Spring clamp connection and conductor connection terminal

Abstract

A conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for inserting an electrical conductor (9) into the insulating housing (2) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein the insulating housing (2) extends in a vertical direction (H) from a housing top (22) to a housing bottom (23), wherein at least one spring-clamp terminal is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-clamp terminal has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (30) on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), and with a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position.wherein the conductor terminal (1) has an actuating lever (6) pivotable about a pivot axis (D) for actuating the clamping spring (4) into the open position, which has an actuating section (60) on the top of the housing (22) that can be manually actuated by the user, characterized by one, several or all of the following features a), b), c), d): , a) the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating lever (6) is arranged behind the clamping point (30) in the conductor insertion direction (L), b) the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating lever (6) is arranged in the vertical direction (H) below the clamping point (30), c) The conductor terminal (1) has a display device with a display element (28) by which it can be optically indicated on the outside of the conductor terminal (1) whether the clamping leg (43) is held in the open position on the retaining element (5) or not, d) The conductor terminal (1) has a special release device with an actuating element (27) that can be operated by the user, by actuating the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) can be released from the retaining element (5), even without an electrical conductor (9) being inserted into the conductor terminal (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing having at least one conductor entry opening for inserting an electrical conductor into the insulating housing in a conductor entry direction, wherein the insulating housing extends vertically from a housing top to a housing bottom, wherein at least one spring-clamp terminal is arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-clamp terminal has at least one busbar and a clamping spring, which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping the electrical conductor at a clamping point on a contact section of the busbar, and with a retaining element configured to hold the clamping leg in an open position, wherein the conductor terminal has an actuating lever pivotable about a rotational axis for actuating the clamping spring into the open position.which has a manually operable actuation section on the top of the housing.

[0002] Such a conductor terminal is known from DE 10 2020 119 372 A1. It is a conductor terminal with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be connected when the conductor is inserted into the terminal. Insertion of the electrical conductor automatically releases the clamping leg of the clamping spring, which is held in an open position, thereby clamping the electrical conductor securely.

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

[0004] This task is solved for a conductor terminal of the type mentioned above with one, several or all of the following features a), b), c), d): a) the axis of rotation of the actuating lever is arranged behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction, b) the axis of rotation of the actuating lever is arranged in the vertical direction below the clamping point, c) The conductor terminal has a display device with a display element by which it can be visually indicated on the outside of the conductor terminal whether the clamping leg is held in the open position on the holding element or not, d) The conductor terminal has a special release device with an actuating element that can be operated by the user, by actuating which the clamping leg held on the retaining element can be released from the retaining element, even without an electrical conductor being inserted into the conductor terminal.

[0005] According to feature a), the axis of rotation of the actuating lever is thus arranged relatively far back in the insulating housing, viewed in the conductor entry direction. This minimizes the actuating forces required to actuate the clamping spring. For example, the axis of rotation can be located adjacent to a rear wall of the insulating housing.

[0006] According to feature b), the axis of rotation is thus located relatively low in the insulating housing, e.g., on 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. The actuating lever can, for example, be mounted on the insulating housing, e.g., on the underside of the housing.

[0007] The indicator device according to feature c) enables the user to easily and quickly determine, upon inspection of the conductor terminal, whether the clamping arm is in the open position against the holding element or not. The indicator thus provides a status display of the clamping arm's actuation state. In particular, the indicator device can provide this display function independently of the respective position of the actuating lever, i.e., regardless of whether the actuating lever is in its unactuated starting position or in a pivoted actuating position. With conductor terminals featuring an automatic conductor connection function, it is not readily apparent from the position of the actuating lever whether the clamping arm is held against the holding element or not. The indicator device easily provides this information.

[0008] The special release device according to feature d) allows the clamping leg held on the retaining element to be released from the retaining element at any time by a simple manual action. This eliminates the need to actuate a release element otherwise provided for releasing the clamping leg's locking mechanism, e.g., by inserting an electrical conductor. Instead, the special release device with its actuating element enables a release function of the clamping leg that is independent of the release element. For example, when inserting an electrical conductor with low stiffness, e.g., a relatively small, fine-stranded conductor, it may happen that the actuating force required to actuate the release element cannot be generated by the electrical conductor. In this case, it is advantageous if the clamping leg can be released from the retaining element by means of the special release device.

[0009] The conductor terminal according to the invention offers the further advantage of an automatic conductor connection function: connecting an electrical conductor to the spring-loaded clamping terminal is possible without first opening the clamping point, because the clamping arm can already be held by the retaining element. Furthermore, the electrical conductor can be released without tools. The indicator device provides a visual indication of the status of the respective clamping point (open or closed). Despite the aforementioned additional functions, the conductor terminal can be implemented with relatively little installation space, in particular without, or at least without significant, increase in size compared to known conductor terminals.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever can be pivoted back and forth between an open and a closed end position, with the pivot angle between the open and closed end positions being less than 60° or less than 45°. The open and closed end positions are the mechanical end positions of the pivoting movement; that is, the actuating lever cannot be moved beyond these end positions. The limited pivot angle of less than 60° or less than 45° allows for a tactilely pleasing and ergonomic actuation of the spring-loaded clamping connection for the user. The open end position can correspond to the open position of the clamping arm; that is, in the open end position, the clamping arm is deflected into the open position by the actuating lever.The closed end position can be associated with the clamping position of the clamping arm.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one actuating surface is formed on the clamping leg. When the actuating lever is actuated, an actuating force can be transmitted to this surface to deflect the clamping leg into the open position. This at least one actuating surface is located at or in the immediate vicinity of the clamping edge. Accordingly, the mechanical point of application of the actuating lever on the clamping leg is arranged relatively far out on the clamping leg, for example, relatively far from a spring arc of the clamping spring to which the clamping leg is connected at the other end. This significantly reduces the required deflection forces of the clamping spring.

[0012] The actuating lever can have at least one spring driver through which, when the actuating lever is actuated, the actuating force for deflecting the clamping arm into the open position can be transmitted to the at least one actuating surface of the clamping arm. The at least one spring driver can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the clamping arm.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the special release device has an actuating opening. The actuating opening can, for example, be designed as a through-opening in a wall of the insulating housing or have such a through-opening. In particular, the actuating opening is an opening of the conductor terminal that is different from the conductor entry opening. The clamping leg can, for example, be released from the retaining element by passing a tool through the actuating opening and using the tool to actuate the actuating element.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least part of the actuating opening is formed by a through-opening arranged in the material of the actuating lever, particularly in the manual actuating section of the actuating lever. This allows for simple and ergonomic operation of the special release device from the side of the insulating housing where the manual actuating section of the actuating lever is located. The conductor terminal can be configured, in particular, to allow the release of the clamping leg from the retaining element by means of the special release device only when the actuating lever is in the closed end position. In the open end position, access to the actuating element can be blocked, e.g., by the actuating lever, especially the manual actuating section of the actuating lever.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever has a viewing window, particularly in the manual actuation section of the lever, through which the indicator element of the display device is visible outside the conductor terminal. This allows for easy visual identification of the actuation state of the terminal arm. The viewing window can be formed by at least one optically transparent area of ​​the actuating lever. The viewing window can also be designed as a through-opening in the actuating lever, particularly in the manual actuation section. In this case, the viewing window can be an additional through-opening to the actuation opening. The viewing window can also simultaneously form the actuation opening.

[0016] A through-opening is defined as an opening in the material of the respective component that completely penetrates the component (through opening). The through-opening may be completely surrounded by the material of the respective component.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display device has at least one movable display element which assumes different spatial positions within the insulating housing depending on whether the clamping arm is in the open or clamped position. The movable display element can, for example, be formed by a movable inner wall of the insulating housing, such as one that is pivotably arranged. The status indicator for the actuation state of the clamping arm can then be located on the movable display element. For example, the movable display element can have a color-coded area to indicate the status of the clamping arm.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display element is located inside the insulating housing, the insulating housing being made of transparent material, at least in the area of ​​the display element. This protects the display element well from external environmental influences and prevents easy tampering. Advantageously, the actuating element of the special release device can also be arranged inside the insulating housing.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating element of the special release device is connected to, or forms part of, the movable display element. This allows for a very compact, space-saving integration of the functions of the display device and the special release device within the conductor terminal. Furthermore, simple and intuitive operation of the special release device can be achieved for the user, depending on the display state of the display device.

[0020] The retaining element can be formed integrally with the clamping spring. Alternatively, the retaining element can be a separate component, attached, for example, to an insulating housing of a conductor terminal, to the busbar, or to another component.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining tab is formed on the retaining element, extending towards its free end in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction and towards the free end of the clamping leg, so that the clamping leg can be secured to the retaining tab in the open position. The retaining element can have a locking element that is spring-loaded by the clamping leg in the open position. Such a design, particularly with a clamping spring integrally formed with the retaining element, allows the integration of an automatic conductor connection function into spring-loaded clamping terminals and conductor connection terminals of various designs. In particular, proven conductor connection terminals of known design can thus be further developed with minimal effort to include an automatic conductor connection function, i.e., with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped.Advantageously, an automatic conductor connection function can be easily and compactly integrated into existing conductor terminal designs. No additional holding element is required for the holding function, which simplifies the installation of the conductor terminal.

[0022] The retaining element can be movably arranged, e.g., sliding, pivoting, or otherwise deflectable, so that it can be easily deflected by the inserted conductor to achieve the desired release of the clamping arm from the retaining element. The retaining element can be slidably mounted, e.g., in a linear or arc-shaped direction. The retaining element can be pivotally mounted. In this case, the retaining element can pivot about a fixed or variable pivot axis. In the case of a variable pivot axis, the retaining element can, for example, be floatingly pivotable. The retaining element can also perform a combined sliding and pivoting movement. The retaining element can also be movably mounted in another way so that it can be deflected sufficiently to release the locking of the clamping arm from the retaining element.

[0023] The operating lever allows the clamping arm to be moved into the open position by manual operation, counteracting the spring force of the clamping spring. In this open position, the clamping arm can then be held by the retaining element, even without further manual operation of the operating lever, so that the electrical conductor can be inserted at any time without requiring any special effort. For example, the clamping arm can be locked onto the retaining element in the open position.

[0024] The clamping arm, together with the contact section of the busbar, can form a clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor between the clamping arm and the contact section. In the open position, at least the clamping edge of the clamping arm is pivoted away from the contact section of the busbar. The clamping arm can be pivoted, for example, between an open position in which the electrical conductor is freely movable between the clamping arm and the contact section, and a clamped position in which the clamping arm clamps the electrical conductor to the contact section.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping leg has a first locking element, and the at least one retaining tab has a second locking element that can be engaged with the first locking element in the open position. This allows for a simple and reliable mechanical coupling of the clamping leg with the retaining element in the open position, which is also easily releasable. Depending on the embodiment, the first locking element can be formed by an existing element or a section of the clamping leg, so that the latter does not need to be modified. For example, the first locking element can be formed directly by the clamping edge.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring has a support section connected to the clamping leg via a spring arc. The support section is designed to support the clamping spring on the busbar, particularly on a frame part of the busbar. The support section ensures secure support of the clamping spring and provides sufficient resistance to the spring force exerted by the clamping leg. The support section may include a connecting section that is attached to the busbar.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element and the support section are formed integrally. In this way, the retaining element can be formed, so to speak, as an extension of the support section and extend into an area behind the clamping point, viewed in the conductor insertion direction.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamping connection has a release element with a release section, the actuation of which deflects the retaining element sufficiently to release the clamping leg held on the retaining element. For example, the clamping leg, held on the retaining element in the open position, can be released from the retaining element when an electrical conductor to be connected exerts an actuating force on the release section of the release element. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting the electrical conductor. The release section can be actuated by a separate tool, a component of the conductor connection terminal such as an actuating element, or directly by the inserted electrical conductor itself, thereby causing the clamping leg to be released from the retaining element.The release element allows the clamping leg, which is held in the open position on the retaining element, to be released from the retaining element by applying pressure to the release section in the conductor entry direction (L) of the electrical conductor to be connected. Depending on the design of the spring-clamp connection, the release element can be formed as part of the clamping spring, e.g., as a release element integrally formed with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release element is integrated into the component or assembly of the spring-clamp connection that includes the retaining element. This minimizes the design and assembly effort for the spring-clamp connection. In particular, only one component or assembly is required for mounting the release element and the retaining element, rather than two separate components or assemblies. For example, the release element can be integrally formed with the retaining element. Alternatively, the release element can be positioned further along the support section behind the retaining element, viewed in the conductor insertion direction. The component or assembly can be made of, for example, plastic or metal, or a combination of such materials.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged behind the clamping point or behind the majority of the busbar in the direction in which the electrical conductor is inserted into the spring-loaded clamping connection. In this way, the retaining element does not obstruct the insertion of the electrical conductor. For example, in the open position, i.e., when the clamping leg is locked onto the retaining element, the retaining element, when viewed in the direction of conductor insertion, may not protrude into a conductor receiving space, or may only protrude slightly, relative to the clamping leg.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever is U-shaped when viewed in the conductor insertion direction, with an electrical conductor being insertable into an interior space of the U-shape. This allows for a particularly compact design of the spring-clamp connection, such that the actuating lever can transmit large forces while requiring only a negligible amount of additional space. This is achieved in particular because the interior space of the U-shape can be used to position the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0032] For example, the actuating lever can have a manual actuation section, e.g., in the form of a lever handle, from which the actuating lever extends around the assembly of clamping spring and / or busbar via two side plates projecting parallel to the manual actuation section. If the spring-clamp connection is located in an insulating housing of a conductor terminal, the side plates can be situated within the insulating housing. A spring driver can be arranged on each of the side plates, which can, for example, be integrally formed with the respective side plate. By means of such a spring driver, the clamping spring can be actuated either directly at the clamping leg or at respective actuation sections associated with the spring drivers, which project laterally beyond the clamping leg, and thus pivoted into the open position.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor receiving space can be formed in the insulating material housing for receiving the electrical conductor to be clamped to the contact section, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the conductor receiving space or at least projects into the conductor receiving space.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release section of the release element can be arranged behind the contact section or at least behind the clamping point in the conductor insertion direction.

[0035] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is not to be understood as a numeral. Therefore, when, for example, a component is mentioned, this is to be interpreted as "at least one component". Where angles are specified in degrees, these refer to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0037] 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 the clamping position, Fig. 3 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1 in side sectional view in one of Fig. 2 different cutting planes, Fig. 4 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 in open operating position, Fig. 5 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 in the open position, Fig. 6 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 2 with electrical conductor plugged in, Fig. 7 an enlarged section from Fig. 2, Fig. 8 an enlarged section from Fig. 5, Fig. 9 an actuating lever in perspective view, Fig. 10 the conductor connection terminal according to Fig. 1 Top view of the housing top, Fig. 11 a clamping spring with molded-on retaining element and release element in perspective view in the clamping position, Fig. 12 the clamping spring according to Fig. 11 in the open position, Fig. 13 spring-loaded clamping connections of the conductor terminal according to Fig. 1 in perspective view.

[0038] 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 openings 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 opening 20. The conductor terminal 1 has a pivotable actuating lever 6 for actuating the clamping spring of each spring-clamp terminal. In each actuating lever 6, a viewing window 63 and an actuating opening 64 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a side sectional view of the conductor connection terminal 1 according to Fig. 1 in a section plane that passes centrally through a spring-clamp connection. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 is an area marked with a circle and an "X". This area will be further described below using the enlarged sections of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 explained in more detail.

[0040] 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, the insulating housing 2 has a conductor entry opening 20, which serves to insert an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction L. At the end opposite the conductor entry side, the insulating housing 2 has a rear housing wall 21. The insulating housing also contains a movable inner wall 24, by means of which parts of a display device (to be explained later) and a special release device are implemented. In this embodiment, the rear housing wall 21 is designed as part of a rear housing cover, which can close an opening in a main housing part.The movable inner wall 24 is, by way of example, integrally formed on the rear housing wall 21, preferably in one piece.

[0041] 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 31. The contact section 31 serves for the electrical contacting of a connected electrical conductor. The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41, which is attached to the busbar 3 by means of a connecting section 40 of the support section 41. The connecting section 40 can be formed as part of the support section 41. The clamping spring 4 has a spring arc 42 adjoining the support section 41 and a clamping leg 43 adjoining the spring arc 42, which serves to clamp an electrical conductor to the contact section 31 at a clamping point 30. The clamping leg 43 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46.

[0042] 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 section 2, the actuating lever 6 is provided, which is located in the Fig. Figure 9 shows further details. The actuating lever 6 has a manual actuating section 60 that projects from the insulating housing 2. The user can grasp and pivot the actuating lever 6 at the manual actuating section 60. The viewing window 63 and the actuating opening 64 are located in the manual actuating section 60. The actuating lever 6 extends over side walls 65 into the insulating housing 2, as shown by the Fig. 3 is made clear. In the Fig. 3 The cutting plane passes through a side cheek 65.

[0043] It can be seen that the actuating lever 6 extends from the manual actuating section 60 across the respective side wall 65 to a support area 61, where the actuating lever 6 is pivotably mounted on the underside 23 of the housing. The actuating lever 6 is rotatable about a pivot axis D, i.e., it is movable between a closed end position, which is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown, and an open end position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the actuating lever 6 is movable back and forth. It can also be seen that the actuating lever 6 has a spring driver 62 on each side 65, which is in contact with the clamping arm 43 or with an actuating tab or actuating surface 47 formed on the clamping arm 43 and, when the actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position, pushes the clamping arm 43 into the open position.

[0044] When the actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position, the clamping arm 43 is pivoted in a direction away from the contact section 31 via the spring driver 62 and moved into the open position, as can be seen in Fig. 4 detects. 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. In this open position, the clamping arm 43 can be locked onto a retaining element 5.

[0045] It is evident in the Fig. 2 as well as the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, that the support section 41 on the side facing away from the spring arch 42 not only has the connecting section 40, but also projects a retaining element 5, which can be formed integrally with the support section 41. The retaining element 5 serves to hold the clamping leg 43 in the open position. Further back, viewed in the conductor insertion direction L, the retaining element 5 transitions into a release element 8. The retaining element 5 has at least one locking tab 54, which can, for example, be projected laterally from the retaining element 5 using the same material, e.g., by means of a punching and bending process. In the area of ​​the free end, the locking tab 54 has 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.

[0046] In the Fig. 4. The actuating lever 6 is pivoted into the open end position. Via the spring driver 62, the clamping arm 43 is now moved into the open position, in which the clamping edge 46 engages with the second detent element 50. If the actuating lever 6 is now returned to the closed position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when moved back, the clamping leg 43 remains in the open position, as it is held by the retaining element 5.

[0047] The retaining element 5 extends 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. If an electrical conductor 9, such as the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the conductor 9 is inserted into the insulating housing 2 through the conductor entry opening 20 in the conductor insertion 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 insertion direction L, allowing the clamping leg 43 to release from the second locking element 50. Consequently, the clamping leg 43 can spring back and press the electrical conductor 9 against the contact section 31. The clamping leg 43 thus moves into the clamping position due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 6 also illustrates the possibility of a special release of the clamping leg 43 held on the retaining element 5. For this purpose, a tool 10 can be inserted through the actuating opening 64, with which pressure is applied to an actuating element on the housing wall 24, as shown below. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 will be explained in more detail.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 7 shows section X, as in Fig. 2 marked. It can be seen that an actuating element 27 for actuating the special release device is provided on the housing wall 24. In addition, a display element 28 with a display element is provided on the housing wall 24, which allows the user to visually indicate whether the clamping leg 43 is in the position held in the open position by the retaining element 5 or not. Fig. 7, the clamping leg 43 is not held against the retaining element 5. Fig. Figure 8 shows the same section as the Fig. 7, wherein in the Fig. 8 as in Fig. 5 of the clamping legs 43 is held on the retaining element 5 or on the second locking element 50. As a comparison of the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows that the housing wall 24 is located in the Fig. 8 in a different spatial location than in the Fig. 7. In particular, in the Fig. 8 The indicator element 28 is pivoted slightly upwards, i.e. towards the top of the housing 22. This signals to the user on the outside of the insulating housing 2 that the clamping arm 43 is in the open position.

[0050] If a corresponding pressure force is transferred to the actuating element 27 by the tool 10, which is guided through the actuating opening 64 and the further opening 25 in the upper part of the housing 22, the locking of the clamping leg 43 on the retaining element 5 can also be released by this.

[0051] It is evident in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, that at the free end of the movable inner wall 24 an actuating tab projecting towards the clamping leg 43 is attached, which presses backwards (from behind) onto the clamping leg 43 to release the locking mechanism.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 9 shows an actuating lever 6 with further details. It can be seen that the actuating lever 6 has side flanges 65 projecting essentially at right angles from opposite sides of the manual actuating section 60. The side flanges 65 extend from the manual actuating section 60, forming a U-shape. In this area, the side flanges 65 are not connected to each other, i.e., a gap 66 is present. A bearing area 61 and a spring driver 62 are integrally formed on each of the side flanges 65.

[0053] As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, the display device can indicate, by means of different optical contrasts and / or colors in the viewing window 63, whether the clamping leg 43 is in the clamping position, as shown on the far left in Figure 10. Fig. 10 is recognizable (black area in the viewing window 63), or whether the clamping leg 43 is in the open position locked to the retaining element 5 (white color in the two right viewing windows 63).

[0054] The Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows an advantageous embodiment of a clamping spring 4 with an integrally formed retaining element 5 and a release element 8. A retaining tab 54 can be provided on each side, to the left and right of the retaining element 5, each with a second locking element 50. The retaining tabs 54 extend from a base section 51 of the retaining element 5 opposite to the conductor insertion direction L. Similarly, a locking tab can be formed on the left and right of the clamping leg 43, each with a first locking element designed to engage with a respective retaining tab 54. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the locking of the retaining tabs 54 occurs directly with the clamping leg 43 in the area of ​​the clamping edge 46. In this way, the clamping leg 43 can be locked symmetrically to the retaining element 5 on both sides.

[0055] It is evident in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 in particular that the clamping leg may have laterally projecting actuating tabs or actuating surfaces 47 in the area of ​​its free end, which project on both sides from the clamping leg 43, wherein the clamping edge 46 extends between the actuating tabs or actuating surfaces 47.

[0056] The clamping spring 4 can have one or both connecting sections 40 branching off from the support section 41 and extending transversely to the conductor entry direction L towards the busbar 3, by means of which the clamping spring 4 can be connected to the busbar 3. For example, a coupling element 44 can be provided on each connecting section 40, e.g. by means of a recess in the material of the connecting section 40, with which the busbar 3 can be positively engaged, so that the clamping spring 4 can be fixed to the busbar 3 by positive locking.

[0057] The Fig.Figure 13 shows several clamping springs 4 connected to the busbar 3 via their coupling elements 44. The actuating lever 6 is also shown for the clamping spring 4 on the left, here in its open end position. It can be seen how the respective actuating tab or actuating surface 47 is actuated by the spring driver 62. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the busbar 3 is designed as a continuous busbar extending over several spring-clamp terminals. The busbar 3 has a respective contact section 31 for each spring-clamp terminal. It would also be possible not to design the busbar 3 as a continuous busbar, for example, such that a busbar with only one contact section 31 is provided for one, several, or all spring-clamp terminals; that is, the arrangement is then divided into several separate busbars. 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 10 tools 20 conductor entry openings 21 rear case wall 22 Top of case 23 Underside of housing 24 movable inner wall 25 more openings 26 Ladder reception room 27 Actuating element 28 Display element 30 clamping point 31 Contact section 40 Connecting section 41 Support section 42 feather bows 43 clamping legs 44 Coupling element 45 Rastlatsche 46 clamping edge 47 Actuating tab 50 second locking element 51 Main body 54 Raster arm 60 manual actuation section 61 Support area 62 spring drivers 63 viewing windows 64 Actuating opening 65 Side cheek 66 free space 80 Solution section D axis of rotation H Altitude L conductor insertion direction 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 2020 119 372 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for inserting an electrical conductor (9) into the insulating housing (2) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein the insulating housing (2) extends in a vertical direction (H) from a housing top (22) to a housing bottom (23), wherein at least one spring-clamp terminal is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-clamp terminal has at least one busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) having a clamping leg (43) with a clamping edge (46) for clamping the electrical conductor (9) at a clamping point (30) on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), and with a retaining element (5) configured to hold the clamping leg (43) in an open position,wherein the conductor terminal (1) has an actuating lever (6) which can be pivoted about a rotational axis (D) for actuating the clamping spring (4) into the open position, and which has an actuating section (60) on the top of the housing (22) which can be manually actuated by the user, characterized by one, several or all of the following characteristics a), b), c), d): a) the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating lever (6) is arranged behind the clamping point (30) in the conductor insertion direction (L), b) the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating lever (6) is arranged in the vertical direction (H) below the clamping point (30), c) The conductor terminal (1) has a display device with a display element (28) by which it can be optically indicated on the outside of the conductor terminal (1) whether the clamping leg (43) is held in the open position on the retaining element (5) or not, d) The conductor terminal (1) has a special release device with an actuating element (27) that can be operated by the user, by actuating the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) can be released from the retaining element (5), even without an electrical conductor (9) being inserted into the conductor terminal (1). [2] Conductor terminal according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) can be pivoted back and forth between an open and a closed end position, wherein the pivot angle between the open and the closed end position is less than 60° or less than 45°. [3] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one actuating surface (47) is formed on the clamping leg (43), onto which, when the actuating lever (6) is actuated, an actuating force can be transferred from the actuating lever (6) to deflect the clamping leg (43) into the open position, wherein the at least one actuating surface (47) is located on the clamping edge (46) or in the immediate vicinity of the clamping edge (46). [4] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the special release device has an actuating opening (25, 64). [5] Conductor terminal according to claim 4, characterized by , that at least part of the actuating opening (25, 64) is formed by a through opening (64) arranged in the material of the actuating lever (6), in particular in the manual actuating section (60) of the actuating lever (6). [6] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the actuating lever (6) has a viewing window (63), in particular in the manual actuating section (60) of the actuating lever (6), through which the indicator element (28) of the indicator device is visible outside the conductor terminal (1). [7] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display device has at least one movable display element which assumes different spatial positions in the insulating housing (2) depending on whether the clamping leg (43) is in the open position or the clamping position. [8] Conductor terminal according to claim 7, characterized by , that the display element (28) is located inside the insulating housing (2), wherein the insulating housing (2) is made of transparent material at least in the area of ​​the display element (28). [9] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized by, that the actuating element (27) of the special release device is connected to the movable indicator element or is part of the movable indicator element. [10] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one retaining tab (54) is formed on the retaining element (5), which extends towards its free end in the opposite direction to the conductor insertion direction (L) in the direction towards the free end of the clamping leg (43), so that the clamping leg (43) can be fixed in the open position on the retaining tab (54). [11] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping spring (4) has a support section (41) which is connected to the clamping leg (43) via a spring arc (42), wherein the support section (41) is designed to support the clamping spring (4) on the busbar (3). [12] Conductor terminal according to claim 11, characterized by, that the retaining element (5) is formed in one piece with the support section (41). [13] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spring-loaded clamping connection has a release element (8) with a release section (80) by actuation of which the retaining element (5) can be deflected to such an extent that the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) is released from the retaining element (5). [14] Conductor terminal according to claim 13, characterized by , that the clamping leg (43) held in the open position on the holding element (5) can be released from the holding element (5) when an electrical conductor (9) to be clamped exerts an actuating force on the release section (80) of the release element (8). [15] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 13 to 14, characterized by , that the release element (8) is formed integrally with the retaining element (5). [16] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the retaining element (5) is arranged in the conductor insertion direction (L) of the electrical conductor (9) in the spring-loaded clamping connection behind the clamping point (30) or behind the predominant part of the busbar (3). [17] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating lever (6) is U-shaped when viewed in the conductor insertion direction (L), wherein an electrical conductor (9) can be inserted into an interior of the U-shape.

Images