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 unit (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 (11) which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping leg (9) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) for opening and closing the clamping point (10), and - the actuating unit (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized in that the actuating unit (6) has an operating element (12) and an actuating element (13), wherein the actuating element (13) has a bearing base (14), an actuating section (16) for actuating the actuating element (13) by means of the operating element (12) and a pivoting arm (17) for mechanically contacting the clamping leg (9), wherein the clamping leg (9) has a driver section (18) and wherein the actuating element (13) is designed to pivot about the bearing base (14) when actuated and to move the clamping leg (9) into its open position (O) via the pivoting arm (17) engaging the driver section (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel, a busbar, a clamping spring and an actuating unit, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring arch and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg forms a clamping point with the busbar for an electrical conductor which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, wherein the actuating unit is designed to displace the clamping leg into the open position.

[0002] The clamping point is formed in particular by a clamping edge on the clamping leg, which is usually located at the free end of the clamping leg.

[0003] Such conductor terminals are known in practice. The actuating unit 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. In one variant, these conductor terminals can be equipped with an automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped when it is inserted into the conductor terminal. By inserting the electrical conductor, the clamping leg of the clamping spring, held in the open position, can then be automatically released, clamping the electrical conductor securely.

[0004] With regard to the actuating unit, it is desirable that an effective force transmission to the clamping leg for moving it into the open position be enabled with minimal effort, while at the same time requiring only a small amount of space and not impairing the automatic connection mechanism. Against this background, the invention is based on the object of creating an improved conductor connection terminal.

[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] For a generic conductor connection terminal, it is proposed that the actuating unit has an operating element and an actuating element, wherein the actuating element has a bearing base, an actuating section for actuating the actuating element by the operating element and a pivoting arm for mechanically contacting the clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg has a driver section and wherein the actuating element is designed to pivot about the bearing base when actuated and to displace the clamping leg into its open position via the pivoting arm engaging the driver section.

[0007] In other words, a conductor connection terminal is proposed with a return of the clamping leg to the open position by an actuating unit with an operating element and a particularly separately designed actuating element, wherein the actuating element forms a two-armed lever pivotable about the bearing base, the lever arms of which are formed by the actuating section and the pivoting arm. The pivoting movement of the actuating element is transmitted to the clamping leg via the pivoting arm and the driver section, so that the clamping leg can be displaced towards the contact leg into its open position. By means of the proposed conductor connection terminal, it is possible to achieve a reliably effective return of the clamping leg with little effort and a compact design due to a leverage effect that can be implemented with the actuating element.

[0008] This creates a compact, easy-to-use and reliably effective actuation mechanism.

[0009] The insulating housing of the conductor connection terminal, made for example from a plastic material, accommodates the busbar and the 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 cylindrical or funnel-shaped at least in sections, 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, which can be made, in particular, of an elastically resilient material. The clamping spring has a contact leg for supporting the clamping spring against an adjacent structure, for example, the busbar or 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 to its open position, the clamping leg can be shifted toward the contact leg.The clamping leg can form a clamping point with the busbar for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar, in that the conductor is pressed against the busbar by the clamping leg, in particular by a clamping edge of the clamping leg, using the spring force of the clamping spring, so that reliable electrical contact can be established. The clamping leg can be moved between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing 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 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] In a preferred embodiment, the conductor connection terminal can be locked in the open position. In this case, the conductor connection terminal can advantageously be provided with an automatic conductor connection in that the conductor connection terminal is designed for an automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position when the electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor connection terminal. For this purpose, the conductor connection terminal can in particular have a release mechanism that can be actuated by the inserted conductor and via which the clamping leg can be released from its open position and can move automatically into the closed position due to spring force. In its open position, the clamping leg can be held in a standby state, for example by a suitable holding structure on the busbar or on a contact leg of the clamping spring.Accordingly, it can be provided in particular that the actuating unit of the conductor connection terminal is primarily intended for transferring the clamping leg into the open position by guiding, displacing or pivoting the clamping leg to the holding structure and less for permanently holding the clamping leg, whereby embodiments are not excluded in which the clamping leg is held by the actuating unit, in particular by the actuating element.

[0012] The actuating unit has an operating element and an actuating element. In a preferred embodiment, the operating element and the actuating element can be designed as structurally separate components of the actuating unit. The operating element serves to transmit an operating force exerted on the operating element by a user of the conductor connection terminal to the actuating element. The operating element can be actuated manually and / or by a tool, for example. The operating element can have a tool holder, for example a guide slot for a screwdriver. The actuating element can be configured to pivot about the bearing base upon the action of an operating force transmitted to the actuating section.When the actuating section is pivoted towards the busbar, the pivot arm of the actuating element can be pivoted towards the actuating section, allowing a rocking movement around the bearing base. The actuating section and the pivot arm pivot about the same pivot axis of the bearing base on different paths of movement that result from their different positions relative to the pivot axis. The pivot arm is designed in such a way that it can move towards the driver section of the clamping leg and, once mechanical contact is made, takes this with it, i.e. the pivoting movement is continued jointly by the pivot arm and the clamping leg. This allows the clamping leg to be moved towards the contact leg into its open position. The bearing base can have a base leg that forms a pivot bearing foot for the actuating element, through which the pivot axis of the actuating element runs.The base leg is connected to the actuating section and the pivot arm. For this purpose, the base leg can be limited to establishing a direct connection between the actuating section and the pivot arm and forming a pivot bearing foot. However, the base leg can also protrude from the actuating section, at least with a section spaced from the pivot arm. The base leg and the pivot arm can protrude from each other in different directions, e.g., at an angle of 90° ±10°. It is conceivable that the pivot arm protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the busbar in the open position and the base leg extends approximately parallel to the busbar. The base leg and at least a partial section of the pivot arm can together form a C-shaped contour. The bearing base with the base leg, the pivot arm, and the actuating section can be formed integrally with one another.

[0013] The base leg can be supported on the busbar, and the pivot arm can contact the clamping leg on the side of the busbar diametrically opposite where the base leg rests on the busbar. This means that the pivot point of the bearing section and the contact point of the pivot arm are very close to one another when viewed perpendicularly, i.e., the projection points of the perpendiculars of the contact point and pivot point on the busbar are close together, and when viewed from the side, they are almost one above the other, i.e., perpendicular to the busbar. This alignment between the pivot point and contact point does not have to be exactly perpendicular to the plane of the busbar (i.e., to the surface of the busbar), but can also be at a slight acute angle to it.Due to this adjacent alignment of the pivot point and the contact point, the greatest possible displacement path of the clamping leg in a direction parallel to the surface of the busbar is achieved when the pivoting element is pivoted.

[0014] It is advantageous to have two pivot bearing feet spaced apart from each other. For this purpose, two base legs can be arranged at a distance from each other. The two base legs can extend parallel to each other.

[0015] The driver section of the clamping leg can be a surface area of ​​a front surface of the clamping leg facing the conductor entry channel, where mechanical contact and the associated force application of the pivoting arm can occur. The driver section can be formed by a partial surface of the clamping leg's rectangular base, for example, or can be offset from the base, for example, with a lateral extension contour or protruding spring tongue.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can have two pivot arms extending parallel to one another and / or two base legs extending parallel to one another. In this case, a pivot arm can extend on either side of the clamping leg, so that the pivot arms flank the clamping leg on opposite sides. In addition, a base leg can extend on either side of the clamping leg, so that the base legs flank the clamping leg on opposite sides. If the actuating element has two pivot arms, the clamping leg can have two corresponding driver sections, so that a pivot arm can mechanically contact a driver section of the clamping leg and can thereby displace the clamping leg. This enables uniform force to be introduced into the clamping leg, allowing it to be displaced reliably without any tendency to tip over and with little effort.Thanks to two parallel pivot arms and / or two parallel base legs, the actuating element also has increased stability and can be pivoted precisely. The two pivot arms and / or the two base legs can each be designed identically in terms of their shape and dimensions, so that the features described below for a pivot arm or a base leg can be applied to both parallel pivot arms and / or both parallel base legs.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the actuating section can have two actuating arms extending parallel to one another and a connecting web connecting the actuating arms. This provides a compact and stable actuating element. The connecting web can extend substantially transversely to the actuating arms. The surfaces of the base leg, the pivot arm, and / or the actuating arm, in particular viewed on one side of the actuating element, can extend in a common plane, i.e., merge into one another without any bending.

[0018] According to a further development, the connecting bridge can have an actuating surface for mechanical contact by the operating element. This gives the connecting bridge an additional actuating function in addition to the mechanical connecting and stabilizing function, so that the compact character of the actuating element is further promoted through functional integration. The actuating surface of the connecting bridge can face an actuating surface of the operating element. The actuating surface of the connecting bridge can have a curved surface, at least in sections.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a curved spring tongue can be formed on the actuating section. The spring tongue can, for example, protrude from the previously described actuating surface of the connecting web. Starting from the actuating surface, the spring tongue can be bent in a direction that points away from the actuating surface of the operating element. The spring tongue can be formed integrally with the actuating section. The spring tongue can form part of the actuating section and can be mechanically contacted by the actuating surface of the operating element. When the actuating section is actuated, the actuating surface of the operating element can slide along the curved spring tongue, thus promoting smooth, gradual actuation of the actuating element, thus supporting comfortable handling of the operating unit.In addition, the spring tongue, which limits the pivoting movement of the control element, can prevent the control element from jamming laterally on the connecting bridge.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm can be L-shaped. This allows the pivot arm to engage around the driver section of the clamping leg and enable reliably effective force transmission to the clamping leg. The L-shaped pivot arm can have a first L-leg, with which the pivot arm is connected to the bearing base and the actuating section. The first L-leg can be supported on the busbar in the open position. The L-shaped pivot arm can have a second L-leg, which protrudes at an angle, in particular essentially perpendicular, from the first L-leg and serves to mechanically contact the driver section. The L-shaped pivot arm is guided laterally past the clamping spring.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the driver section can be formed by a projection projecting laterally from the clamping leg. This allows a favorable force application area for displacing the clamping spring by means of the actuating element to be provided with a minor and simple geometric adjustment of the clamping spring. The lateral projection can be viewed as a lateral extension of the front surface of the clamping leg facing the conductor insertion channel, so that the surface of the driver section and the front surface of the clamping leg lie in one plane. In other words, the driver section can form a step in a side surface of the clamping leg, wherein the side surface connects the front surface and an opposite rear surface of the clamping leg.In the area of ​​the driver section, the clamping leg can have a greater width than in a clamping leg area adjacent to the driver section. The clamping leg can, in particular, have two projections projecting laterally on opposite sides of the clamping leg, which can be mechanically contacted by parallel pivot arms of the actuating element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a busbar frame with frame legs extending parallel to one another, wherein the clamping spring is arranged between the frame legs. For example, the busbar can be a predominantly flat contact element with an internal recess, wherein the recess is delimited on at least two sides by frame legs. The recess can, for example, be designed as a passage, so that a hole collar protrudes from the edges of the recess, against which the clamping spring can advantageously be supported. The frame legs enable a compact and secure reception of the clamping spring on the busbar and increase the stability of the contact insert of the conductor connection terminal formed by the clamping spring and the busbar.An arrangement of the clamping spring between the frame legs can be understood here as meaning that the clamping spring extends in sections between the frame legs and protrudes through a recess between the frame legs. For example, an upper section of the clamping spring with the spring arc can extend above the busbar, and a lower section of the clamping spring with a release section (described below) can extend below the busbar. A free end of the clamping leg, with which a clamping point with an inserted electrical conductor can be formed, can be located approximately at the level of the frame legs or the hole collar, at least in the closed position, so that the electrical conductor can be reliably clamped against the busbar.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have an actuating element receptacle for supporting and guiding the actuating element. This achieves a stable arrangement and defined mobility of the actuating element in the conductor connection terminal. The actuating element receptacle can, for example, be a recess, a retaining pin, or another suitable receiving contour for holding the actuating element to the busbar frame, whereby a particularly compact arrangement can be created by means of an indentation. The actuating element receptacle can, in particular, have two actuating element receptacles formed on opposite sides of the busbar.The actuating element receptacle can be designed in such a way that a pivoting movement of the actuating element is not impaired by the actuating element receptacle, for example, it can have a greater width than the actuating element in a receptacle section for arrangement in the actuating element receptacle.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the bearing base of the actuating element can extend on a side of the busbar facing away from the spring arc of the clamping spring, and the actuating section and / or the pivot arm of the actuating element can extend on a side of the busbar facing the spring arc of the clamping spring. This achieves a stable arrangement and defined mobility of the actuating element with respect to the busbar. In other words, the bearing base can be located below the busbar, and the actuating section and / or the pivot arm can extend above the busbar. A section connecting the bearing base and the pivot arm and / or actuating section thus extends through the actuating element receptacle on the busbar, which can be designed, for example, as a recess in the busbar.For example, the bearing base can mechanically contact the underside of a frame leg of the busbar frame, and the actuating section and / or the pivot arm can mechanically contact the upper side of the frame leg of the busbar frame, depending on the actuation state of the actuating element. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the busbar to have a support surface that, for example, borders the busbar frame and that can be mechanically contacted by the actuating section upon actuation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the busbar can form a stop for the actuating section and / or the pivoting arm. This precisely limits the mobility of the actuating element. For example, the upper side of a frame leg and / or an adjacent support surface that can be mechanically contacted by the actuating section and / or the pivoting arm can form a stop surface. Due to the rocker structure of the actuating element, the stop areas can lie in one plane and be used depending on the deflection state of the actuating element.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a bearing for guiding a pivoting range of the bearing base, preferably a bearing for guiding a pivoting range of the base leg of the bearing base. This allows a defined pivotability of the actuating element to be achieved. The bearing can be formed, for example, on an underside of a frame leg of the busbar. The pivoting range of the bearing base can, for example, be convex, and the bearing can be concave with a suitable radius. This allows the pivoting range to roll on a bearing surface of the bearing during a pivoting movement of the actuating element about the pivot axis running through the pivoting range.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the clamping leg and the contact leg of the clamping spring can extend between the actuating section and the pivoting arm of the actuating element, with the pivoting arm facing the clamping leg and the actuating section facing the contact leg. Accordingly, the actuating section and the pivoting arm can encompass the clamping spring on opposite sides and enclose it in certain areas, thereby achieving a stable and reliably effective actuating mechanism for returning the clamping leg to the open position. Furthermore, arranging the operating element on the side of the clamping spring facing away from the conductor entry channel allows for a compact design.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the clamping leg can be configured to latch onto a retaining contour of the contact leg of the clamping spring in the open position. This allows the clamping leg to be temporarily secured to the contact leg in its open position until an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal triggers automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position. The retaining contour can be arranged on a retaining section, wherein the retaining section adjoins the contact leg. The retaining contour can be a retaining edge, for example. The clamping leg can have a retaining tab with which the clamping leg can engage behind the retaining edge, so that the clamping leg can be secured to the contact leg by latching onto the retaining edge.It is conceivable that two retaining edges are provided on opposite side surfaces of the contact leg, which can interact with two correspondingly arranged retaining tabs of the clamping leg. This enables improved attachment of the clamping leg to the contact leg.

[0029] According to one embodiment, 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 retaining contour, 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 toward which an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal can be guided.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 the retaining edge of the holding section, thereby activating the automatic, spring-force-induced displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position. In other words, a locking of the clamping leg to the contact leg can be released by applying pressure to the activation surface. The clamping spring can be designed such that even a slight displacement of the release section by a conductor end triggers the automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position, for example, by a comparatively small dimensioning of the retaining contour on the holding section.The release section of the contact leg, in particular an activation surface of the release section, can be located at a free end of the contact leg. The release section can be connected to the holding section of the contact leg directly or via a connecting section.

[0030] The insulating housing can have a guide pin protruding into the conductor receiving pocket, which extends from a lateral inner wall of the conductor receiving pocket into the interior of the conductor receiving pocket. The guide pin is arranged between the alignment of the conductor insertion channel or an electrical conductor inserted therein and a (vertical) connecting section extending between the release section and the holding contour and prevents unintentional early unlocking due to the electrical conductor touching the connecting section before it is fully inserted into the release section. The guide pin guides the inserted electrical conductor towards the release section until the electrical conductor touches the release section.

[0031] According to a further development, the release section can have a V-shaped bend. The opening of the V-shaped bend can face an inserted electrical conductor. This allows for centering of electrical conductors with small conductor cross-sections and a constant actuation force for the release mechanism. Alternatively, other embodiments are also conceivable, e.g., a circular recess within the release section.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a flat stamped and bent part. This allows a lightweight and compact actuating element to be produced and provided in a cost-effective manner. The actuating element can, for example, be designed as a thin-walled sheet metal part.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the operating element can be designed as a push-button. This enables simple and convenient operation of the actuating unit. The push-button can have a tool holder, for example, a guide slot for a screwdriver. A push-button can be viewed as an operating element that can be translationally displaced, for example, in an actuating channel, which in this case can be translationally displaced with an actuating surface facing forward onto an actuating section of the actuating element, in particular an actuating surface of the actuating section. In principle, it is also conceivable to design the operating element as a lever, so that the operating element is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0034] 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”.

[0035] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a-1b - a conductor connection terminal with a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in a closed position in a sectional view and a perspective front view of a spring-loaded clamp connection with the insulating housing hidden; Fig. 2a-2b - the conductor connection terminal with the clamping leg of the clamping spring shown in an open position in a sectional view and a perspective front view of a spring-loaded clamp connection with the insulating housing hidden; Fig. 3a-3b - the conductor connection terminal with the clamping leg of the clamping spring shown in the clamping position when inserting an electrical conductor in a sectional view and a perspective front view of a spring-loaded terminal connection with the insulating housing hidden; Fig. 4a-4b - an isolated representation of the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal in the closed position in a side and a perspective view; Fig. 5a-5b - an isolated representation of the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal in the open position in a side and a perspective view; Fig. 6a-6c - an isolated representation of a busbar of the conductor terminal in a side view, a perspective top view and a perspective bottom view; and Fig. 7a-7b - an isolated representation of an actuating element of the conductor connection terminal in a side and a perspective view.

[0036] The Fig. 1a to 3b show a conductor connection terminal 1 according to an embodiment in different views and states. Fig. 4a to 7b show isolated representations of individual components of the conductor connection terminal 1 to illustrate structural details of the described embodiment.

[0037] As in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3a, the conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2, into which a Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shown electrical conductor 11 can be inserted. Furthermore, the conductor connection terminal 1 has a Fig. 1a to 3b and in the Fig. 6a to 6c and described in more detail below. Furthermore, the conductor connection terminal 1 has a Fig. 1a to 3b and in the Fig. 4a to 5b additionally shown in isolation clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 7, a spring arc 8 and a clamping leg 9. The spring arc 8 deflects the clamping spring 5 such that the clamping leg 9 runs at least partially opposite the contact leg 7. The clamping leg 9 is designed to form a clamping point 10 with the busbar 4 for a conductor insertion channel 2 which can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel 2 and inserted into the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b to form the electrical conductor 11. The clamping leg 9 is arranged between a Fig. 2a to 3b and Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b shown open position O and one in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b and Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shown closed position S for opening and closing the clamping point 10. When moved to its open position O, the clamping leg 9 is as shown in the Fig. 1a to 3b shown on the contact leg 7. In the open position O, as shown in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the electrical conductor 11 can be positioned in the area of ​​the clamping point 10. In the closed position S, the clamping leg 9 is shifted towards the electrical conductor 11 and exerts a pressing force on the electrical conductor 11 in the direction of the busbar 4 (not shown in detail). The conductor connection terminal 1 is designed for an automatic shift of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S upon insertion of the electrical conductor 11 into the conductor connection terminal 1. For this purpose, a holding section 38 adjoins the contact leg 7, which has a holding contour 28 and, after a bend, merges into a (vertical) connecting section 37, to which, after a further bend, a release section 29 adjoins. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows the clamping position of the conductor connection terminal 1. The clamping leg 9 rests against the electrical conductor 11 and the release section 29 is deflected. This is also caused by the displacement of the spring arch 8 and the Fig. 2a clearly displaced retaining tab 35 clearly.

[0038] In the Fig. 1a to 3b it is also evident that the conductor connection terminal 1 has an actuating unit 6. The actuating unit 6 is designed to move the clamping leg 9 into the open position O. Fig. 1a to 3b, it can be seen that the actuating unit 6 has an operating element 12 designed as a push button and a separate actuating element 13. The operating element 12 serves to transmit an operating force to the actuating element 13. The actuating element 13 is additionally Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b shown in isolation. The actuating element 13 has a bearing base 14 with a base leg 15. The actuating element 13 further has an actuating section 16 for actuating the actuating element 13 by the operating element 12. In addition, the actuating element 13 has a pivot arm 17 for mechanically contacting the clamping leg 9. The clamping leg 9 has a driver section 18. The actuating element 13 is designed to pivot about the bearing base 14 upon actuation. In this case, the actuating element 13 can displace the clamping leg 9 into its open position O via the pivot arm 17 engaging the driver section 18. As can be seen from the positions of the actuating element 13 in the Fig. 1a to 3b, the actuating element 13 can act as a two-armed lever and transmit a pivoting movement of the actuating element 13 about its bearing base 14 via the pivot arm 17 to the driver section 18 of the clamping leg 9. This enables a reliably effective adjusting movement of the clamping leg 9 into its open position O, whereby only a small operating force is required on the operating element 12 due to the leverage of the actuating element 13. At the same time, the conductor connection terminal 1 is compact due to the small rocker mechanism.

[0039] According to the Fig. 1a to 3b and Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b, the actuating element has two pivot arms 17 extending parallel to each other on both sides of the clamping leg 9 and two base legs 15 extending parallel to each other. The pivot arms 17 are L-shaped according to the embodiment shown. As in Fig. 7a, the pivot arms 17 can have a first L-leg 17a, with which the pivot arms 17 can be supported on the busbar 4, and a second L-leg 17b, which serves for the mechanical contact of the driver sections 18. As shown, for example, in the Fig. 4b and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5b, the clamping leg 9 has two driver sections 18 on opposite sides of the clamping leg 9, on which the pivot arms 17 can engage, wherein the driver sections 18 are formed by projections projecting laterally from the clamping leg 9, each of which can be regarded as a lateral step of the clamping leg 9 and in the region of which the clamping leg 9 is widened compared to adjacent clamping leg regions. The clamping leg 9 and the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 extend between the actuating section 16 and the pivot arms 17 of the actuating element 13, wherein the pivot arms 17 face the clamping leg 9 and the actuating section 16 face the contact leg 7.

[0040] Furthermore, the actuating section 16 has, for example, Fig. 7b shows two actuating arms 19 extending parallel to each other and a connecting web 20 connecting the actuating arms 19 and extending transversely to the actuating arms 19, so that a compact and stable actuating element 13 is formed. As in Fig. 7b, the connecting web 20 has an actuating surface 21 for mechanical contact by the operating element 12. Furthermore, for example, in the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b shows that a curved spring tongue 22 is integrally formed on the actuating portion 16. The actuating surface 21 and the spring tongue 22 face an actuating surface 32 of the operating element 12. The curved spring tongue 22 enables a smooth opening and gradual pivoting movement of the actuating element 13.

[0041] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the base legs 15 of the actuating element 13 extend on a side of the busbar 4 facing away from the spring arch 8 of the clamping spring 5, i.e. below the busbar 4, while the actuating section 16 and the pivot arms 17 of the actuating element 13 extend on a side of the busbar 4 facing the spring arch 8 of the clamping spring 5, i.e. above the busbar 4.

[0042] For example, in Fig. 6b, the busbar 4 has a busbar frame 23 with frame legs 24 extending parallel to one another. The busbar 4 can, as shown, be a predominantly flat contact element with an internal recess 33 delimited by frame legs 24. The recess can be made by a through hole and thus have a hole collar 31 on which the clamping spring 5 can be supported. Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b shows that the clamping spring 5 is arranged between the frame legs 24, thus extending through the recess 33. This forms a stable contact insert. As shown in the Fig. 6a to 6c, a support surface 34 adjoins the actuating section 16, in particular the actuating arms 19, upon actuation of the actuating element 13. The support surface 34 can also form a stop surface for the actuating section 16. Furthermore, the frame legs 24 can form a stop for the pivot arms 17. Accordingly, the rocking movement of the actuating element 13 can be limited by the busbar 4.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, in Fig. 6b that the busbar 4 has on each of its opposite sides an actuating element receptacle 25 formed as a recess for supporting and guiding the actuating element 13, so that a compact arrangement and a defined mobility of the actuating element 13 are achieved. In addition, the busbar 4 has, as shown in the Fig. 6a to 6c each show a bearing 26 with, here for example, a concavely curved region for guiding a convex pivoting region 27 of the respective base leg 15 of the bearing base 14.

[0044] As shown by the Fig. 2a to 3b and Fig. 4a to 5b, the clamping leg 9 is designed to engage in the open position O on retaining contours 28 of the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5. As a result, the clamping leg 9 can be temporarily fixed in its open position O on the contact leg 7. The retaining contours 28 can be lateral retaining edges, as shown, which are Fig.4a to 5b, can be engaged behind in a latching manner. For automatic conductor connection with automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S, the conductor connection terminal 1 has a release mechanism which, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, is implemented by a release section 29 on the contact leg 7 facing a free end of the contact leg 7. The release section 29 serves to release the clamping leg 9 held in the open position O when an electrical conductor 11 strikes the release section 29. The striking conductor 11 deflects the contact leg 7 in such a way that the retaining tabs 35 of the clamping leg 9 are released from the holding contours 28 and the latching is canceled. The release section 29 has a V-shaped bend 30 through which electrical conductors with small conductor cross-sections can be centered so that a sufficient release force can be generated.

[0045] By means of the conductor connection terminal 1 described with reference to the above embodiment, a conductor connection terminal 1 with an automatic conductor connection and with a compact yet reliably effective actuating mechanism for returning the clamping leg 9 to its open position O can be provided. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 conductor entry channel 3 Insulated housing 4 busbar 5 clamping spring 6 Actuating unit 7 investment legs 8 spring bows 9 clamping legs 10 terminal point 11 electrical conductor 12 Control element 13 Actuating element 14 Warehouse base 15 base legs 16 Operating section 17 Swivel arm 17a first L-leg 17b second L-leg 18 Carrier section 19 Actuating arm 20 connecting bridge 21 Actuating surface 22 spring tongue 23 busbar frames 24 frame legs 25 Actuator holder 26 warehouses 27 Swivel range 28 Holding contour 29 Release section 30 V-shaped bend 31 hole collar 32 actuator surface 33 recess 34 Support surface 35 retaining tab 36 guide pins 37 connecting section 38 stopping section 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 unit (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 (11) which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping leg (9) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) for opening and closing the clamping point (10), and - the actuating unit (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized byin that the actuating unit (6) has an operating element (12) and an actuating element (13), wherein the actuating element (13) has a bearing base (14), an actuating section (16) for actuating the actuating element (13) by means of the operating element (12) and a pivoting arm (17) for mechanically contacting the clamping leg (9), wherein the clamping leg (9) has a driver section (18) and wherein the actuating element (13) is designed to pivot about the bearing base (14) when actuated and to displace the clamping leg (9) into its open position (O) via the pivoting arm (17) engaging the driver section (18). [2] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating element (13) has two pivot arms (17) extending parallel to one another. [3] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the actuating section (16) has two actuating arms (19) extending parallel to one another and a connecting web (20) connecting the actuating arms (19). [4] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the connecting web (20) has an actuating surface (21) for mechanical contact by the operating element (12). [5] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a curved spring tongue (22) is formed on the actuating section (16). [6] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the swivel arm (17) is L-shaped. [7] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the driver section (18) is formed by a projection projecting laterally from the clamping leg (9). [8] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the busbar (4) has a busbar frame (23) with frame legs (24) extending parallel to one another, wherein the clamping spring (5) is arranged between the frame legs (24). [9] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the busbar (4) has a bearing holder (25) for supporting and guiding the actuating element (13). [10] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing base (14) of the actuating element (13) extends on a side of the busbar (4) facing away from the spring arch (8) of the clamping spring (5) and that the actuating section (16) and / or the pivot arm (17) of the actuating element (13) extends on a side of the busbar (4) facing the spring arch (8) of the clamping spring (5). [11] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the busbar (4) forms a stop for the actuating section (16) and / or for the pivot arm (17). [12] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing base (14) has a base leg (15). [13] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base leg (15) is supported on the busbar (4) and the swivel arm (17) contacts the clamping leg (9) on the side of the busbar (4) diametrically opposite to the support of the base leg (15) on the busbar (4). [14] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the bearing base (14) has two base legs (15) arranged at a distance from one another. [15] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the two base legs (15) extend parallel to each other. [16] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that the busbar (4) has a bearing (26) for guiding a pivoting area (27) of the base leg (15) of the bearing base (14). [17] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping leg (9) and the contact leg (7) of the clamping spring (5) extend between the actuating section (16) and the pivot arm (17) of the actuating element (13), wherein the pivot arm (17) faces the clamping leg (9) and the actuating section (16) faces the contact leg (7). [18] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping leg (9) is designed to lock in the open position (O) on a holding contour (28) of the contact leg (7) of the clamping spring (5). [19] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the conductor connection terminal (1) is designed for an automatic displacement of the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor (11) is inserted into the conductor connection terminal (1). [20] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized by that the contact leg (7) has a release section (29) for releasing the clamping leg (9) held in the open position (O) when an electrical conductor (11) strikes the release section (29). [21] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 20, characterized by that the release section (29) has a V-shaped bend (30). [22] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (13) is designed as a flat stamped and bent part. [23] Conductor connection terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating element (12) is designed as a push button.

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