conductor connection terminal

Abstract

A conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor insertion opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (30) on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one actuating element (6) by means of which the clamping leg (43) can be moved into an open position upon manual actuation of a manual actuating section (60) of the actuating element (6), characterized in that at least one actuating wing (63) protrudes from the manual actuating section (60), said actuating wing having a spring actuating section with a contact surface,which comes into direct contact with the clamping leg (43) upon manual actuation of the manual actuation section (60), wherein the manual actuation section (60) and the at least one actuation wing (63) are arranged at an angle to one another and angularly surround an area of ​​a conductor receiving space (22) for receiving the electrical conductor (9) on two different sides.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing which has at least one conductor insertion opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection is arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar and a clamping spring which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor at a clamping point on a contact section of the busbar, wherein the conductor connection terminal has at least one actuating element by means of which the clamping leg can be moved into an open position upon manual actuation of a manual actuating section of the actuating element.

[0002] Such a conductor terminal is known from DE 10 2020 119 372 A1. It is a conductor terminal with 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 an open position, thereby clamping the electrical conductor.

[0003] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to provide a further improved conductor connection terminal.

[0004] This object is achieved in a conductor connection terminal of the type mentioned at the outset in that at least one actuating wing projects from the manual actuating section, said actuating wing having a contact surface which comes into direct contact with the clamping leg upon manual actuation of the manual actuating section, wherein the manual actuating section and the at least one actuating wing are arranged at an angle to one another and angularly surround an area of ​​a conductor receiving space for receiving the electrical conductor on two different sides. As a result, the actuating element can be integrated into the conductor connection terminal in a very space-saving manner. As a result, in particular existing and proven designs of conductor connection terminals which were previously designed without an actuating element can be further developed with little effort and without a completely new design into a conductor connection terminal with an actuating element of the clamping leg.The actuating element can, for example, be designed as a movable push button, by means of which the clamping leg can be moved into the open position by means of a sliding movement.

[0005] The invention is suitable, for example, for compact junction box terminals, e.g. those with a leaf spring connection, in which the clamping leg is connected to a support section of the clamping spring without a spring bend which is known in many conductor connection terminals and which extends over an angular range of more than 180°.

[0006] The at least one actuating wing can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the conductor receiving space and extend between the busbar and the clamping leg. The at least one actuating wing is shaped like a wing, i.e. it protrudes from the manual actuating section like a wing. The at least one actuating wing can have a relatively small width so that the conductor receiving space is not significantly impaired by the actuating wing. If the conductor connection terminal is designed as a multi-pole conductor connection terminal, an actuating wing can also form at least part of a partition between adjacent spring-loaded terminal connections in the insulating housing or replace this. The at least one actuating wing can, for example, be arranged at right angles to the planar extension of the manual actuating section.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two actuating wings, arranged at a distance from one another, protrude from the manual actuating section. The two actuating wings allow the clamping leg to be actuated symmetrically on both sides, which minimizes any tilting of the clamping leg. A space can be provided between the actuating wings through which the electrical conductor can be guided. The electrical conductor can thus be accommodated between the two actuating wings.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one actuating wing is supported on the insulating housing and / or the busbar against the force exerted by the clamping leg. This enables effective transmission of the actuating force to the clamping leg without requiring a particularly torsionally rigid connection between the at least one actuating wing and the manual actuating section. The actuating element can thus be designed to be relatively delicate, requiring little space in the insulating housing. Furthermore, the manual actuating section does not require particularly complex support.

[0009] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by further embodiments of the invention, namely by a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing having at least one conductor insertion opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection is arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar and a clamping spring having a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor at a clamping point on a contact section of the busbar, wherein the conductor connection terminal has at least one actuating element by means of which the clamping leg can be moved into an open position upon manual actuation of a manual actuating section of the actuating element, wherein the insulating housing has a plurality of conductor insertion openings next to one another in a transverse direction on a conductor insertion side,wherein the insulating housing extends on the conductor insertion side in a height direction orthogonal to the transverse direction, characterized by one, several or all of the following features a), b), c):, a) the manual actuating section of the at least one actuating element has a height extending in the vertical direction which is less than 50% of the height of the conductor insertion opening assigned to an actuating element, b) the at least one actuating element extends from the conductor insertion side with a first section predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction into the insulating housing and with a second section adjoining the first section obliquely to the conductor insertion direction in the direction of the busbar, c) the actuating element extends from the manual actuating section to a spring actuating section acting on the clamping spring, wherein the actuating element forks between the manual actuating section and the spring actuating section into at least two arms which encompass a part of the clamping spring associated with the actuating element, in particular a spring arc of the clamping spring.

[0010] The previously explained embodiments of the invention can also be advantageously combined with the embodiments of the invention explained at the outset and the embodiments explained below.

[0011] Because the manual actuation section according to feature a) has a relatively low overall height, the conductor terminal can be designed to be particularly compact in height. In particular, conductor terminal designs that were originally designed without an actuation element can be expanded to include designs with an actuation element without a significant increase in overall height.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the height of the manual actuation section can be less than 40% or less than 30% of the height of the associated conductor insertion opening. The height of the conductor insertion opening can be measured either directly at the conductor insertion side or, particularly if the conductor insertion opening widens in a funnel shape toward the conductor insertion side, in the area of ​​a conductor insertion channel directly adjacent to the conductor insertion opening.

[0013] According to feature b), the at least one actuating element inside the insulating housing is designed to be curved toward the busbar. This also promotes a compact design of the conductor connection terminal with a low overall height of the insulating housing.

[0014] The embodiment according to feature c) is particularly suitable for the design of spring-loaded terminal connections, where the clamping spring requires a relatively large installation space and, in particular, protrudes into the area where space is typically required for the actuating element. The fork-like design of the actuating element allows it to grip around the clamping spring, which in turn promotes a flat design of the conductor connection terminal with a low overall height.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one actuating element extends vertically at least twice as far as the overall height of the manual actuating section. In other words, the overall height of the actuating element is at least twice as great as the overall height of the manual actuating section. The manual actuating element can thus be designed particularly flat in the area of ​​the manual actuating section and only achieves an increased overall height in areas located further inside the insulating housing.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second section of the actuating element is supported on at least one edge of the insulating housing against the spring force exerted by the clamping leg. This has the advantage that the manual actuating element can be supported via at least one edge of the insulating housing at a significant distance from the busbar. This creates sufficient clearance between the manual actuating element and the busbar, through which an electrical conductor can be routed.

[0017] The conductor connection terminal can be designed as a multi-pole conductor connection terminal with several spring-loaded terminal connections arranged in the insulating housing. The insulating housing can then have a conductor insertion opening assigned to each spring-loaded terminal, through which an electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in a conductor insertion direction and clamped to the assigned spring-loaded terminal connection by means of spring force. The respective spring-loaded terminal connections can be designed as previously explained, e.g., with at least one busbar and one clamping spring. The busbar can be designed as a continuous busbar that extends over several or all of the spring-loaded terminal connections. The clamping springs can be designed as individual components or as a coherent assembly manufactured from a single sheet metal part.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing has a conductor insertion channel adjoining the conductor insertion opening, with the manual actuation section being arranged outside the conductor insertion channel in the insulating housing. Such a conductor insertion channel has the advantage that the electrical conductor can be reliably guided over the entire insertion length or at least a significant insertion length. In particular, the design of the conductor insertion channel can prevent unwanted snagging of the electrical conductor. Furthermore, the fact that the manual actuation section is arranged outside the conductor insertion channel prevents unwanted interference with the actuation element during insertion of the electrical conductor.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing has an actuating channel separate from the conductor insertion channel, in which at least the manual actuating section of the actuating element is guided. This allows reliable guidance of the actuating element in the insulating housing, so that undesired jamming or tilting during actuation can be avoided. Furthermore, a secure separation between the actuating element and the conductor insertion channel is ensured. In particular, a partition wall can be provided between the conductor insertion channel and the actuating channel, which can be formed by the material of the insulating housing. The manual actuating section can be guided in the actuating channel at least predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation section is arranged on a first housing side of the insulating housing, on which the busbar is arranged, or on the housing side opposite the first housing side and facing away from the busbar. In this way, the manual actuation section is arranged either above or below the conductor entry channel. This allows the manual actuation element to be integrated into existing conductor terminal designs in a cost-effective and space-saving manner.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that exactly one clamping spring can be actuated by the at least one actuating element, or that several clamping springs, in particular two adjacent clamping springs, can be actuated by the at least one actuating element. This also enables a variety of implementation options for the conductor connection terminal. If one actuating element is designed to actuate several clamping springs, fewer actuating elements are required in the conductor connection terminal, so that the space required for this can be further reduced. In this case, the insulating housing can have, for example, a partition wall between adjacent conductor entry openings between which no actuating element is arranged.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one actuating element is manually operable on its manual actuating surface on a side of the insulating housing, where the electrical conductor can be inserted into the respective conductor insertion opening. Accordingly, the actuating element is advantageously manually operable on the conductor insertion side of the insulating housing.

[0023] If electrical conductors are already connected to the terminal points, the manual operation of the actuating element is hindered by the parts of the electrical conductors protruding from the insulating housing, which can reduce the probability of incorrect operation of the actuating element.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation surface is located between adjacent connected electrical conductors when electrical conductors are connected in the conductor connection terminal. This also reduces the likelihood of incorrect actuation of the manual actuation element.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductor connection terminal has a retaining element configured to hold the clamping leg in the open position. The retaining element allows the clamping leg to be held in the open position even when no manual actuation force is exerted on the actuation element. Such a design allows the integration of automatic connection technology into spring-loaded terminals and conductor connection terminals of various designs. In particular, proven conductor connection terminals of known design can be further developed with little effort to provide automatic connection functionality, i.e., with automatic conductor connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0026] The holding element can be arranged so as to be movable, e.g. displaceable, pivotable or deflectable in some other way, so that it can be slightly deflected by the inserted conductor in order to bring about the desired release effect of the clamping leg from the holding element. The holding element can, for example, be mounted so as to be displaceable, e.g. displaceable in a linear direction or an arcuate direction. The holding element can be mounted so as to be pivotable. In this case, the holding element can be pivoted about a fixed or variable pivot axis. In the case of a variable pivot axis, the holding element can, for example, be mounted so as to be floating and pivotable. The holding element can also be mounted so as to be movable in some other way so that it can be deflected sufficiently far to release the locking of the clamping leg on the holding element.

[0027] The actuating element allows the clamping leg to be moved into the open position when manually actuated, counter to the spring force of the clamping spring. The clamping leg can then be held in this open position by the retaining element, particularly without further manual actuation of the actuating mechanism, allowing the electrical conductor to be inserted at any time without any particular effort. For example, the clamping leg can be locked to the retaining element in the open position.

[0028] The clamping leg, together with the contact section of the busbar, can form a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping leg and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping leg is pivoted away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping leg can be pivoted, for example, between an open position, in which the electrical conductor is freely movable between the clamping leg and the contact section, and a clamping position, in which the clamping leg clamps the electrical conductor to the contact section.

[0029] The retaining element can, for example, act directly on the clamping leg to hold it in the open position. For example, a first locking element can be arranged on the clamping leg and a second locking element on the retaining element, with the first and second locking elements being able to be locked together in the open position. The first locking element can be designed as a locking projection or locking hook. The second locking element can be designed as a locking edge or locking opening.

[0030] The retaining element can be provided as a separate component, for example, attached to an insulating housing of a conductor terminal, to the busbar, or to another component. The retaining element can also be formed integrally with the clamping spring.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged behind the clamping point or behind the majority of the busbar in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor into the spring-loaded terminal connection. In this way, the retaining element does not impede the insertion of the electrical conductor. For example, in the open position, i.e., when the clamping leg is locked to the retaining element, the retaining element may not protrude into a conductor receiving space, or may protrude only slightly relative to the clamping leg, when viewed in the conductor insertion direction.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded terminal connection has a release element, the actuation of which allows the holding element to be deflected to such an extent that the clamping leg held on the holding element is released from the holding element. The release element can have a release section. The clamping leg held on the holding element in the open position can be released from the holding element by the release element when an electrical conductor to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the holding element when the electrical conductor is inserted. The release section can be subjected to pressure by a separate tool, a component of the conductor connection terminal, such as an actuating element, or directly via the inserted electrical conductor itself, thereby causing the clamping leg to be released from the holding element.By means of the release element, the clamping leg, which is held in the open position on the retaining element, can be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the direction of the conductor insertion of the electrical conductor to be connected. Depending on the design of the spring-loaded terminal connection, the release element can be formed as part of the clamping spring, e.g., as a release element formed integrally with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release element is part of the component or assembly of the spring-loaded terminal connection that has the retaining element. This allows the design and assembly effort for the spring-loaded terminal connection to be kept to a minimum. In particular, only one component or assembly needs to be assembled to assemble the release element and the retaining element, rather than two different components or assemblies. For example, the release element can be formed integrally with the retaining element. The component or assembly can be made of plastic or metal, for example, or a combination of such materials.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring has a support section designed to support the clamping spring on the busbar. This support section allows for secure support of the clamping spring and sufficient support against the spring force exerted by the clamping leg.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section has a base section and a fastening section, wherein the clamping leg branches off from the base section and the support section engages behind the busbar with its fastening section, so that the busbar rests on the fastening section and is at least partially arranged between the base section and the fastening section. In this case, the clamping leg can branch off from the base section, in particular without a 180° spring bend. For example, the clamping leg can branch off from the base section at an acute angle, which can be less than 60°, for example, in the open position. The base section can be connected to the fastening section via a connecting section.For example, the base portion may be substantially parallel to the attachment portion or at a slight angle thereto, in particular an angle of less than 20°.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor guide channel for guiding the electrical conductor to be clamped to the contact section can be formed in the insulating material housing, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the conductor guide channel or at least projects into the conductor guide channel.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section of the release element can be arranged behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction.

[0038] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numerical term. Therefore, if, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component." Angles expressed in degrees refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0040] It shows Fig. 1 a conductor connection terminal in perspective view, Fig. 2 to 4 the conductor connection terminal in a lateral sectional view in different operating states, Fig. 5 a combined holding-release element in perspective view, Fig. 6 a clamping spring assembly in perspective view, Fig. 7 the clamping spring assembly according to Fig. 6 with a holding-release element mounted on it, Fig. 8 the order pursuant to Fig. 7 with actuating elements arranged thereon and inserted busbar, Fig. 9 to 10 show a further embodiment of a conductor connection terminal in a lateral sectional view in different operating states, Fig. 11 a clamping spring assembly in perspective view, Fig. 12 the clamping spring assembly according to Fig. 11 with a holding-release element mounted on it, Fig. 13 the order pursuant to Fig. 12 with actuating elements arranged thereon and inserted busbar, Fig. 14 a conductor connection terminal in a further embodiment in perspective view, Fig. 15 to 17 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 14 in side sectional view in different operating states, Fig. 18 an actuating element according to Fig. 14 to 17 in perspective view.

[0041] In the Fig. 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 having an insulating housing 2. The conductor terminal 1 is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal. Accordingly, the conductor terminal 1 also has a plurality of conductor entry openings 20 in the insulating housing 2. The conductor entry openings 20 are arranged next to one another in a transverse direction Q on a conductor entry side 25 of the insulating housing 2. The conductor entry side 25 extends in a vertical direction H that is orthogonal to the transverse direction Q.

[0042] As in the Fig. 1, the conductor terminal 1 has several actuating elements 6 for actuating a respective associated clamping spring of a spring-loaded terminal connection. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1, an actuating element 6 is spatially assigned to each conductor insertion opening 20.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the conductor connection terminal 1 in a side sectional view with the actuating element 6 in the clamping position. A spring-loaded terminal connection arranged in the insulating housing 2 can be seen, which terminal connection has a clamping spring 4 and a busbar 3. The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41, which has a base section 40, a connecting section 42, and a fastening section 44. The clamping spring 4 is supported on the busbar 3 via the support section 41, in particular its fastening section 44. The clamping spring 4 also has a clamping leg 43 branching off from the support section 41 at an acute angle. The clamping leg 43 extends to a free end, at which the clamping leg 43 has a clamping edge 46 for clamping the electrical conductor. In the Fig. In the clamping position shown in Figure 1, the clamping leg 43 rests with the clamping edge 46 against the busbar 3 when no electrical conductor is inserted. An electrical conductor can be clamped between the clamping leg 43 or the clamping edge 46 and the busbar 3 at a clamping point 30.

[0044] The support section 41 extends from the base section 40, from which the clamping leg 43 branches off, to the connecting section 42 arranged at an angle thereto. The connecting section 42 merges into the fastening section 44 arranged at an angle to the connecting section 42. The fastening section 44 engages behind the busbar 3, ie it rests on the back of the busbar 3 on a side facing away from the clamping point 30.

[0045] The conductor connection terminal 1 further has a holding element 5, by means of which the clamping leg 43 can be held in the open position. The holding element 5 has a second locking element 50, which can lock in the open position with a first locking element 47 designed as a counterpart on the clamping leg 43. The clamping leg 43 cannot then easily move back into the clamped position. The first locking element 47 formed on the clamping leg 43 can be formed, for example, by the clamping edge 46. However, at least one separate first locking element 47 can also be formed on the clamping leg 43, e.g. in the form of a protruding locking tab, which can then be locked with the second locking element 50.

[0046] Further back, as seen in the conductor insertion direction L, the holding element 5 merges into a release element 8, which has a section that is angled relative to the holding element 5 and extends transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, forming the release section 80 of the release element 8. If an electrical conductor is inserted in the conductor insertion direction L into the insulating housing 2 through the conductor insertion opening 20, pressing the end of the electrical conductor against the release section 80 causes the entire assembly comprising the release element 8 and holding element 5 to be displaced slightly rearward in the conductor insertion direction L. As a result, the second locking element 50 is also displaced and thus releases from the first locking element 47. Accordingly, the clamping leg 43 can rebound and press the electrical conductor 9 against the busbar 3. The clamping leg 43 thus moves into the clamped position due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4.

[0047] To actuate the clamping leg 43, the conductor connection terminal 1 has an actuating element 6. The manual actuating element 6, which can be designed as an actuating push-button, has a manual actuating section 60 accessible for actuation on the conductor insertion side 25. The manual actuating section 60 is guided in an actuating channel 24 of the insulating material housing 2 in a displacement direction which can be at least predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction L. The manual actuating element 6 extends from the manual actuating section 60 to a spring actuating section 62, which serves to actuate the clamping spring 4 upon manual actuation of the actuating element 6. By means of the spring actuating section 62, in particular the clamping leg 43 can be released from the Fig. 2 shown clamping position into a Fig. 3. The spring force transmitted from the clamping leg 43 to the actuating element 6 is absorbed by the fact that the manual actuating element 6 has a support section 61, via which it is supported and supported on an edge of the insulating housing 2.

[0048] It can be seen that the insulating housing 2 is designed to be relatively flat in the vertical direction H. This is facilitated by the fact that the manual actuating section 60 has a relatively low overall height B1, which is in particular less than 50% of the overall height B2 of the conductor insertion opening 20 assigned to the actuating element 6. The insulating housing 2 further has a first housing side 23, here the housing underside, on which the busbar 3 is arranged. The manual actuating section 60 of the actuating element 6 is arranged on the housing side facing away from the first housing side 23, i.e., the housing top.

[0049] The Fig. 3 illustrates that upon manual actuation of the actuating element 6, the manual actuating section 60 is displaced into the insulating housing 2, ie into the actuating channel 24. In this case, the spring actuating section 62 moves the clamping leg 43 away from the busbar 3 and into the open position, in which the clamping leg 43 is held on the holding element 5, because then the first locking element 47 is locked to the second locking element 50. As the Fig. 4 shows, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position even when the manual actuating element 6 is moved back to the starting position.

[0050] The Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a holding element 5 and a release element 8, which are combined to form a structural unit in the form of a combined holding-release element 5, 8. The combined holding-release elements 5, 8 of several spring-loaded terminal connections are connected to one another to form an assembly via a transversely continuous material web 52. From the continuous material web 52, a side arm 51 extends to the left and right of each holding element 5 to a point at which a respective second locking element 50 of the holding element 5 is formed, to which the clamping leg 43 can be locked. From here, the side arms 51 extend further and merge into side arms 81 of the release element 8. The side arms 81 merge into the release section 80, which can be designed as a transversely continuous release section 80, i.e., which connects the side arms 81 to one another. Fig. The assembly shown in Figure 5 can, for example, be attached to the clamping springs 4 or the busbar 3 via the continuous material web 52. For even more reliable attachment, a material tab 53 is extended on the material web 52 between each of the two side arms 51 and bent in a direction parallel to the material section 52, so that a receiving space for receiving a part of the clamping spring 4 or the busbar 3 is formed between the material tab 53 and the material section 52.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 6 shows three clamping springs 4 combined into a single assembly by molding these components from a single sheet metal part. It can be seen that the clamping leg 43 terminates at the free end with the clamping edge 46. The clamping edge 46 is delimited at each of the remote ends by a first locking element 47. The two first locking elements 47 formed on a clamping leg 43 serve to lock with the two second locking elements 50 on the associated retaining element 5 in the open position.

[0052] The Fig. 7 shows the fastening of the assembly of the holding-release elements 5, 8 to the clamping spring assembly, wherein the fastening section 44 of the clamping springs 4 is encompassed via the material tab 53 and the material web 52.

[0053] Based on the Fig. 8 shows how the busbar 3 is connected to the previously Fig. 7. Additionally, the arrangement of the actuating elements 6, each assigned to a spring-loaded terminal connection, can be seen.

[0054] The Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a conductor connection terminal 1, which is constructed similarly to the one previously described with reference to Fig. 1 to 8. In particular, an actuating element 6 is again provided with a manual actuating section 60 which is relatively flat in the height direction H and is guided in an actuating channel 24.

[0055] In contrast to the previously explained embodiments, the clamping spring 4 is designed differently here in that it does not have a clamping leg 43 branching off from the support section 41 essentially without a spring arc. Rather, the support section 41 is placed further back in the insulating housing 2 in the conductor insertion direction L. From this support section 41, a base section 40 branches off, which extends essentially from the support section 41 opposite the conductor insertion direction L and merges into a spring arc 48. The spring arc 48 has a pronounced arc shape, which can in particular span an angle of more than 90° or more than 180°. From the spring arc 48, the clamping leg 43 then extends again in the opposite direction, i.e.in the direction of the support section 41 and the busbar 3, so that the clamping leg 43, similar to the first-described embodiment, rests with its clamping edge on the busbar 3 at least in the clamping position or is at least in the immediate vicinity of the busbar 3.

[0056] Due to this clamping spring construction, the clamping spring 4 requires a relatively large amount of space in the insulating housing 2 in the area of ​​the spring arch 48. In order to nevertheless realize a flat conductor connection terminal, the actuating elements 6, as in Fig. 13, be formed with lateral arms 65, which laterally encompass a part of the clamping spring 4, in particular the spring arch 48, in a fork-like manner, and then extend toward a respective spring actuation section 62, with which the clamping leg 43 can be actuated. For this purpose, laterally projecting actuation tabs 49 can be formed on the clamping leg 43, to which the actuation force is transmitted to the clamping leg 43 via the spring actuation section 62.

[0057] The Fig. 9 shows the conductor terminal in the clamping position with the manual actuating element not actuated. Fig. Figure 10 shows the conductor terminal with the manual actuating element 6 activated. Accordingly, the clamping leg 43 is moved into the open position and locked onto the holding element 5.

[0058] The Fig. Figure 11 again shows the clamping springs 4 as a single, single-piece assembly. Visible are the actuating tabs 49, which protrude laterally from the clamping leg 43 and are intended for manual actuation by the respective spring actuation section 62 of the actuating element 6. Also visible are the first locking elements 47, which are arranged laterally next to the clamping edge 46 at the free end of the clamping leg 43 and can be used to lock the clamping leg 43 to the second locking elements 50 in the open position.

[0059] The holding elements 5 and release elements 8 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 5 shown. The Fig. 12 shows the assembly formed by the holding-release elements 5, 8 and the clamping springs 4, similar to Fig. 7.

[0060] The Fig. 13 shows the assembly according to Fig. 12 with busbar 3 and actuating elements 6 arranged thereon.

[0061] The Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a conductor connection terminal 1, which in turn has an insulating housing 2 with conductor insertion openings 20 and manual actuating elements 6. In contrast to the previously explained embodiments, the manual actuating sections of the actuating elements 6 are now arranged on the first housing side 23, i.e., on the side on which the busbar 3 is arranged.

[0062] The Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 show the conductor connection terminal 1 in different sectional planes. As can be seen, the manual actuating section 60 is also guided in an actuating channel 24 of the insulating housing 2, in particular predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction L. The actuating element 6 extends from the manual actuating section 60 towards the clamping spring 4. At least one actuating wing 63 protrudes from the manual actuating section 60, said actuating wing having a spring actuating section 62 which, upon manual actuation of the manual actuating section 60, comes into direct contact with the clamping leg 43 in order to transfer the latter into the clamping position. The at least one actuating wing 63 overlaps a conductor receiving space 26 for receiving the electrical conductor in the vertical direction, wherein the actuating wing 63 is arranged offset in the transverse direction, i.e., to the side of the conductor receiving space 26.

[0063] The Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 show the conductor connection terminal 1 in the clamping position with the actuating element 6 not actuated. According to Fig. 17, the actuating element 6 has been actuated, ie, the manual actuating section 60 has been displaced further into the insulating housing 2. In doing so, the clamping leg 43 has been moved away from the busbar 3 by the at least one actuating wing 63 and displaced into the clamping position, where the clamping leg 43 is locked to the holding element 5.

[0064] The Fig.Figure 18 shows an advantageous embodiment of an actuating element 6 with two actuating wings 63 arranged parallel to one another. Space is provided between the actuating wings 63 for the passage of the electrical conductor. The actuating wings 63 have respective support surfaces 61 for support on the busbar 3 or the insulating housing 2. The actuating wings 63 are connected to the manual actuating section 60 via a connecting section 64. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 busbar 4 clamping spring 5 Holding element 6 manual operating element 8 Release element 20 conductor entry opening 21 rear housing 22 Conductor entry channel 23 first side of the housing 24 actuation channels 25 Conductor entry side 26 ladder storage room 30 terminal point 40 Base Section 41 support section 43 clamping legs 44 Fastening section 46 clamping edge 47 first locking element 48 spring bows 49 Actuating tab 50 second locking element 51 Side arm of the holding element 52 Material bridge 53 Material tab 60 manual operating section 61 support section 62 Spring actuation section 63 operating wings 64 connecting section 65 side arm 80 release section 81 Side arm of the release element B1 Height of the manual operating section B2 Height of the conductor entry opening H Altitude direction L Conductor insertion direction Q transverse direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 119 372 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) which has at least one conductor insertion opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) which has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (30) on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one actuating element (6) by means of which the clamping leg (43) can be moved into an open position upon manual actuation of a manual actuating section (60) of the actuating element (6), characterized bythat at least one actuating wing (63) projects from the manual actuating section (60), said wing having a spring actuating section with a contact surface which comes into direct contact with the clamping leg (43) upon manual actuation of the manual actuating section (60), wherein the manual actuating section (60) and the at least one actuating wing (63) are arranged at an angle to one another and angularly surround an area of ​​a conductor receiving space (22) for receiving the electrical conductor (9) on two different sides. [2] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized by that at least two actuating wings (63) arranged at a distance from one another protrude from the manual actuating section (60). [3] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one actuating wing (63) is supported on the insulating housing (2) and / or on the busbar (3) against the force acting from the clamping leg (43). [4] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) which has at least one conductor insertion opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor insertion direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) which has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (30) on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the conductor connection terminal (1) has at least one actuating element (6) by means of which the clamping leg (43) can be moved into an open position upon manual actuation of a manual actuating section (60) of the actuating element (6), wherein the insulating housing (2) has a plurality of conductor insertion openings (20) next to one another in a transverse direction (Q) on a conductor insertion side (25). has,wherein the insulating housing (2) extends on the conductor insertion side (25) in a height direction (H) orthogonal to the transverse direction (Q), , characterized by one, several or all of the following characteristics a), b), c): a) the manual actuating section (60) of the at least one actuating element (6) has a structural height (B2) extending in the height direction (H) which is less than 50% of the structural height (B1) of the conductor insertion opening (20) associated with an actuating element (6), b) the at least one actuating element (6) extends from the conductor insertion side (25) with a first section predominantly parallel to the conductor insertion direction into the insulating housing (2) and with a second section adjoining the first section obliquely to the conductor insertion direction in the direction of the busbar (3), c) the actuating element (6) extends from the manual actuating section (60) to a spring actuating section (62) acting on the clamping spring (4), wherein the actuating element (6) forks between the manual actuating section (60) and the spring actuating section (62) into at least two arms (65) which engage around a part of the clamping spring (4) associated with the actuating element (6), in particular a spring arch (48) of the clamping spring (4). [5] Conductor connection terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one actuating element (6) extends in the height direction (H) at least twice as far as the overall height (B) of the manual actuating section (60). [6] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the second section of the actuating element (6) is supported on at least one edge of the insulating housing (2) against the spring force acting from the clamping leg (43). [7] Conductor connection terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insulating housing (2) has a conductor insertion channel (22) adjoining the conductor insertion opening (20), wherein the manual actuating section (60) is arranged outside the conductor insertion channel (22) in the insulating housing (2). [8] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 7, characterized by that the insulating housing (2) has an actuating channel (24) separate from the conductor insertion channel (22), in which at least the manual actuating section (60) of the actuating element (6) is guided. [9] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the manual actuating section (60) is arranged on a first housing side (23) of the insulating material housing (2), on which the busbar (3) is arranged, or on the housing side opposite the first housing side (23) and facing away from the busbar (3). [10] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one actuating element (6) can be manually actuated on its manual actuating surface (60) of a housing side of the insulating material housing (2), on which side the electrical conductor (9) can be inserted into the respective conductor insertion opening (20). [11] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the conductor connection terminal (1) has a holding element (5) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in the open position. [12] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 11, characterized bythat the holding element (5) is arranged in the conductor insertion direction (L) behind the terminal point (30) or behind the major part of the busbar (3). [13] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring-loaded terminal connection has a release element (8), by the actuation of which the holding element (5) can be deflected to such an extent that the clamping leg (43) held on the holding element (5) is released from the holding element (5). [14] Conductor terminal according to claim 13, characterized by that the clamping leg (43) held on the holding element (5) in the open position can be released from the holding element (5) when an electrical conductor (9) to be clamped exerts an actuating force on a release section (80) of the release element (8). [15] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the clamping spring (4) has a support section (41) which is designed to support the clamping spring (4) on the busbar (3). [16] Conductor connection terminal according to claim 15, characterized by in that the support section (41) has a base section (40) and a fastening section (44), wherein the clamping leg (43) branches off from the base section (40) and the support section (41) engages behind the busbar (3) with its fastening section (44) so ​​that the busbar (3) rests on the fastening section (44) and is arranged at least partially between the base section (40) and the fastening section (44).

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