Terminal with release lever and pusher

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terminal (1), more particularly a contacting or connection terminal, having an insulating material housing (6), a spring-force clamping connection (2) with at least two conductor clamping points (K1-K4), for each conductor clamping point (K1-K4) a conductor insertion channel (60) extending in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to this conductor clamping point (K1-K4), a release lever (5) allocated to a first of the conductor clamping points (K1) for optionally opening or closing the first conductor clamping point (K1), wherein the release lever (5) is mounted to pivot in the insulating material housing (6), and a pusher (7) allocated to a second of the conductor clamping points (K2), which pusher can be moved through translational actuation (P) of the pusher (7) from the outside in order to optionally open or close the second conductor clamping point (K2).

Description

[0001] Clamp with release lever and pusher

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal and in particular to a connection or connecting terminal for electrically connecting at least two electrical conductors, which has a release lever for selectively opening a first conductor clamping point and a pusher for selectively opening a second conductor clamping point.

[0003] Connection or connecting terminals for connecting at least two electrical conductors are known from the prior art. These are provided, for example, on an electrical load, with the external wiring (external electrical conductors) being connected to a first conductor terminal point and the internal wiring (internal electrical conductors) of the load being connected to a second conductor terminal point, thus supplying the electrical load with power and / or transmitting (control) signals via the external wiring, the terminal, and further via the internal wiring.

[0004] Connection terminals or connecting terminals are known that allow the conductor terminals to be opened at will. This can be done, for example, to remove the electrical conductors (e.g., for maintenance purposes) or to connect flexible electrical conductors.

[0005] Various mechanisms are known for selectively opening the conductor terminals. For example, there are terminals that have insertion openings in their insulating housing for inserting a release tool, which can be used to directly manipulate the spring-cage connection and thus open the conductor terminal. A suitable release tool is required for this. Improper use can result in damage to the terminal.

[0006] Terminals with integrated release elements are also known. For example, terminals are known that have an integrated push-button for each conductor clamping point. This can be actuated by pressing on it (actuating force) – e.g., with a finger or a release tool. The push-button is pressed into the terminal, so that an actuating section provided on the push-button interacts with the spring-loaded terminal connection to open the conductor clamping point. Since these push-buttons generally return to their rest position once the actuating force is removed, they require the continuous application of the actuating force during the insertion or removal of the electrical conductor in order to keep the conductor clamping point open. Alternatively, terminals are known that have release levers as release elements. These release levers are usually pivotably mounted in the insulating housing of the terminal.The release lever can be pivoted from a rest position to an actuated position to interact with the spring-loaded terminal to open the conductor terminal. The release lever is easy to operate and requires no additional tools.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a terminal of the type mentioned at the outset which enables functionally optimized and safe operation and wire insertion or removal.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal, in particular a connection or connecting terminal. The terminal has an insulating housing. Furthermore, the terminal has (at least) one spring-loaded terminal connection, which is at least partially accommodated in the insulating housing. The spring-loaded terminal connection has (at least) two conductor clamping points for the respective electrical connection of at least one conductor. In addition, the terminal has—for each conductor clamping point—a conductor insertion channel extending from the outside to this conductor clamping point in a conductor insertion direction. Furthermore, the terminal has a release lever. The release lever is assigned to a first of the conductor clamping points.The release lever is pivotally mounted in the insulating housing about a pivot axis extending transversely (preferably orthogonally) to the associated conductor insertion direction between a lever rest position, in which the first conductor clamping point is closed for connecting an electrical conductor, and a lever actuation position, in which the first conductor clamping point is opened by interaction of the spring-loaded clamping connection with a lever actuation section of the release lever.In addition, the terminal has a pusher, which is assigned to a second of the conductor clamping points and is movable (preferably pivotable and / or bendable) by external translational actuation of the pusher from a pusher rest position, in which the second conductor clamping point is closed for connecting an electrical conductor, into a pusher actuation position, in which the second conductor clamping point is opened by interaction of the spring-loaded terminal connection with a pusher actuation section of the pusher. By providing the two functionally different release elements, namely the release lever on the one hand and the pusher on the other, for the (at least) two conductor clamping points of the same spring-loaded terminal connection, it is possible to provide the terminal in an optimized manner for common cabling situations.For example, consumer-side wiring can be connected to the lever-side (second) conductor terminal point at the factory (so-called "factory wiring" on the device side of the terminal). This can be done, for example, by fitters using specially designed tools or by simply plugging in – e.g., rigid or flexible conductors – by fitters or even automatically during production. The device side can thus be equipped with a secure but comparatively cost-effective release element. The external wiring is usually provided at the consumer's installation site by the customer themselves or by a local fitter at the release lever-side (first) conductor terminal point (so-called "field wiring" on the installation side of the terminal). The use of release levers makes it particularly easy for the customer to identify the installation side intended for connecting the external wiring.This provides a simple and safe means of reducing installation errors. Furthermore, the release lever is easy to operate without the need for additional tools, simplifying customer-side assembly and, ideally, allowing installation to be completed by a single person. This provides a clamp that offers release elements tailored to different functional aspects (e.g., the device side on the one hand and the installation side on the other), while also being safe to operate and cost-effective.

[0010] Unless otherwise stated, the conductor terminal point, the conductor insertion channel, and the conductor insertion direction always refer to the functionally associated elements of the same conductor terminal point; within the scope of the present invention, this may also be described, for example, by the term "associated."

[0011] The release lever has two spaced-apart lever arm sections, which extend at least partially into the insulating housing on either side of the associated conductor insertion channel. By providing two spaced-apart lever arm sections, the release lever can be securely mounted in the insulating housing. The release lever can thus be operated easily and safely. Since the lever arm sections are provided on either side of the associated conductor insertion channel, the release lever can extend deeply into the insulating housing, allowing an overall flat design of the terminal with release lever. The lever arm sections can preferably each have a guide section, which face one another and form at least part of the conductor insertion channel between them. Consequently, the terminal can be designed to be narrow overall.

[0012] If the guide sections are present, they can preferably extend in the lever rest position and / or in the lever actuation position, narrowing the (associated) conductor insertion channel toward the first conductor clamping point, as viewed in the conductor insertion direction. Thus, they preferably converge at least partially toward each other, narrowing the conductor insertion channel toward the first conductor clamping point, as viewed in the conductor insertion direction. Thus, the guide sections (which at least partially form the conductor insertion channel) enable the guidance of an electrical conductor to be inserted into the terminal toward the first conductor clamping point.Since the lever arm sections narrow the conductor insertion channel via their guide sections towards the first conductor clamping point, at least a (lateral) area of ​​the conductor insertion channel, which is otherwise located solely in the insulating housing and which faces the first conductor clamping point - under certain circumstances even the entire (lateral area) of the conductor insertion channel - can be displaced into the release lever. This means that the terminal can be made short in terms of its length in the conductor insertion direction. In addition, since at least the narrowing of the conductor insertion channel is now displaced into the release lever, a transition to the release lever, which would otherwise only be located in a narrowed area of ​​the conductor insertion channel, is widened, which in turn can reduce the risk of a conductor being inserted becoming jammed. In principle, the conductor insertion channel formed in this way - and in particular the partially narrowing course of the guide sections - can preferably have any desired course orHave a contour that enables conductor insertion and thus defined guidance of an electrical conductor to be inserted to the first conductor terminal point. Preferred—but not limiting—are preferably flowing or wave-shaped, and preferably non-step-shaped, or non-suddenly changing in cross-section, courses toward the first conductor terminal point.

[0013] If the guide sections are present and provided with the aforementioned constriction in the lever rest position, the insertion of a rigid conductor can be made easier and safer even if the first conductor clamping point is not opened by the release lever. If the guide sections are present and provided with the aforementioned constriction in the lever actuation position, the insertion of a flexible conductor can be made easier and safer even if the first conductor clamping point is opened by the release lever. Depending on the area of ​​application and requirements, the optional guide sections with the aforementioned constriction can thus be present either only in the lever rest position or only in the lever actuation position, or preferably in both the lever rest position and the lever actuation position - and if necessary also in any pivoting position in between.

[0014] If the guide sections are present, they can run either continuously narrowing the conductor insertion channel toward the first conductor terminal point, preferably in the conductor insertion direction. This allows for particularly simple and safe guiding and sliding of the conductor along the guide sections toward the first conductor terminal point. A continuous path enables targeted guidance toward the first conductor terminal point. A flowing path allows for a path that is optimally adapted to the conditions and space requirements while maintaining miniaturization and safely guiding the conductor to be inserted.For example, if required, the optional guide sections can also have sections that are partly parallel to the conductor insertion direction and partly narrowing, as long as there is an overall narrowing towards the first conductor clamping point and the narrowing is provided by flowing contours, which ensures safe and easy guiding / sliding of a conductor to be inserted.

[0015] If the guide sections are present, they can preferably each have a first and a second guide section, which each face one another. Thus, the first guide section of one guide section then faces the first guide section of the other guide section. Likewise, the second guide section of one guide section then faces the second guide section of the other guide section. On the one hand, in the lever rest position, the first guide sections then run towards the first conductor clamping point, narrowing the conductor insertion channel, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing. In the lever rest position of the release lever, these sections then lie on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel and accordingly delimit this laterally on opposite sides.On the other hand, in the lever actuation position, the second guide sections extend in the conductor insertion direction toward the first conductor clamping point, narrowing the conductor insertion channel, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing. In the lever actuation position of the release lever, these guide sections are located on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel and accordingly limit it on opposite sides.

[0016] By providing the two aforementioned optional guide sections, a particularly optimized embodiment can be achieved for the corresponding narrowing of the (first) conductor insertion channel assigned to the release lever, both in the lever's rest position and in the lever's actuation position. This is particularly advantageous the further the pivot axis is spaced from the first conductor insertion channel or its center in the (first) conductor insertion direction. The guide sections can thus be designed to match the respective pivot positions of the release lever, ensuring optimal conductor guidance in any desired pivot position.For example, in a case where the pivot axis crosses the center of the first conductor insertion channel, the narrowest point can be provided in the area of ​​the pivot axis and widen with increasing distance from the pivot axis (at least opposite to the first conductor insertion direction). Thus, with a simple geometry of the guide sections, particularly good conductor insertion can always be achieved over a large, and preferably every possible, pivot range.

[0017] In principle, the optional guide sections or their optional guide sections can have any desired shape or geometry in order to provide a corresponding constriction at least in the two aforementioned release lever positions, but preferably also in between or even over the entire pivoting range of the release lever, and thus enable particularly simple and secure conductor insertion. For example, the guide sections or their guide sections can each be concavely curved and preferably concavely curved away from the (assigned or first) conductor insertion channel. These guide sections or their guide sections can also each be bowl-shaped (e.g., as a bowl-shaped recess or depression) in the respective lever arm section. In addition to a simple geometry, this enables a particularly flowing course and thus particularly secure and simple conductor insertion.

[0018] The optional guide sections, preferably their guide subsections, can preferably be formed by a change in the material thickness of the respective lever arm section—preferably axially with respect to the pivot axis. This allows for a simple structure for these guide sections. They can also be manufactured particularly easily, for example, in a (plastic) injection molding process.

[0019] The optional guide sections facing one another, preferably their guide subsections, can preferably be mirror-symmetrical to one another; thus preferably with respect to a plane of symmetry having the (first) conductor insertion direction and located centrally between the lever arm sections. This enables secure and uniform insertion of an electrical conductor into the terminal and toward the first conductor clamping point; this is preferably on an installation side of the terminal for easy field wiring. The lever arm sections can each have part-circular sliding sections extending around the pivot axis and directed radially away from the pivot axis. These then interact with corresponding housing sliding sections of the insulating housing to guide the release lever slidingly around the pivot axis.The bearing forces of the release lever can thus be easily distributed and absorbed in the insulating housing.

[0020] The sliding sections preferably have first sliding sections which extend with respect to the pivot axis along a first circle with a first diameter d; this preferably in the region of the respective guide sections. The sliding sections further have second sliding sections which extend with respect to the pivot axis along a second circle with a second diameter D, which is preferably larger than the first diameter d; this preferably in the region outside the respective guide sections. The lever arm sections can thus be optimized according to their desired purpose. For example, the first sliding section can provide a desired length for narrowing the (first) conductor insertion channel; this is defined, for example, by the circular area of ​​the first circle. The second sliding section, on the other hand, can have a desired distance (defined by the radius of the second circle) for secure mounting.Particularly preferably, the second sliding sections comprise or form the respective lever actuation sections. In this respect, an optimized length and thus a defined lever arm for opening the first conductor clamping point can be provided.

[0021] The lever arm sections can preferably each extend substantially in a plane of extension. These planes of extension are particularly preferably aligned parallel to one another and more preferably orthogonal to the pivot axis. "Extend substantially in a plane of extension" is understood to mean that the lever arm sections can have a general extension in the plane of extension, while being comparatively flat transversely thereto and, of course, can vary in width, for example, to provide the optional guide sections, for example, as a surface contour, or other structural elements.

[0022] The release lever can preferably have locking structures that interact with corresponding housing locking structures of the insulating housing such that the release lever is releasably locked in the lever rest position and / or in the lever actuation position. The corresponding structures for the aforementioned locking connection are designed such that an operator can selectively move the release lever into this locking connection and release it from it again. Furthermore, the locking connection should be able to independently hold the release lever in this position. Thus, in the lever actuation position, the locking connection must, under certain circumstances, counteract a spring force of the open first conductor terminal point. An operator can thus easily insert or remove a conductor.In the lever rest position, the release lever should remain safely "tucked away" so that the maximum compactness of the clamp is maintained during operation and the risk of accidental manipulation of the release lever is minimized.

[0023] The release lever, preferably the lever arm sections, can have first pivot bearing sections which interact with corresponding second pivot bearing sections of the insulating material housing for pivotably mounting the release lever about the pivot axis. In this way, a secure and simple pivot bearing can be provided with a simple geometry of the release lever. The first pivot bearing sections can particularly preferably be provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections facing away from the associated (first) conductor insertion channel. In this way, the pivot bearing can be provided in a space-saving manner. On the other hand, it is then provided facing away from the guide sections, so that when a conductor is inserted, the conductor presses the lever arm sections into the bearing connection upon contact with the guide, so that the bearing is reliably maintained in every lever actuation position. The pivot bearing sections can, for example,as a projection (second pivot bearing sections; e.g. in the form of a pin) and a recess pivotably receiving the projection (first pivot bearing sections; e.g. in the form of a blind hole or a groove).

[0024] The release lever preferably has a lever operating section for moving the release element about the pivot axis, preferably between the lever rest position and the lever actuation position. The lever operating section can preferably extend substantially in one plane. The lever operating section can further preferably extend between the lever arm sections and particularly preferably connect them to one another. In this way, the release lever can be designed to be particularly stable at an actuation point of the release lever. In addition, the lever operating section offers a comfortable manipulation point for an operator. Particularly preferably, the lever operating section, on the one hand, and the lever operating section, on the other hand, are provided at opposite ends of the release lever in order to thus provide a particularly advantageous distribution of the functional sections around the pivot axis, in particular to obtain an advantageous lever arm distribution.

[0025] The swivel axis can be located laterally outside the assigned (first)

[0026] The pivot axis preferably does not intersect the associated (first) conductor insertion channel or an extension of the associated (first) conductor insertion channel as seen in the conductor insertion direction. This creates space for the connecting section, while the (first) conductor insertion channel remains freely accessible. This allows for an overall stable release lever construction while maintaining a compact terminal design. In principle, however, the pivot axis can also run through the (first) conductor insertion channel if required.

[0027] The insulating housing can preferably have guide wall sections that at least partially form or delimit the associated (first) conductor insertion channel; preferably together with the release lever, and further preferably with the guide sections thereof. Thus, a (first) conductor insertion channel can be provided for overall secure conductor insertion to the first conductor terminal point.

[0028] The conductor insertion channel preferably extends beyond the associated conductor terminal point in order to securely accommodate a distal conductor end when an electrical conductor is connected in this conductor terminal point.

[0029] Preferably, the respective conductor insertion channels are designed to be closed all around, as seen in their conductor insertion direction; this is preferably the case over at least part of, and preferably over, their entire length from the outside up to the associated conductor terminal point and, if necessary, beyond this conductor terminal point. An electrical conductor can thus be securely received in the terminal and guided to the corresponding conductor terminal point.

[0030] The guide wall sections can further comprise lateral wall sections that at least partially laterally delimit the associated (first) conductor insertion channel axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis. This makes it particularly effective to prevent a conductor being inserted into this conductor insertion channel from lateral displacement.

[0031] Preferably, the lateral wall sections merge seamlessly into the respective guide section, at least on the side of the associated (first) conductor insertion channel and at least in the lever rest position or in the lever actuation position as viewed in the conductor insertion direction. Particularly preferably, these extend flatly into one another. In this way, a uniform (first) conductor insertion channel can also be formed in the transition between the insulating housing and the release lever. This, in turn, enables particularly safe and simple insertion of an electrical conductor into the terminal. The insulating housing preferably has a cover wall which, in the lever rest position of the release lever, extends between a support section of the release lever and the pivot axis above the associated (first) conductor insertion channel.The terminal is then designed such that the support section is preferably supported in a sliding manner on the cover wall when the release lever pivots around the pivot axis. On the one hand, this allows the spring-loaded terminal connection to be concealed upwards on the side of the first conductor terminal connection or the first conductor insertion channel. On the other hand, the release lever can be securely supported on the insulating housing.

[0032] The insulating housing can further comprise partition sections which at least partially laterally delimit the release lever, preferably at least the lever arm sections, axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis. In other words, the partition sections are located laterally next to the release lever as seen in the conductor insertion direction. In this way, for example, the release lever can be securely guided laterally during its pivoting movement. If the guide sections form a constriction of the (first) conductor insertion channel, the release lever can also be supported particularly simply and securely against the insulating housing when an electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal and guided via the narrowing (first) conductor insertion channel to the first conductor clamping point. This also allows the terminal to be constructed with particularly stability overall. In addition, the partition sections can contribute to an extension of the clearance and creepage distance.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the optional partition wall sections have the second pivot bearing sections, thereby providing stable and secure storage.

[0034] The pusher can preferably have a bearing section with which the pusher is mounted on a counter-bearing section of the insulating housing. Furthermore, the pusher can have a pressing section which protrudes from the bearing section, preferably in the pusher's rest position parallel to the conductor insertion direction, such that the pusher can be moved from the pusher's rest position to the pusher actuation position by translatory actuation from the outside on the pressing section; for this purpose, it can preferably be pivoted or bent about the bearing section. The pusher can thus be held simply but securely in the insulating housing by means of the bearing section. Since the pressing section protrudes accordingly, it can serve as a lever arm for easy operation of the pusher. A corresponding release force can also be determined as required via the length of this pressing section.The handle can preferably be snapped onto the counter-bearing section of the insulating housing by means of the bearing section (preferably in a snap-on direction parallel to the translational actuation direction of the handle), so that the handle is easy to install and at the same time is held securely.

[0035] The push section and the lever operating section preferably extend along parallel axes. This allows for a compact clamp design and also enables intuitive operation.

[0036] The push-button section and the lever-operating section preferably extend away from each other. This allows the device side and the installation side to be spatially separated, enabling clear assignment of the respective sides and thus minimizing assembly errors.

[0037] The push-button actuation section can preferably have two spaced-apart projection sections, which extend at least partially into the insulating housing on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel in such a way as to cooperate with the spring-loaded terminal connection to open the second conductor clamping point in the push-button actuation position. This provides a simple and effective means for opening the second conductor clamping point. Furthermore, since the projection sections are provided on both sides, a uniform force application can be achieved and tilting of the push-button can be reliably prevented.

[0038] The spring-loaded terminal connection can further comprise a conductor rail and a clamping spring with a movable clamping leg for each conductor clamping point. The clamping leg can have a clamping section, preferably in the form of a clamping edge, to form the respective conductor clamping point between the clamping section and the conductor rail. In this way, conductor clamping points can be provided that can be easily opened using the provided release elements (i.e., release levers, push-buttons).

[0039] For some or all of the conductor terminals, the associated busbars of a spring-cage terminal connection are preferably electrically connected to one another and particularly preferably formed integrally with one another. An electrical connection can be enabled via separate electrical conductors. However, it is preferred for the spring-cage terminal connection to have a single, integral busbar for all conductor terminals, via which the corresponding conductor terminals are then electrically connected to one another. This enables secure electrical routing from the release lever side to the push-button side, or vice versa. With an integral busbar, production and assembly can also be simplified, and current routing can be improved.

[0040] The clamping spring, or more precisely the clamping leg, can extend transversely through the associated conductor insertion channel, at least in the closed position of the associated conductor clamping point, in the corresponding conductor insertion direction, to form an insertion slope toward the respective conductor clamping point. This enables particularly secure conductor insertion directed all the way to the respective conductor clamping point.

[0041] The spring-loaded terminal connection, preferably its clamping spring, can have a spring-actuated section arranged to interact with the lever-actuated section or the push-button-actuated section (e.g., its projection section) for selectively opening the associated conductor terminal point. The provision of a defined spring-actuated section makes it possible to separate the corresponding functional areas of the spring-loaded terminal connection for clamping on the one hand and for actuation on the other, thus enabling an effective design of the spring-loaded terminal connection.

[0042] The pusher actuation section, preferably its projection sections, can extend, preferably from the pusher section, to the clamping spring or its clamping leg or the spring actuation section. This enables a compact design with effective actuation function by means of the pusher.

[0043] The release lever, preferably its lever actuation section, on the one hand, and the spring-loaded terminal connection, preferably the associated clamping spring or its clamping leg or its spring actuation section, on the other hand, can preferably be designed and interact in such a way that the release lever automatically remains in the lever actuation position. In this way, the insertion or removal of an electrical conductor on the lever side can be simplified and, for example, carried out easily and safely by just one person.

[0044] The handle, preferably its handle actuation section, on the one hand, and the spring-loaded terminal connection, preferably the associated clamping spring or its clamping leg or its spring actuation section, on the other hand, can preferably be designed and interact in such a way that the handle automatically moves from the handle actuation position to the handle rest position. This ensures—for example, during factory and preferably automated assembly or customer-side maintenance—that the device side clamps securely when a conductor is inserted. This functionality can also be provided with a simple structural design, enabling a safe and cost-effective solution.

[0045] The at least two conductor clamping points and the conductor insertion channels associated with them are preferably arranged one above the other or facing each other. The conductor insertion directions of the conductor insertion channels associated with the conductor clamping points are preferably aligned parallel or coaxially to each other. This allows for a compact terminal that also allows for any desired conductor insertion – depending on the desired location and intended use.

[0046] In addition to the two conductor clamping points, the spring-loaded terminal connection can have further conductor clamping points, which are, for example, adjacent to the first and second conductor clamping points. It is therefore conceivable that these further conductor clamping points are also provided with a clamping spring. This can be a separate clamping spring. For example, each of the further conductor clamping points can share a clamping spring with one of the first or second conductor clamping points. The shared clamping spring then has the respective clamping leg with clamping section at its two distal ends, which are connected to one another via a connecting section (e.g. an arcuate section). The two clamping legs can each be pivoted via this connecting section in order to expose the associated conductor clamping point or to clamp an electrical conductor between it and the corresponding busbar for electrical connection.This allows a terminal to be provided with any number of conductor clamping points. The remaining conductor clamping points can operate without associated release elements. However, depending on requirements, one of the previously described release elements (i.e., release levers or push-buttons) can also be assigned to them in a similar manner.

[0047] The terminal can preferably have several spring-loaded terminal connections. The first conductor clamping points and the second conductor clamping points are then preferably arranged next to one another in series. The conductor insertion directions of the conductor insertion channels assigned to the first conductor clamping points are then preferably aligned parallel to one another. The conductor insertion directions of the conductor insertion channels assigned to the second conductor clamping points can then preferably be aligned parallel to one another. Thus, a terminal can be provided for any application and any number of poles.

[0048] Consequently, it is conceivable that in a corresponding terminal several

[0049] Spring-loaded terminal connections are provided or the spring-loaded terminal connection is designed in several parts or sections. For example, the spring-loaded terminal connection can have a one-piece busbar with several clamping springs to form a corresponding number of conductor clamping points. Several (in particular two) conductor insertion channels can also share a clamping spring, for example by their opposite legs each forming a clamping leg for one of two adjacent conductor insertion channels. The opposite legs then preferably press against opposite clamping points of the one busbar (or several busbars) to each form a conductor clamping point. For example, the busbar can also be designed in several parts and form a corresponding number of conductor clamping points with just one or some of the clamping springs.

[0050] The pushbuttons of the multiple spring-loaded terminal connections can preferably be formed integrally with one another; furthermore, preferably as an integral plastic injection-molded part. This increases the stability of the pushbuttons, simplifies their handling, and thus reduces manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0051] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0052] Fig. i is a plan view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention with release levers and pushers in the rest position,

[0053] Fig. 2 is a side view of the clamp according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1,

[0054] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the clamp according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1,

[0055] Fig. 4 is a front view of the terminal according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1, seen in the conductor insertion direction on the pusher side,

[0056] Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the invention as shown in Fig. 2,

[0057] Fig. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the invention according to Fig. 5,

[0058] Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the terminal according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5 with the illustrated release lever in the lever actuation position (and the electrical conductor inserted in the first conductor clamping point) and the illustrated pusher in the pusher rest position, Fig. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the terminal according to the invention as shown in Fig. 7,

[0059] Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the terminal according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5 with the illustrated release lever in the lever rest position and the illustrated pusher in the pusher actuation position (and electrical conductor inserted in the second conductor clamping point), and

[0060] Fig. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the invention according to Fig. 9-

[0061] The figures show different views of a terminal 1, in particular a connection or connecting terminal, according to the present invention.

[0062] The terminal 1 has an insulating housing 6. The insulating housing 6 is made of an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic, preferably using an injection molding process. The insulating housing 6 can be formed in one piece or, preferably, in multiple parts. In a multi-part design, the corresponding parts of the insulating housing 6 can be detachably or permanently connected to one another, for example, by means of corresponding locking elements and / or welding and / or gluing. The insulating housing can have a mechanical fastening element 9 for fastening the terminal 1; here in the form of two downwardly projecting snap projections.

[0063] The terminal 1 further comprises a spring-loaded terminal connection 2, which is at least partially—and here completely (see Fig. 5-10)—received in the insulating housing 6. The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 comprises at least two—here four (see Fig. 5-10)—conductor terminal points K1 to K4 for the respective electrical connection of at least one conductor Li, L2, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 7-10.

[0064] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 preferably has, as shown, a busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4 with a movable clamping leg 42 for each conductor clamping point K1-K4. The clamping leg 42 in turn preferably has a clamping section 421, preferably in the form of a clamping edge, for forming the respective conductor clamping point K1-K4 between the clamping section 421 and the busbar 3. The spring-loaded terminal connection 2 can provide a single, integral busbar 3 for some or, as shown in Figs. 5-10, for all of the conductor clamping points K1-K4, so that the corresponding conductor clamping points K1-K4 are then electrically connected to one another via this busbar 3.

[0065] As shown in particular in Figs. 5 to 10, the clamping spring 4 can have two clamping legs 42, 40, which are connected to one another via a connecting leg 41 - here in the form of a spring arch. The respective clamping section 421, 401 can preferably be provided on a free end of the clamping spring 4 or of the respective clamping leg 42, 40 facing away from the spring arch 41 - here preferably at opposite distal ends of the clamping spring 4. Alternatively, instead of the second clamping leg 40 (in Figs. 5-10 the lower clamping leg 40), the clamping spring 4 can have a contact leg which supports the clamping spring 4 in the busbar 3 or the insulating housing 6, and from which the spring arch 41 extends, and from which the (here upper) clamping leg 42 then extends in turn, for example to form a substantially U-shaped clamping spring 4.

[0066] The terminal 1 further comprises, for each conductor terminal point K1-K4, a conductor insertion channel 60 extending from the outside to this conductor terminal point K1-K4 in a conductor insertion direction E. The conductor insertion channel 60 can be formed or delimited by different regions and sections of the terminal 1, as will be described below by way of example; preferably at least by the insulating housing 6.

[0067] The at least two conductor terminal points K1-K4 and the conductor insertion channels 60 assigned thereto are preferably arranged one above the other (as can be seen by way of example with regard to the conductor terminal points K1 and K3 on the respective right-hand side of terminal 1 or as can be seen by way of example with regard to the conductor terminal points K2 and K4 on the respective left-hand side of terminal 1 in Fig. 5-10) and / or directed towards one another (as can be seen by way of example with regard to the conductor terminal points K1 and K2 on the respective upper side of terminal 1 or as can be seen by way of example with regard to the conductor terminal points K3 and K4 on the respective lower side of terminal 1 in Fig. 5-10). The conductor insertion directions E of the conductor insertion channels 60 assigned to the conductor terminal points K1-K4 are preferably aligned at least partially or, as shown here, all parallel to one another.The conductor insertion directions E of the two upper conductor terminals K1, K2 as well as the conductor insertion directions E of the two lower conductor terminals K3, K4 are preferably aligned coaxially to each other.

[0068] As can be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 5-10, terminal 1 also has a

[0069] Release lever 5. The release lever 5 is assigned to a first of the conductor terminal points Kl (in Fig. 5-io the conductor terminal point Ki top right). The release lever 5 is mounted in the insulating housing 6 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis A extending transversely to the assigned conductor insertion direction E. The release lever 5 is mounted in the insulating housing 6 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis A between a lever rest position (cf. Figs. 1-6, 9 and 10), in which the first conductor terminal point Kl is closed for connecting an electrical conductor Li, and a lever actuation position (cf. Figs. 7 and 8), in which the first conductor terminal point Kl is opened by the interaction of the spring-loaded clamp connection 2 with a lever actuation section 52 of the release lever 5.

[0070] The release lever 5 can preferably have locking structures 55a, 55b, which interact with corresponding housing locking structures 65a, 65b of the insulating housing 6 such that the release lever 5 is releasably held in the lever rest position and / or in the lever actuation position. Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10 show this releasably locking connection of the (first) locking structure 55a and the (first) housing locking structure 65a in the lever rest position of the release lever 5. Thus, the release lever 5 can be securely held in the lever rest position when the terminal 1 is being transported or installed and electrically connected for operation. Figures 7 and 8 show the releasably locking connection of the (second) locking structure 55b and the (second) housing locking structure 65b in the lever actuation position of the release lever 5.Thus, the release lever 5 can be securely held in the lever actuation position when it holds the first conductor terminal Kl open for inserting or removing an electrical conductor Li, which increases the ease of use of the terminal 1.

[0071] The release lever 5 can have a lever operating section 51 for moving the release lever 5 about its pivot axis A, preferably between the lever rest position and the lever actuation position. The lever operating section 51 can preferably extend substantially in one plane. The lever actuation section 52 and the lever operating section 51 are particularly preferably provided at opposite ends of the release lever 5, as can be seen in particular in Figures 5 to 10.

[0072] As can be seen in particular from Figures 5 to 10, the pivot axis A preferably extends laterally outside the associated conductor insertion channel 60 and here above it. The pivot axis A therefore does not intersect the associated conductor insertion channel 60 or an extension of the associated conductor insertion channel 60 as viewed in the conductor insertion direction E. In principle, however, the invention is not limited to this. The pivot axis A can also cross the conductor insertion channel 60, preferably centrally. The release lever 5 preferably has two spaced-apart lever arm sections 50, which here extend at least partially into the insulating housing 6 on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel 60 (i.e., as viewed in the conductor insertion direction E), as can be seen in particular from the sectional views in Figures 5 to 10.

[0073] As can be seen by way of example from Fig. 1, the lever arm sections 50 preferably each extend substantially in an extension plane X. The extension planes X are preferably aligned parallel. Particularly preferably, these extension planes X are aligned orthogonally to the pivot axis A.

[0074] Preferably, the lever operating section 51 can extend between the lever arm sections 50 and connect them to one another in such a way as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 1.

[0075] The lever arm sections 50 can preferably each have a guide section 53, which face one another and form or delimit at least part of the conductor insertion channel 60 between them (see, for example, Figures 5 to 10). This preferably applies to every movement position of the release lever 5 around the pivot axis A.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the guide sections 53 can extend, at least in the lever rest position, or at least in the lever actuation position, or - as shown in the illustrated embodiment - at least in the lever rest position and in the lever actuation position, as seen in the conductor insertion direction E, towards the first conductor clamping point K1, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60. The guide sections 53 converge towards one another towards the first conductor clamping point K1, so that a distance between the guide sections 53 is reduced and consequently, in particular, the width of the associated conductor insertion channel 60 is reduced; this is thus narrowed towards the first conductor clamping point K1. The guide sections 53 particularly preferably extend, as seen in the conductor insertion direction E, towards the first conductor clamping point K1, continuously narrowing or flowing the conductor insertion channel 60.

[0077] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the guide sections 53 extend in each pivot position of the release lever 5, also between the lever rest position and the lever actuation position, as seen in the conductor insertion direction E, toward the first conductor clamping point K1, narrowing the associated conductor insertion channel 60. This can be achieved either by a specific geometric design or contouring of the guide sections 53. For example, the narrowest region can also be provided in the region of the pivot axis A and widen with increasing distance from it.

[0078] It is also conceivable for the guide sections 53 each to have a first guide section 53a and a second guide section 53b, which each face one another. In the lever rest position (see, for example, Figs. 5, 6, 9, 10), the first guide sections 53a then extend, as viewed in the conductor insertion direction E, toward the first conductor clamping point K1, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60, preferably in a continuously narrowing or flowing manner. In the lever actuation position (see, for example, Figs. 7 and 8), the second guide sections 53b then extend, as viewed in the conductor insertion direction E, toward the first conductor clamping point K1, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60, preferably in a continuously narrowing or flowing manner.

[0079] The guide sections 53, and here the guide subsections 53a, 53b, can each be concavely curved away from the conductor insertion channel 60 or formed in a bowl-shaped manner within the respective lever arm section 50. The guide sections 53 or their guide subsections 53a, 53b can preferably be formed by a change in the material thickness of the respective lever arm section 50—preferably axially with respect to the pivot axis A.

[0080] In principle, it is also conceivable for the optional guide sections 53 to extend differently, for example, parallel to the conductor insertion channel 60. It is also conceivable for the lever arm sections 50 not to directly laterally delimit the conductor insertion channel 60 at all. In this case, for example, a section of the insulating housing 6 can at least partially spatially separate the lever arm section 50 from the conductor insertion channel 60.

[0081] The insulating housing 6 can further comprise guide wall sections 63, which at least partially form or delimit the associated conductor insertion channel 60; preferably together with the release lever 5 or its guide sections 53, as shown by way of example in Figs. 5-10. The guide wall sections 63 can comprise lateral wall sections 630, which at least partially laterally delimit the conductor insertion channel 60 axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis A.

[0082] The lateral wall sections 630 can preferably merge smoothly into the respective guide section 53 at least on the side of the associated conductor insertion channel 60 and at least in the lever rest position or in the lever actuation position as seen in the conductor insertion direction E, wherein these particularly preferably extend flatly into one another, as can also be seen by way of example in Figures 5-10.

[0083] As can be seen by way of example from Figures 5-10, the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 can be at least partially covered by an outer (here upper) cover wall 62 of the insulating housing 6 on the side of the insulating housing 6 on which the release lever 5 is arranged. In the lever rest position of the release lever 5, the cover wall 62 preferably extends between a support section 57 of the release lever 5 and the pivot axis A above the associated conductor insertion channel 60. The terminal 1 is then designed such that the support section 57 is preferably supported in a sliding manner on the cover wall 62 when the release lever 5 is pivoted about the pivot axis A, as can be seen, for example, from the combination of Figures 6 and 8.

[0084] The lever arm sections 50 can each have part-circular sliding sections 56 extending around the pivot axis A and directed radially away from the pivot axis A, which interact with corresponding housing sliding sections 66 of the insulating housing 6 for sliding guidance of the release lever 5 around the pivot axis A, as shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 9.

[0085] Also with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the sliding sections 56 can have first sliding sections 56a which extend with respect to the pivot axis A along a first circle Ci with a first diameter d, preferably in the region of the respective guide sections 53. Consequently, corresponding first housing sliding sections 66a of the housing sliding sections 66 also extend along the first circle Ci. The sliding sections 56 can then have second sliding sections 56b which extend with respect to the pivot axis A along a second circle C2 with a second diameter D, which is preferably greater than the first diameter d; this preferably in a region outside the respective guide sections 53. Consequently, corresponding second housing sliding sections 66b of the housing sliding sections 66 also extend along the second circle C2.

[0086] As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the second sliding part sections 56b can have or form the respective lever actuation sections 52, so that the overall structure of the release lever 5 is simplified. This is particularly preferably favored by a cam-like geometry of the lever arm sections 50 due to the above-described extension along the circles Ci, C2 with different diameters D, d, which can be seen in particular in Figs. 5 and 9. The release lever 5 and preferably its lever arm sections 50 preferably each have a first pivot bearing section (not shown) on a side facing away from the conductor insertion channel 60, which each interacts with a corresponding second pivot bearing section (not shown) of the insulating housing 6 for pivotably mounting the release lever 5 about the pivot axis A.

[0087] The first pivot bearing sections are preferably provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections 50 facing away from the associated conductor insertion channel 60 (i.e., here the outer side). Thus, in this embodiment, the first pivot bearing sections are provided on a side facing away from the guide sections 53 (here an inner side facing the associated conductor insertion channel 60). Thus, an electrical conductor to be inserted into the conductor insertion channel 60, when slidingly supported on the guide sections 53 for guidance toward the first conductor terminal point K1, pushes the lever arm sections 50 further toward the second pivot bearing sections, so that a bearing connection via the pivot bearing sections is reliably maintained.

[0088] As can be further seen from Figures 1, 2 and 5-10, the terminal 1 further comprises a pusher 7. The pusher 7 is assigned to a second of the conductor clamping points K2 (in Fig. 5-10, the conductor clamping point K2 at the top left). The pusher 7 can be moved by translatory actuation P - here from top to bottom - from the outside on the pusher 7 from a pusher rest position (cf. Fig. 1-8), in which the second conductor clamping point K2 is closed for connecting an electrical conductor L2, into a pusher actuation position (cf. Fig. 9, 10), in which the second conductor clamping point K2 is opened by interaction of the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 with a pusher actuation section 72 of the pusher 7. For this purpose, the pusher 7 can be moved from the pusher rest position to the pusher actuation position, for example, by pressing on the pusher 7 with a finger. It is also conceivable that a tool W is used for this purpose, as shown by way of example in Figs. 9 and 10.For this purpose, the pusher 7 can have a tool receiving opening 76 - here in the form of a blind hole - into which a tool W can be inserted for secure reception and supported for safe actuation.

[0089] The pusher 7 can have a bearing section 74, with which the pusher 7 is mounted on a counter-bearing section 67 of the insulating housing 6. As shown in Figures 5-10, the pusher 7 can preferably be snapped onto the counter-bearing section 67 of the insulating housing 6 - here from above - by means of the bearing section 74. The counter-bearing section 67 can, for example, be designed as a transversely extending, cylindrical bearing pin, as shown. The extension axis Z of the bearing section 74 is preferably aligned parallel to the pivot axis A. The bearing section 74 can preferably be formed by two snap arms 740, which encompass the counter-bearing section 67 on both sides. The mounting direction orThe snap-on direction can preferably be aligned parallel to the translational actuation direction P of the push button 7, so that the push button 7 remains securely held even when actuated in the actuation direction P, since it is thus pressed even further in its fastening direction P.

[0090] The pusher 7 can further comprise a pressing section 71, which protrudes from the bearing section 74 such that the pusher 7 can be moved from the pusher rest position to the pusher actuation position by the translational actuation P from the outside on the pressing section 71. In this case, the pusher 7 is preferably pivoted and / or bent about the bearing section, as can be seen in particular in Figures 9 and 10. In the pusher rest position, the pressing section 71 preferably protrudes from the bearing section 74 parallel to the associated conductor insertion direction E, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 5-8.

[0091] As can also be seen from Figs. 5-10, the push-button actuation section 72 can have two spaced-apart projection sections 70, which extend at least partially—and here completely—into the insulating housing 6 on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel 60 in such a way as to cooperate with the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 in the push-button actuation position to open the second conductor clamping point K2. The push-button actuation section 72 or its projection sections 70 extend—preferably from the push-button section 71—to the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 or a spring actuation section 43 of the clamping spring 4, which will be described below.

[0092] The insulating housing 6 can further comprise partition wall sections 61, which at least partially laterally delimit the pusher 7 or the release lever 5 on both sides—here axially with respect to the pivot axis A. The partition wall sections 61 can at least partially form a lateral outer wall of the insulating housing 6, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 3. The partition wall sections 61 each facing the associated first pivot bearing section can preferably comprise the respective second pivot bearing sections, if present. The partition wall sections 61 can, in a direction away from the conductor insertion channel 60 (here perpendicular to a conductor insertion direction E), at least when the respective conductor clamping point Ki, K2 is closed, be essentially flush with the pusher 7 or release lever 5, or at least partially project beyond it and / or be at least partially set back with respect to it.In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the push button 7 is flush with the partition wall sections 61 in the push button rest position, and the release lever 5 - except for a part of the second locking structure 55b - is set back with respect to the partition wall sections 61 in the lever rest position, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 4. The partition wall sections 61 can each extend at least partially essentially in a partition wall plane T, wherein the partition wall planes T preferably extend parallel to the translational actuation direction P of the push button 7 or perpendicular to the pivot axis A. As can be seen in particular from Figure 1, the extension plane X and the partition wall plane T can each be aligned parallel to one another on one side of the corresponding conductor insertion channel 60.

[0093] As can be seen in particular from Figures 5-10, the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 can extend, at least in the closed position of the associated conductor clamping point K1-K4, transversely through the associated conductor insertion channel 60 as seen in the conductor insertion direction E in order to form an insertion bevel towards the respective conductor clamping point K1-K4.

[0094] The spring-loaded terminal connection 2, preferably its clamping spring 4, can have a spring actuating section 43, which is arranged such that it interacts with the lever actuating section 52 or the push-button actuating section 72 (e.g., by means of the projection sections 70) for selectively opening the associated conductor clamping point K1, K2. The spring actuating section 43 preferably protrudes laterally (i.e., transversely to the conductor insertion direction E or to the extension direction of the clamping leg 42) and, in particular, on both sides of the clamping leg 42, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 6. By pivoting the release lever 5 from the lever rest position to the lever actuating position, the lever actuating section 52 is moved along the second circle C2. The spring actuating sections 43 projecting on both sides lie on the movement path of the lever actuating section 52 and come into operative contact with the latter due to the pivoting movement.This causes the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 to pivot downward, thus opening the first conductor terminal K1. This function is comparable with the push button 7, which, upon translational actuation P from above, moves the push button actuation section 72 downward into the insulating housing 6, and through active contact with the spring actuation sections 43, pivots the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 downward, thus opening the second conductor terminal K2.

[0095] The release lever 5, preferably its lever actuation section 52, on the one hand, and the spring-loaded clamping connection 2, preferably the associated clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 or its spring actuation section 43, on the other hand, can be designed and interact in such a way that the release lever 5 automatically remains in the lever actuation position, as indicated in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0096] Likewise, the pusher 7, preferably its pusher actuation section 72, on the one hand, and the spring-force clamping connection 2, preferably the associated clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 or its spring actuation section 43, on the other hand, can be designed and interact in such a way that the pusher 7 automatically pushes from the pusher actuation position into the pusher rest position, as can be seen from the overview of Figs. 7-10.

[0097] The terminal 1 can preferably have a plurality of spring-loaded clamp connections 2, as can be seen by way of example in Figs. 1, 4, 6, 8 and 10. In this case, the first conductor clamping points K1 and the second conductor clamping points K2 are preferably arranged next to one another in a row. Likewise, the further conductor clamping points K3, K4 can also be arranged next to one another in a row. A corresponding release lever 5 and a corresponding push button 7 are then each assigned to the spring-loaded clamp connections 2 in the manner described above. The conductor insertion directions E of the conductor insertion channels 60 assigned to the first conductor clamping points K1 can then preferably be aligned parallel to one another. Likewise, the conductor insertion directions E of the conductor insertion channels 60 assigned to the second conductor clamping points K2 can then also preferably be aligned parallel to one another.The same applies to the conductor insertion directions E of the conductor insertion channels 60 assigned to the additional conductor terminals K3, K4, if present. The pushers 7 of the plurality of spring-loaded terminal connections 2 can, as shown in Figs. 1, 6, 8, and 10, be formed integrally with one another; for example, as an integral plastic injection-molded part. The pivot axes A of the release levers 5 assigned to the plurality of first conductor terminals K1 are preferably arranged at least partially—here, all—parallel or, as shown, even coaxially.

[0098] The terminal 1 or its insulating housing 6 preferably has a test opening 8 for inserting a test tool for current and voltage testing into the terminal 1 or its insulating housing 6 and for contacting it with the spring-loaded terminal connection 2. The test opening 8 can be designed as a through-opening in the insulating housing 6. As can be seen, for example, in Figs. 1 and 5-10, the test opening 8 can be guided or delimited by a region of the release lever 5; here, for example, laterally delimited by the lever arm sections 50, the cover wall 62, and the second housing latching structure 65b. The terminal 1 preferably has a grounding contact 10; here in the form of a downwardly projecting latching contact.

[0099] The present invention is not limited by the foregoing embodiment as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims

Claims terminal (i), in particular terminal or connection terminal, comprising: • an insulating housing (6), • a spring-loaded clamping connection (2) which is at least partially enclosed in the insulating housing (6), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (2) has at least two conductor clamping points (K1-K4) for the respective electrical connection of at least one conductor, • for each conductor terminal (K1-K4) a conductor insertion channel (60) extending in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to this conductor terminal (K1-K4), and • a release lever (5) which is associated with a first of the conductor clamping points (Kl), wherein the release lever (5) is pivotably mounted in the insulating housing (6) about a pivot axis (A) extending transversely to the associated conductor insertion direction (E) between o a lever rest position in which the first conductor clamping point (Kl) is closed for connecting an electrical conductor (Li), and o a lever actuation position in which the first conductor clamping point (Kl) is opened by the interaction of the spring-loaded clamping connection (2) with a lever actuation section (52) of the release lever (5), and • a push button (7) which is associated with a second of the conductor clamping points (K2) and which can be moved by translational actuation (P) from the outside onto the push button (7) o from a push button rest position, in which the second conductor clamping point (K2) is closed for the connection of an electrical conductor (L2), o into a push button actuation position, in which the second conductor clamping point (K2) is open by interaction of the spring-force clamping connection (2) with a push button actuation section (72) of the push button (7). Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the release lever (5) has two spaced-apart lever arm sections (50) which at least partially extend into the insulating housing (6) on both sides of the associated conductor insertion channel (60). Terminal (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lever arm sections (50) each extend around the pivot axis (A) and radially away from the pivot axis (A). The release lever (5) has directed, semicircular sliding sections (56) which interact with corresponding housing sliding sections (66) of the insulating housing (6) to guide the release lever (5) around the pivot axis (A). The release lever (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5) has detent structures (55a, 55b) which interact with corresponding housing detent structures (65a, 65b) of the insulating housing (6) such that the release lever (5) is held detachably in the lever rest position and / or in the lever actuation position.Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5), preferably the lever arm sections (50), has / have first pivot bearing sections which each cooperate with corresponding second pivot bearing sections of the insulating housing (6) for pivoting the release lever (5) about the pivot axis (A), wherein the first pivot bearing sections are preferably provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections (50) facing away from the associated conductor entry channel (60).A clamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5) has a lever operating section (51) for moving the release element (5) about the pivot axis (A), preferably between the rest position and the actuating position, wherein the lever operating section (51) preferably extends substantially in one plane, wherein the lever operating section (51) preferably extends between the lever arm sections (50) and connects them together, wherein the lever actuating section (52) and the lever operating section (51) are preferably provided at opposite ends of the release lever (5). A clamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (A) extends laterally outside the associated conductor entry channel (60), and / or wherein the pivot axis (A) does not intersect the associated conductor entry channel (60) or an extension of the associated conductor entry channel (60) viewed in the conductor entry direction (E). Terminal (i) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating housing (6) has guide wall sections (63) which, preferably together with the release lever (5), preferably with guide sections (53) thereof, at least partially form the associated conductor entry channel (60). Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating housing (6) has a cover wall (62) which, in the lever rest position of the release lever (5), extends between a support section (57) of the release lever (5) and the pivot axis (A) above the associated conductor entry channel (60), wherein the terminal (1) is designed such that the support section (57) preferably slides against the cover wall (62) when the release lever (5) pivots about the pivot axis (A).A terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating housing (6) has partition sections (61) which at least partially laterally limit the release lever (5) on both sides with respect to the pivot axis (A), wherein the partition sections (61) preferably have the second pivot bearing sections. A terminal (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the push button (7) has a bearing section (74) with which the push button (7) is mounted on a counter bearing section (67) of the insulating housing (6), and a push section (71) which projects from the bearing section (74), preferably in the push button rest position parallel to the associated conductor insertion direction (E), such that the push button (7) can be moved from the push button rest position to the push button actuation position by the translational actuation (P) from the outside on the push section (71), preferably pivotable and / or bendable about the bearing section (74).Terminal (1) according to claims 6 and 11, wherein the push-button section (71) and the lever operating section (51) extend with respect to parallel axes of extension and / or extend away from each other. Terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the push-button actuation section (72) has two spaced-apart projection sections (70) which, on both sides of the associated conductor entry channel (60), at least partially extend into the insulating housing (6) in such a way as to engage with the... in the push-button actuation position. spring-loaded clamping connection (2) to cooperate for opening the second conductor clamping point (K2). - Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (2) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) with a movable clamping leg (42) for each conductor clamping point (K1-K4), wherein the clamping leg (42) has a clamping section (421), preferably in the form of a clamping edge, for forming the respective conductor clamping point (K1-K4) between the clamping section (421) and the busbar (3), wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (2) has a single, integral busbar (3) for all conductor clamping points (K1-K4). . Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded clamping connection (2), preferably its clamping spring (4), has a spring actuating section (43) which is arranged such that it is connected to the lever actuating section (52) orthe push-button actuation section (72) to selectively open the associated conductor clamping point (K). . Terminal (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the push-button actuation section (72), preferably its projecting sections (70) if present, preferably extends from the push-button section (71) to the clamping spring (4) or its clamping leg (42) or the spring actuation section (43). . Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5), preferably its lever actuation section (52), on the one hand, and the spring force clamping connection, preferably the associated clamping spring (4) or its clamping leg (42) or its spring actuation section (43), on the other hand, are designed and interact such that the release lever (5) remains automatically in the lever actuation position.Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push button (7), preferably its push button actuation section (72), on the one hand, and the spring force clamp connection (2), preferably the associated clamping spring (4) or its clamping leg (42) or its spring actuation section (43), on the other hand, are designed and interact in such a way that the push button (7) automatically moves from the push button actuation position to the push button rest position. - Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two conductor clamping points (K1-K4) and the conductor insertion channels (60) associated therewith are arranged one above the other or facing each other, wherein the conductor insertion directions (E) of the conductor insertion channels (60) associated with the conductor clamping points (K1-K4) are preferably aligned parallel or coaxially to each other. . Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising several of the spring-clamp connections (2), wherein the first conductor clamping points (Kl) and the second conductor clamping points (K2) are each arranged side by side in a row, wherein the conductor insertion directions (E) of the conductor insertion channels (60) associated with the first conductor clamping points (Kl) are preferably aligned parallel to each other, and / or wherein the conductor insertion directions (E) of the conductor insertion channels (60) associated with the second conductor clamping points (K2) are preferably aligned parallel to each other.Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushers (7) of the several spring force clamp connections (2) are integrally formed together, preferably as an integral plastic injection molded part.

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