conductor connection terminal

Abstract

A conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection for connecting the electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection 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 on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the conductor terminal (1) has at least one actuating element by which, when a handle section (60) of the actuating element is manually accessible on a first outer surface (23) of the insulating housing (2), the clamping leg (43) can be moved into an open position, characterized in thatthat the actuating element is designed as an actuating slide (6) which is arranged to move the clamping leg (43) into the open position by means of a sliding movement running essentially parallel to the first outer surface of the housing (23).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal with an insulating housing which has at least one conductor entry opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor entry direction, wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection has at least one busbar and a clamping spring which has a clamping leg with a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor at a clamping point on a contact section of the busbar, wherein the conductor terminal has at least one actuating element by which, when a handle section of the actuating element is manually accessible on a first outer side of the insulating housing, the clamping leg can be moved into an open position.

[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 problem is solved by designing the actuating element as an actuating slide, which is configured to move the clamping arm into the open position by means of a sliding movement running essentially parallel to the first outer surface of the housing. Such an actuating slide enables advantageous sliding actuation of the clamping arm. This allows the actuating element to be integrated into the conductor terminal in a very space-saving manner. In addition, existing and proven conductor terminal designs that were previously designed without an actuating element can be easily modified into a conductor terminal with an actuating element for the clamping arm, without requiring a complete redesign.

[0005] As mentioned, the invention enables the clamping arm to be actuated by means of the actuating slide. Unlike a push-button actuation, with an actuating slide, the handle section, which is manually accessible on the first outer surface of the housing, can be manually actuated by the user at any time, particularly without additional tools. The handle section can be permanently accessible and / or visible on the first outer surface of the housing, i.e., in every actuating position of the actuating slide. In this way, the actuating slide, by means of its handle section, can also simultaneously serve as an indicator element for showing the actuating position of the clamping arm (clamping position or open position). The position of the handle section thus makes it easy for the user to see from the outside whether the clamping arm is in the open or clamping position.

[0006] The actuating slide can, for example, be slidably mounted within the insulating housing. The manually accessible handle section can, for example, be slidably mounted on the first outer surface of the housing, such that the manual handle section slides along this surface when actuated. The actuating slide can have at least one spring-loaded actuator that allows the clamping arm to move into the open position when the actuating slide is manually actuated.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping arm has at least one actuating section in the area of ​​the clamping edge, through which the actuating force, e.g., a tensile force and / or a compressive force, of the at least one spring driver can be transmitted to the clamping arm. In this way, the manually applied actuating forces can be minimized. The clamping arm can, for example, have one actuating section for each spring driver. Such an actuating section can, for example, project laterally beyond the clamping edge. For instance, such an actuating section can be arranged at the level of the clamping edge, i.e., to the side of the clamping edge. Alternatively, the at least one actuating section can also be arranged at another location on the clamping arm, i.e., not in the area of ​​the clamping edge.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping arm can be pressed into the open position by means of a compressive force by the at least one spring driver, wherein the compressive force of the at least one spring driver can be transmitted to the clamping arm on the side of the clamping arm facing away from the first outer surface of the housing. Accordingly, the at least one spring driver extends relatively far into the insulating housing, at least as far as the side of the clamping arm facing away from the first outer surface of the housing, where the handle section of the actuating slide is located. Advantageously, the clamping spring can be arranged in the insulating housing such that a bearing section of the clamping spring, by means of which the clamping spring is supported against the clamping force of the clamping arm, is arranged between the clamping arm and the first outer surface of the housing.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one spring driver has an actuating surface extending obliquely to the direction of movement of the actuating slide, on which an actuating section of the clamping arm slides during a sliding movement. The direction of movement of the actuating slide can, for example, run parallel to the conductor insertion direction. Due to the actuating surface extending obliquely to this direction, the clamping arm can be lifted evenly and smoothly during a sliding movement of the actuating slide and moved into the open position. The sliding movement on the actuating surface allows the actuating section of the clamping arm to act similarly to a sliding skid.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating surface is designed as a ramp. For example, the actuating surface can be designed as a linear or arcuate ramp. The actuating surface can also have different sections, which can be identical or different, e.g., linear and / or arcuate, particularly at different angles to the direction of the sliding movement.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one spring driver is connected to the handle section via at least one tension arm, wherein, when the clamping leg is actuated by the at least one spring driver, the at least one tension arm is subjected to a tensile force. In this way, the sliding movement of the handle section of the actuating slide can be easily transmitted to the spring driver, which is located relatively far away. Because the tension arm is subjected to a tensile force, it can be relatively slender and delicate and does not need to have particularly high bending stiffness. The at least one tension arm can support the at least one spring driver, so that the spring driver can also be relatively slender and delicate.

[0012] The spring actuator, the pull arm, and a section of the handle can surround an approximately triangular recess in a side wall of the actuating element. The actuating section on the clamping leg can then engage in this triangular recess.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the handle section and the at least one spring driver are arranged at an angle to each other and surround an area of ​​the conductor receiving space at an angle on two different sides.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two spaced-apart spring drivers project from the handle section. These two spring drivers allow the clamping arm to be actuated symmetrically on both sides, for example, on opposite edges of the clamping arm, thus minimizing any tilting of the clamping arm. A space can be provided between the spring drivers through which the electrical conductor can be guided. The electrical conductor can therefore be accommodated between the two actuating wings. The spring drivers can be identical and possess one or more of the aforementioned features.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one spring driver is supported against the force acting from the clamping arm on the insulating housing and / or on the busbar. This enables efficient force transmission of the actuating force to the clamping arm without requiring a particularly torsionally rigid connection between the at least one spring driver and the handle section. The actuating element can thus be designed to be relatively delicate, requiring little space within the insulating housing. Furthermore, the handle section does not require particularly complex support.

[0016] The at least one spring driver can slide along the support area on the insulating housing and / or the busbar during the displacement movement. For example, the at least one spring driver can be supported on a second housing surface facing away from the first housing surface.

[0017] Alternatively, at least one spring-loaded actuator can be arranged to float within the insulating housing. The actuating slide can then be supported, for example, by the handle section on the first outer surface of the housing. In this case, all actuating forces of the clamping spring can be transmitted to the first outer surface of the housing via the handle section.

[0018] It is also advantageous for at least one spring driver to be supported against the force acting on the clamping leg, as mentioned previously, on the insulating housing and / or the busbar. Additionally, the handle section can be supported on the first outer surface of the housing, or at least slide along it, at least during certain phases of the sliding movement. In this case, the main force transmission can occur at the spring driver relative to the support point on the insulating housing and / or the busbar. Only negligible forces are then transmitted from the handle section to the first outer surface of the housing.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating slide is movable back and forth between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and the actuating slide can be fixed in the unactuated position to the insulating housing and / or another component of the conductor terminal. In this way, the conductor terminal can be secured against unintentional incorrect actuation of the actuating slide.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating slide is additionally pivotably mounted, thus allowing a pivoting movement in addition to the sliding movement. This enables further advantageous degrees of freedom of movement for the actuating slide.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating slide must first be moved by the user in its fixed, unactuated position by means of a pivoting movement in order to then be movable in the sliding direction into the actuated position. Accordingly, in order to actuate the actuating slide in the sliding direction, the user must first perform a movement different from the sliding movement, namely the pivoting movement, in order to release the fixed actuating slide and initially bring it into a movable state.

[0022] In other words, the actuating slide can be moved from a detent position to a ready position before the sliding movement begins. This also prevents unintentional mis-activation and improves the usability of a single actuating slide.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductor terminal has a retaining element designed to hold the clamping arm in the open position. This retaining element allows the clamping arm to remain in the open position even when no manual actuation force is applied to the actuating element. Such a design enables the integration of automatic connection technology into spring-loaded terminals and conductor terminals of various designs. In particular, proven conductor terminals of known design can thus be easily upgraded to an automatic connection functionality, i.e., with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The actuating element allows the clamping arm to be moved into the open position by manual operation, against 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 actuating element, 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.

[0026] In the open position, the actuating slide can be returned to its initial position (closed position), with the clamping arm remaining in the open position. This is made possible in particular by the triangular recess in the side wall of the actuating element.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The retaining element can, for example, act directly on the clamping leg to hold it in the open position. Thus, for instance, a first locking element can be arranged on the clamping leg and a second locking element on the retaining element, with the first and second locking elements being able to interlock in the open position. The first locking element can be designed as a locking projection or locking hook. The second locking element can be designed as a locking edge or locking opening.

[0029] 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. The retaining element can also be integrally formed with the clamping spring.

[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 of conductor insertion 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 only protrude slightly, relative to the clamping leg.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring-loaded clamping connection has a release element, the actuation of which allows the clamping leg held on the retaining element to be released from the retaining element, in particular such that the actuation of the release element causes the retaining element to deflect sufficiently to release the clamping leg held on the retaining element. The release element may have a release section. The clamping leg, held on the retaining element in the open position, can be released from the retaining element by means of the release element when an electrical conductor to be connected exerts an actuating force on the release section. This allows the clamping leg to be automatically released from the retaining element by inserting the electrical conductor. The release section can be activated by a separate tool, a component of the conductor connection terminal, such as...An actuating element or directly via the inserted electrical conductor itself can be subjected to pressure, thereby causing the clamping leg to detach from the retaining element. By applying pressure to the release element in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor to be connected, the clamping leg, which is held in the open position on the retaining element, can be detached from the retaining element. Depending on the design of the spring-clamp connection, the release element can be integrated into the clamping spring, e.g., as a release element formed integrally with the clamping spring, or as a separate component.

[0032] 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. The component or assembly can be made of, for example, plastic or metal, or a combination of such materials.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductor terminal has a conductor receiving chamber for receiving the electrical conductor to be clamped, with the clamping spring arranged between the electrical conductor received in the conductor receiving chamber and the first outer surface of the housing. The handle section is thus located on an outer surface of the insulating housing that, viewed from the conductor receiving chamber, is positioned behind the clamping spring. In this way, the actuating slider can be accommodated in a space-saving manner and is also easy to operate.

[0034] The at least one spring-loaded driver can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the conductor receiving space and extend between the busbar and the clamping arm. The at least one spring-loaded driver can have a relatively small width so that the conductor receiving space is not significantly affected by it. If the conductor terminal is designed as a multi-pole terminal, a spring-loaded driver can also form at least part of a partition between adjacent spring-loaded terminals in the insulating housing or replace such a partition. The at least one spring-loaded driver can, for example, be arranged perpendicular to the planar extent of the handle section.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one actuating element can actuate exactly one clamping spring, or that the at least one actuating element can actuate several clamping springs, in particular two adjacent clamping springs. This also enables a multitude of possible implementations of the conductor terminal. If one actuating element is configured to actuate several clamping springs, fewer actuating elements are required in the conductor terminal, thus further reducing the space required. In this case, the insulating housing can, for example, have a partition between adjacent conductor entry openings between which no actuating element is arranged.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping spring has a support section that is connected to the clamping leg via a spring arc, the support section being designed to support the clamping spring on the busbar, in particular 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.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the busbar has a frame part in which the clamping spring is hooked or clamped, the frame part having a through-opening through which the electrical conductor to be connected can be inserted. For example, the clamping spring can be hooked with its support section onto an edge section of the frame part that surrounds the through-opening. The clamping spring can be hooked or clamped in the frame part such that the support section is attached to the frame part and the clamping leg is oriented towards the contact section of the busbar, i.e., in the clamping position without an inserted electrical conductor, it rests against the contact section, or, with an inserted electrical conductor, the clamping leg presses the electrical conductor against the contact section.

[0038] The frame component can be formed in one piece from the busbar material, for example, as a section bent and punched out from the contact section. The frame component can have a circumferential frame that completely surrounds the through-opening. For example, the through-opening can have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The frame component can then have a first leg projecting from the contact section on one side and a second leg projecting from the opposite side, with the first and second legs extending parallel to each other. The frame component can also have a transverse leg connecting the free ends of the first and second legs. The clamping spring can then be hooked onto the transverse leg via the support section.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a conductor guidance channel can be formed in the insulating housing for guiding the electrical conductor to be clamped to the contact section, wherein the release section of the release element is arranged in the conductor guidance channel or at least projects into the conductor guidance channel or projects into the extension of the conductor guidance channel.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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°).

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings.

[0043] They show Fig. 1. A conductor terminal block in a perspective view, Fig. 2-5 the conductor connection terminal in lateral sectional view in various operating states, Fig. 6 an actuating slider in side view, Fig. 7 the actuating slider in perspective view, Fig. 8 the conductor terminal in the actuated state according to Fig. 4 in a partially modified section plane, Fig. 9 a spring-loaded clamping connection with actuating slide of the conductor terminal in side view in the actuated state according to Fig. 3, Fig. 10 the order according to Fig. 9 in the actuated state according to Fig. 4, Fig. 11 the spring clamp connection of the conductor terminal in side view, Fig. 12 the clamping spring of the spring force clamping connection in perspective view, Fig. 13 the busbar of the spring-loaded clamp connection in perspective view, Fig. 14 combined holding and releasing elements in perspective view, Fig. 15 the spring-loaded clamping connections with the holding and releasing elements mounted on them in perspective view, Fig. 16 Another embodiment of spring-loaded clamping connections without holding and releasing elements in perspective view.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a conductor terminal 1 in a perspective view. The conductor terminal 1 can be designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal, in which several spring-clamp terminals are arranged next to each other. The conductor terminal 1 has an insulating housing 2, which has a conductor entry opening 20 for each spring-clamp terminal, through which an electrical conductor to be clamped can be inserted into the insulating housing 2 in a conductor entry direction L. The conductor entry openings 20 are arranged on a conductor entry side 22 of the insulating housing 1.

[0045] As an actuating element for actuating a clamping spring of a respective spring-loaded terminal, the conductor terminal 1 has an actuating slide 6 assigned to each spring-loaded terminal. Each actuating slide 6 has a handle section 60 for manual actuation. The handle sections 60 are arranged on a first outer surface 23 of the insulating housing 2.

[0046] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each 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 and a frame section 32, 33 bent at an angle from the contact section 31. The frame section 32 extends from the contact section 31 in a frame-like manner with side legs 32 and terminates at a transverse leg 33, which connects the side legs 32 to each other. The contact section 31 serves for the electrical contact of a connected electrical conductor.

[0047] The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41 which is attached to the frame part 32, 33. The support section 41 can, in particular, be hooked onto the transverse leg 33, which is located remotely from the contact section 31. 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. The clamping leg 43 terminates at its free end with a clamping edge 46. An electrical conductor 9 clamped between the clamping leg 43 and the contact section 31 is then received in a conductor receiving space 24 of the insulating housing 1.

[0048] 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 Figure 2, a manual actuating element in the form of an actuating slide 6 is provided. The actuating slide 6 has a handle section 60 designed for manual actuation, which is located on the first outer surface 23 of the insulating housing 2 and is manually accessible there. The user can apply an actuating force to the actuating slide 6 at the handle section 60 and thereby move the actuating slide 6 rearward in the conductor entry direction L, i.e., towards a rear housing wall 21 of the insulating housing 2. The actuating slide 6 has at least one spring driver 62, which projects at an angle from the handle section 60 and extends into the insulating housing 2 to the clamping leg 43, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Show 8.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the conductor terminal 1 in the unactuated state of the actuating slide 6, i.e., in an unactuated position. It can be seen that the actuating slide 6 has a locking element 61 which interacts with a locking section 25 arranged on the insulating housing 2. The locking element 61 and the locking section 25 secure the actuating slide 6 in the unactuated position on the insulating housing 2 and prevent it from being actuated by a simple sliding movement. The locking element 61 can, for example, be designed as a projection on the handle section 60 extending towards the insulating housing 2. The locking section 25 can be designed as a housing edge of the insulating housing 2.

[0050] In order to actuate the actuating slide 6 in a sliding direction, a slight pivoting movement of the actuating slide 6 is first required, as shown by the Fig. Figure 3 shows this. This releases the blocking element 61 from the blocking section 25. Now, as the Fig. Figure 4 shows that the actuating slider 6 is moved in a displacement direction V along the first outer housing surface 23. As the Fig. As also shown in Figure 4, this deflects the clamping leg 43 into the open position. If an electrical conductor 9 is now inserted, as shown in Figure 4, the clamping leg 43 is deflected into the open position. Fig. 5, recognizable, inserted into the conductor receiving space 24, this electrical conductor 9 can be clamped against the contact section 31 by the clamping leg 43 and in particular the clamping edge 46. The Fig. Figure 5 shows that the actuating slider 6 has now been returned to the unactuated position, as in Fig. 2.

[0051] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the actuating slide 6 in various views. It can be seen that at least one spring driver 62 projects substantially at a right angle from the handle section 60. For reasons of symmetry, i.e., for symmetrical actuation of the clamping arm 43, an advantageous embodiment may have two spring drivers 62 arranged side by side at a distance. The spring drivers 62 branch off from a respective side wall 64 of the actuating slide 6 and extend to a support area 66, by which the respective spring driver 62 is supported against a lower housing wall 26 of the insulating housing 2. Each spring driver 62 has an actuating surface 63 that runs obliquely to the direction of movement V and may be designed in the form of an actuating ramp. An actuating section of the clamping arm 43, which will be explained in more detail below, can slide along this actuating surface 63 during a sliding movement.

[0052] As the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, each spring driver 62 can be directly connected to the handle section 60 or the side wall 64 on one side. At the end facing the support surface 66, each spring driver 62 can additionally be connected to the handle section 60 or the side wall 64 via a tension arm 65. The tension arm 65, which is not strictly necessary, can provide additional stabilization and stiffening of the spring driver 62. The spring driver 62, the tension arm 65, and the side wall 64 define a circumferentially enclosed and thus internal free space (e.g., in the form of an approximately triangular recess) into which the clamping leg 43 with its actuating section can project.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 8 shows the conductor connection terminal 1 in the actuated state of the actuating slider 6, as already shown in Fig. 4 shown. In contrast to the Fig. Figure 4 shows the rear part of the conductor terminal 1, facing the rear housing wall 21, in a modified section plane that passes through a spring-loaded actuator 62. As can be seen, the actuating slide 6 has been displaced towards the rear housing wall 21. This causes the clamping arm 43 to pivot upwards by the at least one spring-loaded actuator 62, i.e., to be moved away from the contact section 31 into an open position. In this way, the clamping point can be opened so that a clamped electrical conductor 9 can be removed or a new electrical conductor 9 can be easily inserted.

[0054] The conductor terminal 1 also has a retaining element 5 by which the clamping leg 43 can be held in the open position. The retaining element 5 has a second locking element 50, which can engage with a first locking element 45 on the clamping leg 43 in the open position. The clamping leg 43 cannot then easily move back into the clamping position. The first locking element 45 formed on the clamping leg 43 can, for example, be formed by the clamping edge 46. However, at least one separate first locking element 45 can also be formed on the clamping leg 43, for example, in the form of a projecting locking tab, which can then be engaged with the second locking element 50. For example, a laterally projecting actuating section 44 can be formed on the left and right sides of the clamping leg 43, on which the first locking element 45 is also formed.

[0055] Further back, in the conductor insertion direction L, the retaining element 5 transitions into a release element 8, which has a section angled relative to the retaining element 5 and extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction L. This section forms the release section 80 of the release element 8. When an electrical conductor is inserted into the insulating housing 2 through the conductor insertion opening 20 in the conductor insertion direction L, pressing the end of the electrical conductor against the release section 80 causes the entire assembly, consisting of the release element 8 and the retaining element 5, to shift slightly backward in the conductor insertion direction L. This also shifts the second locking element 50, releasing it from the first locking element 45. Consequently, the clamping arm 43 can extend and press the electrical conductor 9 against the busbar 3. Due to the spring preload of the clamping spring 4, the clamping arm 43 moves into the clamping position.

[0056] It is evident in the Fig. 5, that an electrical conductor 9 is inserted into the insulating housing 2 and is arranged with a stripped section in the conductor receiving space 24. The free end of the electrical conductor 9 can press against the release section 80 and thereby move the entire release element 8, e.g., in a pivoting motion, so that the second locking element 50 connected to the release element 8 is also moved and thus moves away from the first locking element 45, thereby releasing the locking mechanism between these elements. The actuating slide 6 now moves back to its initial position, as previously explained, e.g., by the force of the clamping spring 4, as shown in the Fig. 4 is shown. This allows the clamping spring 4 to partially relax, i.e., the clamping leg 43 moves towards the electrical conductor 9 and clamps it against the contact section 31.

[0057] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 again shows the interaction of the clamping arm 43 with the retaining element 5 and the actuating slide 6. When the actuating slide 6 is actuated by a sliding movement in the direction of movement V, a respective actuating section 44 slides along an actuating surface 63 of a spring driver 62. In doing so, the clamping arm 43 is deflected upwards, i.e., moved away from the contact section 31, so that it ultimately reaches the open position, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 10 can be identified, with its first locking element 45 engaging the second locking element 50 of the retaining element 5.

[0058] The Fig. Figure 11 shows this open position of the clamping leg 43, which is locked to the retaining element 5, again in a comparable manner to the Fig. 10, however, for clarity without the operating slider 6.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 12 illustrates an advantageous design of the clamping spring 4. The clamping spring 4 has a support section 41, which can be hooked onto the transverse leg 33 of the busbar 3 by means of a fastening section 40. From the support section 41, the clamping spring 4 extends over the spring arc 42 to the clamping leg 43. The clamping leg 43 terminates with the clamping edge 46, which serves to clamp the electrical conductor. At the level of this clamping edge 46, actuating sections 44 are formed to the left and right of it, on which a first locking element 45 is formed as a section projecting beyond the clamping edge 46.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 13 shows the busbar 3 with several adjacent contact sections 31 for a respective spring-clamp connection. Each contact section 31 is associated with a frame part 32, 33 for attaching the clamping spring 4. Each frame part 32, 33 has spaced-apart side legs 32, which extend at an angle to the contact section 31 and are connected to each other at their free ends via a transverse leg 33.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 14 shows an arrangement of retaining-release elements 5, 8, each comprising a retaining element 5 and a release element 8. These individual elements are connected to one another via a transversely continuous material section 52. From the material section 52, support arms 51 of a retaining element 5 project in pairs, serving to support the respective second locking element 50 against the spring force of the clamping leg 43. The support arms 51 transition into connecting arms 81 of the release element 8, arranged at an angle to them. A release section 80 is then arranged at an angle to each pair of connecting arms 81.

[0062] The Fig. 15 shows the in Fig. 13 identifiable busbar 3 with the holding and releasing elements 5, 8 arranged on it according to Fig. 14 and respective clamping springs 4, as in Fig. Figure 12 shows the assembly consisting of the holding-release elements 5, 8 with the continuous material section 52 is arranged below the contact sections 31, i.e. on the side of the contact section 31 facing away from the clamping spring 4.

[0063] The conductor connection terminal 1 described so far can also be designed as a conventional conductor connection terminal without automatic connection technology, i.e., without the retaining elements 5 and the release elements 8. In this regard, the Fig. 16 a variant of spring-loaded clamp connections of such a conductor connection terminal, which then only connects the busbar 3 according to Fig. 13 and several clamping springs attached thereto 4 according to Fig. 12 has, i.e. without the holding-release elements 5, 8 according to Fig.14 is constructed. Such a contact insert can also be used as part of the described conductor connection terminal 1 and then actuated in a conventional manner via the actuating slides 6 to open or close the clamping points as required. Reference symbol list: 1 conductor connection terminal 2 insulating housings 3 Power rail 4 clamping springs 5 retaining element 6 actuating sliders 8 Solvent element 9 electrical conductors 20 conductor entry openings 21 rear case wall 22 Ladder entry side 23 first outer case 24 Ladder reception room 25 Blocking section 26 lower case wall 31 Contact section 32 Side thigh 33 transverse legs 40 fastening section 41 Support section 42 feather bows 43 clamping legs 44 Actuation section 45 first locking element 46 clamping edge 50 second locking element 51 Support arm 52 Material section 60 Handle section 61 Blocking element 62 spring drivers 63 operating area 64 Side cheek 65 Pulling arm 66 Support area 80 Solution section 81 Connecting arm L conductor entry direction V Direction of movement 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] A conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (2) having at least one conductor entry opening (20) for receiving an electrical conductor (9) in a conductor entry direction (L), wherein at least one spring-loaded clamping connection for connecting the electrical conductor (9) by means of spring force is arranged in the insulating housing (2), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection 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 on a contact section (31) of the busbar (3), wherein the conductor terminal (1) has at least one actuating element by which, when a handle section (60) of the actuating element is manually accessible on a first outer surface (23) of the insulating housing (2), the clamping leg (43) can be moved into an open position, characterized by, that the actuating element is designed as an actuating slide (6) which is arranged to move the clamping leg (43) into the open position by means of a sliding movement running essentially parallel to the first outer side of the housing (23). [2] Conductor terminal according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuating slide (6) has at least one spring driver (62) by which, when the actuating slide (6) is manually actuated, the clamping arm (43) can be moved into the open position. [3] Conductor terminal according to claim 2, characterized by , that the clamping leg (43) has at least one actuating section (44) in the area of ​​the clamping edge (46) at which the actuating force of the at least one spring driver (62) can be transferred to the clamping leg (43). [4] Conductor terminal according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the clamping leg (43) can be pressed into the open position by means of a compressive force by the at least one spring driver (62), wherein the compressive force of the at least one spring driver (62) can be transferred to the clamping leg (43) on the side of the clamping leg (43) facing away from the first outer housing surface (23). [5] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the at least one spring driver (62) has an actuating surface (63) extending obliquely to the direction of displacement movement (V) of the actuating slide (6), on which an actuating section (44) of the clamping leg (43) slides during a displacement movement. [6] Conductor terminal according to claim 5, characterized by , that the operating area (63) is designed as a ramp. [7] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by, that the at least one spring driver (62) is connected to the handle section (60) via at least one pull arm (65), wherein when the clamping leg (43) is actuated by the at least one spring driver (62) the at least one pull arm (65) is subjected to a tensile force. [8] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by , that at least two spring drivers (62) arranged apart from each other protrude from the handle section (60). [9] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by , that the handle section (60) and the at least one spring driver (62) are arranged at an angle to each other and surround an area of ​​the conductor receiving space (24) at an angle on two different sides. [10] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by, that at least one spring driver (62) is supported against the force acting by the clamping leg (43) on the insulating housing (2) and / or on the busbar (3). [11] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating slide (6) is movable back and forth between an unactuated position and an actuated position, wherein the actuating slide (6) can be fixed in the unactuated position on the insulating housing (2) and / or another component of the conductor terminal (1). [12] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating slide (6) is additionally mounted in a pivotable manner. [13] Conductor terminal according to claim 12, characterized by, that the actuating slide (6) in the defined, unactuated position must first be moved by the user by means of a pivoting movement in order to then be able to be moved in the displacement direction (V) into the actuated position. [14] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has a retaining element (5) which is designed to hold the clamping leg (43) in the open position. [15] Conductor terminal according to claim 14, characterized by , that the retaining element (5) is arranged in the conductor insertion direction (L) behind the clamping point or behind the majority of the busbar (3). [16] Conductor terminal according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterized by , that the spring force clamp connection has a release element (8) by actuating which the clamping leg (43) held on the retaining element (5) can be released from the retaining element (5). [17] Conductor terminal according to claim 16, 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 a release section (80) of the release element (8). [18] Conductor terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) has a conductor receiving space (24) for receiving the electrical conductor (9) to be clamped, wherein the clamping spring (43) is arranged between the electrical conductor (9) received in the conductor receiving space (24) and the first outer surface of the housing (23). [19] Spring clamp connection 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), in particular on a frame part (32, 33) of the busbar.

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