particular automatically, preferably under spring pretension. Here, in particular a spring pretension can be formed on the operating element by means of the clamping leg, which elastically deflects in the operating position and, after the release of the operating element, spring-mechanically acts onto the operating element to displace the operating element from the operating position in the direction of the unoperated position.

[0018] In one design variant, the trigger element has a support end which is supported on the housing and the trigger leg can be elastically adjusted relative to the support end. In this design variant, the trigger element is supported on the housing by means of the support end. The trigger element is preferably directly fixed to the housing by means of the support end in such a way that, in one design variant, the support end forms an action connection with the connection means of the housing and is thereby held torque-proof on the housing.

[0019] The support end is preferably fixed torque-proof on the connection means of the housing. Here, the support end can extend flat, which has the advantage that a profile can be formed on the support end, for example by stamping, by means of which a reliable, for example form-fit, fixing on the connection means of the housing can be achieved.

[0020] In one design variant, the housing defines an accommodation space into which the electrical line can be introduced by insertion into the plug-in opening. The trigger leg extends in the accommodation space to interact with the electrical line. In particular, the electrical line can be inserted into the plug-in opening in a plug-in direction, wherein the trigger leg extends in the accommodation space transversely to the plug-in direction.

[0021] If the trigger element is supported on the housing by means of the support end, the support end can be supported torque-proof relative to the housing, whereas the trigger leg can be elastically adjusted in the accommodation space and here extends in the accommodation space in such a way that the electrical line inserted into the plug-in opening is stopped on the trigger leg when introduced into the accommodation space, in turn deflecting the trigger leg.

[0022] In one design variant, the trigger leg is latched with the retaining element in a latching position. This latching position corresponds to the operating position of the operating element. When the operating element is displaced into the operating position, the retaining element automatically latches with the trigger leg. The trigger leg can be adjusted out of the latching position by interaction with the electrical line to release said latching, in turn releasing the operating element from the operating position.

[0023] Thus, in this design, the latching of the retaining element is effected by the trigger leg. By deflecting the trigger leg out of the latching position, the latching can be cancelled, so that the retaining element is released and the operating element can be adjusted out of the operating position, and the clamping leg of the spring element can be adjusted in the direction of the clamping position from the release position.

[0024] In one design, the operating element can be oriented in the same way as the plug-in direction of the electrical line, along which the electrical line can be inserted into the plug-in opening, along which the operating element can be moved relative to the housing. Thus, the connection of the electrical line and the operation of the operating element can be performed in the same way, preferably on a common housing side of the housing. A simple, comfortable operation of the terminal for connecting the electrical line and for operating the operating element is thereby achieved.

[0025] In one design, the spring element is configured as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured for pulling the electrical line into contact with the contact element by means of the spring force. In this case, an opening can be formed in the clamping leg, for example, through which the electrical line can pass when it is inserted into the plug-in opening of the housing, in order to pull the electrical line into clamping contact with the contact element after the clamping leg is released from the release position.

[0026] Alternatively, the spring element can be configured as a pressure spring. In this case, the clamping leg is configured for pushing the electrical line into contact with the contact element by means of the spring force. When the electrical line is inserted into the plug-in opening, the electrical line reaches the space between the clamping leg and the contact element, wherein, after the clamping leg is released from the release position, the clamping leg acts on the electrical line and pushes it into contact with the contact element.

[0027] The spring element can have a support leg, for example, by means of which the spring element is supported (directly or indirectly) on the housing and held in a position relative to the housing. The clamping leg can be elastically deflectable relative to the support leg, wherein in the release position the clamping leg is deflected in such a way that the spring element is elastically tensioned and the clamping leg moves out of the release position in an elastically preloaded manner after being released from the release position.

[0028] In one design, the holding element is able to be pivoted relative to the housing about a pivot axis. Here, in particular a spring element, which can be configured as a curved leaf spring, has a curved intermediate section connecting the support leg and the clamping leg, which extends about the pivot axis of the holding element, so that the holding element and the clamping leg preferably have a common pivot axis at least approximately. The intermediate section can in particular be curved in an arc about a curved axis coaxial to the pivot axis of the holding element. Thereby, the spring element is arranged space-efficiently at the same time, while force is introduced into the spring element effectively when the operating element is moved from the inoperative position into the operative position, and furthermore force is introduced from the spring element into the operating element effectively when the operating element is reset from the operative position due to the spring pretension of the spring element.

[0029] In one design, the holding element has a locking section for latching with a locking device of the trigger element in the operative position. The locking section can be formed for example on a leg of the holding element projecting radially relative to the pivot axis. The holding element is latched with the corresponding locking device of the trigger element by means of the locking section, so that the operating element is thereby (indirectly) held in the operative position.

[0030] The locking device of the trigger element can be constituted for example by an opening into which the locking section of the holding element, which can be constituted for example by a protrusion, engages in the operative position of the operating element. Thus, by the locking section engaging form-fittingly into the opening of the trigger element, the holding element is held in position in the operative position of the operating element, wherein by adjusting the trigger leg the engagement can be cancelled, so that the holding element is released and the operating element is released from the operative position to move the clamping leg into the released position.

[0031] The opening can be formed for example on the trigger leg of the trigger element, into which the locking section of the holding element latches in the operative position. By adjusting the trigger leg, the engagement can be cancelled in such a way that the trigger leg is moved relative to the locking section of the holding element and thus the locking connection is cancelled.

[0032] The holding element is configured for holding the operating element in the operative position. Thus, the holding element cooperates with the operating element such that when the operating element has been moved into the operative position and the holding element is latched with the trigger element, the operating element is held in the operative position by the holding element. Thus, at least in the operative position, the operating element is in an acting connection with the holding element.

[0033] The acting connection between the holding element and the operating element can be established form-fittingly, force-form-fittingly or force-fittingly (frictional).

[0034] In one design variant, the holding element has a first engagement element and the operating element has a second engagement element. The first engagement element and the second engagement element engage into one another in the operating position of the operating element in order to hold the operating element in the operating position in this way. If the operating element is transferred into the operating position, the engagement elements engage into one another such that, in the operating position of the operating element, there is an operative connection between the operating element and the holding element and the operating element is held in the operating position as a result of the latching of the holding element with the triggering element.

[0035] By means of the engagement elements, in particular a form-fit connection can be established. For example, one of the engagement elements can be formed by an engagement protrusion and the other of the engagement elements can be formed by an engagement opening, such that the engagement elements engage into one another in a form-fit manner in the operating position of the operating element and the operating element is thus held in the operating position in a form-fit manner.

[0036] If the latching of the holding element is cancelled by the triggering element being adjusted upon insertion of the electrical conductor, the operating element is transferred from the operating position in the direction of the inoperative position, for example as a result of the spring pretension of the clamping leg. As a result of this, the engagement elements also move relative to one another, thereby cancelling the engagement of the engagement elements. Since the holding element is no longer held in the position relative to the housing as a result of the cancellation of the latching, the operating element can thus move from the operating position in the direction of the inoperative position, such that the clamping leg is no longer held in the release position and can be adjusted in the direction of the clamping position.

[0037] In one design variant, the clamping leg is configured to, when being adjusted into the release position, entrain the holding element such that it latches with the triggering element. If the operating element is moved in the operating direction relative to the housing in order to transfer the clamping leg into the release position, the clamping leg is moved in the direction of the release position by the push section. Here, the clamping leg acts on the holding element and entrains the holding element such that, when the operating element reaches the operating position, the holding element is pivoted in the direction of the triggering element and latches with the triggering element.

[0038] In one design variant, the terminal is part of a terminal arrangement consisting of a plurality of terminals which are arranged next to one another along an arrangement direction. The arrangement direction extends transversely to an insertion direction of the electrical conductor along which the electrical conductor is inserted onto the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] The idea underlying the application is explained in detail below by means of embodiments which are shown in the drawings. Therein are shown:

[0040] Figure 1 A view of a terminal arrangement having a plurality of terminals which are accommodated in a housing is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 A sectional view along the line A-A according to Figure 1 with the operating element in the unoperated position is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A sectional view according to Figure 2 with the operating element in the operated position is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 A sectional view according to Figure 2 with an improved contact element is shown; and

[0044] Figures 5A-5C A separate view of the triggering element of the terminal is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 An embodiment of a terminal device 3 is shown, which has a plurality of terminals 1. These terminals 1 are arranged next to one another along an arrangement direction A, wherein each terminal 1 is provided with a plug-in opening 100 on a housing 10 into which a conductor end 20 of an electrical conductor 2 can be inserted along a plug-in direction E with a conductor end 20 stripped of insulation in order to connect the electrical conductor 2 to the terminal 1, as is schematically depicted in Figure 3 .

[0046] Figure 2 One of the terminals 1 is shown in a sectional view along the line A-A according to Figure 1 , which has a housing 10 with a plug-in opening 100 formed therein for the insertion of an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0047] The housing 10 defines a receiving space 101 into which the electrical conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is introduced when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 along the plug-in direction E. In the connected position, the conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation is located inside the receiving space 101 and is in electrical contact with a contact element 11 in the form of a busbar by means of the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0048] The spring element 12 has a support leg 121 which is supported on the housing 10 such that the spring element 12 is thereby fixed on the housing 10 and is fixed relative to the housing 10. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 clampingly acts on the electrical line 2 connected to the terminal 1 in the clamping position and, under elastic pretension, presses the electrical line 2 into contact with the contact element 11, in turn bringing the line 2 into electrical contact with the contact element 11 via the conductor end 20 thereof.

[0049] The contact element 11 has a contact section 110 which extends planarly in the housing 10 and against which the electrical line 2 is pressed with the conductor end 20 by spring pretensioning of the clamping leg 120 when the electrical line 2 is connected on the terminal 1. Formed on the contact section 110 is a contact device 111 in the form of a contact leg by means of which the terminal 1 can be brought into contact, for example, with a contact location of a circuit board.

[0050] The contact element 11 is made, for example, as a stamped and bent part from a (electrically conductive) sheet metal. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 the wall section 112 of the contact element 11 is bent relative to the contact section 110, the end section 113 in turn being bent relative to the wall section on an end facing away from the contact section 110. Here, the support leg 121 is supported, for example, on the end section 113, as can be seen from the sectional views according to

[0051] The support leg 121 is accommodated in a support opening 104 of the housing 10 and is thereby supported relative to the housing 10. The spring element 12 is held in a position in the housing 10 by the support leg 121, wherein the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121.

[0052] The operating element 14 is accommodated in an operating opening 102 on the housing 10 of the terminal 1 and is linearly movable in the operating opening 102 along an operating direction B. The operating head 140 is accessible from outside the housing 10 through the operating opening 102 and can thereby be operated by a user, for example, with a tool, in particular in order to press the operating element 14 into the housing 10 along the operating direction B.

[0053] The operating element 14 is in operative connection with the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12. To this end, the operating element 14 has a pressing section 142 formed on a rod section 141, with which the operating element 14 acts on the clamping leg 120 in order to exert a pressing force on the clamping leg 120 in order to move the clamping leg 120 from the clamping position Figure 2 to the release positionFigure 3 ) in the manner described above.

[0054] The terminal 1 has a trigger element 13 which is fixed by a support end 132 on the housing 10 and is thereby supported against torque relative to the housing 10. A trigger leg 130 extends from the support end 132, which extends into the accommodation space 101 substantially transversely to the plug-in direction E and in turn in a region aligned with the plug-in opening 100.

[0055] The trigger element 13, which is shown in a separate view in Figures 5A to 5C The support end 132 of the trigger element 13, which is composed of a strip-like spring element, has notches 134, 135 on its mutually opposite lateral edges, which engage in the assembled position of the trigger element 13 with raised elements on opposite housing walls of the housing 10. Here, the form fit between the support end 132 and the housing 10 is such that the support end 132 cannot slide out of the connection device 103 and, in addition, the support end 132 is supported on the housing 10 in such a way that a torque on the support end 132 can be absorbed and conducted out into the housing 10 upon elastic deflection of the trigger leg 130 and the support end 132 remains at the same time in position relative to the housing 10.

[0056] In addition, the terminal 1 has a retaining element 15 which is pivotable relative to the housing 10 about a pivot axis 150. The retaining element 15 is supported on an axle element 105 which is formed on the housing 10 and defines the pivot axis 150 and is thereby pivotable relative to the housing 10 about the pivot axis 150.

[0057] The spring element 12 extends about the pivot axis 150 with an arcuately curved intermediate section 122 formed between the support leg 121 and the clamping leg 120 in such a way that the axis of curvature of the arcuately curved intermediate section 122 is coaxial with the pivot axis 150 and the pivot axis of the clamping leg 120 thus coincides at least approximately with the pivot axis 150 of the retaining element 15.

[0058] Here, the main body 153 of the retaining element 15 overlaps the support leg 121 and the intermediate section 122 in the radial direction, so that the spring element 12 passes through the free space provided on the retaining element 15.

[0059] The trigger leg 130 serves for cooperation with an electrical conductor 2 inserted into the plug-in opening 100, in particular in order to connect the electrical conductor 2 automatically to the terminal 1 under the condition that the clamping leg 120 is released.

[0060] The holding element 15 is configured and arranged for holding the operating element 14 in position relative to the housing 10 in the operating position. If the operating element 14 is moved relative to the housing 10 along the operating direction B, then the clamping leg 120 is adjusted relative to the housing 10 thereby, as this can be seen from the transition of Figures 2 to 3 . Here, the holding element 15 is entrained and pivoted about the pivot axis 150 until the holding element 15 is latched with the trigger element 13, which in turn holds the holding element in the pivot position it occupies, corresponding to the operating position of the operating element 14, by the trigger element 13, as this can be seen from Figure 3 .

[0061] The holding element 15 is configured with a locking section 151 in the form of a protrusion on the leg end spaced radially from the pivot axis 150. Opposite this, the trigger element 13 has an opening 131, with which the holding element 15 is latched by the locking section 151 when the operating element 14 has been shifted into the operating position along the operating direction B. In the operating position of the operating element 14, the holding element 15 engages with the locking section 151 into the opening 131 and is thereby locked on the trigger leg 130.

[0062] The operating element 14 is indirectly latched in the operating position by the holding element 15. If the operating element 14 has been shifted into the operating position and if the holding element 15 is latched with the trigger element 13, as this can be seen from Figure 3 , the engagement element 143 of the operating element 14 and the engagement element 152 of the holding element 15 engage with one another such that a form-fit action connection is established between the operating element 14 and the holding element 15, and the operating element 14 is held in the operating position since the holding element 15 is latched in the pivot position it occupies.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, the engagement element 143 of the operating element 14 is configured by an engagement opening into which the engagement element 152 of the holding element 15, which is formed by a radially protruding engagement protrusion, engages in the operating position of the operating element 14. Thus, the operating element 14 is form-fit held in position in the housing as a result of the latching of the holding element 15, wherein the clamping leg 120 is held in the release position as a result of the action connection between the thrusting section 142 of the operating element 14 and the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, as this can be seen from Figure 3 .

[0064] This results in an action chain in which the holding element 15 is latched with the trigger element 13, the operating element 14 is held in position by the holding element 15, and the clamping leg 120 is in turn locked in the release position by the operating element 14.

[0065] In the release position, the clamping leg 120 has its free end remote from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and thus releases the area inside the accommodation space 101 which is aligned with the plug-in opening 100 in the plug-in direction E, so that the electrical conductor 2 can be inserted into the plug-in opening 100 without obstruction by the clamping leg 120 and thus can be connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0066] If the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the plug-in opening 100 with the conductor end 20 stripped of insulation and thus introduced into the accommodation space 101 in the plug-in direction E when the operating element 14 is in the operating position and thus the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the conductor 2 comes into abutment with the trigger leg 130 of the trigger element 13 and elastically deflects the trigger leg relative to the support end 132 and thus relative to the housing 10. Thereby, the trigger leg 130 is adjusted relative to the locking section 151 of the retaining element 15 in the plug-in direction E, so that the locking section 151 is disengaged from the opening 131 and thus releases the catch of the retaining element 15 and thus releases the operating element 14 from the operating position.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the trigger leg 130 is curved as such. Between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 facing away from the support end 132 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 aligned with the support end 132 on which the opening 131 is formed, an intermediate section 136 extends which extends transversely between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 carrying the opening 131. By having a suitable shape, the trigger element 13 can match the structural space conditions inside the accommodation space 101 of the housing 10.

[0068] On the side of the opening 131 facing the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130, a collision element 133 is configured by the bent section of the trigger element 13 formed as a plate element, against which the locking section 151 of the retaining element 15 abuts in the catch position and which the locking section 151 slides on when released from the catch. Since the trigger leg 130 is acted upon with a lever arm greater than the lever arm acting on the locking section 151, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected with a smaller force exerted by the electrical conductor 2 and thus the catch is simply and reliably cancelled when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted.

[0069] As this is shown in Figure 3 In conjunction with Figure 5BAs can be seen, the impact element 133 is bent relative to the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130 in such a direction which points away from the holding element 15 in the insertion direction E. Here, the locking section 151 lies on a bearing point C on the impact element 133 in a latching position in which the locking section 151 engages into the opening 131, the bearing point C being offset relative to a plane P along which the support section 137 aligned with the support end 132 extends. As a result, when the holding element 15 is latched with the trigger element 13 by the locking section 151 engaging into the opening 131 on the leg section 137, the holding element 15 exerts a torque on the trigger element 13 by the locking section 151, said torque pointing counterclockwise in the sectional view according to Figure 3 and thus in a direction which additionally reinforces the latching engagement of the locking section 151 with the opening 131.

[0070] In the case of a latching being established, the locking section 151 slides into the opening 131 under elastic deflection of the trigger leg 130 and the trigger leg 130 then returns into its initial position in which it is latched with the locking section 151 of the holding element 15. The trigger leg 130 is here loaded on the impact element 133 by the locking section 151 of the holding element 15 and is pressed in the direction of the holding element 15 as a result of the torque generated thereby, so that the locking section 151 moves into full engagement with the opening 131 on the leg section 137.

[0071] After the electrical conductor 2 has been inserted, the latching has been cancelled and the operating element 14 is moved out of the operating position as a result of the elastic pretension on the clamping leg 120 and is reset against the operating direction B. Here, the clamping leg 120 achieves a clamping abutment with the electrical conductor 2 and thereby pushes the conductor end 20 into a contact abutment with the contact element 11, so that the conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and is additionally mechanically locked.

[0072] Since the operating element 14 is adjusted out of the operating position after the latching has been released, the user can safely and reliably recognize that the terminal 1 has been triggered and thus that the electrical conductor 2 has been connected to the terminal 1. The risk of a false operation is thus reduced.

[0073] If the electrical conductor 2 is to be released from the connected position and is to be removed again from the terminal 1, the operating element 14 can be transferred into the operating position again, so that the clamping leg 120 is brought out of abutment with the conductor 2. As a result, the conductor 2 can be removed from the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0074] In the case of a latching being established, the locking section 151 slides into the opening 131 under elastic deflection of the trigger leg 130 and the trigger leg 130 then returns into its initial position in which it is latched with the locking section 151 of the holding element 15. The trigger leg 130 is here loaded on the impact element 133 by the locking section 151 of the holding element 15 and is pressed in the direction of the holding element 15 as a result of the torque generated thereby, so that the locking section 151 moves into full engagement with the opening 131 on the leg section 137. Figure 4In the improved embodiment shown in Fig. 2, instead of the contact element 11 of the preceding embodiment, a contact element 11' is provided, which has contact means 111' in the form of connecting legs, which project from the housing 10 on the rear side (on the side facing away from the plug-in opening 100) and can be connected to contact locations of, for example, a printed circuit board.

[0075] In addition to this, the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is functionally identical to the preceding embodiment, in particular with regard to the spring element 12, the retaining element 15, the operating element 14 and the trigger element 13. Figure 4

[0076] The idea underlying the utility model is not limited to the preceding embodiments, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0077] The trigger element can be configured, for example, as a sheet metal element. However, other design options for the trigger element, for example made of plastic, can also be considered and are feasible here.

[0078] Legend of the drawing

[0079] 1 terminal

[0080] 10 housing

[0081] 100 plug-in opening

[0082] 101 accommodation space

[0083] 102 engagement opening

[0084] 103 connecting means

[0085] 104 support opening

[0086] 105 shaft element

[0087] 11 contact element (busbar)

[0088] 110 contact section

[0089] 111 contact means

[0090] 112 wall section

[0091] 113 end section

[0092] 12 clamping spring

[0093] 120 clamping leg

[0094] 121 support leg

[0095] 122 intermediate section

[0096] 13 trigger element ​

[0097] 130 trigger leg

[0098] 131 locking device (locking opening)

[0099] 132 support end

[0100] 133 impact element

[0101] 134, 135 form-fitting element (notch)

[0102] 136 intermediate section

[0103] 137 leg section

[0104] 138 end

[0105] 14 operating element

[0106] 140 head

[0107] 141 shaft

[0108] 142 push section

[0109] 143 engagement opening

[0110] 15 holding element

[0111] 150 swivel axis

[0112] 151 locking section

[0113] 152 engagement element

[0114] 153 main body

[0115] 3 wiring device

[0116] A arrangement direction

[0117] B operating direction

[0118] C support point

[0119] E plug-in direction

[0120] P plane

Claims

1. Connection terminal (1) for electrical lines (2), having: a housing (10) with a plug-in opening (100) into which an electrical line (2) can be inserted for connection to the connection terminal (1), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing (10) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2), a clamping leg (120) which can be moved from a clamping position into a release position, an operating element (14) which can be moved relative to the housing (10) along an operating direction (B) between an operating position and an inoperative position, the operating element being configured to act with a push section (142) on the clamping leg (120) in order to move the clamping leg (120) from the clamping position into the release position, wherein the operating element (14) is held in the operating position relative to the housing (10) in order to hold the clamping leg (120) in the release position, and a trigger element (13) which is configured to cooperate with the electrical line (2) when it is inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in order to release the operating element (14) from the operating position, characterized in that a retaining element (15) is provided which can be pivoted relative to the housing (10) and which is latched with the trigger element (13) in the operating position of the operating element (14) and is configured to hold the operating element (14) in the operating position, wherein the trigger element (13) can be adjusted relative to the housing (10) by cooperation with the electrical line (2) when it is inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in order to release the latching between the trigger element (13) and the retaining element (15). The trigger element (13) has a trigger leg (130) which is configured to cooperate with the electrical line (2) when it is inserted into the plug-in opening (100) in order to release the operating element (14) from the operating position. The trigger element (13) has a support end (132) which is supported on the housing (10) and the trigger leg (130) can be elastically adjusted relative to the support end. A spring element (12) is arranged on the housing (10), the spring element having a clamping leg (120) which is configured to act on the electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position in order to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11), wherein The housing (10) has a connection device (103) on which the support end (132) is fixed. The housing (10) defines a receiving space (101) into which the electrical line (2) can be introduced by insertion into the plug-in opening (100), wherein the trigger leg (130) extends in the receiving space (101) in order to cooperate with the electrical line (2). The electrical line (2) can be inserted into the plug-in opening (100) along a plug-in direction (E), wherein the trigger leg (130) extends in the receiving space (101) transversely to the plug-in direction (E). The operating direction (B) is oriented identically to the plug-in direction (E).

2. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is configured to push or pull the electrical line (2) against the contact element (11) by spring force.

3. The terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that ​ 4. The terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that ​ 5. The terminal (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that ​ 6. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that ​ 7. The terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that ​ 8. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ​ 9. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) which is supported relative to the housing (10) and a clamping leg (120) which can be elastically deflected relative to the support leg.

10. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (15) can be pivoted relative to the housing (10) about a swivel axis (150), wherein the spring element (12) has a curved intermediate section (122) connecting the support leg (121) with the clamping leg (120), which intermediate section extends about the swivel axis (150).

11. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (15) has a locking section (151) for latching with a locking device of the trigger element (13) in the operating position of the operating element (14).

12. The terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The locking device is constituted by an opening (131) of the trigger element (13) into which the locking section (151) engages in the operating position of the operating element (14).

13. The terminal (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The locking section (151) can be released from the opening (131) by a deflection of the trigger element (13) as a result of a cooperation with a conductor (2) inserted into the plug-in opening (100).

14. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (15) has a first engagement element (152) and the operating element (14) has a second engagement element (143), wherein the first engagement element (152) and the second engagement element (143) engage with one another in the operating position of the operating element (14) in order to hold the operating element (14) in the operating position.

15. The terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is configured to, when adjusted into the release position, entrain the holding element (15) in order to latch it with the trigger element (13).

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