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) designed as a cage tension spring and an actuating element (6), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a curved spring section (7) with a holding leg (8), a spring arch (9) adjoining the holding leg (8) and an actuating leg (10) adjoining the spring arch (9), - the clamping spring (5) has a clamping section (11) with a support leg (12) for supporting the clamping spring (5) on the busbar (4) and a clamping opening (13) formed in the support leg (12), - the clamping section (11) of the clamping spring (5) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a clamping position (K) and is designed to press an electrical conductor (14) guided through the clamping opening (13) of the support leg (12) in the open position (O) against a clamping area (15) of the busbar (4) in the clamping position (K) and - the actuating element (6) is designed to displace the clamping section (11) from the clamping position (K) into the open position (O) by mechanical action on an actuating surface (16a, 16b) of the actuating leg (10), characterized in that a spring tongue (17) protrudes from the actuating leg (10) of the clamping spring (5) and in that the actuating leg (10) has a first actuating surface (16a) along the actuating leg (10) and a second actuating surface (16b) extending at an angle to the first actuating surface (16a) along the spring tongue (17) for cooperation with the actuating element (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal with an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel, a busbar, a clamping spring designed as a cage tension spring and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a curved spring section with a holding leg, a spring arch adjoining the holding leg and an actuating leg adjoining the spring arch, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping section with a support leg for supporting the clamping spring on the busbar and a clamping opening formed in the support leg, wherein the clamping section of the clamping spring is displaceable between an open position and a clamping position and is designed to press an electrical conductor guided through the clamping opening of the support leg in the open position against a clamping area of ​​the busbar in the clamping position and wherein the actuating element is designed toto move the clamping section from the clamping position to the open position by mechanical action on an actuating surface of the actuating arm.

[0002] Such conductor connection terminals are well known in practice. They enable easy connection of electrical conductors to a busbar to establish an electrical connection and are characterized by secure contact and convenient handling thanks to the spring clamp connection enabled by the clamping spring. Designing the clamping spring as a cage clamp can provide a particularly secure and stable connection option, as the electrical conductor is framed by the clamping spring structure. To enable the insertion of an electrical conductor into the clamping opening of the clamping section of the clamping spring or to release a clamped conductor, the clamping section of the clamping spring can be moved into an open position using the actuating element.With regard to actuation by means of the actuating element, it is desirable that an effective displacement of the clamping section can be achieved with a compact design of the conductor connection terminal. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the actuating element can be returned to its original position as simply as possible after an actuation process. Due to the structural design and geometric shape of cage clamp springs, it is technically not trivial to develop suitable actuation concepts that meet the above requirements.

[0003] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide an improved conductor connection terminal with a compact, easy-to-handle and efficiently effective actuating mechanism.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 designed as a cage tension spring and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a curved spring section with a holding leg, a spring arch adjoining the holding leg and an actuating leg adjoining the spring arch, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping section with a support leg for supporting the clamping spring on the busbar and a clamping opening formed in the support leg, wherein the clamping section of the clamping spring is displaceable between an open position and a clamping position and is designed toto press an electrical conductor guided through the clamping opening of the support leg in the open position against a clamping area of ​​the busbar in the clamping position, and wherein the actuating element is configured to displace the clamping section from the clamping position into the open position by mechanical action on an actuating surface of the actuating leg, wherein a spring tongue is projected from the actuating leg of the clamping spring, and wherein the actuating leg has a first actuating surface along the actuating leg and a second actuating surface extending at an angle to the first actuating surface along the spring tongue for cooperation with the actuating element.

[0006] Put simply, a spring tongue bent from the actuating leg provides an extended actuating surface, allowing for an additional deflection path of the actuating leg and the clamping section connected thereto. In other words, the actuating leg can be displaced by a first partial path during a first actuating phase of an actuating process, in which the actuating element slides along the first actuating surface, and the actuating leg can be displaced by a second partial path during a second actuating phase of the actuating process, in which the actuating element slides along the spring tongue on the second actuating surface.The second actuating surface on the spring tongue, which is angled to the first actuating surface, takes into account and compensates for the gradual displacement of the actuating arm during the actuation process into an orientation parallel to the actuating direction of the actuating element, in which the force transmitted by the actuating element to the actuating arm decreases. The second actuating surface on the protruding spring tongue allows the actuating force to continue to act on the actuating arm, allowing it to be displaced further. Since the spring tongue does not require any significant additional installation space, the achievable additional deflection can be realized in conjunction with a compact design of the conductor connection terminal.Furthermore, the spring tongue can prevent the actuating element from self-locking following an actuation process, which could impair a particularly automatically triggered displacement of the clamping section into its clamping position. In particular, the spring tongue can contribute to an easily implemented reset of the actuating element, since a restoring force applied to the clamping spring can be effectively transferred to the actuating element via the spring tongue. Furthermore, because the spring tongue can be used as an extended actuating surface, smaller bending radii can be realized in a transition between the actuating leg and the clamping section, thus enabling a particularly compact design of the conductor connection terminal. In principle, the actuating leg can merge into the clamping section at a radius.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an angle between the first and second actuating surfaces can be between 45° and 90°. This enables efficient force transmission to the second actuating surface and effective additional displacement of the clamping section of the clamping spring. In other words, the spring tongue can be bent from the actuating leg such that an extension direction of the actuating leg between the spring bend and a transition of the actuating leg into the clamping section and an extension direction of the spring tongue between a spring root at the transition of the spring tongue into the actuating leg and a free end of the spring tongue are at an angle in the range of 90° to one another. The angle can be in the range of approximately 70° to 120°. An obtuse angle of slightly more than 90° is preferably provided.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the first and second actuating surfaces can be formed on a side of the actuating leg facing away from the holding leg of the clamping spring. Accordingly, actuation of the clamping spring can occur on a rear side of the clamping spring, as seen from the conductor insertion channel, so that no actuating component is located between the clamping spring and the connection area of ​​the electrical conductor. In other words, the spring portion of the clamping spring can be arranged between the conductor insertion channel and the actuating element. The holding leg of the spring portion can face the conductor insertion channel, while the actuating leg of the spring portion can face away from the conductor insertion channel. The holding leg can have a holding tab with which the holding leg can insert into a holding opening in the busbar in order to fix the holding leg to the busbar.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a push-button. This allows for simple and convenient operation as well as a compact design of the actuating element. The push-button can have a tool holder, for example, a guide slot for a screwdriver. A push-button can be considered a translationally displaceable actuating element, which can be displaced, in particular, with an actuating surface facing toward the first actuating surface and the second actuating surface of the actuating arm.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the conductor connection terminal can be configured for automatic displacement of the clamping section into the clamping position upon insertion of the electrical conductor into the conductor connection terminal. This enables convenient, automatic connection of the electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal. With automatic displacement of the clamping section into the clamping position, it is not necessary to actively transfer the clamping section into the clamping position using the actuating element or a separate operating element. Such a conductor connection terminal can be provided with an automatic release mechanism that can be activated by inserting the electrical conductor into a connection area of ​​the conductor connection terminal and, upon activation, causes the clamping section to automatically transfer into the clamping position.For automatic displacement, for example, the spring force of the clamping spring can be used so that the clamping section can be temporarily fixed in the open position by a suitable holding structure and, when the release mechanism is activated, it can be released from the holding structure and displaced into the clamping position by the spring force of the spring section of the clamping spring.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the conductor connection terminal can have a release element arranged on the clamping spring and / or on the busbar, with a triggering mechanism for automatically moving the clamping section into the clamping position and an activation section for activating the triggering mechanism when the electrical conductor strikes the activation section. This makes it possible to provide an effective and simply constructed triggering mechanism for implementing an automatic conductor connection with automatic moving of the clamping section into the clamping position, while maintaining a compact design. The release element can, for example, have a connecting section for arranging the release element on the clamping spring and / or on the busbar, to which the activation section can be connected. The activation section can extend below the conductor insertion channel and limit the insertion depth of the electrical conductor.The connecting section can be used to create a spacing between the activation section and the busbar, ensuring sufficient insertion depth of the electrical conductor for secure retention in the conductor terminal and reliable electrical contact. The activation section can extend substantially transversely or at least at an angle to the insertion direction of the electrical conductor into the conductor terminal. The activation section can be bent at an angle from the connecting section, for example, bent substantially perpendicularly from the connecting section. The connecting section and the activation section can, for example, form an L-shape.By means of an electrical conductor striking the activation section, a compressive force can be exerted on the release element, by means of which the release mechanism can be activated and an automatic displacement of the clamping section into the clamping position can be implemented.

[0012] According to a further development, the holding leg of the clamping spring can have a fastening opening into which the release element is hooked. This allows the release element to be easily connected to the clamping spring and held by it. Furthermore, when assembling the conductor connection terminal, the release element can be optionally arranged on the clamping spring, so that with the same components of the conductor connection terminal, a version of the conductor connection terminal with automatic conductor connection can be created either with the additional release element or without an additional release element. This allows the variety of variants of the conductor connection terminal to be expanded and it can be manufactured according to individual requirements without increased effort. The release element can, for example, have a fastening tab for insertion into the fastening opening of the holding leg.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the release element can have a locking projection for locking onto a locking edge of the clamping section of the clamping spring in the open position of the clamping section, wherein the clamping section is held in the open position by the locking. This enables the clamping section to be temporarily secured in the open position in a simple and reliably effective manner. The locking edge of the clamping section can, for example, engage with the locking projection of the release element when the clamping section has traveled a certain deflection path into the open position, so that the locking can become effective when the open position is reached. According to a further development, the release element can have more than one locking projection, for example two locking projections, and the clamping section can each have a locking edge associated with a locking projection.The locking projections can be formed, in particular, on opposite sides of the release element. The locking edges can be formed, in particular, on opposite sides of the clamping section.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the release element can be displaced by activating the release mechanism such that the locking between the locking projection of the release element and the locking edge of the clamping section can be released. This allows the release mechanism to be advantageously used to unlatch the release element from the clamping section and to be designed in a simple manner. For example, the activation section of the release element can be displaced in a direction away from the clamping section by an electrical conductor striking the activation section, so that the locking projection of the release element can also be displaced in a direction away from the clamping section, and the locking projection can thereby disengage from the locking edge of the clamping section.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have an indentation for guiding the locking projection to the locking edge of the clamping section. This allows the release element to be arranged securely and stably on the busbar and precisely aligned with regard to the locking mechanism described above. For example, the indentation can be designed such that the locking projection of the release element can enter the indentation and is guided along the indentation in the direction of the locking edge of the clamping section. The indentation can be arranged, for example, on a frame leg of a busbar frame, which will be explained below. In particular, an indentation can be formed on each of the opposite frame legs of the busbar frame. The indentations are preferably provided on opposite outer sides of the frame legs.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the release element can have at least one guide plate for guiding the electrical conductor to the activation section. This can ensure reliable activation of the triggering mechanism. The guide plate can, for example, be bent away from the connecting section and / or the activation section. The guide plate can, for example, be bent away from the connecting section and latched to a side edge of the activation section. In particular, the release element can have two opposing guide plates. With the guide plates, the connecting section, and the activation section of the release element, a conductor receiving pocket, in particular designed as a single piece, can advantageously be formed for secure and defined reception of the electrical conductor in the conductor connection terminal.

[0017] According to a further development, the above-described locking projection of the release element can be formed onto the guide plate in order to achieve a compact shape of the release element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the spring tongue of the actuating leg of the clamping spring can be configured to reset the actuating element upon automatic displacement of the clamping section into the clamping position. This enables a reliably effective reset of the actuating element with a compact design and increased functional scope of the spring tongue. The bending of the spring tongue from the actuating leg and the resulting angle between the first and second actuating surfaces enable the second actuating surface to extend substantially parallel or at least at a shallow angle to the actuating surface of the actuating element in the open position of the clamping section, thus creating a favorable force transmission surface between the second actuating surface and the actuating surface.This makes it possible, when the actuating arm is moved, to exert a restoring force on the actuating element due to the automatic transfer of the clamping section into its clamping position, and to move it safely back to its original position. It is not excluded that force can also be transmitted to the actuating element via the first actuating surface of the swinging back actuating arm once the actuating element has been raised over a first partial stroke by means of the second actuating surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a busbar frame with frame legs extending parallel to one another for supporting the support leg of the clamping section. 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 support leg can have at least two contact arms that delimit the clamping opening of the support leg, and the contact arms can run along the frame legs and be supported on them. Depending on the position of the clamping section, the clamping opening of the clamping section and the recess of the busbar frame can overlap with one another at least in sections, so that the electrical conductor can be guided through the clamping opening and the recess.

[0020] According to a further development, the clamping area of ​​the busbar can be designed as a clamping lug bent between the frame legs. This allows for the formation of a favorably aligned and stable contact surface with comparatively large dimensions, ensuring reliable contact of the electrical conductor to the busbar and secure electrical contact. The clamping lug can, for example, extend essentially perpendicularly or at least at an angle to the frame legs.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the clamping section of the clamping spring can have a clamping tongue bent toward the clamping area of ​​the busbar. This creates a defined clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar. The clamping tongue can, for example, be bent from a front-end contact arm of the support leg and protrude through the clamping opening.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the insulating housing can have a spring support for suspending the clamping spring, wherein the spring support forms a stop for limiting the deflection of the actuating leg of the clamping spring. This precisely limits the mobility of the actuating leg and prevents mechanical overloading of the clamping spring. The spring support can extend, for example, between the retaining leg and the actuating leg of the clamping spring. The retaining leg can bear against the spring support and enable the clamping spring to be supported on the insulating housing. Advantageously, the retaining leg can be held essentially immobile between the spring support and an opposite housing wall that separates the clamping spring from the conductor entry channel. As a result, an actuating force on the actuating leg can cause a displacement of the clamping section without causing a displacement of the retaining leg.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the clamping spring and / or the release element can be formed as a stamped and bent part. This allows a lightweight and compact clamping spring and / or a lightweight and compact release element to be produced and provided in a cost-effective manner. The clamping spring and / or the release element can, for example, each be formed as a thin-walled sheet metal part and bent into its respective predetermined shape.

[0024] 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”.

[0025] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the attached drawings. They show schematically in a sectional front view and a perspective front view with the insulating housing blanked out, except for the perspective representations of individual components in the Fig. 8 to 10: Fig. 1a-1b - a conductor connection terminal according to a first embodiment with a clamping section of a clamping spring shown in a clamping position without an inserted electrical conductor; Fig. 2a-2b - the conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment with the clamping section of the clamping spring shown in an open position with an inserted electrical conductor; Fig. 3a-3b - a conductor connection terminal according to a second embodiment with a clamping section of a clamping spring shown in a clamping position without an inserted electrical conductor at the beginning of an actuation process; Fig. 4a-4b - the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment during a first actuation phase of the actuation process; Fig. 5a-5b - the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment during a second actuation phase of the actuation process; Fig. 6a-6b - the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment at the end of the actuation process; Fig. 7a-7b - the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment with the clamping section of the clamping spring shown in an open position with an inserted electrical conductor; Fig. 8 - an isolated perspective view of a busbar of the conductor connection terminal according to the first and second embodiments; Fig. 9 - an isolated perspective view of the clamping spring of the conductor terminal according to the first and second embodiments; and Fig. 10 - an isolated perspective view of a release element of the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0026] The Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b and 2a and 2b show a conductor terminal 1 according to a first embodiment. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2 through which a Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shown electrical conductor 14 can be inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1. The conductor connection terminal 1 has a busbar 4 and a clamping spring 5 arranged on the busbar 4. The busbar 4 and the clamping spring 5 are additionally shown in isolated representations in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. For example, in Fig. 8 shows that the busbar 4 has a busbar frame 4a with parallel frame legs 4b for supporting the clamping spring 5. The frame legs 4b frame a recess 32 in the busbar 4, through which the electrical conductor 14 or its stripped end can be passed. The busbar 4 has a clamping area 15, which is formed as a clamping lug 15a bent between the frame legs 4b. The clamping lug 15a enables reliable installation and electrical contact of the stripped end of the electrical conductor 14.

[0027] The clamping spring 5 is designed as a cage tension spring. As for example in Fig. 1b, the clamping spring 5 has a curved spring section 7 with a holding leg 8, a spring bend 9 adjoining the holding leg 8, and an actuating leg 10 adjoining the spring bend 9. The actuating leg 10 has a spring tongue 17 protruding from the actuating leg 10. This results in the actuating leg 10 having a first actuating surface 16a along the actuating leg 10 and a second actuating surface 16b running at an angle to the first actuating surface 16a along the spring tongue 17. Furthermore, the clamping spring 5 has a clamping section 11 with a support leg 12 for supporting the clamping spring 5 on the busbar 4. The support leg 12 can be supported in particular on the frame legs 4b of the busbar frame 4a. A clamping opening 13 is formed in the support leg 12 through which the electrical conductor 14 can be guided and clamped to the clamping area 15.The support leg 12 can be as shown in . Fig. 9 have contact arms 31 which limit the clamping opening 13 of the support leg 12. At least two contact arms 31 can run along the frame legs 4b and be connected by a front-side contact arm 31. The clamping section 11 is arranged between a Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b Open position O, in which an electrical conductor 14 can be guided through the terminal opening 13, and one in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b without the electrical conductor 14 shown clamping position K, in which, for example, a clamping tongue 26 of the support leg 12 bent in the direction of the clamping area 15 of the busbar 4 can press the electrical conductor 14 against the clamping area 15 of the busbar 4.

[0028] The conductor connection terminal 1 further has an actuating element 6 designed as a push-button. The actuating element 6 is configured to displace the clamping section 11 from the clamping position K to the open position O through the mechanical action of an actuating surface 30 on the first actuating surface 16a and the second actuating surface 16b of the actuating leg 10. The second actuating surface 16b, provided by the spring tongue 17, creates an extended actuating surface 16a, 16b, with which an additional deflection path of the actuating leg 10 can be achieved, so that the clamping section 11 can be displaced further in the direction of the conductor entry channel 2. Furthermore, a potential self-locking of the actuating element 6 at the end of the actuating process is prevented.The spring tongue 17, which requires hardly any additional installation space, and the clamping spring 5, which can be designed with smaller bending radii due to the extended actuating surface 16a, 16b, create a very compact connection and actuation solution.

[0029] As in Fig. 1a, an angle α between the first actuating surface 16a and the second actuating surface 16b can be between 45° and 90°, whereby according to the illustrated embodiment, a substantially right angle α of 90° is selected. In the specified angle range, an efficient force transmission to the second actuating surface 16b can be ensured. Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a that the first actuating surface 16a and the second actuating surface 16b are formed on a side of the actuating leg 10 facing away from the holding leg 8 of the clamping spring 5, so that, viewed from the conductor insertion channel 2, the clamping spring 5 is actuated at its rear side. This eliminates the need for actuating components between the clamping spring 5 and the connection area of ​​the electrical conductor 14. As shown in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a, the holding leg 8 of the spring section 7 faces the conductor insertion channel 2 and away from the actuating element 6, and the actuating leg 10 of the spring section 7 faces away from the conductor insertion channel 2 and towards the actuating element 6.

[0030] Based on the Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a shows that the insulating housing 3 has a spring support 27 for suspending the clamping spring 5. The spring support 27 can form a stop to limit the deflection of the actuating leg 10 of the clamping spring 5. The spring support 27 extends between the holding leg 8 and the actuating leg 10 and allows the clamping spring 5 to be supported on the insulating housing 3, as well as to limit the mobility of the clamping spring 5 to avoid mechanical overload.

[0031] The Fig. 3a to 7b show a conductor terminal 1 according to a second embodiment. With regard to its basic structure and basic mode of operation, the conductor terminal 1 according to the second embodiment is comparable to the conductor terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3a to 7b, the course of an actuation process using the actuating element 6 can be traced. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows the beginning of the actuation process, in which the actuating surface 30 begins to apply an actuating force to the first actuating surface 16a of the actuating leg 10 in order to cause a gradual displacement of the actuating leg 10 and the clamping section 11 connected thereto. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, an advanced displacement of the actuating element 6 along the first actuating surface 16a is already visible. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the actuating surface 30 of the actuating element 6 changes from the first actuating surface 16a to the second actuating surface 16b. Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, the actuating surface 30 reaches one end of the second actuating surface 16b and the clamping section 11 has reached its open position O, in which an electrical conductor as in the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b can be guided through the clamping opening 13 of the clamping spring 5 and through the recess 32 of the busbar 4.

[0032] In contrast to the conductor connection terminal 1 according to the first embodiment, the conductor connection terminal 1 according to the second embodiment is designed for automatic displacement of the clamping section 11 into the position shown in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b is established upon insertion of the electrical conductor 14 into the conductor terminal 1. For this purpose, the conductor terminal 1 has a release element 18 arranged on the clamping spring 5 and the busbar 4, with a trigger mechanism 19 for automatically moving the clamping section 11 into the clamping position K. In addition, the release element 18 has an activation section 20 for activating the trigger mechanism 19 upon impact of the electrical conductor 14 on the activation section 20. The activation section 20 extends below the conductor insertion channel 2 and is aligned substantially transversely to the conductor insertion channel 2. By an electrical conductor 14 striking the activation section 20, a compressive force can be exerted on the release element 18, by means of which the trigger mechanism 19 of the conductor terminal 1 can be activated. Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b shows a state of the release element 18 during such an activation of the trigger mechanism 19. The release element 18 is additionally shown in an isolated illustration in Fig. 10 shown.

[0033] For example, in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the retaining leg 8 of the clamping spring 5 has a fastening opening 21 into which the release element 18 is suspended, thus providing a simple fastening solution for the release element 18. The release element 18 can, for example, be arranged as shown in Fig. 10 illustrates a connecting section 28, by means of which the release element 18 can be arranged on the clamping spring 5, in particular can be suspended in the fastening opening 21. The connecting section 28 can, for example, merge into a fastening tab 29, which can be inserted into the fastening opening 21 of the holding leg 8. The connecting section 28 can space the activation section 20 from the clamping spring 5 and the busbar 4, so that a sufficient insertion depth of the electrical conductor 14 into a connection area of ​​the conductor connection terminal 1 is ensured. The activation section 20 can, as shown, be bent essentially perpendicularly from the connecting section 28, so that an L-shape is formed.

[0034] For example, in the Fig. 5b and Fig. 6b, the release element 18 has two locking projections 22 on opposite sides for locking on locking edges 23 of the clamping section 11 of the clamping spring 5 in the position shown, for example, in the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b shown open position O of the clamping section 11. Due to the locking, the clamping section 11 can be held in the open position O in a simple and reliably effective manner until the trigger mechanism 19 is activated. Upon activation of the trigger mechanism 19 by the electrical conductor 14 striking the activation section 20, the release element 18 can be moved as shown in the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b such that the locking between the locking projections 22 and the locking edges 23 is released. Due to the spring force of the clamping spring 5, when the locking is released, the actuating leg 10, which has been displaced by means of the actuating element 6, can be reset, so that the support leg 12 with the clamping opening 13 is displaced in the direction of the clamping position K and in doing so clamps the electrical conductor 14 passed through the clamping opening 13. At the same time, the reset of the actuating leg 10 can cause the actuating element 6 to be reset by transmitting force from the spring tongue 17 to the actuating surface 30.

[0035] The release element 19 is in the deflected position, which is in the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b, under a spring preload, in that the connecting section 28 is deflected elastically. The release element 19 is automatically displaced by the spring force or elastic deflection of the connecting section 28 in the open position O back into the locking position, which in the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, so that the locking projections 22 are moved behind the locking edges 23 in order to lock the support legs 12 to the trigger mechanism 19.

[0036] For example, the Fig. 8, the busbar 4 has indentations 24 in the frame legs 4b, preferably on mutually facing outer sides of the frame legs 4b, for guiding the locking projections 22 to the locking edges 23 of the clamping section 11, so that precise alignment of the locking projections 22 to the locking edges 23 is possible. In addition, the release element 18 has two oppositely arranged guide plates 25 for guiding the electrical conductor 14 to the activation section 20, so that reliable activation of the trigger mechanism 19 can be ensured. The guide plates 25, the connecting section 28 and the activation section 20 can form a conductor collecting pocket for an inserted electrical conductor 14. According to the embodiment shown, the locking projections 22 of the release element 18 are formed onto the guide plates 25, i.e., they are connected in one piece with the guide plates 25, so that a compact shape of the release element 18 is provided.

[0037] Based on the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrated embodiments of the clamping spring 5 and the release element 18, it can be seen that the clamping spring 5 and the release element 18 can be produced, for example, as stamped and bent parts, so that an economical production of the conductor connection terminal 1 is possible.

[0038] By means of the conductor connection terminal 1 described with reference to the above exemplary embodiments, a conductor connection terminal 1 with a compact, easy-to-handle, and efficiently effective actuation mechanism can be provided. In particular, a conductor connection terminal 1 can be provided with a clamping spring 5 designed as a cage tension spring and an optimized actuation concept coordinated therewith. Furthermore, the conductor connection terminal 1 can optionally be easily designed as a conductor connection terminal 1 with automatic conductor connection.

[0039] It is particularly in the Fig. 7a that the insulating housing 3 can have a conductor receiving pocket 33 in line with the conductor entry channel 2, which is arranged below the busbar 4, i.e. on the side of the busbar 4 that is diametrically opposite the conductor entry channel 2. In this conductor receiving pocket 33, a guide element 34 is present, which projects into the conductor receiving pocket 33 from an inner wall of the insulating housing 3 that delimits the conductor receiving pocket 33. The guide element 34 is located between the alignment of the conductor entry channel 2 or an electrical conductor 14 inserted therein and the connecting section 28. This provides a run-up slope that keeps the electrical conductor 14 away from the release element 18 and guides it to the activation section 20 in order to prevent premature triggering of the release element 18. List of reference symbols 1 conductor connection terminal 2 conductor entry channel 3 Insulated housing 4 busbar 4a Busbar frame 4b frame legs 5 clamping spring 6 Actuating element 7 spring section 8 holding legs 9 spring bow 10 operating legs 11 Clamping section 12 support legs 13 Clamping opening 14 electrical conductor 15 clamping area 15a clamping tab 16a first actuating surface 16b second actuating surface 17 Spring tongue 18 Release element 19 Trigger mechanism 20 Activation section 21 Mounting hole 22 locking projection 23 locking edge 24 indentation 25 baffle 26 clamping tongue 27 spring carriers 28 connecting section 29 Mounting tab 30 actuator surface 31 investment arm 32 recess 33 ladder collection bag 34 Guide element α angle K Clamping position O Disclosure

Claims

[1] Conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3) having a conductor entry channel (2), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) designed as a cage spring and an actuating element (6), wherein - the clamping spring (5) has a curved spring section (7) with a retaining leg (8), a spring arc (9) adjoining the retaining leg (8) and an actuating leg (10) adjoining the spring arc (9), - the clamping spring (5) has a clamping section (11) with a support leg (12) for supporting the clamping spring (5) on the busbar (4) and a clamping opening (13) formed in the support leg (12), - the clamping section (11) of the clamping spring (5) is displaceable between an open position (O) and a clamping position (K) and is designed to press an electrical conductor (14) guided through the clamping opening (13) of the support leg (12) in the open position (O) against a clamping area (15) of the busbar (4) in the clamping position (K) and - the actuating element (6) is designed to move the clamping section (11) from the clamping position (K) to the open position (O) by mechanically acting on an actuating surface (16a, 16b) of the actuating leg (10), characterized by, that a spring tongue (17) is extended from the actuating leg (10) of the clamping spring (5) and that the actuating leg (10) has a first actuating surface (16a) along the actuating leg (10) and a second actuating surface (16b) extending at an angle to the first actuating surface (16a) along the spring tongue (17) for interaction with the actuating element (6). [2] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that an angle (α) between the first and second actuation surfaces (16a, 16b) is between 70° and 120°. [3] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first and second actuating surfaces (16a, 16b) are formed on a side of the actuating leg (10) facing away from the retaining leg (8) of the clamping spring (5). [4] Conductor terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) is designed as a push button. [5] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) is designed to automatically move the clamping section (11) into the clamping position (K) when the electrical conductor (14) is inserted into the conductor terminal (1). [6] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has a release element (18) arranged on the clamping spring (5) and / or on the busbar (4) with a release mechanism (19) for automatically moving the clamping section (11) into the clamping position (K) and an activation section (20) for activating the release mechanism (19) when the electrical conductor (14) hits the activation section (20). [7] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the retaining leg (8) of the clamping spring (5) has a fastening opening (21) into which the release element (18) is hooked. [8] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the release element (18) has a detent projection (22) for locking onto a detent edge (23) of the clamping section (11) of the clamping spring (5) in the open position (O) of the clamping section (11), wherein the clamping section (11) is held in the open position (O) by the detent. [9] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the release element (18) can be displaced by activating the release mechanism (19) in such a way that the locking between the locking projection (22) of the release element (18) and the locking edge (23) of the clamping section (11) can be released. [10] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the busbar (4) has a recess (24) for guiding the locking projection (22) to the locking edge (23) of the clamping section (11). [11] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by, that the release element (18) has at least one guide plate (25) for guiding the electrical conductor (14) to the activation section (20). [12] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by , that the locking projection (22) of the release element (18) is formed on the guide plate (25). [13] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized by , that the spring tongue (17) of the actuating arm (10) of the clamping spring (5) is arranged to return the actuating element (6) to the clamping position (K) automatically when the clamping section (11) is moved into the clamping position (K). [14] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the busbar (4) has a busbar frame (4a) with frame legs (4b) extending parallel to each other for supporting the mounting leg (12) of the clamping section (11). [15] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by, that the clamping area (15) of the busbar (4) is designed as a clamping tab (15a) bent between the frame legs (4b). [16] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping section (11) of the clamping spring (5) has a clamping tongue (26) bent in the direction of the clamping area (15) of the busbar (4). [17] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insulating housing (3) has a spring carrier (27) for suspending the clamping spring (5), wherein the spring carrier (27) forms a stop to limit a deflection of the actuating leg (10) of the clamping spring (5). [18] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping spring (5) and / or the release element (18) is designed as a stamped and bent part. [19] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the insulating housing (3) has a guide element (34) for guiding an electrical conductor (14) inserted into the conductor entry channel (2) to the activation section (2).

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