conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating element (6), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a contact leg (7), a spring arch (8) and a clamping leg (9), - the clamping leg (9) forms a clamping point (10) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor to be clamped, - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) for opening and closing the clamping point (10), - the conductor connection terminal (1) is designed for automatic displacement of the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor is inserted into the insulating housing (3) and - the actuating element (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized in that the actuating element (6) is pivotally mounted in the insulating material housing (3) and is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) by a pivoting movement (B) of the actuating element (6), wherein the pivoting movement (B) of the actuating element (6) is transferable to the clamping leg (9) via an actuating arm (11) and wherein the actuating arm (11) extends from a rear side (7b) of the contact leg (7) facing away from the clamping leg (9) laterally past the contact leg (7) to the clamping leg (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing, a busbar, a clamping spring and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring arch and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg forms a clamping point with the busbar for an electrical conductor to be clamped, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, wherein the conductor connection terminal is designed for an automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position when an electrical conductor is inserted into the insulating housing and wherein the actuating element is designed to displace the clamping leg into the open position.

[0002] Such conductor terminals are well known in practice. These are conductor terminals with an automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped when it is inserted into the conductor terminal. Inserting the electrical conductor automatically releases the clamping leg of the clamping spring, which is held in the open position, thereby clamping the electrical conductor. The actuating element of the conductor terminal serves to return the clamping leg to the open position to open the clamping point, for example, to release a clamped conductor.

[0003] With regard to the actuating element, it is desirable that it be designed to transmit sufficient force to the clamping leg of the clamping spring while simultaneously being easy to operate with minimal effort. The limited space available in compact conductor terminal blocks can further exacerbate the technical challenge of meeting these conflicting requirements.

[0004] Against this background, the object of the invention is to create an improved conductor connection terminal with simple handling and a reliably effective actuating mechanism.

[0005] The object is achieved with a conductor connection terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

[0006] According to the features of independent claim 1, a conductor connection terminal is proposed with an insulating housing having a conductor insertion channel, a conductor rail, a clamping spring and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring arc and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg forms a clamping point with the conductor rail for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, wherein the conductor connection terminal is designed for an automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the insulating housing, wherein the actuating element is designed to displace the clamping leg into the open position,wherein the actuating element is pivotally mounted in the insulating housing and is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position by a pivoting movement of the actuating element, wherein the pivoting movement of the actuating element is transferable to the clamping leg via an actuating arm and wherein the actuating arm extends from a rear side of the contact leg facing away from the clamping leg laterally past the contact leg to the clamping leg.

[0007] In other words, a conductor connection terminal with automatic conductor connection and a return of the clamping leg to the open position by means of a pivotable actuating element is proposed, which is coupled to the clamping leg via an actuating arm flanking the clamping spring and can cause a displacement of the clamping leg in the direction of the contact leg of the clamping spring.

[0008] The proposed conductor connection terminal makes it possible to achieve a reliably effective return of the clamping leg with minimal force due to a leverage effect associated with the pivoting movement. An actuating force acting on an actuating surface of the actuating element can be converted into a return force acting on the clamping leg by the pivoting movement and the actuating arm. Because the actuating arm runs from a rear side of the contact leg facing away from the clamping leg, laterally along the side edge of the clamping spring, at least past the contact leg, to the clamping leg, a compact actuating solution with short actuating travels can be realized. The actuating arm can, for example, end at the side edge of the clamping leg and be coupled to the clamping leg there.However, the actuating arm can also be guided completely laterally past the clamping spring and, viewed from the rear of the contact leg, end on the side of the clamping leg facing away from the contact leg in order to encompass the clamping leg there and be coupled to the clamping leg.

[0009] The insulating housing of the conductor connection terminal, made for example from a plastic material, accommodates the busbar and clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The conductor entry channel can form an insertion channel leading to the terminal point of the conductor connection terminal, for example one that is at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped, into which an end section of an electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in a defined insertion direction and removed from the insulating housing opposite to the insertion direction. The busbar, also called contact piece or current bar, can be a largely rigid electrical conductor, formed for example by a metal strip that can be partially bent to form a clamping point according to favorable design options or can have a perforated collar created by pulling through.

[0010] The clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal can be a predominantly flat component with a significantly greater length and width than depth, which is made in particular from an elastically resilient material, for example, by punching and bending a sheet metal blank. The clamping spring has a contact leg to support the clamping spring, a clamping leg for clamping the conductor to the busbar, and a spring arch between the contact leg and the clamping leg to deflect the clamping spring, so that the contact leg can run opposite the clamping leg, at least in sections. The contact leg can be supported, for example, by resting on the busbar to form a self-supporting spring-loaded terminal connection.The clamping leg can form a clamping point with the busbar for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar. The conductor is pressed against the busbar by the clamping leg using the spring force of the clamping spring, thus establishing a reliable electrical contact. The clamping leg can be moved between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping point. In the open position of the clamping leg, it is spaced apart from the busbar and any inserted electrical conductor, allowing the clamping point to be released and the conductor to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal, as well as positioned in the area of the clamping point or removed from it.In the closed position of the clamping leg, it is shifted towards the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor and, when an electrical conductor is inserted, exerts a contact force on the electrical conductor in the direction of the busbar, so that an electrical contact is made between the conductor and the busbar.

[0011] To realize automatic conductor connection, the conductor connection terminal is designed for automatic movement of the clamping leg into the closed position upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the insulating housing. For this purpose, the conductor connection terminal has, in particular, a release mechanism that can be actuated by an inserted conductor and by means of which the clamping leg can be released from its open position and automatically moved into the closed position, for example, due to spring force. In its open position, the clamping leg can be held in a standby state, for example, by a suitable holding mechanism, as will be explained in more detail below using corresponding embodiments.

[0012] The actuating element of the conductor terminal can be a component that is at least partially embedded in the insulating housing and pivotably mounted in the insulating housing. The actuating element is configured to interact with the clamping leg of the clamping spring via the actuating arm and is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position. The actuating element can, for example, be made of an electrically non-conductive material such as a plastic material or have a plastic sheath. The actuating element can be accessible from the outside and can be actuated directly or indirectly, for example, by a separate actuator of the conductor terminal, which will be explained below.The actuating element can, for example, be designed for manual, tool-free actuation and / or for tool-based actuation, wherein, for example, a screwdriver can be a suitable actuating tool.

[0013] Depending on the selected embodiment, the actuating arm can be a component of the actuating element or a component of the clamping spring, as explained below. In principle, it is also conceivable for the actuating arm to be formed in combination by an actuating arm element of the actuating element and an actuating arm element of the clamping spring. The actuating arm extends laterally of the clamping spring, in particular laterally adjacent to it or at a defined distance. An extension laterally of the clamping spring can refer to a course of the actuating arm in a plane parallel to a side surface of the clamping spring, wherein the side surface can run, for example, between the front and back of the contact leg or clamping leg.Here, the actuating arm runs from a rear side of the contact leg facing away from the clamping leg to the clamping leg, for example to a front side of the clamping leg facing the electrical conductor or to the side surface of the clamping leg. An extension of the actuating arm from the rear side of the contact leg to the clamping leg does not necessarily correspond to a strict limitation of the actuating arm by the plane of the rear side of the contact leg and a plane of the clamping leg, but rather describes at least a section-wise course of the actuating arm in this area. In other words, the actuating arm can intersect a first plane of the rear side of the contact leg and reach up to a second plane of the front side of the clamping leg or also intersect this plane.The rear side of the contact leg referred to refers in particular to a contact section of the contact leg that borders the spring arch, for example, transitions into the spring arch without further deflection or bending. Further sections of the contact leg can adjoin the contact section on the side facing away from the spring arch, for example, a holding section and / or release section of the contact leg, which will be explained below. The contact leg can, in particular, be directly opposite the clamping leg in the contact section; for example, a front side of the contact leg in the contact section can face a rear side of the clamping leg.

[0014] The actuating arm can be a component of the clamping spring. The actuating arm can, in particular, be formed integrally with the clamping spring. This allows for a simple and cost-effective design. The pivotably mounted actuating element can be designed with a simple construction. Due to its integral design with the clamping spring, the actuating arm can reliably displace the clamping leg. The actuating element can act indirectly on the clamping leg via the actuating arm of the clamping spring or, in other words, be indirectly coupled to the clamping leg via the actuating arm.

[0015] The actuating arm can be bent from the clamping leg and have an actuating section for interacting with the actuating element. Such a design is easy to manufacture with regard to the clamping spring and the actuating element and is reliably effective. The actuating arm can, for example, be bent essentially perpendicularly from the clamping leg. The actuating arm can protrude from the clamping leg in the direction of the contact leg. The actuating arm can, for example, be freed from the clamping leg by a notch. The actuating section can be assigned to a free end of the actuating arm.The actuating section of the actuating arm can have an angle or radius to form an actuating edge or actuating tab protruding from the actuating arm, against which the actuating element can rest and exert a force on the actuating section during a pivoting movement, so that it can pivot together with the actuating element. With a protruding actuating edge or actuating tab, the actuating arm can have an L-shape.

[0016] The actuating arm can be a component of the actuating element. The actuating arm can, in particular, be formed integrally with the actuating element or be connected to it in a non-detachable manner, for example, by a material bond. This allows for a stable actuating arm, which enables a direct coupling of the actuating element to the clamping leg of the clamping spring. A pivoting movement of the actuating element can therefore be directly transmitted to the clamping leg, allowing for direct force transmission.

[0017] In principle, a combination of the previously described embodiments is also conceivable, in which the clamping spring and the actuating element form a common actuating arm, for example, by positively engaging one actuating arm element of the clamping spring and the actuating element. Furthermore, it is not excluded that two spaced-apart actuating arms are provided, which can, for example, run on either side of the clamping spring, and of which one actuating arm can be formed by the clamping spring and the other actuating arm by the actuating element.

[0018] The actuating element can have a support section with which the actuating element rests at least partially on the spring arch of the clamping spring. This allows the actuating element to be supported on the spring arch of the clamping spring and to use the spring arch as a pivot bearing. Furthermore, a particularly compact design can be realized. The support section is intended in particular to rest on an outer surface on an outer circumference of the spring arch. The actuating element can be configured to slide on the spring arch with the support section during a pivoting movement. Accordingly, the spring arch can also form a guide for the actuating element. Alternatively or in addition to the described embodiment, it is conceivable for the insulating housing to have a bearing surface on which the actuating element can be supported with a support area.

[0019] The support section can have a curvature adapted to the outer radius of the spring arch. In other words, the support section can be designed, at least in sections, along its outer contour in the sense of a negative shape, geometrically matching the circumferential surface of the spring arch. This allows the support and guidance of the support section on the spring arch to be optimized.

[0020] The support section and the actuating arm of the actuating element can merge into one another at an angle or radius. The support section and the actuating arm can, in particular, merge into one another integrally. The support section and the actuating arm can, for example, form an L-shape or a C-shape in longitudinal section, i.e., in a planar section along the longitudinal axis or in a side view. With the proposed refinement, a lever effect of the actuating element can be exerted in a structurally simple manner with a pivoting movement.

[0021] The actuating arm can have an actuating projection that rests on a front side of the clamping leg facing the conductor entry channel. In other words, the actuating arm, which runs alongside the clamping spring, can partially encompass the front side of the clamping leg. This allows a compressive force to be exerted on the front side of the clamping leg by means of the actuating projection, which allows the clamping leg to be moved into its open position. An actuating projection enables reliable force application from the actuating arm to the clamping leg with a comparatively large force application area on the clamping leg.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, according to one embodiment, it is conceivable for the actuating arm to have a guide in which a guide element arranged laterally on the clamping leg of the clamping spring can be guided. This makes it possible to achieve a displacement of the clamping leg with a defined and limited displacement distance. The guide allows the pivoting movement of the actuating element to be converted into a translational displacement of the guide element and thus a displacement of the clamping leg coupled to it. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front side of the clamping leg can be kept free of components of the actuating element, so that the clamping spring can be positioned closer to the conductor entry channel and a compact design is provided.A guide element arranged laterally on the clamping leg can be understood to mean that the guide element is arranged on a side surface of the clamping leg running between the front side of the clamping leg and a rear side of the clamping leg opposite the front side.

[0023] The guide element can be a guide pin, and the guide can be a slotted hole within which the guide pin can be translationally movable. This provides a precise linear guide that enables a defined displacement of the clamping leg by means of the actuating arm. On the side of the actuating element opposite the slotted hole, the actuating element can be mounted, for example, on the insulating housing.

[0024] The contact leg can have a holding section for holding the clamping leg in its open position. This allows the clamping leg to be temporarily secured to the contact leg until an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal triggers an automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position. By integrating a holding section into the contact leg, a simple holding mechanism can be implemented without having to provide additional holding components in the conductor connection terminal. The holding section can, for example, have a holding projection that can be engaged behind by a free end of the clamping leg or by a holding tab of the clamping leg, thus enabling positive holding in the manner of a snap-in connection between the holding projection and the clamping leg.The actuating element allows the clamping leg to be displaced such that, in its open position, it can reach the holding section and be held by it. The holding section of the contact leg can, for example, branch off from the previously described contact section of the contact leg at a bend, in particular at an angle or bent, and according to one possible design, run essentially perpendicular to the contact section.

[0025] The contact leg can have a release section for releasing the clamping leg held in the open position when an electrical conductor strikes the release section. This makes it possible to provide a simple and reliable triggering mechanism, which, particularly in conjunction with the above-described holding section, can be fully integrated into the clamping spring and thus can be implemented in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The release section can, for example, have an activation surface that can extend, for example, substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of an electrical conductor into the conductor insertion channel.Impact of the conductor on the activation surface can lead to a displacement of the release section and, for example, to an associated stretching or displacement of the holding section, which can cause the retaining tab of the clamping leg to release from a retaining projection of the holding section, thereby activating the automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position. In other words, for example, a locking of the clamping leg to the contact leg can be released by applying pressure to the release section. The clamping spring can be designed such that even a slight displacement of the release section by a flexible conductor end triggers the automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position, for example by a comparatively small dimensioning of the retaining projection on the holding section.The release section of the contact leg, in particular an activation surface of the release section, can be present at a free end of the contact leg. The release section can be guided along a housing projection of the insulating housing and supported thereon in order to enable a defined deflection movement when an electrical conductor strikes the activation surface. The release section can adjoin a holding section of the contact leg. The holding section and the release section can together have two opposing bends and together form a Z-shape, so that the holding section and a region of the release section having the activation surface can run essentially parallel according to some embodiments. The clamping point of the conductor connection terminal can be provided at an opening region of the conductor insertion channel into a connection space of the conductor connection terminal.The release section of the clamping spring can be arranged in a blind hole-like area of the connection space, which is opposite the mouth area.

[0026] Starting from the spring arc, the contact leg can have a contact section, a holding section, and a release section. This allows several possible contact leg functions to be integrated into the clamping spring and effectively connected.

[0027] The actuating element can have an actuating surface for applying an actuating force to the actuating element, generating a pivoting movement of the actuating element. This enables simple and intuitive actuation of the actuating element. The actuating force can act as an actuating torque. Depending on the selected embodiment, the actuating surface can be accessible directly from outside the conductor connection terminal or indirectly via another actuating component. The actuating surface can be configured to be actuated with a tool and, for this purpose, can have a groove shaped to fit a screwdriver tip, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating surface can be configured to be actuated manually and, for this purpose, can have a handle section, for example.The actuating surface can be arranged on a cuboid-shaped actuating platform of the actuating element, for example, so that stable and effective force transmission to the actuating element is possible. The actuating surface can be pivoted together with the actuating element. The open or closed position of the clamping leg can be recognized from the outside based on the relative position or orientation of the actuating surface to the insulating housing.

[0028] An actuator that can be translationally displaced toward the actuating surface can be arranged in the insulating housing. This allows the actuating element with the actuating surface to be offset further into the interior of the insulating housing, allowing it to be protected and space-optimized within the insulating housing, and actuation can occur via a conventional translational displacement of the actuator. The actuator can be designed to be actuated with a tool. The ease of use of the conductor connection terminal can be further increased by a multi-part actuating element with a separate actuator.

[0029] The clamping spring and / or the actuating element can have two actuating arms running essentially parallel to each other, which are designed to move the clamping leg. This allows for a uniform, particularly symmetrical, force introduction into the clamping leg, making it easier to move. Furthermore, bending of the clamping leg due to a one-sided force application is prevented. Depending on the design, the actuating arms can be assigned to the actuating element and / or the clamping spring, i.e., be components of the latter.

[0030] The actuating element can be substantially U-shaped, and the parallel actuating arms can be connected by a connecting section extending substantially perpendicular to the actuating arms. This creates a stable and reliably effective actuating element that allows the clamping leg to be safely returned to the open position with minimal force.

[0031] The clamping leg of the clamping spring can have an actuating segment adjoining the spring arc and a clamping segment extending from the actuating segment at a bend. Depending on the design, the actuating segment of the clamping leg can be designed so that the actuating arm can engage with it or so that the actuating arm is bent away from the actuating segment. The clamping segment serves to clamp the electrical conductor to the busbar and can, for example, extend to a free end of the clamping leg. The bend between the actuating segment and the clamping segment allows the respective spatially different functions of the clamping leg to be optimally designed and effectively implemented.

[0032] In general, in the context of this application, the words “a / an”, unless expressly defined otherwise, are not to be understood as a number, but as an indefinite article with the literal meaning of “at least one”.

[0033] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a - a conductor connection terminal according to a first embodiment in an open position in a sectional front view; Fig. 1b - the conductor connection terminal Fig. 1a in a closed position in a sectional front view; Fig. 2 - a perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 1a in the open position; Fig. 3 - a side view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 1b in the closed position; Fig. 4 - a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal from Fig. 1b with actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 5 - a side view of the clamping spring of the spring clamp connection with the actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 6 - a top view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4; Fig. 7 - a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4 in the open position with electrical conductor and actuating element inserted; Fig. 8 - a perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 7; Fig. 9 - a perspective view of the clamping spring from Fig. 5 with electrical conductor inserted in the open position; Fig. 10 - a top view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 3; Fig. 11a - a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment in an open position in a sectional front view; Fig. 11b - the conductor connection terminal Fig. 11a in a closed position in a sectional front view; Fig. 12 - a perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 11a in the open position; Fig. 13 - a side view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 11b in the closed position; Fig. 14 - a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal from Fig. 11b with actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 15 - a side view of the clamping spring of the spring-loaded terminal connection with the actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 16 - a top view of the clamping spring from Fig. 15; Fig. 17 - a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 14 in the open position with electrical conductor and actuating element inserted; Fig. 18 - a perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17; Fig. 19 - a perspective view of the clamping spring from Fig. 15 with electrical conductor inserted in the open position; Fig. 20 - a top view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 13; Fig. 21a - a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment in an open position in a sectional front view; Fig. 21b - the conductor connection terminal Fig. 21a in a closed position in a sectional front view; Fig. 22 - a perspective view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 21a in the open position; Fig. 23 - a side view of the conductor terminal from Fig. 21b in the closed position; Fig. 24 - a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal from Fig. 21b with actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 25 - a side view of the clamping spring of the spring clamp connection with the actuating element in the closed position; Fig. 26 - a top view of the clamping spring from Fig. 25; Fig. 27 - a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 24 in the open position with an inserted electrical conductor and actuating element; Fig. 28 - a perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 27; Fig. 29 - a perspective view of the clamping spring from Fig. 25 with an inserted electrical conductor in the open position; Fig. 30a - Enlarged view of the conductor connection terminal in the area of the guide through a slot according to the third embodiment in the open position; Fig. 30b - Enlarged view of the conductor connection terminal in the area of the guide through a slot according to the third embodiment in the closed position.

[0034] The Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b and the Fig. 21a to 21e show a conductor terminal 1 according to various embodiments. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2.

[0035] The conductor connection terminal 1 also has a busbar 4, a clamping spring 5 and an actuating element 6.

[0036] The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 7, a spring bend 8 and a clamping leg 9. The clamping spring 5 is designed as a flat component and manufactured, for example, as a punched and bent sheet metal blank. The contact leg 7 serves, at least in sections, to support the clamping spring 5 on the insulating material housing 3 or another component of the conductor connection terminal 1. The clamping leg 5 is used to clamp an electrical conductor to the busbar 4. The spring bend 8 causes a deflection between the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 and enables a spring force acting on the clamping leg 9, by means of which spring force the clamping leg 9 strives towards the closed position S and, in the closed position S, can exert a contact force on the electrical conductor in the direction of the busbar 4. Due to the spring bend 8, the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 run opposite one another, at least in sections.In other words, as in the . Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, at least in sections a front side 7a of the contact leg 7 may face a rear side 9b of the clamping leg 9.

[0037] The clamping leg 9, together with the busbar 4, forms a clamping point 10 for an electrical conductor (not shown in detail) that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel 2. According to the illustrated embodiment, the busbar 4 is bent for this purpose and, as shown, can optionally have a bend to which an inserted electrical conductor can be clamped essentially tangentially, i.e., almost point-like. The spring force of the clamping spring 5 enables reliable electrical contact in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9.

[0038] The clamping leg 9 is between a Fig. 1a, Fig. 11a and Fig. 21a shown open position O and one in the Fig. 1b, Fig. 11b and Fig. 21b, for opening and closing the clamping point 10. In the open position O, the clamping point 10 is released by the clamping leg 9, so that an electrical conductor can be inserted or removed in the area of the clamping point 10. In the closed position S, the clamping leg 9 exerts a clamping force on an inserted electrical conductor in the direction of the busbar 4 in the area of the clamping point 10.

[0039] The conductor connection terminal 1 is designed for automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the insulating housing 3. Accordingly, a conductor connection terminal 1 with automatic conductor connection is provided. The clamping leg 9 is held in a standby state by a holding mechanism and released from the holding mechanism by a release mechanism, which can be actuated by an inserted electrical conductor, and automatically moved into the closed position S due to spring force.

[0040] The actuating element 6 is designed to move the clamping leg 9 into the open position O, thus enabling the clamping leg 9 to be returned to the open position O after the automatic conductor connection has been triggered. According to the embodiments shown, the actuating element 6 is pivotally mounted in and / or relative to the insulating housing 3 and is designed to move the clamping leg 9 into the open position O by a pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6. The pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6 is transmitted to the clamping leg 9 via an actuating arm 11. The pivotable actuating element 6 serves to return the clamping leg 9 to the open position O. For this purpose, the pivotable actuating element 6 is coupled to the clamping leg 9 via the actuating arm 11 and can cause the clamping leg 9 to be moved in the direction of the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5.Thus, a reliable return of the clamping leg 9 can be ensured and achieved with little effort due to a leverage effect associated with the pivoting movement B. The actuating arm 11 extends laterally of the clamping spring 5 from a rear side 7b of the contact leg 7 facing away from the clamping leg 9 to the clamping leg 9. This provides a compact actuation solution with short actuation paths.

[0041] According to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, Fig. 11a and Fig. In the first and second embodiments shown in Figure 11b, the actuating element 6 has a support section 13, with which the actuating element 6 rests, at least in part, on the spring arc 8 of the clamping spring 5. The support section 13 has a curvature adapted to an outer radius of the spring arc 8. Thus, the actuating element 6 can be supported on the spring arc 8 and use it as a pivot bearing. At the same time, a compact design is realized. During a pivoting movement B, the support section 13 slides on the spring arc 8 on its outer circumferential surface.

[0042] The actuating element 6 further has an actuating surface 20 for applying an actuating force to the actuating element 6, generating a pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6. Due to the pivoting mobility of the actuating element 6, the actuating force can correspond to an actuating moment. For stable actuation, the actuating surface 20 can be designed as shown in the Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b for the third embodiment with a translatory (linear) displaceable actuator 21 and the pivotably mounted actuating element 6 coupled thereto, can be arranged on a cuboid-shaped actuating platform 31, for example. The actuating surface 20 can, for example, have a groove for a tool engagement. As can be seen from the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 11a, Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11b, an externally visible relative position or orientation of the actuating surface 20 to the insulating housing 3 can be used for optically detecting an open position O or closed position S of the clamping leg 9. This can be simplified, for example, with a corresponding marking on the insulating housing 3 (not shown in detail).

[0043] Furthermore, the contact leg 7 of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to the first, second and third embodiments has a holding section 17 for holding the clamping leg 9 in its open position O. As a result, the clamping leg 9 can be temporarily fixed to the contact leg 7 until the automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S is triggered. By means of a holding section 17, the holding mechanism can advantageously be integrated into the clamping spring 5. The holding section 17 can, for example, be Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b have a retaining projection 27 which, as shown in Fig. 11a indicated by a free end of the clamping leg 9 or as in Fig. 21b, can be grasped behind by a retaining tab 28 of the clamping leg 9. This allows the clamping leg 9 to latch onto the retaining projection 27 in its open position O and be held securely. As shown in the figures, the retaining section 17 can extend at a bend from a contact section 19 of the contact leg 7, which is provided for supporting the contact leg 7 against an adjacent housing structure.

[0044] In addition, the contact leg 7 of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to the first, second, and third embodiments has a release section 18 for releasing the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when an electrical conductor strikes the release section 18. This allows a triggering mechanism to be advantageously integrated into the clamping spring 5, so that the automatic conductor connection can be efficiently implemented. According to the embodiments shown, the release section 18 has an activation surface 29, which can extend substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction of an electrical conductor into the conductor insertion channel 2.

[0045] According to the Fig. In the third embodiment shown in Figures 21a to 30, the activation surface 29 is further delimited by bent wing sections of the contact leg 7 in order to provide a catching and guiding area for the impinging conductor end. Impact of the conductor on the activation surface 29 can lead to a displacement of the release section 18 and to a related stretching and / or displacement of the holding section 17, so that, for example, the holding tab 28 comes out of engagement with the holding projection 27 of the holding section 17 and a spring-force-induced displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S is triggered. As in the third embodiment according to Figures Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the release section 18 can be guided along a housing projection 30 of the insulating housing 3 and can be supported thereon in order to enable a defined deflection movement when an electrical conductor strikes the activation surface 29.

[0046] According to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figures 21a to 21b, the release section 18 adjoins the holding section 17, wherein the two sections mentioned together have two opposite bends and thus essentially form a Z-shape, wherein the holding section 17 and a region of the release section 18 having the activation surface 29 run essentially parallel to one another.

[0047] According to the embodiments shown, the contact leg 7 thus has, starting from the spring arch 8 of the clamping spring 5, a contact section 19, a holding section 17 and a release section 18 in succession. As a result, a high functional breadth is concentrated in the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 and the functional sections can interact effectively with one another, for example through an interaction between the release section 18 and the holding section 17.

[0048] The clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5 has an actuating segment 23 adjoining the spring arch 8 and a clamping segment 24 extending from the actuating segment 23 at a bend 25. The actuating segment 23 can, for example, according to the first embodiment, have the feature that the actuating arm 11 is bent away from the actuating segment 23. The actuating segment 23 can, for example, according to the second and third embodiments, be configured so that the actuating arm 11 can engage the actuating segment 23. The clamping segment 24 enables a plugged-in conductor to be clamped firmly at the clamping point 10 by means of the clamping leg 9 and, as shown, extends to a free end of the clamping leg 9. Due to the intermediate bend 25, the actuating segment 23 and the clamping segment 24 are spatially optimally coordinated for their respective different functions.

[0049] According to the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 10, the actuating arm 11 is a component of the clamping spring 5. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating arm 11 is formed integrally with the clamping spring 5, protrudes from the clamping spring 5 by an incision, and is bent essentially perpendicularly from the clamping leg 9 in the direction of the contact leg 7. As a result, the clamping leg 9 can be reliably displaced by means of the actuating arm 11, and the actuating element 6 can be held in a geometrically simple manner, for example, as shown as an elongated rocker arm. The actuating element 6 can act indirectly on the clamping leg 9 via the actuating arm 11 of the clamping spring 5. For this purpose, the actuating arm 11 has an actuating section 12 designed as a bent actuating tab for interacting with the actuating element 6, so that the actuating arm 11 has an L-shape.The actuating element 6 can engage behind the actuating tab and deflect it in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner in order to transmit a pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6 to the actuating arm 11 and thereby to the clamping leg 9.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 1a in the open position O. It can be seen that an electrical conductor L is inserted into the conductor entry channel 2 and extends past the open clamping point 10. The stripped end of the electrical conductor L presses the activation surface 29 with its end face in order to displace the holding section 17 and release the locking of the clamping leg 9 on the holding projection 27. The clamping leg 9 can thus be displaced by the spring force stored in the clamping spring 5 and clamp the electrical conductor between a clamping edge at the free end of the clamping leg 9 and a clamping section of the busbar 4.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 1b in the closed position S. It can be seen that the conductor entry channel 2 is aligned toward a conductor insertion opening in the busbar 4, and the clamping segment 24 of the clamping leg 9 projects into this conductor insertion opening. The insulating housing 2 has, with respect to the intermediate busbar 4, a conductor receiving pocket 35 opposite the conductor entry channel 2, in which the release section 18 is arranged. The conductor entry channel 2 is aligned toward the conductor receiving pocket 35 and opens toward the busbar 4, so that an electrical conductor L inserted into the conductor entry channel 2 strikes the activation surface 29 of the release section 18.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 1b and Fig. 5 a side view of the clamping spring 5 with the actuating element 6 in the closed position S.

[0053] It can be seen that the actuating arm 11 is formed integrally with the clamping leg 9 and is bent out of the plane of the clamping leg 9 towards the contact leg 7. The actuating arm 11 extends laterally past the contact leg and has a free end bent towards the actuating element 6 or spring arch 8, which forms the actuating section 12. The actuating element 6 is arranged with its tapered free actuating end 33 between the actuating section 12 and the contact leg 7. By pivoting the actuating element 6 from the closed position S shown in the side view shown clockwise into the open position O, the actuating end 33 pushes the actuating section 12 to the left away from the contact leg 7, so that the clamping leg 9 is displaced towards the contact leg 7 with the aid of the actuating arm 11 and the clamping point 10 is thus opened.

[0054] In the Fig. 5 shows that a locking tab can be bent from the contact leg 7 in the area between the actuating arm 11 and the part of the holding section 17 aligned approximately parallel to the actuating arm 11 in a direction away from the clamping leg 9. This allows the clamping spring 5 to be additionally fixed in position on the busbar 4 by positive engagement with the locking tab 34.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4. It is clear that the spring arch 8 is wider than the clamping segment 24 of the clamping leg 9. This is because on both sides of the clamping leg 9, actuating arms 11 are cut free from the clamping leg 9 and bent from the plane spanned by the clamping leg 9 in this area towards the contact leg 7. The contact leg 7 initially adjoins the spring arch 8 with the width of the spring arch 8 and is tapered at least in the area in which the actuating arms 11 are guided laterally on both sides of the contact leg 7. This can be achieved by laterally introduced indentations, which can extend to the holding section 17 or beyond, if necessary, to the free end of the release section 18.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 4 in the open position O with an inserted electrical conductor L and the actuating element 6.

[0057] It can be seen that the actuating element 6, which is pivotally mounted on the convexly curved spring arch 8 by means of the concavely curved support section 13, is pivoted clockwise by a pivoting movement B. After the clamping leg 9 has been displaced toward the contact leg 7 by the force applied to the actuating section 12 by the actuating end 33, the free end of the clamping leg 7 engages the retaining projection 27. This holds the clamping spring 5 in the open position O.

[0058] If the electrical conductor L is now inserted and its end face hits the activation surface 29 of the release section 18, the retaining projection 27 is displaced away from the clamping leg 9 and the clamping leg 9 is released and unlocked in order to bring the clamping spring 5 into the closed position S.

[0059] Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking tab 34 engages under the busbar 4 and forms a positive connection with the busbar, so that the clamping spring 5 is restricted in its degrees of freedom of movement.

[0060] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 7.

[0061] It is clear that the actuating arm 11 is guided laterally past a narrower section of the contact leg 7. The contact leg 7 adjoining the spring arch 8 has a notch for this purpose, so that the narrower section of the contact leg 7 after the notch extends from the contact section 19 over the adjoining holding section 17 and the release section 18. The busbar 4 can be designed as a cage or an L-shaped bent profile, so that the contact section 19 is guided laterally past a side wall of the busbar 4 and is mounted on a holding tab bent transversely to the side wall. The clamping leg 9, with its clamping segment 24, is also aligned laterally next to the side wall of the busbar 4.

[0062] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 6 from Fig. 5 with an inserted electrical conductor L in the open position O. It is clear that the clamping segment 24 engages the free end of the clamping leg 9 on the retaining projection 27. The retaining projection 27 forms a stop for the clamping leg 9, with the clamping leg 9 being pressed against the retaining projection 27 by the spring force of the clamping spring 5.

[0063] It can also be seen that the holding projection 27 is formed integrally with the clamping leg 9 and is bent out of the plane of the holding section 19 bent from the contact section 19. The holding section 19 merges in a bend into the contact section 19 extending from the spring arch 8 in the direction of the busbar 4 and can be formed by two spaced-apart webs. The contact section 19 can also have a continuation, at least in the region of the bend, by two spaced-apart webs, which then merge into one another in a root area, for example in the region of the actuating arm 11. This optional web-shaped embodiment of the holding section 17 achieves a spring elasticity that ensures that the holding projection 27 can be deflected for unlocking with little force and that it springs back into the illustrated locking position.

[0064] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 in the closed position S. It can be seen that the actuating surface 20, which protrudes from the insulating housing 3 or is at least accessible from the outside, is displaced to a position remote from the conductor entry channel 2. In the open position O, an actuating force is exerted on the actuating surface 20, for example with an actuating tool inserted into a groove in the actuating surface 20, by which the actuating element 6 is pivoted and the actuating surface 20, which is accessible from the outside, is moved toward the conductor entry channel 2.

[0065] According to the Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figures 11a to 20, the actuating arm 11 is a component of the actuating element 6. The actuating arm 11 is formed integrally with the actuating element 6 and thereby forms a stable actuating arm 11 for the direct coupling of the actuating element 11 to the clamping leg 9, so that a direct force effect by means of the actuating element 11 on the clamping leg 9 is possible.

[0066] As in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11a, according to the second embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1, the support section 13 and the actuating arm 11 of the actuating element 6 merge integrally at an angle α. This creates an actuating element 6 with a substantially L-shaped cross section, and a lever effect is implemented in a structurally simple manner during a pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6.

[0067] Furthermore, the actuating arm 11 has an actuator projection 14, which rests on a front side 9a of the clamping leg 9 facing the conductor entry channel 2. Thus, the actuating arm 11 partially encompasses the clamping leg 9 at its front side 9a. By means of the actuator projection 14, a compressive force can be exerted on the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9, by which the clamping leg 9 can be displaced in the direction of the contact leg 7 into its open position O.

[0068] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 11a in the open position O.

[0069] It can be seen that the actuating arm 11 is guided from the rear side 7b of the contact leg 7 laterally past the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 and engages the clamping leg 9 with an actuating projection 14. The actuating projection 14 thus rests against the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9. The actuating projection 14 can thus exert an actuating force on the clamping leg 9 in order to move it toward the contact leg 7 into the open position O.

[0070] Fig. 13 shows a side view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 11b in the closed position S.

[0071] It can be seen that the actuating arm 11 is guided laterally past the clamping spring 5, more precisely past the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9. The actuating projection 14 is located adjacent to the bend 25 of the clamping leg 9 between the spring arch 8 and the clamping segment 24 adjoining the bend 25.

[0072] The actuating arm 11 can be inserted into a recess laterally introduced into the contact leg 7 and clamping leg 9 or into a section of the contact leg 7 and clamping leg 9 which runs out to the free end and is narrower than the width of the spring arch 8.

[0073] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 11b or a side view of the clamping spring 5 with an actuating element 6 in the closed position S. Fig. 16 shows a top view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 15.

[0074] It can be seen that the actuating arm 11 is formed integrally with the actuating element 6 and extends from the rear side 7b of the contact leg 7 to the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9. The actuating arm 11 is guided laterally past the contact leg 7 and ends at the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9 with an actuating projection 14 that is positively coupled to the clamping leg 9. By pivoting the actuating element 6 from the closed position S shown in the side view shown clockwise into the open position O, the actuating projection 14 presses the clamping leg 9 to the left towards the contact leg 7, so that the clamping leg 9 is displaced towards the contact leg 7 with the aid of the actuating arm 11 and the clamping point 10 is thus opened.

[0075] It can be seen that the actuator projection 14 protrudes transversely from the actuating arm 11 in the form of a web on the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9. The actuating arm 11 is guided laterally past the clamping spring 5 and, opposite the actuator projection 14, merges into a lever arm section extending from the handle section 26 to the busbar 4. As shown, the lever arm section can extend at an obtuse angle to the actuating arm 11. The angle between the main extension direction of the lever arm section and the actuating arm 11 is preferably in the range of approximately 120 to 80°.

[0076] Fig. 17 shows a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 14 in the open position O with an inserted electrical conductor L and the actuating element 6.

[0077] It is clear that the actuator projection 14 rests against the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9 in the bend 25 thereof. The actuating element 6 is supported by its support section 13 on the curved spring arch 8 to form a rotational pivot axis.

[0078] Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 17 and Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 5 with an inserted electrical conductor in the open position O.

[0079] The actuating arm 11 extends laterally past a narrower section of the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9. The contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 adjoining the spring arch 8 each have a notch for this purpose. The narrower section of the contact leg 7 after the notch extends from the contact section 19 over the adjoining holding section 17 and the release section 18. The contact section 19 and the clamping segment 24 extend laterally past a side wall of the busbar 4.

[0080] The actuator projection 14, which projects transversely from the actuating arm 11, rests on the front side 9a of the clamping leg 9 in the bend on the clamping leg 9.

[0081] In the open position O, the clamping segment 24 engages with the free end of the clamping leg 9 on the retaining projection 27. The retaining projection 27 forms a stop for the clamping leg 9, wherein the clamping leg 9 is pressed against the retaining projection 27 by the spring force of the clamping spring 5.

[0082] The design of the clamping spring 5 essentially corresponds to the first embodiment, so that the explanations for Fig. 9 can be referred to.

[0083] Fig. 20 shows a plan view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 13.

[0084] It can be seen that the handle portion 26, which protrudes from the insulating housing 2 or is at least accessible from the outside, is positioned away from the conductor entry channel 2 in the illustrated closed position S. The actuating element 6 can be pivoted by an actuating force, so that the handle portion 26 is displaced toward the conductor entry channel 2.

[0085] According to the Fig. In the third embodiment shown in Figures 21a to 30, the actuating arm 11 is a component of the actuating element 6. The actuating arm 11 is formed integrally with the actuating element 6 and thereby forms a stable actuating arm 11 for the direct coupling of the actuating element 11 to the clamping leg 9, so that a direct force effect by means of the actuating element 11 on the clamping leg 9 is possible.

[0086] As in Fig. 21a, according to the third embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1, the support section 13 and the actuating arm 11 of the actuating element 6 merge into one another at a radius R. This creates an actuating element 6 that is essentially C-shaped in longitudinal section or viewed from the side, and a lever effect is implemented in a structurally simple manner during a pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6.

[0087] It can be seen that the support section 13 is supported on a bearing section 32 of the insulating housing 3 on the side opposite the guide 15 of the guide element 16 of the clamping leg 9 through the elongated hole, i.e., in the area close to the spring arch 8, the contact leg 7, and the connecting section 22. There, a pivot bearing for the actuating element 6 on the insulating housing 3 is formed by a bearing recess 36 in the transition between the support section 13 and the connecting section 22 and the bearing section 32 extending therein.

[0088] The support section 13 can optionally have a curvature on its side facing the spring arch 8 in order to partially accommodate the spring arch 8 in the bay formed thereby. In the end position of the closed position S, the support section 13 can rest on the spring arch to form an end stop.

[0089] Furthermore, in the Fig. 21a to 30 show that the actuating arm 11 has a guide 15 in which a guide element 16 arranged laterally on the clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5 can be guided. The guide element 16 is designed as a guide pin. The guide 15 is designed as an elongated hole within which the guide pin is translationally movable. This allows the pivoting movement B of the actuating element 6 to be converted into a defined and limited translational displacement of the guide 15 and thus a displacement of the clamping leg 9 coupled to the elongated hole guide 15 via the guide element 16.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, an actuator 21 that can be translationally displaced in the direction of the actuating surface 20 is arranged in the insulating material housing 3. While in the first and second embodiments, the actuating surface 20 of the actuating element 6 is directly accessible from the outside and can be reached, for example, with a tool, in the third embodiment, the actuating surface 20 can be indirectly subjected to a force via the actuator 21. This protects the actuating element 6, including the actuating surface 20, and accommodates it in the insulating material housing 3 in a space-optimized manner. Furthermore, the actuator 21 can be intuitively operated translationally like a push-button.

[0091] Furthermore, the Fig. 22 clearly shows that the actuating element 6 has two actuating arms 11 that run essentially parallel to one another and are designed to displace the clamping leg 9. This enables a uniform, in particular symmetrical, introduction of force into the clamping leg 9. The actuating arms 11 that run essentially parallel to one another are connected by a connecting section 22 that extends essentially perpendicular to the actuating arms 11. As a result, the actuating element 6 is essentially U-shaped, with respect to a cross-section orthogonal to the previously described C-shaped profile of the actuating element 6, so that a stable and comparatively compact actuating element 6 is provided.

[0092] Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 21a in the open position O.

[0093] It can be seen that the actuating element 6 has a C-shaped contour with an actuating platform 31, which has the actuating surface 20 on the side facing away from the busbar 4. The actuating platform 31 has a convexly curved support section 13 on the side facing the spring arch 8, which can rest on the spring arch 8 in the illustrated closed position S, thus forming an end stop. The actuating platform merges into a connecting section 22 extending along the contact leg 7, from which at least one actuating arm 11 protrudes on the side opposite the actuating platform 31. It is conceivable that two actuating arms 11 are guided at a distance from one another on both sides past the edges of the contact leg 7 and are coupled to the edges of the clamping leg 9.

[0094] It is clear that a guide 15 in the form of an elongated hole is formed at the free end region of the actuating arm 11. The elongated hole extends approximately in the direction of extension of the conductor entry channel 2 or transversely to the plane of the busbar 4, which passes through the conductor insertion opening in the busbar 9, which accommodates the contact leg 7 and clamping leg 9 as well as the electrical conductor L. A guide element 16, e.g. in the form of a nose, protrudes from the edge of the clamping leg 9 and extends into the elongated hole. The actuating arm 11 can thus exert an actuating force on the clamping leg 9 in order to displace it towards the contact leg 7 into the open position O.

[0095] Fig. 23 shows a side view of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 21b in the closed position S.

[0096] It can be seen that the actuating arm 11 is guided laterally past the clamping spring 5, more precisely past the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9. Next to the edge of the clamping leg 9 there is an elongated hole extending parallel to the adjacent clamping leg 9 and into which a projection protruding from the edge of the clamping leg 9, i.e. the guide element 16, is inserted.

[0097] It can also be seen that a projecting bearing section 32 of the insulating housing 3 extends into a bearing recess 3 formed in the actuating platform 31 and / or connecting section 22. This creates a pivoting and rotating bearing of the actuating element 6 on the insulating housing 3.

[0098] In the open position O, the guide element 16 can be positioned in the upper region of the elongated hole as seen from the spring arch 8 in the direction of extension of the clamping leg 9.

[0099] Fig. 24 shows a side view of the spring clamp connection of the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 21b and Fig. 25 shows a side view of the clamping spring 5 with the actuating element 6 in the closed position S.

[0100] In the closed position S, the guide element 16 can be positioned in the lower region of the elongated hole, as seen from the spring arch 8 in the direction of extension of the clamping leg 9. The actuating element 6 continues to rest on the bearing section 32, but in a tilted position.

[0101] It is still from the Fig. 21a to 25 that the release section 18 can have at least one material tab 37 in the region of the activation surface 29, projecting laterally from the activation surface 29 to the busbar 4. This allows the front end of the electrical conductor L to be caught and guided to the activation surface 29, or prevents the front end from slipping off the activation surface 29.

[0102] The clamping segment 24 has a retaining tab 38 that projects toward the release section 18. The retaining section 17 has a latching opening 40, wherein the retaining tab 38 and the latching opening 40 are positioned and configured such that the retaining tab 38, in the open position O, engages the latching opening 40, thereby positively locking the clamping leg 9 to the retaining section 17.

[0103] Fig. 26 shows a plan view of the spring-loaded terminal connection with the clamping spring 5, the busbar 4 and the actuating element 6. It is clear that the rear of the contact leg 7 rests against the connecting section 22. From the connecting section 22, i.e. from the rear of the contact leg 9, two actuating arms 11 extend laterally past the opposite edges of the contact leg 7 and clamping leg 9. At the free end region of the actuating arms 11, the clamping leg 9 is positively coupled to the actuating arms 11 in that the guide elements 16 in the form of lugs protruding laterally from the clamping leg 9 engage in a respective elongated hole, i.e. the guide 15.

[0104] It is also clear that a retaining tab 38 protrudes from the clamping segment 24 of the clamping leg 9 toward the release section 18. This tab is formed from the material of the clamping spring 5, leaving an opening 39.

[0105] Fig. 27 shows a side sectional view of the spring clamp connection from Fig. 24 and figure shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 5 with actuating element 6 in the open position O with an inserted electrical conductor L and the actuating element 6.

[0106] It is clear that the retaining tab 38 protrudes toward the holding section 17 and engages therewith in a positive manner. This locks the clamping leg 9 to the holding section 17. For this purpose, the holding section 17 can have a locking opening 40 into which the retaining tab 38 engages.

[0107] Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of the clamping spring 5 from Fig. 25 in the open position O with an inserted electrical conductor L.

[0108] Visible is the retaining tab 38 of the clamping segment 24, which protrudes in the viewing direction, i.e., in the direction of extension of the conductor entry channel 2. Furthermore, it is clear that the actuator 21 is accessible from the outside on the top side of the insulating housing 3. It can have a recess as an actuating contour to accommodate an actuating tool and prevent it from slipping. This allows an actuating force to be exerted on the actuator 21 into the insulating housing 3.

[0109] Fig. 30a shows an enlarged view of the conductor terminal 1 in the area of the guide 15 through a slot according to the third embodiment in the open position and in Fig. 30b in the closed position.

[0110] It is clear that a nose protrudes from the edge of the clamping leg 9, forming a guide element 16 that engages the elongated hole, i.e., the guide 15. Upon a substantially translational displacement of the actuating arm 11 by the pivoting movement of the actuating element 6 on the bearing section 32, the guide element 16 and thus the clamping leg 9 are carried along, and the translational movement of the actuating arm 11 is converted into a type of pivoting movement of the clamping leg 7 hinged to the spring arch 8, in order to open the clamping point 10. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 conductor entry channel 3 Insulated housing 4 busbar 5 clamping spring 6 Actuating element 7 investment legs 7a Front side of the attachment leg 7b Back of the attachment leg 8 spring bows 9 clamping legs 9a Front side of clamping leg 9b Back of clamping leg 10 terminal point 11 Actuating arm 12 Operating section 13 Support section 14 Actuator projection 15 Guide 16 Guide element 17 stopping section 18 Release section 19 Plant section 20 operating area 21 actuators 22 connecting section 23 Actuating segment 24 clamping segment 25 Turn 26 Handle section 27 Holding projection 28 retaining tab 29 Activation area 30 Housing projection 31 Operating platform 32 storage section 33 End of operation 34 locking tab 35 ladder collection bag 36 storage trough 37 material rags 38 retaining tabs 39 Opening 40 locking opening α angle B Swivel movement L electrical conductor O Disclosure R radius S Closed position

Claims

[1] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating element (6), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a contact leg (7), a spring arch (8) and a clamping leg (9), - the clamping leg (9) forms a clamping point (10) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor to be clamped, - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) for opening and closing the clamping point (10), - the conductor connection terminal (1) is designed for automatic displacement of the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor is inserted into the insulating housing (3) and - the actuating element (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized byin that the actuating element (6) is pivotally mounted in the insulating material housing (3) and is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) by a pivoting movement (B) of the actuating element (6), wherein the pivoting movement (B) of the actuating element (6) is transferable to the clamping leg (9) via an actuating arm (11) and wherein the actuating arm (11) extends from a rear side (7b) of the contact leg (7) facing away from the clamping leg (9) laterally past the contact leg (7) to the clamping leg (9). [2] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating arm (11) is a component of the actuating element (6). [3] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the actuating element (6) has a support section (13) with which the actuating element (6) rests at least in sections on the spring arch (8) of the clamping spring (5). [4] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the support section (13) has a curvature adapted to an outer radius of the spring arch (8). [5] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the support section (13) and the actuating arm (11) of the actuating element (6) merge into one another at an angle (α) or radius (R). [6] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the actuating arm (11) has an actuator projection (14) which rests on a front side (9a) of the clamping leg (9) facing the conductor insertion channel (2). [7] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by that the actuating arm (11) has a guide (15) in which a guide element (16) arranged laterally on the clamping leg (9) of the clamping spring (5) can be guided. [8] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat the guide element (16) is a guide pin and the guide (15) is an elongated hole within which the guide pin is translationally movable. [9] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating arm (11) is a component of the clamping spring (5). [10] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the actuating arm (11) is bent from the clamping leg (9) and has an actuating section (12) for cooperation with the actuating element (6). [11] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact leg (7) has a holding section (17) for holding the clamping leg (9) in its open position (O). [12] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the contact leg (7) has a release section (18) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when an electrical conductor strikes the release section (18). [13] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claims 11 and 12, characterized by that the contact leg (7) has, starting from the spring arch (8), a contact section (19), a holding section (17) and a release section (18) in succession. [14] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (6) has an actuating surface (20) for applying to the actuating element (6) an actuating force generating a pivoting movement (B) of the actuating element (6). [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that an actuator (21) which can be displaced translationally in the direction of the actuating surface (20) is arranged in the insulating housing (3). [16] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping spring (5) and / or the actuating element (6) has two actuating arms (11) which run essentially parallel to one another and are designed to displace the clamping leg (9). [17] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 16, characterized by that the actuating element (6) is substantially U-shaped and the actuating arms (11) running parallel to one another are connected by a connecting section (22) extending substantially perpendicular to the actuating arms (11). [18] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping leg (9) of the clamping spring (5) has an actuating segment (23) adjoining the spring arch (8) and a clamping segment (24) extending from the actuating segment (23) at a bend (25).

Images