Terminal with release lever

Abstract

Terminal (1), in particular screw or connecting terminal, having a spring force terminal connection (2) with at least one conductor terminal point (K) for electrical connection of at least one conductor, an insulating material housing (6) which at least partially accommodates the spring force terminal connection (2), for each conductor terminal point (K) a conductor introduction channel (60) which extends in a conductor introduction direction (E) from the outside toward the conductor terminal point (K), and for each conductor terminal point (K) a release lever (5) which is mounted in the insulating material housing (6) pivotably about a pivot axis (A) extending transverse to the conductor introduction direction (E), in order to interact with an actuating portion (52) by pivoting of the release lever (5) with the spring force terminal connection (2) for optional opening of the conductor terminal point (K). The release lever (5) has two lever arm portions (50) which are spaced apart from one another and which are immersed on both sides of the conductor introduction channel (60) at least partially into the insulating material housing (6). The lever arm portions (50) have in each case a guide portion (53) which at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60) on both sides at least in the case of a conductor terminal point (K) opened by the release lever (5). According to a first aspect, the release lever (5) has a connection portion (56) which extends along the pivot axis (A) between the lever arm portions (50) and connects these to one another. According to an alternative or additional second aspect, the insulating material housing (6) has guide wall portions (63) which, together with the guide portions (53), at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60), wherein the guide portions (53) are separated from the guide wall portions (63) by a gap (S).

Claims

1. Terminal (1), in particular screw or connecting terminal, having: a spring force terminal connection (2) with at least one conductor terminal point (K) for electrical connection of at least one conductor, an insulating material housing (6) which at least partially accommodates the spring force terminal connection (2), for each conductor terminal point (K) a conductor introduction channel (60) which extends in a conductor introduction direction (E) from the outside toward the conductor terminal point (K), and for each conductor terminal point (K) a release lever (5) which is mounted in the insulating material housing (6) pivotably about a pivot axis (A) extending transverse to the conductor introduction direction (E), in order to interact with an actuating portion (52) by pivoting of the release lever (5) with the spring force terminal connection (2) for optional opening of the conductor terminal point (K), wherein the release lever (5) has two lever arm portions (50) which are spaced apart from one another and which are immersed on both sides of the conductor introduction channel (60) at least partially into the insulating material housing (6), wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case a guide portion (53) which at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60) on both sides at least in the case of a conductor terminal point (K) opened by the release lever (5), wherein the release lever (5) has a connection portion (56) which extends along the pivot axis (A) between the lever arm portions (50) and connects these to one another, and wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case on a side facing away from the conductor introduction channel (60) one of the actuating portions (52), wherein the actuating portion (52) has a first pivot bearing portion (54).

2. Terminal (1), in particular screw or connecting terminal, having: a spring force terminal connection (2) with at least one conductor terminal point (K) for electrical connection of at least one conductor, an insulating material housing (6) which at least partially accommodates the spring force terminal connection (2), for each conductor terminal point (K) a conductor introduction channel (60) which extends in a conductor introduction direction (E) from the outside toward the conductor terminal point (K), and for each conductor terminal point (K) a release lever (5) which is mounted in the insulating material housing (6) pivotably about a pivot axis (A) extending transverse to the conductor introduction direction (E), in order to interact with an actuating portion (52) by pivoting of the release lever (5) with the spring force terminal connection (2) for optional opening of the conductor terminal point (K), wherein the release lever (5) has two lever arm portions (50) which are spaced apart from one another and which are immersed on both sides of the conductor introduction channel (60) at least partially into the insulating material housing (6), wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case a guide portion (53) which at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60) on both sides at least in the case of a conductor terminal point (K) opened by the release lever (5), wherein the release lever (5) has a connection portion (56) which extends along the pivot axis (A) between the lever arm portions (50) and connects these to one another, and wherein the actuating portion (52) extends away from the conductor introduction channel (60) parallel to the pivot axis (A).

3. Terminal (1) according to claim 2, wherein the insulating material housing (6) has guide wall portions (63) which, together with the guide portions (53), at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60), wherein the guide portions (53) are separated from the guide wall portions (63).

4. Terminal (1), in particular screw or connecting terminal, having: a spring force terminal connection (2) with at least one conductor terminal point (K) for electrical connection of at least one conductor, an insulating material housing (6) which at least partially accommodates the spring force terminal connection (2), for each conductor terminal point (K) a conductor introduction channel (60) which extends in a conductor introduction direction (E) from the outside toward the conductor terminal point (K), and for each conductor terminal point (K) a release lever (5) which is mounted in the insulating material housing (6) pivotably about a pivot axis (A) extending transverse to the conductor introduction direction (E), in order to interact with an actuating portion (52) by pivoting of the release lever (5) with the spring force terminal connection (2) for optional opening of the conductor terminal point (K), wherein the release lever (5) has two lever arm portions (50) which are spaced apart from one another and which are immersed on both sides of the conductor introduction channel (60) at least partially into the insulating material housing (6), wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case a guide portion (53) which at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60) on both sides at least in the case of a conductor terminal point (K) opened by the release lever (5), wherein the insulating material housing (6) has guide wall portions (63) which, together with the guide portions (53), at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60), wherein the guide portions (53) are separated from the guide wall portions (63) by a gap (S), and wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case on a side facing away from the conductor introduction channel (60) one of the actuating portions (52), wherein the actuating portion (52) has a first pivot bearing portion (54).

5. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the release lever (5) has a connection portion (56) which extends along the pivot axis (A) between the lever arm portions (50) and connects these to one another.

6. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the release lever (5) is separated from the guide wall portions (63) by the gap (S).

7. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide wall portions (63) are provided flush with the guide portion (53) at least on the side of the conductor introduction channel (60).

8. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide wall portions (63) have in each case a set back edge contour portion, into which the release lever (5) projects in each case with one of its guide portions (53) or actuating portions (52) in such a manner in order to lie opposite the edge contour portion separated by the gap (S).

9. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide portions (53) in each movement position of the release lever (5) about the pivot axis (A) at least partially delimit the conductor introduction channel (60).

10. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the actuating portion (52) extends away from the conductor introduction channel (60) parallel to the pivot axis (A).

11. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the release lever (5) has a lever actuating portion (51) for movement of the release element (5) about the pivot axis (A).

12. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the pivot axis (A) extends laterally outside the conductor introduction channel (60), and/or wherein the pivot axis (A) does not intersect the conductor introduction channel (60) or an elongation of the conductor introduction channel (60) as seen in the conductor introduction direction (E).

13. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connection portion (56), as seen in the axial direction, has a circular or partially circular cross-section.

14. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connection portion (56) is mounted rotatably in a corresponding bearing portion (66) of the insulating material housing (6) about the pivot axis (A).

15. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein for each conductor terminal point (K) the spring force terminal connection (2) is at least partially covered by an outer delimiting wall (62) of the insulating material housing (6) on the side of the insulating material housing (6) on which the respective release lever (5) is arranged.

16. Terminal (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one distance portion (67) extends from the delimiting wall (62) in a direction away from the conductor introduction channel (60).

17. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the spring force terminal connection (2) has several conductor terminal points (K).

18. Terminal (1) according to claim 17, wherein the pivot axes (A) of the release levers (5) assigned to the several conductor terminal points (K) are arranged at least partially coaxially.

19. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the spring force terminal connection (2), has a spring actuating portion (43) which is arranged in such a manner that it interacts with the actuating portion (52) for optional opening of the conductor terminal point (K).

20. Terminal (1) according to claim 19, wherein the spring force terminal connection (2) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) with a movable clamping leg (42), wherein the clamping leg (42) has a clamping portion (421) for the formation of the conductor terminal point (K) between the clamping portion (421) and the busbar (3), and wherein the spring actuating portion (43) extends from the clamping leg (42) in a direction toward the release lever (5) in order to be able to interact with the actuating portion (52) for opening of the conductor terminal point (K) during pivoting of the release lever (5) about the pivot axis (A).

21. Terminal (1) according to claim 19, wherein the spring actuating portion (43) overlaps at least partially with the lever arm portions (50) at least in the case of a closed conductor terminal point (K) in relation to the pivot axis (A) as seen in the axial direction.

22. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the spring force terminal connection (2) has a busbar (3) and a clamping spring (4) with a movable clamping leg (42), wherein the clamping leg (42) has a clamping portion (421) for the formation of the conductor terminal point (K) between the clamping portion (421) and the busbar (3).

23. Terminal (1) according to claim 22, wherein the clamping spring (4) at least in the closed position of the conductor terminal point (K), as seen in the conductor introduction direction (E), extends transversely through the conductor introduction channel (60) in order to form a lead-in chamfer toward the conductor terminal point (K).

24. Terminal (1) according to claim 22, wherein the clamping spring (4) has a bearing leg (40), a spring bow (41) adjoining the bearing leg (40), and the clamping leg (42) adjoining the spring bow (41), wherein at least the spring bow (41) or the clamping spring (4) is formed to be substantially U-shaped.

25. Terminal (1) according to claim 22, wherein the release lever (5) is movable between an idle position, in which the clamping leg (42) pushes into a closed position of the conductor terminal point (K), and an actuating position interacts in such a manner with the spring force terminal connection (2), so that the conductor terminal point (K) is opened.

26. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide wall portions (63) have lateral wall portions (630) which at least partially laterally delimit the conductor introduction channel (60) in relation to the pivot axis (A) axially on both sides.

27. Terminal (1) according to claim 26, wherein the lateral wall portions (630) extend in each case substantially in a guide plane (E1).

28. Terminal (1) according to claim 27, wherein the insulating material housing (6) has separating wall portions (61) which for each conductor terminal point (K) delimit the release lever (5) in relation to the pivot axis (A) axially on both sides at least partially laterally on the outside, wherein the separating wall portions (61) extend in each case at least partially substantially in a separating wall plane (E2), and wherein the guide plane (E1) and the separating wall plane (E2) are oriented parallel to one another in each case on one side of the conductor introduction channel (60).

29. Terminal (1) according to claim 28, wherein the actuating portion (52) is provided substantially between the guide plane (E1) and the separating wall plane (E2).

30. Terminal (1) according to claim 4, wherein the insulating material housing (6) has separating wall portions (61) which for each conductor terminal point (K) delimit the release lever (5) in relation to the pivot axis (A) axially on both sides at least partially laterally on the outside.

31. Terminal (1) according to claim 30, wherein the separating wall portions (61) in a direction away from the conductor introduction channel (60) at least in the case of a closed conductor terminal point (K) terminate flush with the release lever (5) or project beyond it.

32. Terminal (1) according to claim 30, wherein the separating wall portions (61) extend in each case at least partially substantially in a separating wall plane (E2).

33. Terminal (1) according to claim 30, wherein respectively adjacent release levers (5) are axially spaced apart from one another, and/or wherein respectively adjacent release levers (5) are axially separated from one another at least by one of the separating wall portions (61), and/or wherein in each case at least one of the separating wall portions (61) extends at least partially between two adjacent release levers (5).

34. Terminal (1) according to claim 30, wherein, as seen in the axial direction, the in each case outermost separating wall portions (61) at least partially form a lateral outer wall of the insulating material housing (6).

35. Terminal (1) according to claim 30, wherein the lever arm portions (50) have in each case on a side facing away from the conductor introduction channel (60) the first pivot bearing portion (54) which interact in each case with a corresponding second pivot bearing portion (64) of the insulating material housing (6) for pivoting about the pivot axis (A).

36. Terminal (1) according to claim 35, wherein the actuating portion (52), and the second pivot bearing portion (64) radially overlap in relation to the pivot axis (A), and/or wherein the first pivot bearing portion (54) extends away from the conductor introduction channel (60).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further configurations and advantages of the present invention will now be described on the basis of the figures and accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective representation of a terminal according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a lateral sectional view of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1 with a closed release lever,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a lateral sectional view of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1 with an opened release lever,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a further lateral sectional view of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1 with a closed release lever,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a frontal sectional view through sectional line A-A of FIG. 4 of the terminal according to the invention,

(7) FIG. 6 shows a further lateral sectional view of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1 with an opened release lever,

(8) FIG. 7 shows a frontal sectional view through section A-A of FIG. 6 of the terminal according to the invention,

(9) FIG. 8 shows a lateral partial sectional view of a spring force terminal connection and a release lever of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1,

(10) FIG. 9 shows the spring force terminal connection and the release lever according to FIG. 8 in a slightly opened position,

(11) FIG. 10 shows the spring force terminal connection and the release lever according to FIG. 8 in the case of an opened release lever,

(12) FIG. 11 shows a frontal view of a spring force terminal connection of the terminal according to the invention according to FIG. 1,

(13) FIG. 12 shows a lateral sectional view of the spring force terminal connection according to FIG. 11, and

(14) FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the spring force terminal connection according to FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(15) The figures show different views and details of a terminal 1, in particular of a screw or connecting terminal, according to the present invention.

(16) Terminal 1 has in this case a spring force terminal connection 2 with at least one conductor terminal point K for electrical connection of at least one conductor. Spring force terminal connection 2 preferably has, as represented, a busbar 3 and a clamping spring 4 with a movable clamping leg 42. Clamping leg 42 in turn preferably has a clamping portion 421, here preferably in the form of a clamping edge, for the formation of conductor terminal point K between clamping portion 421 and busbar 3.

(17) Clamping spring 4 can, as represented, have a bearing leg 40, a spring bow 41 adjoining bearing leg 40, and clamping leg 42 adjoining spring bow 41. Clamping portion 421 can preferably be provided on a free end of clamping spring 4 or clamping leg 42 facing away from spring bow 41. At least spring bow 41 or clamping spring 4 can be formed overall to be substantially U-shaped.

(18) Terminal 1 furthermore has an insulating material housing 6 which at least partially accommodates spring force terminal connection 2. Insulating material housing 6 is produced from an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic. This preferably in an injection molding process. Insulating material housing 6 can preferably be formed in one piece or preferably in several pieces here. In the case of a multi-piece formation, the corresponding parts of the insulating material housing can be connected detachably or non-detachably to one another, for example, by means of corresponding latching elements and/or welding.

(19) For each conductor terminal point K, terminal 1 furthermore has a conductor introduction channel 60 which extends in a conductor introduction direction E from the outside toward conductor terminal point K. As is also described below, conductor introduction channel 60 can be formed or delimited by different regions and portions of terminal 1.

(20) As can be inferred from the exemplary embodiment, spring force terminal connection 2 can have several conductor terminal points K. These are preferably arranged at least partially or, as shown, all in a row next to one another. Conductor introduction directions E of conductor introduction channels 60 assigned to conductor terminal points K are preferably oriented at least partially or, as represented here, all parallel to one another. In the latter case, user-friendly accessibility of terminal 1 would only be provided from one side.

(21) As can be further inferred from FIGS. 1 to 10, terminal 1 has for each conductor terminal point K a release lever 5 which is mounted in insulating material housing 6 pivotably about a pivot axis A extending transverse to conductor introduction direction E, in order to interact with an actuating portion 52 by pivoting of release lever 5 with spring force terminal connection 2 for optional opening of conductor terminal point K.

(22) Release lever 5 can, as represented, be movable preferably between an idle position (cf. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8), in which terminal leg 42 pushes into a closed position of conductor terminal point K, and an actuating position (cf. FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 10), in which release lever 5, preferably its actuating portions 52, interacts in such a manner with the spring force terminal connection 2 and preferably its terminal spring 4 so that conductor terminal point K is opened.

(23) In the idle position, release lever 5 can preferably be locked with insulating material housing 6 by means of corresponding latching elements 55, 65 to one another in a detachably latching manner, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 2.

(24) Release lever 5 can have a lever actuating portion 51 for movement of release lever 5 about its pivot axis A, preferably between the idle position and the actuating position. Lever actuating position 51 can preferably extend substantially in a plane. Actuating portion 52 and lever actuating portion 51 are particularly preferably provided at opposite ends of release lever 5, as can be inferred in particular from FIGS. 4 to 10.

(25) As can be inferred in particular from FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6, pivot axis A preferably extends laterally outside conductor introduction channel 60 and here above thereof. Pivot axis A consequently does not intersect conductor introduction channel 60 or an elongation of conductor introduction channel 60 as seen in conductor introduction direction E.

(26) Release lever 5 has two lever arm portions 50 which are spaced apart from one another and which are immersed here on both sides of conductor introduction channel 60 (i.e. seen here in conductor introduction direction E) at least partially into insulating material housing 6, as can be inferred in particular from the sectional representations of FIGS. 2 to 7.

(27) Lever arm portions 50 have in each case a guide portion 53 which at least partially form or delimit conductor introduction channel 60 on both sides at least in the case of a conductor terminal point K opened by release lever 5 (cf. for example FIGS. 3, 6 and 7). It is also conceivable that guide portions 53 at least partially form or delimit conductor introduction channel 60 also in each movement position of release lever 5 about pivot axis A, as can be inferred, for example, additionally from FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.

(28) Insulating material housing 6 can furthermore have guide wall portions 63 which, together with guide portions 53, at least partially form or delimit conductor introduction channel 60. Guide wall portions 63 can have lateral wall portions 630 which at least partially laterally delimit conductor introduction channel 60 in relation to pivot axis A axially on both sides, as can be inferred, for example, from the representations of FIGS. 6 and 7. Lateral wall portions 630 can preferably be provided flush with guide portion 53 at least on the side of conductor introduction channel 60, these particularly preferably extending in a planar manner into one another.

(29) Lateral wall portions 630 preferably extend in each case substantially in a guide plane E1. Guide portions 53 likewise extend preferably substantially in respective guide plane E1. Guide planes E1 particularly preferably extend perpendicular to pivot axis A. Guide planes E1 are particularly preferably formed parallel to one another.

(30) Guide portions 53 can preferably be separated from guide wall portions 63 by a gap S (cf. for example FIGS. 2, 3, 5). Guide portions 53 are particularly preferably separated from lateral wall portions 630 of guide wall portions 63 by gap S. Release lever 5 is very particularly preferably separated from guide wall portions 63 by gap S. Release lever 5 is consequently freely pivotable with respect to the conductor introduction channel-side part of insulating material housing 6. Gap S is preferably formed and dimensioned such that it does not impair the introduction of a conductor; this preferably in such a manner that it has a smaller width B than the width of a conductor to be introduced. Gap S particularly preferably has a width B (at its narrowest point; preferably as seen in a radial direction in relation to pivot axis A) of less than 5 mm or less than 3.6 mm or less than 2.8 mm or less than 2.3 mm or less than 1.6 mm or less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm or less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.1 mm auf.

(31) Guide wall portions 63, preferably their lateral wall portions 630, preferably have in each case a set back edge contour portion 631, into which release lever 5 projects in each case with one of its guide portions 53 or actuating portions 52 in such a manner in order to lie opposite edge contour portion 631 separated by gap S; this preferably in each movement position of release lever 5. Edge contour portion 631 is preferably formed to be arc-shaped or circular arc-shaped. The part of release lever 5 which projects into edge contour portion 631, i.e. preferably guide portions 53 or actuating portions 52 particularly preferably have a contour which corresponds to the contour of edge contour portion 631 and which likewise can be formed to be arc-shaped or circular arc-shaped (cf. for example FIGS. 2 and 3).

(32) Release lever 5 furthermore preferably has a connection portion 56 which extends along pivot axis A between lever arm portions 50 and connects these to one another, as can be inferred, for example, from FIGS. 5 and 7.

(33) Connection portion 56 can, as seen in the axial direction in relation to pivot axis A, preferably have a circular or partially circular cross-section, as can be inferred, for example, from FIGS. 2 and 3.

(34) As can be inferred from these representations and furthermore from FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, connection portion 56 can preferably be mounted rotatably in a corresponding bearing portion 66 of insulating material housing 6 about pivot axis A. As can be inferred in particular from FIGS. 5 and 7, a side 660 of bearing portion 66 facing away from connection portion 56 can furthermore preferably at least partially form or delimit conductor introduction channel 60.

(35) For each conductor terminal point K spring force terminal connection 2 is at least partially covered by an outer (here upper) delimiting wall 62 of insulating material housing 6 on the side of insulating material housing 6 on which respective release lever 5 is arranged, as can be inferred, for example, from FIGS. 2 and 3.

(36) At least one distance portion 67 can extend from delimiting wall 62 in a direction away from conductor introduction channel 60. Distance portion 67 can preferably project at least partially in or through a recess 57 of the release lever. This recess 57 can be formed, for example, between the individual elements of release lever 5, such as lever arm portions 50, lever actuating portion 51 and connection portion 56. Distance portion 67 can preferably terminate flush with release lever 5 or project beyond it preferably in a direction away from conductor introduction channel 60 at least in the case of a closed conductor terminal point K, or also be (slightly) set back, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 5. The size of corresponding distance portions 67 is determined, for example, according to the adherence to desired clearance and creepage distances.

(37) Insulating material housing 6 can furthermore have separating wall portions 61 which for each conductor terminal point K delimit release lever 5 in relation to pivot axis A axially on both sides at least partially laterally on the outside. Separating wall portions 61 can in a direction away from conductor introduction channel 60 at least in the case of a closed conductor terminal point K terminate flush with release lever 5 or project beyond it or also possibly be set back therefrom. In the exemplary embodiments represented here, a flush orientation is represented, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 5. Separating wall portions 61 can extend in each case at least partially substantially in a separating wall plane E2, wherein separating wall plane E2 preferably extends perpendicular to pivot axis A. As can be inferred in particular from FIGS. 5 and 7, guide plane E1 and separating wall plane E2 can be oriented in each case on one side of conductor introduction channel 60 parallel to one another and preferably be offset to one another by a distance X. Actuating portion 52 can preferably be provided substantially between guide plane E1 and separating wall plane E2, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 7.

(38) Lever arm portions 50 preferably have in each case on a side facing away from conductor introduction channel 60 a first pivot bearing portion 54 which interact; preferably interact radially in relation to pivot axis A, in each case with a corresponding second pivot bearing portion 64 of insulating material housing 6, preferably of respectively facing separating wall portion 61, for pivoting about pivot axis A. This is also clearly apparent from FIG. 7 and can also be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6.

(39) In one preferred configuration, actuating portion 52 can have first pivot bearing portion 54. In the exemplary embodiment represented here, these are formed as an integrally projecting cam.

(40) Actuating portion 52, preferably its first pivot bearing portion 54, and second pivot bearing portion 64 can radially overlap in relation to pivot axis A, as can be inferred from FIG. 7. In this manner, secure support of release lever 5 in insulating material housing 6 can be brought about.

(41) First pivot bearing portion 54 preferably extends laterally away from conductor introduction channel 60 here, preferably parallel to pivot axis A, as can be inferred in turn from FIG. 7.

(42) Lever arm portions 50 can have in each case on a side facing away from conductor introduction channel 60 one of actuating portions 52. Actuating portion 52 can extend laterally away from conductor introduction channel 60 here, preferably parallel to pivot axis A.

(43) As can be inferred in particular from FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 11 to 13, terminal spring 4 at least in the closed position of conductor terminal point K, as seen in conductor introduction direction E, can extend transversely through conductor introduction channel 60 in order to form a lead-in chamfer toward conductor terminal point K.

(44) Spring force terminal connection 2, in particular its terminal spring 4, can have a spring actuating portion 43 which is arranged in such a manner that it interacts with actuating portion 52 for optional opening of conductor terminal point K. Spring actuating portion 43 extends from clamping leg 42 in a direction toward release lever 5, as can be clearly inferred, for example, from FIG. 4. Spring actuating portion 43 preferably extends laterally of clamping leg 42, particularly preferably, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 13, two spring actuating portions 43 for each clamping spring 4 provided here correspondingly extend on both sides of clamping leg 42 of associated clamping spring 4. This in order to be able to interact with actuating portion 50 for opening of conductor terminal point K during pivoting of release lever 5 about pivot axis A. How this interaction occurs is clearly apparent from FIGS. 8 to 10.

(45) Actuating portions 52, which are in each case opposite one of spring actuating portions 43, are moved by the pivoting movement of release lever 5 about pivot axis A in a circular path about precisely this pivot axis A. Spring actuating portion 43 overlaps, as can be inferred, for example, from FIGS. 4 and 8, at least in the case of closed conductor terminal point K in relation to pivot axis A, as seen in the axial direction, at least partially with lever arm portions 50. Corresponding spring actuating portion 43, in the case of corresponding pivoting movement of actuating portion 52, consequently lies in the way of the latter and is consequently, as can be inferred from the sequence of FIGS. 9 and 10, displaced and thus manipulated (i.e. moved or pivoted). As a result, terminal leg 42, as can be inferred from FIG. 10, is pivoted downward and consequently conductor terminal point K is opened. Since spring actuating portion 43 projects correspondingly high here, release lever 5 does not have to immerse correspondingly deep into insulating material housing 6, with the result that the lever itself can be formed to be overall largely flat, while at the same time simple and reliable operation as well as optional opening of conductor terminal point K are enabled.

(46) It is furthermore apparent with reference to FIG. 1 that lever actuating portion 51, as also connection portion 56, preferably extends between lever arm portions 50 and connects these to one another. An overall stable release lever 5 is thus provided.

(47) In the represented exemplary embodiment, the terminal has a spring force terminal connection 2 with several conductor terminal points K. Spring force terminal connection 2 can be formed as a coherent part; this preferably with integral busbar 2 and number of clamping springs 4 which corresponds to conductor terminal points K. It is also possible that spring force terminal connection 2 is formed with multiple parts or elements and each part has in each case one or a group of conductor terminal points K. In this regard, for example, several busbars 2 can be provided with in each case one or a group of clamping springs 4 for the formation of a corresponding number of conductor terminal points K.

(48) Pivot axes A of release levers 5 assigned to several conductor terminal points K are preferably arranged at least partially coaxially. In the represented exemplary embodiment, pivot axes A of all release levers 5 are arranged coaxially to one another.

(49) Respectively adjacent release levers 5 can preferably be axially spaced apart from one another, as can be inferred, for example, from FIG. 1 and the sectional representations of FIGS. 5 and 7. Respectively adjacent release levers 5 can be axially separated from one another at least by one of separating wall portions 50. In each case at least one of separating wall portions 50 can extend at least partially between two adjacent release levers 5, as can be inferred, for example, from FIGS. 1, 5 and 7. By virtue of the fact that in each case two adjacent release levers 5 divide a joint separating wall portion 50, an overall particularly compact and simultaneously stable design of terminal 1 can be achieved.

(50) As can be inferred in particular from FIG. 1, as seen in the axial direction in relation to pivot axis A, in each case outermost separating wall portions 50 can form at least partially a lateral outer wall of insulating material housing 6.

(51) The present invention is not restricted by the preceding exemplary embodiment insofar as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.