conductor connection terminal

Abstract

A conductor terminal (1) comprising an insulating housing (2), a spring-loaded clamping connection (3, 4) and an actuating lever (6), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (3, 4) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), and the clamping spring (4) has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (31) between the clamping edge (46) and a contact section (30) of the busbar (3), a contact leg (41) and a spring arc (42) connecting the clamping leg (43) with the contact leg (41), and wherein the actuating lever (6) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2), wherein the actuating lever (6) is configured to move the clamping leg (43) from a closed position to an open position when the actuating lever (6) is pivoted by an actuating pivot angle.in which the clamping edge (46) is further away from the contact section (30) than in the closed position, characterized in that the actuating lever (6) is rotatably mounted in a first actuating pivot angle range about a first axis of rotation (D1) and in a second actuating pivot angle range about a second axis of rotation (D2), which is different from the first axis of rotation (D1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal comprising an insulating housing, a spring-loaded clamping connection, and an actuating lever, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has a busbar and a clamping spring, and the clamping spring has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping edge and a contact section of the busbar, a contact leg, and a spring arc connecting the clamping leg to the contact leg, and wherein the actuating lever is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing, wherein the actuating lever is configured to move the clamping leg from a closed position to an open position when the actuating lever is pivoted by an actuating pivot angle, in which the clamping edge is further away from the contact section than in the closed position.

[0002] DE 10 2013 101 406 B4 discloses such a conductor terminal block with an insulating housing and with at least one spring-loaded clamping connection in the insulating housing, as well as with at least one actuating element which is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing and is designed to open at least one associated spring-loaded clamping connection. The actuating element has two spaced-apart side wall sections which extend at least partially into the insulating housing with a pivot bearing area and are connected to each other opposite the pivot bearing area by a transverse web to form a lever arm. The pivot bearing areas of the mutually opposed side wall sections of an actuating element form an axis of rotation about which the actuating element is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing.An associated spring-loaded clamping connection is at least partially located in the space between the pivot bearing areas of an actuating element. The pivot bearing areas have actuating sections, each designed to actuate an associated clamping spring of a spring-loaded clamping connection when the actuating element pivots from a closed position, in which the actuating element pivots with its crossbar towards the insulating housing and a clamping point formed by the spring-loaded clamping connection is closed for connecting an electrical conductor, to an open position, in which the actuating element pivots with its crossbar away from the insulating housing and a clamping point formed by the spring-loaded clamping connection is open for connecting an electrical conductor.The actuating sections are arranged at the pivot bearing areas of the side wall sections with a smaller distance between them than the distance between the side wall sections themselves. The actuating sections extend parallel to the side wall sections and are integrally shaped with them, such that a guide slot exists between each actuating section and its directly adjacent side wall section. A guide rib of the insulating housing engages in a corresponding guide slot to guide the actuating element during pivoting movement around the single fixed axis of rotation in the pivot bearing area.

[0003] DE 84 24 056 U1 describes a screwless terminal block for electrical devices with a metal housing containing a clamping spring with two clamping arms arranged side by side and separated by a slot. Each clamping arm has a first arm with a locking section and a second arm with a rounded, curved section. A handle is located in the slot and is designed to actuate the first and second arms. The handle is floatingly mounted on the inner walls of the metal housing. In the rest position with the clamps closed, an imaginary initial axis of rotation is created at the transition point between a side wall and the top of the metal housing. When pivoting, this contact point of the actuating lever moves on the metal housing, and the handle pivots around a moving instantaneous center of rotation.

[0004] DE 10 2014 119 420 B3 describes a terminal block for clamping an electrical conductor, comprising an insulating housing with at least one conductor entry opening leading to a spring-loaded clamping connection, at least one spring-loaded clamping connection within the insulating housing formed by a busbar section and a clamping spring, and at least one actuating lever pivotally mounted in the insulating housing by means of a pivot bearing. The lever is oriented to open a clamping point formed by the clamping spring and the busbar section. The pivot bearing consists of an elongated hole in the insulating housing with a curved profile and an elongated pin of the actuating lever that engages in the elongated hole. The elongated pin is longer than its width, and its length is greater than the corresponding width of the elongated hole in every pivot position of the actuating lever.This allows the actuating lever to be pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation that moves along the curved path of the elongated hole during pivoting.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved conductor terminal.

[0006] This problem is solved in a conductor terminal of the type mentioned above by mounting the actuating lever rotatably about a first axis of rotation in a first actuating pivot angle range and about a second axis of rotation in a second actuating pivot angle range. The first and second axes of rotation are advantageously spaced apart. This allows the actuating lever to be deflected about two different axes of rotation in order to pivot it through a suitable, sufficiently large lever opening angle (i.e., actuating pivot angle). This actuating pivot angle can preferably be in the range of 70° to 90°.

[0007] The first actuation swivel angle range differs from the second actuation swivel angle range. For example, the first actuation swivel angle range and the second actuation swivel angle range can overlap. It is also advantageous if the second actuation swivel angle range adjoins the first actuation swivel angle range, particularly without overlap and / or without a gap between the first actuation swivel angle range and the second actuation swivel angle range.

[0008] In the first swivel range, the second axis of rotation can be moved from its rest position to the bearing position by pivoting the actuating lever around the first axis of rotation through the first swivel range. The clamping arm can already be moved during this process. However, it is also conceivable that the clamping arm is deflected only minimally or not at all in the first swivel range. In the second swivel range, the clamping arm is moved into the open position by the pivoting movement of the actuating lever around the second axis of rotation, which is in the bearing position, in order to open the clamping point for an electrical conductor. In the open position, an electrical conductor can thus be inserted into the spring-clamp terminal or removed effortlessly or with minimal force.

[0009] With this design, the actuating lever can act in the area of ​​the clamping edge of the clamping arm, thus significantly reducing the required deflection forces compared to the conductor connection terminal described in DE 10 2013 101 406 B4. The deflection forces can be reduced, for example, by shifting the effective axis of rotation "backwards" in the conductor insertion direction during the deflection of the clamping arm, i.e., away from the point of force application of the actuating lever on the clamping spring. Furthermore, this shift by the first range of the pivot angle achieves a virtually forceless relocation of the actuating lever to an intermediate position, from which the operator can more easily grasp the lever to apply the actuating force.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second axis of rotation is located further away from the point of force application of the actuating lever on the clamping arm than the first axis of rotation. This results in a longer lever arm. The actuating lever can have a lever arm and a spring actuating section that interacts with the clamping arm and deflects the clamping arm. The point of force application of the actuating lever on the clamping arm is then defined by the spring actuating section. For example, the second axis of rotation can be located behind the first axis of rotation in the conductor insertion direction.

[0011] This allows the actuating lever to be integrated into the conductor terminal in a particularly space-saving manner. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second axis of rotation can be arranged behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction. This minimizes the actuating forces required to actuate the clamping spring. For example, the second axis of rotation can be located adjacent to a housing wall of the insulating housing that is rearward in the conductor insertion direction.

[0012] The actuating lever can be pivotally mounted about exactly two axes. The first axis remains stationary when pivoted through its corresponding first angle. Likewise, the second axis remains stationary when pivoted through its corresponding second angle. The first and second angles together constitute the total actuating angle.

[0013] The actuation swivel angle can define the maximum angular path through which the actuating lever can be pivoted. It is also possible for the actuating lever to be pivoted over a larger angular range than the actuation swivel angle, for example, by providing a certain additional angular range after the clamping arm reaches the open or closed position. In this case, the actuation swivel angle refers to the angular range of the actuating lever through which the clamping arm can be moved between the open and closed positions.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second axis of rotation shifts from a rest position to a bearing position about the first axis of rotation when the actuating lever is pivoted within the first actuating pivot angle range. Thus, when the actuating lever is moved within the first actuating pivot angle range, the second axis of rotation is not stationary but moves, for example, relative to the insulating housing. The first axis of rotation can remain stationary when the actuating lever is pivoted within the first actuating pivot angle range.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first axis of rotation shifts from a bearing position to a rest position about the second axis of rotation when the actuating lever is pivoted within the second actuating pivot angle range. Thus, when the actuating lever is moved within the second actuating pivot angle range, the first axis of rotation is not stationary but moves, for example, relative to the insulating housing. The second axis of rotation can remain stationary when the actuating lever is pivoted within the second actuating pivot angle range.

[0016] When the first or second axis of rotation is in its bearing position, the actuating lever is supported by that respective axis of rotation. When the first or second axis of rotation is in its rest position, the actuating lever is not supported by that respective axis of rotation.

[0017] During the transition between the first actuation swivel angle range and the second actuation swivel angle range, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation can be in the bearing position simultaneously.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first and second actuation swivel angle ranges together form the entire actuation swivel angle.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever has a spring-actuating section that interacts with the clamping arm, the spring-actuating section being formed on a first bearing section of the actuating lever which forms the first axis of rotation. This enables a very compact, small-scale design of the actuating lever, since the first bearing section can additionally accommodate the first spring-actuating section.

[0020] The clamping arm can have at least one laterally projecting actuating tab that rests against the spring-actuating section of the actuating lever. Preferably, two actuating tabs project from both opposite sides of the clamping arm, each actuated by a spring-actuating section of the actuating lever. This reduces the force acting on each spring-actuating section and ensures symmetrical actuation of the clamping spring.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first bearing section has a curved outer contour that rests on a first counter-bearing contour of the conductor terminal. This allows the spring-clamp connection, such as the support leg against the busbar and / or the busbar itself, to serve as a counter-bearing. Generally, the first counter-bearing contour can be formed by one or more parts of the conductor terminal, for example, by the insulating housing, parts of the clamping spring's support leg, and / or the busbar. For instance, the edge webs of the support leg, which will be explained later, can form the first counter-bearing contour for the first bearing sections. The first counter-bearing contour can also be formed by the rear edge of the busbar.

[0022] The first counter-bearing contour can be, for example, convexly curved or flat. This guides the first axis of rotation along a curved or flat path when the actuating lever pivots through the second pivot angle range, and the force exerted by the clamping arm on the first axis of rotation, which moves when the clamping arm opens, is absorbed by the first counter-bearing contour, for example, by the insulating housing. This first counter-bearing contour can be formed, for example, on a cover part of a multi-part insulating housing.

[0023] In this arrangement, the first bearing section can be guided along a first guide contour on the cover part during a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation, with the first bearing section either encompassing or engaging beneath this first guide contour. The first guide contour can be convexly curved.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever has a second bearing section forming the second axis of rotation, which has a curved outer contour that is supported on a second counter-bearing contour of the conductor terminal. The second counter-bearing contour can be concavely curved.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing is provided in two parts: a main housing part and a cover part that closes the main housing part. The second counter-bearing contour is formed in the cover part. This allows for advantageous support of the actuating lever on the insulating housing, at least when the second axis of rotation is in the bearing position. The cover part can have the aforementioned first guide contour for the second axis of rotation during the pivoting movement in the first pivot angle range, preferably on side wall sections of a ladder collection pocket.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing extends vertically from a top surface to a bottom surface, with the actuating lever on the top surface having an actuating section that can be manually operated by the user. The first axis of rotation is located vertically below the clamping point, at least in the first actuating pivot angle range, and / or the second axis of rotation is located vertically below the clamping point, at least in the second actuating pivot angle range. Thus, when in its bearing position, the first and / or second axis of rotation is arranged relatively low within the insulating housing, for example, on or adjacent to a lower wall of the insulating housing. This allows the actuating lever to be integrated into the conductor terminal in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever has two spaced-apart side plates connected to each other by a transverse web of the actuating lever. This frame-like construction of the actuating lever allows it to be housed in a particularly space-saving manner within the insulating housing. The electrical conductor can be routed between the two spaced-apart side plates.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first axis of rotation at the end region of the actuating lever opposite the transverse web is formed by a pair of opposing first bearing sections on each of the two side walls and / or the second axis of rotation at the end region of the actuating lever opposite the transverse web is formed by a pair of opposing second bearing sections on each of the two side walls.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first bearing sections are formed by projecting projections on the side walls facing each other, and / or the second bearing sections are formed by projecting projections on the side walls facing each other. This enables reliable support of the actuating lever on the first and second counter-bearings during the pivoting movement. Thus, the first axis of rotation and / or the second axis of rotation are formed by two spaced-apart bearing points on the bearing sections opposite each other on an axis. The (virtual) first and second axes of rotation, each formed by a pair of bearing sections, are preferably aligned parallel to each other.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plane spanned by the crossbar is arranged at an acute angle to the plane of rotation spanned by the first and second axes of rotation, preferably at an angle in the range of 20° to 60° and preferably 30° ±10°. This allows for a large lever opening angle or actuation swivel angle of, for example, 70° to 90° with good force transmission of the lever force to the clamping arm.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulating housing has a conductor entry channel extending in a conductor entry direction, which opens to the clamping point formed by the clamping edge of the clamping leg and the contact section of the busbar for clamping an electrical conductor. In this way, the conductor can be reliably guided to the clamping point.

[0032] The insulating housing can have a conductor collection pocket aligned with the conductor entry channel. This pocket comprises a base section located behind the busbar (viewed from the conductor entry direction) and two side wall sections projecting from the base section at a distance from each other. This guides the electrical conductor through the conductor collection pocket from the clamping point, and the conductor end is collected within the pocket. This prevents strands of a multi-stranded conductor from becoming entangled in gaps between the conductor and the operating lever. Furthermore, it improves clearance and creepage distances. The side walls of the operating lever can be mounted to the side wall sections of the conductor collection pocket. This allows for a further improved, stable pivot bearing of the operating lever and a significant increase in creepage distances.The side cheeks of the operating lever can be mounted on the side wall sections of the ladder collection bag.

[0033] The ladder collection pocket can preferably be formed by or integrated into the cover section. The side wall sections can have a first guide contour for the second axis of rotation during its movement. This can also, if necessary, provide a certain amount of friction for the first actuation swivel range, so that the actuating lever is not too loose and does not "wobble back and forth".

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg has two spaced-apart edge ribs that laterally define a feed-through opening for the electrical conductor, with the clamping leg projecting through this opening. This provides lateral guidance for the clamping leg. The clamping spring can be attached directly to the busbar using the edge ribs, thus providing a simple, self-supporting contact insert. Furthermore, the feed-through opening not only allows the passage of the electrical conductor but also the passage of other elements such as the clamping leg and / or the busbar. The edge ribs can also form a first counter-bearing for the first bearing sections of the actuating lever.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mounting leg has a through-hole, wherein the busbar projects into the through-hole.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg widens on both sides after passing through the feedthrough opening from the spring arch, forming laterally projecting actuating tabs, with the actuating tabs adjoining the edge webs. The actuating element, with its spring-actuated section, can reliably actuate the clamping leg via these actuating tabs. Advantageously, the actuating tabs can be located behind the edge webs in the conductor insertion direction. This allows for easy actuation of the clamping leg with minimal actuating force.

[0037] The clamping edge can be formed at the free end of the clamping leg. The actuating lever can also apply force in this area by preferably arranging the actuating tabs on the widened end section of the clamping leg that features the clamping edge. This significantly reduces the deflection forces required to open the clamping spring. The actuating tabs can be located at the free end of the clamping leg.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamp connection has a retaining element designed to lock the clamping arm in the open position. This allows the conductor terminal to be delivered in the open position. The clamping point therefore does not need to be opened before inserting an electrical conductor.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is a locking arm integrally formed with the clamping spring, which projects from the mounting leg. This allows the conductor connection terminal to be implemented with a small number of components, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamping connection has a release element with a release section designed to be acted upon by an inserted electrical conductor. The release element is designed to displace the retaining element and release the clamping leg, which is engaged in the open position on the retaining element, by displacing the release section when force is applied. This ensures that the clamping point closes automatically as soon as an electrical conductor is inserted over the required connection length and the end face of the stripped conductor touches the release section. A release force is exerted on the release section in the conductor insertion direction, essentially transverse to the release section. This causes the release element to displace, interacting with the locking element of the retaining element to release the clamping leg.For this purpose, the stop formed by a locking arm of the holding element for the clamping leg can be moved away from the locking position.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release element is an integral release arm formed with the clamping spring, which connects to the locking arm, wherein the release section projects from the section of the release arm adjoining the locking arm towards the plane of the busbar.

[0042] It is conceivable that several spring-loaded clamp connections are arranged side by side with a common busbar or with separate busbars in the insulating housing.

[0043] Viewed in the conductor entry direction, two spring-clamp terminals can be arranged one behind the other with a common busbar in the insulating housing. This creates a feed-through terminal. Such a feed-through terminal can be designed as a single-row terminal block, in which exactly two opposing conductor entry openings lead to a clamping spring, both of which are arranged on a common busbar. Alternatively, a multi-row feed-through terminal block can be implemented in a common insulating housing by arranging several pairs of such double spring-clamp terminals side by side within the housing and separating them from each other by partitions within the insulating housing.

[0044] Each spring-loaded clamp connection can have an actuating lever pivotally mounted within the insulating housing. It is conceivable that all or only some of the spring-loaded clamp connections are equipped with an actuating lever. Optionally, one actuating lever can be provided for the simultaneous actuation of several adjacent spring-loaded clamp connections.

[0045] The indefinite term "a" is to be understood as such within the meaning of the present invention and not as a numeral, unless expressly stated otherwise. Likewise, the angle measurement in degrees is to be understood in relation to a full angle of 360°. The specified dimensions, as well as the terms "transverse," "parallel," and the like, are not necessarily to be understood as exact measurements but allow for deviations within the tolerance range, i.e., in the sense of "approximately."

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0047] They show Fig. 1 a conductor terminal block in perspective view, Fig. 2 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1 in side sectional view in a first operating position, Fig. 3 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 in a second operating position, Fig. 4 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 in a third operating position, Fig. 5 an actuating lever in perspective view, Fig. 6 the actuating lever according to Fig. 5 in side view, Fig. 7 Another embodiment of a conductor terminal block in a side sectional view in the second actuation position, Fig. 8 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 7 in the third operating position, Fig. 9 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 7 in a fourth operating position, Fig. 10 a clamping spring in perspective view in the closed position, Fig. 11 the clamping spring according to Fig. 10 in side view, Fig. 12 the clamping spring according to Fig. 10 in side view in the open position, Fig. 13 spring-loaded clamping connections of the conductor terminal according to Fig. 7 in perspective view, Fig. 14 a spring-loaded clamping connection of the conductor terminal according to Fig. 2 in perspective view, Fig. 15 a clamping spring in a second embodiment according to the design of Fig. 2 in perspective view, Fig. 16 the clamping spring according to Fig. 15 in side view, Fig. 17 Another embodiment of a conductor terminal block in perspective view, Fig. 18 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 17 in side sectional view, Fig. 19 a busbar of the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 17, Fig. 20 another embodiment of an actuating lever in perspective view, Fig. 21 the actuating lever according to Fig. 20 in side sectional view, Fig. 22 a spring-loaded clamping connection with the actuating lever in side view in various actuation states, Fig. 23 a lid part in perspective view, Fig. 24 a lid part with an operating lever in perspective view.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 with an insulating housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor terminal 1 is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal. Accordingly, the conductor terminal 1 has several conductor entry channels 20 in the insulating housing 2, through each of which an electrical conductor to be connected can be inserted. Several spring-clamp terminals are arranged in the insulating housing 2, with each spring-clamp terminal being assigned to one conductor entry channel 20. The conductor terminal 1 has a pivotable actuating lever 6 for actuating the clamping spring of each spring-clamp terminal.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to Fig. 1 in offset section planes. The insulating housing 2 extends in a vertical direction H from a housing top 22, which may be formed by an upper housing wall, to a housing bottom 23, which may be formed by a lower housing wall. At a conductor entry side 26, the insulating housing 2 has conductor entry channels 20, which serve to insert an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction L. At the end opposite the conductor entry side 26, the insulating housing 2 has a rear housing wall, which in this embodiment is designed as part of a rear cover part 21, which can close an opening of a main housing part 25. The conductor entry channels 20 may be located in the main housing part 25.

[0050] It can be seen that the spring-loaded clamping connection arranged in the insulating housing 2 has a clamping spring 4 and a busbar 3. The busbar 3 has a contact section 30. The contact section 30 serves for the electrical contacting of a connected electrical conductor. The clamping spring 4 has a contact leg 41, which is attached to the busbar 3 by means of edge ribs 40 of the contact leg 41. The edge ribs 40 can be formed as part of the contact leg 41. The clamping spring 4 has a spring arc 42 adjoining the contact leg 41 and a clamping leg 43 adjoining the spring arc 42, which serves to clamp an electrical conductor to the contact section 30 at a clamping point 31, which is located, for example, in Fig. 7 is recognizable. The clamping leg 43 ends at its free end with a clamping edge 46. In the area of ​​the free end, the clamping leg 43 also has at least one actuating tab 45.

[0051] To actuate the clamping spring 4, i.e., to deflect the clamping leg 43 from the position in Fig. In the clamping position shown in 2, the actuating lever 6 is provided, which is located in the Fig. 5, Fig. Figure 6 shows further details. The actuating lever 6 has a manual actuating section 60 that protrudes from the insulating housing 2. The user can grasp and pivot the actuating lever 6 at the manual actuating section 60. The actuating lever 6 extends into the insulating housing 2 via side walls 63. Each side wall 63 has a spring-loaded actuating section 61 for applying force to a respective actuating tab 45.

[0052] With the actuating lever 6 unactuated, as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the clamping arm is in the closed position. In this state, the actuating lever 6 can be pivoted about a first axis of rotation D1 within a first actuating pivot angle range. The actuating lever 6 has a first bearing section L1, with which it is supported against a first counter-bearing contour G1, at least as long as it is within the first actuating pivot angle range.

[0053] If the actuating lever 6 is now pivoted, it will eventually reach the end of the first actuating pivot angle range, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. In this state, the axis of rotation of the actuating lever 6 changes from the first axis of rotation D1 to a second axis of rotation D2 when the actuating lever 6 is pivoted further. This can be seen in the Fig. 3, that in this actuation state the clamping leg 43 is not yet deflected from the closed position by means of the spring actuation section 61 and the actuation tab 45, or at least is not substantially deflected.

[0054] If the actuating lever 6 is now pivoted further, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, this pivoting movement occurs in the second actuation pivot angle range, in which the second axis of rotation D2 is effective. In this state, the actuating lever 6 is supported on a second counter-bearing contour G2 via a second bearing section L2, which is spaced apart from the first bearing section L1. As the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the clamping leg 43 is now deflected into the open position, i.e., moved away from the contact section 30 of the busbar 3. In this way, the clamping point can be opened so that a clamped electrical conductor can be removed or an electrical conductor to be clamped can be easily inserted.

[0055] It is also apparent that the insulating housing 2 is formed in two parts, consisting of a main housing part 25 and a cover part 21 that closes the main housing part 25. The cover part 21 can, for example, be designed as a rear housing part located on the rear side of the housing in the conductor entry direction L. The second counter bearing contour G2 can be formed on this cover part 21. Additionally, a concave second guide contour 24 can be formed on the cover part 21, through which the actuating lever 6 with its second bearing section L2 is guided during the movement of the actuating lever 6 in the first actuating pivot angle range.

[0056] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an advantageous design of the actuating lever 6. The actuating lever 6 has two spaced-apart side plates 63, which are connected to each other by a crossbar 62. The side plates 63 extend from the crossbar 62, forming a U-shape. In this area, the side plates 63 are not connected to each other, i.e., there is a gap. At one end, away from the bearing sections L1 and L2, the crossbar 62 forms the manual actuating section 60. It can be seen that at the end region of the actuating lever 6 opposite the crossbar 62, first bearing sections L1 and second bearing sections L2 are formed on each of the two side plates 63, facing each other, for example, in the form of projecting projections extending from the side plates 63 towards each other.In the area of ​​the first bearing section L1 there is also the spring actuation section 61 for acting on the actuating tab 45 of the clamping leg 43.

[0057] Based on the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Section 9 describes an embodiment of the conductor terminal 1 which has a retaining element 5 for holding the clamping leg 43 in the open position. Furthermore, a release element 8 is provided for releasing the clamping leg 43 from this open position held by the retaining element 5, as explained below.

[0058] It is evident in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9, that the contact leg 41 on the side facing away from the spring arch 42 not only has the edge webs 40, but also projects the retaining element 5 there, which may be formed integrally with the contact leg 41. The retaining element 5 serves to hold the clamping leg 43 in the open position. The retaining element 5 has at least a second locking element 50. A first locking element is formed on the clamping leg 43 by the clamping edge 46 or by an additional element.

[0059] The retaining element 5 extends further in the conductor insertion direction L to the release element 8, which transitions into a section angled relative to the retaining element 5 and extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, forming the release section 80 of the release element 8.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 7 initially shows the conductor connection terminal 1 in the second operating position, comparable to Fig. 3. If the actuating lever 6 is now pivoted further, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the clamping leg 43 is swung away from the contact section 30 as previously explained. Fig. Figure 8 shows the conductor connection terminal 1 in the third operating position, comparable to Fig. 4.

[0061] Unlike the Fig. 4 is in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 of the clamping leg 43 now engages with its clamping edge 46 or a separate locking element on the second locking element 50 of the retaining element 5 and is thereby held in the open position. If the actuating lever 6 is now pivoted back to its starting position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the clamping leg 43 remains in this latched open position.

[0062] If an electrical conductor 9, such as the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the conductor 9 is inserted into the insulating housing 2 through the conductor entry channel 20 in the conductor entry direction L, pressing the end of the electrical conductor 9 against the release section 80 causes the entire assembly, consisting of the release element 8 and the retaining element 5, to deflect. This shifts the release section 80, together with the retaining element 5 or at least the second locking element 50, slightly backward in the conductor entry direction L, allowing the clamping leg 43 to detach from the second locking element 50. Consequently, the clamping leg 43 can spring back and press the electrical conductor 9 against the contact section 30. Due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4, the clamping leg 43 thus moves into the clamping position.

[0063] The Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. Figure 12 shows the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 as a single component. The clamping edge 46 can extend between the actuating tabs 45. It is particularly evident that the retaining element 5 is formed integrally with the clamping spring 4 and, in particular, its contact leg 41. The retaining element 5 can be a locking arm 51 formed integrally with the clamping spring 4, which projects from the contact leg 41. At the end of the locking arm 51 facing the release element 8, the retaining element 5 has two second locking elements 50, which are formed by bent material tabs. In this way, the clamping leg 43 can be locked symmetrically to the retaining element 5 on both sides.

[0064] The retaining element 5 merges seamlessly into the release element 8. For example, the release element 8 can be a release arm 81 formed integrally with the clamping spring 4, which connects to the locking arm 51. The release section 80 projects from the release arm 81 at an angle essentially orthogonal to the conductor insertion direction L. Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows the clamping spring 4 in the relaxed state, i.e., without the clamping arm 43 being locked in the open position. Fig. Figure 12 shows the clamping spring 4 with the clamping leg 43 locked in the open position on the detent element 50.

[0065] As particularly in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the clamping spring 4 has two spaced-apart edge webs 40, which serve to fasten the clamping spring 4 to the busbar 3. This is shown in the Fig. 13 recognizable. Fig. Figure 13 shows the busbar 3 in this case as a continuous busbar to which three clamping springs 4 are attached. The busbar 3 has a separate contact section 30 for each clamping spring 4, extending through the space between the edge webs 40 of a clamping spring 4. The edge webs 40 are connected to the respective contact section 30 by a positive locking connection. It would also be possible not to design the busbar 3 as a continuous busbar, for example, such that one, several, or all spring-clamp terminals each have their own busbar with only one contact section 30; that is, the arrangement is then divided into several separate busbars.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 13 shows spring-loaded clamp connections, in which the described retaining elements 5 and release elements 8 are present. Fig. Figure 14 shows an embodiment of comparable spring-loaded clamping connections in which the retaining elements 5 and the release elements 8 are not present, as in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 is given. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the Fig. 14 from the respective investment leg 41 not, as shown by the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. As described in section 13, the locking arm 51 is removed. Regarding the remaining structure and function, the spring-loaded clamping connections correspond to the above. Fig. 14 and those in the spring-loaded clamping connections according to Fig. 14 used clamping springs 4, which were in the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 is shown as a single part, which is based on the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 described embodiment.

[0067] While in the embodiments described so far, in particular as in the Fig. As can be seen from section 1, the conductor terminal 1 is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal with several spring-loaded clamping connections arranged side by side, as will be shown below. Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 describes an embodiment of a conductor terminal 1, which is also multi-pole, but in which two spring-clamp terminals are arranged one behind the other with a common busbar 3 in the insulating housing 2. This is evident in the Fig. 17, that the conductor terminal 1 has an elongated shape, in which the electrical conductors can be inserted in opposite conductor insertion directions L into the respective conductor insertion channels 20 of the spring-clamp terminals arranged one behind the other. As can be seen, each spring-clamp terminal is again assigned an actuating lever 6. The actuating levers 6 can be designed according to one of the described construction methods.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 18 shows the conductor connection terminal 1 according to Fig. Figure 17 shows a side sectional view. An electrical conductor 9 is placed in the right spring-clamp terminal, while the left spring-clamp terminal does not. It can be seen that the spring-clamp terminals can be designed according to one of the previously described construction principles, e.g., with clamping springs as per the... Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 or alternatively according to the Fig. 15 to Fig. 16. The Fig. Figure 18 shows an embodiment with clamping springs according to the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12.

[0069] The busbar 3 is designed as a continuous busbar in the longitudinal direction or conductor entry direction L, which electrically and mechanically connects the two spring-clamp terminals. The busbar 3 is in the Fig. Figure 19 shows the busbar 3 as a single component. As can be seen, the busbar 3 has a contact section 30 at each of its widely separated end regions for each spring-clamp connection. The contact sections 30 are connected to each other by a bridge section 33. The bridge section 33 can, for example, have two side walls 32 projecting from the plane of the contact sections 30, thereby making the busbar 3 more mechanically robust. The respective electrical conductor 9 can be arranged in the space between the side walls 32.

[0070] The Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 shows another embodiment of an actuating lever 6, which also has the elements already described above.

[0071] The Fig. Figure 22 shows the function of the actuating lever 6 according to the Fig. 5 and 6 during pivoting across the actuation pivot angle. The first axis of rotation D1 and the second axis of rotation D2 are described according to their different modes of operation depending on the pivot angle. D1a indicates the position of the first axis of rotation in the first actuation pivot angle range, D2a indicates the position of the second axis of rotation in the first actuation pivot angle range. D1b indicates the position of the first axis of rotation in the second actuation pivot angle range, and D2b indicates the position of the second axis of rotation in the second actuation pivot angle range. This sequence of movements also applies analogously to the actuation lever according to the Fig. 20, Fig. 21.

[0072] The Fig. Figure 23 shows a cover part 21 for a multi-pole conductor terminal 1. The cover part has a conductor retaining pocket 28 for each spring-clamp terminal of the conductor terminal 1, which is formed between a pair of side wall sections of the cover part 21. On the side facing the first bearing section L1, a first guide contour 27 is formed on each of these side wall sections, by which the first bearing section L1 is guided during a pivoting movement about the second axis of rotation D2. During the movement, the first bearing section L1 engages this first guide contour 27.

[0073] The Fig. Figure 24 shows the lid part 21, as in Fig. 23 shown, with an attached actuating lever 6, which, for example, according to the Fig. 20, Fig.The lever 6 can be formed in 21. The lever 6 has been pivoted along the first guide contour 27. As can be seen, the lever 6, with its first bearing section L1, engages the first guide contour 27, e.g., on a circular path. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 Power rail 4 clamping springs 5 retaining element 6 operating levers 8 Solvent element 9 electrical conductors 20 conductor entry channel 21 Lid part 22 Top of case 23 Underside of housing 24 second leadership contour 25 Main housing part 26 Ladder entry side 27 first leadership contour 28 Ladder collection bag 30 Contact section 31 Clamping point 32 side wall 33 Bridge section 40 Edge 41 Attachment legs 42 feather bows 43 clamping legs 45 Actuating tab 46 clamping edge 50 second locking element 51 Raster arm 60 manual actuation section 61 Spring actuation section 62 Crossbar 63 Side cheek 80 Solution section 81 Release arm D1 first axis of rotation D1a Position of the first axis of rotation in the first actuation swivel angle range D1b Position of the first axis of rotation in the second actuation swivel angle range D2 second axis of rotation D2a Position of the second axis of rotation in the first actuation swivel angle range D2b Position of the second axis of rotation in the second actuation swivel angle range G1 first counter bearing contour G2 second counter bearing contour H Altitude L conductor entry direction L1 first storage section L2 second storage section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2013 101 406 B4 [0002, 0009] DE 84 24 056 U1

[0003] DE 10 2014 119 420 B3

[0004]

Claims

[1] Conductor terminal (1) comprising an insulating housing (2), a spring-loaded clamping connection (3, 4) and an actuating lever (6), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (3, 4) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4), and the clamping spring (4) has a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping an electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (31) between the clamping edge (46) and a contact section (30) of the busbar (3), a contact leg (41) and a spring arc (42) connecting the clamping leg (43) with the contact leg (41), and wherein the actuating lever (6) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (2), wherein the actuating lever (6) is configured to move the clamping leg (43) from a closed position to an open position when the actuating lever (6) is pivoted by an actuating pivot angle,in which the clamping edge (46) is further away from the contact section (30) than in the closed position, , characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) is rotatably mounted in a first actuating pivot angle range about a first axis of rotation (D1) and in a second actuating pivot angle range about a second axis of rotation (D2), which is different from the first axis of rotation (D1). [2] Conductor terminal according to claim 1, characterized by , that when the actuating lever (6) is pivoted, the second axis of rotation (D2) shifts from a rest position to a bearing position around the first axis of rotation (D1) in the first actuating pivot angle range. [3] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the actuating lever (6) is pivoted, the first axis of rotation (D1) shifts around the second axis of rotation (D2) from a bearing position to a rest position. [4] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first and second actuation swivel angle ranges together form the total actuation swivel angle. [5] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) has a spring actuating section (61) cooperating with the clamping leg (43), wherein the spring actuating section (61) is formed on a first bearing section (L1) of the actuating lever (6) forming the first axis of rotation (D1). [6] Conductor terminal according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first bearing section (L1) has a curved outer contour which is supported on a first counter bearing contour (G1) of the conductor terminal (1). [7] Conductor terminal according to claim 6, characterized by that the first counter-bearing contour (G1) is convexly curved or flat. [8] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) has a second bearing section (L2) forming the second axis of rotation (D2), which has a curved outer contour that is supported on a second counter bearing contour (G2) of the conductor terminal (1). [9] Conductor terminal according to claim 8, characterized by that the second counter-bearing contour (G2) is concavely curved. [10] Conductor terminal according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the insulating housing (2) is two-part with a main housing part (25) and a cover part (21) closing the main housing part (25), wherein the second counter bearing contour (G2) is formed in the cover part (21). [11] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the insulating housing (2) extends in a vertical direction (H) from a housing top (22) to a housing bottom (23), wherein the actuating lever (6) on the housing top (22) has an actuating section (60) that can be manually actuated by the user, wherein the first axis of rotation (D1) is located below the clamping point (31) at least in the first actuating pivot angle range in the vertical direction (H) and / or the second axis of rotation (D2) is located below the clamping point (31) at least in the second actuating pivot angle range in the vertical direction (H). [12] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) has two spaced-apart side cheeks (63) which are connected to each other by a crossbar (62) of the actuating lever (6). [13] Conductor terminal according to claim 12, characterized by, that the first axis of rotation (D1) at the end region of the actuating lever (6) opposite the crossbar (62) is formed by a pair of opposing first bearing sections (L1) on the two side walls (63) and / or the second axis of rotation (D2) at the end region of the actuating lever (6) opposite the crossbar (62) is formed by a pair of opposing second bearing sections (L2) on the two side walls (63). [14] Conductor terminal according to claim 13, characterized by , that the first bearing sections (L1) are formed by the projecting projections facing the side cheeks (63) and / or the second bearing sections (L2) are formed by the projecting projections facing the side cheeks (63). [15] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by, that the plane spanned by the crossbar (62) lies at an acute angle to the plane of rotation spanned by the first and second axes of rotation (D1, D2), preferably at an angle in the range of 20° to 60° and preferably of 30° ±10°. [16] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insulating housing (2) has a conductor entry channel (20) extending in a conductor entry direction (L) which opens to the clamping point (31) formed by the clamping edge (46) of the clamping leg (43) and the contact section (30) of the busbar (3) for clamping an electrical conductor (9). [17] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the mounting leg (41) has two spaced-apart edge webs (40) which laterally define a feedthrough opening (44) for the passage of the electrical conductor (9), wherein the clamping leg (43) projects through the feedthrough opening (44). [18] Conductor terminal according to claim 17, characterized by , that the clamping leg (43) widens on both sides after passing through the passage opening (44) from the spring bow (42), forming laterally projecting actuating tabs (45), with the actuating tabs (45) adjoining the edge webs (40). [19] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring-loaded clamping connection has a retaining element (5) which is designed to lock the clamping leg (43) in the open position. [20] Conductor terminal according to claim 19, characterized by, that the retaining element (5) is a locking arm (51) formed integrally with the clamping spring (4) and projecting from the mounting leg (41). [21] Conductor terminal according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by , that the spring-loaded clamping connection (3, 4) has a release element (8) with a release section (80) designed for applying force by an inserted electrical conductor (9), wherein the release element (8) is designed for displacing the retaining element (5) and disengaging the clamping leg (43) which is latched on the retaining element (5) in the open position by displacing the release section (80) when force is applied. [22] Conductor terminal according to claim 21, characterized by , that the release element (8) is a release arm (81) integrally formed with the clamping spring (4) which connects to the locking arm (51), wherein the release section (80) projects from the section of the release arm (81) adjoining the locking arm (51) towards the plane of the busbar (3). [23] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second axis of rotation (D2) is further away from the point of force application of the actuating lever (6) on the clamping leg (43) than the first axis of rotation (D1).

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