CLAMP

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal, in particular an installation terminal. 2. background

[0002] A terminal, such as an installation terminal, is used to electrically connect an electrical conductor. The terminal electrically contacts an electrical conductor, for example, to connect it to another electrical conductor in the terminal and / or to an electrical device, particularly for its power supply. The terminal generally also serves to mechanically hold and / or fix the electrical conductor.

[0003] Since the electrical conductor is electrically insulated by insulation or an insulating material, a certain length of the insulating material must be removed so that the electrical conductor can be electrically contacted. This step is called stripping. The stripped portion of the electrical conductor can then be electrically contacted with the terminal.

[0004] A disadvantage of stripping is the relatively laborious removal of the insulating material. In particular, relatively high assembly forces are required to perform the stripping. This may require the use of an additional tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to apply the high forces required for stripping. Furthermore, the stripping process is relatively time-consuming. Documents DE 34 06 739 A1, DE 102 01 495 A1, and DE 692 17 645 T2 disclose known terminals according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a terminal, in particular an installation terminal, that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a terminal is to be provided that can easily make electrical contact with an electrical conductor insulated with an insulating material. These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. 3. Detailed description of the invention

[0006] A terminal according to the invention, in particular an installation terminal, is provided for a strip-free connection of an electrical conductor. The terminal has at least one conductor insertion area for inserting an electrical conductor insulated with an insulating material into the terminal in a conductor insertion direction.Furthermore, the terminal has for each conductor insertion area: an actuating part which is rotatable about a rotation axis; and a cutting contact with a cutting edge for severing the insulating material and making electrical contact with the electrical conductor, wherein the cutting edge extends along an arc around the rotation axis, and wherein the cutting contact is connected to the actuating part in such a way that by rotating the actuating part about the rotation axis, the cutting contact can be moved between a contacting position in which the cutting edge crosses the conductor insertion area for making electrical contact with an inserted electrical conductor, and a release position in which the cutting edge releases the conductor insertion area.

[0007] The terminal according to the invention has the advantage that the actuating forces required to cut through the insulating material are reduced. This is particularly true because the cutting edge, due to its curved extension around the axis of rotation, meets the insulating material of the electrical conductor at a particularly advantageous angle (e.g., at a substantially right angle). This allows the cutting edge to displace the insulating material particularly effectively without high forces having to act on the cutting contact. Making electrical contact between an electrical conductor and the terminal is thus particularly simple. The curved design of the cutting edge allows it, or a cutting opening at least partially formed by the cutting edge, for example, in the form of a cutting slot, to be advantageously extended.This results in a relatively long cutting path, requiring lower actuation forces to cut the insulating material. Secondly, it offers the advantage of a particularly compact terminal. This is particularly due to the inventive arrangement of the cutting contact with respect to the conductor insertion area in the contacting and release position and the cutting edge extending along the arc. Furthermore, the lower actuation forces allow the actuating part of the terminal to be designed more compactly, for example, in the form of a shortened lever.

[0008] In the contacting position, the cutting edge can cross or pass through a conductor insertion plane that is parallel to the conductor insertion direction and the rotation axis. The conductor insertion plane can be a (geometric) plane, for example, a plane along which the conductor insertion region extends, and / or a plane of symmetry of at least part of the conductor insertion region. This can be provided, for example, in the form of a conductor insertion channel. In the release position, the cutting edge is preferably spaced from the conductor insertion plane.

[0009] The rotation axis is preferably located in the conductor insertion area or in an extension of the same in the conductor insertion direction. This results in a particularly compact terminal that also enables easy electrical contact with the conductor. The rotation axis is preferably transverse or perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction.

[0010] The cutting edge can at least partially define a cutting opening (or multiple cutting openings), wherein, when the cutting contact electrically contacts the electrical conductor in the contacting position, the electrical conductor is at least partially provided in the cutting opening. The cutting opening is preferably at least partially a cutting slot. The cutting opening, in particular, ensures easy severing of the insulating material as well as simple electrical contacting and mechanical support of the electrical conductor. Furthermore, the cutting contact is thus provided in a compact manner with respect to the electrical conductor.

[0011] The cutting opening can be formed by two cutting sections, preferably integrally formed with one another; "integral" here particularly preferably means that the cutting sections are formed from a single casting, in one piece and / or in one piece, particularly preferably in one piece in the form of a one-piece stamped and bent part. This allows the cutting opening to be easily manufactured. Furthermore, the cutting sections impart an advantageous cutting effect to the cutting opening, since the cutting sections can engage different sides and / or positions of the electrical conductor to sever the insulating material. It is preferred if the electrical conductor is provided at least partially between the cutting sections in the contacting position.

[0012] It is further preferred if the cutting sections are designed to be resilient transverse to the conductor insertion direction in order to electrically contact the electrical conductor in the cutting opening by clamping. This results in particularly reliable electrical contact between the cutting contact and the electrical conductor. The clamping can also provide advantageous mechanical support for the electrical conductor. Furthermore, the resilient design of the cutting sections allows for easy electrical contact with electrical conductors of different cross-sections and / or diameters.

[0013] The clamp preferably has an elastic element, for example a spring element, which is arranged such that its restoring force presses the cutting edge against the electrical conductor, thus clamping it. The elastic element therefore preferably serves to mechanically support the cutting contact. The elastic element can be made of stainless steel and / or provided in the form of a clip. The elastic element is designed, for example, to surround the cutting contact and / or to be sandwiched with the cutting contact ("sandwich arrangement").

[0014] The cutting contact can have only one cutting opening or multiple cutting openings. The multiple cutting openings can be arranged to contact different electrical conductors (in particular with different cross-sections and / or diameters), which are inserted into the terminal, for example, via different conductor insertion areas (preferably having two different insertion holes). The cutting contact can have a cutting slot that is designed in multiple stages, for example, in two stages, to form the multiple cutting openings (e.g., first stage: first cutting opening; second stage: second cutting opening).

[0015] The arc can be a circular arc or an elliptical arc. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting edge can be at the same radial distance from the rotation axis along the arc. This allows the arc to be used to particularly advantageously reduce the actuating force required to cut through the insulating material.

[0016] It is preferred if the cutting edge can be moved along a circular path with a defined radius relative to the rotation axis by rotating the actuating part. This results in a particularly compact terminal that can also make electrical contact with the electrical conductor with a reduced actuating force.

[0017] The cutting contact can be designed as an integral component, preferably as a stamped and bent part. This results in a particularly cost- and material-saving production of the cutting contact.

[0018] According to the invention, the terminal has a contact part, wherein the cutting contact has a contact section which is in electrical contact with the contact part only in the contacting position. This has the particular advantage that the cutting contact can be easily optionally electrically connected to the contact part or electrically separated (detached) from it via the actuating part. Above all, an electrical connection between the conductor and contact part can thus be broken without the conductor having to be removed from the terminal. A further advantage is that the optional electrical connection between the contact part and contact section is easy to establish. Via the contact part, the cutting contact can, for example, be contacted with another cutting contact or another electrical load.For example, it can be provided that the contact section is separated and / or spaced from the contact part in the release position.

[0019] The contact section and the contact part can be designed to correspond in such a way that, in the contacting position, they engage in a comb-like and / or clamped manner for electrical contact. This results in particularly advantageous electrical contact between the contact section and the contact part. The clamping can also advantageously provide a mechanical retaining of the insulation displacement contact in the contacting position.

[0020] The contact part can be elongated and / or designed as a rail (busbar). For comb-like engagement, the contact part can be designed as a comb (as a so-called "plug-in comb" or "contact comb"). The comb then preferably has one or more comb openings into which the one or more contact sections (if multiple cutting contacts are provided) can be pivoted. The contact section is preferably designed as a contact fork. The contact fork preferably has two projections (for example, in the form of two prongs) that can engage the comb. For example, a projection of a contact fork of a first cutting contact and a projection of a contact fork of a second cutting contact can engage a common comb opening.

[0021] If several cutting contacts are provided, these can alternatively be connected to one another via one or more flexible electrical conductors, for example by applying these conductors to the individual cutting contacts by means of a material bond (welding, soldering, etc.).

[0022] The contact section can protrude radially from the cutting contact with a contact area relative to the rotational axis. This allows the contact section to be provided particularly easily, for example, by bending a section of the cutting contact. Furthermore, the radially protruding contact area results in advantageous electrical contact with the contact part, since rotation of the cutting contact about the rotational axis simply brings the contact area into electrical contact with the contact part.

[0023] It is preferred if the terminal has several conductor insertion areas, each with its own actuating part and cutting contact, and the cutting contacts can be electrically contacted via the contact part. For example, an electrical connection between two cutting contacts established via the contact part can be severed by moving one of the cutting contacts into the release position. The electrical connection between electrical conductors in the terminal can thus be severed, in particular, without removing one or more of these electrical conductors from the terminal.

[0024] A rotational movement between the contacting position and the release position can be at an angle of 60 to 120°. This means that by rotating the actuating part at an angle of 60 to 120°, the cutting contact can be moved from the release position to the contacting position, or from the contacting position to the release position. The rotational movement is preferably 90° in order to switch between the contacting position and the release position by rotating the actuating part.

[0025] The actuating part can have a lever section for rotating the actuating part around the rotation axis. This allows the actuating force required to sever the insulating material of the electrical conductor to be applied particularly easily. In the contacting position, the lever section preferably runs parallel to the insertion direction and optionally parallel to the conductor insertion area. This results in a particularly compact terminal.

[0026] The actuating part can have a rotary position section, which, in the contacting position and / or the release position, forms a stop and / or a locking mechanism with a corresponding rotary position section. This simplifies the assembly and / or disassembly of the electrical conductor through the terminal. Furthermore, the locking mechanism represents a particularly advantageous way of securing the electrical conductor that is electrically contacted in the terminal.

[0027] The conductor insertion area is preferably surrounded by an electrically insulating radial circumferential edge at least in the contacting position with respect to the conductor insertion direction.

[0028] The terminal can further comprise an insulating housing in which the actuating part is rotatably accommodated. The insulating housing can comprise or form the corresponding rotary position section. The insulating housing can be a single-piece or multi-piece design. The insulating housing primarily provides protection against unwanted electric shocks and / or short circuits. For example, the insulating housing is made of plastic.

[0029] The insulating housing can have a conductor channel, which forms at least part of the conductor insertion area. In the contacting position, it can thus be provided, for example, that the cutting edge crosses and / or passes through the conductor insertion channel and / or is immersed in it, in particular more immersed than in the release position. The conductor insertion channel preferably defines the conductor insertion direction. This allows the electrical conductor to be easily inserted into the terminal.

[0030] The conductor insertion area can be delimited, at least in the contacting position, by the insulating housing and the actuating part, preferably its lever section. This results in a particularly advantageous partitioning of the conductor insertion area in the contacting position, which can prevent unwanted electrical contact with the conductor insertion area. Furthermore, this results in the advantage of a more compact insulating housing, since the actuating lever provides part of the boundary for covering the electrical conductor.

[0031] The insulating housing may have a recess (ie a clearance) such that at least a part of the cutting contact is provided or moved in the recess while it is moved by means of rotation of the actuating part.

[0032] The recess preferably extends such that it follows a movement path of the part of the cutting contact upon rotation of the actuating part. The recess allows for a particularly compact and weight-saving terminal to be provided. The recess is preferably a guide groove. For example, the guide groove is designed such that it guides at least a part of the cutting contact while it is moved by rotation of the actuating part. The guide groove particularly advantageously ensures that the cutting contact is received in a defined position in the clamp during rotation of the actuating part. The guide groove in particular prevents the cutting contact from performing a translational movement parallel to the axis of rotation. The part of the cutting contact preferably has the contact area.

[0033] The insulating housing can have a base in which the recess is at least partially formed. This allows the terminal to be designed to be particularly compact. If the recess optionally serves as a guide groove, the cutting contact can also be brought into an advantageous position relative to the conductor insertion area, in which position the cutting edge severs the insulating material of the electrical conductor at a particularly advantageous angle. The guide groove can be provided in such a way that the actuating forces are increased, for example because there is sliding friction between the guide groove and the cutting contact. However, the recess can also be designed in such a way that there is no sliding friction with the cutting contact, for example because there is a distance between the walls delimiting the recess (side walls, base, etc.) on the one hand and the cutting contact on the other. This allows the actuating forces to be kept particularly low.

[0034] The insulating housing, preferably the aforementioned base, can have a bulge in which the recess is at least partially formed. Consequently, material can be saved and the terminal can be made more compact overall, since additional material is only provided at the point where the recess extends at least partially. This point then forms the bulge. 4. Description of a preferred embodiment:

[0035] A detailed description of the figures is given below. The figures show: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the clamp according to the invention in the release position; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the Figure 1 shown terminal, with electrical conductors inserted into the terminal; Figure 3 a schematic sectional view of the Figure 2 shown clamp along the section line III-III in Figure 2; Figure 4 a schematic perspective view of the Figures 2 and 3 shown terminal, wherein the cutting contact is moved into the contacting position by means of the actuating part; Figure 5 a schematic sectional view of the in Figure 4 shown clamp along the section line VV in Figure 4 ; Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of the Figures 1 to 5 shown terminal, in which the electrical conductors are not inserted into the terminal and the cutting contacts are moved into the contacting position by means of the operating lever; and Figures 7 to 12 show different schematic views of the Figure 6 terminal shown.

[0036] The Figures 1 to 12show, by way of example, a preferred embodiment of a terminal 1 according to the invention. The terminal 1 is generally used for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor 2 (flexible or rigid). For example, the terminal 1 can be intended to connect a first electrical conductor 2 to another (second) electrical conductor 2, as shown in the Figures 1 to 5 shown by way of example; terminal 1 can also be used for the electrical connection of more than two electrical conductors. It is also possible for terminal 1 to be designed or used for the electrical connection of only a single electrical conductor 1, for example, for the electrical connection to an electrical load (e.g., an electrical device). Terminal 1 can, for example, be an installation terminal.

[0037] The electrical conductor 2 typically has insulation or an insulating material, with the insulating material encasing a wire or conductor core to electrically insulate the conductor core and thus serve as contact protection. The insulating material is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic. The conductor core typically consists of one (metallic) wire or several twisted wires. The electrical currents of the electrical conductor 2 are conducted via the conductor core.

[0038] Terminal 1 is suitable, as described in more detail below, for a stripping-free connection of the electrical conductor 2. This means that terminal 1 enables an electrical conductor 2 to be electrically contacted through the terminal without the electrical conductor 2 having to be stripped; thus, there is no need to remove a portion of the insulating material along a certain length of the electrical conductor 2 before inserting the electrical conductor 2 into terminal 1 so that it can be electrically contacted in terminal 1.

[0039] The terminal 1 can have a housing (insulating housing) 10, which is generally provided for insulating the electrical connection provided by the terminal 1. The housing 10 is thus designed as an insulating housing. The housing 10 is preferably made of an insulating material, for example plastic. As the figures show, the housing 10 can be designed in several parts and thus have at least or only a first housing part 11 and a second housing part 12. The first housing part 11 is preferably designed as a housing upper part or housing cover. The second housing part 12 is preferably designed as a housing lower part or housing base.

[0040] The housing parts 11, 12 are connected to one another to form the housing 10. For example, the connection of the housing parts 11, 12 can be achieved by a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. For example, it is conceivable for the housing parts 11, 12 to have corresponding connecting elements that are in (corresponding) engagement with one another in order to connect the housing parts 11, 12 to one another or to fasten them to one another. The connecting elements can, for example, be designed as a snap-in and / or latching connection, so that by simply snapping or latching the housing part 11 onto the housing part 12, the two parts are connected to one another or fastened to one another. However, the invention is not limited to a multi-part design of the housing 10. For example, the housing 10 can also be provided in one piece, for example by the previously described housing parts 11, 12 being formed integrally with one another.

[0041] The terminal 1 has at least one conductor insertion region 13 which is suitable for inserting an electrical conductor such as the electrical conductor 2 into the terminal 1 in a conductor insertion direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the terminal 1 has two conductor insertion regions 13, namely one for the (first) electrical conductor 2 and another for the further (second) electrical conductor 2. However, the terminal 1 is not limited to a specific number of conductor insertion regions. For example, the terminal 1 can also have only one conductor insertion region for a single electrical conductor. It is also conceivable for the terminal 1 to have more than two conductor insertion regions 13. In the following, only one of the conductor insertion regions 13 shown in the figures is described. This description applies analogously to the further conductor insertion region 13 and, if present, to each of the further conductor insertion regions.

[0042] The conductor insertion region 13 can be surrounded by an electrically insulating radial circumferential side, at least in the contacting position with respect to the conductor insertion direction. This radial circumferential electrical insulation can, for example, be designed such that it defines the conductor insertion direction. As shown by way of example in the figures, the conductor insertion region 13 can be formed at least partially by a conductor insertion channel or can be a conductor insertion channel. Preferably, the conductor insertion region 13 has a conductor insertion opening. The conductor insertion channel can be designed to define the conductor insertion direction of the conductor insertion region 13. The housing 10 can have or form the conductor insertion region 13, i.e., for example, the conductor insertion channel. For example, the conductor insertion region is delimited on the one hand by the housing upper part 11 and on the other hand by the housing lower part 12.

[0043] The terminal 1 has an actuating part 50 for the (i.e., each) conductor insertion area 13. The actuating part 50 is rotatable about a rotation axis, for example, in that the actuating part 50 is rotatably received in the housing 10. The rotation axis can be provided such that it is provided in the conductor insertion area 13 or an extension thereof in the conductor insertion direction. This extension can have a different design than the conductor insertion area 13, for example, a design that is not formed by a conductor insertion channel. It is preferred if the actuating part 50 has a bearing area that is mounted or received in a corresponding bearing area of ​​the housing 10 so that the actuating part 50 is rotatably received about the rotation axis. The housing-side bearing area can be formed in the first housing part 11 and / or in the second housing part 12.It is preferred if the bearing area of ​​the actuating part 50 and the bearing area of ​​the housing 11 are designed to correspond to one another, for example by designing the bearing area on the side of the actuating part as a recess and the bearing area on the side of the housing 10 as a projection.

[0044] In addition, the terminal 1 has a cutting contact 30 for the conductor insertion area 13. The cutting contact 30 has one or more cutting edges 33, which are designed to cut through the insulating material of the electrical conductor 2 in order to thereby come into electrical contact with the electrical conductor 2 or its conductor core (without stripping) and to clamp it. In the schematic sectional views according to the Figures 3 and 5The cutting edge 33 (i.e., one of the one or more cutting edges 33) is particularly clearly visible. It can be seen that the cutting edge 33 extends along an arc around the axis of rotation of the actuating part 50. The cutting edge 33 thus makes the cutting contact 30 at least partially curved. In the preferred embodiment illustrated by way of example in the figures, the arc is a circular arc and / or has the same radial distance from the axis of rotation along the arc. In other embodiments, the arc can also be an elliptical arc.

[0045] As in the Figure 3Shown by way of example, the cutting edge 33 can have a first cutting edge region 33.1 and a second cutting edge region 33.2. The first cutting edge region 33.1 is preferably the region of the cutting edge 33 that first comes into contact with the insulating material of the electrical conductor in order to sever it; the second cutting edge region 33.2 is then the region that adjoins the first cutting edge region 33.1 and continues to sever the insulating material in a corresponding manner. The first cutting edge region 33.1 is preferably designed to extend obliquely with respect to the second cutting edge region 33.2.

[0046] The cutting edge 33 can at least partially delimit a cutting opening. For example, as in the embodiment shown by way of example in the figures, the cutting opening can be substantially V-shaped. It is preferred if the cutting opening is delimited at least by the first cutting edge region 33.1 and preferably by the second cutting edge region 33.2. For example, the first cutting edge region 33.1 of one cutting edge 33 and the first cutting edge region 33.1 of the other cutting edge 33 can form the V-shape of the cutting opening. In this case, the two first cutting edge regions 33.1 can therefore run obliquely with respect to the respective second cutting edge region 33.2. It is preferred if the second cutting edge regions 33.2 form a slot region (i.e. preferably a region in which the cutting opening has a substantially constant width).

[0047] As especially in the Figures 1 and 2As can be clearly seen, the cutting contact 33 can have two cutting sections 34. These are preferably formed integrally with one another, but can also be formed separately from one another in other embodiments. Each of the cutting sections 34 preferably has a respective cutting edge 33. The cutting sections 34 are preferably provided such that they at least partially delimit or form the cutting opening. In particular, the cutting sections 34 can be resiliently designed transversely, preferably perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction. As a result, the cutting sections 34 and thus the cutting opening can make electrical contact with the electrical conductor 2 in a clamping manner. Furthermore, this resilient design makes it possible to clamp electrical conductors 2 of different diameters. The cutting sections 34 can extend along an arc (circular arc or elliptical arc, etc.), for example along the arc of the cutting edge 33, around the axis of rotation.

[0048] The cutting contact 30 can be manufactured using various manufacturing processes, for example, a forming and / or separating process. It is preferred if the cutting contact 30 is designed as an integral component, preferably as a stamped and bent part. The cutting contact 30 can be made from a sheet metal. The cutting contact 30 preferably has the same thickness throughout, except at the at least one cutting edge 33.

[0049] The cutting contact 30 is connected to the actuating part 50. This allows the cutting contact 30 to be moved without tools by the actuating part 50, for example by means of a lever actuation. The connection between the cutting contact 30 and the actuating part 50 can be direct or indirect. Preferably, the cutting contact 30 is connected to the actuating part 50 via a force-locking and / or form-locking connection. The actuating part 50 can, for example, have a mounting section on and / or in which the cutting contact 30 is at least partially received in order to be connected to the actuating part 50. The connection between the cutting contact 30 and the actuating part 50 is such that when the actuating part 50 rotates about the axis of rotation, the cutting contact 30 rotates together with the actuating part 50.By rotating the actuating part 50 about the rotation axis, the cutting contact 30 can be moved between a release position and a contacting position. The release position is shown, for example, in the . Figures 1 to 3 shown, and the contact position is shown as an example in the Figures 4 to 12 shown.

[0050] As the Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the cutting edge 33 releases the conductor insertion area 13 in the release position. In the release position, the electrical conductor 2 can thus be inserted or placed into the terminal 1 and removed therefrom again. The cutting edge 33 is preferably provided such that at least a part of the cutting edge 33 does not stand in the way of the electrical conductor 2 when it is inserted into the terminal 1 via the conductor insertion area 13 for electrical contact. As shown in the Figure 3As shown, the cutting edge 33, in particular the first cutting edge region 33.1 and / or the second cutting edge region 33.2, can be arranged in the release position above the conductor insertion region 13 and / or the electrical conductor 2. In the release position, the electrical conductor 2 can then be inserted into the terminal 1 until the electrical conductor 2, that is to say in particular its distal end, abuts a stop in the terminal 1. The stop can be provided such that, when the electrical conductor 2 abuts the stop, the electrical conductor 2 is in a position in which electrical contact can be made with the electrical conductor 2 and the insulating material can be severed by the cutting contact 30. The stop can be formed by the cutting contact 30 and / or the actuating part 50.

[0051] The movement of the actuating part 50 into the contacting position and thus the stripping-free electrical contacting of the electrical conductor 2 by the cutting contact 30 and its cutting edge 33 is with reference to the Figures 1 to 4 as follows. By rotating the actuating part 50 about the rotation axis, the actuating part 50 is moved from the Figures 1 to 3 shown release position in the direction of the Figures 4 and 5 shown contacting position. Due to this movement, the cutting edge 33 moves relative to the electrical conductor 2. As a result, the cutting edge 33 comes into contact with the insulating material of the electrical conductor 2. The relative movement between the cutting contact 30 or cutting edge 33 and the insulating material will then sever the latter and finally, namely in the position shown in Figure 5In the contacting position illustrated by way of example, the cutting contact 30 comes into electrical contact with the electrical conductor 2 or its conductor core. The cutting contact 30 is then in electrical contact with the electrical conductor 2, namely via the cutting edge 33. It is preferred if, in the contacting position, at least or only the cutting edge region 33.1 and / or the cutting edge region 33.2 electrically contacts the electrical conductor 2 or its conductor core. If the cutting opening of the cutting contact 30 is present, the electrical conductor 2 is then at least partially provided in the cutting opening in the contacting position.

[0052] Since the cutting edge 33 extends along an arc around the axis of rotation, the cutting edge 33 will sever the insulating material of the electrical conductor 2 at an advantageous angle and along a relatively long cutting path during the rotation of the actuating part 50. As a result, it is not necessary to apply a high actuating force to the actuating part 50 in order to sever the insulating material. The clamp 1 thus simplifies the electrical contacting of the electrical conductor 2. Furthermore, the clamp 1 is more compact due to the curved cutting edge 33. It is particularly advantageous if the cutting edge 30 can be moved along a circular path with a defined radius relative to the axis of rotation by the rotation of the actuating part 50. This allows the actuating forces to be reduced even further.

[0053] As the Figure 6As can be seen, in the contacting position, the cutting edge 33 is provided such that it crosses the conductor insertion area 13. This means that the cutting edge 33 passes through the conductor insertion area 13 or is immersed in it. It can be provided that the cutting edge 33 is immersed more into the conductor insertion area in the contacting position than in the release position. In the contacting position, the cutting edge 33 therefore does not release the conductor insertion area 13. If no electrical conductor 2 is inserted into the terminal 1 in the contacting position, as for example in the Figure 6 As shown, it is not possible to insert an electrical conductor 2 into the terminal 1 for electrical contact. In other words: The electrical conductor 2 or its distal end cannot be inserted further than the cutting edge 33 into the terminal 1. As shown in the Figure 5As shown by way of example, the terminal 1 can be designed in particular such that in the contacting position the cutting edge 33 crosses or passes through a conductor insertion plane E which is parallel to the conductor insertion direction and to the rotation axis. With reference to the Figures 3 and 5 The conductor insertion plane E extends from left to right horizontally. The conductor insertion plane E can, for example, be spanned by the one or more conductor insertion directions of the one or more conductor insertion regions 13. The conductor insertion plane E can also be a geometric plane, for example a plane of symmetry, of the conductor insertion region 13. As shown in the Figure 3 As shown by way of example, the cutting edge 33 is preferably spaced from the conductor insertion plane E in the release position.

[0054] As the Figures 3 and 5As can be seen, the cutting contact 30 has a contact section 35 which can be electrically contacted with a contact part 40. The electrical contact between the contact section 35 and the contact part 40 can be provided by rotating the actuating part 50. When the cutting contact 30 is in the contacting position, the contact section 35 is in electrical contact with the contact part 40. This state is exemplified in the Figure 5The contact section 35 and the contact part 40 are preferably designed such that they engage in a comb-like and / or clamping manner in the contacting position in order to provide the electrical contact. According to the invention, the electrical contact between the contact section 35 and the contact part 40 only exists in the contacting position. In the release position, the contact section 35 is thus electrically separated from the contact part 40. An exemplary position of the contact area 35 relative to the contact part 40 in the release position is shown in the Figure 3 As the Figure 3 As can be seen, the contact section 35 can be spaced and / or detached from the contact part 40 in the release position so that they are electrically separated from each other.

[0055] The contact section 35 can be formed in different ways. For example, the contact section 35 can protrude radially from the cutting contact 30 with a contact area relative to the rotation axis. It is preferred if the contact section 35 is formed integrally with the cutting edge 33. For example, the contact section 35 can be formed by bending and / or punching, for example from the same sheet metal from which the cutting edge 33 is provided. As the Figure 3 As can be seen by way of example, the contact section 35 can extend from the stop of the cutting contact 30, against which the electrical conductor 2 (or its distal end) abuts in the release position.

[0056] The contact part 40 can provide different functions. It is preferred if a plurality of cutting contacts 30 can be electrically contacted via the contact part 40 in order to electrically connect these cutting contacts 30 to one another via the contact part 40. Thus, an electrical connection between a first electrical conductor 2 and a second electrical conductor 2 can be established via the contact part 40. This electrical connection can then be easily broken by moving the actuating part 50 into the release position, thus electrically separating the contact section 35 from the contact part 40.

[0057] The contact part 40 can be provided in the terminal 1 in different ways. As the Figures 3 and 5As can be seen, the contact part 40 can, for example, be accommodated in the housing 10. For example, the contact part 40 can be at least partially accommodated or arranged in the upper housing part 11. It is preferred if the contact part 40 extends from the upper housing part 11 into the lower housing part 12. The contact part 40 can be connected to the housing 10, preferably in the upper housing part 11, via a force-locking and / or positive locking connection.

[0058] In the Figures 3 and 5Furthermore, a recess (i.e., clearance) 14 can be seen, which the terminal 1 can optionally have. The recess 14 can be provided in the form of a groove and is preferably a guide groove 14. The recess 14 or guide groove offers the particular advantage of securely receiving the cutting contact 30 during its rotation. Via the guide groove 14, in particular, a defined position of the contact section 35 relative to the contact part 40 can be brought about. This ensures that a reliable electrical connection can be provided between the contact section 35 and the contact part 40. The recess 14 is designed, in particular, such that at least a part of the cutting contact 30 (for example the contact section 35) is provided in the recess 14, while the cutting contact 30 is moved by means of rotation of the actuating part 50.The recess 14 can, for example, extend along a direction that corresponds to the movement path of the part of the cutting contact 30 during the rotation of the actuating part 50 about the rotation axis. The recess 14 can be formed at least partially in a base, for example in the base provided by the housing lower part 12. The housing 10 can have a bulge 15, which is formed, for example, by the base of the housing 10 and / or the housing lower part 12. For a particularly space-saving design of the terminal 1, the recess 14 can be formed at least partially in the bulge 15.

[0059] The actuating part 50 can be provided such that a rotational movement of the actuating part 50 in an angular range of 60 to 120°, preferably 90°, moves the cutting contact 30 from the release position to the contacting position, or from the contacting position to the release position. For easy actuation of the actuating part 50, it can have a lever section 51. In the contacting position, the lever section 51 then preferably extends parallel to the conductor insertion direction and preferably adjacent to the conductor insertion area 13. The actuating part 50 can serve to delimit the conductor insertion area 13 when the cutting contact 30 is moved into the contacting position. In the contacting position, the conductor insertion area 13 can then be delimited in particular by the housing 10 and the actuating lever 50, for example by its lever section 51.

[0060] As in particular the Figure 5As can be seen, the actuating part 50 can have a rotary position section 52 which, in the contacting position, forms a stop and / or a latch with a corresponding rotary position section 16. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary position section 52 can form a stop and / or a latch with the corresponding rotary position section 16 in the release position. The corresponding rotary position section 16 is preferably formed by the housing 10. It is preferred if the rotary position section 52 is provided on the lever section 51 and / or a distal end of the actuating part 50 or the lever section 51. The corresponding rotary position section 16 is preferably formed in the housing upper part 11.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing preferred embodiment as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

1. Clamp (1), in particular installation clamp, for a stripping-free connection of an electrical conductor (2), comprising at least one conductor insertion region (13) for inserting an electrical conductor (2) insulated with an insulating material into the clamp (1) in a conductor insertion direction, the clamp (1) further comprising per conductor insertion region (13) • an actuating part (50) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and • a cutting contact (30) with a cutting edge (33) for cutting through the insulating material and making electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), wherein the cutting edge (33) extends along an arc around the axis of rotation, wherein the cutting contact (30) being connected to the actuating part (50) in such a way that, by rotating the actuating part (50) about the axis of rotation, the cutting contact (30) is movable between a contacting position, in which the cutting edge (33) crosses the conductor insertion region (13) for electrical contacting with an inserted electrical conductor (2), and a release position, in which the cutting edge (33) releases the conductor insertion region, characterized in that the clamp (1) comprises a contact part (40), and wherein the cutting contact (30) comprises a contact section (35) which is in electrical contact with the contact part (40) only in the contacting position.

2. Clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the contacting position the cutting edge (33) crosses or passes through a conductor insertion plane (E) which is parallel to the conductor insertion direction and to the axis of rotation.

3. Clamp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axis of rotation is provided in the conductor insertion region (13) or an extension thereof in the conductor insertion direction.

4. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting edge (33) at least partially delimits a cutting opening, and wherein, when the cutting contact (30) electrically contacts the electrical conductor (2) in the contacting position, the electrical conductor (2) is at least partially provided in the cutting opening, wherein the cutting opening is preferably formed by two cutting sections (34) which are preferably integrally formed with one another and which are further preferably resiliently formed transversely to the conductor insertion direction in order to bring it in clamping electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) in the cutting opening.

5. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arc is a circular arc or an elliptical arc, and / or wherein the cutting edge (33) has the same radial distance from the axis of rotation along the arc.

6. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting edge (33) is movable on a circular path with a defined radius with respect to the axis of rotation by the rotation of the actuating part (50).

7. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting contact (30) is formed as an integral component, preferably as a stamped-bent part.

8. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact section (35) and the contact part (40) are designed to correspond in such a way that they engage in a comb-like and / or clamping manner in the contacting position for electrical contacting.

9. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact section (35) with a contact region projects radially from the cutting contact (30) with respect to the axis of rotation, and / or wherein, if the clamp (1) comprises a plurality of conductor insertion regions (13) each with its own actuating part (50) and cutting contact (30), the cutting contacts (30) can be electrically contacted accordingly via the contact part (40).

10. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotational movement between the contacting position and the release position is in an angular range of 60° to 120° and is preferably 90°.

11. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating part (50) comprises a lever section (51) for rotating the actuating part (50) about the axis of rotation, wherein preferably the lever section (51) in the contacting position extends parallel to the conductor insertion direction and furthermore preferably adjacent to the conductor insertion region (13), and / or wherein the actuating part (50) comprises a rotary position section (52) which, in the contacting position and / or in the release position, forms a stop and / or a latch with a corresponding rotary position section (16).

12. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor insertion region (13), at least in the contacting position with respect to the conductor insertion direction, is surrounded on the radial circumferential side in an electrically insulating manner.

13. Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an insulating material housing (10) in which the actuating part (50) is rotatably accommodated, wherein the insulating material housing (10) preferably comprises or forms the corresponding rotary position section (16).

14. Clamp (1) according to claim 13, wherein the insulating material housing (10) comprises a conductor insertion channel which forms at least a part of the conductor insertion region (13) and / or defines the conductor insertion direction, and / or wherein the conductor insertion region (13) is delimited at least in the contacting position by the insulating material housing (10) and the actuating part (50), preferably by its lever section (51).

15. Clamp (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the insulating material housing (10) comprises a recess (14) such that at least a part of the cutting contact (30) is provided in the recess (14) while it is moved by means of rotation of the actuating part (50), wherein the part of the cutting contact preferably comprises the contact section (35) and / or the recess (14) is preferably a guide groove, wherein preferably the insulating material housing (10) comprises a base in which the recess (14) is at least partially formed, wherein preferably the insulating material housing (10), particularly preferably its base, comprises a bulge (15) in which the recess (14) is at least partially formed.