Connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

The utility model relates to a wiring terminal used for connecting an electric lead. The wiring terminal comprises a housing part; a contact element arranged on the housing part; and a spring element having a clamping leg that can be adjusted relative to the housing part. The clamping leg is designed to act in a clamping position on an electrical conductor for making contact with a contact section of the contact element, the clamping leg being further away from the contact section in a release position than the clamping position, the clamping leg being held in position in relation to the housing part in the release position. The trigger element is designed to interact with the electrical conductor when inserted into the connection terminal in order to release the clamping leg from the release position. The electrical switching element is designed to assume a first switching position in the release position of the clamping leg and to assume a second switching position in the clamping position of the clamping leg.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] This terminal has a housing part, a contact element arranged on the housing part and a spring element, the contact element has a contact section for electrically contacting the electric wire, and the spring element has an adjustable clamping leg relative to the housing part. The clamping leg of the spring element is configured to act on the electric wire in a clamping position to contact the contact section. In the release position, the clamping leg is away from the contact section compared with the clamping position, wherein the clamping leg is kept in position relative to the housing part in the release position. The trigger element is configured to co-act with the electric wire when plugged into the terminal, so as to release the clamping leg from the release position.

[0003] The terminal achieves a spring force joint by using the spring element, wherein the electric wire is clamped with the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element in the connected position and thereby electrically connected to the contact element.

[0004] In the terminal disclosed by DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which pulls the connected electric wire against the corresponding contact element by elastic spring action 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 placed and clamped between the clamping leg and the contact element in the connected position.

[0005] A latching device is provided in the terminal of DE 10 2019 127 464 B3, by which the clamping leg is latched relative to the housing in the release position. When the electric wire is inserted, the latching device is triggered and thus unlatched, so that the clamping leg is displaced from the release position and thereby clamps the electric wire against the contact element. In order to transfer the clamping leg into the release position, in particular in order to be able to connect or disconnect the connected electric wire from the terminal, a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be placed onto the terminal and thereby exert a force on the clamping leg.

[0006] In DE 10 2019 127 464 B3 the adjustment of the clamping legs is carried out directly by means of a tool, while in the terminal known from DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 and DE 10 2020 104 140 A1 a handling element in the form of a so-called pusher is provided, which can be pressed into the housing of the terminal in order to act in this way on the clamping legs and to move them into their release position. The handling element is spring-preloaded relative to the housing of the terminal via a tension spring in the form of a pressure spring. In the terminal disclosed in DE 10 2019 135 203 A1 a handling projection is provided on the handling element, which hooks onto a fixing section of a holding element in the handling position of the handling element.

[0007] US 8,113,858 B1 discloses a terminal for connecting electrical conductors, wherein the spring element is configured as a tension spring. Upon adjustment of the spring element, a switching element is switched between different positions, such that the switching sections contact one another when no electrical conductor is connected to the terminal.

[0008] In the terminal disclosed in US 2018 / 277994 A1, upon adjustment of a handling element for adjusting the clamping legs, a switching element can be switched such that the switching sections electrically contact one another in the release position of the clamping legs. Utility model content

[0009] It is an object of the utility model to provide a terminal for connecting electrical conductors, which enables comfortable handling and simple detection of the position of the clamping legs.

[0010] This object is achieved by a terminal for connecting electrical conductors.

[0011] According to this, the terminal has an electrical switching element, which is configured for assuming a first switching position in the release position of the clamping legs and a second switching position in the clamping position of the clamping legs.

[0012] The terminal comprises a housing part, on which a spring element is arranged. The spring element has clamping legs, which are configured for clampingly acting on an electrical conductor connected to the terminal in order to clamp the electrical conductor with a contact section of a contact element and thereby electrically connect the electrical conductor to the contact element via a deinsulated conductor end.

[0013] The clamping legs can be elastically adjusted relative to the housing part in order to move the clamping legs out of the clamping position. In particular, the clamping legs can be moved into a release position in order to remove the clamping legs from the contact sections of the contact elements and thus enable a simple, essentially force-free plugging of the electrical lines or can remove the connected electrical lines from the terminal in a simple, force-free manner.

[0014] In the terminal, the electrical lines are brought into electrical contact with the electrical contact elements by the clamping legs acting on the electrical lines and spring- elastically loading the electrical lines in the direction of contact with the contact elements when the electrical lines are plugged onto the terminal. In order to make the plugging of the electrical lines easier, the clamping legs of the spring element can be elastically deflected, for example by means of a tool or by means of actuation of an actuation element.

[0015] If the clamping legs have been moved into the release position, the clamping legs are held in the release position relative to the housing part. This can be achieved by a direct latching of the clamping legs relative to the housing part or by an indirect latching, for example by means of an actuation element.

[0016] The terminal has a trigger element which is configured to act together with the electrical lines when they are inserted into the terminal in order to release the clamping legs from the release position. The trigger element serves to trigger the clamping legs from the release position in order to automatically release the clamping legs from the release position when the electrical lines are inserted and thus move them into the clamping position in which the electrical lines plugged onto the terminal are in electrical contact with the contact elements of the terminal. By deflecting the trigger element when the electrical lines are inserted, the terminal is automatically closed when the electrical lines are inserted. This results in a simple connection process in the case of a reliable contact of the lines with the contact elements.

[0017] Such a terminal, for example, can be provided by the manufacturer in a state in which the clamping legs are in the release position, in which the clamping legs of the spring element are held in position relative to the housing part in the release position and can be automatically released by means of the trigger element when the electrical lines are inserted.

[0018] In order to achieve a detection of the position of the clamping legs in such a terminal, the terminal has an electrical switching element which can be switched between different switching positions. Here, a first switching position corresponds to the release position of the clamping legs. A second switching position corresponds to the clamping position of the clamping legs. In dependence on the position of the clamping legs, the electrical switching element occupies the first switching position or the second switching position, so that an electrical signal report can be achieved which indicates the position which the clamping legs happen to occupy.

[0019] In particular, it is possible in this way to signal whether the clamping leg has been moved into the release position and is held in the release position. According to the signalization of the release position of the clamping leg in the case of the use of a switching element, it is possible in this way, for example, to switch the contact element to be free of current when the clamping leg is in the release position.

[0020] By providing a switching element, a simple electrical signalization is achieved in particular while the automatic triggering by the joint action of the electrical conductor and the triggering element is achieved. It is possible in particular by means of the switching element to detect that the clamping leg has been moved into the release position. By means of the change in the switching position upon insertion of the electrical conductor, it is then possible to signal whether the terminal has been triggered in a prescribed manner upon insertion of the electrical conductor in order to bring the electrical conductor into contact with the contact section under the clamping action of the clamping leg.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electrical switching element has an elastically adjustable switching section. The switching element is preferably arranged on a housing part of the terminal. Here, the switching section is elastically deflectable, wherein the position of the switching section is dependent indirectly or directly on the position of the clamping leg of the spring element.

[0022] For example, the switching section is elastically tensioned in the first switching position. The reset from the first switching position to the second switching position is correspondingly automatic on the basis of the elastic tensioning force on the switching element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the switching section is in electrical contact with a mating section in the first switching position or in the second switching position. Thus, in one of the switching positions, the switching section is in electrical contact with the corresponding mating section. In the other switching position, in contrast, the contact is released. Thus, depending on the switching position, the opening or closing of the switch by means of the switching element is achieved, whereby the detection of the signalization of the position of the clamping leg is possible.

[0024] For example, in the first switching position, the switching section of the switching element is in electrical contact with the mating section. In the second switching position, the switching section is correspondingly not in electrical contact with the mating section.

[0025] In one embodiment, the mating section is formed on the contact element. Thus, the switching section of the switching element is designed for electrical contact with the contact element, whereby there is contact or no contact between the switching element and the contact element depending on the position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the terminal has a handling element which can be moved from an unhandled position into a handled position in order to displace the clamping leg into the release position. The handling element can be handled manually or with the use of a tool by the user in order to displace the clamping leg into the release position by displacing the handling element into the handled position. The handling element is linearly movable or swingably supported at the housing part or at a component which is positionally fixed relative to the housing part, for example at the contact element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the handling element is configured to act on the switching element when switching into the handled position in order to adjust the switching element from the second switching position into the first switching position. The first switching position of the switching element corresponds to the handled position of the handling element and accordingly to the release position of the clamping leg. If the handling element is adjusted into the handled position in order to move the clamping leg into the release position, the switching element is switched into the first switching position. If, in contrast, the handling element is adjusted from the handled position back into the unhandled position and the clamping leg is accordingly moved from the release position in the direction of the clamping position, the switching element is switched from the first switching position into the second switching position.

[0028] For example, the handling element adjusts a switching section of the switching element into the first switching position when switching into the handled position and thereby tensions the switching element. If the handling element is reset, the switching section also automatically adjusts back into the second switching position due to the elastic pretensioning.

[0029] In one embodiment, the handling element is latched with the trigger element in the handled position and thereby holds the clamping leg in the release position. The latching of the clamping leg in the release position is thus indirectly via the handling element by the handling element being latched with the trigger element.

[0030] In the release position, the electrical conductor can simply be placed onto the terminal or the connected conductor can be removed from the terminal in a substantially force-free manner. After the latching has been released, the handling element can in particular be moved back in the direction of the unhandled position automatically, preferably under spring pretensioning. Here, for example, the spring pretensioning of the handling element can be caused by the clamping leg which is elastically deflected in the handled position and, after the handling element has been released, the spring acts mechanically on the handling element in order to move the handling element in the direction of the unhandled position from the handled position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a latching section for latching with a latching device of the triggering element in the actuated position. The latching section can be provided, for example, on the side of the actuating element facing away from the actuating section, preferably approximately opposite (with respect to the swivel axis of the actuating element) to the swivel axis, away from the actuating section. By means of the latching section, the actuating element is latched in the actuated position with the corresponding latching device of the triggering element, such that the actuating element is thereby held in the actuated position, but can be released from the actuated position in a simple, reliable manner by triggering of the triggering leg upon insertion of the electrical conductor.

[0032] The latching device of the triggering element can be formed, for example, by an opening into which the latching section of the actuating element, constituted, for example, by a protrusion, engages in the actuated position of the actuating element. Thus, the actuating element is held in its actuated position by the latching section form-fittingly engaging into the opening of the triggering element, wherein this engagement can be released by adjusting the triggering leg and the actuating element can thus be released from the actuated position in order to transfer the clamping leg into the released position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the actuating element is configured to act on the switching element with the latching section in order to adjust the switching element between a first switching position and a second switching position. If the actuating element is transferred into the actuated position and the latching section is thereby latched with the latching device of the triggering element, the actuating element acts on the switching element with the latching section and adjusts the switching element into the first switching position, in which the switching section of the switching element is in electrical contact with a corresponding mating section, for example, on the contact element. Conversely, if the latching of the actuating element is released upon insertion of the electrical conductor and the clamping leg is displaced in the direction from the released position towards the clamping position, the switching element is switched into the second switching position, in which, for example, the contact with the mating section is released.

[0034] In one embodiment, the actuating element can be swiveled about the swivel axis relative to the housing part.

[0035] In one embodiment, the handling element has a first sliding surface formed at the base section of the handling element, and the housing part has a second sliding surface formed at the housing section, which second sliding surface is for slidably supporting the first sliding surface when the handling element is swung about the swing axis. In a handling element for adjusting the clamping leg, which is swingably supported at the housing part, the loading forces on the handling element act not only in tension and compression, as is usually the case in handling elements that are slidably supported at the housing, but also as a bending load, in particular about a bending axis that is perpendicular to the swing axis. In order to provide the handling element with support for this purpose for the swingable support at the housing part, the handling element has a first sliding surface formed at the base section, which first sliding surface is designed to cooperate with a complementary sliding surface at the housing section of the housing part in order to achieve a support between the handling element and the housing part when the handling element is swung.

[0036] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are radially spaced apart from the swing axis. For example, the first sliding surface can be formed on a radially outwardly directed wall on the outside of the handling element in order to slidably cooperate with the sliding surface on the housing section of the housing part.

[0037] It can be provided here that the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are always slidably in abutment with one another when the handling element is swung, so that a sliding bearing exists between the sliding surfaces.

[0038] It can also be provided in another embodiment that the first sliding surface comes into abutment with the second sliding surface at the housing section of the housing part only when the handling element is (excessively) loaded, for example when a pressure acts on the handling section in a direction perpendicular to the swing axis. In this embodiment, the sliding surfaces are therefore not always in abutment with one another, but are slidably in abutment with one another only when there is (excessive) loading on the handling element.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface is curved about the swing axis. The first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface may, for example, have a constant radius of curvature about the swing axis, so that the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface extends in an arc of a constant radius about the swing axis.

[0040] Preferably, both the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are curved about the swing axis and have a circular-arc shape with a constant radius of curvature relative to the swing axis. The sliding surfaces are here complementarily shaped with respect to one another in such a way that the first sliding surface on the handling element has a convex shape and the second sliding surface on the housing section has a complementary concave shape.

[0041] It is also conceivable, however, that only one of the sliding surfaces is curved and pointwise abuts on the respective other sliding surface at one or more bearing points.

[0042] In one embodiment, the actuating element has an actuating section for actuation by the user and an action section for acting on the clamping leg. The actuating section can be accessed from outside the housing part, for example, since the user can act on the actuating section via a tool, for example a screwdriver, or alternatively manually, while the action section is in action connection with the clamping leg of the spring element. By adjusting the actuating element, an adjustment force is applied to the clamping leg via the action section, such that, in particular when adjusting the actuating element from the unactuated position into the actuated position, the clamping leg is brought to move in the direction of the release position.

[0043] In one embodiment, the base section of the actuating element, on which the first sliding surface is formed, constitutes the action section for acting on the clamping leg when the actuating element is swung. With the base section, which constitutes the action section, also constituting the (first) sliding surface on the actuating element as a whole and in one piece, the actuating element acts on the clamping leg of the spring element when it is deflected from the unactuated position into the actuated position and adjusts the clamping leg in the direction of the release position. The sliding surface of the actuating element is formed on the base section, which constitutes the action section, such that when the actuating element is swung about the swing axis relative to the housing part, the actuating element is slidingly supported on the housing section of the housing part by the surface of the action section.

[0044] Preferably, the first sliding surface abuts at the second sliding surface in the unactuated position and in the actuated position of the actuating element and when the actuating element is swung about the swing axis between the unactuated position and the actuated position. Thus, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface abut each other supportingly not only in the unactuated position, but also in the actuated position and furthermore when moving therebetween. In particular by the support in the actuated position, the force upon deflection of the clamping leg can be received and supported on the actuating element without (significant) deformation of the actuating element by the force action of the clamping leg.

[0045] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a further, second base section. The clamping leg is accommodated in an accommodation gap between the (first) base section, at which the first sliding surface is formed, and the further, second base section. The clamping leg is thus supported on the actuating element in a defined position, wherein when the actuating element is swung about the swing axis, the clamping leg is swung with the actuating element relative to the housing and thus displaced in the direction of the release position.

[0046] For example, the first sliding surface is formed at a side of the base section which points radially outwardly from the swing axis. The first sliding surface is thus formed at an outer surface of the actuating element and points radially outwardly in order to be slidingly supported at the second sliding surface of the housing section of the housing part.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing section of the housing part configures a socket for inserting an electrical conductor. On the housing section, a second sliding surface is formed on the side of the housing part in order to provide a sliding support for the actuating element when being swung relative to the housing part.

[0048] The actuating element is preferably swingably supported on the housing by means of the first and second sliding surfaces, in addition to the sliding support. For example, a shaft element can be formed on the actuating element or on the housing part, which is concentric to the axis of swing and by means of which the actuating element is swingably supported on the housing part. The shaft element is arranged radially within the first sliding surface.

[0049] For example, the sliding element is supported at the housing part by means of the shaft element only on one side (with respect to the axis of swing).

[0050] In one embodiment, the spring element of the terminal is configured as a tension spring. In this case, the clamping leg of the spring element is configured for pulling the electrical conductor into abutment with the contact element by means of the spring force. In this case, an opening can be formed on the clamping leg, through which the electrical conductor can be guided when being plugged onto the terminal, in order to pull the electrical conductor into clamped contact with the contact element after triggering the clamping leg from the release position.

[0051] Alternatively, the spring element of the terminal can be configured as a pressure spring. In this case, the clamping leg is configured for pressing the electrical conductor into abutment with the contact element by means of the spring force. When being plugged onto the terminal, the electrical conductor reaches a cavity between the clamping leg and the contact element, wherein, after triggering the clamping leg from the release position, the clamping leg acts onto the electrical conductor and presses it into abutment with the contact element.

[0052] The spring element of the terminal can for example have a support leg, by means of which the spring element is supported on the housing part and held in a position on the housing part. 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.

[0053] The support leg can for example abut on a support section of the housing part and thereby be supported on the housing part. Thus, the spring element is fixed on the housing part independently of the contact element and, therefore, when the housing part is composed of an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material, the spring element is not directly electrically connected to the contact element.

[0054] In one embodiment, the spring element has a curved connecting section arranged between the clamping leg and the support leg, which connecting section extends, for example, about the swivel axis of the handling element when the handling element is swivelably mounted. Here, the support leg and the clamping leg preferably project from the handling element and are arranged at an (acute) angle to one another, wherein the clamping leg can be elastically adjusted relative to the support leg. By having the connecting section extend about the swivel axis, a point of rotation can be defined for the clamping leg, which point of rotation is preferably concentric with the swivel axis of the handling element, so that, when the handling element is swiveled, the clamping leg is fixedly supported on the handling element and swivels about the swivel axis of the handling element and is thereby deflected relative to the support leg.

[0055] In one embodiment, the triggering element has a triggering leg which is configured to interact with the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is plugged onto the terminal. By the interaction with the electrical conductor, the triggering leg is triggered, so that the clamping leg is released from the release position. The housing part defines a receiving cavity into which the electrical conductor can be inserted by insertion into the socket. The triggering leg extends in the receiving cavity in order to interact with the electrical conductor. In particular, the electrical conductor can be inserted into the socket in a plugging direction, wherein the triggering leg extends at least with an end section (approximately) transversely to the plugging direction in the receiving cavity.

[0056] The triggering element can be designed, for example, as an integrated, inherently elastically resilient element.

[0057] In one embodiment, the triggering element has a support end relative to which the triggering leg can be elastically adjusted by the interaction with the conductor plugged onto the terminal. By means of the support end, the triggering element is supported on the housing part, for example in such a way that the support end is fixed on a corresponding connection device of the housing part of the terminal. Thus, by the connection of the support end with the connection device of the housing part and thereby the torque-proof retention on the housing part, the triggering element is fixed on the housing part by means of the support end.

[0058] The support end is preferably fixed torque-proof at the connection device of the housing part of the terminal. 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 secure, for example form-fit, fixing on the connection device of the housing part can be achieved. The support end is supported torque-proof relative to the housing part, while the triggering leg can be elastically adjusted in the receiving cavity and extends in the receiving cavity, so that the electrical conductor inserted into the terminal hits on the triggering leg when introduced into the receiving cavity and thereby deflects the triggering leg.

[0059] In one embodiment, the support end of the triggering element of the terminal is supported on the housing part of the corresponding terminal and on the housing part of the terminal adjacent in the arrangement direction. Thus, the support end is supported on the housing part of the corresponding terminal and for this, for example, engages into an engagement opening on the wall of the housing part. Additionally, the support end is also supported at the housing part of the adjacent terminal and for this, for example, engages into an engagement opening at the wall of the adjacent housing part. Thus, the support end is supported jointly on the two housing parts of the adjacent terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] The idea underlying the application is explained in detail below by means of embodiments shown in the drawings. Therein:

[0061] Figure 1 A view of one embodiment of the terminal is shown, wherein the actuating element is in the actuated position, the clamping leg of the spring element is in the released position;

[0062] Figure 2 A side view of the arrangement according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0063] Figure 3 A separate view of the switching element together with the contact element of the terminal is shown;

[0064] Figure 4 The arrangement according to Figure 3 is shown together with the actuating element in the actuated position;

[0065] Figure 5 The arrangement according to Figure 1 is shown, the actuating element is in the unactuated position, the clamping leg of the spring element is in the clamped position;

[0066] Figure 6 A side view of the arrangement according to Figure 5 is shown;

[0067] Figure 7 A separate view of the switching element and the contact element is shown;

[0068] Figure 8 The arrangement according to Figure 7 is shown together with the actuating element in the unactuated position;

[0069] Figures 9A-9C A separate view of the triggering element of the terminal is shown; and

[0070] Figures 10A-10D A separate view of the actuating element is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Figures 1 to 10A - 10D shows an embodiment of a terminal 1 having a housing part 10 with a socket 100 shaped on a housing section 108 for inserting an electrical conductor 2 along a plug-in direction E.

[0072] The housing part 10 of the terminal 1 defines a receiving cavity 101 into which the electrical conductor 2 with the uninsulated conductor end 20 is introduced when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the socket 100 along the plug-in direction E. In the connected position, the conductor 2 with the uninsulated conductor end 20 is located within the receiving cavity 101 and is in electrical contact with the contact element 11 in the form of a current bar by the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12, so that the electrical conductor 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0073] The spring element 12 has one support leg 121 which is supported on a protruding wall section 106 of the housing 10 in a support opening 104. The clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121, in particular such that the clamping leg 120 in the clamping position clamps onto the electrical conductor 2 connected to the terminal 1 and presses the electrical conductor into contact with the contact element 11 under spring pretension and thereby brings the electrical conductor 2 into electrical contact with the contact element 11 via the conductor end 20.

[0074] The contact element 11 has a contact section 110 which extends planarly in the housing part 10 and against which the electrical conductor 2 with the conductor end 20 is pressed by the spring pretension of the clamping leg 120 when the electrical conductor 2 is connected to the terminal 1.

[0075] In the shown embodiment, the clamping leg 120 is elastically deflectable relative to the support leg 121 in the direction of the plug-in direction E. Figures 10A-10D The actuating element 14, which is shown in a separate view in

[0076] As shown in the separate view according to Figures 10A-10D The actuating element 14 has a base section 144 which constitutes an action section for acting onto the clamping leg 120. The base section 144 together with a base section 145 forms a receiving slit 149 into which the clamping leg 120 is inserted such that the spring element 12 extends around the swivel axis S with a curved intermediate section 122 arranged between the clamping leg 120 and the support leg 121, so that the point of rotation for deflecting the clamping leg 120 is approximately concentric with the swivel axis S.

[0077] The base section 144, 145 is elevated relative to a rear wall 146 of the handling element 14. The support leg 121 projects from the handling element 14 in the region of the opening 142 and is supported on the housing part 10. By accommodating the clamping leg 120 in the accommodation slot 149, a handling force introduced into the clamping leg 120 by the action section 144 when the handling element 14 is swung causes the clamping leg 120 to be elastically deflected relative to the support leg 121 about a point of rotation which is concentric with the swing axis S and to move in the direction of the release position.

[0078] The handling element 14 has a shaft element 140 formed on the base section 145, which engages in a corresponding bearing opening on the wall 105 of the housing part 10. By means of the shaft element 140, the handling element 14 is supported in a manner which can be swung about the swing axis S relative to the housing part 10.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment of the handling element 14, a recess 148 is formed on the rear side of the rear wall 146, into which a shaft element of an adjacent housing part (not shown in the drawing) engages in a supporting manner.

[0080] A first sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the base section 144 which constitutes the action section, which first sliding surface is curved about the swing axis S and has a constant radius of curvature R relative to the swing axis S, as can be seen from Figure 10D The sliding surface 147 faces a corresponding second sliding surface 107 on the housing section 108 of the housing part 10, which second sliding surface is formed complementarily to the first sliding surface 147 and has a constant radius of curvature R relative to the swing axis S, as can be seen from Figure 10C

[0081] The sliding surfaces 107, 147 slideably support one another when the handling element 14 is swung. The sliding surface 107 is located at the housing section 108 of the housing part 10, on which housing section 108 also the socket 100 is formed, wherein the sliding surface 107 is formed on the side of the housing section 108 which faces the handling element 14 above the socket 100.

[0082] Since the sliding surface 147 is formed on the outer side of the base section 144 which forms the action section acting on the clamping leg 120, the sliding support via the sliding surfaces 107, 147 takes place with a relatively large radius R relative to the swing axis S and thus at a location which is radially remote from the swing axis S. The bending load acting when the pressing handling section 141 is pressed in order to handle the handling element 14 can thus be taken up via the sliding support of the sliding surfaces 107, 147 on one another, so that excessive stresses on the handling element 14, in particular on the shaft element 140, are avoided.

[0083] The terminal 1 has in Figures 9A-9C ​The trigger element 13, which is shown in isolation, is fixed at the housing part 10 by a support end 132 and is thereby supported against rotation relative to the housing part 10. A trigger leg 130 extends from the support end 132, which projects into the accommodation cavity 101 substantially transversely to the plug-in direction E and thereby extends in a region aligned with the socket 100.

[0084] The support end 132 of the trigger element 13 is accommodated in a form-fit manner in the support opening 103 of the housing part 10. The form-fit between the support end 132 and the housing part 10 is such here that the support end 132 cannot slide out of the support opening 103 and, furthermore, the support end 132 is supported on the housing part 10 in such a way that, upon elastic deflection of the trigger leg 130, a torque on the support end 132 can be absorbed and conducted out into the housing part 10 and the support end 132 remains in a position relative to the housing part 10.

[0085] The trigger leg 130 serves for cooperation with an electrical conductor 2 inserted into the socket 100, in particular for automatically connecting the electrical conductor 2 to the terminal 1 in the event of triggering of the clamping leg 120.

[0086] The trigger element 13 has an opening 131, which is latched by the operating element 14 via a latching section 143 in the form of a projection when the operating element 14 is shifted into the operating position in the operating direction B. In the operating position, the operating element 14 engages with the latching section 143 into the opening 131 and is thereby latched on the trigger leg 130, so that the operating element 14 is locked in the operating position, as this can be seen from Figure 1 and 2 .

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the trigger leg 130 is curved in itself. Between a free end 138 of the trigger leg 130, which faces away from the support end 132, and a leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130, which is aligned with the support end 132, an intermediate section 136 extends, on which the opening 131 is formed, which extends transversely between the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130 and the leg section 137 of the trigger leg 130, on which the opening 131 is carried. By suitable shaping of the trigger element 13, the trigger element 13 can match the structural space conditions inside the accommodation cavity 101 of the housing 10.

[0088] If the actuating element 14 is actuated in the actuating direction B and thereby swung about the swivel axis 140 into the actuating position relative to the housing part 10, the actuating element 14 entrains the clamping leg 120 of the spring element 12 by means of the action section 144 and thereby adjusts the clamping leg 120 into the release position. In the release position, the clamping leg 120 with its free end is remote from the contact section 110 of the contact element 11 and thus releases the region in the accommodation cavity 101 which is aligned with the socket 100 in the plug-in direction E, so that the electrical conductor wire 2 can be inserted into the socket 100 without hindrance by the clamping leg 120 and thus can be connected to the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0089] If the electrical conductor wire 2 is inserted into the socket 100 with the deinsulated conductor end 20 and thus introduced into the accommodation cavity 101 in the plug-in direction E, while the actuating element 14 is in the actuating position and thus the clamping leg 120 is in the release position, the conductor wire 2 abuts against the end section 138 of 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 part 10. Thereby, the trigger leg 130 is moved in the plug-in direction E relative to the latching section 143 of the actuating element 14, so that the latching section 143 is disengaged from the opening 131 and thus releases the actuating element 14 from the actuating position.

[0090] On the side of the opening 131 facing the free end 138 of the trigger leg 130, a contact element 133 is configured by a curved section of the trigger element 13 which is formed as a plate element, against which the latching section 143 in the latched position abuts and against which the latching section 143 slides when released from the latch.

[0091] Since the electrical conductor wire 2 acts on the trigger leg 130 with a lever arm which is greater than the lever arm acting on the latching section 143, the trigger leg 130 can be deflected with a smaller force exerted by the electrical conductor wire 2 and thus the latch is simply and reliably released when the electrical conductor wire 2 is inserted.

[0092] After the latch has been released when the electrical conductor wire 2 is inserted, the actuating element 14 is brought out of the actuating position and is reset in the actuating direction B due to the elastic pretension on the clamping leg 120. Here, the clamping leg 120 achieves a clamping abutment with the electrical conductor wire 2 and thereby presses the conductor end 20 into abutment with the contact element 11, so that the conductor wire 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 and is additionally mechanically locked.

[0093] Since the actuating element 14 is adjusted out of the actuating position after the latch has been released, the user can safely and reliably recognize that the terminal 1 has been triggered and that the electrical conductor wire 2 is thus connected to the terminal 1. The risk of a false actuation is thus reduced.

[0094] If the electrical line 2 is to be released from the connected position and is to be removed from the terminal 1 again, the handling element 14 can be moved into the handling position again, so that the clamping leg 120 is released from the abutment with the line 2. Thereby, the line 2 can be removed from the terminal 1 in a substantially force-free manner.

[0095] The terminal 1 can be delivered, for example, in the state in which the handling element 14 is handled. In the handling position, the handling element 14 is latched with the triggering element 13 of the terminal 1, wherein the handling element 14 is held under stress due to the stress on the spring element 12. Here, the bending load is taken up and supported by the support of the sliding faces 107, 147, so that an excessive bending load in the region of the shaft element 140 is avoided.

[0096] In the embodiment shown, the terminal 1 is configured as a so-called printed terminal, which can be arranged on a circuit board, for example, and can be in electrical contact with contact sites of the circuit board. To this end, connection legs 111 are formed on the contact element 11, which can be inserted into corresponding plated through holes of the circuit board and soldered therewith.

[0097] The terminal 1 has a switching element 15, which can be arranged on the circuit board with a connection leg 150. By means of a support section 151, the switching element 15 is supported on the housing part 10 and thereby held thereon.

[0098] The switching element 15 constitutes an elastically deflectable switching section 152 with respect to the support section 151, which is configured for a cooperative action with the handling element 14 and is adjustable by means of the handling element 14 between different switching positions.

[0099] In a first switching position, which is shown in Figures 1-4 , the switching section 152 contacts a mating section 112 formed on the contact element 11 with a free end 153, so that the switching element 15 is in electrical contact with the contact element 11.

[0100] In a second switching position, which is shown in Figures 5-8 , the contact between the switching section 152 and the mating section 112 is released therefrom, so that there is no (further) electrical contact between the switching element 15 and the contact element 11.

[0101] The first switching position of the switching element 15 corresponds to the release position of the clamping leg 120. If the clamping leg 120 is in the release position and the clamping leg 120 is held in position in the release position by means of the handling element 14, the handling element 14 acts with the latching section 143 onto the switching section 152 and elastically deflects the switching section 152 with respect to the support section 151, so that the switching section 152 is pressed into abutment in electrical contact with the mating section 112.

[0102] If, in contrast, the triggering element 13 is triggered when the electrical conductor 2 is inserted, the latching of the handling element 14 is released and the handling element 14 moves from the handled position according to Figures 1-4 to the unhandled position according to Figures 5-8 , the handling element 14 no longer acts on the switch section 152 by means of the latching section 143, so that the switch section 152 is adjusted from the first switch position to the second switch position as a result of the elastic tensioning force on the switch element 15. As a result, the electrical contact between the switch element 15 and the contact element 11 is released.

[0103] The different switch positions of the switch element 15 can be analyzed by suitable control electronics and used for the control of superordinate electrical assemblies. Thus, for example, when the clamping leg 120 is in the release position according to Figures 1-4 and the switch element 15 is accordingly in the first switch position, the contact element 11 can be switched to the currentless state. If the switch element 15 is adjusted from the first switch position to the second switch position, the contact element 11 can be switched (again) into the state of advantageous operation, with current.

[0104] By means of the switch element 15, a signal report can be realized which signals the position change of the clamping leg 120 when the triggering element 13 is triggered, which is displayed by the change in the switch position of the clamping leg 120 by the switch element 15, and which can be analyzed accordingly for the control of superordinate assemblies.

[0105] In the embodiment shown, the engagement section 112 is formed on the contact element 11. However, this is not mandatory. In other embodiments, the engagement section can also be provided electrically independently of the contact element 11.

[0106] The ideas on which the utility model is based are not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0107] The terminal can be designed as a printed terminal for use on a circuit board. However, the terminal of the type described can also be used in other applications, for example in a terminal box or on a plug connector.

[0108] Explanation of reference signs

[0109] 1 terminal

[0110] 10 housing part

[0111] 100 socket

[0112] 101 accommodation space

[0113] 102 handling opening

[0114] 103 support opening

[0115] 104 support opening

[0116] 105 wall

[0117] 106 wall section

[0118] 107 sliding contour

[0119] 108 housing section

[0120] 11 contact element (current bar)

[0121] 110 contact section

[0122] 111 connecting leg

[0123] 112 engagement section

[0124] 12 clamping spring

[0125] 120 clamping leg

[0126] 121 support leg

[0127] 122 intermediate section

[0128] 13 trigger element

[0129] 130 trigger leg

[0130] 131 opening

[0131] 132 support end

[0132] 133 contact element

[0133] 136 intermediate section

[0134] 137 leg section

[0135] 138 end

[0136] 14 actuating element

[0137] 140 shaft element

[0138] 141 actuating section

[0139] 142 opening

[0140] 143 latching section

[0141] 144 base section (active section)

[0142] 145 base section (support section)

[0143] 146 rear wall

[0144] 147 sliding surface

[0145] 148 recess

[0146] 149 receiving slot

[0147] 15 switching element

[0148] 150 connecting leg

[0149] 151 support section

[0150] 152 switching section

[0151] 153 end

[0152] 2 conductor

[0153] 20 conductor end

[0154] B steering direction

[0155] E plugging direction

[0156] R radius

[0157] S swivel axis

Claims

1. Connection terminal (1) for connecting an electrical line (2), having a housing part (10), a contact element (11) arranged on the housing part (10), which has a contact section (110) for electrical contact with the electrical line (2), the clamping leg (120) being located further away from the contact section (110) in a release position compared to the clamped position, wherein the clamping leg (120) is held in position relative to the housing part (10) in the release position, and a triggering element (13) which is configured to cooperate with the electrical line (2) upon plugging onto the connection terminal (1) in order to release the clamping leg (120) from the release position, characterized by an electrical switching element (15) which is configured to assume a first switching position in the release position of the clamping leg (120) and a second switching position in the clamped position of the clamping leg (120). The electrical switching element (15) has an elastically adjustable switching section (152). The switching section (152) is in electrical contact with a mating section (112) in one of the first and second switching positions and is not in contact with the mating section (112) in the other of the first and second switching positions. a spring element (12) having an adjustable clamping leg (120) relative to the housing part (10), which is configured to act on an electrical conductor (2) for contact with the contact section (110) in a clamping position, wherein The mating section (112) is formed on the contact element (11). A handling element (14) which can be moved from an unhandled position into a handled position in order to adjust the clamping leg (120) into the release position. The handling element (14) is configured to act on the switching element (15) upon being moved into the handled position in order to adjust the switching element (15) from the second switching position into the first switching position.

2. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The handling element (14) is latched in the handled position with the triggering element (13) and thereby holds the clamping leg (120) in the release position.

3. The terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The handling element (14) has a latching section (143) for latching with an opening (131) of the triggering element (13) in the handled position.

4. The terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The handling element (14) is configured to act with the latching section (143) on the switching element (15) in order to displace the switching element (15) between the first and second switching positions.

5. The terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The handling element (14) can be pivoted relative to the housing part (10) about a pivot axis (S).

6. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The handling element (14) has a first sliding surface (147) formed on a base section (144) of the handling element (14), and the housing part (10) has a second sliding surface (107) formed on a housing section (108) for slidingly supporting the first sliding surface (147) upon pivoting of the handling element (14) about the pivot axis (S).

7. The terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The base section (144) of the handling element (14) constitutes an acting section for acting on the clamping leg (120) upon pivoting of the handling element (14).

8. The terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that ​ 9. The terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that ​ 10. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that ​ 11. The terminal (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that ​ 12. The terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that ​ 13. The terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The housing section (108) of the housing part (10) is configured with a socket (100) for inserting an electrical conductor (2).

14. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping leg (120) is configured for pressing the electrical conductor (2) by spring force or pulling the electrical conductor against the contact element (11).

15. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring element (12) has a support leg (121) by which the spring element (12) is supported on the housing part (10).

16. The wiring terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The triggering element (13) has a triggering leg (130), wherein the housing part (10) of the terminal (1) defines a receiving cavity (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be introduced by plugging onto the terminal (1), wherein the triggering leg (130) extends in the receiving cavity (101) to interact with the electrical conductor (2).

17. The connection terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The triggering element (13) has a support end (132) which is supported on the housing part (10), wherein the triggering leg (130) is elastically adjustable relative to the support end (132) by interaction with the electrical conductor (2) plugged onto the terminal (1).

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