DE112021005540T5 - New push-in connection terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection terminal, comprising: a housing defining an interior space of the terminal, and a wiring passage and an operation passage connected to the interior space; a clamping spring structure located in the interior of the housing and comprising a flexing section, a holding section located at one end of the flexing section, and a clamping arm located at the other end of the flexing section, the holding section for positioning the clamping Spring structure is used in the housing and the clamping arm is pivotable inside the housing; and a slider and a compression spring located in the housing, the slider being positionable by the guidance of the compression spring to a locked position limiting pivoting of the clamping arm and wherein when a wire is inserted into the housing via the wireway and pushes the slider, the slider can move away from the locked position to release the restriction on the pivoting of the jammed arm. The pushing force of the wire is converted into a movement of the slider, and the movement of the slider releases the locking of the clamping arm of the clamping spring structure, thereby reducing the operating force required for inserting the wire for wiring.

Description

technical field

The present application relates to a connection terminal, in particular a push-in connection terminal with a novel construction, and relates to the technical field of electrical connections.

State of the art

A connection terminal is a common electrical connection device used to make an electrical connection between two electrical devices (e.g., a controller and an actuator, a signal output device and a signal input device) or to transmit a signal.

According to the way of clamping the connection terminal, it can be divided into push-in, spring-return, screw connection terminal or the like. The term "push-in mating terminal" is generally used to denote such a mating terminal that allows the user to insert a wire directly into a terminal housing without using a tool to achieve a crimp. A push-in connection already used in the prior art comprises a connection shell, a clamping spring structure arranged in the connection shell and a holding mechanism arranged in the connection shell. When the wire is not inserted, the end of a pivotable clamping arm of the clamping spring structure is in contact with the retaining mechanism and is limited by its locking portion, so that the clamping arm is in a locked state. After the wire is inserted, the retaining mechanism is pushed by the wire such that mechanical deformation of the retaining structure occurs.

Such mechanical deformation causes the locking portion of the holding mechanism to no longer limit the end of the clamping arm of the clamping spring structure, so that the clamping arm is pivotable under the action of its own elastic restoring force, comes into contact with the inserted wire and exerts a clamping force on it, thereby wiring is implemented.

When the inserted wire is a softer wire with a large wire diameter, it is necessary to generate mechanical deformation of the support structure with a large external force, which makes the operation difficult for the user and involves uncertainty about the quality of the wiring brings.

It is therefore necessary to improve the structure of the push-in connection terminal in order to overcome the above disadvantages.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present application is to improve the state of the art and to provide a push-in connection terminal with a novel construction, with the push-in connection terminal reducing the insertion force required for wire insertion.

A connection terminal according to the present application includes: a housing defining an inner space of the terminal, and a wiring passage and an operation passage connected to the inner space; a clamping spring structure located in the interior of the housing and comprising a flexing section, a holding section located at one end of the flexing section, and a clamping arm located at the other end of the flexing section, the holding section for positioning the clamping spring structure is used in the housing and the clamping arm is pivotable inside the housing; and a slider and a compression spring located in the housing, the slider being positionable by the guidance of the compression spring to a locked position limiting pivoting of the clamping arm and wherein when a wire is inserted into the housing via the wireway and pushes the slider, the slider can move away from the locked position to release the restriction on the pivoting of the jammed arm.

In the connection terminal described above, it is provided that the path of the slide within the housing is at least partially defined by the housing and that a first end of the travel of the slide corresponds to the locked position limiting the pivoting of the clamping arm.

In the connection terminal described above, a part of the slider is designed to obstruct the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider is positioned in the locked position.

In the connection terminal described above, the slider includes a stopper formed on its side, and the stopper of the slider controls the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping Arms obstructed when the slider is positioned in the locked position.

In the connection terminal described above, a restricting projection is provided in the housing, and the restricting projection restricts the slider at the first end of travel of the slider when the compression spring applies an urging force to the slider.

In the connection terminal described above, a restriction recess corresponding to the restriction projection is provided on the slider.

In the connection terminal described above, it is intended that the limiting projection also defines the insertion depth of the wire via the wiring channel.

In the connection terminal described above, the path of the slider has a second end opposite the first end, and the slider no longer hinders the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider moves to the second end of the path of the slider , or before the slider moves to the second end of the slider's travel.

In the connection terminal described above, a shaft for mounting the compression spring is formed on the housing, and the second end of travel of the slider corresponds to a position where the slider comes into contact with the shaft.

In the connection terminal described above, the second end of travel of the slider is intended to correspond to the lowest position that the slider can reach by pushing the wire.

In the connection terminal described above, it is provided that the slider includes a slide slope located on its side, that the housing includes a support slope corresponding to the slide slope, and that the slide slope of the slider slides on the support slope when the slider moves due to the guidance of the compression spring and the inserted wire moved.

In the connection terminal described above, a limiting projection is provided in the housing, which projection is designed in such a way that the sliding slope of the slider always abuts against the supporting slope.

In the connection terminal described above, it is arranged that a slide rail connection is formed between the slider and the housing.

At least a part of the implementations of the application has the following advantageous effects: the compressive force of the wire is converted into a movement of the slider, and the movement of the slider releases the locking of the clamping arm of the clamping spring structure, thereby reducing the operating force required to insert the Wire for wiring is reduced.

character list

• 1 12 shows an exploded view of a connection terminal according to an embodiment of the application.
• 2A - 2D 14 each shows a sectional view of the connection terminal according to the embodiment of the application in a wire inserting process and a wire removing process.

Reference List

110

Housing;

111

spring holding section;

112

first bearing portion for the slider;

113

second bearing portion for the slider;

114

limiting protrusion;

115

wiring duct;

116

actuation channel;

117

mounting shaft for the spring;

120

jammed spring;

121

pinched arm;

122

support structure;

122A

First section;

122B

Second part;

123

bending section;

124

latching;

130

current-carrying structure;

131

detent opening;

140

Wire;

141

wire end;

150

slider;

151

slider body;

152

Attack;

153

boundary depression;

160

compression spring;

200

operating tool

Detailed Embodiments

In the following description, the application is explained in connection with various exemplary embodiments. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific details, or with other substitutions and/or additional methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the application's example embodiments. Also, for explanatory purposes, certain numbers, materials, and configurations are recited to provide a thorough understanding of the application's exemplary embodiments. However, the application can also be realized without these detailed details. It is also to be understood that the embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative and need not be drawn to scale.

The present application is described in more detail in connection with the figures.

1 12 shows an exploded view of a connection terminal according to an embodiment of the application. 2A - 2D 14 each shows a sectional view of the connection terminal according to the embodiment of the application in a wire inserting process and a wire removing process.

With reference to 1 and 2A - 2C the connection terminal 100 comprises a housing 110, a clamping spring 120 arranged in the housing, and a current carrying structure 130. The clamping spring structure, such as the clamping spring 120, is mounted in the housing 110 by means of the spring holding portion 111. FIG. In particular, the clamping spring 120 includes a flexure portion 123 . The holding structure 122 can be divided into two sections, of which a first section 122A with the clamping arm 121 forms a U-shaped structure. The second portion 122B is substantially rectangularly bent with respect to the first portion 122A, and a window is formed in the second portion 122B. The pinching arm 121 protrudes into the window. The second portion 122B may also be referred to as a latch arm. A latch 124 is also formed at the end of the first portion 122A of the support structure 122 at the location of the bend. The holding structure (also referred to as holding portion) 122 is used to position the clamping spring 120 in the housing 110 and the clamping arm 121 is pivotable in the interior of the housing 110 .

The current carrying structure 130 is a component made of a metal or other electrically conductive material. 2A shows an assembled state of various components 1 , wherein the current-carrying structure 130 is located in a middle part of the housing 110 and the detent opening 131 of the current-carrying structure 130 is in engagement with the detent 124 on the holding structure 122 of the clamping spring 120.

The housing 110 further includes a wiring channel 115 for the insertion and exit of the wire 140 and an actuation channel 116 for the insertion and exit of an in 2C operating tool 200 shown (e.g. the head of a screwdriver).

An embodiment of the application further includes a special locking and unlocking mechanism for the jamming arm, based on a slide and a compression spring. In detail, as in 1 1, a slider 150 and a compression spring 160 are disposed in the connection terminal 100. As shown in FIG. Appropriate mounting features formed in the housing 110 allow the slider 150 to be positioned in a locked position under the guidance of the compression spring 160 to limit the pivoting of the pinching arm 121 . And when the wire 140 is inserted into the housing 110 via the wiring passage 115 and presses the slider 150, the slider 150 can deviate from the locked position to release the restriction on the pivoting of the jammed arm.

Appropriate mounting features for slider 150 in housing 110 include a first slider seating portion 112, a second slider seating portion 113, a limit boss 114, and a spring mounting shaft 117. These mounting features limit the travel of slider 150 within the housing 110 defined. At this time, the position of the slider is determined by the first support portion for the slider 112 and the second support cut for the slider 113 on both sides of the slider 150 is defined. The limit projection 114 defines the end of the movement which is produced when the slider 150 is pushed upwards by the force exerted by the compression spring 160, ie it defines an end of travel of the slider. The spring mounting shaft 117 is used to mount the compression spring 160. At the same time, the spring mounting shaft determines the end of the movement created when the slider 150 moves downward against the spring force, ie it defines the other end of travel of the slider (namely, the lowest position that the slider 150 can reach by pushing the wire).

When the slider 150 is in the in 2A position shown (referred to as the "locked position" in the application), part of the slider 150 will obstruct the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm 121.

In the embodiment, the slider 150 may include a slider body 151 and a stopper 152 formed laterally. With the stop 152 it is realized that the pivoting movement of the clamping arm 121 is impeded. The slider body 151 and the stopper 152 together define a limiter recess 153 for mating with the limiter projection 114 .

As in 2 B 1, when a wire end 141 comes into contact with an upper end of the limiting projection 114, the wire 140 cannot be inserted any further. In this case, the limiting projection 114 can thus define the insertion depth of the wire 140 via the wiring channel 115 .

The in the 1 and 2A The first support portion shown for slider 112 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape using the longer lower edge of the trapezoid to contact slider 150. Such trapezoidal structure is inclined in the housing 110 so that its lower edge acts as a bearing slope, while the stop 152 of the slider 150 also provides a corresponding sliding slope for fitting. Thereby, the slide slope of the slider 150 slides on the above support slope when the slider 150 moves due to the guidance of the compression spring and the inserted wire.

As in 2A shown, the limiting projection 114 and the stop 152 of the sliding piece 150 are designed in such a way that the limiting effect of the limiting projection 114 means that the sliding bevel arranged to the side of the sliding piece 150 is always in contact with the supporting bevel of the first supporting section for the sliding piece 112.

It is advantageous for locking and unlocking that the contact surface between the slider 150 and the first supporting portion for the slider 112 is formed as a slanted surface, because this contact surface is in contact with the end of the clamping arm 121 and the clamping arm 121 is locked state forms an oblique angle. However, it goes without saying that it is also possible that the side surface of the slider 150 is formed as a vertical surface.

2A - 2D 14 each shows a sectional view of the connection terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the application in a wire inserting process and a wire removing process. The description of the respective operations contributes to a better understanding of the design features and operating principles of the connection terminal 100. In 2A the slider 150 is in the locked position under the action of the restoring force of the compression spring 160, so that the slider 150 is in contact with the end of the pinching arm 121, thus preventing the pivoting of the pinching arm 121 counterclockwise. This state can be referred to as a ready state before wire insertion. In 2 B the wire end 141 of the wire 140 is inserted through the wire insertion passage 141, the wire end 141 pushing the slider 150 so that the slider moves downward against the spring force until the wire end 141 touches the limiting projection 114. Now the hindrance to the jamming arm 121 is lifted by the downward movement of the slider 150 . The pinching arm 121 pivots counterclockwise and then firmly presses the wire end 141 of the inserted wire 140. This state can be referred to as a wiring state. In 2C the operating tool 200 is inserted into the housing 110 via the operating channel 116 and it presses the pinching arm 121 so that it pivots counterclockwise, thereby releasing the wire end 141 of the inserted wire 140 . This condition can be referred to as a wire removal condition. In 2D the wire 140 and the tool 200 are removed, whereby the clamping arm 121 pivots by its own spring force and then is blocked by the slider 150, and the terminal 100 returns to the position shown in FIG 2A state shown.

Although in 1 , 2A - 2D by way of example, the fitting features in the housing 110 are described which are used to position the slide However, while piece 150 is used and to define its path, it is understood that slider 150 may have various configurations and the mating features of housing 110 may also have various configurations. With these configurations, the pivoting of the clamping arm 121 can be restricted so far when the slider 150 is positioned at the locked position by the guidance of the compression spring. And when the slider 150 deviates from the locked position by pushing the wire, the restriction on the pivoting of the pinching arm 121 is released. For example, a slide rail connection can be used for the fitting structures on the slide and on the housing.

With a connection terminal having the above configuration, wiring is possible as long as the insertion force of the wire can overcome the restoring force of the compression spring to move the slider. This significantly reduces the insertion force required for wire insertion.

Although the specific configuration of the slider 150 is shown in the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various types of sliders that are returned by springs can be used. As long as the slider restrains the pivoting of the pinching arm 121 in the restoring state, the slider is movable when pushed by the wire to release the pivoting restriction of the pinching arm 121 .

Although the above exemplary embodiments show the clamping spring 120 being pressed with the tool 200, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a push piece can be arranged in the connection with which the clamping spring 120 is pressed. The basic concepts have been described above. Of course, the above disclosure serves only as an example for the person skilled in the art, without limiting the application. Although not clearly stated, various modifications, improvements and changes to the application can be made by those skilled in the art. These modifications, improvements, and changes are noted in the application so that they are still included within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the application.

• ein Gehäuse, das einen Innenraum des Anschlusses sowie einen Verdrahtungskanal und einen Betätigungskanal, die mit dem Innenraum verbunden sind, definiert;
• eine klemmende Federstruktur, die sich im Innenraum des Gehäuses befindet, und einen Biegeabschnitt, einen Halteabschnitt, der sich an einem Ende des Biegeabschnitts befindet, und einen klemmenden Arm, der sich am anderen Ende des Biegeabschnitts befindet, umfasst, wobei der Halteabschnitt zum Positionieren der klemmenden Federstruktur in dem Gehäuse verwendet wird und der klemmende Arm im Innenraum des Gehäuses schwenkbar ist; und
• ein Gleitstück und eine Druckfeder, die sich im Gehäuse befinden, wobei das Gleitstück durch die Führung der Druckfeder in eine verriegelte Position positioniert werden kann, die die Schwenkung des klemmenden Arms begrenzt, und wobei, wenn ein Draht über den Verdrahtungskanal in das Gehäuse eingeführt wird und das Gleitstück drückt, das Gleitstück von der verriegelten Position weggehen kann, um die Begrenzung der Schwenkung des klemmenden Arms aufzuheben.

Embodiment 1: connection terminal, comprising:

• a housing defining an interior space of the terminal, and a wiring passage and an actuation passage connected to the interior space;
• a clamping spring structure located in the interior of the housing and comprising a flexing portion, a holding portion located at one end of the flexing portion, and a clamping arm located at the other end of the flexing portion, the holding portion for positioning the clamping spring structure is used in the housing and the clamping arm is pivotable within the interior of the housing; and
• a slide and a compression spring located in the housing, the slide being positionable by the guidance of the compression spring into a locked position limiting pivoting of the clamping arm and when a wire is inserted into the housing via the wireway and pushing the slider allows the slider to move away from the locked position to release the restriction on the pivoting of the pinching arm.

Embodiment 2. The connector terminal of embodiment 1, wherein the path of the slider within the housing is at least partially defined by the housing, and wherein a first end of the path of the slider corresponds to the locked position limiting pivoting of the clamping arm.

Embodiment 3: The connector terminal according to embodiment 2, wherein a part of the slider hinders the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider is positioned in the locked position.

Embodiment 4: The connector terminal according to embodiment 2, wherein the slider includes a stopper formed on its side, and wherein the stopper of the slider hinders the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider is positioned in the locked position.

Embodiment 5: The connector terminal according to embodiment 2, wherein a restricting protrusion is provided in the housing, and wherein the restricting protrusion restricts the slider at the first end of travel of the slider when the compression spring applies a compressive force to the slider.

Embodiment 6: The connector terminal according to embodiment 5, wherein a restriction recess corresponding to the restriction projection is provided on the slider.

Exemplary embodiment 7 Connection terminal according to exemplary embodiment 5, wherein the limiting projection also defines the insertion depth of the wire via the wiring channel.

Exemplary Embodiment 8 The connector terminal of any one of exemplary embodiments 2-6, wherein the path of the slider has a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the slider no longer impedes pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider moves toward the second end of the path of the slider, or before the slider moves to the second end of the path of the slider.

Embodiment 9 The connector terminal according to Embodiment 8, wherein a shaft for mounting the compression spring is formed on the housing, and the second end of travel of the slider corresponds to a position where the slider comes into contact with the shaft.

Embodiment 10: Connection terminal according to embodiment 8, wherein the second end of travel of the slider corresponds to the lowest position that the slider can reach by pushing the wire.

Embodiment 11: The connector terminal according to Embodiment 1, wherein the slider includes a sliding slope on its side, the housing includes a bearing slope corresponding to the sliding slope, and the sliding slope of the slider slides on the bearing slope when the slider moves due to the guidance of the compression spring and the inserted wire moves.

Exemplary embodiment 12 Connection terminal according to exemplary embodiment 11, wherein a limiting projection is provided in the housing, which is designed in such a way that the sliding slope of the slider always rests against the supporting slope.

Embodiment 13 The connection terminal according to any one of Embodiments 1-7, wherein a slide rail connection is formed between the slider and the housing.

Claims (13)

Connection terminal comprising: a housing defining an interior space of the terminal, and a wiring passage and an actuation passage connected to the interior space; a clamping spring structure located in the interior of the housing and comprising a flexing portion, a holding portion located at one end of the flexing portion, and a clamping arm located at the other end of the flexing portion, the holding portion for positioning the clamping spring structure is used in the housing and the clamping arm is pivotable within the interior of the housing; and a slide and a compression spring located in the housing, whereby the slide can be positioned by the guidance of the compression spring into a locked position limiting the pivoting of the clamping arm and wherein when a wire is inserted into the housing via the wireway and pushing the slider allows the slider to move away from the locked position to release the restriction on the pivoting of the pinching arm. Connection port after claim 1 characterized in that the path of the slide within the housing is defined at least in part by the housing, with a first end of the travel of the slide corresponding to the locked position limiting pivoting of the wedging arm. Connection port after claim 2 , characterized in that a part of the slide impedes the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slide is positioned in the locked position. Connection port after claim 2 , characterized in that the slide includes a stop formed on its side, and in that the stop of the slide hinders pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slide is positioned in the locked position. Connection port after claim 2 , characterized in that a limiting projection is provided in the housing and in that the limiting projection limits the slider at the first end of travel of the slider when the compression spring exerts a compressive force on the slider. Connection port after claim 5 , characterized in that a limiting depression corresponding to the limiting projection is provided on the slider. Connection port after claim 5 , characterized in that the limiting projection also defines the insertion depth of the wire over the wiring duct. Connection terminal according to one of claims 2 - 6 , characterized in that the path of the slider has a second end opposite the first end and that the slider no longer impedes the pivotal movement of the end of the clamping arm when the slider moves to the second end of the path of the slider, or before the slider moved to the second end of slider travel. Connection port after claim 8 , characterized in that a shank for mounting the compression spring is formed on the housing and in that the second end of travel of the slider corresponds to a position where the slider comes into contact with the shank. Connection port after claim 8 , characterized in that the second end of travel of the slide corresponds to the lowest position to which the slide can reach by pushing the wire. Connection port after claim 1 , characterized in that the slider includes a slide slope located on its side, that the housing includes a bearing slope corresponding to the slide slope, and that the slide slope of the slider slides on the bearing slope when the slider moves due to the guidance of the compression spring and the inserted wire. Connection port after claim 11 , characterized in that a limiting projection is provided in the housing, which is designed such that the sliding bevel of the slider always rests on the support bevel. Connection terminal according to one of Claims 1 - 7 , characterized in that a slide rail connection is formed between the slider and the housing.

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