EP4123839A1 - Electrical terminal clamp with release lever - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a terminal (1) with a spring-loaded terminal connection (2) with at least one conductor clamping point (K), an insulating material housing (6), a conductor insertion channel (60) and a release lever (5). The release lever (5) is mounted in the insulating material housing (6) so that it can pivot about a pivot axis (A) extending transversely to a conductor insertion direction (E) of an electrical conductor between a rest position with the conductor clamping point (K) closed and an operating position with the conductor clamping point (K) open . The release lever (5) has two lever arm sections (50) spaced apart from one another, which dip at least partially into the insulating material housing (6) on both sides of the conductor insertion channel (60). The lever arm sections (50) each have a guide section (53) which face one another and form at least part of the conductor insertion channel (60) between them. In the rest position and/or in the operating position, the guide sections (53) run narrowing the conductor insertion channel (60) towards the conductor clamping point (K), viewed in the conductor insertion direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a clamp and in particular a terminal or connecting clamp for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor, which has a release lever for selectively opening a conductor clamping point.

A clamp with a release lever of the type mentioned is known from the prior art. For storage, the release levers are pivoted in an insulating housing of the terminal. The insulating housing also accommodates a spring clamp connection, which forms a conductor clamping point. The release lever can be pivoted from a rest position to an actuated position so as to interact with the spring clamp connection to open the conductor clamping point. As a rule, the insulating material housing has a conductor insertion channel, which partially narrows towards the conductor clamping point, in order to reliably guide a conductor to be inserted to the conductor clamping point. A certain length of the conductor insertion channel is required for this.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a terminal of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables a compact design with safe conductor insertion.

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

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal, in particular a terminal or connection terminal. The terminal has (at least) one spring-loaded terminal connection with at least one conductor clamping point for the electrical connection of at least one conductor. Furthermore, the terminal has an insulating material housing, which at least partially accommodates the spring-loaded terminal connection. In addition, the terminal has a conductor insertion channel that extends in a conductor insertion direction from the outside toward the conductor clamping point. The clamp also has a release lever. The release lever is about a pivot axis extending transversely (preferably orthogonally) to the conductor insertion direction between a rest position, in which the conductor clamping point for connecting an electrical conductor is closed, and an actuated position, in which the conductor clamping point is opened by interaction of the spring-loaded terminal connection with an actuating section of the release lever , swiveling in the insulating housing stored. The release lever has two lever arm sections which are spaced apart from one another and which at least partially dip into the insulating material housing on both sides of the conductor insertion channel. The lever arm sections each have a guide section which faces one another and forms at least part of the conductor insertion channel between them. In the rest position and/or in the operating position, the guide sections run narrowing the conductor insertion channel, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion towards the conductor clamping point; Consequently, they preferably run towards one another, at least partially narrowing the conductor insertion channel, as seen in the conductor insertion direction towards the conductor clamping point. Thus, the guide sections (which at least partially form the conductor insertion channel) allow an electrical conductor to be inserted into the terminal to be guided towards the conductor clamping point.

By providing two mutually facing lever arm sections, these can dip as deeply as possible into the insulating material housing and thus lie on both sides of the conductor insertion channel. Thus, an overall flat, lever-release clamp can be provided. These lever arm sections then at the same time form part of the conductor insertion channel via their guide sections, so that the terminal can be made narrow overall. Since the lever arm sections narrow the conductor insertion channel via their guide sections towards the conductor clamping point, at least one (lateral) area of the conductor insertion channel that is otherwise located in the insulating material housing facing the conductor clamping point - possibly even the entire (lateral area) of the conductor insertion channel - can be shifted into the release lever. The terminal can thus also be designed to be short in terms of its length as seen in the conductor insertion direction. Since at least the constriction of the conductor insertion channel is now shifted into the release lever, a transition to the release lever that would otherwise only be in a narrowed area of the conductor insertion channel is widened, which in turn can reduce the risk of a conductor to be inserted becoming jammed. In principle, the conductor insertion channel formed in this way—and in particular the partially narrowing course of the guide sections—can preferably have any desired course or contour that enables conductor insertion and thus defined guidance of an electrical conductor to be inserted to the conductor clamping point. Preferred - but not restricting the invention - are as flowing or wavy and preferably non-stepped or in cross-section non-suddenly changing courses towards the conductor clamping point.

If the guide sections are provided with the aforementioned constriction in the rest position, then the insertion of a rigid conductor can be made correspondingly easier and safer even when the conductor clamping point has not been opened by the release lever. Are the If guide sections with said constriction are provided in the operating position, the insertion of a flexible conductor can also be correspondingly simplified and safely enabled when the conductor clamping point is opened by the release lever. Depending on the area of application and desire, the guide sections with said constriction can therefore be present either only in the rest position or only in the actuated position or preferably both in the rest position and in the actuated position - and if necessary also in any pivoting position in between.

Viewed in the conductor insertion direction, the guide sections can run continuously narrowing or flowing toward the conductor clamping point. In this way, a particularly simple and safe guiding and sliding of the conductor along the guide sections to the conductor clamping point can be made possible. A continuous course enables targeted guidance to the conductor clamping point. A smooth course enables a course that is optimally adapted to the conditions and the space requirement, while maintaining the miniaturization and safe guidance of the conductor to be inserted. For example, if required, the guide sections can also have sections that are parallel to the conductor insertion direction in addition to the partially narrowing sections, as long as there is an overall narrowing towards the conductor clamping point and the narrowing is provided by flowing contours, which allow a safe and simple guiding/sliding of a conductor to be inserted receives.

The guide sections can each have a first and a second guide sub-section, which each face one another. Consequently, the first partial guide section of one guide section then faces the first partial guide section of the other guide section. Likewise, the second partial guide section of one guide section then faces the second partial guide section of the other guide section. On the one hand, then, in the rest position, the first partial guide sections run narrowing, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing, towards the conductor clamping point in the conductor insertion direction. In the rest position of the release lever, these then lie on both sides of the conductor insertion channel and correspondingly delimit it on the opposite side. On the other hand, in the operating position, the second partial guide sections run narrowing, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing, towards the conductor clamping point in the conductor insertion direction. In the operating position of the release lever, these then lie on both sides of the conductor insertion channel and correspondingly delimit it on the opposite side.

By providing the two aforementioned partial guide sections, a particularly optimized embodiment for the corresponding narrowing of the conductor insertion channel can be achieved both in the rest position and in the operating position. This is particularly advantageous the further the pivot axis is spaced from the conductor insertion channel or its center as viewed in the direction of conductor insertion. The partial guide sections can be designed in such a way that they are aligned with the respective pivoting positions of the release lever in order to always ensure optimum conductor guidance in any desired pivoting position. For example, but also in a case in which the pivot axis intersects the conductor insertion channel in the middle, the narrowest point can be provided in the region of the pivot axis and widen with increasing distance from the pivot axis (at least opposite to the conductor insertion direction). With a simple geometry of the guide sections, a particularly good conductor insertion can always be made possible over a large and preferably every possible pivoting range.

In principle, the guide sections or partial guide sections can have any desired shape or geometry in order to provide a corresponding constriction at least in the two release lever positions mentioned, but preferably also in between or even over the entire pivoting range of the release lever, and thus enable particularly simple and safe conductor insertion . For example, the guide sections or their partial guide sections can each be concavely arched and preferably concavely arched away from the conductor insertion channel. The guide sections or their partial guide sections can each be designed in the form of a shell (ie, for example, as a shell-shaped recess or indentation) in the respective lever arm section. In addition to a simple geometry, this enables a particularly smooth course and thus a particularly safe and simple conductor entry.

The guide sections, preferably the partial guide sections, can preferably be formed by a change in the material thickness of the respective lever arm section, preferably axially with respect to the pivot axis. Thus, a simple structure of the guide portions can be provided. These can also be provided particularly easily; for example in an injection molding process.

The mutually facing guide sections, preferably their partial guide sections, can preferably be mirror-symmetrical to one another; therefore preferred with respect to a plane of symmetry having the conductor insertion direction and lying centrally between the lever arm sections. Thus, a safe and uniform insertion of an electrical conductor into the terminal and towards the conductor clamping point.

The lever arm sections can each have part-circular sliding sections extending around the pivot axis and directed radially away from the pivot axis. These then interact with corresponding housing sliding sections for sliding guidance of the release lever around the pivot axis. The bearing forces of the release lever can thus be easily distributed and absorbed in the insulating housing.

The sliding sections preferably comprise first sliding part sections which extend along a first circle with a first diameter d with respect to the pivot axis; this preferably in the area of the respective guide sections. The sliding sections further comprise second sliding member sections, which extend with respect to the pivot axis along a second circle with a second diameter D, which is preferably larger than the first diameter d; preferably in the area outside the respective guide sections. The lever arm sections can thus be optimized in accordance with their desired purpose. For example, the first sliding part section can provide a desired length for narrowing the conductor insertion channel; this is defined, for example, by the circular area of the first circle. The second slide portion, on the other hand, may have a desired spacing (defined by the radius of the second circle) for secure storage. The second sliding part sections particularly preferably have or form the respective actuating sections. In this respect, an optimized length and thus a defined lever arm for opening the spring-loaded terminal connection can be provided.

The lever arm sections can preferably each extend essentially in one extension plane. These planes of extent are particularly preferably aligned parallel to one another and more preferably orthogonally to the pivot axis. "Extend essentially in a plane of extension" means that the lever arm sections can have a basic extension in the plane of extension, while transversely thereto they are comparatively flat and can of course vary in width, e.g also provide other structural elements.

The release lever can preferably have latching structures which interact with corresponding housing latching structures of the insulating material housing in such a way that the release lever is held in a detachable latching manner in the rest position and/or in the actuating position is. The corresponding structures for the snap-in connection are designed in such a way that an operator can selectively bring the release lever into this snap-in connection and also release it again. In addition, the latching connection should be able to independently hold the release lever in this position. Thus, in the operating position, the snap-in connection may have to counteract a spring force of the open spring-loaded terminal connection. An operator can thus easily insert or remove a conductor. In the rest position, the release lever should remain safely "stowed away" so that the clamp remains as compact as possible during operation and the risk of accidentally manipulating the release lever is minimized.

The release lever, preferably the lever arm sections, can have first pivot bearing sections which interact with corresponding second pivot bearing sections of the insulating material housing for pivotably mounting the release lever around the pivot axis. Thus, with a simple geometry of the release lever, a secure and simple pivot bearing can be provided. The first pivot bearing sections can particularly preferably be provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections that faces away from the conductor insertion channel. Thus, the pivot bearing can be provided on the one hand to save space. On the other hand, this is then provided facing away from the guide sections, so that when a conductor is inserted, it presses the lever arm sections into the bearing connection when they come into contact with the guide, so that the bearing is reliably maintained in every operating position. The pivot bearing sections can, for example, be designed as a projection (second pivot bearing sections; e.g. in the form of a pin) and a recess that pivotably accommodates the projection (first pivot bearing sections; e.g. in the form of a blind hole or a groove).

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

The pivot axis can extend laterally outside of the conductor insertion channel. The pivot axis preferably does not intersect the conductor insertion channel or an extension of the conductor insertion channel viewed in the direction of conductor insertion. On the one hand, this creates space for the connecting section and, on the other hand, the conductor insertion channel remains freely accessible. Thus, an overall stable release lever construction can be achieved with a compact construction of the clamp at the same time. In principle, however, the pivot axis can also run through the conductor insertion channel if required.

The insulating material housing can preferably have guide wall sections which, together with the guide sections, at least partially form or delimit the conductor insertion channel. A conductor insertion channel can thus be provided for the overall safe conductor insertion to the conductor clamping point.

The conductor insertion channel preferably extends beyond the conductor clamping point in order to securely receive a distal end of the conductor when the electrical conductor is connected in the conductor clamping point.

The conductor insertion channel is preferably designed to be closed all the way around as seen in the direction of conductor insertion; this preferably over at least part and preferably over its entire length from the outside up to the conductor clamping point and optionally beyond the conductor clamping point. An electrical conductor can thus be safely accommodated in the terminal and guided to the conductor clamping point.

The guide wall sections can also have lateral wall sections which at least partially delimit the conductor insertion channel axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis. A lateral migration of a conductor to be inserted into the conductor insertion channel can thus be avoided in a particularly effective manner.

The lateral wall sections preferably transition smoothly into the respective guide section, at least on the side of the conductor insertion channel and at least in the rest position or in the operating position, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion. Particularly preferably, these extend flatly into one another. In this way, a uniform conductor insertion channel can also be formed in the transition between the insulating housing and the release lever will. This in turn enables an electrical conductor to be inserted into the terminal in a particularly safe and simple manner.

The insulating material housing preferably has a cover wall which, when the release lever is in the rest position, extends between a support section of the release lever and the pivot axis above the conductor insertion channel. The clamp is then designed in such a way that the support section is preferably supported in a sliding manner on the cover wall when the release lever is pivoted about the pivot axis. On the one hand, the spring-loaded terminal connection can be covered from above. In addition, the release lever can thus be securely supported on the insulating material housing.

The insulating material housing can also have partition wall sections which delimit the release lever, preferably at least the lever arm sections, axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis, at least partially on the outside. In other words, the partition wall sections lie laterally next to the release lever, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion. In this way, for example, the release lever can be safely guided laterally during its pivoting movement. Since the guide sections form a narrowing of the conductor insertion channel, the release lever can be supported in a particularly simple and reliable manner relative to the insulating material housing when an electrical conductor is inserted into the terminal and guided to the conductor clamping point via the narrowing conductor insertion channel. The clamp can also be constructed in a particularly stable manner overall. In addition, the partition wall sections can contribute to lengthening the clearance and creepage distance.

The partition wall sections particularly preferably have the second pivot bearing sections, as a result of which stable and secure mounting is provided.

The spring-loaded terminal connection can also have a busbar and a clamping spring with a movable clamping leg. The clamping leg can have a clamping section, preferably in the form of a clamping edge, to form the conductor clamping point between the clamping section and the busbar. In this way, a conductor clamping point can be provided which can be opened in a simple manner by means of the release lever.

The clamping spring, more precisely the clamping leg, can extend transversely through the conductor insertion channel, at least in the closed position of the conductor clamping point, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion, in order to form an insertion bevel towards the conductor clamping point form. This enables a particularly safe and directed conductor entry up to the conductor clamping point.

The spring force terminal connection, preferably its clamping spring, can have a spring actuation section which is arranged in such a way that it interacts with the actuation section for selectively opening the conductor clamping point. The provision of a defined spring actuation section makes it possible to separate the corresponding functional areas of the spring force terminal connection for clamping on the one hand and for actuation on the other hand and thus to enable an effective design of the spring force terminal connection.

The spring-loaded terminal connection can have a plurality of conductor clamping points and conductor insertion channels assigned to them, which are preferably arranged at least partially in a row next to one another and/or one above the other and/or facing one another. The conductor insertion directions of the conductor insertion channels associated with the conductor clamping points are preferably aligned at least partially parallel to one another; preferably all. A terminal can thus be provided with any number of conductor clamping points. It is also conceivable that a number of spring-loaded terminal connections are provided in a corresponding terminal or that the spring-loaded terminal connection is designed in multiple parts or in multiple parts. For example, the spring-loaded terminal connection can have a one-piece busbar with a plurality of clamping springs to form a corresponding number of conductor clamping points. A number of (in particular two) conductor insertion channels can also share a clamping spring, in that, for example, their opposite legs each form a clamping leg for one of two adjacent conductor insertion channels. The opposing legs then preferably press against opposite clamping points of one busbar (or also several busbars) to form a respective conductor clamping point. The conductor rail can also be designed in several parts and only form a corresponding number of conductor clamping points with one or a part of the clamping springs.

At least one, but preferably two of the several conductor clamping points can preferably be assigned a respective release lever. Thus, the clamp can be equipped with release levers as required. The pivot axes of the release levers associated with the plurality of conductor clamping points can then preferably be arranged at least partially parallel or coaxially. This leads to an overall particularly compact design and simple operation of the clamp by an operator.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Klemme gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit Lösehebeln in Ruheposition,

Fig. 2

eine stirnseitige Ansicht in Leitereinführungsrichtung gesehen der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Teilschnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1 mit Lösehebeln in Betätigungsposition,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Teilschnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1 mit Lösehebeln in Ruheposition,

Fig. 7

eine seitliche Querschnittsansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 6,

Fig. 8

eine seitliche Querschnittsansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 5,

Fig. 9

eine stirnseitige Ansicht in Leitereinführrichtung gesehen von Federkraftklemmanschluss und Lösehebeln (in Betätigungsposition) der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 11 dargestellten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 11 dargestellten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 12

eine erste perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 11 dargestellten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 13

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 11 dargestellten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht des Lösehebels der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 15

eine stirnseitige Ansicht des Lösehebels gemäß Fig. 14 in Leitereinführrichtung gesehen,

Fig. 16

eine Draufsicht auf den Lösehebel gemäß Fig. 14,

Fig. 17

eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des Lösehebels gemäß Fig. 14,

Fig. 18

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des Lösehebels gemäß Fig. 14,

Fig. 19

eine funktionale Seitenansicht eines Isolierstoffgehäuses und eines Lösehebels der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1 während eines Einsetzens des Lösehebels in das Isolierstoffgehäuse, und

Fig. 20

eine funktionale perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 19 dargestellten Bauteile der erfindungsgemäßen Klemme gemäß Fig. 1.

Further refinements and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1

a side view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention with release levers in the rest position,

2

an end view seen in conductor insertion according to the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

3

according to a plan view of the clamp according to the invention 1 ,

4

a perspective view of the clamp according to the invention 1 ,

figure 5

a perspective partial sectional view of the clamp according to the invention 1 with release levers in operating position,

6

a perspective partial sectional view of the clamp according to the invention 1 with release levers in rest position,

7

a side cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the invention 6 ,

8

a side cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the invention figure 5 ,

9

an end view seen in the direction of conductor insertion of the spring-loaded terminal connection and release levers (in the operating position) of the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

10

a side view of the in 11 shown components of the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

11

a top view of the in 11 shown components of the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

12

a first perspective view of in 11 shown components of the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

13

another perspective view of in 11 shown components of the terminal according to the invention 1 ,

14

a side view of the release lever of the clamp according to the invention 1 ,

15

an end view of the release lever according to FIG 14 seen in conductor insertion direction,

16

a top view of the release lever according to FIG 14 ,

17

a first perspective view of the release lever according to FIG 14 ,

18

another perspective view of the release lever according to FIG 14 ,

19

according to a functional side view of an insulating material housing and a release lever of the terminal according to the invention 1 during insertion of the release lever into the insulating housing, and

20

a functional perspective view of in 19 shown components of the terminal according to the invention 1 .

The figures show different views and details of a terminal 1, in particular a terminal or connection terminal, according to the present invention.

The terminal 1 has a spring clamp connection 2 with at least one conductor terminal point K for the electrical connection of at least one conductor, such as in particular the Figures 9 to 13 but also Figures 5 to 8 can be seen. As illustrated, the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 preferably has a busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4 with a movable clamping leg 42 . The clamping leg 42 in turn preferably has a clamping section 421 here, preferably in the form of a clamping edge, for forming the conductor clamping point K between the clamping section 421 and the busbar 3 .

As in particular in the Figures 5 to 8 and 10 shown, the clamping spring 4 can have two clamping legs 42, 40 which are connected to one another via a spring bow 41. The respective clamping section 421, 401 can preferably be attached to a free end of the clamping spring 4 or the respective clamping leg 42, 40 be provided. Alternatively, instead of the second clamping leg 40, the clamping spring 4 can have a contact leg, which supports the clamping spring 4 in the busbar or the insulating housing 6, and from which the spring bow extends, and from which the clamping leg then in turn extends, in order, for example, to Substantially U-shaped clamping spring 4 to form.

The terminal 1 also has an insulating housing 6 (cf. e.g. Figures 1 to 8 ), which accommodates the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 at least partially. The insulating material housing 6 is made of an electrically non-conductive material such as plastic. This preferably in an injection molding process. The insulating material housing 6 can be designed in one piece or preferably in multiple parts. In the case of a multi-part design, the corresponding parts of the insulating material housing 6 can be connected to one another in a detachable or non-detachable manner, for example by means of corresponding latching elements and/or welding.

The terminal 1 also has a conductor insertion channel 60 that extends in a conductor insertion direction E from the outside toward the conductor clamping point K. As will be described below, the conductor insertion channel 60 can be formed or delimited by different areas and sections of the terminal 1 .

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment, the spring-loaded terminal connection 2 can have a number of conductor clamping points K and thus also a number of associated conductor entry channels. These are preferably arranged at least partially or all in a row next to one another and/or one above the other and/or facing one another. In the illustrated embodiment, such as Figures 7 and 8 it can be seen that two upper and two lower conductor clamping points K are provided. The upper and lower conductor clamping points K or conductor insertion channels 60 are each directed towards one another. The conductor insertion directions E of the conductor insertion channels 60 associated with the conductor clamping points K are preferably at least partially or, as shown here, all aligned parallel to one another.

Like the Figures 1 to 13 It can also be seen that the terminal 1 also has a release lever 5 which is mounted in the insulating material housing 6 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis A extending transversely to the conductor insertion direction E. The release lever 5 is between a rest position (cf. Figures 1-4 , 6 and 7 ), in which the conductor clamping point K is closed for the connection of an electrical conductor, and an operating position (cf. figure 5 and 8-13 ), in which the conductor clamping point K through the interaction of the spring clamp connection 2 is open with an actuating section 52 of the release lever 5, mounted pivotably about the pivot axis A in the insulating material housing 6. If the terminal 1 has several conductor clamping points K, such a release lever 5 can be assigned to at least one, several or all conductor clamping points K. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two of the four conductor clamping points K are each assigned a release lever 5 . The pivot axes A of the release levers 5 associated with the plurality of conductor clamping points K are preferably arranged at least partially in parallel or coaxially. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pivot axes A of all (ie both here) release levers 5 are arranged parallel to one another.

The release lever 5 can preferably have latching structures 55a, 55b which interact with corresponding housing latching structures 65a, 65b of the insulating housing 6 in such a way that the release lever 5 is held in a detachable latching manner in the rest position and/or in the actuating position. the figures 6 and 7 show this releasably latching connection of (first) latching structure 55a and (first) housing latching structure 65a in the rest position of release lever 5. In this way, release lever 5 can be held securely in the rest position when terminal 1 is being transported or installed and electrically connected for operation . the figures 5 and 8th show the releasably latching connection of (second) latching structure 55b and (second) housing latching structure 65b in the operating position of the release lever 5. In this way, the release lever 5 can be held securely in the operating position when it keeps the conductor clamping point K open for inserting or removing an electrical conductor, which increases the ease of use of terminal 1.

The release lever 5 can have a lever actuation section 51 for moving the release lever 5 about its pivot axis A, preferably between the rest position and the actuation position. The lever actuation section 51 can preferably extend essentially in one plane. The actuating portion 52 and the lever actuating portion 51 are particularly preferably provided at opposite ends of the release lever 5, as is the case in particular Figures 14 to 17 can be seen.

Like the one in particular Figures 5 to 8 can be seen, the pivot axis A preferably extends laterally outside of the conductor insertion channel 60 and here above the same. The pivot axis A consequently does not intersect the conductor insertion channel 60 or an extension of the conductor insertion channel 60 seen in the direction E of the conductor insertion. In principle, however, the invention is not restricted to this. Thus, the pivot axis A can also cross the conductor insertion channel 60; preferably in the middle.

The release lever 5 has two spaced-apart lever arm sections 50, which here on both sides of the conductor insertion channel 60 (i.e. seen here in the conductor insertion direction E) at least partially dip into the insulating material housing 6, as can be seen in particular in the sectional views of Figures 5 to 8 can be seen.

Like the one in particular Figures 15 to 18 As can be seen, the lever arm sections 50 each preferably extend essentially in a plane of extent X. The planes of extent X are preferably aligned in parallel. These extension planes X are particularly preferably aligned orthogonally to the pivot axis A.

Preferably, the lever actuating section 51 can extend between the lever arm sections 50 and connect them to one another, as is the case, for example Figures 14 to 18 can be seen.

The lever arm sections 50 each have a guide section 53 which faces one another and between them forms or delimits at least part of the conductor insertion channel 60 (cf., for example, Figures 5 to 8 ). This preferably applies to each movement position of the release lever 5 around the pivot axis A.

The guide sections 53 run at least in the rest position, or at least in the actuated position, or - as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown - at least in the rest position and in the actuated position viewed in the conductor insertion direction E towards the conductor clamping point K, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60. The guide sections 53 run towards each other towards the conductor clamping point K, so that a distance between the guide sections 53 is reduced and consequently, in particular, the width of the conductor insertion channel 60 is reduced; this is consequently narrowed towards the conductor clamping point K. The guide sections 53 particularly preferably run, viewed in the direction of conductor insertion E, towards the conductor clamping point K, continuously narrowing or flowing towards the conductor insertion channel 60, as is the case, for example, in FIG Figures 5, 6 and 18 can be seen.

In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the guide sections 53 in each pivoting position of the release lever 5 also run narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60 between the rest position and the operating position viewed in the conductor insertion direction E towards the conductor clamping point K. This can be done either through a specific geometric configuration or contouring of the guide sections 53 . Also, for example, the narrowest area can be provided in the area of the pivot axis A and widen with increasing distance from it.

It is also conceivable that the guide sections 53 each have a first partial guide section 53a and a second partial guide section 53b, which each face one another. In the resting position (cf. e.g. 6 and 7 ) the first partial guide sections 53a then run, seen in the conductor insertion direction E, towards the conductor clamping point K, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing. In the operating position (cf. e.g. figure 5 and 8th ) the second partial guide sections 53b then run, seen in the conductor insertion direction E, towards the conductor clamping point K, narrowing the conductor insertion channel 60, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing. These guide sections 53a, 53b are next to the Figures 5 to 8 example also in 18 shown.

The guide sections 53 and here the guide sub-sections 53a, 53b can each be concavely curved away from the conductor insertion channel 60 or be designed in the form of a shell in the respective lever arm section 50, as is exemplified by the synopsis of figures 15 and 18 can be seen.

In particular with reference to figure 15 the guide sections 53 or their guide sections 53a, 53b can be formed by a change in the material thickness of the respective lever arm section 50, preferably axially with respect to the pivot axis A.

The insulating material housing 6 can also have guide wall sections 63 which, together with the guide sections 53, at least partially form or delimit the conductor insertion channel 60. The guide wall sections 63 can have lateral wall sections 630, which delimit the conductor insertion channel 60 axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis A, at least partially laterally, as is shown, for example, in the representations of FIGS Figures 5 and 6 can be seen.

The lateral wall sections 630 can preferably transition smoothly into the respective guide section 53, at least on the side of the conductor insertion channel 60 and at least in the rest position or in the actuated position, viewed in the conductor insertion direction E, with these particularly preferably extending flatly into one another, as well as the Figures 5 and 6 can be taken as an example.

How exemplary the Figures 5 to 8 can be seen, the spring-loaded terminal 2 on the side of the insulating housing 6, on which the release lever 5 is arranged here, through an outer (upper here) cover wall 62 of the insulating housing 6 at least partially be covered. The cover wall 62 preferably extends here when the release lever 5 is in the rest position between a support section 57 of the release lever 5 and the pivot axis A above the conductor insertion channel 60. The terminal 1 is then designed in such a way that the support section 57 moves around the pivot axis when the release lever 5 is pivoted A around the top wall 62 preferably slidably supported, as for example from the synopsis of Figures 5 and 6 or the Figures 7 and 8 is evident.

The insulating material housing 6 can also have partition wall sections 61 which delimit the release lever 5 with respect to the pivot axis A axially on both sides at least partially laterally on the outside. The partition wall sections 61 can at least partially form a lateral outer wall of the insulating material housing 6, such as, for example figure 3 can be seen. The partition wall sections 61 can end flush with the release lever 5 in a direction away from the conductor insertion channel 60 (here perpendicular to a conductor insertion direction E), at least when the conductor clamping point K is closed, or at least partially protrude beyond it and/or be at least partially set back with respect to it. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the release lever 5 is set back in the rest position with respect to the partition wall sections 61, except for part of the second latching structure 55b, such as, for example, the figures 1 and 7 can be seen. The partition wall sections 61 can each extend at least partially essentially in a partition wall plane T, with the partition wall planes T preferably extending perpendicularly to the pivot axis A. Like the one in particular Figures 3 to 6 can be seen, the extension plane X and the partition plane T can each be aligned parallel to one another on one side of the conductor insertion channel 60 .

The lever arm sections 50 can each have part-circular sliding sections 56 which extend around the pivot axis A and are directed radially away from the pivot axis A and which interact with corresponding housing sliding sections 66 for the sliding guidance of the release lever 5 around the pivot axis A, as shown by way of example in FIGS Figures 7 and 8 is shown.

Also with reference to the Figures 7 and 8 For example, the sliding sections 56 can have first sliding part sections 56a, which extend with respect to the pivot axis A along a first circle C1 with a first diameter d, preferably in the area of the respective guide sections 53. Consequently, corresponding first housing sliding part sections 66a of the housing sliding sections 66 also extend along the first circle C1. The sliding sections 56 can then have second sliding part sections 56b, which rotate with respect to the pivot axis A along a second circle C2 second diameter D, which is preferably larger than the first diameter d; preferably in an area outside the respective guide portions 53. Accordingly, corresponding second housing sliding part portions 66b of the housing sliding portions 66 also extend along the second circle C2, respectively.

How in particular Figures 7 and 8 14 to 18, in a preferred embodiment, the second sliding part sections 56b can have or form the respective actuating sections 52, so that the overall structure of the release lever 5 is simplified. This is particularly preferred by a cam-like geometry of the lever arm sections 50 due to the above-described extension along the circles C1, C2 with different diameters D, d favored, which in particular in the Figures 5-18 can be seen.

The release lever 5 and preferably its lever arm sections 50 preferably have/have a first pivot bearing section 54 on a side facing away from the conductor insertion channel 60, each of which connects to a corresponding second pivot bearing section 64 of the insulating material housing 6, preferably the respectively facing partition wall section 61, for the pivotable mounting of the release lever 5 cooperate around the pivot axis A. The first pivot bearing sections 54 are designed here as a V-shaped groove on an outside of the respective lever arm section 50 . These then accommodate the second pivot bearing section 64 here in the form of a pin-like projection, in order to pivotally support the release lever 5 in this way. The release lever 5 can do this, like the Figures 19 and 20 can be seen from below with the wide opening of the V-shaped groove 54 in front in the insulating housing 6 - here a housing main body 68 - are used. The V-shaped groove 54 is then slid over the pin-like projection 64 to pivotally receive it in the bottom of the V-shaped groove 54 . Then the spring clamp connection 2 is inserted into the insulating material housing 6 or the main housing body 68, also from below, and then closed from below with a housing cover 69 (cf. e.g. Figures 7 and 8 ).

The first pivot bearing sections 54 are preferably provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections 50 which is remote from the conductor insertion channel 60 (that is to say here on the outside), as is exemplified in FIG Figures 17 and 18 can be seen. Consequently, the first pivot bearing sections 54 are provided in this embodiment on a side facing away from the guide sections 53 (here an inner side facing the conductor insertion channel 60). Thus, an electrical conductor to be inserted into the conductor insertion channel 60 pushes when it approaches the conductor clamping point K for guidance slidably supported on the guide sections 53, the lever arm sections 50 further towards the second pivot bearing sections 64, so that a bearing connection via the pivot bearing sections 54, 64 is reliably maintained.

Like the one in particular figures 6 and 7 it can be seen that the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 can extend transversely through the conductor insertion channel 60, at least in the closed position of the conductor clamping point K, in order to form an insertion bevel towards the conductor clamping point K.

The spring-loaded terminal connection 2, preferably its clamping spring 4, can have a spring actuating section 43 which is arranged in such a way that it interacts with the actuating section 52 for selectively opening the conductor clamping point K. The spring actuation section 43 preferably protrudes laterally (ie transversely to the conductor insertion direction E or to the extension direction of the clamping leg 42) and here in particular on both sides of the clamping leg 42, as is the case, for example Figures 5, 6 and 9 to 13 can be seen. By a pivoting movement of the release lever 5 from the rest position to the operating position, the operating section 52 is moved here along the second circle C2. The spring actuation sections 43 protruding on both sides lie on the path of movement of the actuation section 52 and come into operative contact with the latter as a result of the pivoting movement. As a result, the clamping spring 4 or its clamping leg 42 is pivoted downwards and consequently the conductor clamping point K is opened.

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

Claims (15)

Terminal (1), in particular connecting or connecting terminal, having: • a spring clamp connection (2) with at least one conductor clamping point (K) for the electrical connection of at least one conductor, • an insulating material housing (6) which at least partially accommodates the spring-loaded terminal connection (2), • a conductor insertion channel (60) extending in a conductor insertion direction (E) from the outside to the conductor clamping point (K), and • a release lever (5) which extends about a transverse to the conductor insertion direction (E) pivot axis (A) between ∘ a rest position in which the conductor clamping point (K) for connecting an electrical conductor is closed, and ∘ an operating position in which the conductor clamping point (K) is opened by interaction of the spring-cage terminal (2) with an operating section (52) of the release lever (5), is pivotably mounted in the insulating material housing (6), wherein the release lever (5) has two lever arm sections (50) spaced apart from one another, which dip at least partially into the insulating material housing (6) on both sides of the conductor insertion channel (60), wherein the lever arm sections (50) each have a guide section (53) which face one another and form at least part of the conductor insertion channel (60) between them, wherein the guide sections (53) in the rest position and/or in the actuated position run narrowing towards the conductor insertion channel (60) as seen in the conductor insertion direction towards the conductor clamping point (K). Terminal (1) according to Claim 1, the guide sections (53) running continuously narrowing or flowing towards the conductor clamping point (K) in the conductor insertion direction (E) towards the conductor insertion channel (60). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide sections (53) each have a first and a second guide section (53a, 53b), which each face one another, wherein in the rest position the first partial guide sections (53a) run narrowing, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing, towards the conductor clamping point (K) in the conductor insertion direction (E), and in the operating position the second partial guide sections (53b) run narrowing, preferably continuously narrowing or flowing, towards the conductor clamping point (K) in the conductor insertion direction (E). Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide sections (53), preferably the partial guide sections (53a, 53b), are each curved concavely away from the conductor insertion channel (60) or are shell-shaped in the respective lever arm section (50), and/or
wherein the guide sections (53), preferably the partial guide sections (53a, 53b), are formed by an axial change in the material thickness of the respective lever arm section (50) with respect to the pivot axis (A). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever arm sections (50) each have part-circular sliding sections (56) which extend around the pivot axis (A) and are directed radially away from the pivot axis (A) and which are connected to corresponding housing sliding sections (66). cooperate to guide the release lever (5) in sliding manner around the pivot axis (A),
preferably wherein the sliding sections (56) have first sliding part sections (56a) which extend with respect to the pivot axis (A) along a first circle (C1) with a first diameter d, particularly preferably in the region of the respective guide sections (53), and further preferably the sliding sections (56) have second sliding part sections (56b) which extend with respect to the pivot axis (A) along a second circle (C2) with a second diameter D, which is preferably larger than the first diameter d, particularly preferably in the area outside the respective guide sections (53), wherein the second sliding part sections (56b) further preferably have or form the respective actuating sections (52). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever arm sections (50) each extend essentially in a plane (X) which is preferably aligned parallel to one another and more preferably orthogonally to the pivot axis (A). Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5) has latching structures (55a, 55b) which interact with corresponding housing latching structures (65a, 65b) of the insulating housing (6) in such a way that the release lever (5) in the Rest position and / or in the operating position is held detachably latching. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5), preferably the lever arm sections (50), has/have first pivot bearing sections (54), which each have corresponding second pivot bearing sections (64) of the insulating material housing (6) for pivotable mounting of the release lever (5) interact around the pivot axis (A),
the first pivot bearing sections (54) preferably being provided on or in a side of the lever arm sections (50) remote from the conductor insertion channel (60). Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release lever (5) has a lever actuating section (51) for moving the release element (5) about the pivot axis (A), preferably between the rest position and the actuating position, wherein the lever actuation section (51) preferably extends substantially in one plane, the lever actuating section (51) preferably extending between the lever arm sections (50) and connecting them to one another, preferably wherein the operating portion (52) and the lever operating portion (51) are provided at opposite ends of the release lever (5). Terminal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (A) extends laterally outside of the conductor insertion channel (60), and / or wherein the Pivot axis (A) does not intersect the conductor insertion channel (60) or an extension of the conductor insertion channel (60) in the direction of conductor insertion (E). Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating material housing (6) has guide wall sections (63) which, together with the guide sections (53), at least partially form the conductor insertion channel (60), the guide wall sections (63) preferably having lateral wall sections (630) which at least partially laterally delimit the conductor insertion channel (60) axially on both sides with respect to the pivot axis (A), in addition, the lateral wall sections (630) preferably transition smoothly into the respective guide section (53) at least on the side of the conductor insertion channel (60) and at least in the rest position and in the operating position, viewed in the conductor insertion direction (E), these particularly preferably extending flatly into one another. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating material housing (6) has a cover wall (62) which, when the release lever (5) is in the rest position, is located between a support section (57) of the release lever (5) and the pivot axis (A). extends above the conductor insertion channel (E), the clamp (1) being designed in such a way that the support section (57) is supported preferably slidingly on the cover wall (62) when the release lever (5) is pivoted about the pivot axis (A), and /or
wherein the insulating housing (6) has partition sections (61) which axially delimit the release lever (5) on both sides at least partially laterally with respect to the pivot axis (A), the partition sections (61) preferably having the second pivot bearing sections (64). Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection (2) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) with a movable clamping leg (42), the clamping leg (42) having a clamping section (421), preferably in Has the form of a clamping edge for forming the conductor clamping point (K) between the clamping section (421) and the conductor rail (3),
preferably the clamping spring (4), particularly preferably its clamping leg (42), at least in the closed position of the conductor clamping point (K), seen in the conductor insertion direction (E), extends transversely through the conductor insertion channel (60) in order to create an insertion bevel towards the conductor clamping point (K ) towards. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection (2), preferably its clamping spring (4), has a spring actuating section (43) which is arranged in such a way that it can be connected to the actuating section (52) for selectively opening the conductor clamping point ( K) works together. Terminal (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection (2) has a plurality of conductor clamping points (K) and conductor insertion channels (60) assigned to them, which are preferably arranged at least partially in a row next to one another and/or one above the other and/or directed towards one another, wherein the conductor insertion directions (E) of the conductor insertion channels (60) assigned to the conductor clamping points (K) are preferably aligned at least partially parallel to one another,
preferably at least two of the multiple conductor clamping points (K) are each assigned a release lever (5), wherein the pivot axes (A) of the multiple conductor clamping points (K) assigned release levers (5) are also preferably arranged at least partially parallel or coaxially.

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