conductor connection terminal

Abstract

conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating element (6), wherein - the insulating housing (3) has a conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping spring (5) has a support leg (7), a spring arc (8) and a clamping leg (9), - the clamping leg (9) has a clamping edge (10) to form a clamping point (11) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2) in a conductor entry direction (E), - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping point (11), and - the actuating element (6) is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized in that the actuating element (6) extends at least in one actuating position (B) substantially in a longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor terminal (1), that the actuating element (6) has an operating section (6a) for displacing the actuating element (6) and an actuating section (6b) for displacing the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), and that the operating section (6a) is guided through a housing opening (12) in a housing section (13) of the insulating housing (3) opposite the conductor entry channel (2) in the conductor entry direction (E).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor terminal block with an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel, a busbar, a clamping spring and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring arc and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg has a clamping edge for forming a clamping point with the busbar for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel in a conductor entry direction, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, and wherein the actuating element is designed for displacing the clamping leg into the open position.

[0002] Such conductor connection terminals are known in practice. In one embodiment, conductor connection terminals can be designed with automatic connection of the electrical conductor to be clamped when the conductor is inserted into the terminal. The insertion of the conductor automatically releases the clamping arm of the clamping spring, which is held in the open position, and clamps the conductor securely. The actuating element of the conductor connection terminal serves to return the clamping arm to the open position and / or to open the clamping point, for example, to release a clamped conductor or to allow the insertion of an electrical conductor into the terminal.

[0003] In practice, depending on the application of the terminal block and the installation situation, it is sometimes desirable to provide particularly compact terminal blocks, for example, to enable as many conductor connections as possible per unit of space. However, the increasing miniaturization of terminal blocks presents technical challenges, such as ease of use and compliance with specifications regarding clearance and creepage distances. Against this background, the invention aims to create an improved terminal block with a particularly compact design, a reliably effective automatic conductor connection, and simple operation while maintaining the required clearance and creepage distances.

[0004] The problem is solved with a conductor terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0005] According to the features of independent claim 1, a conductor terminal is proposed comprising an insulating housing having a conductor entry channel, a busbar, a clamping spring, and an actuating element, wherein the clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring arc, and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg has a clamping edge for forming a clamping point with the busbar for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel in a conductor entry direction, wherein the clamping leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the clamping point, wherein the conductor terminal is configured for automatic displacement of the clamping leg into the closed position when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal, and wherein the actuating element is configured for displacement of the clamping leg into the open position.wherein the actuating element extends substantially in a longitudinal direction of the conductor terminal at least in one actuating position, wherein the actuating element has an operating section for displacing the actuating element and an actuating section for displacing the clamping leg into the open position, and wherein the operating section is guided through a housing opening in a housing section of the insulating housing opposite the conductor entry channel in the conductor entry direction.

[0006] In simplified terms, an arrangement of the conductor entry area, the connection area, and the actuating area of ​​the conductor terminal is proposed that is essentially aligned in the direction of conductor insertion. The conductor terminal can therefore have a narrow, elongated design in which the components of the conductor terminal, such as the conductor entry channel, the clamping spring, and the actuating element, are aligned essentially along a common axis or at least parallel to each other. In other words, the axis of an inserted electrical conductor and the axis of actuation of the actuating element can run in a common, elongated corridor.By operating the actuator on a housing section opposite the conductor entry channel, it is not necessary to maintain clearance on an intermediate housing surface for operating the actuator. This allows the terminal block to be installed even in confined spaces. Furthermore, the alignment of the conductor axis and the actuator results in significant space savings within the terminal block itself. The elongated design of the terminal block between the conductor entry area and the operating area ensures reliable compliance with existing clearance and creepage distance requirements. The terminal block can, for example, be used as a junction box terminal.

[0007] The insulating housing of the terminal block, made of a plastic material, for example, contains the busbar and the clamping spring of the terminal block and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The conductor entry channel can form an insertion channel leading to the clamping point of the terminal block, for example, at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped. An end section of an electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in the direction of entry and removed from the insulating housing in the opposite direction. The busbar, also called a contact piece or current bar, can be a largely rigid electrical conductor, for example, formed by a metal strip. The busbar can have a bar-shaped clamping section to which the electrical conductor can be clamped.

[0008] The clamping spring of the conductor terminal block can be a predominantly flat component, which may be made of an elastically resilient material. The clamping spring has a contact leg for supporting the clamping spring against the insulating housing, a clamping leg for connecting the conductor to the busbar, and a spring arc, particularly U-shaped, between the contact leg and the clamping leg for deflecting the clamping spring, so that the contact leg can run at least partially opposite the clamping leg. When the clamping leg is moved into its open position, it can be displaced onto the contact leg.The free end of the clamping arm, located opposite the spring-loaded arch, is called the clamping edge. It forms a clamping point for connecting the electrical conductor to the busbar by pressing the conductor against the busbar using the spring force of the clamping spring, thus ensuring reliable electrical contact. The clamping arm is movable between an open and a closed position to open and close the clamping point.

[0009] In the open position of the clamping arm, the clamping edge is spaced away from the busbar and any inserted electrical conductor, thus allowing the clamping point to be opened and the conductor to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal and positioned within or removed from the clamping point. In the closed position of the clamping arm, the clamping edge is moved onto the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor, exerting a clamping force on the electrical conductor towards the busbar, thereby ensuring reliable electrical contact between the conductor and the busbar.

[0010] To improve user convenience and implement automatic conductor connection, the conductor terminal can be designed to automatically move the clamping arm into the closed position when the electrical conductor is inserted. For this purpose, the conductor terminal can, in particular, have a release mechanism that is actuated by the inserted conductor, allowing the clamping arm to be released from its open position and move automatically into the closed position due to spring force. In its open position, the clamping arm can be held in a ready state, for example, by a suitable retaining structure on the busbar, the actuating element, or a contact leg of the clamping spring. A suitable release mechanism is described below by way of example using a separate retaining element that can be arranged in the conductor terminal.In principle, various concepts for suitable release mechanisms are conceivable, where, for example, the clamping spring itself can be designed to allow self-holding in the open position and release upon insertion of an electrical conductor into the terminal block. Furthermore, the actuating element can generally be designed so that the spring force acting upon release of the clamping arm simultaneously causes it to automatically return to its initial position. Put simply, the clamping spring can be strong enough to return the actuating element, which was moved into an actuating position during activation, to its original position when the clamping arm returns to the closed position.The actuating element can be moved between a starting position and an actuating position, with the starting position corresponding to a closed position of the clamping arm and the actuating position corresponding to an open position of the clamping arm.

[0011] According to the proposed features, the actuating element, at least in the actuated position, extends substantially along one longitudinal direction of the conductor terminal. This is intended to clarify a significant orientation of the actuating element within the conductor terminal, without requiring a strictly axial or identical orientation of the actuating element to a longitudinal axis of the conductor terminal in every position of the actuating element. In particular, for example, in a starting position of the actuating element, there may be a slight angle between the longitudinal axis of the conductor terminal and a longitudinal axis of the actuating element, which may be, for example, between 1° and 45°. However, in an actuated position of the actuating element, an essentially axial alignment of the actuating element and the longitudinal axis of the conductor terminal may be present.The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the conductor terminal can correspond to a direction of extension of the conductor terminal along its greatest extent. In particular, the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the conductor terminal can correspond to a direction of extension of the conductor terminal from a conductor entry opening leading into the conductor entry channel to the housing opening through which the operating section of the actuator is guided. The longitudinal direction of the conductor terminal can also run along or parallel to the conductor entry direction. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the actuator can correspond to a direction of extension of the actuator along its greatest extent.The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the actuating element can, in particular, correspond to an extension direction of the actuating element from an end facing the conductor entry channel to the operating section guided through the housing opening.

[0012] According to the proposed features, the actuating element has a control section for repositioning the actuating element and an actuating section for repositioning the clamping arm into the open position. The control section of the actuating element can be located at an end of the actuating element that extends out of the insulating housing. The control section is accessible outside the insulating housing and can be actuated, for example, manually or by a tool. The actuating section of the actuating element can implement a repositioning of the clamping arm, which is based, for example, on a follower principle.This means that a structure of the clamping arm and a structure of the actuating element can interlock in such a way that a displacement of the actuating element causes the clamping arm to be carried along until it reaches the desired open position and, in particular, can be temporarily fixed in this position until an automatic return of the clamping arm to the closed position is triggered.

[0013] According to the proposed features, the operating section is guided through a housing opening in a housing section of the insulating housing opposite the conductor entry channel in the conductor entry direction. The housing opening can, for example, be an elongated, slot-shaped recess in the insulating housing through which the operating section can project into the vicinity of the conductor terminal. This design ensures good insulation of the interior of the conductor terminal. The housing opening can, in particular, be a circumferentially limited opening that may be adapted to the dimensions of the operating section but allows for a defined displacement of the operating section.Depending on the embodiment, the housing opening can, for example, be designed in such a way that the operating section can pivot along the housing opening or move translationally through the housing opening.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the conductor terminal can have a retaining element comprising a base section, a holding section for keeping the clamping arm in the open position, and a release section for releasing the clamping arm when an electrical conductor contacts the release section. This allows for simple and reliable retention of the clamping arm in its open position and release of the clamping arm by an inserted electrical conductor. The retaining element can form a separate functional component of the conductor terminal, which can be mounted together with the other components of the conductor terminal and, for example, arranged on the busbar. The base section can, for example, be a strip of material that can be placed on a clamping section of the busbar and from which the retaining section is bent.The retaining section can be curved and transition from a holding area extending essentially vertically from the material strip to a horizontal connecting area, thus allowing the subsequent release section to be spaced apart from the holding area of ​​the retaining section. The release section can be bent away from the retaining section and extend essentially transversely to the conductor entry device, so that a conductor guided towards the release section can meet it head-on. The clamping edge of the clamping leg, when moved into the open position, can, for example, rest within the holding area of ​​the retaining section.If the conductor hits the release section, the release section may be displaced in the direction of conductor insertion, and the subsequent holding section may also be displaced in such a way that the holding area is moved away from the clamping edge and the clamping leg is thus released to return to its closed position.

[0015] According to a further development, the retaining section can have at least one retaining leg, onto which a retaining projection is formed for holding the clamping edge of the clamping leg. This allows for reliable temporary fixation of the clamping leg in the open position on the retaining element, which can also be easily released by repositioning the retaining leg. A retaining leg can be a narrow, elongated structure of the retaining element, resulting in a slim design that does not impede the conductor connection to the busbar. The retaining projection can be formed integrally with the retaining element, for example, as a material tongue projecting from the retaining leg.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the busbar can have a clamping section for connecting the electrical conductor and a guide section with a recess for guiding the electrical conductor to the release section. This allows the busbar to fulfill not only its electrical contacting function but also a mechanical function for conductor guidance and stabilization in the conductor terminal. The clamping section can be a beam- or strip-shaped section of the busbar. The guide section can be angled, for example, bent essentially perpendicularly from the clamping section. The guide section has a recess enclosed on all sides through which the electrical conductor can be guided. Thus, the busbar can be designed as a frame within the guide section, so that the recess is bounded by a frame structure.The clamping spring can be hooked into the frame-like recess of the guide section with its contact leg.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the base section of the retaining element can be arranged on the clamping section of the busbar, particularly on the side of the busbar facing away from the clamping spring, and the retaining section of the retaining element can extend at least partially along the guide section of the busbar. This allows the retaining element to advantageously be supported on the busbar. For example, as described above, the retaining section can have at least one retaining leg, and the retaining leg can extend at least partially along a frame structure of the guide section.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the retaining element can have two parallel retaining legs connected to each other via the release section of the retaining element. This results in a slim yet stable design for the retaining element. Furthermore, the clamping edge can be fixed to two spaced-apart retaining legs, particularly to designated retaining projections, thus improving the retaining function of the retaining element. The release section can extend transversely to the retaining legs. The retaining legs can form a U-shape with the release section. The retaining legs can also be connected to each other in the base section of the retaining element.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can have two parallel actuating arms connected by a crossbar in the operating section of the actuating element. This results in a slim yet stable design for the actuating element. Furthermore, the clamping leg can be displaced by two spaced-apart actuating arms, thus enabling symmetrical force application to the clamping leg for its displacement. The actuating arms can flank or frame the clamping leg laterally. The crossbar can extend transversely to the actuating arms. The actuating arms and the crossbar can form a U-shape. The crossbar can form a control surface that a user can grasp manually or with a tool to displace the actuating element.The actuating arms can have a free end at the end opposite the crossbar, forming an open U-shape. This facilitates repositioning of the actuating element, particularly translational repositioning.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a drive contour projecting towards the clamping leg can be arranged on at least one actuating arm to displace the clamping leg when the actuating element is actuated. This allows for a simple displacement of the clamping leg when the actuating element is moved. The drive contour can, for example, extend protrudingly towards the clamping leg such that it at least partially overlaps the clamping leg and transmits a force to it. Depending on the embodiment, the drive contour can have a shape specifically adapted to the actuating principle, enabling gentle displacement of the clamping leg, for example, by transmitting compressive or tensile forces.The drive contour can, for example, be adapted to a shape of the clamping leg, such as a bend in the drive area, so that a uniform force transmission to the clamping leg can take place.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the insulating housing can have at least two housing openings in the housing section, each through which an actuating arm of the actuating element is guided. If the conductor terminal has several actuating elements, for example, because it is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal with several spring-clamp terminals, the actuating arms of the actuating elements can each project through two mutually opposed housing openings in the housing section. In this case, adjacent actuating arms of adjacent actuating elements can project through a common housing opening. In other words, in this case, there can be a common housing opening between each pair of spring-clamp terminals, through which the adjacent actuating arms of the adjacent actuating elements project. The housing section of the insulating housing can, for example,The housing section has two parallel openings, each through which an actuating arm of the actuator is guided. This adapts the housing section to embodiments of the actuator in which the actuator has two parallel actuating arms. The housing openings can, for example, be elongated, slot-shaped recesses in the housing section, through which an actuating arm can project into the vicinity of the conductor terminal. This design ensures good insulation of the interior of the conductor terminal. The housing openings can be designed to allow pivoting movement of the actuating arms along the housing openings or translational movement of the actuating arms through the housing openings.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a pivoting lever that can be pivoted about a pivot axis. The resulting leverage effect on the clamping leg of the clamping spring allows for particularly convenient operation of the actuating element. A pivoting lever can be understood as a rotatably displaceable actuating element. The pivoting lever is designed to be movable, in particular, within a limited pivot angle, for example, between 0 and 45°. The pivoting range of the pivoting lever can be limited, for example, by opposing housing walls of the insulating housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the pivot axis of the actuating element can run transversely to the conductor insertion direction and offset from a conductor axis of the inserted conductor. The actuating element can, for example, pivot away from and towards a contact surface of the insulating housing, where the contact leg of the clamping spring rests. The pivot axis can, for example, run between the contact surface and an opening of the conductor insertion channel into a connection compartment of the conductor terminal. A connection compartment of the conductor terminal can be a cavity in the insulating housing in which the clamping section of the busbar and the clamping leg of the clamping spring are located and can form a clamping point for the electrical conductor.The clamping spring and the actuating element can be arranged side by side in such a way that the pivot axis of the actuating element runs through an interior space of the spring arc bounded by the spring arc, so that a pivot axis of the clamping leg which pivots between the open position and the closed position and the pivot axis of the actuating element run close to each other, thereby improving force transmission between the actuating element and the clamping leg.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can have a push-button contour projecting towards the clamping arm, acting as a drive contour. This push-button contour is designed to move the clamping arm into the open position by means of an actuating force acting transversely to the conductor insertion direction. This allows for efficient force transmission to the clamping arm by utilizing the leverage of the actuating element, which is designed as a pivot lever. The push-button contour can extend projecting towards the clamping arm and at least partially overlap it to transmit a force to the clamping arm. The push-button contour can be adapted to a shape of the clamping arm, such as a bend in the drive area, so that a uniform force transmission to the clamping arm can be achieved.In other words, the push-button contour can, at least in sections, mimic the spring path of the clamping spring between the spring arc and the clamping arm. Advantageously, the push-button contour can engage at a transition point of the clamping spring from the spring arc to the clamping arm, thus preventing any potential impairment of the clamping point in the area of ​​the clamping edge by the actuating element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as a translationally displaceable pull element. In simplified terms, the actuating element can be pulled out from the conductor terminal into the vicinity of the conductor terminal, particularly to a limited extent, in order to move the clamping leg into its open position. Specifically, the operating section of the actuating element, which is guided through the housing opening of the housing section, can be displaced within the housing opening in an operating direction that runs essentially along or parallel to the conductor insertion direction. By appropriately designing the pull element and the clamping leg, the translational displacement of the pull element can be converted into a pivoting movement of the clamping leg into its open position. A pull element enables intuitive and simple operation of the actuating element.In addition, compared to variants with a swivel lever, a particularly compact design of the conductor terminal with a pull element can be enabled, since no minimum height of the conductor terminal needs to be considered in the design to take into account a required swivel angle of the swivel lever.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the clamping arm can have an actuating contour projecting laterally from the clamping arm, and the actuating element can have a guide contour projecting in the direction of the actuating contour, which is configured to interact with the actuating contour of the clamping arm to move the clamping arm into the open position. This advantageously allows for a gentle force transmission from an actuating element designed as a pull element to the clamping arm, adapted to the translational movement of the pull element. For example, the guide contour can be designed as a guide ramp, so that the clamping arm can be gradually moved into the open position by the actuating contour sliding along the guide ramp. The actuating contour can, for example, be a lateral projection of the clamping arm in the direction of the actuating element.The actuation contour can, for example, be a spring tongue projecting laterally from the clamping leg with an actuation edge facing the guide contour.

[0027] According to one embodiment, viewed in the conductor entry direction, the conductor entry channel, a connection compartment flanked by the busbar and the clamping leg for clamping the electrical conductor, the retaining element, and the housing section opposite the conductor entry channel can be arranged one behind the other, with the actuating element extending from the connection compartment to the housing section and, together with the operating section, through the housing opening in the housing section. This results in a particularly compact arrangement of the aforementioned components of the conductor terminal within the insulating housing, thus making a very small conductor terminal available.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the insulating housing can be a multi-part housing comprising a base body and a cover part. The cover part can form the housing section with the opening through which the operating section of the actuator is guided. This allows the conductor terminal to be manufactured and assembled simply and economically, taking into account the desired insulation properties and compliance with required clearances and creepage distances. For example, the busbar, the clamping spring, and the retaining element can be arranged as a pre-assembled contact insert together with the actuator lever in the base body. The operating section can then be guided through the cover part, and the cover part can be attached to the base body. A cover part can be considered a housing component that has a smaller surface area than the base body and closes off an open side of the multi-sided base body.Furthermore, the lid part can be detachably attached to the base body, for example by means of a tool-free mechanical connection such as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the conductor terminal can be multi-pole, and the insulating housing, busbar, and / or retaining element can each be designed as a single component for at least two conductor connections arranged side by side in series. This facilitates cost-effective manufacturing and easy assembly of the conductor terminal. For example, the insulating housing can have a common base and a common cover for several clamping springs, busbars, retaining elements, and actuating elements. For example, the busbar can have a common clamping section and several projecting guide sections for multiple electrical conductors. For example, the retaining element can have a common base section and several projecting holding and release sections for multiple electrical conductors.For design reasons and to enable individually and independently executable conductor connections, the clamping springs and actuating elements can be designed separately and inserted into the conductor connection terminal.

[0030] In general, in connection with this application, the words "ein / eine" are not to be understood as numerals, unless expressly defined otherwise, but as indefinite articles with the meaning of "at least one".

[0031] The invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show, in schematic form: Fig. 1 - in a lateral sectional view a conductor terminal according to a first embodiment with a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in a closed position; Fig. 2 - in a lateral sectional view the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment with the clamping leg of the clamping spring shown in an open position; Fig. 3 - in a perspective view an arrangement of clamping springs, a busbar and a retaining element of the conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 - in a perspective view, the arrangement according to Fig. 3 with actuating elements; Fig. 5 - in a perspective view an external view of the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 - in a perspective drawing, the arrangement according to Fig. 4 with a cover part of an insulating housing of the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 7 - an isolated perspective view of a clamping spring of the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 8 - an isolated perspective view of a busbar of the conductor connection terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 9 - an isolated perspective view of the retaining element of the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 10 - an isolated perspective view of the cover part of the insulating housing of the conductor terminal according to the first embodiment; Fig. 11 - in a lateral sectional view a conductor terminal according to a second embodiment with a clamping leg of a clamping spring shown in a closed position; Fig. 12 - in a lateral sectional view the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment with the clamping leg of the clamping spring shown in an open position; Fig. 13 - in a perspective view an arrangement of clamping springs, a busbar and a retaining element of the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment; Fig. 14 - in a perspective view, the arrangement according to Fig. 13 with actuating elements; Fig. 15 - in a perspective view an external view of the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment; Fig. 16 - in a perspective view, the arrangement according to Fig. 14 with a cover part of an insulating housing of the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment; Fig. 17 - an isolated perspective view of a clamping spring of the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment; Fig. 18 - an isolated perspective view of a busbar of the conductor connection terminal according to the second embodiment; Fig. 19 - an isolated perspective view of the retaining element of the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment; and Fig. 20 - an isolated perspective view of an actuating element of the conductor terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0032] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 10 shows a conductor terminal 1 and selected component groups and individual components of the conductor terminal 1 according to a first embodiment. The conductor terminal 1 according to the illustrated embodiment is designed as a multi-pole conductor terminal 1 and is configured for three conductor connections arranged side by side, wherein an insulating housing 3, a busbar 4 and a retaining element 14 of the conductor terminal 1 are each designed as a single component for the multiple conductor connections. For the sake of simplicity, the following features are described predominantly by way of example with regard to one of the possible conductor connections, whereby the features can be applied analogously to the other conductor connections.

[0033] For example, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the conductor connection terminal 1 has an insulating housing 3 with a conductor entry channel 2. The insulating housing 3 is multi-part and has, for example, the following features: Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a base body 3a and a cover part 3b. The cover part 3b is additionally in Fig. 10 shown in isolation from a back view.

[0034] The conductor connection terminal 1 has a busbar 4, which is additionally shown in an isolated representation in Fig. Figure 8 shows the busbar 4 having a common, beam-shaped clamping section 18 for the multiple possible conductor connections for clamping electrical conductors and, for each conductor connection, a guide section 19 bent from the clamping section 18 with a recess 20 framed on all sides for guiding the electrical conductor to a release section 17 of a retaining element 14 of the conductor connection terminal 1, which will be explained below.

[0035] The conductor connection terminal 1 has, for example, in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 visible clamping springs 5. In Fig. Figure 7 shows an isolated representation of a clamping spring 5. The clamping spring 5 has a contact leg 7, a U-shaped spring arc 8, and a clamping leg 9. The clamping leg 9 is connected to the contact leg 7 via the spring arc 8 and runs at least partially opposite the contact leg 7. The clamping leg 9 has a clamping edge 10 at its free end to form a Fig. The clamping point 11 shown in Figure 1 is connected to the busbar 4 for an electrical conductor, not shown in detail in the figures, which can be inserted into the conductor entry channel 2 in a conductor entry direction E. The clamping leg 9 is located between a Fig. 2 shown opening position O and one in Fig. The clamping arm 9 can be moved to the open and closed position S shown in Figure 1 to open and close the clamping point 11. As shown, when moved to the open position O, the clamping arm 9 can be moved onto the support arm 7.

[0036] The conductor terminal 1 can be configured for automatic displacement of the clamping leg 9 into the closed position S by utilizing the spring force of the clamping spring 5 when the electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal 1. For this purpose, the conductor terminal 1 has an optional retaining element 14 which is located in Fig. 9 isolated as well as, for example, in Fig. Figure 3 shows an arrangement with the clamping springs 5 ​​and the busbar 4, representing a simple constructive implementation of an automatic conductor connection. In a non-automated version of the conductor connection terminal 1, the retaining element 14 is omitted.

[0037] The retaining element 14 has a common base section 15, arranged on the clamping section 18 of the busbar 4, for the multiple possible conductor connections of the conductor connection terminal 1, and for each conductor connection a retaining section 16 for holding the terminal arm 9 in the open position O and a release section 17 for releasing the terminal arm 9 when an electrical conductor comes into contact with the release section 17. The retaining section 16 has, as for example in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 9 shows two parallel retaining legs 16a, which are connected to each other via the release section 17 of the retaining element 14, thus creating a slim yet stable retaining element 14. The retaining legs 16a are connected as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that a retaining projection 16b is formed on each clamping leg 9 for holding the clamping edge 10. The retaining legs 16a extend section by section along the guide sections 19 of the busbar 4 and can thus advantageously be supported on the busbar 4. The retaining legs 16a are bent from the base section 15 and transition by a bend from a substantially vertical holding area 30 to a substantially horizontal connecting area 31. The release section 17 is bent from the retaining section 16 and extends substantially transversely to the conductor entry direction E. An electrical conductor striking the release section 17 displaces the retaining element 14 in the conductor entry direction E, so that the clamping edge 10 of the clamping leg 9 disengages from the retaining projections 16b and the clamping leg 9 is moved into the closed position S by spring force.The narrow retaining legs 16b achieve a slim design of the retaining element 14, and the retaining projections 16a enable a reliable yet easily removable fixing of the clamping edge 10 to the retaining element 14.

[0038] The conductor terminal 1 has an actuating element 6 for each conductor connection for moving the clamping leg 9 of an associated clamping spring 5 into the open position O. The actuating element 6 is located between a Fig. 1 starting position A shown and one in Fig. The actuator can be moved to position B as shown in section 2. This can be seen from the... Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the actuating element 6 extends, at least in the actuating position B, essentially in a longitudinal direction L of the conductor terminal 1. The actuating element 6 has, for example, in Fig. 4 shows an operating section 6a for relocating the actuating element 6 and an actuating section 6b for relocating the clamping leg 9 into the open position O. As shown, among other things, in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the actuating element 6 has two parallel actuating arms 21, which are connected to each other in the operating section 6a of the actuating element 6 by a crossbar 22, resulting in a slim yet stable design of the actuating element 6. For example, the Fig. 6 and additionally the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the actuating arms 21 are guided through two parallel, elongated housing openings 12 in a housing section 13 of the insulating housing 3 opposite the conductor entry channel 2 in the conductor entry direction E, formed by the cover part 3b, and outside the insulating housing 3 form the operating section 6a of the actuating element 6 with the crossbar 22.

[0039] According to this, the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a conductor terminal 1 with a substantially aligned arrangement of a conductor entry area, a connection area, and an actuation area. Due to the narrow, elongated design with substantially axially parallel components of the conductor terminal 1, a very compact conductor terminal 1 with automatic conductor connection can be provided. The passage of the operating section 6a through the housing section 13 ensures sufficient insulation of the interior of the conductor terminal 1 and simultaneously enables convenient operation.

[0040] According to the first embodiment, which is in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. As shown in 10, the actuating element 6 is, for example, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a pivot lever 6' that can be pivoted about a pivot axis 29, thus enabling convenient operation of the actuating element 6. The pivot axis 29 runs transversely to the conductor insertion direction E and offset from a conductor axis of an inserted conductor. The pivoting range of the pivot lever 6' is limited to a maximum pivot angle by the housing walls of the insulating housing 3, which, as indicated in the illustration, can be approximately between 0 and 45°. The pivot lever 6' is movable, in particular, towards a contact surface 32, on which the contact leg 7 of the clamping spring 5 is supported, in order to be moved into the actuating position B, and away from the contact surface 32 in order to be moved to the initial position A. The pivot axis 29 of the pivot lever 6' can be configured as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown between the mounting surface 32 and a connection compartment 27 of the conductor terminal 1, into which the conductor entry channel 2 opens. In particular, the pivot axis 29 of the pivot lever 6' can run through the spring arc 8.

[0041] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 indicates that a drive contour 23 projecting towards the clamping leg 9 is arranged on at least one actuating arm 21, advantageously on both actuating arms 21, for displacing the clamping leg 9 when the actuating element 6 is actuated. The drive contour 23 is designed according to the figure shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the clamping element is designed as a push-button contour 24 projecting towards the clamping leg 9, which is configured to displace the clamping leg 9 into the open position O by means of an actuating force acting on the clamping leg 9 transversely to the conductor insertion direction E. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As indicated in 2, the push-button contour can be adapted to a shape of the clamping leg 9 in order to enable a uniform force transmission to the clamping leg 9.

[0042] For example, as demonstrated by the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in the conductor entry direction E, the conductor entry channel 2, a connection compartment 27 flanked by the busbar 4 and the clamping leg 9 for clamping an electrical conductor, the retaining element 14, and the housing section 13 opposite the conductor entry channel 2 are arranged one behind the other. The actuating element 6 extends from the connection compartment 27 to the housing section 13 and, with the operating section 6a, through the housing openings 12 in the housing section 13. This creates a very compact, elongated conductor connection terminal 1.

[0043] In principle, the actuating element 6 can be designed to be automatically reset to a starting position by the spring force-induced acceleration of the clamping arm 9 when the clamping leg 9 is moved into the closed position S, although a manual reset solution is not excluded.

[0044] The Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. Figure 20 shows a conductor terminal 1 as well as selected component groups and individual components of the conductor terminal 1 according to a second embodiment. With regard to its basic structure and fundamental function, the conductor terminal 1 according to the second embodiment is comparable to the conductor terminal 1 according to the first embodiment, so that the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0045] The in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. The conductor terminal 1 shown in Figure 20 of the second embodiment has one actuating element 6 per conductor terminal, which is designed as a translationally displaceable pull element 6", such as the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 as well Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 is removable. In simplified terms, the pulling element 6" can be pulled out of the conductor connection terminal 1 to a limited extent in the conductor insertion direction E, whereby the limitation can be realized, for example, by a stop. The drive contour 23 of the pulling element 6" is defined as an actuation contour 25 projecting laterally from the clamping leg 9, for example, in the direction of an actuation contour 25. Fig. The guide contour 26 is formed as shown in the diagram and is configured to interact with the actuating contour 25 of the clamping arm 9 for moving the clamping arm 9 into the open position O. The guide contour 26 can be configured, for example, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 20 is indicated as a guide ramp, so that a gentle displacement of the clamping leg 9 can take place by allowing the actuating contour 25 to slide along the guide ramp.

[0046] To accommodate the different displacement directions of the actuating elements 6 according to the first and second embodiments, the cover part 3b has structurally different designs according to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the cover part 3b according to the second embodiment has, for instance, Fig. 15 Guide projections 28 shown for guiding the actuating elements 6 designed as pull elements 6", while the cover part 3b according to the first embodiment has extended housing openings 12 to allow pivoting movement of the actuating elements 6 designed as pivot levers 6'.

[0047] By means of the conductor connection terminal 1 described in the above exemplary embodiments, a conductor connection terminal 1 with a reliably effective automatic conductor connection, a particularly compact design and easy operation can be provided while complying with requirements for air and creepage distances. Reference symbol list 1 conductor connection terminal 2 conductor entry channel 3 Insulating housings 3a Basic body 3b Lid part 4 busbar 5 clamping spring 6 Actuating element 6a Operating section 6b Actuation section 6' Swivel lever 6" pull element 7 attachment legs 8 feather bows 9 clamping legs 10 clamping edge 11 Clamping point 12 Case opening 13 Housing section 14 retaining element 15 Basic section 16 Stop section 16a Retaining arm 16b Holding advantage 17 Release section 18 clamping section 19 Leadership section 20 recesses 21 Actuating arm 22 Crossbar 23 Driver contour 24 Lever handle contour 25 Actuation contour 26 Leadership contour 27 Connection room 28 Leading lead 29 Swivel axis 30 stopping area 31 Connection area 32 Plant area A Starting position B Actuation position E Conductor entry direction L Longitudinal direction O disclosure S Closed position

Claims

[1] Conductor terminal (1) with an insulating housing (3), a busbar (4), a clamping spring (5) and an actuating element (6), wherein - the insulating housing (3) has a conductor entry channel (2), - the clamping spring (5) has a support leg (7), a spring arc (8) and a clamping leg (9), - the clamping leg (9) has a clamping edge (10) to form a clamping point (11) with the busbar (4) for an electrical conductor that can be inserted into the conductor entry channel (2) in a conductor entry direction (E), - the clamping leg (9) can be moved between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping point (11), and - the actuating element (6) is designed to move the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O), characterized by, that the actuating element (6) extends substantially in a longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor terminal (1) at least in an actuating position (B), that the actuating element (6) has an operating section (6a) for relocating the actuating element (6) and an actuating section (6b) for relocating the terminal arm (9) into the open position (O), and that the operating section (6a) is guided through a housing opening (12) in a housing section (13) of the insulating housing (3) opposite the conductor entry channel (2) in the conductor entry direction (E). [2] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) is designed to automatically move the clamping leg (9) into the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor terminal (1). [3] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the conductor terminal (1) has a holding element (14) with a base section (15), a holding section (16) for holding the terminal leg (9) in the open position (O) and a release section (17) for releasing the terminal leg (9) when an electrical conductor hits the release section (17). [4] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the holding section (16) has at least one holding leg (16a) to which a holding projection (16b) is formed for holding the clamping edge (10) of the clamping leg (9). [5] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the busbar (4) has a clamping section (18) for clamping an electrical conductor and a guide section (19) with a recess (20) for guiding the electrical conductor to the release section (17). [6] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the base section (15) of the retaining element (14) is arranged on the clamping section (18) of the busbar (4) and that the retaining section (16) of the retaining element (14) extends at least section by section along the guide section (19) of the busbar (4). [7] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the retaining element (14) has two retaining legs (16a) arranged parallel to each other, which are connected to each other via the release section (17) of the retaining element (14). [8] Terminal block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) has two actuating arms (21) running parallel to each other, which are connected to each other in the operating section (6a) of the actuating element (6) by a crossbar (22). [9] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that a driver contour (23) projecting towards the clamping leg (9) is arranged on at least one actuating arm (21) for displacing the clamping leg (9) when the actuating element (6) is actuated. [10] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the insulating housing (3) in the housing section (13) has at least two housing openings (12) through which an actuating arm (21) of the actuating element (6) is guided. [11] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) is designed as a pivot lever (6') which can pivot about a pivot axis (29). [12] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the pivot axis (29) of the actuating element (6) runs transversely to the conductor insertion direction (E) and offset to a conductor axis of an inserted conductor. [13] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) as a driver contour (23) has a push-button contour (24) projecting in the direction of the clamping leg (9), which is designed to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O) by an actuating force acting transversely to the conductor insertion direction (E) on the clamping leg (9). [14] Conductor terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the actuating element (6) is designed as a translationally displaceable pull element (6"). [15] Conductor terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized by, that the clamping leg (9) has an actuating contour (25) projecting laterally from the clamping leg (9) and that the actuating element (6) as a driver contour (23) has a guide contour (26) projecting in the direction of the actuating contour (25), which is designed to interact with the actuating contour (25) of the clamping leg (9) to displace the clamping leg (9) into the open position (O). [16] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that, viewed in the conductor entry direction (E), the conductor entry channel (2), a connection space (27) flanked by the busbar (4) and the clamping leg (9) for clamping an electrical conductor, the retaining element (14) and the housing section (13) opposite the conductor entry channel (2) are arranged one behind the other, wherein the actuating element (6) extends from the connection space (27) to the housing section (13) and with the operating section (6a) through the housing opening (12) in the housing section (13). [17] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insulating housing (3) is a multi-part insulating housing (3) with a base body (3a) and a cover part (3b) and that the cover part (3b) forms the housing section (13) with the housing opening (12) through which the operating section (6a) of the actuating element (6) is guided. [18] Conductor terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor terminal (1) is designed to be multipole and the insulating housing (3), the busbar (4) and / or the retaining element (14) is each designed as a one-piece component for at least two conductor terminals arranged in series next to each other.

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