Electrical connection terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor (2), comprising a conductor rail (5) with a side wall (5a) on which a support wall (5b) and a contact wall (5c) spaced apart from the latter are formed, forming a conductor connection channel (8) accessible via an insertion opening (9), and a clamping spring (3) having a support leg (3a) in contact with the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and a clamping leg (3b) connected thereto and having a clamping edge (4) which is guided against the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5), forming a clamping point (K).

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connection terminal

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connection terminal for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor, with a conductor rail forming a conductor connection channel and a clamping spring housed therein with a clamping branch connected to a support branch by a spring arc.

[0002] In a conductor connection terminal known from publication DE 10 2016 111 627 A1, comprising a conductor rail piece and a clamping spring, which is provided with a clamping leg facing the conductor rail piece to form a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor, and with a spring arc connecting to the clamping leg, as well as with a support leg which extends with a vertical section transversely to the conductor rail piece. The vertical section is provided with a recess whose edges surround the conductor rail piece. A support wall adjacent to the conductor rail piece is designed to support the vertical section of the support leg of the clamping spring.

[0003] From DE 10 2015 017 151 A1, a conductor connection contact element is known, preferably for the direct connection of printed circuit boards, comprising a conductor rail part and a clamping spring for clamping an electrical conductor. The conductor rail part is formed from a sheet metal part with two opposite side walls forming a conductor insertion channel and with a base part and an opposite cover part. A conductor guide region, adjacent to a clamping part of the clamping spring and formed on a first side wall of the conductor rail part, is a part of the first side wall oriented obliquely towards the opposite side wall.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide a particularly suitable electrical connection terminal. This involves in particular providing a connection terminal that is as compact as possible.

[0005] This objective is achieved by an electrical connection terminal for establishing contact by clamping with an electrical conductor, and comprising the following components: __-_a conductor rail with a side wall and, made thereon by forming a conductor connection channel accessible through an insertion opening, a support wall and a contact wall spaced from the latter, and __-_a clamping spring, arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel, and provided with a support branch in contact or in abutment against the support wall of the conductor rail, and with a clamping branch, connected in particular to the support branch by a spring bow, and provided with a clamping edge which is guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail, forming a clamping point for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring and the conductor rail, with the conductor inserted into the conductor connection channel through the insertion opening in a conductor insertion direction.

[0006] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible to provide __-_that the branch length of the support branch of the clamping spring is greater than the branch length of the clamping branch, and / or __-_that the branch length of the clamping branch of the clamping spring is between 50% and 90% of the branch length of the support branch, in particular between 55% and 85%, preferably between 60% and 80%, particularly preferably (70 ± 5)% of the branch length of the support branch, and / or __-_that the clamping branch of the clamping spring touches the support branch in a position where the clamping point is open, or that a gap or space is formed between the support branch and the clamping branch, in particular less than the diameter of the spring arc of the clamping spring, preferably less than half of said diameter.

[0007] According to the invention, it is possible to provide __-_that the side wall as well as the support wall and the contact wall of the conductor rail form a U, and / or __-_that the height of the side wall is less than 2.5 times the width of the contact wall, and / or __-_that the width of the contact wall of the conductor rail is between 40% and 60% of the height of the side wall, in particular (50 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall, and / or __-_that the width of the conductor rail support wall is between 50% and 80% of the height of the side wall, in particular (70 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall.

[0008] In an improvement of the invention, it is provided __-_that the spring arc of the clamping spring protrudes from the conductor rail at the level of the insertion opening of the conductor connection channel, and / or __-_that the spring arc of the clamping spring protrudes from the support wall and / or the side wall and / or the contact wall at the insertion opening of the conductor connection channel of the conductor rail, and / or __-_that the spring arc of the clamping spring, in particular a part of the spring arc adjacent to the support branch or extending into the support branch, protrudes from the support branch on the side of the latter opposite the clamping branch.

[0009] The clamping branch of the clamping spring may be provided with an actuating portion projecting from the clamping edge in the direction of conductor insertion and / or in a direction transverse to the direction of conductor insertion.

[0010] In this case, we can provide __-_that the actuating part is oriented towards the support branch of the clamping spring, and / or __that the actuating part is curved towards the support branch of the clamping spring, in particular in an arcuate manner.

[0011] According to the invention, it is possible to provide ___-_that the contact wall of the conductor rail has a width less than that of the support wall, and / or ___-_that the width of the contact wall is between 50% and 80% of the width of the support wall, in particular between 60% and 75%, and / or ___-_that the contact wall of the conductor rail is provided with a clearance cutout through which the actuating part of the clamping branch of the clamping spring is accessible in a direction transverse to the direction of conductor insertion or in the direction of the clamping edge or perpendicular to it.

[0012] An improvement of the invention consists in practicing ___-_a recess or spring clearance cutout in the support leg of the clamping spring, and / or ___-_a rail clearance recess or cutout in the conductor rail support wall, and / or ___-_a recess or rail clearance cutout in the supporting wall of the conductor rail, which is aligned with the recess or a recess in the supporting leg of the clamping spring, or which is superimposed on the latter in particular completely or at least partially.

[0013] According to the invention, it is possible to provide ___-_that an assembly extension is formed on the support branch of the clamping spring, and / or ___-_that an assembly opening is provided in the conductor rail, in particular in a bent area or a bent part between the side wall and the support wall, and / or ___-_that an assembly opening with a narrowing, in particular local and / or acting as a point support, is provided in the conductor rail, and / or ___-_that the assembly extension of the support branch of the clamping spring is inserted into the assembly opening of the conductor rail, in particular by form-fitting and / or by friction.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided to form, on the contact wall of the conductor rail, in particular on the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening, a support bracket with a free end of the bracket directed or guided towards the support wall of the conductor rail, an assembly gap being formed between the support bracket, or its free end, and the support wall of the conductor rail, and in which the support branch of the clamping spring is housed, in particular in certain areas.

[0015] In an improvement of the invention, an assembly extension directed or guided towards the contact wall of the conductor rail is formed on the support wall of the conductor rail, in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening.

[0016] In this case, we can provide ___-_that the assembly extension is provided with an assembly contour which corresponds to an assembly element of the support stirrup, in particular by producing a form-fitting assembly or a form-fitting connection, and / or ___-_that the assembly extension is provided with an assembly contour in which an assembly element of the support stirrup engages by complementary shapes, and / or ___-_that the assembly extension is provided with an assembly opening in which is received an assembly tenon which is made, in particular formed, from the side wall of the conductor rail, in particular at the rail end opposite the insertion opening, or ___-_that the assembly extension is provided with an assembly opening in which is received an assembly stud which is made from a connection contact provided on the conductor rail, in particular formed thereon, in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening, said connection contact being in particular a fork contact or a fork contact branch.

[0017] In a preferred configuration, a positioning extension is formed on the side wall of the conductor rail, in particular in the area of ​​the insertion opening, which positioning extension projects into the spring arc of the clamping spring, preferably bearing on the spring arc and / or on the support leg.

[0018] The invention also comprises an electrical connection terminal for establishing contact by clamping with an electrical conductor, provided ___-_of a conductor rail with a side wall and, made on it by forming a conductor connection channel accessible through an insertion opening, a support wall as well as a contact wall spaced from the latter, ___-_a clamping spring, arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel, and provided with a support leg in contact or in contact with the support wall of the conductor rail, and with a clamping leg connected in particular to the support leg by a spring arc and provided with a clamping edge which is guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail, forming a clamping point for the clamping connection, between the clamping spring and the conductor rail, of the conductor inserted into the conductor connection channel in an insertion direction through the insertion opening, and ___-_an actuating element for pivoting the clamping branch of the clamping spring towards the supporting branch of the latter.

[0019] This electrical connection terminal is preferably characterized in that ___-_the actuating element is pivotally housed about an axis of rotation located outside the conductor rail, in particular outside and / or on the side of the contact wall which is opposite the contact point, and / or ___-_the actuating element can be introduced into the conductor connection channel through a clearance cutout or laterally next to the contact wall of the conductor rail, and / or ___-_the actuating element can be applied, in particular with a preferably rounded end face, against an actuating part of the clamping leg of the clamping spring which projects beyond the clamping edge and / or can be coupled to it.

[0020] In an improvement of the invention, this electrical connection terminal is characterized in that ___-_the actuating element has a base body with coaxial journals formed on both sides, and / or ___-_coaxial journals of different axial lengths and / or journal diameters are formed on the actuating element, and / or ___-_the actuating element has an eccentric portion extending radially relative to the axis of rotation, in particular in the form of a sabre fin, and / or ___-_the actuating element has a base body with an axial clearance cutout forming a pivot contour, and / or ___-_the actuating element has a lever portion extending radially relative to the axis of rotation.

[0021] The invention also relates to an electrical connection terminal for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor by means of a clamping spring, comprising an actuating element for actuating the clamping spring, ___-_the actuating element having a base body with journals, preferably coaxial, formed in particular on both sides, and / or ___-_pins, in particular coaxial with each other, of different axial lengths and / or different pin diameters being formed on the actuating element, and / or ___-_the actuating element having an eccentric portion extending radially relative to the axis of rotation, in particular in the form of a sabre fin, and / or ___-_the actuating element having a base body with an axial clearance cutout.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, an electrical connection terminal for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor is also provided, having ___-_a conductor rail with a side wall and, formed thereon by forming a conductor connection channel accessible via an insertion opening, a support wall and a contact wall spaced therefrom, ___-_a clamping spring, arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel, and provided with a support leg in contact or resting against the support wall of the conductor rail, and with a clamping leg, connected in particular to the support leg by a spring arc, and provided with a clamping edge guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail forming a clamping point for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring and the conductor rail,with the conductor introduced into the conductor connection channel through the insertion opening in an insertion direction, and , ___-_a connection contact provided at the end of the conductor rail opposite the insertion opening, in particular formed thereon, preferably a fork contact with contact branches oriented in the insertion direction and forming a contact point.

[0023] The invention also relates to an electrical connection terminal for establishing contact by clamping with an electrical conductor, in particular as described above, comprising ___-_a conductor rail with a side wall and, made thereon by forming a conductor connection channel accessible through an insertion opening, a support wall and a contact wall spaced therefrom, ___-_a clamping spring, arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel, and provided with a support leg in contact or in contact with the support wall of the conductor rail, and with a clamping leg, in particular connected to the support leg by a spring arc, provided with a clamping edge which is guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail, forming a clamping point for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring and the conductor rail, with the conductor inserted into the conductor connection channel through the insertion opening in an insertion direction, and ___-_a two-part terminal housing, the housing parts of which are assembled, in particular with the conductor rail, preferably snapped onto it.

[0024] In a preferred configuration of this electrical connection terminal, it is provided ___-_to provide the housing parts with assembly elements or snap-in contours corresponding to the conductor rail, and / or ___-_to provide a first housing part receiving the conductor rail and the clamping spring with a first assembly element or a first snap-in contour, and to provide the support wall of the conductor rail with a corresponding snap-in contour or a corresponding assembly element, and / or ___-_to provide a second part of the housing, in particular intended to receive a connection contact, with a first assembly element or a first snap-in contour, and to provide the contact wall of the conductor rail with a corresponding snap-in contour or a corresponding assembly element.

[0025] It is advantageous that this electrical connection terminal is characterized in that ___-_the conductor connection channel is closed, in an area opposite the side wall of the conductor rail, by means of a side wall of the terminal housing, in particular by means of its first housing part, and / or ___-_the terminal housing, in particular its first part, is provided with a free zone through which an actuating element, in particular an eccentric part, passes to actuate the clamping spring, or into which the actuating element, in particular its eccentric part, plunges, and / or ___-_an actuating element actuates the clamping spring, or its clamping branch, only in an area opposite the side wall of the conductor rail, and / or ___-_a side wall of the terminal housing and an actuating element, in particular an eccentric part, form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel around its circumference, and / or ___-_a side wall of the terminal housing and an actuating element aligned with the side wall, in particular an eccentric portion aligned with the side wall, form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel around its circumference, and / or ___-_the terminal housing, in particular its first part, is provided with an inlet channel for the conductor, preferably funnel-shaped, and / or ___-_the terminal housing, in particular its first part, is provided with an entry channel for the conductor, preferably conical, opening into the conductor introduction channel, and / or ___-_in a channel area of ​​an input channel of the terminal housing opening into the conductor introduction channel, a recess is provided on the housing side for the or a spring arc of the clamping spring.

[0026] The electrical connection terminal intended and designed to establish contact by clamping with an electrical conductor is provided with a conductor rail with a side wall as well as a support wall and a contact wall. The support wall and the contact wall are spaced from each other, preferably parallel to each other. The side wall, preferably only one, of the conductor rail is connected to the support wall and the contact wall. The conductor rail is preferably U-shaped, the support wall and the contact wall forming the legs of the U and the side wall forming the connecting leg to obtain the U-shape.

[0027] The height of the side wall of the conductor rail is preferably greater than the width of the contact wall. Preferably, the height of the side wall is less than 2.5 times the width of the contact wall. Conveniently, the width of the contact wall is between 50% and 80% of the width of the bearing wall, in particular between 60% and 75%. Preferably, the width of the contact wall of the conductor rail is between 40% and 60% of the height of the side wall, in particular is (50 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall. Suitably, the width of the bearing wall of the conductor rail is between 50% and 80% of the height of the side wall, in particular is (70 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall.

[0028] Suitably, the conductor rail is formed from a sheet metal part, in particular in the form or manner of a stamped and bent part. The conductor rail particularly conveniently forms a spring cage, in particular for a contact spring or a clamping spring. The conductor rail forms a conductor connection channel accessible via an insertion opening, also referred to hereinafter as a (conductor) connection tunnel, or constitutes such a channel.

[0029] The electrical connection terminal is provided with a clamping spring with a support leg and a clamping leg. The support leg is preferably connected by a spring arc to the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The clamping spring is preferably curved in a U- or V-shape. The clamping leg is provided with a clamping edge at the free end of the leg. Suitably, the clamping spring is accommodated at least partially, in sections or in areas in the conductor connection channel of the conductor rail. In particular, at least the clamping edge of the clamping spring is located in the conductor connection channel or tunnel of the conductor rail. Preferably, the clamping spring is stressed in the conductor rail between the support wall and the contact wall. The support leg rests, preferably with its entire surface, against the support wall of the conductor rail.

[0030] By clamping spring is meant a single or a plurality of clamping springs. The clamping spring is suitable for clamping the electrical conductor. Advantageously, the clamping spring is formed and bent from spring steel. Advantageously, the clamping spring is provided with a single clamping leg for clamping an associated electrical conductor, so that the same conductor is not clamped by two or more clamping legs of the clamping spring. Suitably, the support leg and the spring arc connected thereto as well as the clamping leg connected thereto are formed from a single piece.

[0031] The support leg of the clamping spring is designed to bear on a fixed area of ​​the connection terminal in order to absorb the return spring tension (return force). Preferably, the support leg rests exclusively on the conductor rail, in particular on its support wall. Suitably, the connection formed or provided by the clamping spring and the conductor rail is self-supporting. The support leg is suitably connected directly to the clamping leg.

[0032] The clamping branch extends inside the conductor connection channel towards the contact wall of the conductor rail. The clamping branch is preferably provided with a bending point or an elbow forming two branch sections of different slope. The clamping branch is provided, at the free end of the branch, with a clamping edge which is guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail forming a clamping point for establishing contact by clamping the conductor guided through the insertion opening in the (conductor) connection channel.

[0033] Suitably, the leg length of the support leg is greater than the leg length of the clamping leg of the clamping spring. Preferably, the leg length of the clamping leg of the clamping spring is between 50% and 90% of the leg length of the support leg, in particular between 55% and 85%, preferably between 60% and 80%, particularly preferably (70 ± 5)% of the leg length of the support leg.

[0034] Suitably, the spring arc of the clamping spring protrudes from the support branch on the side of the latter opposite the clamping branch. In other words, a part of the spring arc adjacent to the support branch or extending into the support branch protrudes from the support branch on its (lower) side opposite the clamping branch.

[0035] According to an advantageous configuration, the spring arc of the clamping spring protrudes from the conductor rail at the insertion opening. In particular, the spring arc protrudes from the support wall of the conductor rail. In other words, a portion of the spring arc which extends into the support branch protrudes from the support wall of the conductor rail. The support wall of the conductor rail is particularly advantageously provided with a clearance cutout into which the spring arc or a part of the spring arch. In addition or alternatively, the spring arch, or part of the spring arch, protrudes from the side wall and / or the contact wall of the conductor rail at the insertion opening of the conductor connection channel of the conductor rail.

[0036] In a particularly practical configuration of the clamping spring, its clamping leg is provided with an actuating part. This serves to actuate the clamping leg, in particular by means of a lever, a slider or an actuating tool. The actuating part protrudes, preferably at least in the insertion direction (of the conductor), beyond the clamping edge. In particular, the actuating part protrudes from the clamping edge in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the conductor. Preferably, the actuating part protrudes from the clamping edge both in the insertion direction of the conductor and in the direction transverse to the insertion direction of the conductor parallel to the support wall and / or the contact wall of the conductor rail.

[0037] According to a suitable improvement, the actuating part is oriented in the direction of the support leg of the clamping spring. Preferably, the actuating part is designed in a curved shape, in particular oriented, on the side of the curved end, in the direction of the support leg of the clamping spring. This allows a particularly suitable actuation of the contact leg for the purpose of deflecting the clamping spring by releasing the contact point, in particular in order to reliably introduce the conductor into the contact point. Furthermore, it is advantageously made possible that an actuating element, in particular a pivoting lever also referred to hereinafter as a lever, can be placed in the vicinity of the contact edge (spatially next to the contact edge) of the contact leg or along the contact leg, bearing against the actuating part.

[0038] A suitable configuration of the conductor rail provides that the contact wall of the conductor rail has a width smaller than that of the support wall, or a clearance cutout. Due to the clearance cutout or due to the reduced wall width of the contact wall of the conductor rail, the actuating part of the clamping leg of the clamping spring is accessible in a direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the contact wall (direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction). In other words, the actuating part of the clamping leg is accessible in the direction of the clamping edge or perpendicular to it. This advantageously results in a particularly compact design of the connection terminal.

[0039] According to an advantageous configuration, a recess, also referred to hereinafter as a clearance cutout (spring clearance cutout), is provided in the support branch of the clamping spring. It is particularly advantageous to produce in the conductor rail support wall a recess, also subsequently referred to as a clearance cutout (rail clearance cutout). The spring clearance cutout and the rail clearance cutout are advantageously aligned with each other. The spring clearance cutout and the rail clearance cutout are suitably at least partially or almost completely overlapping.

[0040] Suitably, the position of the spring release cutout, or the position of the release cutout concept formed by the spring release cutout and the rail release cutout, is adapted to the position of the contact leg of the clamping spring deflected or pivoted against the support leg in such a way that, when compressing the clamping spring or when pivoting its clamping leg, the free end of the leg, in particular the actuating part of the clamping leg, can plunge into the spring release cutout or into it and into the rail release cutout. This results in a particularly compact construction of the basic structure of the connection terminal formed by the conductor rail and the contact spring.

[0041] In other words, it is possible, with this clearance cutout concept, to design a particularly low construction height or distance between the contact wall and the supporting wall of the conductor rail, or to minimize it. In addition, or with an unchanged overall height of the conductor connection channel, a correspondingly enlarged space is advantageously available inside the conductor connection channel for the conductor, for example a stranded cable. This also makes it possible to connect or connect correspondingly larger conductor cross-sections by contact clamping.

[0042] According to an improvement or advantageous configuration of the electrical connection terminal, in particular of the basic structure of the connection terminal formed by the conductor rail and the contact spring, at least one positively interlocking connection or positively interlocking connection (plug-in connection) is provided between the clamping spring and the conductor rail. Suitably, said at least one positively interlocking connection is formed from the material of the clamping spring and the conductor rail itself, i.e. without an additional connecting element.

[0043] By "shape-fitting assembly" or "shape-fitting connection" between at least two parts connected to each other, it is meant here and hereinafter in particular that the cohesion of the parts connected to each other is achieved at least in one direction by a direct meshing of contours of the parts themselves. In other words, the "blocking" of a reciprocal movement in this direction is due to the shape.

[0044] In particular in this improvement or configuration, a connection extension, oriented in particular transversely to the conductor insertion direction, is formed on the support leg of the clamping spring. Suitably, a (corresponding) connection opening is provided in the conductor rail and in which the connection extension on the clamping spring side is received. The rail-side connection opening is suitably provided in or at the transition between the support wall and the side wall, in particular in a bent region between the side wall and the support wall.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous to provide in the conductor rail an assembly opening with a narrowing. In particular, a support contour is provided which acts only as a local and / or point support on the assembly extension of the support leg of the clamping spring. This support contour is suitably formed by a wavy shape of the opening edge of the rail-side assembly opening, directed towards the spring-side assembly extension. Suitably, the assembly extension of the support leg of the clamping spring is accommodated in the assembly opening of the conductor rail, in particular by form-fitting and / or friction.

[0046] In an advantageous configuration, a support or clamping bracket, also referred to hereinafter as a support extension, is formed on the contact wall of the conductor rail with a free (bracket) end oriented or guided towards the support wall of the conductor rail. The support bracket is provided in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening, or on a narrow or end side of the conductor rail opposite, in the direction of insertion of the conductor, the insertion opening. An assembly gap is formed between the support bracket, or its free end, and the support wall of the conductor rail, in which gap the support leg of the clamping spring is, in regions or with a leg part, housed and / or is fixed by clamping.

[0047] According to a useful improvement, a connection extension oriented or guided towards the contact wall of the conductor rail is formed on the support wall of the conductor rail, in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening. Suitably, the connection extension has a connection contour which corresponds to a connection element of the support bracket, in particular by producing a form-fitting connection or a form-fitting connection. The connection extension can also be provided with a connection contour in which a connection element of the support bracket engages in a form-fitting manner. A connection stud produced, in particular formed, from the side wall of the conductor rail can also be received in the connection opening.Alternatively, a joining pin may be housed in the joining opening, which pin is made, in particular formed, at . from a connection contact (fork or knife contact) formed on the conductor rail or connected to it, in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening.

[0048] This connection concept, which also constitutes an independent invention, is based on the principle that spaced-apart opposing rail walls, or rail sections of the conductor rail forming a spring cage, should be connected in a suitable manner to the conductor rail in order to withstand or absorb the tensions of the clamping spring, in particular stressed between these rail sections or walls, while maintaining the dimensional stability of the conductor rail. For this purpose, the connection connection can be implemented, for example, in the manner of a puzzle piece or a dovetail or another type of connection with opposing connection contours.

[0049] The assembly concept also allows for other or additional functions, in particular a suitable holding device for the support leg of the clamping spring and / or a locking functionality, for example to ensure constant positioning and / or uniform contact forces in the contact legs (tulip legs) of a fork contact on a plug-in contact side of the conductor rail opposite the conductor insertion opening.

[0050] A suitable improvement provides for forming a positioning extension on the conductor rail, in particular on the side wall, preferably in the region of the insertion opening (of the conductor), which positioning extension projects into the spring arc of the clamping spring, preferably bearing against the spring arc and / or against the support branch. This allows a particularly advantageous fixation of the position (spring position) or the location (location fixation) of the clamping spring within the conductor connection channel.

[0051] According to a particularly suitable configuration of the electrical connection terminal, an actuating element is provided for pivoting the clamping leg of the clamping spring, preferably in a direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction, oriented towards the support leg of the clamping spring, in particular against the tension of the clamping spring. The actuating element can be actuated, for example, manually or using an actuating tool, and is designed accordingly.

[0052] Suitably, the connection terminal is provided with a bearing and a counter bearing for mounting the actuating element for a pivoting movement. The counter bearing for the actuating element is, for example, formed in a housing (insulating housing, clamping housing) and / or in the conductor rail. A rotation axis of the actuating element extends suitably parallel to the contact wall and outside the conductor connection channel, in particular on the side of the contact wall opposite the clamping point, as well as in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the conductor, in other words transverse to the direction of insertion of the conductor into the connection channel formed by the conductor rail.

[0053] A suitable variant of an electrical connection terminal for establishing contact by clamping an electrical conductor, which constitutes in particular an independent invention, is provided with a conductor rail with a side wall on which a support wall and a contact wall spaced therefrom, preferably parallel thereto, are formed, forming a conductor connection channel accessible through an insertion opening.The connection terminal is provided with a clamping spring, arranged in particular in the conductor connection channel, with a support leg in contact with the support wall of the conductor rail, and with a clamping leg connected to the support leg by a spring arc and having a clamping edge guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail forming a clamping point, in particular for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring and the conductor rail, of the conductor inserted into the conductor connection channel in an insertion direction through the insertion opening.

[0054] In this variant, the electrical connection terminal is provided with an actuating element for pivoting the clamping leg against the tension of the clamping spring in the direction of its support leg. In an advantageous configuration, the actuating element is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation provided outside the conductor rail, in particular above the contact wall or on the side thereof opposite the contact point. Suitably, the actuating element can be inserted into the conductor connection channel through a clearance cutout in the contact wall of the conductor rail. The clearance cutout can extend over the entire length of the contact wall in the direction of conductor insertion. In other words, the width of the contact wall can be less than the width of the support wall.

[0055] Suitably, the actuating element can be coupled to an actuating part of the clamping branch which projects beyond the clamping edge and / or can be applied against this actuating part. In particular, the actuating element is provided with a front face (actuating edge), preferably rounded, which, when the actuating element is actuated, bears, preferably slidingly or rollingly, against the actuating part of the clamping branch of the clamping spring.

[0056] In an advantageous configuration, the actuating element comprises a base body provided on each side with a journal. According to an improvement useful, constituting in particular an independent invention, coaxial journals of different axial lengths and / or different journal diameters are formed on the actuating element.

[0057] Suitably, the actuating element is provided with an eccentric portion extending radially relative to the axis of rotation, in particular in the form of a sabre fin. Particularly advantageously, the actuating element is provided with a base body with an axial clearance cutout forming a pivot contour, in particular rounded or arc-shaped. The actuating element is particularly conveniently provided with a lever portion extending radially relative to the axis of rotation, in particular which can be manipulated manually.

[0058] According to another variant which constitutes in particular an independent invention, the electrical connection terminal for establishing contact by clamping an electrical conductor comprises a conductor rail with a side wall on which a support wall and a contact wall spaced therefrom are formed, forming a conductor connection channel accessible via an insertion opening. A clamping spring, preferably arranged at least partly in the conductor connection channel, is provided with a support leg in contact with the support wall of the conductor rail and with a clamping leg connected to the support leg by a spring arc. The clamping leg is provided with a clamping edge guided against the contact wall of the conductor rail, forming a clamping point.This clamping edge serves to establish a clamping contact between the clamping spring and the conductor rail of the conductor inserted into the conductor connection channel in an insertion direction through the insertion opening.

[0059] In this variant, the electrical connection terminal is provided with a contact (connection contact) provided at the end of the conductor rail opposite the insertion opening, in particular formed thereon. This contact may be a knife contact. Preferably, the (connection) contact is a fork contact with contact branches oriented in the insertion direction and forming a contact point, in particular for a contact pin, and which are also referred to hereinafter as tulip or fork branches. Suitably, the contact branches are provided, in the region of their movable ends, with cambers facing each other, in particular produced by a molding-shaped stamping, which form the contact point or between which the contact point is formed.

[0060] According to an embodiment constituting in particular an independent invention, the electrical connection terminal is provided with a two-part terminal housing, the housing parts of which are snapped onto the conductor rail, preferably in a U-shape.

[0061] Suitably, the housing parts are provided with connecting elements or latching contours corresponding to the conductor rail. Suitably, a first housing part receiving the conductor rail, in particular with a clamping spring already arranged inside, is provided with a first connecting element or a first latching contour, while the supporting wall of the conductor rail is provided with a corresponding latching contour or a corresponding connecting element. Particularly advantageously, a second housing part, which in particular receives a connection contact or the fork contact, is provided with a first connecting element or a first latching contour, while the contact wall of the conductor rails is provided with a corresponding latching contour or a corresponding connecting element.

[0062] The terminal housing, or parts thereof, are preferably made of an insulating material, in particular a plastic material. Suitably, the conductor connection channel is closed in an area opposite the side wall of the conductor rail by means of a side wall of the terminal housing or the insulating housing, in particular by means of its first part. In other words, a side wall of the terminal housing or the insulating housing forms a wall closing the conductor connection channel around its circumference, or the missing side wall of the conductor rail.

[0063] According to an advantageous configuration or an improvement, the terminal housing, in particular its first part, is provided with a free zone. This is or will be traversed by the actuating element, in particular by its eccentric part. In other words, the actuating element, in particular its eccentric part, plunges into the free zone of the terminal housing and, through it, into the conductor connection channel. In addition, or as a variant, the actuating element actuates the clamping spring or its clamping branch only in a zone opposite the side wall of the conductor rail.

[0064] A suitable design or improvement provides that a side wall of the terminal housing and an actuating element form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel around its circumference. Preferably, the side wall of the terminal housing and an actuating element, in particular its eccentric part, are aligned with each other, in particular within the manufacturing tolerances.

[0065] In a suitable design or improvement, a side wall of the terminal housing and an actuating element (eccentric part) aligned with the side wall form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel around its circumference. Preferably, the terminal housing, in particular its first housing part, is provided with an inlet channel for the conductor. This is in particular funnel-shaped or tapers conically towards the conductor connection channel.

[0066] It is particularly advantageous if the insertion area for the conductor into the conductor connection channel of the connection terminal via the inlet channel is free of edges or other obstacles (impact points), so that the conductor can be guided unhindered to the contact point. Suitably, a housing-side recess is provided for the spring arch, or a part of the spring arch of the clamping spring, in an area of ​​the inlet channel of the terminal housing opening into the conductor insertion channel.

[0067] The exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of figures. These show: ___[Fig.l]: a side view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel), and with a clamping spring housed therein, ___[Fig.2]: a perspective view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel or tunnel), and with a clamping spring housed therein as well as with a fork contact, ___[Fig. 3]: A side view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel), and with a clamping spring housed therein, as well as with a pivoting lever actuating the clamping spring as an actuating element, ___[Fig. 4]: A perspective view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel), with a view of a side wall with an assembly opening and, housed therein, an assembly extension of a clamping spring housed in the conductor connection channel, ___[Fig.5]: a perspective view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail and a clamping spring housed in it with a clearance cutout in a support branch, ___[Fig.6]: a side view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel), and with a clamping spring housed therein with a spring arc and, inserted therein, a positioning extension of the conductor rail, ___[Fig.7]: a partial perspective representation of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail with a view of a side wall with an assembly extension housed in an assembly opening, and with a positioning extension of the conductor rail housed in a spring arc of a clamping spring, ___[Fig.8]: a partial perspective representation of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail with a support branch of the clamping spring housed (by zone or by section) in an assembly gap between a support wall and a support bracket of the conductor rail, ___[Fig.9]: a partial perspective representation of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail in which a clamping spring is arranged with a clearance cutout in a support branch, as well as with a corresponding clearance cutout in a support wall of the conductor rail, ___[Fig. 10]: A side view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail forming a connection channel for an electrical conductor (conductor connection channel), and with a clamping spring placed therein with an actuating part formed therefrom in the vicinity of a clamping edge of a contact branch, ___[Fig.l 1]: a perspective view of an electrical connection terminal with a conductor rail with a view of a clearance cutout in a contact wall serving as access, for an actuating element, to the clamping branch of a clamping spring arranged, in particular stressed, between the contact wall and a support wall of the conductor rail, ___[Fig. 12]: a perspective view of an electrical connection terminal according to [Fig. 11] with, as an actuating element, a pivoting lever resting on an actuating part, ___[Fig. 13]: a perspective view of a housing of a row of electrical connection terminals with actuating levers pivotally mounted on the housing side, ___[Fig.14]: a sectional view along line XIV-XIV of [Fig.13] of a first variant of a first housing part snapped onto a support wall of the conductor rails, and of a second housing part snapped onto a contact wall of the conductor rails, ___[Fig. 15]: in a representation according to [Fig. 14], a second variant of a first housing part snapped onto a support wall of the conductor rails, and of a second housing part snapped onto a contact wall of the conductor rails, and ___[Fig. 16] (a to d): in top views, a control lever with journals of different geometries or different dimensions (journal length, journal diameter) formed on either side of a base body relative to an axis of rotation.

[0068] The corresponding parts are designated by the same references in all the figures.

[0069] The electrical connection terminal 1 shown in the figures makes it possible to electrically connect a conductor 2 (shown in Figures 1 and 14). By conductor is meant here and in the remainder of the document in particular a (conductor) core of an (electrical) conductor formed of one or more wires made of electrically conductive material, for example copper, and surrounded by a conductor sheath made of insulating material.

[0070] For the electrical connection, the conductor 2 is clamped by a clamping spring 3. The tension of the clamping spring 3 acts as a clamp on the conductor 2. A free end (free spring or branch end) of the clamping spring 3 forms in particular a clamping edge 4 which penetrates into the material of the conductor (its conductive core) 2 and thus significantly increases a tearing force.

[0071] The connecting terminal 1 is provided with a conductor rail 5 for the electrical connection of the conductor 2. The conductor rail 5 is preferably made of a material which has better electrical conductivity than the clamping spring 3. The conductor 2 is thus electrically connected to the conductor rail 5. The connecting terminal 1 is advantageously provided with an actuating element 6, preferably in the form of a (pivoting) lever, for actuating the clamping spring 3. The conductor rail 5 is suitably provided with a further electrical connection, for example a knife contact or a solder connection (not shown) for an additional electrical connection, or with a further connecting terminal for the connection of another conductor. Preferably, a fork contact 7, recognizable in particular in Figures 2 to 5 as well as 11 and 12, is provided as an additional electrical connection.

[0072] The electrical connection terminal intended and designed to establish clamping contact with an electrical conductor 2 is provided, according to a basic concept shown in [Fig.l], with the conductor rail 5 and the clamping spring 3. The conductor rail is provided with a side wall 5a, a support wall 5b and a contact wall 5c. The support wall 5a is formed at an angle, in particular a right angle, to the side wall 5a. The clamping wall 5c is also bent at an angle to the side wall 5a, in particular a right angle. The support wall 5b and the contact wall 5c are spaced apart from each other, or run at least approximately parallel to each other. The conductor rail 5 is U-shaped, preferably with exactly three walls 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0073] The conductor rail 5 forms a conductor connection channel or a conductor connection tunnel 8 in which the conductor 2 can be plugged in an insertion direction E into the connection terminal via an insertion opening 9. The support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5 also delimits the conductor connection channel (tunnel) in a particularly advantageous manner. 8. As a result, the conductor 2 is guided by the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5 also in the rear part of the channel opposite the insertion opening 9.

[0074] Particularly in a U-shaped geometry, the conductor rail 5 has good conductivity or low (electrical) resistance due to the high proportion of material, even in a preferably compact design.

[0075] In a particularly advantageous compact embodiment of the connection terminal 1, the height of the side wall 5a (height of the side wall of the conductor rail 5) is less than 2.5 times the width of the contact wall 5c (width of the contact wall of the conductor rail 5).

[0076] The width of the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5 - relative to the insertion direction E - is in particular between 60% and 75% of the width of the support wall 5b. The width of the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5 is in particular (50 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall 5a. The width of the support wall 5b is in particular (70 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall 5a of the conductor rail 5. The height of the side wall of the conductor rail is suitably (3 + 1) mm. This makes it possible to produce a particularly compact connection terminal.

[0077] The clamping spring 3 is provided with a support leg 3a and a clamping leg 3b which is connected, or is formed (by bending), in one piece (in one piece) to the clamping leg 3b by a spring bow 3c. The clamping spring 3 is bent approximately in a U-shape. The leg length of the clamping leg 3b of the clamping spring 3 is in particular (70 ± 5)% of the leg length of the support leg 3a. The leg length of the clamping leg 3b of the clamping spring 3 is preferably (5.5 ± 1.5) mm.

[0078] The clamping branch 3b, appropriately bent, has a clamping edge 4 at its free end. The clamping spring 3 is housed in the conductor connection channel 8 of the conductor rail 5, preferably stressed between the support wall 5a and the contact wall 5b. The support branch 3a of the clamping spring 3 is in mechanical or electrical contact with the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5.

[0079] The clamping leg 3b of the clamping spring 3 extends inside the conductor connection channel towards the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5. The clamping leg 3b has a bending point or elbow 10 forming a first leg section 10a leading to the spring arc 3c and a second leg section 10a terminating in the clamping edge 4 and which has a greater inclination than the first leg part 10a. The clamping edge 4 at the free end of the clamping leg 3b forms with the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5 a clamping point K (Figures 1 and 10) for establishing clamping contact with the conductor 2 introduced into the conductor connection channel 8 via the insertion opening E.

[0080] The spring arc 3c of the clamping spring 3 protrudes from the conductor rail 5 at the insertion opening. An arc portion of the spring arc 3c extending into the support leg 3a protrudes from the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5. The spring arc 3c of the clamping spring 3, or an arc portion of the spring arc 3c extending into the support leg 3a, protrudes visibly from the underside of the support leg 3a facing the support wall 5 of the conductor rail 5.

[0081] The support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5 is provided with a clearance cutout 11 into which the spring arc 3c or the arc part is inserted. At the insertion opening 9 of the conductor connection channel 8, the apex 3d of the spring arc 3c of the clamping spring 3 protrudes from the side wall 5a and, in the illustrated version, also from the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5.

[0082] As can be clearly seen in connection with [Fig. 2], the clamping branch 3b of the clamping spring 3 is provided with an actuating part 12 for actuating the clamping branch 3b by means of the lever 6 movable in rotation or pivoting about an axis of rotation D. The actuating part 12 projects beyond the clamping edge 4, or is located next to it on the side of the edge opposite the side wall 5a of the conductor rail 5. With respect to the axis of rotation D of the lever 6, the actuating part 12 projects axially beyond the clamping edge 4. The actuating part 12, suitably curved in shape, is oriented towards the support branch 3a.

[0083] The conductor rail 5 is provided, in its contact wall 5c, with a clearance cutout 13 which allows access to the actuating part 12. The lever 6 can thus, through the rail-side clearance cutout 13 and, in doing so, next to the contact edge 4 of the contact branch 3b, be pivoted into abutment against the actuating part 12 of the clamping branch 3b in order to pivot the clamping branch 3b against the tension of the clamping spring 3 in the direction of the support branch 3a. The lever 6 is provided for this purpose with an eccentric part 6b formed on a base body 6a, extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation D and having a rounded or curved end face 14.When the lever 6 is actuated to stress the clamping spring 3, or to open the clamping point K of the conductor, formed between the clamping edge 4 and the underside of the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5 facing the support wall 5b, the front face slidably rests on the actuating part 12 of the clamping branch 3b. The lever 6 is provided with a manually actuable lever part 6c extending radially relative to the axis of rotation D.

[0084] As clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4 and [Fig.12], a journal 15 is formed on each side of the base body 6a of the lever 6. The lever 6, or its body base 6a, is provided with a clearance cutout or a step-shaped recess 16 and a rounded or arched pivot contour 17 ([Fig. 12]). An eccentric part 6b of the quasi-disc-shaped lever 6 is formed or can be formed by means of the step-shaped recess 16. Only with this eccentric part 6b does the lever 6 rest on the clamping branch 3b, or on the actuating part 12, of the clamping spring 3 in order to constrain it.

[0085] [Fig. 3] shows the lever 6 in a point called "beyond the dead center". In this state, the lever 6 is no longer returned by the restoring force of the clamping spring 3 to the initial position shown for example in [Fig. 2]. The clamping point K therefore remains open until the lever 6 is moved (manually) out of the point "beyond the dead center".

[0086] When the clamping spring 3 is stressed, only the eccentric part 6b of the lever 6 presses on the clamping leg 3b. Due to a one-sided stressing of the lever 6, or an asymmetrical transmission of forces, which results therefrom, it is advantageous to design the geometry of the pins 15 appropriately (Figures 16a to 16d). In this position or arrangement, in which the clamping point K is practically completely open, the clamping leg 3b touches the support leg 3a. In other words, in this position or arrangement of the clamping leg 3c, there is practically no space or only a minimal space or gap between it and the support leg 3a, at least in some places. This space or gap is preferably less than half the diameter d of the spring arc 3c. The diameter d of the spring arc 3c of the clamping spring 3 is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0087] As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6 as well as 8 and 9, the support branch 3a of the clamping spring 3 is provided with a clearance cutout 18, also referred to hereinafter as the spring clearance cutout, which serves as a local recess. It is particularly advantageous to also provide in the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5 a clearance cutout 19, also referred to hereinafter as the rail clearance cutout, as a local recess. The rail clearance cutout 19 is superimposed on the spring clearance cutout 18 ([Fig. 9]).

[0088] As shown in [Fig. 3], the release cutout position of the spring release cutout 18 is adapted to the position of the contact leg 3b of the clamping spring 3 deflected or pivoted against the support leg 3a, so that, upon stressing of the clamping spring 3 and pivoting of the clamping leg 3b, its actuating part 12 plunges into the spring cutout 18, or into it and into the rail cutout 19. This allows a particularly compact structure of the basic structure of the connection terminal 1 formed by the conductor rail 5 and the contact spring 3.

[0089] Figures 4 to 12 show - again from the basic structure of the electrical connection terminal 1 formed by the conductor rail 5 and the contact spring 3 - embodiments with assembly connections, in particular by positive locking, provided between the clamping spring 3 and the conductor rail 5. The respective connection, in particular by positive locking, is formed from the material of the clamping spring 3 and that of the conductor rail 5 itself.

[0090] [Fig. 4] shows a configuration of the electrical connection terminal 1, in which an assembly extension 20 is formed on the support leg 3a of the clamping spring 3, which extension is oriented transversely to the direction of insertion of the conductor 8, or axially relative to the axis of rotation D. A (corresponding) assembly opening 21 is made in the conductor rail 5, in which the assembly extension 20 is housed on the clamping spring side. The assembly opening 21 on the rail side is made in a bent part 22 between the side wall 5a and the support wall 5b.

[0091] As can be clearly seen in [Fig. 7], an assembly opening 21 is provided in the conductor rail 5 with a narrowing 23 forming a local, in particular point, support on the assembly extension 20 of the support branch 3a of the clamping spring 3. The narrowing 23 is formed by a wavy crest of an opening edge 21a of the assembly opening 21 on the rail side in a wave shape and facing the assembly extension 20.

[0092] As clearly shown in Figures 8 to 10, a support or clamping bracket 24 is provided on the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail. This bracket is formed on the support wall 5b, or from it, in particular by stamping and bending, on the narrow side of the conductor rail 5 - opposite the insertion direction (of the conductor) E of the insertion opening 9 -, or in the area of ​​the front side of the conductor rail 5 opposite the insertion opening E. The support or clamping bracket 24 is suitably bent to extend parallel to the side wall 5a. Suitably, the width of the support or clamping bracket 24, in the insertion direction E, in the area of ​​its narrow part, is approximately (10 + 1)% of the width of the conductor rail 5.

[0093] Between the support bracket 24, or its free end, and the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5, an assembly gap 25 is formed. The support branch 3a of the clamping spring 3 is housed therein by zones, or with a part of rail or branch 26, preferably by complementarity of shapes and / or by clamping.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the connection terminal 1, a stirrup-shaped assembly extension 27, oriented or guided towards the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5, is formed on the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5. This stirrup is located at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening 9, in particular directly adjacent to the support or clamping bracket 24 or resting against it. The assembly extension 27 is provided with an assembly contour 28 into which a connection element 29 of the support bracket 24 engages by form-fitting engagement. The assembly connection shown is designed in the manner of puzzle pieces.

[0095] The assembly extension 27 is provided with an assembly opening 30 in which a assembly tenon 31 is housed, which is made or formed from the side wall 5a of the conductor rail 5 or from a fork branch 7a of the fork contact 7. The assembly concept makes it possible to absorb the tensions of the clamping springs 3 stressed in the conductor rail 5 between its rail parts or walls 5b, 5c while maintaining the dimensional stability of the conductor rail 5. It is also possible to ensure constant positioning and / or uniform contact forces in the fork contact 7.

[0096] As shown in particular in Figures 6, 7 and 10, a positioning extension 32 is formed on the conductor rail 5, or on its side wall 5a, in the region of the (conductor) insertion opening 9. This extension engages in the spring arc 3c of the clamping spring 3, preferably by bearing on the spring arc 3c and / or on the support leg 3a. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageous fixation of the position or an advantageous positioning of the clamping spring 3 within the conductor connection channel 8 or in the conductor rail 5.

[0097] [Fig. 12] shows the electrical connection terminal 1 with the fork contact 7 formed on the end of the conductor rail 5 opposite the insertion opening 9, with contact or fork branches (tulip branches) 7a, 7b inclined towards each other. These are oriented in the insertion direction E and form a contact point 33, for example for a contact pin. For this purpose, the contact branches 7a, 7b are provided, in the region of their movable free ends, with (inner) cambers 34 formed by molding-like indentations and facing towards each other.

[0098] [Fig. 13] shows a housing 35 of a row of electrical connection terminals with pivoting or actuating levers 6 pivotally mounted on the housing side. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate variants of a snap-on connection on the conductor rail 5 of the electrical connection terminal 1 of housing parts 36, 37 of a two-part terminal housing 35.

[0099] The housing 35 is provided with a number of (conductor) insertion channels 38 corresponding to the number of connection terminals placed in the row. Only one insertion channel 38 of a first housing part 26 is shown in detail. The first housing part 36 of the terminal housing 35 is provided with a side wall 36a which closes the conductor connection channel 8 around its circumference, or which replaces or forms the missing side wall of the conductor rail 5. The terminal housing 35, in particular its first part 36, is provided with a free zone 36b for the actuating element 6. The eccentric part 6b of the actuating element 6 passes through the free zone 36b and plunges into the conductor connection channel 8.

[0100] The housing parts 36, 37 are provided with connecting elements 39 or latching contours 40 corresponding to the conductor rail 5. In the version according to [Fig. 14], a first housing part 36 receiving the conductor rail 5 with the clamping spring 3 already arranged inside, has a connecting element 39a on the housing side in the form of a latching hook which engages in a latching contour (clearance cutout) 40a on the rail side of the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5. A second housing part 37 receiving the fork contact 7 has a connecting element 39b also designed in the form of a latching hook and which engages in a latching contour (clearance cutout) 40b of the contact wall 5c of the conductor rails 5.

[0101] In the version according to [Fig. 15], a first housing part 36 receiving the conductor rail 5 with the clamping spring 3 already arranged inside has a housing-side latching contour 41a in the form of a latching recess into which a rail-side connecting element 42a engages in the form of a pawl formed from the support wall 5b of the conductor rails 5. A second housing part 37 receiving the fork contact 7 has a housing-side latching contour 41b in the form of a latching recess into which a rail-side connecting element 42b engages in the form of a pawl formed from the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5.

[0102] The inlet channel 38 of the terminal housing 35, or of its first housing part 36, which opens into the conductor insertion channel 8, is funnel-shaped or tapers conically towards the conductor connection channel 8. In an area or channel section 43 of the inlet channel 38 opening into the conductor insertion channel 8, a recess or notch 44 is provided in the terminal housing 35 or in the first housing part 26, into which the spring arch 3c of the clamping spring 3 is inserted. The insertion area for the conductor 2 via the inlet channel 38 into the conductor connection channel 8 of the connection terminal 1 is free of edges or other obstacles (impact points), so that the conductor 2 can be guided unhindered to the contact point K.

[0103] Figures 16a to 16d show variants of the lever 6 with coaxial journals 15 of different axial lengths or journal diameters. The journal facing the side wall 5a of the conductor rail 5, or associated therewith, is hereinafter referred to as 15b, and the journal on the clearance cutout side facing the clearance cutout 11 of the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5, or associated therewith, is hereinafter referred to as 15a.

[0104] In the variants shown in Figures 16c and 16d, the pins 15a and 15b have different axial lengths. In the variants shown in Figures 16c and 16d, the pins 15a and 15b have different diameters. The variants of the lever 6 shown in the figures, with pins 15a, 15b of different design, are particularly suitable for a row arrangement with plug-in connectors formed by electrical connection terminals 1 with a pitch of 2.5 mm.

[0105] The design of the pins 15a, 15b makes it possible to counteract an asymmetrical stress due to a unilateral stress of the lever 6 when the clamping spring 3 is stressed, in particular when the space available for the entire structure and / or the pitch is reduced. Due to their different geometry (length, diameter), the pins 15a, 15b only have to absorb the stress at the required locations. In particular, the opposite pin 15a, 15b can be designed smaller or narrower than the pin 15b or 15a subjected to a greater stress. This allows a corresponding saving of material at the less stressed pin 15.

[0106] In summary, the invention relates to an electrical connection terminal 1 for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor 2 according to a basic concept in which the electrical connection terminal 1 is provided with a conductor rail 5 with a side wall 5a, on which a support wall 5b and a contact wall 5c spaced therefrom are formed, forming a conductor connection channel 8 accessible via an insertion opening 9. The connection terminal 1 further comprises a clamping spring 3, in particular biased in the conductor rail 5, with a support leg 3a in contact or bearing against the support wall 5b of the conductor rail 5, and with a clamping leg 3b connected thereto and having a clamping edge 4 which is guided against the contact wall 5c of the conductor rail 5 forming a clamping point K.

[0107] The invention further relates to an electrical connection terminal 1 for establishing contact by clamping an electrical conductor according to a variant which, in addition to the basic concept or on the basis thereof, comprises an actuating element 6, in particular a lever, for pivoting the clamping leg 3b against the tension of the clamping spring 3 in the direction of its support leg 3a.

[0108] The invention also relates to an electrical connection terminal 1 for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor, according to a variant which, in addition to the basic concept or on the basis thereof, is provided with a connection contact 7 provided at the end of the conductor rail 5 opposite the insertion opening 9, in particular formed thereon.

[0109] The invention also relates to an electrical connection terminal 1 intended to establish contact by clamping with an electrical conductor, according to a variant which, in addition to the basic concept or based on it, is provided with a two-part terminal housing 35, the housing parts 36, 37 of which are preferably snapped onto the conductor rail 5.

[0110] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, other variants of the invention may be deduced by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims, without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments may also be combined in another way within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. [YES] List of references 1 Electrical connection terminal 2 Driver (electric) 3 Clamping spring 3a___Support branch 3b___Clamping branch 3c___Spring bow 3d___Arc vertex 4 Clamping edge 5 Conductor rail 5 a___Side wall 5b___Support wall 5c___Contact wall 6 Actuating element / Pivot lever 6a___Basic body 6b___Eccentric part 6c___Lever part 7 Fork contact 7a___Contact branch / fork 7b___Contact branch / fork 8 Conductor Connection Channel / Tunnel 9 Introductory Opening 10___Point of curvature / Elbow 11___Clearance cutout 12___Actuating part 13___Clearance cutout 14___Front face 15 Spindles 15a__Toumllon wall side 15b__Trunnion side clearance cutout 16___Clearance Cutout / Hollowing Out 17___Pivot contour 18___Release cutout (spring side) 19___Clearance cutout (rail side) 20___Assembly extension 21___Assembly opening 22___Elbow part 23___Shrinkage 24___Support / clamping bracket 25___Assembly gap 26___Part of rail / branch 27___Assembly extension 28___Assembly outline 29___Assembly element 30___Assembly opening 31___Assembly tenon 32___Positioning extension 33___Point of contact 34___Footprint / Camber 35___Housing (clamping) 36___(first) Part of case 36a__Side wall 36b__Free Zone 37___(second) Housing part 38___Introduction channel (of the driver) 39a__Housing side assembly element 39b__Housing side assembly element 40a__Rail-side snap-in contour 40b__Rail-side snap-in contour 41a__Case-side snap-in contour 41b__Case-side snap-in contour 42a__Rail side assembly element 42b__Rail side assembly element 43___Area / part of canal 44___Obviously d Diameter (of the spring arch) E Direction of introduction (of the driver) K Clamping point

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor (2), and comprising the following components: __-_a conductor rail (5) with a side wall (5a) and, formed thereon by forming a conductor connection channel (8) accessible via an insertion opening (9), a support wall (5b) and a contact wall (5c) spaced therefrom, and __-_a clamping spring (3), arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel (8), and provided with a support leg (3a) in contact or resting against the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and with a clamping leg (3b), connected in particular to the support leg by a spring arch (3c), and provided with a clamping edge (4) which is guided against the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5), forming a clamping point (K) for establishing clamping contact,between the clamping spring (3) and the conductor rail (5), with the conductor (2) inserted into the conductor connection channel (8) through the insertion opening (9) in a conductor insertion direction (E).,

2. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, __-_the leg length of the support leg (3a) of the clamping spring is greater than the leg length of the clamping leg (3b), and / or __-_the leg length of the clamping leg (3b) of the clamping spring (3) is between 50% and 90% of the leg length of the support leg (3a), in particular between 55% and 85%, preferably between 60% and 80%, particularly preferably is (70 ± 5)% of the leg length of the support leg, and / or __-_the clamping leg (3b) of the clamping spring (3) touches the support leg (3a) in a position where the clamping point (K) is open, or a gap or space is formed between the support leg and the clamping leg (3b), in particular less than the diameter (d) of the spring arc (3c) of the clamping spring (3), preferably less than half of said diameter (d).

3. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, __-_the side wall (5a) as well as the support wall (5b) and the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) form a U, and / or __-_the height of the side wall (5a) is less than 2.5 times the width of the contact wall (5c), and / or __-_the width of the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) is between 40% and 60% of the height of the side wall (5a), in particular is (50 ± 5)% of the height of the side wall, and / or __-_the width of the support wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) is between 50% and 80% of the height of the side wall (5a), in particular is (70 ± 5)% of the height of the wall lateral.

4. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, __-_the spring arc (3c) of the clamping spring (3) projects beyond the conductor rail (5) at the insertion opening (9) of the conductor connection channel (8), and / or __-_the spring arc (3c) of the clamping spring (3) projects beyond the support wall (5b) and / or the side wall (5a) and / or the contact wall (5c) at the insertion opening (9) of the conductor connection channel (8) of the conductor rail (5), and / or __-_the spring arc (3c) of the clamping spring (3), in particular a part of the spring arc adjacent to the support leg (3a) or extending into the support leg (3a), projects beyond the support leg (3a) on the side thereof opposite the clamping leg.

5. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping leg (3b) of the clamping spring (3) is provided with an actuating part (12) projecting from the clamping edge (4) in the direction of insertion of the conductor (E) and / or in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the conductor (E).

6. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, __-_the actuating part (12) is oriented in the direction of the support branch (3a) of the clamping spring (3), and / or __-_the actuating part (12) is curved towards the support branch (3a) of the clamping spring (3), in particular in an arcuate manner.

7. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, ___-_the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) has a width less than that of the support wall (5b), and / or ___-_the width of the contact wall (5c) is between 50% and 80% of the width of the support wall (5b), in particular between 60% and 75%, and / or ___-_the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) is provided with a clearance cutout (11) through which the actuating part (12) of the clamping leg (3b) of the clamping spring (3) is accessible in a direction transverse to the conductor insertion direction (E) or in the direction of the clamping edge (4) or perpendicular thereto.

8. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, ___-_a recess or spring clearance cutout (18) is made in the support branch (3a) of the clamping spring (3), and / or ___-_a rail clearance recess or cutout (19) is provided in the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and / or ___-_a rail clearance recess or cutout (19) is provided in the support wall (3a) of the conductor rail (5), which is aligned with the recess (18) or a recess in the support leg (3a) of the clamping spring (3), or which is superimposed on the latter in particular completely or at least partially.

9. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, ___-_an assembly extension (20) is formed on the support branch (3a) of the clamping spring (3), and / or ___-_an assembly opening (21) is provided in the conductor rail (5), in particular in a bent area or a bent part between the side wall (5a) and the support wall (5b), and / or ___-_an assembly opening (21) with a narrowing (23), in particular local and / or acting as a point support, is provided in the conductor rail (5), and / or ___-_the assembly extension (20) of the support leg (3a) of the clamping spring (3) is inserted into the assembly opening (21) of the conductor rail (5), in particular by form-fitting and / or by friction.

10. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, on the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5), in particular on the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening (9), a support bracket (24) is formed with a free end of the bracket directed or guided towards the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), a connection gap (25) being formed between the support bracket (25), or its free end, and the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and in which the support leg (3a) of the clamping spring (3) is accommodated, in particular in certain areas.

11. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an assembly extension (27) directed or guided towards the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) is formed on the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), in particular at the end of the rail opposite the insertion opening (9).

12. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, ___-_the connection extension (27) is provided with a connection contour (28) which corresponds to a connection element (29) of the support bracket (24), in particular by forming a form-fitting connection or a form-fitting connection, and / or ___-_the connection extension (27) is provided with a connection contour (28) in which a connection element (29) of the support bracket (24) engages in a form-fitting manner, and / or ___-_the connection extension (27) is provided with a connection opening (30) in which a connection pin (31) is received which is produced, in particular formed, from the side wall (5a) of the conductor rail (5), in particular at the rail end opposite the insertion opening (9), or ___-_the assembly extension (27) is provided with an assembly opening (30) in which a assembly pin (31) is received which is produced from a connection contact (7) provided on the conductor rail (5), in particular formed thereon, in particular at the rail end opposite the insertion opening (9), said connection contact being in particular a fork contact or a fork contact branch (7a).

13. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a positioning extension (32) is formed on the side wall (5a) of the conductor rail (5), in particular in the area of ​​the insertion opening (9), which positioning extension projects into the spring arch (3c) of the clamping spring (3), preferably bearing on the spring arch (3c) and / or on the support leg (3a).

14. Electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor (2), provided with a conductor rail (5) with a side wall (5a) and, formed thereon by forming a conductor connection channel (8) accessible via an insertion opening (9), a support wall (5b) and a contact wall (5c) spaced therefrom, a clamping spring (3), arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel (8), and provided with a support leg (3a) in contact or resting against the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and with a clamping leg (3b) connected in particular to the support leg by a spring bow (3c) and provided with a clamping edge (4) which is guided against the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) forming a clamping point (K) for the clamping connection, between the spring clamping (3) and the conductor rail (5),of the conductor (2) introduced into the conductor connection channel (8) in an insertion direction (E) through the insertion opening (9), and ___-_an actuating element (6) for pivoting the clamping branch (3b) of the clamping spring (3) in the direction of the support branch (3a) thereof.,

15. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, ___-_the actuating element (6) is pivotally housed about an axis of rotation (D) located outside the conductor rail (5), in particular outside and / or on the side of the contact wall (5c) which is opposite the contact point (K), and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) can be introduced into the conductor connection channel (8) through a clearance cutout (11) or laterally next to the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5), and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) can be applied, in particular with a preferably rounded end face (14), against an actuating part (12) of the clamping leg (3b) of the clamping spring (3) which projects beyond the clamping edge (4) and / or can be coupled thereto.

16. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, ___-_the actuating element (6) has a base body (6a) with coaxial pins (15) formed on both sides, and / or ___-_pins (15a, 15b) coaxial with each other and of different axial lengths and / or different pin diameters are formed on the actuating element (6), and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) has an eccentric part (6b) extending radially relative to the axis of rotation (D), in particular in the form of a sabre fin, and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) has a base body (6a) with an axial clearance cutout (16) forming a pivot contour (17), and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) has a lever part (6c) extending radially relative to the axis of rotation (D).

17. Electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor (2) by means of a clamping spring (3), having an actuating element (6) for actuating the clamping spring (3), the actuating element (6) having a base body (6a) with journals (15), preferably coaxial, formed in particular on both sides, and / or

18.

19. ___-_pins (15a, 15b), in particular coaxial with each other, of different axial lengths and / or different pin diameters being formed on the actuating element (6), and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) having an eccentric part (6b) extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation (D), in particular in the form of a sabre fin, and / or ___-_the actuating element (6) having a base body (6a) with an axial clearance cutout (16). Electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing contact by clamping with an electrical conductor (2), having ___-_a conductor rail (5) with a side wall (5a) and, produced thereon by forming a conductor connection channel (8) accessible through an insertion opening (9), a support wall (5b) as well as a contact wall (5c) spaced therefrom, ___-_a clamping spring (3), arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel (8), and provided with a support leg (3a) in contact or in contact with the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and with a clamping leg (3b), connected in particular to the support leg by a spring arc (3c), and provided with a clamping edge (4) guided against the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) forming a clamping point (K) for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring (3) and the conductor rail (5), with the conductor (2) inserted into the conductor connection channel (8) through the insertion opening (9) in an insertion direction (E), and ___-_a connection contact (7) provided at the end of the conductor rail (5) opposite the insertion opening (9), in particular formed thereon, preferably a fork contact with contact branches (7a, 7b) oriented in the insertion direction (E) and forming a contact point (33). Electrical connection terminal (1) for establishing clamping contact with an electrical conductor (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising ___-_a conductor rail (5) with a side wall (5a) and, produced thereon by forming a conductor connection channel (8) accessible through an insertion opening (9), a support wall (5b) as well as a contact wall (5c) spaced therefrom, ___-_a clamping spring (3), arranged in particular at least partially in the conductor connection channel (8), and provided with a support leg (3a) in contact or in contact with the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5), and with a clamping leg (3b), in particular connected to the support leg by a spring arch (3c), provided with a clamping edge (4) which is guided against the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) forming a clamping point (K) for establishing clamping contact, between the clamping spring (3) and the conductor rail (5), with the conductor (2) inserted into the conductor connection channel (8) through the insertion opening (9) in an insertion direction (E), and ___-_a two-part terminal housing (35), the housing parts (36, 37) of which are assembled, in particular with the conductor rail (5), preferably snapped onto it.

20. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, ___the housing parts (36, 37) are provided with connecting elements (39a, 39b) or latching contours (40a, 40b) corresponding to the conductor rail (5), and / or ___-_a first housing part (36) receiving the conductor rail (5) and the clamping spring (3) is provided with a first connecting element (39a) or a first latching contour (41a), and the support wall (5b) of the conductor rail (5) is provided with a corresponding latching contour (40a) or a corresponding connecting element (42a), and / or ___a second housing part (37), in particular for receiving a connection contact (7), is provided with a first connecting element (39b) or a first latching contour (41b), and the contact wall (5c) of the conductor rail (5) is provided with a corresponding latching contour (40b) or a corresponding connecting element (42b).

21. Electrical connection terminal (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, ___-_the conductor connection channel (8) is closed, in an area opposite the side wall (5a) of the conductor rail (5), by means of a side wall (36a) of the terminal housing (35), in particular by means of its first housing part (36), and / or ___-_the terminal housing (35), in particular its first housing part (36), is provided with a free zone (36b) through which an actuating element (6), in particular an eccentric part (6b), passes to actuate the clamping spring (3), or into which the actuating element (6), in particular its eccentric part (6b), plunges, and / or ___-_an actuating element (6) actuates the clamping spring (3), or its clamping branch (3b), only in an area opposite the side wall (5a) of the conductor rail (5), and / or ___-_a side wall (36a) of the terminal housing (35) and an actuating element (6), in particular an eccentric part (6b), form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel (8) around its circumference, and / or ___-_a side wall (36a) of the terminal housing (35) and an actuating element (6) aligned with the side wall (36a), in particular an eccentric part (6b) aligned with the side wall (36a), form a channel wall which closes the conductor connection channel (8) around its circumference, and / or ___-_the terminal housing (35), in particular its first housing part (36), is provided with an inlet channel (43) for the conductor (2), preferably funnel-shaped, and / or ___-_the terminal housing (35), in particular its first housing part (36), is provided with an inlet channel (43) for the conductor (2), preferably conical, opening into the conductor introduction channel (8), and / or ___-_in a channel area (44) of an inlet channel (43) of the terminal housing (35) opening into the conductor insertion channel (8), a recess on the housing side (45) is provided for the or a spring arc (3c) of the clamping spring (3).

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