Patent Publication Number: US-11043759-B2

Title: Spring terminal

Description:
This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to German Patent Application No. Germany 20 2018 106 896.2, which was filed in Germany on Dec. 4, 2018, and which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a spring terminal for electrical conductors. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     A conductor terminal with a housing, a pivoted lever, a bus bar accessible through an entry opening of the housing, and a clamping spring is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 104 625 A1. The pivoted lever of the conductor terminal has an axial strut pivotably supported in the housing, about which the pivoted lever can be pivoted between its open position and closed position. Formed between an operating handle and a pusher element of the pivoted lever is a receiving opening of the pivoted lever through which a holding leg and a clamping leg of the clamping spring are passed. 
     DE 10 2016 116 966 A1 relates to a spring-loaded terminal with at least one clamping spring for clamping an electrical conductor to the spring-loaded terminal. The spring-loaded terminal has an operating element for opening a clamping point for the electrical conductor that is formed at least in part by means of a clamping edge of the clamping spring. The operating element has a spring engagement region that is equipped to deflect an operating section of the clamping spring at least during opening of the clamping point. In opposition to the force of the clamping spring acting on the spring engagement region, the operating element is supported on a support section of the clamping spring. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spring that is improved to the greatest degree possible. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a spring terminal for connection of an electrical conductor is provided. The spring terminal has a bus bar and a clamping spring and a housing and a lever. The bus bar is designed for electrically contacting the electrical conductor. 
     The bus bar and the clamping spring and the lever are accommodated at least partially in the housing. Preferably, the housing is electrically insulating, for example is made of plastic, and has the effect that electrically conductive elements, such as bus bars or clamping springs for example, cannot be touched directly by a user&#39;s hand. 
     The lever has a first support disk with a first partially circular outer contour for supporting the lever in a first bearing shell. The lever has a second support disk with a second partially circular outer contour for supporting the lever in a second bearing shell. 
     The second support disk is spaced apart from the first support disk. Preferably, the second support disk is spaced apart from the first support disk at least in the axial direction. 
     The lever has an operating handle that is connected to the first support disk and to the second support disk. 
     The clamping spring has a clamping leg. The clamping leg forms a clamping point with the bus bar for clamping the electrical conductor to the bus bar. 
     The lever has a driver that is designed to move the clamping leg from a closed position to an open position when the lever is pivoted. 
     The first bearing shell can be formed from a first housing section of the housing with a partially circular inner contour and from a first bus bar wall section of the bus bar with an inner contour. 
     The second bearing shell can be formed from a second housing section of the housing with a partially circular inner contour and from a second bus bar wall section of the bus bar with an inner contour. 
     The first bus bar wall section of the bus bar can have a partially circular inner contour. 
     The second bus bar wall section of the bus bar can have a partially circular inner contour. 
     A radius of the first partially circular outer contour of the first support disk may be no larger than a radius of the partially circular inner contour of the first housing section and/or of the first bus bar wall section. 
     A radius of the second partially circular outer contour of the second support disk may be no larger than a radius of the partially circular inner contour of the second housing section and/or of the second bus bar wall section. 
     The first partially circular outer contour of the first support disk and the partially circular inner contour of the first housing section and the partially circular inner contour of the first bus bar wall section can have the same radius. 
     The second partially circular outer contour of the second support disk and the partially circular inner contour of the second housing section and the partially circular inner contour of the second bus bar wall section can have the same radius. 
     The housing can have a receptacle part with an interior for accommodating at least the bus bar and a cover. In advantageous fashion, the cover closes an opening of the receptacle part leading into the interior. 
     The cover can have the first housing section for forming the first bearing shell. The cover can have the second housing section for forming the second bearing shell. 
     The housing can have a first guide wall and/or a second guide wall of a conductor guide passage. The conductor guide passage guides the electrical conductor to the clamping point. For example, the electrical conductor is inserted into a conductor opening from outside. The first and/or second guide wall is formed by the cover of the housing, for example. Advantageously, the conductor guide passage can be circumferentially closed at least in sections. Advantageously, the conductor guide passage can be formed in the cover at least in sections. 
     A conductor guide passage for accommodating the electrical conductor can be formed in the region of the first support disk and the second support disk by a space between the first support disk and the second support disk. In advantageous fashion, the space can be additionally bounded by the bus bar at least on a third side. 
     The first housing section and a first inner side of the first support disk facing the electrical conductor can be aligned at least in the conductor insertion direction. According to an advantageous improvement, the second housing section and a second inner side of the second support disk facing the electrical conductor can be aligned at least in the conductor insertion direction. An alignment includes a minor offset within the scope of manufacturing tolerances. The goal is that strands of a stranded wire do not strike edges formed by an offset and bend such that these strands no longer reach the clamping point in consequence. 
     The conductor guide passage can be closed laterally by the first inner side of the first support disk and the first housing section and the first bus bar wall section except for gaps between first support disk and first housing section and between first support disk and first bus bar wall section and between first bus bar wall section and housing section. For example, the conductor guide passage can be closed laterally at least over a height of the electrical conductor. The gaps advantageously are limited to a minimum dimension required for manufacturing or assembly. The gaps shown in the figures are solely by way of example and do not limit the scope of protection. According an advantageous improvement, the gaps between first support disk and first housing section and between first support disk and first bus bar wall section and between first bar wall section and first housing section are closed toward the outside by walls of the housing. Advantageously, the walls of the housing can be directly adjacent to the gaps. 
     The conductor guide passage can be closed laterally by the second inner side of the second support disk and the second housing section and the second bus bar wall section except for gaps between second support disk and second housing section and between second support disk and second bus bar wall section and between second bus bar wall section and second housing section. Preferably, the conductor guide passage is closed laterally at least over a height of the electrical conductor. The gaps advantageously are limited to a minimum dimension required for manufacturing or assembly. The gaps shown in the figures are solely by way of example and do not limit the scope of protection. The gaps between second support disk and second housing section and between second support disk and second bus bar wall section and between second bus bar wall section and second housing section can be closed toward the outside by walls of the housing. The walls of the housing can be directly adjacent to the gaps. 
     The bus bar can form a contact frame together with a bottom section and a fastening section and the first bus bar wall section and/or the second bus bar wall section. The contact frame can be designed to accommodate the clamping spring so that a self-supporting system is formed. 
     The bottom section and the fastening section and the first bus bar wall section and the second bus bar wall section of the bus bar can be formed in one piece of a metal part. 
     The clamping spring can have the clamping leg and a support leg, and has a spring bend connecting the clamping leg and support leg. The spring bend can also be referred to as a spring base. According to an advantageous improvement, the clamping spring has exactly one spring bend. 
     The support leg of the clamping spring and the fastening section of the bus bar can have a bearing for mounting the support leg and the fastening section on one another. For example, the fastening section has an opening in which a formation of the clamping spring is positioned to form the bearing, or conversely with an opening in the clamping spring and a formation on the fastening section. 
     The first bus bar wall section and/or the second bus bar wall section can have a surface that adjoins the, for example circular, inner contour and forms a stop for the lever in the open position. 
     The first housing section of the housing and/or the second housing section of the housing can have a housing surface that adjoins the partially circular inner contour and forms a stop for the lever in the closed position. 
     The housing can have a cover with a first housing section for forming the first bearing shell and with a second housing section for forming the second bearing shell. For example, a first partially circular inner contour of the first housing section extends, viewed in the conductor insertion direction, —starting from the direction of the conductor guide passage—to behind a pivot axis of the first support disk. Also, for example, a second partially circular inner contour of the second housing section extends, viewed in the conductor insertion direction, —starting from the direction of the conductor guide passage—to behind a pivot axis of the second support disk. 
     The first support disk in the open position rests on the partially circular contour of the first housing section and on the, for example, partially circular, inner contour of the first bus bar wall section. The first support disk in the closed position rests on the partially circular inner contour of the first housing section and on the, for example partially circular, inner contour of the first bus bar wall section. 
     The second support disk in the open position rests on the partially circular inner contour of the second housing section and on the, for example, partially circular, inner contour of the second bus bar wall section. The second support disk in the closed position rests on the partially circular inner contour of the second housing section and on the, for example, partially circular, inner contour of the second bus bar wall section. 
     Preferably, the first support disk does not lose contact with the partially circular inner contours of the first housing section and of the first bus bar wall section during pivoting. Preferably, the second support disk does not lose contact with the partially circular inner contours of the second housing section and of the second bus bar wall section during pivoting. Advantageously, the probability that a strand of a multi-strand conductor will catch in the remaining gaps is significantly reduced. 
     The bus bar can have a tab for forming a conductor-retaining pocket for the electrical conductor, wherein the tab limits an insertion depth of the electrical conductor. 
     The fastening section of the bus bar can have an extension as a support for supporting a support leg of the clamping spring. 
     The first partially circular outer contour of the first support disk and the second partially circular outer contour of the second support disk can define a pivot axis of the lever during pivoting of the lever from the closed position into the open position. Accordingly, the lever can be moved from the open position into the closed position by another actuation. 
     According to an advantageous improvement, no part of the lever projects the radial direction beyond the first partially circular outer contour in the region of the partially circular outer contour. According to an advantageous improvement, no part of the lever projects outward beyond the first partially circular outer contour in the axial direction in the region of the first partially circular outer contour. According to an advantageous improvement, no part of the lever projects in the radial direction beyond the second partially circular outer contour in the region of the second partially circular outer contour. According to an advantageous improvement, no part of the lever projects outward beyond the second partially circular outer contour in the axial direction in the region of the second partially circular outer contour. The installation space can be reduced significantly through a compact design of the first and second support disks. 
     The driver can be located at least partially within a first circular area of the first support disk defined by the first outer contour and/or at least partially within a second circular area of the second support disk defined by the second outer contour. 
     The driver can have a domed outer surface, so that the distance between a region of the surface of the driver that is in contact with the clamping leg and the pivot axis changes during pivoting of the lever. Preferably, the distance in the open position is greater than in the closed position. 
     The driver can have a predominantly oval or predominantly kidney-shaped or predominantly elliptical cross-sectional shape. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a three-dimensional view of elements of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is another three-dimensional view of elements of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show additional sectional views of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6 a    is another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6 b    is another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a sectioned three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  for of an electrical conductor  2  is shown. The conductor  2  is only shown partially and schematically in  FIG. 1 . For example, the conductor  2  is a cable with insulation and is single-strand, multi-strand, or fine-strand design. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the conductor terminal  1  has a bus bar  100 , a clamping spring  200 , a housing  300 , and a lever  400 . The conductor terminal  1  has the function of connecting the conductor  2  and creating a mechanical and electrical connection. An electrical connection is produced between the conductor  2 , for example a copper or aluminum conductor, and the bus bar  100 . The bus bar  100  is likewise made of metal, and has properties optimized for electrical conductivity and an electrical contact with the conductor  2 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the bus bar  100  and the clamping spring  200  and the lever  400  are accommodated at least partially in the housing  300 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the lever  400  projects partially out of the housing  300 . In contrast, the clamping spring  200  and the bus bar  100  are enclosed by the electrically insulating housing  300 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the lever  400  is shown in cross-section. The lever  400  has a first support disk  410  with a first partially circular outer contour  411  for supporting the lever  400  in a first bearing shell  510 . In contrast, in  FIG. 1  a second support disk  420  of the lever  400  is not visible on account of the sectional view. Thus, the lever  400  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  can be similar or identical in design to the lever  400  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3  and can have the second support disk  420  with a second partially circular outer contour  421 , wherein the second support disk  420  is designed to support the lever  400  in a second bearing shell  520 . The second support disk  420  is spaced apart from the first support disk  410 . 
     The clamping spring  200  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  has clamping leg  210  and a support leg  220 , and a spring bend  230  connecting the leg  210  and support leg  220 . The clamping spring  200  is shown in a sectional view in  FIG. 1 . The clamping leg  210  forms a clamping point K with the bus bar  100  for clamping the electrical conductor  2  to the bus bar  100 . The situation without a clamped electrical conductor  2  is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the lever  400  is shown with an operating handle  490  that, as in  FIG. 3 , is attached to the first support disk  410  as well as to the second support disk  420 . When the operating handle  490  of the lever  400  is manually gripped and moved, the lever  400  performs a pivoting motion, since the operating handle  490  is connected through the web  415  to the first support disk  410 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the lever  400  is implemented as a single piece with the operating handle  490 , web  415 , and first support disk  410 , and is manufactured as a one-piece plastic part through injection molding, for example. 
     The lever  400  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  has a driver  430  that is designed to move the clamping leg  210  from a closed position GS to an open position OS when the lever  400  is pivoted. The closed position GS is shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position OS is shown in  FIG. 2 , in each case in a sectional view with no electrical conductor  2  inserted. 
     Shown in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  is the first partially circular outer contour  411  of the first support disk  400 , which defines a pivot axis D of lever  400  during pivoting of the lever  400 . The pivot axis D in the exemplary from  FIG. 1  is not a support element, but is rather to be understood as a mathematical axis of rotation. The partially circular outer contour  411  of the first support disk  410  on the partially circular inner contours  111  and  311  of the first bus bar wall section  110  and first housing section  310 , respectively. A distinction must be drawn between the support disk  410  and a shaft or the like. Thus, the partially circular outer contour  411  of the support disk  410  has the largest outer radius r in the support area. Preferably, the support disk  410  remains in contact during the greatest part of the pivoting motion with first bus bar wall section  110  as well as with the first housing section  310 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the instantaneous center of rotation is stationary, so the pivot axis D does not travel during the pivoting motion. 
     Since the driver  430  is located at an offset from the pivot axis D within the support disk  410 —which is to say within an area defined by the support disk  410 —the driver  430  performs a motion along a circular arc during the pivoting motion of the lever  400 . The driver  430  has a domed outer surface  435  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 . The domed surface  435  has the result that the distance d between a region of the surface  435  in contact with the clamping leg  210  and the pivot axis D changes during pivoting of the lever  400 . The driver  430  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  has a predominantly kidney-shaped cross-sectional shape. Alternatively (not shown), the driver can also have other shapes, for example predominantly elliptical cross-sectional shapes.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the difference between the closed position GS in  FIG. 1  and open position OS in  FIG. 2 . During a pivoting motion of the lever  400  from the closed position GS, the driver  430  initially comes into contact near the pivot axis D with the clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  and deflects the latter. With the further pivoting motion, the contact area between the clamping leg  210  and the region of the surface  435  of the driver  430  changes in the direction of a greater distance d between the contact region and pivot axis D. In  FIG. 2  the open position OS is shown, in which the distance d is maximized. The clamping leg  210  is deflected correspondingly. The lever  400  is located in a position past dead center, so that a spring force vector F Feder  at the contact region between the clamping leg  210  and driver surface  435 —viewed in the direction of insertion—ER is directed behind the pivot point D, and thus the lever  400  is held in the open position OS by the spring force F Feder . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the clamping leg  210  has a clamping edge  211 . When the electrical conductor  2  is clamped, the clamping edge  211  deforms the conductor surface of the electrical conductor  2  and maximizes the pull-out force. The clamping leg  210  has a bend  212  between the spring bend  230  and the clamping edge  211 . The bend  212  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1  is apart from the clamping edge  211  as well as from the spring bend  230  by straight of the clamping leg  210 . The bend produces a more obtuse angle between the insertion direction ER and the section of the clamping leg  210  with the clamping edge  211 . The angle between the conductor insertion direction ER and clamping leg  210  is preferably chosen such that a solid electrical conductor  2  can be inserted directly pivoting the lever  400  from the closed position GS into the open position OS. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the driver  430  is arranged such that the driver  430  touches the clamping leg  210  exclusively between the bend  212  and the clamping edge  211  over the lever pivot travel to carry along the clamping leg  210 . At the beginning of the pivoting motion, starting from the closed position GS, the driver  430  initially touches the clamping leg  210  in a region adjacent to the bend  212 , so that the acting lever arm is initially small. At the same time, the spring force F Feder  with small deflection is likewise relatively small. Toward the end of the pivoting motion, i.e., shortly before the open position OS—shown in  FIG. 2 —the driver  430  touches the clamping leg  210  closer to the clamping edge  211 , so that the acting lever arm is larger. Since the spring forces increase with deflection of the spring, this is at least partially compensated for by the elongation of the lever arm, so that an adjusting force at the operating handle  490  experienced by the user over a majority of the pivot travel changes to a minor degree, and in the ideal case remains nearly constant. 
     Another technical aspect is shown in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 . A conductor guide passage LF in the housing  300  is shown that makes it possible to guide the electrical conductor  2  to the clamping point K. When, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the clamping leg  210  is in the closed position GS, the electrical conductor  2  nonetheless be inserted directly. To this end, the electrical conductor is 2 guided to the clamping point K on all sides to the degree possible. In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the space up to the clamping point K is bounded by a passage in the housing  300  that is bounded on all sides by walls, and after exiting the passage the space is bounded in the housing  300  by the lever  400  and the clamping spring  200  and the bus  100  and the housing  300 . The driver  430  has a bevel  438  that is designed with an to the conductor insertion direction ER in order to guide the electrical conductor  2  to the clamping point K with contact in the direction of the bottom region  230  of the bus bar during direct insertion of the conductor  2 . The driver  430  forms part of a funnel-shaped narrowing of the conductor guide passage LF in a gap between housing  300  and clamping leg  210  that is effective during insertion. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 1 , the bus bar  100  has the fastening section  140  with an extension  145 , wherein the extension  145  is designed as a support for supporting a support leg  220  of the clamping spring  200 . For example, in the open position OS in  FIG. 2  the force of the deflected spring  200  is absorbed by the support on the extension  145 , and forces acting on the housing  300  are distributed more uniformly. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2 , a spring terminal  1  is shown in a sectional view. The spring terminal  1  has a housing  300 , a lever  400 , a clamping spring  200 , and a bus bar  100 . The lever  400  of the spring terminal  1  is shown in the open position OS. Accordingly, a clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  is deflected by a driver  430  of the lever  400 . A first partially circular outer contour  411  of a first support disk  410  of the lever  400  and a partially circular inner contour  311  of a first housing section  310  of the housing  300  and a partially circular inner contour  111  of a first bus bar wall section ( 110 ) of the bus bar  100  have the same radius r. Not shown in  FIG. 2 —but shown in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3 , for example—are a second partially circular outer contour  421  of a second support disk  420  of the lever  400  and a partially circular inner contour  321  of a second housing section  320  of the housing  300  and a partially circular inner contour  121  of a second bus bar wall section  120  of the bus bar  100 , which preferably likewise have an equal radius r. Preferably, the radii r of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420  are likewise equal. Due to equal radii, the support forces are distributed as uniformly as possible on the contours over the pivot travel. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2 , the conductor guide passage LF is closed laterally, except for gaps, by the first inner side  412  of the first support disk  410  and the first housing section  310  and the first bus bar wall section  110 . In the open position OS, an unwanted deflection of small strands of a fine-strand conductor is reduced and the strands are guided to the clamping point K in the most bundled manner possible. To this end, the conductor guide passage LF advantageously is closed over a height of the electrical conductor  2  except for gaps between first support disk  410  and housing section  310  and between first support disk  410  and first bus bar wall section and between first bus bar wall section  110  and first housing section  310 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , gaps remain that are unavoidable for design reasons during manufacturing assembly. The exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2  shows especially small gaps by of example, whereas actual implementations of the exemplary embodiment could also dictate significantly larger gaps. What is important in this exemplary embodiment is that these gaps are in turn closed toward the outside by a wall of the housing  300  directly adjacent to the gaps. If the housing is made of an insulating material, adequate insulation is ensured in the region of the gaps. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2 , the bus bar  100  has a tab  150  for forming a conductor-retaining pocket AT for the electrical conductor  2 . The tab  150  is formed from a bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100  and is bent over in a U shape. The tab  150  limits an insertion depth of the electrical conductor  2 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2 , the tab  150  is also bent over such that the end of the tab  150  and the clamping edge  211  of the clamping spring  200  minimize the gap between the two in the open position OS. In  FIGS. 1 and 2  it can also be seen that the clamping leg  210  is positioned closer to the support leg  220  in the open position OS than in the closed position GS. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 2 , the spring terminal  1  has an least two-part housing  300 . The housing  300  has a receptacle part  340  with an interior  341  for accommodating at least the bus bar  100  and a cover  360  that closes an opening leading into the interior  341 . The cover  360  has the first housing section  310  for forming the first bearing shell  510 . In addition, the cover  360  has a conductor guide passage LF for introduction of the electrical conductor  2  to the clamping point K. The cover  360  is connected to the receptacle part  340  of the housing  300  through latching elements  362 ,  362 . In addition, the cover  360  has a recess for accommodating the spring bend  230  of the clamping spring  200 . To assemble the spring terminal  1 , the bus bar  100  is first assembled into a unit with the clamping spring  200  and this unit is introduced into the receptacle part  340 . Next, the cover  360  can be inserted into the receptacle part  340  together with the lever  400  until the latches  362 ,  362  latch. 
     In  FIG. 3  an exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in an exploded view. Shown is a clamping spring  200  with a support leg  220 , a spring bend  230  adjoining the support leg, and adjoining the spring bend  230 , a clamping leg  210  with a clamping edge  211  at the free end of the clamping leg  210 . The clamping leg  210  also has a bend  212  that defines the angle of incidence of a region of the clamping leg  210  adjacent to the clamping edge  211 . The clamping spring  200  of the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3  is formed as a single piece from a spring steel sheet. 
     Shown in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3  is a lever  400  for actuation of the clamping spring  200 . The lever  400  has a first support disk  410  and a second support disk  420 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3 , the inner sides  412 ,  422  of the first and second support disks  410 ,  420  facing one another are connected to one another through a driver  430 . The first support disk  410  is connected to an operating handle  490  of the lever  400  through a first web  415 . Similarly, the second support disk  420  is connected to an operating handle  490  of the lever  400  through a second web  425 . Advantageously, the operating handle  490 , the webs  415 ,  425 , the support disks  410 ,  420 , and the driver  430  are molded from a plastic material as a single piece—manufactured by injection molding, for example. Partially circular outer contours  411 ,  412  of the first and second support disks  410 ,  420  define an axis D about which the lever  400  can pivot. The driver  430  advantageously is designed as a continuous strut  430  that extends between the first support disk  410  and the second support disk and that connects the first support disk  410  to the second support disk  420 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3 , the driver  430  extends predominantly parallel to the pivot axis D. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3 , the spring terminal  1  has a bearing shell  510  for the first support disk  410  and a second bearing shell  520  for the second support disk  420 . The first bearing shell  510  is formed from a first housing  310  of the housing  300  with a partially circular inner contour  311  and from a first bus bar wall section  110  of a bus bar  100 , likewise with a partially circular inner contour  111 . second bearing shell  520  is formed from a second housing section  320  of the housing with a partially circular inner contour  321  and from a second bus bar wall section  120  of the bus bar  100 , likewise with a partially circular inner contour  121 . As is shown in  3 , the two support disks  410 ,  420  and associated bearing shells  510 ,  520  are made parallel. The first housing section  310  and the second housing section  320  part of a housing element that in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3  is implemented as the cover  360 . The cover  360  has a widening  350  in the region for introduction of a conductor (not shown), in order to be able to accommodate a that is as large as possible together with its plastic insulation. In addition, the cover  360  can be positioned and, if applicable, latched, in the body  340  by means of the widening  350 . 
     The spring terminal  1  of the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3  also shows that the bus bar  100  has a bifurcated contact  160  with a first leg  161  and a second leg  162 . By means of the bifurcated contact  160 , a plug-in connection is implemented that is suitable for connecting to a male mating connector with a blade contact. The electrical conductor can thus be electrically connected to an electrical assembly or a plug connector by means of the spring terminal  1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4 , a spring terminal  1  is shown a partially exploded view. The spring terminal  1  has a bus bar  100  in the form of a non-non-closed contact frame KR. The contact frame KR is formed by a bottom section  130 , first bus bar wall section  110 , a second bus bar wall section  120 , and a fastening  140  of the bus bar  100 . The fastening section  140  has a fastener  149  for fastening a support leg  220  of a clamping spring  200 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4 , the clamping spring  200  is shown with a clamping leg  210 , spring bend  230 , and the support leg  220 . The support leg  220  has an extension  250  at its free end as a fastener  250 , which engages an opening  149  of the fastening section  140  of the bus bar  100 . to the support by means of the extension  250  and opening  149 , the support leg  220  of clamping spring  200  is secured to the bus bar  100 . A clamping edge  211  at the free end the clamping leg  210  is located opposite the support and presses on the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100  under preloading when the clamping spring  200  is assembled shown in  FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, a support  149 ,  250  for mounting the support leg  220  the fastening section  140  on one another is formed by the support leg  220  of the spring  200  and the fastening section  140  of the bus bar  100 . Alternatively, other 149, 250 can be provided, for example the fastening section  140  can have a pin that engages an opening of the support leg  220  of the clamping spring  200  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4 , the bottom section  130  and the fastening section  140  and the first bus bar wall section  110  and the second bus bar wall section  120  of the bus bar  100  are formed in one piece of a metal part. Copper can be used as the metal for the bus bar  100 , for example. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the first bus bar wall section  110  and/or the second bus bar wall section  120  have a surface  115  that adjoins the partially circular inner contour and forms a stop  115  for the lever  100  in the open position OS. In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4  it is shown that only the first bus bar wall section  110  has a stop  115 . In corresponding fashion, the second bus bar wall section  120  could also be elongated for a stop (not shown in  FIG. 4 ), however. The loading by forces of the lever  400  on the housing  300  in the open position OS can be reduced through a stop  115  formed by means of the bus bar  100 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the first housing section  310  of the housing  300  and/or the second housing section  320  of the housing  300  has a housing surface  315  that adjoins the partially circular inner contour  311 ,  321  and forms a stop for the lever  400  in the closed position GS. In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4 , can be seen that the second housing section  320  has a stop  315 . However, the first housing section  310  could also correspondingly have a stop (not hidden in  FIG. 4 ). 
     For assembly of the spring terminal  1  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4 , the clamping spring  200  is first connected to the bus bar  100 . An extension  250  of a contact leg  220  of the clamping spring  200  is introduced into an opening  149  on the fastening section  140  of the bus bar  100 . The clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  is deflected and positioned behind the raised area  131  of the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100 . By this means, the clamping spring  200  and the bus bar  100  are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner. A contact insert that is suitable for bulk feeding is the result. It is also shown in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 4  that the lever  400  is positioned in a pre-assembly position on a cover  360  of the housing  300 . Once the contact insert composed of the bus bar  100  and clamping spring  200  is introduced into a receptacle part  340  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the housing  300 , the receptacle part  340  is closed by the cover  360  (with lever  400 ), thus completing the spring terminal  1 . 
     In  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , another exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in a horizontal sectional view. The spring terminal  1  has a housing  300  with a conductor opening  391  for an electrical conductor (not shown in  FIG. 5 a   ), for example a cable with a copper conductor surrounded by electrical insulation. The housing  300  is shown as partially transparent in  FIG. 5 a    so that additional elements of the conductor terminal  1  are visible. Moreover, the housing  300  has a second opening for introduction of a contact blade (not shown in  FIG. 5 a   ) for an electrical blade and fork contact. A bifurcated contact  160  is formed by two legs  161 ,  162  of a bus bar  100 . The bus bar  100  has a bottom section  130  with a raised area  131  for improved clamping of the electrical conductor (not shown in  FIG. 5 a   ). 
     A conductor guide passage LF in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 5 a    extends from the conductor opening  391  in the housing  300  to a tab  150  of the bus bar  100 . 
     The conductor guide passage LF is bounded on a first side by a first guide wall  331  and a first housing section  310  with a first partially circular inner contour  311  and a first support disk  410  and by a first bus bar wall section  110  with a first partially circular inner contour  111 . The first housing section  310  and the first support disk  410  and the first bus bar wall section  110  are shown sectioned in  FIG. 5 a   . The first support disk  410  with partially circular outer contour  411  is rotatably supported in the partially circular inner contours  311 ,  111  of the first housing section  310  and of the first bus bar wall section  110 . 
     The conductor guide passage LF is bounded on a second side by a second guide wall  332  and a second housing section  320  with a second partially circular inner contour  321  and a second support disk  420  and by a second bus bar wall section  120  with a second partially circular inner contour  121 . The second housing section  320  and the second support disk  420  and the second bus bar wall section  120  are shown sectioned in  FIG. 5 a   . The second support disk  420  with partially circular outer contour  421  is rotatably supported in the partially circular inner contours  321 ,  121  of the second housing section  320  and of the second bus bar wall section  120 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , an especially large insertable conductor cross-section is achieved through an especially wide conductor guide passage LF with an especially narrow design of the housing  300  at the same time. As is shown in  FIG. 5 b   , the guide walls  331 ,  332  of the conductor guide passage LF advantageously spring outward in the region of the conductor opening  391 , so that an insulation of the electrical conductor (not shown) can be also introduced into this region. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , the support disks  410 ,  420  are laterally supported by the housing walls  341  and  342 . In advantageous fashion, the first support disk  410  is laterally guided exclusively by the first outer wall  341  of the housing  300 . In advantageous fashion, the second support disk  420  is laterally guided exclusively by the second outer wall  342  of the housing  300 . In this exemplary embodiment, an outer wall  341 ,  342  is likewise to be understood to mean a wall that is associated with two spring terminals and can also be referred to as a separating wall. Bus bars of two adjacent spring terminals  1  are electrically insulated from one another by this separating wall (not shown in  FIG. 5 a   ). 
     The lateral guidance by the housing walls  341 ,  342  limits a motion of the support disks  410 ,  420  in the axial direction. A width W LF  of the conductor guide passage LF is defined in the region of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420  by the housing width W H  less the thicknesses of the first housing wall  341  and the second housing wall  342  and less the thicknesses of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420 . Accordingly, the maximum conductor cross-section, which is delimited by the width W LF  of the conductor guide passage LF, governs the width W H  of the housing  300  with required electrical insulation values by means of the aforementioned thicknesses. No other walls are needed for support or housing stabilization, so the spring terminal  1  can be implemented with optimal width. 
     The housing  300  has the first guide wall  331  and the second guide wall  332  of the conductor guide passage LF, wherein the conductor guide passage LF guides the electrical conductor (not shown) that is to be inserted from outside into the conductor opening  391  to the clamping point. The conductor guide passage LF is formed to accommodate the electrical conductor in the region of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420  by a space R between the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , the space R is bounded by the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100 . 
     Advantageously, the first housing section  310  and a first inner side  412  of the first support disk  410  facing the electrical conductor are aligned in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor. Advantageously, the second housing section  320  and a second inner side  422  of the second support disk  420  facing the electrical conductor are aligned in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor. Advantageously, the first inner side  412  of the first support disk  410  facing the electrical conductor and the first bus bar wall section  110  of the bus bar  100  are aligned in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor. Advantageously, the second inner side  422  of the second support disk  420  facing the electrical conductor and the second bus bar wall section  120  of the bus bar  100  are aligned in the conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor. By this means, edges transverse to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor that the electrical conductor could strike are largely avoided. In addition, the danger that thin strands of a fine-strand conductor will be deflected at the edges and not guided to the clamping point is reduced. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , the spring terminal is advantageously designed for fine-strand and multi-strand conductors. The conductor guide passage LF is closed laterally by the first inner side  412  of the first support disk  410  and the first housing section  310  and the first bus bar wall section  110 . The closed region advantageously extends over at least a height of the electrical conductor in the spring terminal starting from the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100 . The closed region is closed except for gaps between first support disk  410  and first housing section  310  and between first support disk  410  and first bus bar wall section  110  and between first bus bar wall section  110  and first housing section  310 . 
     The conductor guide passage LF is also closed laterally by the second inner side  422  of the second support disk  420  and the second housing section  320  and the second bus bar wall section  120 . The closed region likewise advantageously extends over at least the height of the electrical conductor in the spring terminal starting from the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100 . The closed region is closed except for gaps between second support disk  420  and second housing section  320  and between second support disk  420  and second bus bar wall section  120  and between second bus bar wall section  120  and second housing section  320 . The gaps may vary by manufacturing process. With regard to electrical insulation, however, even relatively large gaps are noncritical, since they are advantageously fully closed toward the outside by directly adjacent housing walls  341 ,  342 . 
     Another aspect of an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    is a spring terminal  1  that has a housing  300  with a cover  360 . The cover has the first housing section  310  for forming the first bearing shell  510  and the second housing section  320  for forming the second bearing shell  520 . A first partially circular inner contour  311  of the first housing section  310  extends starting from an opening  391  in the cover  360 , viewed in the conductor insertion direction, to behind the pivot axis of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420 . A second partially circular inner contour  321  of the second housing section  320  extends starting from an opening  391  in the cover  360 , viewed in the conductor insertion direction, to behind the pivot axis of the first support disk  410  and the second support disk  420 . 
     Advantageously, the first support disk  410  and the first housing section  310  and the first bus bar wall section  110  of the spring terminal  1  are designed such that the first support disk  410  rests on the partially circular inner contour  311  of the first housing section  310  and on the partially circular inner contour  111  of the first bus bar wall section  110  in the open position OS and in the closed position GS. Advantageously, the second support disk  420  and the second housing section  320  and the second bus bar wall section  120  of the spring terminal  1  are designed such that the second support disk  420  rests on the partially circular inner contour  321  of the second housing section  320  and on the partially circular inner contour  121  of the second bus bar wall section  120  in the open position OS and in the closed position GS. Accordingly, the support disks  410 ,  420  do not lose contact with relevant bearing cavity  510 ,  520  over the pivot path, and the probability that a strand of a fine-strand electrical conductor will catch between the contours  111 ,  121 ,  311 ,  321 ,  411 ,  421  is significantly reduced. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is schematically shown in a sectional view in  FIG. 6 . The spring terminal  1  has a bus bar  100 , a clamping spring  200 , a housing  300 , and a lever  400 , and is designed for connection of an electrical conductor. The bus bar  100  is bent into a frame encompassing at least one side with a bottom section  130  and a bus bar wall section  110  and a fastening section  140  on the top. Located at the top is a window  149  in which the clamping spring  200  is hung. In addition, the bus bar  100  has a support  145  at the top that supports the support leg  220  of the clamping spring  200 . The clamping spring  200  and bus bar  100  form a self-supporting system. 
     The housing  300  has a body  340  and a cover  360 , which in the assembled state is fastened to the body  340 . The cover  360  forms a support  365  for the spring base  230  and prevents the clamping spring  200  from coming loose from the bus bar  100  upon direct insertion of a conductor. The support  365  of the housing  300  for the spring base  230  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 6 a    is implemented as an approximately circular recess. The spring base  230  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 6 a    is fully contained in the approximately partially circular recess  365 . The outer surface of the spring base  230  is supported on the inner surface of the approximately partially circular recess  365 . 
     The lever  400  has a fixed pivot point D. A partially circular outer contour of a first support disk  410  forms a bearing surface that rubs on a partially circular inner contour of a bus bar wall section  110  of the bus bar  100  and a partially circular inner contour of a housing section  310  of the housing  300 . Provided as driver  430  is a continuous web  430  between the lever sides  410 ,  420  that permits opening of the clamping spring  200 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , the driver  430  is arranged such that the driver  430  is arranged such that the driver  430  touches the clamping leg  210  exclusively between a bend  212  and the clamping edge  211  over the lever pivot travel to carry along the clamping leg  210 . In a sectional view,  FIG. 6 a    shows the closed position GS, and  FIG. 6 b    shows the open position OS. The lever  400  and clamping spring  200  are designed such that the open position OS is maintained without additional latching. In other words, the lever remains in the open position OS by self-locking, without the need for a latching element. 
     The driver  430  in the exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    is arranged within an area of the first support disk  410  and an area of a second support disk (not shown in the sectional view) such that in the region of the closed position GS a spring force acts on the driver  430  predominantly in the tangential direction with respect to the partial circle of each support disk  410 ,  420 , and in the region of the open position acts on the driver  430  predominantly in the radial direction with respect to the partial circle of each support disk  410 ,  420 . In the region of the open position OS, the clamping leg  210  and the support leg  220  of the clamping spring  200  are close to one another or touch one another. In contrast, in the closed position GS the clamping leg  210  and support leg  220  are maximally separated from one another. 
     In the open position OS in  FIG. 6 b   , a conductor (not shown) can be connected in the conductor terminal  1 . To this end, the conductor is introduced through the conductor guide passage LF. The bus bar  100 , lever  400 , and cover  360  of the housing  300  form a conductor guide. Likewise, conductor connection of a rigid conductor is possible (push-in) in the closed position GS from  FIG. 6 a   . The clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  is deflected by the rigid conductor during insertion. A clamping edge  211  of the clamping leg  210  penetrates into the material of the rigid conductor and prevents pull-out of the conductor from the conductor terminal  1  up to a desired pull-out force. To release the rigid conductor, the lever  400  is simply brought into the open position OS. The exemplary embodiment from  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    shows a conductor terminal  1  in a very compact arrangement that permits a small installation space, in particular a small installation width and small installation height. 
     An exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in  FIG. 7  in a sectional view. Shown is that an electrical conductor  2  is connected in the spring terminal  1 . The spring terminal  1  has a bus bar  100  and a clamping spring  200  and a housing  300  and a lever  400 . The lever  400  is designed to deflect a clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200 , for example in order to remove the clamped conductor  2  from the spring terminal  1  again. In  FIG. 7 , the lever  400  is shown in the closed position GS. Accordingly, an operating handle  490  of the lever  400  is shown in an initial position. The lever  400  is pivotably supported within the housing  300 . 
     The lever  400  has a first support disk  410  with a first partially circular outer contour  411  for supporting the lever  400  in a first bearing shell. The operating handle  490  of the lever  400  is connected to the first support disk  410  through a first web  415 . The lever  400  has a driver  430  that is designed to move the clamping leg  210  from the closed position GS into an open position (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) when the lever  400  is pivoted. 
     If a conductor  2  is inserted, as is shown in  FIG. 7 , a clamping edge  211  of the clamping leg  210  presses against the conductor  2 . In this case, the clamping edge  211  penetrates into the material of the conductor  2  and thus significantly increases the pull-out forces. The conductor  2  in turn presses against the raised area  131 . Accordingly, the clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  together with the bus bar  100  forms a clamping point for clamping the electrical conductor  2  to the bus bar  100 . If the lever  400  is also in the closed position GS, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the clamping leg  210  does not rest against the driver  430  of the lever  400 . 
     The bearing shell has a contour that prevents the lever  400  in the housing  300  from moving freely when the conductor  2  is inserted and the lever  400  is in the closed position. To this end, the bearing shell has a lug  116  or projection  116  that partially surrounds the first support disk  410  so that the support disk  410  is not movable or has limited mobility perpendicular to the insertion direction ER. At the same time, the driver  430  of the lever  400  strikes a housing wall  319  in the closed position GS, so that the lever  400  also is not movable or has limited mobility opposite to the insertion direction ER. The features of the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 7  can be combined with the features of the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 3 , so that the lever  400  from  FIG. 7 , for example, is supported in two bearing shells by means of two support disks, wherein each bearing shell is formed from a combination of a bus bar wall section and housing section. 
     An exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in a sectional view in  FIG. 8 . The spring terminal has a bus bar  100  and a clamping spring  200  and a housing  300  and an operating element  400 . In the exemplary embodiment from FIG.  8 , the operating element  400  is designed as a lever  400 . Alternatively, the operating element  400  can be designed as a pusher or slide or the like. 
     The clamping spring  200  has a clamping leg  210  for clamping an electrical conductor (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). In addition, the clamping spring  200  has a support leg  220  and a spring bend  230 . The spring bend  230  connects the support leg  220  to the clamping leg  210 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the clamping spring  200  is formed as a single piece from a spring steel. The support leg  220  is supported on an extension/support  145  of the bus bar  100 . When the clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200  is deflected, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the support leg exerts a spring force F Feder  that acts on the bus bar  100  through the support of the support leg  220  on the extension/support  145 . 
     The bus bar  100  has a bottom section  130  for clamping the electrical conductor to the bottom section  130  of the bus bar  100  by means of the clamping leg  210  of the clamping spring  200 . The bus bar  100  also has a fastening section  140  for fastening the support leg  220  of the clamping spring  200 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the tab  145  is a part of the fastening section. The bus bar  100  is formed as a single piece of a metal (e.g., copper, copper alloy), for example. The bus bar  100  forms a contact frame KR by the means that at least one bus bar wall section  110 ,  120  of the bus bar  100  connects the bottom section  130  to the fastening section  140  as a single piece. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the bus bar  100  is supported in the housing  300 . On account of, e.g., necessary or unavoidable manufacturing tolerances, the contact frame KR has a small play within the housing  300 . When the clamping leg  210  is deflected, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the spring force F Feder  acts on the contact frame at the outermost point (at the top right in  FIG. 8 ). The spring force F Feder  in this case is directed transversely, at approximately 90°, to the insertion direction ER of the conductor. This spring force F Feder  causes a torque M of the bus bar  100  relative to the housing  300 . The torque M here acts about the reference point A, which in this case can also be referred to as the pivot point. 
     The housing  300  has a stop  392  to significantly restrict a rotary motion of the bus bar  100  relative to the housing  300  when the clamping leg  210  is deflected. The stop  392  here is formed at a location within the housing  300  that is as far as possible from the reference point A. In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the reference point A is located in the region of the fastening section  140  of the bus bar  100 . A free end  135  of the bottom section  130  rests on the stop  392  to support the torque M. As a result of the support, a support force F Ab  acts on the free end  135  of the bottom section  130  in opposition to a rotary motion. For example, the stop  392  is implemented as an undercut  392  in the plastic of the housing  300 . In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the free end  135  enters a recess of the undercut  392 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 8 , the free end  135  of the bottom section  130  is formed at a side of the bus bar  100  that faces the lever  400 . In this way, a chain of forces through the lever  400  and through the housing  300  is closed through the shortest possible path. A raised area  131  of the bus bar  100  borders the free end  135  of the bus bar  100 . The raised area  131  here, together with the clamping leg  210 , forms a clamping point K for the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is guided in the insertion direction ER through a conductor guide passage LF in the body  390  of the housing  300  to the clamping point K with the guidance of a number of guide walls  331  and the lever  400 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in  FIG. 9  in a three-dimensional view. An exemplary embodiment of a spring terminal  1  is shown in  FIG. 10  as a sectioned three-dimensional view. 
     The spring terminal  1  has a bus bar  100  and a clamping spring  200  and a lever  400  as the operating element  400 . The housing has a body  390  and a cover  396 . The body  390  has an interior  341  for accommodating the bus bar  100  and the clamping spring  200  and the operating element  400 , wherein in the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 9  an operating handle  490  for manual operation projects from the body  390 . Located in the body  390  are a number of guide walls  331  for forming a conductor guide passage LF to guide the electrical conductor (not shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). In the sectional view in  FIG. 10 , one guide wall  331  of the guide walls is shown in the body  390 . 
     The body  390  has a housing opening  342  for introduction of the lever  400  and the clamping spring  200  and the bus bar  100  into the body  390 . The cover  396  closes the housing opening  342  of the body  390  so that the bus bar  100  and the clamping spring  200  are encapsulated by the body  390  and cover  396  in a touch-proof manner. The cover  396  has a plug-in face  370  with a contact opening  375  for electrically contacting the bus bar  100 . The plug-in face  370  is part of a plug connection and is designed to fit a mating plug. An especially compact spring contact  1  can be achieved through the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 10 . 
     The body  390  is designed such that the operating element  400  can be introduced through the housing opening  342  before or together with the clamping spring  200  and the bus bar  100 . For example, the clamping spring  200  is preassembled to the bus bar  100  so that a unit composed of the bus bar  100  and clamping spring  200  can be fed in a manner that is automated and compatible with bulk feeding. This makes it possible by automation for the lever  400  to be introduced into the body  390  first, and then the bus bar  100  and clamping spring  200  to be introduced into the body  390  before the housing opening  342  of the body  390  is closed by the cover  396 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 9 , it is shown that the bodies  390  of multiple spring terminals  1  are formed in a single piece as one element. In addition, covers  396  of multiple spring terminals  1  are formed in a single piece as one element. Due to the latching elements  363  of each spring terminal  1 , relatively large forces can be accommodated in the housing. For example, if an inserted conductor is pulled opposite to the insertion direction (pull-out force), multiple latching elements  363  hold the body  390  and cover  396  together. Advantageously, the cover  396  can be made of a polyamide (PA) as a result. 
     In the exemplary embodiment from  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10 , the bus bar  100  inside the cover  396  has a bifurcated contact  160 . Alternatively, the bus bar  100  can have a blade contact in the cover  396 . Preferably, the bus bar  100  is formed of a metal as a single piece with the bifurcated contact  160  or the blade contact. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.