JP2002025673A - Connection terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of a conventional connection terminal which comprises male and female components and of the manufacturing cost increase due to such difference in the shape. SOLUTION: Two coupling claws 5 and 5' protruded in a substantial fork- shape, and a conductor connection groove 6 for connecting a conductor 13 are integrally formed of a conductive metal plate. The coupling claws 5 and 5' are cut and erected opposite to each other in the thickness direction in a closely arranged manner viewed from the thickness direction of the metal plate. When two connection terminals 1 are combined with each other so that the coupling claws 5 and 5' with the erection direction opposite to each other overlap and are inserted in each other, the horizontally arranged coupling claws 5 and the coupling claws 5' are closely brought into contact with each other, respectively, and the two connection terminals 1 are coupled with each other in an attachable/detachable manner by the closely tightening friction force.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection terminal used for wiring of an electric circuit, and more particularly to a connection terminal which can be detachably connected to each other even if there is no gender in the connection part.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, there are various types of connection terminals used for wiring of electric circuits. For example, so-called curl terminals a shown in FIG.
The curl terminal a has a female terminal d having a flat insertion space c formed by two substantially semi-cylindrical curled portions b, and a flat insertion portion e removably press-fitted into the insertion space c. A male / female pair structure comprising a male terminal f is provided. Then, after connecting the target conductors to the female terminal d and the male terminal f, respectively, the male terminals f are inserted into the female terminals d, whereby the conductors are connected to each other. Even the connection terminals other than the curl terminal a basically have a male-female pair structure, and the female terminal and the male terminal naturally have different forms.

[0003]

A conventional connection terminal such as a curl terminal a is composed of a pair of male and female terminals having different shapes from each other.
There was a problem that the production cost was high.

[0004] Depending on the wiring configuration of the electric circuit and the assembly procedure, it is often the case that the male and female terminals are pre-coupled to improve the work efficiency. However, with this type of conventional connection terminal, it is practically extremely difficult to connect the male and female terminals on a manufacturing device such as a press machine. Must be joined manually or have special assembly robots available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems. Basically, a structure having no gender can be detachably connected to each other even if the structure has no gender. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel connection terminal which can greatly reduce the equipment cost and can be easily combined on a manufacturing device such as a press machine depending on the shape.

[0006]

In order to achieve this object, a connecting terminal according to claim 1 comprises a plurality of connecting claws,
A conductor connecting portion for connecting the conductor is integrally formed by a conductive metal plate, and the coupling claws are cut and raised in the thickness direction of the metal plate in a state where they are arranged without a gap when viewed from the plate thickness direction, and are adjacent to each other. The engaging claws are characterized in that the cut-and-raised directions are opposite.

[0007] Regarding this connection terminal, regardless of the number of coupling claws, they can be used in pairs. That is, when the connecting claws of the two connection terminals are combined so as to enter each other so that the cut-and-raised directions overlap with each other, the connecting claws arranged side by side are closely contacted with each other on their side surfaces. The two connection terminals are detachably connected to each other by frictional force.

[0008] There are various forms of coupling claws capable of performing such coupling, and in order for the coupling claws to come into pressure contact with each other, at least the width and spacing of the coupling claws must be the same or if they are not constant. Need only match the order of the changes.

As described above, the connection terminal of the present invention can be removably connected to each other even if there is no distinction between male and female in terms of form. The equipment cost is considerably reduced, the parts management becomes easy, and the attachment / detachment can be performed in one operation like the conventional connection terminal. Since the present invention basically requires a structure having no gender, for example, in the case of continuous production by an automatic press machine, two sets of punches and dies are arranged in a line-symmetrical direction in the material feeding direction. Then, the material can be automatically joined by feeding the material after the working of the joining claw.

[0010] The connection terminal according to the second aspect is the first aspect.
In the connection terminal described in (1), ends of adjacent coupling claws on adjacent sides overlap each other when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal plate. Such 2
When the connecting claws of the two connection terminals are combined so that they are cut and raised so that they are opposite to each other and enter each other, the side faces of the connecting claws are closely contacted by the elastic force of the sides, and the friction of this close contact portion By force, the two connection terminals are detachably connected to each other, so that accidental disconnection can be completely prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection terminal according to the first aspect.
Or in the connection terminal described in 2, the conductor connection portion is:
It is characterized by being a cut groove for holding the electric wire by press-fitting the electric wire. In this way, the installation and removal of the electric wires can be completed in almost one operation.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the connection terminal according to the first aspect.
In the connection terminal described in any one of (1) to (3), the intermediate portion of the coupling claw is curved, and a hole is formed by at least the intermediate portion of two adjacent coupling claws when viewed from the direction in which the coupling claws are arranged. It is characterized by the following. Therefore, when these connection terminals are combined with each other, a hole is formed between the piercing portions of the connecting claws whose cut-and-raise directions are opposite to each other. If a pin or the like is passed through this hole as necessary, two holes can be formed. The state in which the connection terminals are connected to each other can be maintained more reliably.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, connection terminals according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [A. First Embodiment] (FIGS. 1 to 6) FIGS. 1 to 5 show a connection terminal 1 according to a first embodiment.

[A-1. Structure] (FIGS. 1 and 2) The connection terminal 1 is formed integrally with each part by pressing a conductive metal strip such as copper or stainless steel. The connection terminal 1 is formed on a base part 3 having an elongated rectangular flat plate shape, two coupling claws 5 and 5 ′ protruding from one end in the longitudinal direction of the base part 3, and the other end part of the base part 3. The wire connection groove 6 is provided. The conductor connection groove 6 is a conductor connection portion for connecting the conductor, and is open at the other end edge 3 a of the base 3.

The two connecting claws 5, 5 'are symmetrical to each other in the same direction while cutting and raising two portions obtained by equally dividing the position following one end of the base portion 3 in the width direction to opposite sides in the plate thickness direction. It is formed by press molding to form a shape. The shape of the coupling claws 5, 5 'is such that a relatively short contact portion 7 following the base portion 3 has its tip as a reference surface s (see FIG. 2) with a plane extending at an intermediate position in the thickness of the base portion 3 as a reference surface. Face s
Inclined slightly further. The flat portion 8 ahead of the contact portion 7 is parallel to the reference surface s, and the curved portion 8a provided between the flat portions 8 is curved in a substantially arc shape toward the opposite side to the reference surface s. are doing.

Accordingly, the two connecting claws 5 and 5 ′ have the same length and width, and are arranged in parallel without any gap when viewed from the plate thickness direction, and have the smallest step difference except for the contact portion 7. The step between the flat portions 8 is slightly larger than the thickness of the material. When viewed from the direction in which the coupling claws 5 and 5 'are arranged, the two curved portions 8a form the piercing holes 10. The connection terminal 1 is configured as described above.

[A-2. Manual coupling] (FIGS. 3 to 5)
(Figure) The connection terminals 1 are basically used in pairs. The operation of manually connecting the connection terminals 1 used in pairs to each other will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG.
The two connecting terminals 1 are set so that the connecting claws 5 and 5 'face each other, and the connecting claws 5 and 5' are connected to each other as shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure. That is, the coupling claw 5 of one connection terminal 1 is connected to the other connection terminal 1.
Of the connection terminals 5 ′ overlap with each other, and
Are combined so that the coupling claws 5 of the other connection terminals 1 overlap. This combination is performed until the tip of the flat portion 8 contacts the contact portion 7 on the other side.

When combined in this manner, the connecting claws 5 and the connecting claws 5 'arranged side by side are closely in contact with each other, and the connection state of the two connecting terminals is maintained by the close frictional force. You. The coupling claws 5 and 5 'thus combined are combined with the coupling claws 5 on the mating side.
Since the overlapping in the thickness direction with respect to 5 'is opposite to each other, the positional relationship in the same direction is fixed, and the positional relationship in this direction is fixed by the side surfaces being closely adjacent to each other. You. Further, the positional relationship in the entering direction is maintained by the contact between the flat portion 8 and the contact portion 7.

The pair of connection terminals 1 are provided with connecting claws 5, 5 '.
By mechanically assembling each other, they are detachably connected to each other. As described above, the connection state of the connection terminals 1 is maintained by the close frictional force of the connection claws arranged side by side. The pins 12 (see FIG. 4) are passed through.

In the conductor connection groove 6, the intended conductor 1 is provided.
3, for example, press-fit a vinyl-coated electric wire as shown by an arrow in FIG. By this press-fitting, the outer skin 13a of the conductor 13 is broken and the core 13b is exposed, and the core 13b is pressed against the inner surface of the conductor connection groove 6.

[A-3. Coupling by Pressing Machine] (FIG. 6) The work of connecting the two connection terminals 1 to each other can be automatically performed by using a press machine for forming the connection terminals 1. FIG. 6 shows an example of processing steps in the case where such an automatic operation is processed by a progressive die, in order from (A) to (F).

(A) The material strip 15 is supplied to a punch die set. (B) By driving the punch die set, two sets of connecting claws 5 and 5 'are bent in a direction facing each other, and then a portion 16 between the two sets of connecting claws 5 and 5' is shot down. (D) Material strip 1 on the rear side from shot down portion 16
5 is fed at a predetermined pitch, and (D) two sets of connecting claws 5, 5 'are combined. (E) When the lead wire connecting grooves 6 are punched at predetermined positions of the front material strip 15 ′ and the rear material strip 15, respectively, (F) One set of the combined state is obtained. Connection terminal 1
Is formed. Next, the process returns to (A).

[B. Second Embodiment] (FIG. 7) FIG. 7 shows a connection terminal 1A according to a second embodiment. This connection terminal 1A is different from the connection terminal 1 shown in the first embodiment only in that three connecting claws are provided. Therefore, the description will be made only on this difference, and the description of the other portions will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to the same portions of the connection terminal 1 in the respective portions of the drawing. The use and meaning of such reference numerals are the same in the third to fifth embodiments and wiring assembly examples described later.

The three connecting claws 5, 5 ', 5 are oppositely cut and raised between the two connecting claws 5 at both ends and the intermediate connecting claw 5'. In order to assemble the connection terminals 1A in pairs, the connection claws 5 ′ between the two connection claws 5 at both ends of the mating connection terminal 1 are placed in opposite directions. Insert As a result, both side surfaces of the intermediate coupling claw 5 'and the side surfaces of the coupling claws 5 at both ends of the opposing side come into tight contact, and the two connection terminals 1A are combined with each other. In particular, in this connection terminal 1A, the contact area between the coupling claws is twice as large as the contact area in the connection terminal 1, so that the mechanical strength in the combined state is high and the electrical contact is stable. I do.

In addition to the connection terminal 1A, the number of coupling claws may be four or more. On the other hand, in the case where the connection terminals are combined in a one-to-many manner, at least two sets of the coupling claws 5 and 5 'may be provided by the number of mating connection terminals.
In this case, the two or more sets of the coupling claws do not need to be continuously arranged, and the arrangement form should be selected according to the position and direction of the combination.

[C. Third Embodiment] (FIG. 8) FIG. 8 shows a connection terminal 1B according to a third embodiment. The only difference between the connection terminal 1B and the connection terminal 1 is that the base portion has a three-dimensional shape. That is, in this connection terminal 1B, the base portion 3 '
Is bent substantially into an L-shape. Therefore, the wire connection groove 6
Can be performed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the coupling claws 5 and 5 'are combined. Therefore, where such a direction is required for the wiring assembling work, the connection terminal 1B of this form is required. It is better to use

[D. Fourth Embodiment] (FIG. 9) FIG. 9 shows a connection terminal 1C according to a fourth embodiment. This connection terminal 1C is different from the connection terminal 1 shown in the first embodiment only in the position and the number of the conductive wire connection grooves. Two small wall-shaped leaves 21 rise from one side edge of the base portion 3.
Are formed with conductive wire connecting grooves 6, respectively. Therefore, at least two conductors can be connected to the connection terminal 1C.

[E. Fifth Embodiment] (FIG. 10) FIG. 10 shows a connection terminal 1D according to a fifth embodiment. The only difference between the connection terminal 1D and the connection terminal 1 shown in the first embodiment is that an attachment means is provided. Arms 25 substantially parallel to the base portion 3 extend from both side edges of the base portion 3. The arms 25 have spring resilience in a direction of expanding and contracting a distance between the arms, and have bent at opposite ends thereof at opposite ends. An engagement claw 25a is formed.

Accordingly, in this connection terminal 1D, when the arm 25 is inserted into the target mounting hole 27, the distal end portions of the arms 25 are bent so as to narrow each other, and the engaging claws 25 are formed.
The arm 25 expands to its original width when a exits the mounting hole 27, and the engaging claw 25 a engages with the opening edge of the mounting hole 27.

[F. Example of Wiring Assembly] (FIG. 11) FIG. 11 shows an example of wiring assembly using the connection terminals 1, 1B, 1C, and the like. In the figure, 31 indicates a relay box. This relay box 31
Is composed of a box-shaped terminal housing 32 having an open upper surface, and a rectangular frame-shaped conductor holding block 33 that fits tightly with the terminal housing 32.
Two connection terminals 1B are attached to the front wall 34 of the second 2 by insert molding. These connection terminals 1B
Are arranged in parallel with each other, and the base portion 3 is held in an embedded state with the conductive wire connection groove 6 extending upward.

One end of each of the two right and left wires 13 is held by the wire holding block 33. The conducting wire 13 is passed through a hole in the rear wall of the conducting wire holding block 33, and the front end is accommodated in a notch formed on the lower surface of the front wall of the conducting wire holding block 33. Therefore, this wire holding block 3
When the terminal 3 is fitted into the terminal housing 32, the conductor 13 is pressed into the conductor connection groove 6 of the connection terminal 1B, and the core wire is electrically connected to the connection terminal 1B. A connection terminal (not shown) is connected to the connection terminal 1B.

The relay box 31 of the conductor 13
The connection terminals 1 and 1E each have a wire connection groove 6 that bites into a portion extending outward from the wire. Another connecting wire 1 is connected to this connection terminal 1E.
3 'is connected. Further, another connection terminal 1B is already connected to the connection terminal 1, and another connection wire 13 ″ is connected to this connection terminal 1B.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a connection terminal 1F according to another embodiment. The connection terminal 1F is connected to the end 5a, 5'a on the adjacent side of the adjacent coupling claw 5, 5 '.
They overlap each other when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal plate.
Therefore, when the connecting claws 5, 5 'of the two connection terminals 1F are combined so as to enter each other so that the cut-and-raised directions are opposite to each other, the connecting claws 5, 5' arranged side by side are connected to the side surfaces thereof. Are in close contact with each other with an elastic force, and the two connecting terminals 1F are detachably connected to each other by the frictional force of the close contact portion, so that accidental detachment can be completely prevented.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and any change in design or the like without departing from the spirit of the present invention is also included in the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, all the conductor connection parts are cut grooves, but this conductor connection part may be of any form as long as the conductor can be connected. In addition, in the embodiment, the piercing portion is provided on the coupling claw, but this is not an essential configuration for implementing the present invention. The shapes of the coupling claws 5, 5 'of the connection terminal 1F are the same as those of the connection terminals 1A, 1B, 1
It can be applied to any of C, 1D and 1E.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, even in a structure having no gender, it can be removably connected to each other, and the cost of manufacturing equipment for dies and the like can be greatly reduced. At the same time, it can be easily combined on a manufacturing device such as a press machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the connection terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an operation of connecting two connection terminals shown in FIG. 1 to each other;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which two connection terminals shown in FIG. 1 are mutually connected.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing a main part in a state where two connection terminals shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other and a conductive wire is connected, with a part cut away.

6 (A) to 6 (F) are views showing an example of a pressing process in which two connection terminals are connected to each other while forming the connection terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a connection terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a connection terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connection terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention mounted in a target mounting hole.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of wiring assembly using several types of connection terminals according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a coupling claw portion of a connection terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional connection terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Connection terminal 5 ... Connection nail 5 '... Connection nail 6 ...
Conductor connecting portion (cut groove) 8a ... Intermediate portion (of coupling claw) 10 ... Circular hole 13 ... Conductor 13 '... Conductor 13 "... Conductor 15
... Metal plate 1A ... Connection terminal 1B ... Connection terminal 1C ... Connection terminal 1D ... Connection terminal 1E ... Connection terminal 1F ... Connection terminal

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of coupling claws and a conductor connecting portion for connecting conductors are integrally formed by a conductive metal plate.
A connection terminal, wherein the connecting claws are cut and raised in the thickness direction of the metal plate in a state where they are arranged without a gap when viewed from the plate thickness direction, and adjacent bonding claws are cut and raised in opposite directions. 2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein adjacent ends of adjacent coupling claws overlap each other when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal plate. 3. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the conductor connection portion is a cut groove for holding the electric wire by press-fitting the electric wire. 4. The connecting terminal according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate portion of the coupling claw is curved, and a hole is formed by at least an intermediate portion of two adjacent coupling claws when viewed from the direction in which the coupling claws are arranged. A connection terminal characterized in that a connection terminal is formed.