Conductor connection terminal for connecting electrical conductors

Abstract

A conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2), a spring-loaded terminal arranged therein and having a clamping spring (4), and with an actuating lever (5, 6) pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2) for actuating the clamping spring (4), wherein the actuating lever (5, 6) is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, wherein the actuating lever (5, 6) has at least one clamping spring actuating section (6) and at least one handle section (5), wherein the clamping spring actuating section (6) has at least one actuating element (60) for actuating the clamping spring (4), and the handle section (5) has at least one handle element (50) for manually actuating the actuating lever (5, 6), characterized in that the handle section (5) is connected to the clamping spring actuating section (6) via a joint (7).such that the handle portion (5) can be pivoted relative to the clamping spring actuating portion (6) via the joint (7), wherein the handle portion (5) has a free travel (L) relative to the clamping spring actuating portion (6) when the actuating lever (5, 6) moves from the open position to the closed position, in which free travel the clamping spring actuating portion (6) does not follow the movement of the handle portion (5), and the handle portion (5) is not loaded with the force of the clamping spring (4), at least in certain actuating positions of the actuating lever (5, 6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing, a spring-loaded terminal having a clamping spring arranged therein, and with an actuating lever pivotably mounted in the insulating housing for actuating the clamping spring, wherein the actuating lever is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, wherein the actuating lever has at least one clamping spring actuating section and at least one handle section, wherein the clamping spring actuating section has at least one actuating element for actuating the clamping spring and the handle section has at least one handle element for manually actuating the actuating lever.

[0002] Such conductor terminals are known in the art, for example from DE 298 07 956 U1. They are also referred to as lever-operated spring-loaded terminals.

[0003] The clamping spring can be deflected by the operating lever to release a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor. The operating lever is then in its open position, in which the clamping point is open. When moving the operating lever from the closed position to the open position, the user must apply force to overcome the opposing force of the clamping spring. When moving the operating lever from the open position to the closed position, however, the clamping spring supports the movement of the operating lever, at least within a certain pivoting range. Within this pivoting range, the operating lever can largely snap back towards the closed position on its own, depending on the design of the conductor connection terminal.However, this can be associated with disadvantages when handling the conductor connection terminal, particularly with conductor connection terminals for large conductor cross-sections, which have correspondingly powerfully dimensioned clamping springs.

[0004] The subsequently published DE 10 2016 115 601 A1 discloses a spring-loaded terminal connection for clamping an electrical conductor, comprising an insulating housing, a busbar, and a clamping spring. The clamping spring has an actuating section. An actuating element is mounted in the insulating housing for linear displacement and is designed to apply force to the actuating section.

[0005] DE 298 07 956 U1 relates to a terminal block with toggle actuation. The terminal block has a housing, a connecting contact, and a clamping spring with a contact leg and a spring leg. A pivotable actuating element for depressing or releasing the spring leg is mounted in the housing. The actuating element has a first and a second lever arm that are pivotally connected to one another, with the free end of the second lever arm coupled to the spring leg.

[0006] The subsequently published DE 10 2015 122 143 A1 discloses a conductor terminal with a spring-loaded clamp connection for clamping an electrical conductor to an insulating housing, a busbar, and a clamping spring. The conductor terminal further comprises at least one actuating element pivotably mounted in the insulating housing for opening and closing the spring-loaded clamp connection by applying pressure to an actuating region of the clamping spring. The actuating element has a passage area through which an electrical conductor inserted through a conductor insertion opening can be guided in a straight line to the clamping point through an area surrounded by the actuating element.

[0007] DE 10 2013 110 789 B3 discloses an adapter for contacting busbars with a multi-pole connecting cable. The adapter comprises a housing with a cable connection device that includes a lever switch, a spring terminal structure, and a connecting structure arranged between the lever switch and the spring terminal structure for transmitting the lever force from the lever switch to the spring terminal structure. By actuating the lever switch once, several poles of the connecting cable can be inserted into the cable connection device simultaneously. When the lever switch is released, the respective electrical contact between the at least two contact connections and the several poles is established due to the spring force of the spring terminal structure.

[0008] DE 20 2015 103 176 U1 discloses a terminal block wiring device. A wiring aid having a handle and a hook portion actuates an elastic positioning member and a tension element in the terminal block, so that the elastic positioning member presses on an inserted cable and connects it to the electrically conductive terminal in the terminal block.

[0009] EP 2 849 287 A1 relates to an electrical connection device with at least one conductor insertion opening and a respective associated spring-loaded terminal connection. The device has an actuating element for opening and closing the spring-loaded terminal connection by depressing or releasing the S- or U-shaped spring. The actuating element is slidably mounted and has a cam lever.

[0010] DE 10 2013 101 410 A1 describes a conductor terminal with a spring-loaded terminal connection for clamping electrical conductors with a clamping spring and a busbar. An actuating lever can be provided for each spring-loaded terminal connection, which is pivotably mounted in an insulating housing of the conductor terminal. Via an actuating tab on the clamping leg of the clamping spring, the actuating lever moves the clamping edge of the clamping leg away from the busbar to allow the insertion or removal of an electrical conductor.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of providing a conductor connection terminal of the type mentioned at the outset which allows more convenient operation of the operating lever.

[0012] This object is achieved in a conductor connection terminal of the type mentioned at the outset in that the handle section is connected to the clamping spring actuating section via a joint, such that the handle section can be pivoted relative to the clamping spring actuating section via the joint, wherein the handle section has a free play relative to the clamping spring actuating section when the actuating lever moves from the open position to the closed position, in which free play the clamping spring actuating section does not follow the movement of the handle section, and the handle section is not loaded with the force of the clamping spring, at least in certain actuating positions of the actuating lever. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the handle section is not loaded with the force of the clamping spring, at least at the beginning of the movement of the actuating element from the open position to the closed position.The pivotability of the handle section relative to the clamping spring actuating section enables mechanical decoupling between these sections of the actuating lever. Furthermore, there is a free play when moving from the open to the closed position, which is particularly effective at the beginning of this movement. Because the clamping spring does not load the handle section, the restoring forces exerted by the clamping spring on the clamping spring actuating section are not transferred, or at least not directly, to the manually operated handle section and its gripping element. In this way, a type of recoil prevention or recoil damping can be achieved while maintaining the user's usual operation of a lever-operated conductor connection terminal.The user can therefore essentially operate the conductor terminal in the usual way, with only a certain amount of adjustment required to pivot between the handle section and the clamping spring actuation section. However, operation is more comfortable for the user overall, as the spring-force-induced recoil movement is decoupled from the manually operated handle section.

[0013] The clamping spring can, for example, have a contact leg, a clamping leg, and an actuating portion. The clamping spring can be held in the insulating housing via the contact leg, with the contact leg resting on the material of the insulating housing or on another component, e.g., on a busbar of the conductor terminal. The actuating portion of the clamping spring, which can be designed as an actuating leg, can rest resiliently on the actuating element of the clamping spring actuating portion.

[0014] The clamping spring actuating section can have at least one protruding actuating arm or actuating knob as an actuating element for actuating the clamping spring, which at least in the open position of the actuating lever engages the actuating region of the actuating leg of the clamping spring in order to deflect the clamping spring and open the clamping point when the actuating lever is moved towards the closed position or is in the closed position.

[0015] The conductor terminal can be designed such that it is suitable for inserting or removing an electrical conductor when the actuating lever is in the open position. The conductor terminal can be designed such that it is suitable for clamping or securing an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor terminal, in particular at a clamping point, when the actuating lever is in the closed position. By moving the actuating lever into the closed position, a clamping point formed between the clamping spring and the busbar can thus be closed.

[0016] The invention can be implemented in different ways, in particular with regard to the joint via which the handle section is connected to the clamping spring actuating section. For example, the clamping spring actuating section and the handle section can be designed as separate components that are connected to one another via the joint, e.g. in the form of a joint with a rotation axis. The clamping spring actuating section and the handle section can also be formed as a single piece. In this case, the joint can be formed by a region of the actuating lever in which the actuating lever has increased flexibility compared to the other regions of the actuating lever, e.g. by designing the actuating lever with a reduced material cross-section at this point or by other measures at the joint point with increased flexibility.The joint can, for example, be integrally connected to the handle section and / or the clamping spring actuating section.

[0017] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the conductor connection terminal comprises at least one first pivoting range limiting device, by which the maximum pivotability of the handle portion relative to the clamping spring actuating portion is limited upon movement of the actuating lever from the closed position to the open position. In this way, the handle portion cannot be pivoted freely relative to the clamping spring actuating portion upon an opening movement of the actuating lever, but only up to a limit value, so that upon reaching this limit value at the latest, a pivoting movement of the handle portion is transmitted to the clamping spring actuating portion, so that the latter is also pivoted and thus follows a pivoting movement of the handle portion.

[0018] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first pivoting range limiting device has stop edges and / or guide contours on the handle portion and the clamping spring actuating portion or on the insulating material housing and the handle portion, wherein these stop edges and / or guide contours abut one another when the actuating lever is moved into the open position. Thus, the elements of the first pivoting range limiting device can be implemented using simple, cost-effective means, in particular without additional components.

[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the conductor connection terminal comprises at least one second pivoting range limiting device, by which the maximum pivotability of the handle portion relative to the clamping spring actuating portion is limited upon movement of the actuating lever from the open position to the closed position. In this way, the handle portion cannot be pivoted freely relative to the clamping spring actuating portion upon a closing movement of the actuating lever, but only up to a limit value, so that, at the latest upon reaching this limit value, a pivoting movement of the handle portion is transmitted to the clamping spring actuating portion, so that the latter is also pivoted and thus follows a pivoting movement of the handle portion.

[0020] If the conductor connection terminal is equipped with both the first pivoting range limiting device and the second pivoting range limiting device, this defines a pivoting range of the handle section relative to the clamping spring actuating section that is limited in both pivoting directions. This maximum pivoting angle range can, for example, have a value in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees, in particular 40 degrees to 60 degrees. All degrees refer to a circular dimension of 360 degrees.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the second pivoting range limiting device has stop edges and / or guide contours on the handle portion and the clamping spring actuating portion or on the insulating material housing and the handle portion, wherein these stop edges and / or guide contours abut one another when the actuating lever is moved into the closed position. Thus, the elements of the second pivoting range limiting device can be implemented using simple, cost-effective means, in particular without additional components.

[0022] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the second pivoting range limiting device is always effective when the actuating lever is in the closed position. This has the advantage that the conductor terminal can be opened in the usual way, since in this direction of movement, the handle section does not first travel a dead distance relative to the clamping spring actuating section. Accordingly, the conductor terminal can be designed such that the stop edges and / or guide contours of the second pivoting range limiting device always abut one another when the actuating lever is in the closed position.

[0023] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the first pivoting range limiting device is not effective when the actuating lever is in the open position. Accordingly, the conductor connection terminal can be designed such that the stop edges and / or guide contours of the first pivoting range limiting device do not abut one another when the actuating lever is in the open position. Accordingly, when the actuating lever is moved from the open position, the handle section initially performs a pure pivoting movement without the clamping spring actuating section following suit. Once this free travel (or dead travel) has been overcome, the clamping spring actuating section is also pivoted upon further pivoting of the handle section.

[0024] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the clamping spring actuating section can be pivoted in the insulating housing in a pivoting plane that is identical to or parallel to a pivoting plane in which the handle section can be pivoted relative to the clamping spring actuating section. This has the advantage that the handle section can align itself with the clamping spring actuating section during its pivoting movement relative to the clamping spring actuating section using simple kinematic means. Complex deflection devices are avoided.

[0025] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the conductor connection terminal has at least one busbar, and the clamping spring actuating section is at least partially supported and / or mounted on the busbar. In this way, the actuating lever can be securely and robustly mounted in the conductor connection terminal, and loads on the insulating housing can be largely avoided or limited. The clamping spring actuating section can also be at least partially supported on parts of the insulating housing, e.g., in certain pivot angle ranges.

[0026] Such a busbar can be advantageously used for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor to be clamped in the conductor connection terminal. For example, the clamping spring can have a clamping edge, e.g., in the area of ​​a clamping leg of the clamping spring. The electrical conductor to be clamped can then be clamped between the clamping edge and the busbar, thus forming a clamping point for the electrical conductor between the clamping edge and the busbar.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the busbar has a latching contour which, together with an associated latching contour on the clamping spring actuating section, forms a latching fixation of the clamping spring actuating section in the open position of the actuating lever. In this way, the clamping spring actuating section can be fixed in the open position using simple and cost-effective means, i.e., fixed in such a way that the force of the clamping spring acting on the clamping spring actuating section does not undesirably return it. The latching fixation can be overcome at any time by manually actuating the actuating lever. Alternatively or additionally, fixing means can be provided elsewhere on the conductor connection terminal for fixing the clamping spring actuating section in the open position, e.g., fixing elements on the insulating material housing.

[0028] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the handle section is pivotable relative to the clamping spring actuating section within an angular range of at least 20 degrees. This ensures sufficient decoupling between the handle section and the clamping spring actuating section. The handle section can also be pivotable relative to the clamping spring actuating section within larger angular ranges, e.g., at least 30 degrees or at least 40 degrees.

[0029] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the clamping spring actuating section is pivotally mounted via at least one bearing means extending transversely to the clamping spring actuating section with respect to its longitudinal axis. Such a bearing means ensures a defined pivotal mounting of the clamping spring actuating section. The bearing means can be designed, for example, as a bearing axis passing through the clamping spring actuating section, or as a bearing pin that penetrates at least partially into the clamping spring actuating section on one or both sides, for example formed by material of the insulating housing. For this purpose, the clamping spring actuating section can have a recess for receiving the at least one bearing means. The recess can, for example, be arranged at a central location in the clamping spring actuating section.

[0030] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the clamping spring actuating section has a recess for accommodating the at least one bearing means, wherein the recess is larger in terms of its internal dimensions than the external dimensions of the bearing means, such that the clamping spring actuating section is mounted loosely or floatingly in the bearing means. In this way, the clamping spring actuating section is given a certain freedom of movement along its pivoting plane. This is favored, for example, by the arrangement with the locking contour on the busbar and the associated locking contour on the clamping spring actuating section for locking the clamping spring actuating section in the open position of the actuating lever. Due to the loose or floating mounting, the locking fixation can be easily overcome when the handle section is actuated. Complicated movement sequences for releasing the locking fixation are avoided.The recess can be designed, for example, in the form of an elongated hole.

[0031] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the handle section and the clamping spring actuating section are not pivotable about the same pivot axis. For example, the handle section can be pivotable about a first pivot axis, while the clamping spring actuating section can be pivotable about a second pivot axis or can be mounted in a floating manner. The floating mounting or the second pivot axis are spaced apart from the first pivot axis. In particular, it can be provided that the first pivot axis of the handle section is movable and moves with a pivoting movement of the clamping spring actuating section.

[0032] The total possible pivoting angle of the handle section (first pivoting angle range) and the total possible pivoting angle range of the clamping spring actuating section (second pivoting angle range) can be set independently of one another or independently of one another. Different variants are generally possible, e.g., the first pivoting angle range may be greater than the second pivoting angle range, or the first pivoting angle range may be smaller than the second pivoting angle range. It is also possible for the first pivoting angle range to be equal to the second pivoting angle range. This best replicates the actuation feel of a conventional lever-operated conductor terminal.

[0033] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the handle portion is never in direct contact with the clamping spring, i.e., in any actuating position of the actuating lever. In this way, the manually operated handle portion can be particularly well decoupled from the force influences of the clamping spring. In particular, with the conductor terminal according to the invention, locking of the handle portion in the open or closed position by means of the clamping spring is not required. The handle portion can, for example, be locked on the housing side, i.e., locked to the insulating material housing of the conductor terminal.

[0034] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the conductor terminal has a self-tightening (pre-tensioned) clamping spring. This has the advantage that no special mechanisms are required within the conductor terminal to tighten the clamping spring to clamp the electrical conductor. Clamping occurs automatically, so to speak, due to the self-tightening function of the pre-tensioned clamping spring. This is particularly advantageous compared to designs with a clamping spring, which must be tightened by separate means to fulfill the clamping function of the electrical conductor.

[0035] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal is fixedly mounted within the conductor connection terminal. In particular, it is not mounted so as to be movable or rotatable. This can be achieved, for example, by the clamping spring having a contact leg that is fixed within the conductor connection terminal, e.g., to a busbar, the insulating housing, or another part of the clamping spring itself. In this way, a conductor connection terminal can be realized with the contact leg of the clamping spring always fixed in the same position.

[0036] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the grip portion of the operating lever is designed for direct finger operation. This has the advantage that the conductor terminal can be operated without a separate tool, namely directly with the finger on the grip portion. In this way, the conductor terminal can also be implemented without any tool insertion opening.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0038] It shows Fig. 1 to 3 - a first embodiment of the invention and Fig. 4 to 6 - a second embodiment of the invention and Fig. 7 to 8 - a third embodiment of the invention and Fig. 9 to 10 - a fourth embodiment of the invention, each in different positions of the operating lever.

[0039] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding elements.

[0040] Based on the Fig. 1 to 3, the functional principle of the present invention will be explained. Fig. For this purpose, Figures 1 to 3 do not show a complete conductor terminal, but rather a side view of the components necessary for explaining the invention. Fig. 4 to 10 each show a complete conductor connection terminal in side view, partly in section or with the insulating housing opened.

[0041] In the Fig. 1 to 3, a conductor connection terminal comprises a busbar 3, part of a clamping spring 4, and the actuating lever 5, 6. The clamping spring 4 shows the end region of a clamping leg 43, which ends at a clamping edge 44, as well as an actuating leg 42 branching off from the clamping leg 43. The actuating lever 5, 6 has a handle section 5 and a clamping spring actuating section 6. The handle section 5 is pivotally coupled to the clamping spring actuating section 6 via a joint 7. The handle section 5 has a handle element 50 for manually actuating the actuating lever. The clamping spring actuating section 6 is at least partially mounted on the busbar 3 and rolls on the busbar 3 during a pivoting movement. It can also be seen that the clamping spring actuating section 6 has an actuating element 60 at its end facing the clamping spring 4, against which the actuating leg 42 of the clamping spring 4 rests resiliently.The clamping spring 4 is supported at another location via a contact leg of the clamping spring, which is shown in the . Fig. 1 to 3 is not shown.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the actuating lever 5, 6 in the open position. In this position, the clamping edge 44 of the clamping spring 4 is spaced away from a clamping point 32 formed on the busbar 3, so that an electrical conductor can be inserted between the clamping edge 44 and the clamping point 32 without any effort, or an already inserted electrical conductor can be removed.

[0043] If the actuating lever 5, 6 is now to be moved into the closed position, the clamping spring actuating section 6 must ultimately be pivoted clockwise. This is done in the conductor connection terminal according to the invention by first moving the handle section 5 in this pivoting direction, as shown in the Fig. 2. The clamping spring actuating section 6 does not move initially. When the handle section 5 reaches the Fig. 2, a second pivoting range limiting device 53, 65 becomes effective. This is achieved in the illustrated embodiment in that a stop edge 53 of the handle section 5 comes into contact with a stop edge 65 of the clamping spring actuating section 6, as the Fig. 2. Upon further movement of the handle section 5 in a clockwise pivoting direction, a force is now transmitted via the stop edges 53, 65 to the clamping spring actuating section 6, which can then also be pivoted clockwise. This brings the actuating lever 5, 6 into the closed position, which is shown in the Fig. 3. In the closed position, the clamping point is also closed, ie, the clamping edge 44 rests against the clamping point 32 of the busbar 3. If an electrical conductor were located at this point, the clamping edge 44 would rest against the top side of the electrical conductor, and the electrical conductor would rest with its underside against the busbar 3.

[0044] As can be seen, the handle section 5 has a further stop edge 52 on the side facing away from the stop edge 53. This interacts with a further stop edge 64 of the clamping spring actuating section 6. This creates a first pivoting range limiting device 52, 64. As can be seen, the first pivoting range limiting device is effective in the closed position of the actuating lever 5, 6. If the actuating lever 5, 6 is to be moved from the closed position, as in Fig. 3, are brought into the open position, the pivoting movement of the handle section 5 is immediately transmitted to the clamping spring actuating section 6 via the first pivoting range limiting device, which is already effective at the beginning of the movement and is formed by the stop edges 52, 64, so that the latter immediately follows the pivoting movement of the handle section 5. As a result, the actuating lever 5, 6 can be brought back into the Fig. 1 shown open position.

[0045] Thus, if the operating lever 5, 6 is moved from the open position ( Fig. 1) is moved to the closed position, the first thing to do is Fig. 2 recognizable free travel (or dead travel) until the clamping spring actuating section 6 follows the movement of the handle section 5 and, as a result of the restoring force of the clamping spring 4, catches up with the handle section 5. In the reverse movement from the closed position to the open position, no such free travel is present, which is due to the fact that the first pivoting range limiting device is immediately effective in this position, as the Fig. 3 shows.

[0046] The invention allows for numerous variations with regard to the individual design details of the handle section 5, the clamping spring actuating section 6, the joint 7, and the elements of the first and second pivoting range limiting devices. Some examples will be explained with reference to the further embodiments.

[0047] The Fig. The complete conductor connection terminal 1 shown in Figures 4 to 6 comprises, in addition to the previously explained components, an insulating housing 2 which at least largely surrounds said components. The insulating housing 2 has a conductor insertion opening 20 through which an electrical conductor can be guided to the clamping point 32. The insulating housing 20 further comprises at least one locking element 22 which is designed to lock the actuating lever 5, 6 in the closed position, e.g., by fixing the handle portion 5 in the closed position by the locking element 22. Furthermore, the clamping spring 4 is shown with further elements, namely a rear spring arch 41 adjoining the clamping leg 43 and a contact leg 40 adjoining the spring arch 41.

[0048] The busbar 3 has a support area 30 for supporting the clamping spring actuating section 6 and a locking contour 31. The locking contour 31 interacts with a locking contour 63 arranged on the clamping spring actuating section 6. The interaction of the locking contours 31, 63 locks the clamping spring actuating section 6 in the open position, so that the force of the clamping spring 4 acting on the clamping spring actuating section 6 via the actuating element 60 does not cause the actuating lever 5, 6 to return to the closed position. The locking contour on the clamping spring actuating section 6 can be designed, for example, as a locking cam.

[0049] The busbar 3 further comprises connecting contacts 33, which extend out of the insulating housing 2 and are provided for the electrical connection of the conductor terminal 1 to other electrical components. It can also be seen that the clamping spring actuating section 6 has a recess 61 designed as an elongated hole. A bearing axis 62 is guided through the recess 61 as a bearing means, via which the clamping spring actuating section 6 is loosely pivotally mounted and, limited by the elongated hole 61, can also execute a translational movement superimposed on the pivoting movement.

[0050] If the operating lever 5, 6 is to be moved from its open position, which is Fig. 4, are moved into the closed position, the same process as before is carried out using the Fig. 1 to 3, ie the handle section 5 is pivoted clockwise, but the clamping spring actuating section 6 does not follow immediately. In the embodiment according to the Fig. 4 to 6, a second pivoting range limiting device 21, 51 is formed by a guide contour 21 formed on the insulating material housing 2 in conjunction with a guide contour 51 arranged on the handle section 5. As can be seen from the Fig. 4, the guide contours 21, 51 are spaced apart from each other in the open position of the operating lever 5, 6 and accordingly do not engage with each other. From a certain pivoting position of the handle section 5 towards the closed position, the guide contours 21, 51 touch each other, as the Fig. 5. This transfers a force to the clamping spring actuating section 6, so that the clamping spring actuating section 6 is pulled along by this forced guidance of the handle section 5 on the guide contour 21 and is accordingly pivoted towards the closed position. Fig. 6 shows the final state, ie the operating lever 5, 6 has reached the closed position.

[0051] It can also be seen that the locking fixation by the locking contours 31, 63 is overcome during the pivoting movement of the operating lever 5, 6 and is no longer effective when the operating lever is closed ( Fig. 6).

[0052] Connect the conductor terminal 1 according to Fig. 4 to 6 also has a first pivoting range limiting device, which can be formed in a comparable manner by stop edges, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3. In particular, stop edges arranged in the area of ​​the joint 7 can be present on the handle section 5 and on the clamping spring actuating section 6.

[0053] The embodiment according to the Fig. 7 to 8 differs from the previously explained embodiment by a different design of the first and second pivoting range limiting devices. It can also be seen how the contact leg 40 of the clamping spring 4 rests against an upwardly extending section 34 of the busbar 3 and is accordingly held there.

[0054] The first pivoting range limiting device 52, 64 is in the embodiment according to the Fig. 7 to 8 by a stop edge 52 on the handle section 5 and a stop edge 64 on the clamping spring actuating section 6, which corresponds to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 3, but differs in that the Fig. 1 to 3, there is an area on the clamping spring actuating section 6 which projects towards the handle section 5, e.g. in the form of a projecting web, which has the stop edge 64 of the clamping spring actuating section 6, while in the embodiment of the Fig. 7 to 8, such a protruding area is formed on the handle section 5 and this has the stop edge 52 of the handle section 5. In the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the stop edge 52 and the guide contour 53 are located, for example, on a projecting web at the end of the handle section 5 facing the clamping spring actuating section 6.

[0055] The second pivoting range limiting device 23, 53 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 7 to 8 by a guide contour 53 of the handle section 5 facing the inside of the insulating housing 2 and an associated guide contour 23 on the insulating housing 2. If the operating lever 5, 6 is moved from the open position, as in Fig. 8, is moved towards the closed position, the guide contour 53 comes into contact with the guide contour 23, as the Fig. 7. From this pivoting position, upon further pivoting of the handle section 5, the clamping spring actuating section 6 pivots along with it, finally reaching the closed position in the manner described above. Upon pivoting back from the closed position to the open position, the stop edge 52 comes into contact with the stop edge 64, so that in this direction of movement, the handle section 5 also pivots the clamping spring actuating section 6 when pivoting.

[0056] It can also be seen that a further stop edge 24 is formed on the insulating housing 2, which limits the movement of the handle section 5 toward the open position. When the actuating lever 5, 6 is in the open position, it rests against the stop edge 24 of the insulating housing 2.

[0057] A further embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 with the first and second pivoting range limiting device is shown in the Fig. 9 to 10. This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 7 to 8.

[0058] The first pivoting range limiting device 52, 64 is formed by a stop edge 52 on the handle section 5 and a cooperating stop edge 64 on the clamping spring actuating section 6. The second pivoting range limiting device 53, 65 is formed by a stop edge 53 on the handle section 5 and a cooperating stop edge 65 on the clamping spring actuating section 6.

Claims

[1] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2), a spring-loaded terminal arranged therein and having a clamping spring (4), and with an actuating lever (5, 6) pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2) for actuating the clamping spring (4), wherein the actuating lever (5, 6) is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, wherein the actuating lever (5, 6) has at least one clamping spring actuating section (6) and at least one handle section (5), wherein the clamping spring actuating section (6) has at least one actuating element (60) for actuating the clamping spring (4) and the handle section (5) has at least one handle element (50) for manually actuating the actuating lever (5, 6), characterized byin that the handle section (5) is connected to the clamping spring actuating section (6) via a joint (7), so that the handle section (5) can be pivoted relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6) via the joint (7), wherein the handle section (5) has a free travel (L) relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6) when the actuating lever (5, 6) moves from the open position to the closed position, in which free travel the clamping spring actuating section (6) does not follow the movement of the handle section (5), and the handle section (5) is not loaded with the force of the clamping spring (4) at least in certain actuating positions of the actuating lever (5, 6). [2] Conductor terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized byin that the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one first pivoting range limiting device (52, 64) by means of which the maximum pivotability of the handle section (5) relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6) is limited during a movement of the actuating lever (5, 6) from the closed position to the open position. [3] Conductor terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized by in that the first pivoting range limiting device (52, 64) has stop edges and / or guide contours on the handle section (5) and the clamping spring actuating section (6) or on the insulating material housing (2) and the handle section (5), wherein these stop edges and / or guide contours abut one another when the actuating lever (5, 6) is moved into the open position. [4] Conductor connection terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one second pivoting range limiting device (22, 23, 53, 65) by means of which the maximum pivotability of the handle section (5) relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6) is limited during a movement of the actuating lever (5, 6) from the open position to the closed position. [5] Conductor connection terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized by in that the second pivoting range limiting device (22, 23, 53, 65) has stop edges and / or guide contours on the handle section (5) and the clamping spring actuating section (6) or on the insulating material housing (2) and the handle section (5), wherein these stop edges and / or guide contours abut one another when the actuating lever (5, 6) is moved into the closed position. [6] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the clamping spring actuating section (6) in the insulating material housing (2) is pivotable in a pivoting plane which is identical or parallel to a pivoting plane in which the handle section (5) is pivotable relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6). [7] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one busbar (3) and the clamping spring actuating section (6) is at least partially supported and / or mounted on the busbar (3). [8] Conductor connection terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the busbar (3) has a locking contour (31) which, together with an associated locking contour (63) on the clamping spring actuating section (6), forms a locking fixation of the clamping spring actuating section (6) in the open position of the actuating lever (5, 6). [9] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handle section (5) can be pivoted relative to the clamping spring actuating section (6) in an angular range of at least 20 degrees. [10] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping spring actuating section (6) is pivotally mounted via at least one bearing means (62) extending transversely to the clamping spring actuating section (6) with respect to its longitudinal axis. [11] Conductor terminal according to the preceding claim, characterized by in that the clamping spring actuating section (6) has a recess (61) for receiving the at least one bearing means (62), wherein the recess (61) is larger in terms of its internal dimensions than the external dimensions of the bearing means (62), so that the clamping spring actuating section (6) is mounted loosely or floatingly in the bearing means (62). [12] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handle section (5) and the clamping spring actuating section (6) cannot be pivoted about the same pivot axis. [13] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handle section (5) is not in direct contact with the clamping spring (4) in any actuating position of the actuating lever (5, 6). [14] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the conductor connection terminal (1) has a self-tightening clamping spring (4). [15] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping spring (4) is firmly mounted within the conductor connection terminal (1).

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