conductor connection terminal

Abstract

Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3) having a conductor entry channel (2), 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 with the busbar (4) a clamping point (10) for an electrical conductor (13) which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between a locked 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) from the locked open position (O) into the closed position (S) upon insertion of an electrical conductor (13) into the insulating housing (3) and unlocking of the clamping leg (9) by means of the inserted electrical conductor (13), 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) has an operating section (11) and an actuating section (12) comprising a metallic material, wherein the actuating element (6) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (3) and is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) by a pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12 ) of the actuating element (6) and wherein the pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12) of the actuating element (6) can be transferred to the clamping leg (9) by means of the actuating section (12) comprising a metallic material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing having a conductor insertion channel, 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 with the busbar forms a clamping point for an electrical conductor which can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between a latched open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, wherein the conductor connection terminal is designed for automatic displacement of the clamping leg from the latched open position into the closed position upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the insulating housing and unlocking of the clamping leg by means of the inserted electrical conductor 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 busbar, 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 busbar for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between a latched 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 from the latched open position to the closed position upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the insulating housing and unlocking by means of the inserted electrical conductor,The actuating element is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position. The actuating element has an operating section and an actuating section made of a metallic material. 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, the pivoting movement of the actuating element being transferable to the clamping leg by means of the actuating section made of a metallic material.

[0007] In other words, a conductor connection terminal with automatic conductor connection and a return of the clamping leg into the locked open position by means of a pivotable actuating element is proposed, which can cause a displacement of the clamping leg via a metallic actuating section.

[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 operating force acting on the operating section of the actuating element can be converted into a return force acting on the clamping leg by the pivoting movement and the actuating section. With an actuating section made of a metallic material, improved force transmission is possible due to the increased stability and strength of the actuating section compared to a plastic material, for example, and at the same time, the actuating section is highly robust. This ensures a long service life of the connection mechanism of the conductor connection terminal even with frequent and / or heavy use of the actuating element.Particularly in the case of conductor connection terminals with automatic conductor connection, in which the clamping leg is automatically shifted into its closed position by spring force, high forces can act briefly on an actuating section of the actuating element that is adjacent to the clamping leg, so that increased robustness and strength of the actuating section has a particular advantage for conductor connection terminals with automatic clamping leg shifting.

[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 thickness, which can in particular be made of an elastically springy material. This means that the material thickness of a spring sheet material is significantly less than the extension of the clamping spring in the longitudinal and width directions. The clamping spring has a contact leg for supporting the clamping spring on the busbar and / or on the insulating material housing, a clamping leg for clamping the conductor to the busbar, and a spring arch between the contact leg and the clamping leg for deflecting the clamping spring, so that the contact leg can run opposite the clamping leg, at least in sections. When shifted into its open position, the clamping leg can be shifted towards the contact leg.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 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 from the busbar and any inserted electrical conductor so that the clamping point is released and the conductor can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal and positioned in the area of ​​the clamping point or removed from it. In the open position, the clamping leg is locked and thus held in the open position.In the closed position of the clamping leg, it is shifted towards the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor and 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 achieve automatic conductor connection, the conductor connection terminal is designed for automatic movement of the clamping leg from the locked open position to 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 via which the clamping leg can be released from its locked open position and automatically moved into the closed position due to spring force. In its locked 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 connection 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 section and is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position. The actuating element can be operated by a user via the operating section. The operating section can be accessible from the outside, i.e., from an area surrounding the conductor connection terminal. Depending on the selected embodiment, the operating section can protrude from the insulating housing in any position of the actuating element or be configured to protrude from the insulating housing depending on the position and to be substantially fully immersed therein.Depending on the selected embodiment, the operating section can be configured for manual, tool-free operation and / or for tool-based operation, wherein a screwdriver, for example, can be a suitable operating tool. The operating section is configured to displace the clamping leg of the clamping spring into its open position and can, for this purpose, bear against the clamping leg at least in sections. Depending on the selected embodiment, the operating section can bear against the clamping leg with a larger area in the open position of the clamping leg than in the closed position of the clamping leg, so that the operating section increasingly bears against the clamping leg as the clamping leg is increasingly displaced into the open position. By means of the operating section, a compressive force can be exerted on the clamping leg during a pivoting movement of the actuating element in order to displace it.According to one possible embodiment, the actuating section can be configured to slide along the clamping leg during a displacement of the clamping leg, i.e. to move relative to the clamping leg. The actuating section comprises a metallic material, which can be understood to mean that at least part of the actuating section is metallic. A metallic material can, for example, be a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the actuating section comprises other materials, for example a plastic material or a ceramic material. The metallic material can also be present in the operating section. For example, the actuating element can have a metallic core that is surrounded by a sheathing material in the region of the operating section and is exposed in the actuating section.

[0013] The operating section of the actuating element can be arranged opposite an outer circumferential surface of the spring arc of the clamping spring, and the operating section of the actuating element can extend from the operating section along the clamping leg. This makes it possible to provide a compact design of the conductor connection terminal with an efficient actuating mechanism. For example, the operating section can face the spring arc such that the outer circumferential surface of the spring arc and an outer surface of the operating section run opposite one another. In other words, an apex of the spring arc can point in the direction of the operating section. The operating section can be arranged between the spring arc and an outer wall of the insulating housing opposite the spring arc.The actuating section can be guided along a longitudinal extension of the clamping leg on its surface, wherein the longitudinal extension of the clamping leg can correspond to a greatest extension of the clamping leg in a direction of extension. A longitudinal extension of the actuating section, which can correspond to a greatest extension of the actuating section in a direction of extension, can be aligned in the same direction or parallel to the longitudinal extension of the clamping leg. According to one possible embodiment, the actuating section can be guided partially along the spring arch and predominantly along the clamping leg, in particular resting against it at least in the closed position of the clamping leg.

[0014] The actuating section of the actuating element can be made of spring steel as a metallic material. Spring steels are characterized by high strength, but at the same time, they exhibit sufficient elasticity to compensate for point-like force peaks when the actuating element is actuated with elastic deformation. This allows for a conductor terminal with a robust and durable actuating element to be provided.

[0015] The operating section of the actuating element can be made of a plastic material. This allows for safe and comfortable operation of the actuating element. For example, the actuating element can have a core made of a metallic material and be encased, for example, overmolded, with a plastic material at least in the area of ​​the operating section. Alternatively, it is conceivable, for example, for the actuating element to be designed as a composite actuating element with an operating section made of a plastic material and an actuating section made of a metallic material, which is connected thereto, in particular in a non-detachable manner, for example, by a material bond.

[0016] The actuating element can be designed as a pivoting lever, wherein the actuating element designed as a pivoting lever is pivotable about a pivot axis that runs through a region of the actuating section of the actuating element that runs along the spring arc and / or the clamping leg. This provides an actuating element with an efficient leverage effect, low installation space requirements, and short actuating travels. In other words, the pivot axis of the actuating element is positioned close to the pivot axis of the clamping leg, whose pivot axis can lie in the region within the spring arc. For example, a distance between the pivot axis of the actuating element and the pivot axis of the clamping leg can be less than half the spring arc length. The spring arc length can correspond to the arc distance between the contact leg and the clamping leg.The actuating section can have a bend with a radius that essentially corresponds to a radius of the spring arch in its section between the apex of the spring arch and its transition into the clamping leg, so that the actuating section can rest against the spring arch with the bend, at least in the closed position of the clamping leg. The pivot axis of the actuating element can run through a region of the previously described bend of the actuating section. The pivot axis can run transversely to a displacement direction of the clamping leg and transversely to a direction of insertion of an electrical conductor into the conductor connection terminal, wherein the axes of the pivot axis, the displacement direction, and the insertion direction can run at a distance from one another. The actuating element designed as a pivot lever can have a narrow, flat design, for example a flat bar or strip shape.This allows the installation space requirements to be further reduced. Accordingly, the operating section can be designed in a plate-like manner, for example.

[0017] The operating section of the actuating element, designed as a pivoting lever, can protrude from the insulating housing in both the open and closed positions of the clamping leg. This allows the pivoting lever to be designed as an easy-to-use, intuitive toggle lever, whose position can also be used as a visual indicator indicating the open or closed position of the clamping leg. Such a function can be supported, for example, with a corresponding marking on the insulating housing. The insulating housing can have a guide channel, for example, a funnel-shaped one, within which the operating section can be moved within the insulating housing.

[0018] The pivoting movement of the actuating element can be transmitted to the clamping leg in such a way that a pivoting movement of the actuating section and a pivoting movement of the clamping leg are essentially in the same direction when the clamping leg is moved into the open position. In other words, the clamping leg can be pivoted together with the actuating section in the same direction. A relative position of the actuating section to the clamping leg can remain essentially the same during the pivoting movement of the actuating section. This allows for uniform force transmission during the pivoting movement and stable contact of the actuating section with the clamping leg. Such an embodiment can be realized, for example, by means of an actuating element designed as a pivoting lever in accordance with the previously described embodiments.

[0019] The actuating element can be designed as a pivoting push-button, wherein the actuating element designed as a pivoting push-button is pivotable about a pivot axis that runs through a region of the actuating element facing away from the clamping leg of the clamping spring. This enables a high force transmission to the clamping leg. In other words, the pivot axis of the actuating element is positioned far from the pivot axis of the clamping leg, whose pivot axis can lie in the region within the spring arc. For example, a distance between the pivot axis of the actuating element and the pivot axis of the clamping leg can be greater than half the length of the spring arc. For example, the actuating element can be pivotable about a pivot axis that runs through a base section of the actuating element.The pivot axis of the actuating element can run transversely to a displacement direction of the clamping leg and transversely to a direction of insertion of an electrical conductor into the conductor connection terminal, wherein the axes of the pivot axis, the displacement direction, and the insertion direction can be spaced apart from one another. For example, the pivot axis of the actuating element can run through a region of the actuating element that is arranged relative to the clamping spring such that the spring arc of the clamping spring is arranged between the pivot axis and the actuating section of the actuating element. The actuating element designed as a pivot pushbutton can have a solid operating section with, for example, a trapezoidal basic shape. A base section of the operating section, through which the pivot axis can run, can be provided, for example, at an angle to the trapezoidal basic shape and can be implemented, for example, as a pivot pin.The operating section can partially enclose a metallic tongue which partially forms the actuating section of the actuating element.

[0020] The operating section of the actuating element designed as a swivel handle can be recessed into the insulating housing when the clamping leg is in the open position and protrude from the insulating housing when the clamping leg is in the closed position. This provides an intuitively operated handle element as the actuating element, the operating section of which protrudes from the insulating housing for easy operation when the clamping leg is in the closed position and is difficult to access due to the recessed position in the open position intended for automatic displacement of the clamping leg. This also makes it easy to visually deduce the position of the clamping leg from the position of the swivel handle. In the open position of the clamping leg, the swivel handle can in particular be completely recessed into the insulating housing.In other words, the operating section can be immersed in the insulating housing in such a way that an outer contour of the operating section is enclosed within an outer contour of the insulating housing.

[0021] The pivoting movement of the actuating element can be transmitted to the clamping leg in such a way that a pivoting movement of the actuating section and a pivoting movement of the clamping leg are directed differently when the clamping leg is moved into the open position, i.e., they have different movement vectors from one another. In other words, the clamping leg can be pivoted in a different direction than the actuating section. For example, the actuating section can be displaced towards the clamping leg in such a way that the actuating section slides down the clamping leg during its pivoting movement, and the clamping leg can thereby experience an increasing displacement in the direction of the contact leg. A relative position of the actuating section to the clamping leg can therefore change during the pivoting movement of the actuating section.This allows for a force transmission to the clamping leg that increases with the pivoting movement of the actuating element, thus enabling particularly comfortable operation. Such an embodiment can be realized, for example, by means of an actuating element designed as a pivoting push-button according to the previously described embodiments.

[0022] The contact leg of the clamping spring can have a retaining section with a retaining tab 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 terminal triggers an automatic shift of the clamping leg into the closed position. By integrating a retaining section into the contact leg, a simple holding mechanism can be implemented without the need for additional retaining components in the conductor terminal.

[0023] The retaining tab can, for example, be engageable from behind by a free end of the clamping leg or by a retaining projection of the clamping leg, so that a positive holding in the manner of a snap-in connection between the retaining tab and the clamping leg is possible. The actuating element can displace the clamping leg such that, in its open position, it can reach the retaining section and be held by it. The retaining section of the contact leg can, for example, branch off with a bend from a contact section of the contact leg provided for supporting the contact leg on the insulating housing and / or on the busbar and adjoining the spring arch, in particular can be angled or bent from this. According to one possible embodiment, the retaining section can run essentially perpendicular to the contact section.

[0024] The retaining tab can be spaced apart from a conductor region of the insulating housing, in which an electrical conductor can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal via the conductor entry channel. This reliably prevents contact with the retaining tab by an inserted electrical conductor and the associated unintentional triggering of a displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position. According to one non-limiting embodiment, a distance between the retaining tab and the conductor region can correspond to at least one-quarter of the length of the clamping leg.

[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 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 one possible design. 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 region of the connection space opposite the opening region.

[0026] The insulating housing can have a ramp for guiding an electrical conductor to the release section. This allows for reliable triggering of the automatic movement of the clamping leg into the closed position via the release section and for the release force to be concentrated, for example, by bringing the wires of the conductor end together using the ramp. Furthermore, the ramp prevents the electrical conductor from touching the connecting section between the holding section and the release section during insertion, thus prematurely triggering the release mechanism before the end face of the electrical conductor touches the release section and is thus inserted over the greatest possible length.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The operating section can have a tool holder and / or a handle. This can enable tool-dependent and / or manual operation of the actuating element. A tool holder can, for example, be a groove shaped to fit a screwdriver tip.

[0029] 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. The actuating segment of the clamping leg can be designed so that the actuating section can engage the actuating segment and displace the clamping leg. The actuating segment can be connected to the spring arc. The clamping segment serves to clamp the electrical conductor to the busbar and can, for example, extend from the actuating segment 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.

[0030] The insulating housing can have a clamping spring support from which the clamping spring is suspended, whereby the clamping spring support has a stop surface to limit displacement of the clamping leg towards the contact leg. This can prevent excessive deflection of the clamping leg and ensure a long service life of the actuating element and the clamping spring. In addition, the clamping spring support can provide improved hold for the clamping spring in the insulating housing. The clamping spring support can have a curvature adapted to a radius of the spring arc in order to ensure optimal hold of the clamping spring on the clamping spring support. The clamping spring support can have a support surface for the contact leg of the clamping spring on a side opposite the stop surface.

[0031] 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”.

[0032] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a-1b - a conductor connection terminal according to a first embodiment in an open position and a closed position in sectional side views; Fig. 1c-1d - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1a with the insulating housing hidden and the busbar additionally hidden in side views; Fig. 1e-1f - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1b with the insulating housing hidden in a sectional side view and in a perspective front view; Fig. 2a-2b - a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment in an open position and a closed position in sectional side views; Fig. 2c-2d - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2a with the insulating housing hidden and with the busbar additionally hidden in side views; Fig. 2e-2f - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2b with the insulating housing hidden in a sectional front view and in a perspective side view. Fig. 3a-3b - a conductor connection terminal according to a third embodiment in an open position and a closed position in sectional side views; Fig. 3c - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 3a while hiding the Insulated housing in side view; Fig. 3d - the conductor connection terminal from Fig. 3b with the insulating housing and the busbar hidden in the locked open position; Fig. 4a-4b - a conductor connection terminal according to a fourth embodiment in an open position and a closed position in sectional side views; Fig. 4c - the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 4a with the insulating housing hidden in the side view; and Fig. 4d - the conductor connection terminal Fig. 4b with the insulating housing and the busbar hidden in the locked open position; Fig. 5a-5b - a conductor connection terminal based on the first embodiment with a deflection element for counter-rotating pivoting movement in an open position and a closed position in sectional side views.

[0033] The Fig. 1a to 1f and the Fig. 2a to 2f show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to two different embodiments. As shown in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a and Fig. As shown in Figure 2b, the conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2. The conductor connection terminal 1 also has, as can be seen in the figures, a busbar 4, a clamping spring 5 and an actuating element 6.

[0034] According to the illustrations of the first and second embodiments, the clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 7, a spring arch 8 and a clamping leg 9. The contact leg 7 serves at least in sections to support the clamping spring 5 on the busbar 4 and / or on the insulating material housing 3. The clamping leg 5 serves to clamp a Fig. 1b and Fig. 2b to the busbar 4. The spring arch 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 the clamping leg 9 strives into the closed position S and, in the closed position S, can exert a contact force on the electrical conductor 13 in the direction of the busbar 4. Due to the spring arch 8, the contact leg 7 and the clamping leg 9 run opposite one another, at least in sections.

[0035] For example, in the Fig. 1b and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2b, the clamping leg 9 forms a clamping point 10 with the busbar 4 for the electrical conductor 13 that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel 2. According to the exemplary embodiments shown, the busbar 4 is bent for this purpose and, as shown, can also have a curvature to which an inserted electrical conductor 13 can be clamped essentially tangentially, i.e., approximately point-like. The spring force of the clamping spring 5 enables reliable electrical contact in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9.

[0036] The clamping leg 9 is between a Fig. 1b, Fig. 1st, Fig. 1f, Fig. 2b, Fig. 2e and Fig. 2f shown open position O and one in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1c, Fig. 1d, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2c, Fig. 2d, to open and close 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 13 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 13 in the direction of the busbar 4 in the area of ​​the clamping point 10.

[0037] 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 13 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 13, and automatically moved into the closed position S due to spring force.

[0038] 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. The actuating element 6 is at least partially embedded in the insulating housing 3. According to the embodiments shown, the actuating element 6 is pivotally mounted in the insulating housing 3 and is used to move the clamping leg 9 into the open position O by means of a Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c shown swivel movement B 11 , B 12of the actuating element 6. This allows an effective return of the clamping leg 9 to the open position O with little effort. According to the embodiments shown, the actuating element 6 has an operating section 11 and an actuating section 12 comprising a metallic material. By means of the operating section 11, a user can apply an actuating force to the actuating element 6 to generate a pivoting movement B 11 , B 12 By means of the actuating section 12, the pivoting movement B 11 , B 12 of the actuating element 6 to the clamping leg 9. By means of the actuating section 12, during a pivoting movement B 11 , B 12of the actuating element 6, a compressive force can be exerted on the clamping leg 9 to displace it. With an actuating section 12 comprising a metallic material, improved force transmission and high robustness of the actuating section 12 can be achieved due to increased stability and strength. For example, the actuating section 12 can be made of spring steel. The operating section 11 can comprise a plastic material. According to the embodiments shown, the operating section 11 is equipped with a handle 20. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the operating section 11 to have a tool holder to which, for example, a tool such as a screwdriver can be attached.

[0039] For example, in the Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c, the operating section 11 of the actuating element 6 is arranged opposite an outer circumferential surface 8a of the spring arc 8 of the clamping spring 5. The actuating section 12 of the actuating element 6 extends from the operating section 11 along the clamping leg 9. This results in a compact design of the conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliable actuating mechanism. As shown in the Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c, the operating section 11 faces the spring arch 8 such that the outer circumferential surface 8a of the spring arch 8 and an outer surface of the operating section 11 extend opposite one another. In other words, a vertex of the spring arch 8 can point in the direction of the operating section 11. The operating section 11 is arranged between the spring arch 8 and an outer wall of the insulating housing 3 opposite the spring arch 8. As can be seen from the Fig. 1c, the actuating section 11 can be guided partly on the spring arch 8 and predominantly along the clamping leg 9, in particular at least in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9 resting against it.

[0040] Such as the Fig. 1d and Fig. 2d, the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 has a holding section 14 with a holding tab 15 for holding the clamping leg 9 in its open position O. The holding tab 15 can, for example, as in Fig. 1e shown from a free end of the clamping leg 9 or as in Fig. 2f shown, can be engaged behind by a retaining projection 27 of the clamping leg 9. As a result, the clamping leg 9 can be temporarily fixed to the contact leg 7 until an electrical conductor 13 inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 triggers an automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S. By integrating the retaining section 14 into the contact leg 7, a simple retaining mechanism is implemented. The retaining section 14 can be Fig. 1d and Fig. 2d, they may branch off from a section 19, in particular they may be bent or angled substantially at right angles thereto. For example, in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b also shows that the retaining tab 15 is spaced from a conductor region 16 of the insulating housing 3, in which an electrical conductor 13 can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1 via the conductor entry channel 2. This reliably prevents an unintentional, particularly premature, displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S by an inserted electrical conductor 13.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the Fig. 1d and Fig. 2d, the contact leg 7 has a release section 17 for releasing the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when the electrical conductor 13 strikes the release section 17. By interacting with the previously described holding section 14, a simple and efficient implementation of a triggering mechanism is possible. The release section 17 has an activation surface 17a which extends essentially perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the electrical conductor 13 into the conductor connection terminal 1. When the electrical conductor 13 strikes the activation surface 17a, the release section 17 and, with it, the holding section 14 are displaced, so that the clamping leg 9 disengages from the retaining tab 15 and is automatically displaced into the closed position S due to spring force.In summary, according to the embodiments shown, the contact leg 7 has, starting from the spring arch 8, a contact section 19, a holding section 14 and a release section 17.

[0042] For example, in the Fig. 1d and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2d, the clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5 has an actuating segment 21 adjoining the spring arc 8 and a clamping segment 23 extending from the actuating segment 21 at a bend 22. The actuating section 12 can engage the actuating segment 21, while the clamping segment 23 is configured to clamp the electrical conductor 13 to the busbar 4. The bend 22 enables the respective functions of the actuating segment 21 and the clamping segment 23 to be efficiently implemented.

[0043] According to the Fig. 1a to 1f, the actuating element 6 is designed as a pivot lever. As shown, for example, in Fig. 1f, the actuating element 6, designed as a pivot lever, is pivotable about a pivot axis A, which extends through a region of the actuating section 12 of the actuating element 6 running along the spring arch 8 and / or the clamping leg 9. This provides an actuating element 6 with an efficient lever action and low installation space requirements. As the Fig. 1a to 1f, the pivot axis A of the actuating element 6 is placed close to a pivot axis of the clamping leg 9, whose pivot axis can run through a section of the spring arch 8 between its apex and its transition into the clamping leg 9. The actuating section 12 has, for example, Fig. 1c shows a bend 26 with a radius that essentially corresponds to a radius of the spring arch 8 in its section between the apex of the spring arch 8 and its transition into the clamping leg 9, so that the actuating section 12 can rest against the spring arch with the bend 26, at least in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9. The pivot axis A can run through a region of the bend 26 of the actuating section 12. For example, Fig. 1f, the pivot lever has a narrow, strip-shaped design with a plate-shaped operating section 11.

[0044] According to the Fig. 1a to 1f, the operating section 11 of the actuating element 6 designed as a pivoting lever protrudes from the insulating housing 3 in the open position O and in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b. As a result, the actuating element 6 is designed as an easily operable rocker lever, the position of which can be used as a visual indicator to indicate an open position O or a closed position S of the clamping leg 9.

[0045] According to the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1f, the pivoting movement B 11 , B 12 of the actuating element 6 can be transferred to the clamping leg 9 in such a way that, as in Fig. 1c shows a swivel movement B 12 of the actuating section 12 and a pivoting movement B9 of the clamping leg 9 are essentially in the same direction when the clamping leg 9 is displaced into the open position O. A relative position of the actuating section 12 to the clamping leg 9 can therefore be adjusted during the pivoting movement B 12of the actuating section 12 must be substantially constant, so that a uniform force transmission and a stable contact of the actuating section 12 on the clamping leg 9 can be achieved.

[0046] According to the Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2f, the actuating element 6 is designed as a swivel push button. As shown, for example, in Fig. 2f, the actuating element 6, which is designed as a pivoting push button, can be pivoted about a pivot axis A, which runs through a region of the actuating element 6 facing away from the clamping leg 9 of the clamping spring 5. As can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 2f, the pivot axis A of the actuating element 6 can therefore be placed far from the pivot axis of the clamping leg 9, for example, spaced at least half a spring arc length. The spring arc 8 of the clamping spring 5 is arranged between a region of the actuating element 6 through which the pivot axis A runs and the actuating section 12 of the actuating element 6. As shown, for example, in the Fig. 2a to 2f, the actuating element 6 has a metallic core which is surrounded by a covering material, for example a plastic, in the area of ​​the operating section 11 and is exposed in the actuating section 12. The operating section 11 of the actuating element 6 is as shown in Fig. 2f, it is designed as a solid operating section 11 with a trapezoidal basic shape, wherein the pivot axis A of the actuating element 6 runs through a base section of the operating section 11.

[0047] According to the Fig. 2a to 2f, the operating section 11 of the actuating element 6 designed as a swivel push button is sunk into the insulating housing 3 in the open position O of the clamping leg 9 and protrudes from the insulating housing 3 in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. Accordingly, in the open position O of the clamping leg 9, the actuating element 6 is inserted into the insulating housing 3 in such a way that operation is at least difficult, since the proposed conductor connection terminal 1 provides for automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 from the open position O to the closed position S.

[0048] According to the Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2f, the pivoting movement B 11 , B 12 of the actuating element 6 can be transferred to the clamping leg 9 in such a way that, as in Fig. 2c shows a pivoting movement B 12 of the actuating section 12 and a pivoting movement B9 of the clamping leg 9 when the clamping leg 9 is moved into the open position O in the same direction of rotation. The pivoting movements B 12 and B9 can, however, be different from each other in that the direction of force acting on the actuating element 6 can be different from the direction of force acting on the clamping leg from the actuating section 12, so that a redirection of force occurs. This ensures comfortable operation of the actuating element 6 due to a pivoting movement B 12 of the actuating section 12. As can be seen from the Fig. 2c, the actuating section 12 according to the embodiment shown can be displaced onto the clamping leg 9 in such a way that the actuating section 12 during its pivoting movement B12 slides down the clamping leg 9 and can thereby increasingly displace the clamping leg 9 in the direction of the contact leg 7. Accordingly, the actuating element 6 can be configured so that a relative position of the actuating section 12 to the clamping leg 9 during a pivoting movement B 12 of the actuating section 12 is variable.

[0049] Such as the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, the actuating section 12 rests against the clamping leg 9 with a larger area in the open position O of the clamping leg 9 than in the closed position S of the clamping leg 9, so that the actuating section 12 increasingly rests against the clamping leg 9 with increasing displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the open position O. In this case, the actuating section 12 can be configured to slide on the clamping leg 9 during the displacement of the clamping leg 9.

[0050] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows that the insulating housing 3 has a ramp 18 for guiding an electrical conductor 13 to the release section 17. This promotes reliable triggering of the automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S. The ramp 18 prevents the electrical conductor from striking the vertical connecting section, which connects the horizontal holding section 14 to the horizontal release section 17, and from prematurely unlocking the clamping leg 9, which is locked in the open position, before the electrical conductor 13 is fully inserted and has reached the release section 17. Such a ramp 18 is optional and can be present in all described embodiments, even if it is not explicitly shown there.

[0051] In addition, the insulating housing 3 has a clamping spring support 24 on which the clamping spring 5 is suspended, wherein the clamping spring support 24 has a stop surface 25 for limiting a displacement of the clamping leg 9 in the direction of the contact leg 7. As a result, an excessive deflection of the clamping leg 9 can be avoided and the clamping spring 9 receives an improved hold in the insulating housing 3. Although the above features are not applicable to the Fig. 1a to 1f are shown in the figures, these can in principle also be transferred to the first embodiment.

[0052] By means of the above-described and exemplary embodiments in the Fig. 1a to 1f and 2a to 2f, a conductor connection terminal 1 with an automatic conductor connection can be provided, the actuating element 6 of which is designed to reset the clamping leg 9 for optimized force transmission and, at the same time, convenient operation.

[0053] Fig. 3a-3b show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to a third embodiment in an open position O and a closed position S in sectional side views.

[0054] The actuating element 6 is designed in a manner comparable to the previously described embodiments, so that reference can be made to the above.

[0055] The clamping segment 23 of the clamping leg 9 and the holding section 14, however, are modified. A holding tab 15 protrudes from the holding section 14 in the direction of the busbar 4 or the clamping leg 9. This holding tab 15 is designed such that it locks the clamping leg 9, which is pivoted toward the contact leg 7, at its free end. Fig. 3b shows that in the locked open position O, the retaining tab 15 forms a stop for the clamping leg 9 and the clamping leg 9 is pressed against the retaining tab 15 by the spring force of the clamping spring 5.

[0056] The retaining tab 15 can, for example, be arranged, as shown, in the curved transition of the horizontal retaining section 14 to the vertical connecting section to the again horizontal release section 17. Depending on the design of the clamping spring 5, the retaining tab 15 can also be arranged at other positions in the retaining section 14. The retaining tab 15 can be cut free from the material of the clamping spring and protrude from the plane of the clamping spring 5 by bending at least one edge web remaining next to the retaining tab 15.

[0057] Fig. 3c shows the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 3a in the closed position with the insulating housing 3 hidden in the side view.

[0058] Fig. 3d shows the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 3b, with the insulating housing 3 and the busbar 4 hidden in the locked open position O. It is clear that the clamping leg 9 is displaced toward the contact leg 7 by means of the pivoted actuating element 6. As a result, the free end of the clamping leg 9 moves behind the retaining tab 15 and is locked there.

[0059] An inserted electrical conductor 13 strikes the activation surface 17a of the release section 17, exerting an activation force that displaces the spring-elastic holding section 14 away from the free end of the clamping leg 9 (downward). The retaining tab 15 at the free end of the clamping leg 9 thus slides off essentially transversely to the spring force acting on it, and the stop is released. The clamping leg 9 is thus released and can pivot into the closed position S due to the spring force of the clamping spring.

[0060] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to a fourth embodiment in an open position O and a closed position S in sectional side views.

[0061] The actuating element 6 is designed in a manner comparable to the previously described embodiments, so reference can be made to the above. The illustrations for this embodiment show the optional ramp 18.

[0062] The clamping segment 23 of the clamping leg 9 and the holding section 14, however, are modified. The holding section 14 has a holding opening 28 with a holding edge 29. The clamping leg 9 has a clamping tab 30, which is designed to lock the clamping leg 9, which is pivoted toward the contact leg 7, to the holding edge 29 by means of a positive connection. Fig. 3b shows that the clamping tab, in the locked open position O, engages the retaining opening 28, and the retaining edge 29 forms a stop for the clamping leg 9. The clamping leg 9 is thereby locked to the retaining section 14.

[0063] The retaining opening 28 can, for example, be arranged, as shown, directly in front of the curved transition from the horizontal retaining section 14 to the vertical connecting section to the again horizontal release section 17. Depending on the design of the clamping spring 5, the retaining opening 28 with its retaining edge 29 can also be arranged at other positions in the retaining section 14. The clamping tab 30 can be cut out of the material of the clamping spring and protrude from the plane of the clamping leg 9.

[0064] Fig. 4c shows the conductor connection terminal 1 according to Fig. 4a with the insulating housing 3 hidden in the side view.

[0065] Fig. 4d shows the conductor connection terminal 1 from Fig. 4b, hiding the insulating housing 3 and the busbar 4 in the locked open position.

[0066] It is clear that, viewed in the width direction of the clamping leg 9, a clamping tab 30 protruding toward the holding section 14 is formed approximately centrally from the clamping leg 9. In the open position O, this clamping tab 30 dips into the underlying holding opening 28 of the holding section 14 in order to latch there onto the holding edge 29 delimiting the holding opening 28.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown above, the direction of movement of the actuating element 6 and the clamping leg 9 is essentially the same when actuated into the open position O, whereby only the movement vectors can be angularly offset by an angle of less than 180°. However, it is also conceivable that the pivoting direction of the clamping leg 9 is oriented opposite to the pivoting direction of the actuating element 6 by means of a deflection mechanism, as an alternative to the exemplary embodiments shown above. The opposite movement is conceivable with a deflection lever or a deflection rail.

[0068] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show a conductor connection terminal 1 with a lever-like actuating element 6 with a deflection element 28 based on the embodiment of Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b in the closed position S and the open position O with the electrical conductor inserted13.

[0069] The deflection element 30 can, as shown, be designed as a displaceably mounted deflection slide with a bearing contour 31, such as a trough, for pivotally supporting the actuating element 6. The free end of the actuating element 6 can engage in the bearing contour 31 in order to convert the pivoting movement of the actuating element 6 into a linear sliding movement of the deflection element 30 upon pivoting. The deflection element 30 is coupled to the actuating section 12 in order to pivot the latter about the pivot axis A upon displacement of the deflection element 30, wherein the pivoting movements B 11 of the actuating element 6 and the pivoting movement B 12 of the actuating section 12 and the pivoting movement B9 of the clamping leg 9 coupled thereto are opposite to each other. 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 8 spring bows 8a outer peripheral surface of spring arch 9 clamping legs 10 terminal point 11 Operating section 12 Operating section 13 electrical conductor 14 stopping section 15 Retaining tab 16 Ladder area 17 Release section 17a Activation area 18 ramp 19 Plant section 20 handle 21 Actuating segment 22 Turn 23 clamping segment 24 clamp spring support 25 Stop surface 26 Bend 27 Holding projection 28 Holding opening 29 Retaining edge 30 clamping tab 31 Deflection element 32 Bearing contour A swivel axis B 11 Swivel movement operating section B 12Swivel movement operating section B9 Swivel movement of clamping leg O Disclosure S Closed position

Claims

[1] Conductor connection terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3) having a conductor entry channel (2), 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 with the busbar (4) a clamping point (10) for an electrical conductor (13) which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between a locked 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) from the locked open position (O) into the closed position (S) upon insertion of an electrical conductor (13) into the insulating housing (3) and unlocking of the clamping leg (9) by means of the inserted electrical conductor (13), and - the actuating element (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized by that the actuating element (6) has an operating section (11) and an actuating section (12) comprising a metallic material, wherein the actuating element (6) is pivotally mounted in the insulating material housing (3) and is adapted to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) by a pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12 ) of the actuating element (6) and wherein the pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12) of the actuating element (6) can be transferred to the clamping leg (9) by means of the actuating section (12) comprising a metallic material. [2] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the operating section (11) of the actuating element (6) is arranged opposite an outer circumferential surface (8a) of the spring arch (8) of the clamping spring (5) and the actuating section (12) of the actuating element (6) extends from the operating section (11) along the clamping leg (9). [3] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the actuating section (12) of the actuating element (6) has a spring steel as metallic material. [4] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating section (11) of the actuating element (6) comprises a plastic material. [5] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (6) is designed as a pivoting lever, wherein the actuating element (6) designed as a pivoting lever is pivotable about a pivot axis (A) which runs through a region of the actuating section (12) of the actuating element (6) running along the spring arch (8) and / or the clamping leg (9). [6] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the operating section (11) of the actuating element (6) designed as a pivoting lever protrudes from the insulating housing (3) in the open position (O) and in the closed position (S) of the clamping leg (9). [7] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12 ) of the actuating element (6) can be transmitted to the clamping leg (9) in such a way that a pivoting movement (B 12) of the actuating section (12) and a pivoting movement (B9) of the clamping leg (9) are essentially directed in the same direction when the clamping leg (9) is displaced into the open position (O). [8] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the actuating element (6) is designed as a pivoting push button, wherein the actuating element (6) designed as a pivoting push button is pivotable about a pivot axis (A) which runs through a region of the actuating element (6) facing away from the clamping leg (9) of the clamping spring (5). [9] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the operating section (11) of the actuating element (6) designed as a pivoting push button is sunk into the insulating housing (3) in the open position (O) of the clamping leg (9) and at least partially protrudes from the insulating housing (3) in the closed position (S) of the clamping leg (9). [10] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pivoting movement (B 11 , B 12 ) of the actuating element (6) can be transmitted to the clamping leg (9) in such a way that a pivoting movement (B 12 ) of the actuating section (12) and a pivoting movement (B9) of the clamping leg (9) are directed differently when the clamping leg (9) is moved into the open position (O). [11] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact leg (7) of the clamping spring (5) has a holding section (14) with a holding tab (15) for holding the clamping leg (9) in its open position (O). [12] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized bythat the retaining tab (15) is spaced from a conductor region (16) of the insulating material housing (3), in which an electrical conductor (13) which can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal (1) via the conductor insertion channel (2) can be positioned. [13] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact leg (7) has a release section (17) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when an electrical conductor (13) strikes the release section (17). [14] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 13, characterized by that the insulating housing (3) has a run-up slope (18) for guiding an electrical conductor (13) to the release section (17). [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the contact leg (7) has, starting from the spring arch (8), a contact section (19), a holding section (14) and a release section (17) in succession. [16] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating section (11) of the actuating element (6) has a tool holder and / or a handle (20). [17] 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 (21) adjoining the spring arch (8) and a clamping segment (23) extending from the actuating segment (21) at a bend (22). [18] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the insulating housing (3) has a clamping spring support (24) on which the clamping spring (5) is suspended, wherein the clamping spring support (24) has a stop surface (25) for limiting a displacement of the clamping leg (9) in the direction of the contact leg (7).

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