Abstract
A terminal for electrically connecting at least one conductor comprises an insulating material housing, a contact body with a contact frame and a contact spring, and an operating element. The operating element has a bearing region for rotatably mounting the operating element in the insulating material housing about a rotation axis, and at least one operating structure, which is at a radial distance from the bearing region and extends in the direction of the rotation axis, for moving the clamping limb between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position in the event of a rotational movement of the operating element about its rotation axis. The insulating material housing has a supporting region which axially extends between the rotation axis and the operating structure to support the operating structure on the supporting region at least in the conductor release position.
Claims
1. Terminal (1), in particular connection or connecting terminal, for electrically connecting at least one conductor, having an insulating material housing (10), a contact body (20), which is accommodated in the insulating material housing (10), comprising: a contact frame (21), and a contact spring (22) with a contact limb (22a) for providing a conductor clamping point for electrically connecting the conductor together with the contact frame (21), wherein the clamping limb (22a) of the contact spring (21) can be moved between a conductor clamping position and a conductor release position, and an operating element (30) in order to move the clamping limb (22a) between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position, wherein the operating element (30) has: a bearing region (31) for rotatably mounting the operating element (30) in the insulating material housing (10) about a rotation axis, and at least one operating structure (32), which is at a radial distance from the bearing region (31) and extends in the direction of the rotation axis, for moving the clamping limb (22a) between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position in the event of a rotational movement of the operating element (30) about its rotation axis, wherein the insulating material housing (10) has a supporting region (S) which axially extends between the rotation axis and the operating structure (32) in such a way that the operating structure (32) is supported on the supporting region (S) at least in the conductor release position.
2. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating structure (32) is supported on the supporting region (S) in the conductor release position in such a way that the operating element (30) is captively held in the conductor release position.
3. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating structure (32) is formed in such a way and the supporting region (S) extends between the rotation axis and the operating structure (32) in such a way that the operating structure (32) is supported on the supporting region (S) and preferably engages behind the supporting region (S) in the conductor clamping position, so that the operating element (30) is captively held in the conductor clamping position.
4. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating structure (32) is formed in such a way that the operating structure (32) inhibits a rotational movement of the operating element (30) in the conductor release position by contact with the clamping limb (22a), wherein the rotational movement is at least one rotational movement for moving the clamping limb (22a) from the conductor clamping position to the conductor release position.
5. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating structure (32) has a side (32a) which is directed toward the bearing region (31), wherein a first part (32a1) of the side (32a), which part is preferably in the form of a segment of a circle, is at a constant radial distance from the bearing region (31), and wherein a second part (32a2) of the side (32a), which second part adjoins the first part (32a1), is at an increasing radial distance from the bearing region (31).
6. Terminal (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first part (32a1) is supported on the supporting region (S) both in the conductor clamping position and also in the conductor release position, and wherein the second part (32a2) is preferably at a distance from the supporting region (S) both in the conductor clamping position and also in the conductor release position.
7. Terminal (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first part (32a1) is provided at an angle ? in the range of from 15? to 40?, preferably of from 20? to 35?, particularly preferably of from 22? to 26?, with respect to the rotation axis, and/or wherein the second part (32a2) is provided at an angle ?1 of from 20? to 40?, preferably of from 25? to 40?, particularly preferably of from 30? to 35?, with respect to the rotation axis.
8. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (30) has an operating lever (33), wherein the operating structure (32) and the operating lever (33) are provided on substantially opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis and/or the bearing region (31).
9. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (30) has a guide section (34) which projects radially toward the rotation axis and which is accommodated in a sliding manner in a radial guide groove (17) of the insulating material housing (10), which radial guide groove runs at least partially around the rotation axis, preferably in a bearing region (11) of the insulating material housing (10), which bearing region interacts with the bearing region (31) for rotatably mounting the operating element (30), in order to axially guide the operating lever (30) on both sides in the event of the rotational movement of said operating lever about the rotation axis.
10. Terminal (1) according to claim 8, wherein the guide section (34) extends away from the operating lever (33), preferably from the center of the operating lever (33) with respect to the axial direction of the rotation axis.
11. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (30) has two operating structures (32, 32), wherein the operating structures (32, 32) are at an axial distance from one another and preferably extend toward one another.
12. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein a supporting face (S1) of the supporting region (S), on which the operating structure (32) is supported, is at a constant radial distance from the rotation axis, and is preferably designed in the form of a segment of a circle, particularly preferably in a manner corresponding to the first part (32a1) of the operating structure (32), as seen in the axial direction.
13. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supporting region (S) is part of a guide groove (12), which is formed in the insulating material housing (10), for guiding the operating structure (32).
14. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating material housing (10) has a first housing part (13) and a second housing part (14) which is connected to the first housing part (13), wherein the first housing part (13) is provided for rotatably mounting the operating element (30) and has the supporting section (S), and wherein the contact body (20) is accommodated between the first housing part (13) and the second housing part (14).
15. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating material housing (10) has a rotation-prevention section (16) for the operating element (30), which rotation-prevention section is in engagement with the operating element (30) in the conductor clamping position, so that the operating element (30) is fixed in the conductor clamping position such that rotation is prevented.
16. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the contact frame (21) has a conductor insertion opening (21a) which is preferably situated behind the conductor clamping point in the conductor insertion direction (L).
17. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping spring (22) has a supporting limb (22b) with which the clamping spring (22) is held and supported on the contact
18. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping limb (22a) is pretensioned against the contact frame (21) into the conductor clamping point, preferably by means of a preferably arcuate connecting limb (22d) which connects the clamping limb (22a) to the supporting limb (22b).
19. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping limb (22a) has a region (22a1) for making contact with the operating element (30), which region is preferably provided between the region (22c) which connects the limbs (22a, 22b) and a further part (22a2) of the clamping limb (22a), which further part has the free end of the clamping limb (22a), wherein this region (22a1) extends laterally, preferably on either side of the further part (22a2) and preferably in the conductor insertion direction, preferably in the form of elongated lugs (22a3).
20. Terminal (1) according to claim 16, wherein the contact frame (21) and the contact spring (22) are provided and formed in relation to one another in such a way that the free end of the clamping limb (22a) does not enter the conductor insertion opening (21a) when said clamping limb moves between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position.
21. Terminal (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating material housing (10) has a conductor insertion channel (K) which extends toward the conductor clamping point.
22. Terminal (1) according to claim 21, wherein the clamping limb (22a) extends transversely through the conductor insertion channel (K) and toward the conductor clamping point substantially in the conductor insertion direction (L) in an inclined manner.
23. Terminal arrangement (100) having at least two terminals (1) according to claim 1, wherein the contact frames (21) are integrally formed with one another.
24. Terminal arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the conductor clamping points and associated operating elements (30) are arranged next to one another in a row, preferably with parallel or coaxially oriented rotation axes, wherein a web (18) preferably extends between in each case two adjacent operating elements (30) in order to preferably axially space apart the operating elements (30) from one another.
Description
[0031] Further refinements and advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1a shows a plan view of a terminal according to the invention in line with one exemplary embodiment of the invention in the conductor clamping position,
[0033] FIG. 1b shows a sectional view along section line 1b-1b of the terminal in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0034] FIG. 1c shows a sectional view along section line 1c-1c of the terminal in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0035] FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of the terminal in accordance with FIGS. 1a to 1c,
[0036] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of the terminal according to the invention in line with the exemplary embodiment of the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a in the conductor release position,
[0037] FIG. 2b shows a sectional view along section line 2b-2b of the terminal in accordance with FIG. 2a,
[0038] FIG. 2c shows a sectional view along section line 2c-2c of the terminal in accordance with FIG. 2a,
[0039] FIGS. 3a to 3e show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a contact body of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0040] FIGS. 4a to 4e show various views of an exemplary embodiment of an operating element of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an exploded illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0042] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a perspective view from below and, respectively, from above of the exemplary embodiment of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a with a phase tester,
[0044] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a side view and, respectively, a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 1a,
[0045] FIG. 9a shows a perspective partially sectional view of a terminal according to the invention in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in the conductor release position,
[0046] FIG. 9b show a front view of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 9a in the conductor clamping position,
[0047] FIG. 9c shows a sectional side view of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 9b along section line 9c-9c,
[0048] FIG. 9d shows a plan view of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 9b,
[0049] FIGS. 10a to 10c show various views of a further exemplary embodiment of a contact body of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 9a, in some cases with the operating element, and
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an exploded illustration of the second exemplary embodiment of the terminal according to the invention in accordance with FIG. 9b.
[0051] FIGS. 1a to 8b show a terminal 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9a to 11 show a terminal 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The terminals 1 are substantially identical, and therefore the following statements in principle apply to both exemplary embodiments equally, unless stated otherwise. Identical features are provided with the same reference symbols. The terminal 1 according to the invention is, in particular, a connection or connecting terminal. Terminals 1 of this kind serve, in particular, to electrically connect at least one electrical conductor (not illustrated) in a conductor insertion direction L.
[0052] FIGS. 1a and 9a illustrate the respective terminal 1 in a particularly preferred design as part of a terminal arrangement 100. The terminal arrangement 100 has at least two, preferably five, terminals 1 for in each case one electrical conductor. However, the terminal arrangement 100 is not restricted to the number of terminals 1 here. The terminals 1 are preferably arranged in a row next to one another. The structure of the terminal 1 will be described in the text which follows. The terminal 1 has an insulating material housing 10 and a contact body 20 which is accommodated in the insulating material housing 10. The insulating material housing 10 can have a conductor insertion channel K which preferably prespecifies or defines the conductor insertion direction L. The contact body 20 is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3a to 3e and also 10a to 10c. It can be seen in said Figures that the contact body 20 has a contact frame 21. The contact frame 21 is provided in order to provide electrical coupling between an electrical conductor and a further element which is connected to the contact frame 21. The contact frame 21 is preferably configured as a stamped and/or bent part.
[0053] The contact body 20 further has a contact spring 22. Here, the contact spring 22 has a clamping limb 22a which provides a conductor clamping point for electrically connecting the conductor together with the contact frame 21. That is to say, the clamping terminal 22a is pretensioned in the direction of the contact frame 21 or the clamping limb 22a is pretensioned against the contact frame 21 into the conductor clamping position. Furthermore, the clamping limb 22a can be moved between a conductor clamping position and a conductor release position. The conductor clamping position is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1b and 9c. the conductor release position is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2b or 9a and 10b (in each case with the terminal 1 illustrated at the bottom). It can in particular be seen in said figures that the clamping limb 22a preferably extends transversely through the conductor insertion channel K, which extends toward the conductor clamping point, and toward the conductor clamping point substantially in the conductor insertion direction L in an inclined manner.
[0054] As is likewise illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3e and also 10a to 10c in particular, the contact body 21 can have a conductor insertion opening or cutout 21a which is situated behind the conductor clamping point in the conductor insertion direction L. The conductor insertion opening 21a can be provided, for example, for suspending the contact spring 22. The clamping spring 22 can have a supporting limb 22b with which the clamping spring 22 is held and supported on the contact frame 21, preferably is suspended in the conductor insertion opening 21a. It can be provided, in particular, that the supporting limb 22b is suspended in the conductor insertion opening 21a by means of the free and, particularly preferably, bent-over end 22b1 of the supporting limb 22b. Here, the supporting limb 22b is preferably integrally formed with the clamping limb 22a, particularly preferably by means of a preferably arcuate connecting limb 22b which connects the clamping limb 22a to the supporting limb 22b. Here, the clamping limb 22a and the supporting limb 22b preferably form a substantially U-shaped cross section. In particular, the supporting limb 22b can be provided such that it does not move with respect to the contact frame 22, so that it provides the spring action for the clamping limb 22a.
[0055] Furthermore, FIGS. 3b and 3c and also 10a and 10b illustrate that the conductor insertion opening 21a can be provided for routing a conductor. In a preferred embodiment, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 9a and 9c in particular, the contact frame 21 and the contact spring 22 are preferably provided and formed in relation to one another in such a way that, both in the conductor release position (FIGS. 2b and 9a) and also in the conductor clamping position (FIGS. 1b and 9c), the free end of the clamping limb 22a does not enter the conductor insertion opening 21a, that is to say in particular the free end of the clamping limb 22a does not enter the conductor insertion opening 21a when it moves between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position. To this end, it can be provided, for example, that the free end of the clamping limb 22a is in a position which is not situated in the conductor insertion opening 21a both in the conductor clamping position and also in the conductor release position. This can be achieved preferably by the distance between the free end of the clamping limb 22a and the region which connects the limbs 22a and 22b to one another being smaller than the distance between the free end 22b1 of the supporting limb 22b and that region of the limbs 22a and 22b which connects them.
[0056] Furthermore, the contact frame 21 can have a contact tongue 21b. The contact tongue 21b can be formed, for example, by the conductor insertion opening 21a. That is to say that the contact tongue 21b can be provided on an edge region of the conductor insertion opening 21a. In the conductor clamping position, the contact tongue 21b serves for the electrical conductor (not illustrated) to make contact with the contact frame 21. The contact tongue 21b serves for supporting the free end of the clamping limb 22a when the conductor is not inserted and in the conductor clamping position. This position, that is to say a position in which no electrical conductor is inserted and in which the contact spring is located in the conductor clamping position, is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3a to 3c and also 10a.
[0057] The terminal 1 further has an operating element 30 in order to move the clamping limb 22a between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position. FIGS. 2b and also 9a, 10b and 10c illustrate, by way of example, how the operating element 30 stops the clamping limb 22a in the conductor release position. FIGS. 1b and 9c illustrate the situation in which the operating element 30 is not in operative contact with the clamping limb 22a, so that the clamping limb 22a transmits a clamping force to the contact frame 21 in the conductor clamping position. For the purpose of rotatably mounting the operating element 30, the operating element 30 further has a bearing region 31 for rotatably mounting the operating element 30 in the insulating material housing 10. The operating element 30 can therefore be rotated about a rotation axis which is, by way of example, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 9c and 10c. Here, the bearing region 31 is preferably rotatably mounted in an at least partially corresponding bearing region 11 in the insulating material housing 10. To this end, the bearing region 31 can, for example, be in the form of a projection, and the bearing region 11 can be in the form of a recess which is formed in the insulating material housing 10, in particular in the form of a groove, that is to say preferably in the form of a groove which is accessible from the outside.
[0058] Furthermore, the operating element 30 has at least one operating structure 32 which is at a radial distance from the bearing region 31 and extends in the direction of the rotation axis. Here, the operating structure 32 is provided for moving the clamping limb 22a. More precisely, owing to the rotational movement of the operating element 30 about its rotation axis, the operating structure 32 should move the clamping limb 22a between the conductor clamping position and the conductor release position (and back). That is to say, the operating structure 32 is preferably in contact with the clamping limb 22a in the conductor release position (FIGS. 2b and 9a), wherein the operating structure 32 is preferably at a distance from the clamping limb 22a in the conductor clamping position (FIGS. 1b and 9c).
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 2b and also 9a and 10b in particular, the operating structure 32 is therefore in contact with the clamping limb 22a in the conductor release position. To this end, it can be provided, in particular, that the operating structure 32 axially extends only to such an extent that it is in contact only with an edge region of the clamping limb 22a, wherein the edge region extends in the conductor insertion direction here. In particular, it can be provided that this edge region extends only on a portion of the clamping limb 22a, specifically on the region 22a1 (compare, for example, FIGS. 3b and 10a). The region 22a1 is preferably provided between that region 22c which connects the limbs 22a, 22b and a further part 22a2 of the clamping limb 22a, which further part has the free end of the clamping limb 22a. The further part 22a2 is preferably of narrower design than the part 22a1. In a preferred refinement, as illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 11 in particular, the (edge) region 22a1 can extend laterally, in particular on either side of the further part 22a2, preferably in the conductor insertion direction. The elongated lugs 22a3 which are provided in this way can provide improved support for the operating element 30 for moving the clamping limb 22a (cf., for example, FIGS. 10b and 10c).
[0060] The operating element 30 can further have an operating lever 33 by means of which the operating element 30 can be operated or rotated. In FIGS. 4a to 4e, the operating element 30 is illustrated as a single part for better illustration; and only together with the contact body 20 in FIGS. 10b and 10c. It can be seen in said figures, in particular, that the bearing region 31 is provided between the operating lever 33 and the operating structure 32 in a plan view of the operating element 30, as is illustrated in FIG. 4c for example (also cf. FIG. 9d). That is to say, the operating structure 32 and the operating lever 33 are preferably provided on substantially opposite sides with respect to the rotation axis and/or the bearing region 31. The abovementioned elements are preferably provided in relation to one another in such a way that, in the installed state of the operating element 30 with the insulating material housing, the operating lever 33 terminates flush with the insulating material housing 10, as is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2b or 9a.
[0061] As can be seen by way of example in FIG. 1a, the operating elements 30 can be supported flat on the respectively adjacent operating element 30 by way of their lateral outer surface. Therefore, a particularly compact construction is possible. However, this flat supporting abutment can lead to undesired physical interactions between the operating elements 30, in particular when the operating elements 30 are inserted (for mounting purposes) or pivoted (during operation); said operating elements can catch or tilt for example. In order to counteract this, it is conceivable, as can be seen in FIGS. 9d and 11 for example, that the operating element 30 has a guide section 34 which protrudes radially toward the rotation axis. Here, as shown, the guide section 34 can extend (radially) away from the operating lever 33 and preferably extend (radially) away from the center of the operating lever 33 with respect to the axial direction of the rotation axis. The guide section 34 is preferably accommodated, that is to say guided, in a sliding manner in a radial guide groove 17 of the insulating material housing 10, which radial guide groove runs at least partially around the rotation axis, in order to axially guide the operating lever 30 on either side in the event of rotational movement of said operating lever about the rotation axis. The guide groove 17 is preferably accommodated or guided in a sliding manner in the bearing region 11 of the insulating material housing 10, which bearing region 11 interacts with the bearing region 31 for rotatably mounting the operating element 30. The guide groove 17 is preferably located on a (here outer) side of the insulating material housing 10, which side is averted from the contact body 20, and furthermore preferably extends in an arcuate manner or in the form of a segment of a circle partially around the rotation axis. By means of this central guidance, the operating element 30 can be securely mounted and operated (pivoted) independently of adjacent operating elements 30.
[0062] The conductor clamping points and associated operating elements 30 are arranged next to one another in a row here. This is preferably done with parallel oras illustratedcoaxially oriented rotation axes. A (guide) web 18 preferably extends between in each case two adjacent operating elements 30 in order to preferably axially space apart the operating elements 30 from one another; for example with a defined gap in the range of approximately 0.1-0.2 mm. This web 18 ensures secure housing-side guidance of the operating elements 30 while avoiding undesired interaction between adjacent operating elements 30 and with a very compact construction overall.
[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 9a and 9c in particular, the insulating material housing 10 further has a supporting region S. As illustrated in FIG. 2b in particular, the supporting region S axially extends between the rotation axis and the operating structure 32 in such a way that the operating structure 32 is supported on the supporting region S at least in the conductor release position, preferably also in the conductor clamping position (FIGS. 1b and 9c). To this end, it can be provided, for example, that the supporting region extends from the bearing region 31 or 11 to the operating structure 32, that is to say the bearing region 11 is preferably formed in the supporting region S.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 2b in particular, it can be provided that the operating structure 32 is supported on the supporting region S in the conductor release position in such a way that the operating element 30 is captively held at least in the conductor release position.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1b in particular, the supporting region S can further extend between the rotation axis and the operating structure 32 in such a way that the operating element 30 is captively held in the conductor clamping position. To this end, it can be provided, for example, that the operating structure 32 engages behind the supporting region S. Engagement behind the supporting region S by the operating structure 32 can also be such that the operating element 30 can snap into the insulating material housing 10. Therefore, the operating structure 32 and the supporting region S preferably form a snap-action closure.
[0066] According to one particularly preferred embodiment, the operating structure 32 is formed in such a way that it inhibits a rotational movement of the operating element 30 in the conductor release position by contact with the clamping limb 22a, wherein the rotational movement is at least one rotational movement for moving the clamping limb 22a from the conductor clamping position to the conductor release position. This position is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2b and 9a. It is clear that the contact between the operating structure 32, in particular an end region of the operating structure 32, and the clamping limb 22a prevents or inhibits a further rotational movement of the operating element 30 (here: in the clockwise direction).
[0067] In particular, it is clear from FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 10b and 10c that a supporting face S1 of the supporting region S, on which the operating structure 32 is supported, can be at a constant radial distance from the rotation axis. That is to say, the supporting region S or the supporting surface S1 is preferably designed in the form of a segment of a circle, wherein the center point of this circle is situated on the rotation axis.
[0068] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 4d and 4e and also 10b, the operating structure 32 can have a side 32a which is directed toward the bearing region 31, preferably toward the supporting region S. Here, the side 32a has a first part 32a1 which is preferably in the form of a segment of a circle or is round and is at a constant radial distance from the bearing region 31 and preferably from the supporting region S. That is to say, circles, which form the bearing region 31 and the first part 32a1, are preferably provided coaxially on the operating element 30. The part 32a1 is preferably designed in a manner corresponding to the supporting face S1 of the supporting region S and is in contact with said supporting region. The first part 32a1 can be provided at an angle ? in the range of from 15? to 40? with respect to the rotation axis of the operating element 30. In a preferred embodiment, the angle ? lies in a range of from 20? to 35?, particularly preferably in a range of from 22? to 26?. In a highly preferred embodiment, the angle ? is 24?. In FIGS. 1b and 2b, the point of intersection of the rotation axis with the plane of the drawing forms the vertex of the abovementioned angle ?.
[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2b, it can be provided that the first part 32a1 is supported on or makes contact with the supporting region S both in the conductor clamping position (FIGS. 1b, 9a) and also in the conductor release position (FIG. 2b, 9c). Therefore, the supporting region S and the first part 32a1 are preferably configured in a corresponding manner.
[0070] The side 32a of the operating structure 32 can further have a second part 32a2 which preferably continuously adjoins the first part 32a1 and which is at a radially increasing distance from the bearing region 31 and preferably from the supporting region S. As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1b and 11, it can be provided that the part 32a2 is substantially perpendicular in relation to the conductor insertion direction in the conductor clamping position. In the conductor release position (FIGS. 2b and 10b), the part 32a2 can be provided at an angle ? of from 20? to 40?, preferably of from 25? to 40?, particularly preferably of from 30? to 35? with respect to the rotation axis. In a highly preferred embodiment, the angle is 33?. In FIGS. 1b and 2b, the point of intersection of the rotation axis with the plane of the drawing forms the vertex of the abovementioned angle ?.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2b, it can also be provided that the second part 32a2 is at a distance from the supporting region S both in the conductor clamping position (FIG. 1b) and also in the conductor release position (FIG. 2b).
[0072] The operating structure 32 can also have a side 32b which is averted from the bearing region 31 and, respectively, from the supporting region S and which can be clearly identified, in particular, in FIGS. 4d and 11. The sides 32a and 32b preferably enclose the operating structure 32. The side 32d is therefore that side of the operating structure 32 which can be brought into contact with the clamping limb 22a, as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 9a, 9c, 10b and 10c. Here, the side 32b has a first part 32b1 and a second part 32b2 which preferably continuously adjoins the first part 32b1. Here, the side 32b is preferably configured in such a way that initially (only) the part 32b1 and subsequently (only) the part 32b1 are in contact with the clamping limb 22a when the operating structure 32 moves in the direction of the clamping limb 22a. Therefore, a particularly simple movement of the clamping limb 22a can be effected with a relatively low force. To this end, it can be provided, for example, that the part 32c of the operating structure 32, which part is delimited by the parts 32a1 and 32b1, becomes wider in the direction of the part 32d of the operating structure 32, which part is delimited by the parts 32a2 and 32b2, wherein the part 32d adjoining said part 32c becomes narrower as the distance from the part 32c increases.
[0073] As illustrated in particular in FIG. 2b, the front part 32a1 can be in force-fitting contact with the supporting region S, that is to say can be pressed against the supporting region S by means of a spring action between the clamping limb 22a and the operating structure 32, in particular the rear part 32b2 of said operating structure. As a result, the abovementioned inhibition of the rotational movement of the operating element 30 in the conductor release position can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner.
[0074] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 4b to 4d and also 9d and 11, the operating element 30 can have a further operating structure 32, wherein the operating structures 32, 32 are at an axial distance from one another and preferably extend toward one another, that is to say are preferably situated diametrically opposite one another. It can be provided, in particular, that the operating structures 32, 32 are situated opposite one another in such a way that they act on opposite ends of the clamping limb 22aas seen in the conductor insertion direction. The operating structures 32, 32 are preferably of identical configuration, so that the statements made in respect of the operating structure 32 substantially equally apply to the operating structure 32. In addition, a further supporting region S can be provided for the operating structure 32 (FIGS. 5 and 11), which further supporting region S is situated diametrically opposite the supporting region S and is preferably designed substantially identically to the supporting region S, so that the statements made in respect of the supporting region S substantially equally apply to the supporting region S.
[0075] As is likewise clear from FIGS. 4b and 4c and also 9d in particular, the operating element 30 can further have a further bearing region 31 which is situated diametrically opposite the bearing region 31. The bearing regions 31, 31 are preferably of identical configuration, so that the statements made in respect of the bearing region 31 substantially equally apply to the bearing region 31. That is to say, in particular, that the insulating material housing 10 can further have a further bearing region 11 which is situated diametrically opposite the bearing region 11, as is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1a and 9d.
[0076] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1b and 2b and also 9a and 9c, the supporting region S can be part of a guide groove 12 which is formed in the insulating material housing 10. The guide groove 12 can be at least partially designed in the shape a segment of a circle. Here, the guide groove 12 is provided, in particular, for guiding the operating structure 32. That is to say, the operating structure 32 can be in contact with the guide groove 12 and be supported on said guide groove here. The side 32b of the operating structure 32 is preferably at least partially in preferably flat contact with the guide groove 12, in particular with a side of the guide groove 12 which is directed toward the side 32b. It is particularly advantageous for guiding the operating structure 32 when a part of the guide 32b is formed in a manner corresponding to the guide groove 12 and is in contact with said guide groove 12, that is to say is guided by said guide groove 12.
[0077] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11 in particular, the insulating material housing 10 can be of multipartite design owing to said insulating material housing having a first housing part 13 and a second housing part 14 which is connected to the first housing part 13. In this case, the connection can be made by means of a corresponding connection, such as, for example, by means of a latching connection comprising latching openings R2, which are provided in the first housing part 13, and latching lugs R1, which are provided in the second housing part 14, (cf. FIG. 5). As an alternative or in addition, it is also feasible that the housing parts 13, 14 are welded and/or adhesively bonded to one another. FIGS. 9a and 11 show, by way of example, a plurality of welding webs 19 for welding the housing parts 13, 14, for example by means of ultrasound welding. In the case of the multipartite design of the insulating material housing 10, it is particularly advantageous when the first housing part 13 is provided for rotatably mounting the operating element 30, that is to say has the bearing region 11 and has the supporting region S, preferably also the guide groove 12.
[0078] Furthermore, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1b, 2b and 5 and also 9a, 9c and 11, the contact body 20 can be accommodated between the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14. For the purpose of securely accommodating the contact body 20, it can be provided, in particular, that the second housing part 14 has a region 14a such as, for example, a cutout which is provided in a manner corresponding to a part of the contact frame 21 and to a part of the contact spring 22, preferably the supporting limb 22b. In addition, the contact frame 21 can have a contact-making limb 21c which is provided between the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14 or is preferably fixed between said housing parts in a force-fitting and/or interlocking manner.
[0079] The terminal 1 or the contact body 20 is advantageously fitted, for example, in an electronic device by means of the second housing part 14. To this end, it is possible, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9a in particular, for the second housing part 14 to have a cutout 14b which extends in the direction of the contact frame 21. The cutout 14b can optionally run as far as the contact frame 21, so that electrical tapping-off can also be performed by means of the cutout 14b.
[0080] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and also 9b and 11 in particular, the insulating material housing 10 of the terminal 1 or of the terminal arrangement 100, preferably the first housing part 13, can have a (single) test opening 15 for making contact with the contact body 20. A phase tester, such as a tool W for example, can be guided through the test opening 15 for making contact with the contact body 20.
[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b and also 9c, the insulating material housing 10, preferably the first housing part 13, can further have a rotation-prevention section 16 for the operating element 30, which rotation-prevention section is in engagement with or can be brought into engagement with the operating element 30 in the conductor clamping position, so that the operating element 30 is fixed in the conductor clamping position such that rotation is prevented. The rotation-prevention section 16 can be designed, for example, in the form of a latching projection which is formed in the insulating material housing 10, preferably in the second housing part 13 and which can be brought into engagement with a latching cutout 33a which is formed in the operating element 30, preferably in the operating lever 33. In the conductor clamping position, the rotationally fixed (latching) connection between the rotation-prevention section 16 and the operating element 30 therefore prevents a rotational movement of the operating element 30 about its rotation axis up to a certain force, which acts on the operating element 30 or free end of the operating lever 33, in the direction of the rotational movement. The force is preferably dimensioned in such a way that a fitter can overcome said force without problems using finger force.
[0082] The present invention is not restricted to the above-described exemplary embodiments provided that it is covered by the subject matter of the claims that follow. In particular, the features of the illustrated exemplary embodiments can be exchanged for one another and combined with one another in any desired manner.
