Conductor connection terminal

Abstract

To provide an improved conductor connection terminal.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a conductor connection terminal (1). The conductor connection terminal (1) includes an insulation material housing (3) having a conductor insertion channel (2), a bus bar (4), a clamping spring (5), and an actuation unit (6). The clamping spring (5) has a contact leg (7), a spring arch (8) and a clamping leg (9). The clamping leg (9) forms, together with the bus bar (4), a clamping point (10) for an electric conductor (11) that can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel (2). The clamping leg (9) can be displaced between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open / close the clamping point (10). The actuation unit (6) displaces the clamping leg (9) to the open position (O). Herein, the clamping point (10) is especially formed by a clamping edge of the clamping leg (9), the clamping edge being usually at the free end of the clamping leg (9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductor connection terminal comprising an insulating housing having a conductor insertion channel, a busbar, a clamp spring, and an actuation unit, wherein the clamp spring has an abutment leg, a spring arch, and a clamp leg, the clamp leg together with the busbar forming a clamping point for an electrical conductor insertable into the conductor insertion channel, the clamp leg being displaceable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping point, and the actuation unit is configured to displace the clamp leg to the open position. [Background technology]

[0002] Here, the clamping point is formed in particular by a clamping edge of the clamping leg, which is usually at the free end of the clamping leg. Such conductor connection terminals are known from practice. The actuation unit of the conductor connection terminal serves to return the clamping legs to an open position so as to open the clamping point, for example in order to release the clamped conductor again. In a variant, these conductor connection terminals may be provided with an automatic connection function for the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor to be clamped is inserted into the conductor connection terminal. Insertion of the electrical conductor automatically releases the clamping legs of the clamping spring, which have been held in the open position, and can result in clamping of the electrical conductor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is desirable for the actuation unit to be able to effectively transmit a force to the clamp legs to displace them into the open position with a small applied force, but at the same time, the actuation unit requires only a small installation space and does not impair the automatic connection mechanism.Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved conductor connection terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The above problem is solved by a conductor connection terminal according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. With respect to the conductor connection terminal mentioned at the outset, it is proposed that the actuation unit has an operating element and an actuation element, the actuation element having a bearing base, an actuation section for actuating the actuation element by the operating element and a pivot arm for mechanical contact with the clamp leg, the clamp leg having a drive section, and the actuation element is configured to pivot around the bearing base when actuated and displace the clamp leg into its open position via the pivot arm engaging with the drive section.

[0005] In other words, a conductor connection terminal is proposed that has a clamping leg return to its open position by means of an actuation unit comprising an operating element and, in particular, a separately mounted actuating element, where the actuating element forms a two-arm lever that can pivot about a bearing base, the lever arm being formed by an actuating section and a pivot arm. The pivoting movement of the actuating element can be transmitted to the clamping leg via the pivot arm and the drive section, so that the clamping leg can be displaced toward the abutment leg to its open position. With the proposed conductor connection terminal, a reliably effective return of the clamping leg can be achieved with a small applied force and in a compact construction, thanks to the lever action that can be realized by the actuating element.

[0006] This provides an actuation mechanism that is compact, easy to handle and functions reliably. The insulating housing of the conductor connection terminal, made for example from a plastic material, accommodates the busbar and clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal and protects them from environmental influences and contact. The conductor insertion channel can form, for example, an at least partially cylindrical or funnel-shaped plug-in channel leading to the clamping point of the conductor connection terminal, in which the end section of the electrical conductor can be inserted into the insulating housing in a defined insertion direction and removed from the insulating housing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The busbar, also called contact piece or current bar, can be a primarily rigid electrical conductor formed, for example, by a metal strip, which can be partially bent to form the clamping point according to any suitable possible form, or can have a perforated collar created by a penetration.

[0007] The clamp spring of the conductor connection terminal may be a primarily flat component, particularly made of an elastic spring material. The clamp spring has an abutment leg for abutting and supporting the clamp spring on an adjacent structure, such as a busbar or an insulating housing; a clamp leg for clamping the conductor to the busbar; and a spring arch between the abutment leg and the clamp leg for deflecting the clamp spring, so that the abutment leg extends at least partially toward the clamp leg. When displaced to the open position, the clamp leg may be displaceable toward the abutment leg. The clamp leg, together with the busbar, may form a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor to the busbar. This is achieved by the clamp leg, particularly the clamping edge of the clamp leg, pressing the conductor against the busbar under the spring force of the clamp spring, thereby establishing a reliable electrical contact. The clamp leg is displaceable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the clamping point. In the open position of the clamping legs, the clamping legs are spaced apart from the busbar and possibly the inserted electrical conductor, thereby freeing the clamping point and allowing the conductor to be inserted into the conductor connection terminal and positioned in the area of ​​the clamping point or removed therefrom. In the closed position of the clamping legs, the clamping legs are displaced towards the busbar and the inserted electrical conductor and exert a pressing force on the electrical conductor in the direction of the busbar, thereby creating an electrical contact between the conductor and the busbar.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the conductor connection terminal can be locked in the open position. Here, the conductor connection terminal can be configured so that the clamp legs are automatically displaced to the closed position when an electrical conductor is inserted into the conductor connection terminal, thereby advantageously providing the conductor connection terminal with an automatic conductor connection function. For this purpose, the conductor connection terminal may in particular have a release mechanism that can be activated by an inserted conductor and by which the clamp legs can be released from their open position and automatically moved to the closed position by spring force. In their open position, the clamp legs may be kept in a ready state by a suitable holding structure, for example, on the busbar or the abutment legs of the clamp spring. Therefore, the actuating unit of the conductor connection terminal may be intended primarily for guiding, i.e., displacing or pivoting, the clamp legs relative to the holding structure, thereby moving the clamp legs to the open position, rather than for continuously holding them. However, embodiments in which the clamp legs are held by an actuating unit, in particular an actuating element, are not excluded.

[0009] The actuation unit includes an operating element and an actuating element. In a preferred embodiment, the operating element and the actuating element can be implemented as structurally separate components of the actuating unit. The operating element is responsible for transmitting an operating force applied to the operating element by a user of the conductor connection terminal. The operating element can be actuable, for example, manually and / or with a tool. The operating element may have a guide slot for a tool holder, such as a screwdriver. The actuating element can be configured to pivot about the bearing base when actuated by the operating force transmitted to the actuating section. Here, when the actuating section is pivoted toward the busbar, the pivot arm of the actuating element can be pivoted toward the actuating section, thereby achieving a swinging movement about the bearing base. Here, the actuating section and the pivot arm pivot about the same pivot axis of the bearing base with different movement paths, which arise due to their different positions relative to the pivot axis. The pivot arm is configured to move toward the drive section of the clamp leg and, after mechanical contact, move together with the drive section, i.e., the pivot arm and the clamp leg continue to pivot together. This allows the clamp leg to be displaced toward the abutment leg to its open position. The bearing base may have a base leg that forms a pivot bearing seat for the actuating element, through which a pivot axis of the actuating element extends. The base leg is connected to the actuating section and the pivot arm. For this purpose, the base leg may be restricted from establishing a direct connection between the actuating section and the pivot arm and forming the pivot bearing seat. However, the base leg may also protrude at least partially from the actuating section, away from the pivot arm. The base leg and the pivot arm may protrude in different directions from each other, for example, at an angle of 90°±10°. In the open position, the pivot arm protrudes substantially perpendicular to the busbar, and the base leg extends substantially parallel to the busbar. The base leg and at least a partial section of the pivot arm may together form a C-shaped profile. The bearing base with the base leg, the pivot arm and the working section may be integrally formed with one another.

[0010] The base leg may be supported on the busbar, and the pivot arm may contact the clamp leg on the side of the busbar that is diametrically opposite the support of the base leg on the busbar. This ensures that the rotation point of the bearing section and the contact point of the pivot arm are very close to each other when viewed in a vertical line, i.e., the projections of the contact point and the vertical line of the rotation point on the busbar are close to each other and are almost one above the other when viewed from the side, i.e., on a line perpendicular to the busbar. The extension line connecting the rotation point and the contact point does not need to run exactly perpendicular to the plane of the busbar (i.e., to the surface of the busbar) but can have a slightly acute angle. This adjacent alignment of the rotation point and the contact point ensures that the largest possible displacement distance of the clamp leg in a direction parallel to the surface of the busbar is achieved when the pivot element is pivoted.

[0011] It is advantageous if the two swivel bearing seats are spaced apart from one another. For this purpose, the two base legs can be spaced apart from one another. The two base legs can extend parallel to one another.

[0012] The drive section of the clamp leg can be the surface area of ​​the front side of the clamp leg facing the conductor insertion channel, where mechanical contact and the associated force of the pivot arm can occur. Here, the drive section can be formed by a partial surface of, for example, a rectangular base surface of the clamp leg, or it can be offset relative to the base surface and protrude from it, for example with a lateral extension contour or a protruding spring tongue.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the actuating element may have two pivot arms extending parallel to one another and / or two base legs extending parallel to one another. Here, one pivot arm may extend on each side of the clamp leg, so that the pivot arms are located laterally on opposite sides of the clamp leg. Furthermore, one base leg may extend on each side of the clamp leg, so that the base legs are located laterally on opposite sides of the clamp leg. When the actuating element has two pivot arms, the clamp leg may have two corresponding drive sections, each of which mechanically contacts the drive section of the clamp leg, thereby displacing the clamp leg. This allows for uniform application of force to the clamp leg, making it less likely to tilt and more reliably displacing with a small applied force. The two parallel pivot arms and / or two parallel base legs further enhance the stability of the actuating element and allow it to pivot precisely. The two pivot arms and / or the two base legs may each be formed identically with respect to their shape and dimensions, and therefore the features described below for a pivot arm or a base leg may be applicable to both parallel pivot arms and / or both parallel base legs.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the actuation section may have two actuation arms extending parallel to one another and a connecting web connecting the actuation arms. This results in a compact and stable actuation element. The connecting web may extend substantially transversely to the actuation arms. The surfaces of the base leg, the pivot arm, and / or the actuation arms may extend in a common plane, i.e., may transition into one another without an angle, especially when viewed from each side of the actuation element.

[0015] According to one development, the connecting web may have an actuation surface for mechanical contact by the operating element. This gives the connecting web an additional actuation function in addition to its mechanical connection and stabilization function, thereby further promoting the compactness of the actuation element through functional integration. The actuation surface of the connecting web may face the actuation surface of the operating element. The actuation surface of the connecting web may have an at least partially curved surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the actuation section may be formed with a curved spring tongue. The spring tongue may, for example, protrude from the aforementioned actuation surface of the connecting web. The spring tongue may be bent from the actuation surface in a direction away from the actuation surface of the operating element. The spring tongue may be configured to form an integral part with the actuation section. The spring tongue may form part of the actuation section and may be mechanically contactable by the actuation surface of the operating element. During actuation of the actuation section, the actuation surface of the operating element can slide over the curved spring tongue, thereby facilitating smooth, gradual actuation of the actuation element and supporting comfortable operation of the operating unit. Furthermore, the spring tongue, which limits the pivoting movement of the actuation element, may prevent the actuation element from becoming stuck laterally on the connecting web.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm may be L-shaped. This allows the pivot arm to clamp the drive section of the clamp leg and ensure reliable and effective force transmission to the clamp leg. The L-shaped pivot arm may have a first L-leg, by which the pivot arm is connected to the bearing base and the actuating section. The first L-leg may be supported against the busbar in the open position. The L-shaped pivot arm may have a second L-leg, which projects at an angle, in particular substantially perpendicularly, from the first L-leg and serves to mechanically contact the drive section. Here, the L-shaped pivot arm is guided past the clamp spring.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the drive section may be formed by a protrusion projecting laterally from the clamp leg. This allows a slight and simple geometrical adaptation of the clamp spring to provide an advantageous force application area for displacing the clamp spring with the actuating element. The lateral protrusion can be considered a lateral extension of the front surface of the clamp leg facing the conductor insertion channel, so that the surface of the drive section and the front surface of the clamp leg lie in the same plane. In other words, the drive section may form a step on the side of the clamp leg, which connects the front surface of the clamp leg with the opposite rear surface. In the region of the drive section, the clamp leg may have a width greater than that of the clamp leg region adjacent to the drive section. The clamp leg may in particular have two protrusions projecting laterally on opposite sides of the clamp leg, which protrusions are mechanically accessible by parallel pivot arms of the actuating element.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the busbar may have a busbar frame with frame legs extending parallel to one another, with the clamp spring disposed between the frame legs. For example, the busbar may be a primarily flat contact element with an inner recess defined on at least two sides by the frame legs. The recess may be formed, for example, as a through-hole, so that a perforated collar protrudes from the edge of the recess and advantageously supports the clamp spring thereon. The frame legs enable a compact and secure reception of the clamp spring on the busbar and improve the stability of the contact insert of the conductor connection terminal formed by the clamp spring and the busbar. Arranging the clamp spring between the frame legs here may mean that the clamp spring extends partially between the frame legs and protrudes through the recess between the frame legs. For example, an upper section of the clamp spring with a spring arch may extend above the busbar, and a lower section of the clamp spring with a release section (described later) may extend below the busbar. The free ends of the clamping legs, which can form clamping points with inserted electrical conductors, can be located substantially at the height of the frame legs or perforated collars, at least in the closed position, so that the electrical conductors can be securely clamped to the busbars.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the busbar may have an actuating element receiving portion for abutting and guiding the actuating element. This achieves a stable arrangement and limited mobility of the actuating element within the conductor connection terminal. The actuating element receiving portion may, for example, be a notch, a retaining pin, or another suitable receiving contour for holding the actuating element on the busbar frame, with the notch enabling a particularly compact arrangement. The actuating element receiving portion may, in particular, have two actuating element receiving portions formed on opposite sides of the busbar. The actuating element receiving portion may be configured so that the pivoting movement of the actuating element is not hindered by the actuating element receiving portion, i.e., may have a width greater than the actuating element within the receiving portion section for placement within the actuating element receiving portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the bearing base of the actuating element may extend on a side of the busbar opposite the spring arch of the clamp spring, and the actuating section and / or pivot arm of the actuating element may extend on a side of the busbar facing the spring arch of the clamp spring. This achieves a stable positioning and limited mobility of the actuating element relative to the busbar. In other words, the bearing base may be located below the busbar, and the actuating section and / or pivot arm may extend above the busbar. Thus, the section connecting the bearing base to the pivot arm and / or actuating section extends through an actuating element receiving portion in the busbar, which receiving portion may be formed, for example, as a cutout in the busbar. For example, the bearing base may mechanically contact an underside of a frame leg of the busbar frame, and the actuating section and / or pivot arm may mechanically contact an upper side of the frame leg of the busbar frame depending on the operating state of the actuating element. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the busbar has a support surface, for example, adjacent to the busbar frame, that is mechanically contactable by the actuating section during operation.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the busbar can form a stop for the actuating section and / or the pivoting arm, thereby precisely limiting the mobility of the actuating element. For example, the upper and / or adjacent support surfaces of the frame legs, which can be mechanically contacted by the actuating section and / or the pivoting arm, can form the stop surface. Due to the pivoting structure of the actuating element, the stop area can lie in one plane and can be used depending on the deflection state of the actuating element.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the busbar may have a bearing portion for guiding the pivot region of the bearing base, preferably a bearing portion for guiding the pivot region of the base leg of the bearing base. This allows for limited pivotability of the actuating element. The bearing portion may be formed, for example, on the underside of the frame leg of the busbar. For example, the pivot region of the bearing base may be formed convexly, and the bearing portion may be formed concavely with an appropriate radius. This allows the pivot region to roll on the bearing surface of the bearing portion around a pivot axis extending through the pivot region during pivoting movement of the actuating element.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the clamp leg and the abutment leg of the clamp spring extend between the actuating section and the pivot arm of the actuating element, with the pivot arm facing the clamp leg and the actuating section facing the abutment leg. The actuating section and the pivot arm can thus sandwich and partially surround the clamp spring on opposite sides, thereby providing a stable, reliable, and effective actuation mechanism for returning the clamp legs to the open position. Furthermore, by arranging the operating element on the side of the clamp spring opposite the conductor insertion channel, a compact construction can be achieved.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the clamp leg can be configured to engage with a retaining contour on the abutment leg of the clamp spring in the open position. This can temporarily secure the clamp leg to the abutment leg in its open position until an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal initiates automatic displacement of the clamp leg to the closed position. The retaining contour can be arranged on a retaining section that connects to the abutment leg. The retaining contour can be, for example, a retaining edge. The clamp leg can have a retaining tab that allows the clamp leg to engage with the retaining edge from behind, thereby securing the clamp leg to the abutment leg by engaging with the retaining edge. It can be considered that two retaining edges are provided, arranged on opposite sides of the abutment leg, which can interact with two correspondingly arranged retaining tabs on the clamp leg. This allows for improved fastening of the clamp leg to the abutment leg.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the abutment leg may have a release section for releasing the clamp leg, which is held in the open position, when the electrical conductor strikes the release section. This provides a simple, reliable release mechanism that can be fully integrated into the clamp spring, particularly in interaction with the aforementioned retention contour, and thus can be implemented cost-effectively and efficiently. The release section may, for example, have an actuation surface and may be capable of guiding an electrical conductor inserted into the conductor connection terminal toward the actuation surface. Impact of the conductor on the actuation surface may cause displacement of the release section and, for example, an associated extension or displacement of the retention section, which may result in the release of the retention tab of the clamp leg from the retention edge of the retention section, thereby triggering an automatic, spring-forced displacement of the clamp leg to the closed position. In other words, application of pressure to the actuation surface may unlock the clamp leg from the abutment leg. The clamp spring can be configured, for example, by a relatively small dimensioning of the retention contour at the retention section, so that even a small displacement of the release section by the conductor end initiates automatic displacement of the clamp leg to the closed position. The release section of the abutment leg, in particular its actuating surface, can be present at the free end of the abutment leg. The release section can be connected to the retention section of the abutment leg directly or via a connection section.

[0027] The insulating housing may have a guide pin that protrudes into the conductor receiving pocket and extends from a lateral inner wall of the conductor receiving pocket into the interior space of the conductor receiving pocket. The guide pin is arranged between the conductor insertion channel or the direction of extension of the electrical conductor inserted therein and the (longitudinal) connection section extending between the release section and the retaining contour, and prevents the electrical conductor from coming into contact with the connection section before being fully inserted into the release section, resulting in unintended premature unlocking. The guide pin guides the inserted electrical conductor toward the release section until the electrical conductor contacts the release section.

[0028] According to one development, the release section may have a V-shaped bend, the opening of which faces the inserted electrical conductor. This allows for centering of electrical conductors with small cross-sectional areas and a constant actuation force for the release mechanism. Alternatively, other embodiments, such as a circular recess in the release section, are also conceivable.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the actuation element may be formed as a flat stamped and bent part, which allows for cost-effective production of a lightweight and compact actuation element, for example, the actuation element may be formed as a thin-walled sheet metal part.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the operating element can be configured as a pressure element, which allows for easy and convenient operation of the actuation unit. The pressure element can have a guide slot for a tool holder, for example for a screwdriver. The pressure element can be considered, for example, as an operating element that is translatable in the actuation channel, and in this case, in particular, is guided by the actuation surface and is translatable on the actuation section of the actuation element, in particular on the actuation surface of the actuation section. In principle, it is also conceivable to implement the operating element as a lever, which is rotatable about a pivot axis.

[0031] Generally, in the context of this application, the word "one" can be understood as an indefinite article having the meaning "at least one" and not as a number, unless expressly defined otherwise.

[0032] The invention is capable of various embodiments and will be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view of a conductor connection terminal with the clamping legs of the clamping spring shown in a closed position. [Figure 1b]FIG. 1b is a perspective front view of a spring force clamp connection of a conductor connection terminal, with the insulating housing omitted, in which the clamping legs of the clamp spring are shown in a closed position. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a conductor connection terminal with the clamping legs of the clamping spring shown in an open position. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a perspective front view of a spring force clamp connection of a conductor connection terminal, with the insulating housing omitted, in which the clamping legs of the clamp spring are shown in an open position. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a conductor connection terminal with the clamping legs of the clamping spring shown in the clamped position upon insertion of an electrical conductor. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a perspective front view of a spring force clamp connection of a conductor connection terminal with the clamping legs of the clamping spring shown in the clamped position upon insertion of an electrical conductor, omitting the insulating housing. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is an isolated side view of the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal in the closed position. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is an isolated perspective view of the clamping spring of the conductor connection terminal in the closed position. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is an isolated side view of the clamp spring of the conductor connection terminal in the open position. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is an isolated perspective view of the clamp spring of the conductor connection terminal in the open position. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a side view of an isolated bus bar of a conductor connection terminal. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a perspective top view of the bus bar of the conductor connection terminal alone. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6c is a bottom perspective view of the bus bar of the conductor connection terminal alone. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a is an isolated side view of the actuating element of the conductor connection terminal. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is an isolated perspective view of the actuating element of the conductor connection terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] 1a-3b show various views and states of a conductor connection terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figures 4a-7b show isolated views of individual components of the conductor connection terminal 1 to clarify the structural details of the exemplary embodiment being described.

[0035] As is apparent from FIGS. 1a, 2a, and 3a, the conductor connection terminal 1 includes an insulating housing 3 with a conductor insertion channel 2 into which an electrical conductor 11, shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, can be inserted. The conductor connection terminal 1 further includes a busbar 4, shown in FIGS. 1a-3b and, further, shown alone as a complement in FIGS. 6a-6c, which will be described in more detail below. The conductor connection terminal 1 further includes a clamp spring 5, shown in FIGS. 1a-3b and, further, shown alone as a complement in FIGS. 4a-5b. The clamp spring 5 includes an abutment leg 7, a spring arch 8, and a clamp leg 9. The spring arch 8 causes the clamp spring 5 to be deflected so that the clamp leg 9 extends at least partially opposite the abutment leg 7. The clamp leg 9, together with the busbar 4, is configured to form a clamping point 10 for an electrical conductor 11 (shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b) that can be inserted into the conductor insertion channel 2. The clamping legs 9 are displaceable between an open position O (shown in FIGS. 2a-3b and 5a-5b) and a closed position S (shown in FIGS. 1a-1b and 4a-4b) to open and close the clamping point 10. When displaced to the open position O, the clamping legs 9 are displaceable toward the abutment legs 7, as shown in FIGS. 1a-3b. In the open position O, the electrical conductor 11 can be positioned within the area of ​​the clamping point 10, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In the closed position S, the clamping legs 9 are displaced toward the electrical conductor 11 and exert a pressing force on the electrical conductor 11 in the direction of the busbar 4 (not shown in detail). The conductor connection terminal 1 is configured so that the clamping legs 9 are automatically displaced to the closed position S when the electrical conductor 11 is inserted into the conductor connection terminal 1. For this purpose, a retaining section 38 is connected to the abutment leg 7, which has a retaining contour 28 and, after bending, merges into a (longitudinal) connection section 37, which, after further bending, is joined by a release section 29. Figures 3a and 3b show the clamping position of the conductor connection terminal 1. The clamping leg 9 abuts the electrical conductor 11, and the release section 29 is deflected. This is evident from the displacement of the spring arch 8 and the clearly displaced retaining tab 35 compared to Figure 2a.

[0036] 1a-3b, it is further apparent that the conductor connection terminal 1 also comprises an actuation unit 6. The actuation unit 6 is configured to displace the clamp leg 9 into the open position O. It can be seen from FIGS. 1a-3b that the actuation unit 6 comprises an operating element 12 implemented as a push button and a separate actuation element 13. The operating element 12 is responsible for transmitting an actuation force to the actuation element 13. Furthermore, FIGS. 7a and 7b show the actuation element 13 alone. The actuation element 13 comprises a bearing base 14 with a base leg 15. The actuation element 13 further comprises an actuation section 16 for actuating the actuation element 13 via the operating element 12. Furthermore, the actuation element 13 comprises a pivot arm 17 for mechanically contacting the clamp leg 9. The clamp leg 9 comprises a drive section 18. The actuation element 13 is configured to pivot around the bearing base 14 upon actuation. Here, the actuating element 13 can displace the clamp leg 9 into its open position O via a pivot arm 17 that engages with a drive section 18. As can be seen based on the position of the actuating element 13 in Figures 1a to 3b, the actuating element 13 functions as a two-arm lever, transmitting its pivoting movement around the bearing base 14 to the drive section 18 of the clamp leg 9 via the pivot arm 17. This ensures that the clamp leg 9 can be reliably and effectively adjusted into its open position O, and only a small operating force on the operating element 12 is required due to the lever action of the actuating element 13. At the same time, the small swing mechanism allows the conductor connection terminal 1 to be mounted compactly.

[0037] 1a to 3b and 7a and 7b, the actuation element has two pivot arms 17 extending parallel to each other on either side of the clamp leg 9 and two base legs 15 extending parallel to each other. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pivot arms 17 are formed in an L-shape. As shown in FIG. 7a, the pivot arms 17 may have a first L-leg 17a against which the pivot arms 17 can be supported by the busbar 4, and a second L-leg 17b used for mechanical contact of the drive section 18. 4b and 5b, the clamp leg 9 has two drive sections 18 on opposite sides thereof, with which the pivot arms 17 can engage, the drive sections 18 being formed by protrusions projecting laterally from the clamp leg 9, which protrusions can each be considered as lateral steps of the clamp leg 9, the clamp leg 9 being wider in the region of the protrusions compared to the adjacent clamp leg regions. The clamp leg 9 and the abutment leg 7 of the clamp spring 5 extend between the actuating section 16 of the actuating element 13 and the pivot arms 17, with the pivot arms 17 facing the clamp leg 9 and the actuating sections 16 facing the abutment legs 7.

[0038] Furthermore, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 7b, the actuating section 16 has two actuating arms 19 extending parallel to one another and a connecting web 20 connecting the actuating arms 19 and extending transversely thereto, thereby forming a compact and stable actuating element 13. As shown in FIG. 7b, the connecting web 20 has an actuating surface 21 for mechanical contact with the operating element 12. Furthermore, as can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 7a and 7b, a curved spring tongue 22 is formed in the actuating section 16. The actuating surface 21 and the spring tongue 22 face the actuating part surface 32 of the operating element 12. The curved spring tongue 22 enables a smooth approach and gradual pivoting movement of the actuating element 13.

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiment of the conductor connection terminal 1 shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the base leg 15 of the actuating element 13 extends on the side of the busbar 4 opposite the spring arch 8 of the clamping spring 5, i.e. on the underside of the busbar 4, while the actuating section 16 and the pivoting arm 17 of the actuating element 13 extend on the side of the busbar 4 facing the spring arch 8 of the clamping spring 5, i.e. on the upper side of the busbar 4.

[0040] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 6b, the busbar 4 has a busbar frame 23 with frame legs 24 extending parallel to one another. As shown, the busbar 4 may be a primarily flat contact element with an inner opening 33 defined by the frame legs 24. The opening may be formed by a through-hole, thereby including a perforated collar 31 against which the clamp spring 5 can rest. FIGS. 1b, 2b, and 3b show that the clamp spring 5 is positioned between the frame legs 24, i.e., extending through the opening 33. This forms a stable contact insert. As shown in FIGS. 6a-6c, the busbar frame 23 may have a support surface 34 against which the actuating section 16, particularly the actuating arm 19, can rest when the actuating element 13 is actuated. The support surface 34 may also form a stop surface for the actuating section 16. Furthermore, the frame legs 24 may form a stop for the pivot arm 17. The swinging movement of the actuating element 13 can therefore be limited by the busbar 4 .

[0041] 6b, it is furthermore clear that the busbar 4 has, on each of its opposing sides, actuating element receiving portions 25 formed as cutouts for supporting and guiding the actuating elements 13, thereby realizing a compact arrangement and limited mobility of the actuating elements 13. Furthermore, as is clear from FIGS. 6a to 6c, the busbar 4 has, on each of its opposing sides, a bearing portion 26 which, in this example, has a concavely curved region for guiding the convexly formed pivot region 27 of each base leg 15 of the bearing base 14.

[0042] 2a-3b and 4a-5b, the clamp leg 9 is configured to engage with a retaining contour 28 of the abutment leg 7 of the clamp spring 5 in the open position O. This allows the clamp leg 9 to be temporarily fixed to the abutment leg 7 in its open position O. The retaining contour 28 may be a lateral retaining edge, as shown, which is lockingly engageable behind a retaining tab 35 of the clamp leg 9 shown in FIGS. 4a-5b. For automatic conductor connection with automatic displacement of the clamp leg 9 to the closed position S, the conductor connection terminal 1 has a release mechanism, which, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is realized by a release section 29 of the abutment leg 7 facing the free end of the abutment leg 7. The release section 29 serves to release the clamp leg 9, which is held in the open position O, when the electrical conductor 11 strikes the release section 29. The impact of the conductor 11 deflects the abutment leg 7, releasing the retention tab 35 of the clamp leg 9 from the retention contour 28 and unlocking it. The release section 29 has a V-shaped bend 30 which allows for the centering of electrical conductors with small conductor cross-sections and therefore the generation of sufficient release force.

[0043] The conductor connection terminal 1 described based on the above exemplary embodiments makes it possible to provide a conductor connection terminal 1 with an automatic conductor connection function and a compact yet reliable actuation mechanism for returning the clamp legs 9 to their open position O. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Conductor connection terminal 2 conductor insertion channel 3. Insulating housing 4 Busbars 5 Clamp spring 6. Operating unit 7 Contact leg 8 Spring Arch 9 Clamp legs 10 Clamping Points 11 Electrical conductors 12 Operating Elements 13 Actuating Elements 14 Bearing base 15 Base legs 16 Actuation Section 17 Swivel arm 17a First L-shaped leg 17b Second L-shaped leg 18 Drive Section 19 Actuating arm 20 Connected Web 21 Working Surface 22 Spring tongue 23 Busbar frame 24 Frame legs 25 Operating element receiving part 26 Bearing section 27 Turning area 28 Retention Contours 29 Liberation Section 30 V-shaped bend 31 Hole Collar 32 Operating surface 33 Opening 34 Support surface 35 Retention tab 36 Guide pin 37 Connection Section 38 Retention Section O open position S closed position

Claims

1. A conductor connection terminal (1) comprising an insulating housing (3) having a conductor insertion channel (2), a busbar (4), a clamp spring (5) and an actuation unit (6), The clamp spring (5) has an abutment leg (7), a spring arch (8), and a clamp leg (9); the clamping legs (9) together with the busbar (4) form clamping points (10) for electrical conductors (11) insertable into the conductor insertion channels (2); the clamping legs (9) are displaceable between an open position (O) and a closed position (S) to open and close the clamping point (10); A conductor connection terminal (1), wherein the actuation unit (6) is configured to displace the clamp legs (9) into the open position (O), The actuation unit (6) has an operating element (12) and an actuating element (13), the actuating element (13) having a bearing base (14), an actuating section (16) for actuating the actuating element (13) by the operating element (12), and a pivot arm (17) for mechanical contact with the clamp leg (9), the clamp leg (9) having a drive section (18), the actuating element (13) pivoting around the bearing base (14) upon actuation and configured to displace the clamp leg (9) to its open position (O) via the pivot arm (17) engaging the drive section (18). A conductor connection terminal (1) characterized by:

2. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (13) has two pivoting arms (17) extending substantially parallel to each other.

3. 3. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating section (16) has two actuating arms (19) extending substantially parallel to each other and a connecting web (20) connecting the actuating arms (19).

4. 4. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting web (20) has an actuation surface (21) for mechanical contact by the operating element (12).

5. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the working section (16) is formed with a curved spring tongue (22).

6. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pivoting arm (17) is formed in an L-shape.

7. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive section (18) is formed by a projection projecting laterally from the clamping leg (9).

8. 8. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the busbar (4) has a busbar frame (23) with two frame legs (24) extending substantially parallel to each other, and the clamp spring (5) is arranged between the frame legs (24).

9. 9. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the busbar (4) has an actuating element receiving portion (25) for supporting and guiding the actuating element (13).

10. 10. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing base (14) of the actuating element (13) extends on a side of the busbar (4) opposite the spring arch (8) of the clamp spring (5), and the actuating section (16) and / or the pivoting arm (17) of the actuating element (13) extend on a side of the busbar (4) facing the spring arch (8) of the clamp spring (5).

11. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the busbar (4) forms a stop for the working section (16) and / or the pivoting arm (17).

12. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing base (14) has base legs (15).

13. 13. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the base leg (15) is supported on the busbar (4) and the pivoting arm (17) contacts the clamping leg (9) on the opposite side of the busbar (4) on which the base leg (15) is supported.

14. Conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the bearing base (14) has two base legs (15) arranged at a distance from each other.

15. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the two base legs (15) extend parallel to each other.

16. 16. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the busbar (4) has a bearing portion (26) for guiding a pivot region (27) of the base leg (15) of the bearing base (14).

17. 17. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping leg (9) and the abutment leg (7) of the clamp spring (5) extend between the actuating section (16) and the pivoting arm (17) of the actuating element (13), the pivoting arm (17) facing the clamping leg (9) and the actuating section (16) facing the abutment leg (7).

18. 18. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the clamping legs (9) are configured to lock into retaining contours (28) of the abutment legs (7) of the clamping spring (5) in the open position (O).

19. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the conductor connection terminal (1) automatically displaces the clamp legs (9) to the closed position (S) when an electrical conductor (11) is inserted into the conductor connection terminal (1).

20. 20. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the abutment leg (7) has a release section (29) which releases the clamp leg (9) held in the open position (O) when the electrical conductor (11) hits the release section (29).

21. A conductor connection terminal (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the relief section (29) has a V-shaped bend (30).

22. 22. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is formed as a flat stamped and bent part.

23. 23. The conductor connection terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (12) is designed as a pressure element.

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