Connection plate, connection terminal, equipment side connection part and connection structure

Abstract

Ensure a secure electrical connection between the wires / cables and the connected equipment. [Solution] A connection plate 5 electrically connects a connection terminal 3 having a connection cylinder portion 32 into which a conductor 21 of an electric wire / cable 2 can be inserted and a terminal-side connected portion 31 that makes an electrical connection by bringing an electrical connection surface 313 into contact with it, and a device-side connected portion 4 provided on the device to be connected, which is the other side to which the electric wire / cable is electrically connected, and which has an electrical connection surface 42, and has a plurality of electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, 531 that individually contact the electrical connection surface of the terminal-side connected portion and the electrical connection surface of the device-side connected portion, and each of the plurality of electrical connection surfaces is oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion of the connection terminal connected to the connection plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection plate, a connection terminal, an equipment-side connection part, and a connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] When connecting electric wires or cables (hereinafter referred to as electric wire / cable) to equipment in a panel or cubicle such as a terminal block, breaker, bus bar, etc., a connection terminal is connected to the tip of the conductor of the electric wire / cable. The connection terminal has a cylindrical portion into which the conductor is inserted and caulked, and a flange portion that makes surface contact with a predetermined contact surface with respect to the attachment surface of the connection target device on the opposite side of the electric wire / cable. When connecting an electric wire / cable to a connection target device, in some cases, the conductor is made to reach the connection target device and then the connection terminal is connected to the tip of the conductor. However, due to various reasons such as inability to secure a connection work space around the connection target device, in some cases, the connection terminal is first connected to the tip of the conductor and then made to reach the connection target device. In addition, there are cases where the exposed portion of the conductor is covered by molding. In this case as well, molding is performed after the connection terminal is connected to the tip of the conductor at the factory (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the connection terminal is connected to the tip of the conductor in advance, it is difficult to predict in advance whether the connection terminal will be in an appropriate orientation in front of the connection target device. Furthermore, when connecting terminals to the ends of conductors at the site of connection work for the equipment to be connected, the tools may not be positioned in a suitable orientation for the work, or space constraints may prevent the connection from being performed in the correct orientation. Therefore, there may be cases where the contact surface of the pin-shaped part of the connection terminal does not face the connection surface of the device being connected. In that case, the wing-shaped part of the connector is twisted so that the contact surface of the wing-shaped part of the connector faces the connection surface of the device to be connected, and the connection is made. However, if the misalignment between the connection surface of the device being connected and the contact surface of the pin-shaped part of the connection terminal is large, and the twisting angle is large, the pin-shaped part, especially the contact surface of the pin-shaped part, may deform when the misalignment is corrected, or if the pin-shaped part is forcibly twisted when the misalignment is corrected, the pin-shaped part, especially its contact surface, may deform, or the restoring force against the twist after connection may cause gaps or unevenness in contact pressure between the connection surface of the device being connected and the contact surface of the pin-shaped part of the connection terminal, potentially leading to a decrease in conductive performance.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a secure electrical connection between electric wires / cables and the equipment to be connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides A connection plate that electrically connects a connection terminal having a connecting cylinder portion into which a wire or cable conductor can be inserted and a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, and a device-side connected portion having an electrical connection surface, provided on the device to be connected, which is the other side to which the wire or cable is electrically connected, The electrical connection surface of the terminal-side connected portion and the electrical connection surface of the equipment-side connected portion are in contact with each other individually. It comprises flat plate-shaped first to third connection parts having electrical connection surfaces on both sides. , Each of the multiple electrical connection surfaces is oriented at a different angle around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion of the connection terminal connected to the connection plate. Occasionally, The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. It is characterized by the following:

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention is A connecting cylinder into which the conductor of an electric wire or cable can be inserted, A connection terminal having a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, The terminal-side connection portion is oriented at different angles around an axis along the centerline of the connecting cylinder portion. It comprises flat plate-shaped first to third connection parts having electrical connection surfaces on both sides, The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is A device-side connected portion is provided on a connected device that is electrically connected to a connection terminal having a connecting cylinder portion into which a wire or cable conductor can be inserted and a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, and is the other side to which the wire or cable is electrically connected. The connection terminals connected to the equipment side are oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion. It comprises flat plate-shaped first to third connection parts having electrical connection surfaces on both sides, The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is The above connecting plate and, The equipment side connected portion and, A connection structure between the electric wire / cable having the above-mentioned and the equipment to be connected, The connection plate is characterized in that the electrical connection surface of the connection terminal is connected to one of the plurality of electrical connection surfaces of the connection plate, and the electrical connection surface of the equipment-side connected portion is connected to another of the plurality of electrical connection surfaces of the connection plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to electrically connect electric wires / cables to the equipment to be connected in a good manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a plan view showing the state before connection of the connection terminals in the connection structure, and FIG. 2(B) is a plan view showing the state after connection. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the state where the device-side connection part and the connection board are connected. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the connection structure with the insulating cover attached. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of a configuration in which the connection terminal and the device-side connection part are connected to an electrical connection surface different from that in FIG. 2(B). [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the connection structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the connection structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the state before connection of the connection terminals of the connection structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing the state before connection of the connection terminals of the connection structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the connection terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the connection structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the connection structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of another example of the connection structure. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of an example in which a rotation prevention member is provided in the connection structure. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of another example of the connection terminal. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the connection terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of another example of the connection terminal. [Figure 18] [[ID=5​​This is a perspective view of another example of the connected part on the equipment side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, illustrating various embodiments. However, while each embodiment described below has various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments or illustrated examples. In the following explanation, the direction of the center line of the connection cylinder portion of the wire / cable connection terminal will be referred to as the "axial direction," the direction of the circumference around the center line as the "circumferential direction," and the direction perpendicular to the center line as the "radial direction."

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection structure 10 in which the connection terminal 3 of the electric wire / cable 2 and the equipment-side connection part 4 provided on the equipment to be connected are electrically connected by a connection plate 5, which is the first embodiment. Figure 2(A) is a plan view showing the state of the connection terminal 3 in the connection structure 10 before connection, and Figure 2(B) is a plan view showing the state after connection. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the equipment-side connection part 4 and the connection plate 5 are connected.

[0014] [Electric wires, cables, and connectors] The electric wire / cable 2 is made by covering a conductor 21 with a covering layer 22. The conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 is made of copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Examples of copper alloys include brass alloy, bronze alloy, phosphor bronze alloy, or various other copper alloys. The same applies hereafter when "copper alloy" is used.

[0015] The conductor 21 is formed by twisting together multiple strands made of the above-mentioned materials. The coating layer 22 is made of an insulating material (for example, cross-linked polyethylene, ethylene propylene rubber, or polyvinyl chloride). The coating layer 22 covers the entire outer circumference of the conductor 21 along its entire length. The coating layer 22 may also be composed of two layers: an insulating layer and a protective layer on the outside of it. When attaching a connection terminal 3 to the electric wire / cable 2, the coating layer 22 is stripped off at the connection end over a predetermined length, leaving the conductor 21 exposed over a predetermined length.

[0016] [Connection terminals] The connection terminal 3 has a connection portion 31 at one end for electrically connecting the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 to the equipment-side connection portion 4 or connection plate 5, which will be described later, and a connection cylinder portion 32 at the other end into which the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 is inserted. Here, the connection terminal 3 is exemplified as one that is integrally formed by, for example, casting. However, the connection terminal 3 is not limited to those manufactured by casting.

[0017] The connector terminal 3 is integrally formed from copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The connector terminal 3 may be made of the same metal as the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2, or it may be made of different metals. Alternatively, the connector terminal 3 may be a bimetallic terminal in which the connected portion 31 is made of either aluminum or an aluminum alloy and copper or a copper alloy, and the connecting cylinder portion 32 is made of the other of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and copper or a copper alloy. In that case, the connecting cylinder portion 32 that directly connects to the conductor 21 is often made of the same type of metal as the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2.

[0018] The connecting cylinder portion 32 is a cylindrical body with a constant inner and outer diameter, with one end on the side of the connected portion 31 completely closed and the other end open. The inner diameter of the connecting cylinder portion 32 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2, allowing the conductor 21 to be easily inserted from the open end. With the conductor 21 inserted, the connecting cylinder portion 32 is crimped from the outside by compression to connect the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 to the connecting terminal 3.

[0019] The connected portion 31 has a shaft portion 311 that extends axially from the closed end of the connecting cylinder portion 32 toward the opposite side from the connecting cylinder portion 32, and a shuttlecock portion 312 integrally formed radially outward at the front end of the shaft portion 311. The shaft portion 311 has an extended end that curves radially outward and is integrally connected to one side of the shuttlecock portion 312.

[0020] The shuttlecock portion 312 is a rectangular flat plate, with its surface oriented perpendicular to the radial direction of the connecting cylinder portion 32 and the shaft portion 311. The surface of the shuttlecock portion 312 opposite to the shaft portion 311 (the radially outer surface) is a smoothly polished electrical connection surface 313. The electrical connection surface 313 can achieve good conductivity when it is in surface contact with other similarly smooth electrical connection surfaces. Although the surface of the shuttlecock portion 312 on the shaft portion 311 side is flat, it is not polished, making it difficult to achieve the same conductivity as the electrical connection surface 313.

[0021] The shuttlecock portion 312 is rectangular in shape when viewed radially, with both ends parallel to the axial direction of the connecting cylinder portion 32 and the extended end perpendicular to the axial direction. The end on the shaft portion 311 side has both ends cut at an angle. However, this angled cut is not essential. A through hole 314 is formed perpendicular to the plate surface at a position slightly closer to the protruding end from the center of the flat surface of the shuttlecock portion 312. The through-hole 314 in the pin plate portion 312 is for inserting a bolt 11 through the through-hole formed in the object to be connected to the connection terminal 3, and for electrically connecting the electrical connection surface 313 to the mating surface by tightening the nut 12. When fastening the bolt 11 and nut 12, a standard washer is inserted on the head side of the bolt 11, and a standard washer and a spring washer are inserted on the nut 12 side. The same applies to all other fastening points using the bolt 11 and nut 12, but the explanation of washers will be omitted.

[0022] [Device side connected part] The equipment-side connection portion 4 is provided on the equipment to be connected, which is the other end of the electric wire / cable, and is a long rectangular flat plate made of good conductors with an electrical connection surface. The connected devices are not shown in the diagram, but examples include terminal blocks, circuit breakers, distribution boards, switchboards, and control panels. The equipment-side connection portion 4 has a base end (not shown) that is electrically connected to the equipment to be connected, and a tip that can be directly or indirectly connected to the connection terminal 3 of the electric wire / cable 2. The equipment-side connection portion 4 is integrally formed from copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The equipment-side connection portion 4 is a long, flat plate with a certain width, but it does not have to be straight except for the extended tip. The intermediate portion may be formed in a curved or crank shape, for example, and one end and the other end may be offset laterally.

[0023] The tip of the equipment-side connection part 4 is rectangular, and it is possible to directly connect it to the pin plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3. However, in this connection structure 10, the equipment-side connection part 4 and the pin plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 are electrically connected via the connection plate 5. Therefore, the width of the tip of the equipment-side connection portion 4 is about the same as that of the wing plate portion 312, and, like the wing plate portion 312, a through hole 41 is formed that penetrates the plate surface perpendicularly. The tip of the equipment-side connection portion 4 is electrically connected to the object to be connected by a bolt 11 and nut 12 inserted through the through hole. The tip of the equipment-side connected portion 4 has at least one side that is a smooth electrical connection surface 42. However, the tip of the equipment-side connected portion 4 may have smooth electrical connection surfaces on both sides.

[0024] [Connecting plate] The connecting plate 5 is formed by folding two points along the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal direction") of a long rectangular flat plate made of good conductors, with folds that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby forming the first to third connecting parts 51, 52, and 53. Furthermore, the direction along this fold (the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is set to be parallel to the direction along the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32 of the connecting terminal 3 when it is connected to the connecting plate 5 (the axial direction). Hereafter, this direction along the fold will be referred to as the "fold direction". The connecting plate 5 is integrally formed from copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0025] The connecting plate 5 has a second connecting portion 52 positioned in the center, with a first connecting portion 51 and a third connecting portion 53 positioned on either side in the longitudinal direction. The first connecting portion 51 and the third connecting portion 53 are folded so as to undulate in the same direction (upper side of the paper in Figure 2) relative to the second connecting portion 52. The width of the connecting plate 5 in the direction of the fold (the vertical width on the paper in Figure 1) is equal along its entire length.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the first to third connection portions 51, 52, and 53 have electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, and 531, which are polished to a smooth finish on the inner surfaces that become visible when the portions are bent relative to each other. As a result, each of the electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, and 531 is oriented at a different angle around the axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion 32. Furthermore, the angle θi formed by the adjacent electrical connection surfaces 511 of the first connection portion 51 and 521 of the second connection portion 52 is less than 180°. Also, the angle difference θd between the adjacent electrical connection surfaces 511 and 521 is 0° < θd ≤ 90°. Similarly, the angle θi between the adjacent electrical connection surface 521 of the second connection part 52 and the electrical connection surface 531 of the third connection part 53 is also less than 180°. Furthermore, the angle difference θd between the adjacent electrical connection surfaces 521 and 531 is 0° < θd ≤ 90°. Here, we use examples where the angle θi = 135° and the angle difference θd = 45°, but these angles can be arbitrarily changed within the numerical range mentioned above.

[0027] Furthermore, the first to third connection parts 51, 52, and 53 each have through holes 512, 522, and 532 that penetrate perpendicularly through the plate surface. These through holes 512, 522, and 532 can be electrically connected by fastening the connection terminals 3 or the equipment-side connection part 4 to them using bolts 11 and nuts 12, while pressing their electrical connection surfaces against each other.

[0028] Furthermore, the first to third connecting portions 51, 52, and 53 of the connecting plate 5 may be polished smooth on both sides to form electrical connection surfaces on both sides.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2(B), the longitudinal width of the second connection portion 52 and the electrical connection surface 521 is set to be approximately equal to the longitudinal width of the pin plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 and the equipment-side connected portion 4, and the through hole 522 is provided in the middle of the fold direction and longitudinal direction of the electrical connection surface 521.

[0030] In contrast, the longitudinal width of the first and third connection portions 51, 53 and the electrical connection surfaces 511, 531 is set to be somewhat wider than that of the second connection portion 52. The through holes 512, 532 are provided in the middle of the fold direction of the electrical connection surfaces 511, 531, but in the longitudinal direction, they are both provided at positions that are away from the second connection portion 52. This is to avoid interference between the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 and the equipment-side connected portion 4 when the wing plate portion 312 and the bolt 11 or nut 12 provided on the wing plate portion 312 and the equipment-side connected portion 4, respectively.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(B), the longitudinal arrangement of the through holes 512 and 532 is such that when fastened with bolts 11 and nuts 12 by overlapping them with the through hole 314 of the wing plate portion 312 or the through hole 41 of the equipment-side connected portion 4, the end of the first connecting portion 51 (or third connecting portion 53) opposite to the second connecting portion 52 is aligned in approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction with the end of the wing plate portion 312 or the equipment-side connected portion 4.

[0032] [Connecting terminals to the connection board] In the connection structure 10, the connection terminals 3 and the equipment-side connected portion 4 may be connected to the connection plate 5 in either order. However, this explanation assumes that the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the connection plate 5 first, and then the connection terminals 3 are connected to the connection plate 5 in that state. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, this example illustrates the case where the equipment-side connection part 4 is connected to the second connection part 52 of the connection plate 5.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 2(A), the electrical connection surface 313 of the pin-shaped portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 is oriented 90° differently from the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connection part 4 in terms of the axis along the axial direction (fold direction). Therefore, in order to directly connect the equipment-side connection part 4 and the pin-shaped portion 312, the pin-shaped portion 312 must be twisted 90° clockwise. However, when the connecting plate 5 is connected to the equipment-side connection part 4, there are electrical connection surfaces 511 and 531 that are oriented at different angles around the axis along the axial direction (fold direction) with respect to the electrical connection surface 42. Therefore, by selecting and connecting either of the electrical connection surfaces 511 or 531 to the battledore section 312, the twist angle of the battledore section 312 can be reduced. In this case, if the electrical connection surface 313 of the wing plate portion 312 is directly facing the electrical connection surface 511 and connected with a bolt 11 and a nut 12, the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312 can be reduced to 45° counterclockwise.

[0034] Furthermore, if the electrical connection surface 313 of the pin plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 faces the same direction as the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4, then in order to directly connect the equipment-side connected portion 4 and the pin plate portion 312, the pin plate portion 312 must be twisted 180° clockwise or counterclockwise, resulting in the maximum twist angle. Even in this case, if the electrical connection surface 313 of the wing plate portion 312 is directly facing either the electrical connection surface 511 or 531 and connected with the bolt 11 and nut 12, the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312 can be reduced to 135°. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if electrical connection surfaces are formed on both sides of the first to third connection portions 51, 52, and 53 of the connecting plate 5, the twist angle of the shuttlecock portion 312 can be reduced to 45°.

[0035] Furthermore, although an example configuration was given in which the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the electrical connection surface 521 of the second connection portion 52 of the connection plate 5, it may also be connected to the electrical connection surfaces 511, 531 of the first or third connection portions 51, 53, as shown in Figure 5. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the electrical connection surface 531 of the third connection portion 53, it can be connected to the electrical connection surface 511 of the first connection portion 51 without twisting the wing-shaped portion 312 of the connection terminal 3, which is oriented as shown in Figure 2(A). Furthermore, if the electrical connection surface 313 of the pin plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 faces the same direction as the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4, the twist angle of the pin plate portion 312 can be reduced to 90°. Thus, when the connecting plate 5 has multiple electrical connection surfaces facing different directions, by appropriately selecting the electrical connection surface connecting the wing plate portion 312 and the equipment-side connected portion 4, it is possible to more effectively reduce the twist angle even when the wing plate portion 312 is facing in any direction around its axis.

[0036] [Insulating cover] Furthermore, the connection points 4 on the device side of the device being connected may have multiple wires drawn out in the same direction, clustered together. In that case, the connecting plate 5, which is connected to the equipment-side connection part 4 so as to protrude laterally, may come into contact with other equipment-side connection parts 4 or other connecting plates 5, etc., and cause a short circuit or other problems. In such cases, as shown in Figure 4, the connection plate 5 of the connection structure 10 may be covered with a cylindrical insulating cover 6. The insulating cover 6 is formed from an insulating material such as polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, or other insulating resin.

[0037] [About the materials for each component] In the above connection structure 10, copper or copper alloy, or aluminum or aluminum alloy are given as examples of materials for the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2, the connection terminal 3, the equipment-side connection part 4, and the connection plate 5. However, for components that come into direct contact in the connection structure 10, it is preferable to use materials of the same type, that is, to use either copper or a copper alloy for both components, or to use either aluminum or an aluminum alloy for both components. If, in a configuration where components are in direct contact, one component is made of copper or a copper alloy and the other is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, it is preferable to plate at least one of them with tin, nickel, or the like to prevent corrosion.

[0038] [Technical effects of connection structure and connection plate] In the above connection structure 10, the connection plate 5 has three electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, and 531 that are oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion 32 of the connection terminal 3. By interposing the connection plate 5, the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 around the axial direction can be reduced, making it possible to electrically connect the connection terminal 3 and the equipment-side connected portion 4. This suppresses a decrease in contact pressure between the electrical connection surfaces and a reduction in contact area due to the restoring force of the twist, making it possible to connect the equipment-side connected portion 4 and the connection terminal 3 in a good conductive state. For example, if the connecting plate 5 has two or more connection points, with an electrical connection surface formed on one side of each, and the angle difference between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is θd, the twist angle can be reduced by θd compared to the case where there is only one connection point. Furthermore, if the connecting plate 5 has two or more connection points, and electrical connection surfaces are formed on both sides of each, and the angle difference between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is θd, then, compared to the case where there is one connection point and electrical connection surfaces are formed on both sides, the twist angle with respect to the electrical connection surface with the smaller twist angle among the two sides can be reduced by a further θd.

[0039] Furthermore, the connecting plate 5 reduces the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312, making it possible to connect the connecting terminal 3 to the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 in advance at a factory or other location when it is difficult to connect the connecting terminal 3 to the conductor 21 at the work site. Furthermore, even if the connection terminal 3 cannot be connected to the conductor 21 of the electric wire / cable 2 in the correct orientation, it is still possible to connect the equipment-side connection part 4 and the connection terminal 3 in a good conductive state.

[0040] Furthermore, by setting the angle difference θd between adjacent electrical connection surfaces of the connecting plate 5 to 0° < θd ≤ 90°, the narrowing of the space between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is suppressed, making it possible to connect the wing plate portion 312 and the bolt 11 or nut 12 provided on the wing plate portion 312 of each of the electrical connection surfaces 511 to 531 without interference between them and the equipment-side connection portion 4 and the bolt 11 or nut 12 provided on the equipment-side connection portion 4.

[0041] Furthermore, by making the angle θi between adjacent electrical connection surfaces of the connecting plate 5 less than 180°, the fold portion that forms the boundary between the electrical connection surfaces suppresses rotation around the bolt 11 of the wing plate portion 312 or the equipment-side connected portion 4, thereby suppressing a decrease in the contact state due to sliding between the electrical connection surfaces and making it possible to maintain a stable connection state. In addition, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal 3 from being oriented in an unexpected direction relative to the connecting plate 5.

[0042] Furthermore, if the connection structure 10 or the connection plate 5 is configured to include an insulating cover 6 to ensure insulation from the surroundings, even if multiple equipment-side connected parts 4 are densely packed together, it is possible to suppress the effects of short circuits and other problems caused by contact between the connection plate 5 or the equipment-side connected parts 4, and maintain a stable connection state.

[0043] [Second Embodiment] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connection structure 10A, which is a second embodiment, in which the connection terminal 3 of the electric wire / cable 2 and the equipment-side connection part 4 provided on the equipment to be connected are electrically connected by a connection plate 5A, and Figure 7 is a plan view. In the connection structure 10A of the second embodiment, components identical to those in the connection structure 10 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0044] In connection structure 10A, the connection plate 5A is different from the connection plate 5 mentioned above. The connecting plate 5A corresponds to the configuration obtained by removing the third connecting portion 53 from the connecting plate 5. That is, the connecting plate 5A has only a first connecting portion 51 and a second connecting portion 52, and the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to either the first connecting portion 51 or the second connecting portion 52, and the connecting terminal 3 is connected to the other. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a configuration in which the connecting terminal 3 is connected to the first connecting portion 51 and the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the second connecting portion 52. However, whether the connecting terminal 3 and the equipment-side connected portion 4 should be connected to the first connecting portion 51 or the second connecting portion 52 should be determined by whether or not the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312 of the connecting terminal 3 becomes smaller.

[0045] The above-described connection structure 10A and connection plate 5A also have the same technical effects as the connection structure 10 and connection plate 5, namely, they make it possible to reduce the twist angle of the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3. Furthermore, in the case of the connecting plate 5A, the width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the equipment-side connected portion 4 can be reduced, so when multiple equipment-side connected portions 4 are densely packed together, the frequency of contact with other connecting plates 5A or other equipment-side connected portions 4 can be reduced. In the case of the connecting plate 5A, electrical connection surfaces may also be formed on both sides of the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52. In addition, in the case of the connection structure 10A and the connection plate 5A, the area around the connection plate 5A may be covered with an insulating cover similar to the cylindrical insulating cover 6 (see Figure 4).

[0046] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a connection structure 10B, which is a third embodiment, in which the connection terminal 3B of the electric wire / cable 2 and the equipment-side connection part 4 are electrically connected by a connection plate 5. Figure 9 is a plan view, and Figures 8 and 9 show the state of the connection terminal 3B immediately before connection. In the connection structure 10B of the third embodiment, components identical to those in the connection structures 10 and 10A described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0047] In connection structure 10B, connection terminal 3B is different from the aforementioned connection terminal 3. The connecting terminal 3B has a shaft portion 311B of the connected portion 31B that extends straight in the axial direction from the closed end of the connecting cylinder portion 32, and a wing portion 312B is integrally connected to the front end of the shaft portion 311B.

[0048] The shuttlecock portion 312B is a rectangular flat plate and is positioned on the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32. The surface of the shuttlecock portion 312B is oriented perpendicular to the radial direction of the connecting cylinder portion 32 and the shaft portion 311B. Furthermore, both sides of the shuttlecock portion 312B are smoothly polished electrical connection surfaces 313B and 315B. These electrical connection surfaces 313B and 315B are positioned with the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32 in between. Furthermore, a through hole 314B is formed perpendicular to the surface of the shuttlecock portion 312B at a position slightly closer to the extended end than the center of the surface. The electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to one of the electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, or 531 of the connection plate 5, and either the electrical connection surfaces 313B or 315B of the connection terminal 3B is connected to the remaining electrical connection surface among the electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, or 531 of the connection plate 5 (Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the case where the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the electrical connection surface 521. In this case, the connection terminal 3B is connected to either the electrical connection surface 511 or 531).

[0049] Since both sides of the pin-shaped portion 312B of the connection terminal 3B are electrical connection surfaces 313B and 315B, it is possible to keep the twist angle of the pin-shaped portion 312B to a maximum of 90° or less, even when it is directly facing the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4. For this reason, the connection terminal 3B and the equipment-side connected portion 4 may be directly connected without using the connection plate 5. However, by using the connecting plate 5, the twist angle of the shuttlecock portion 312B can be further reduced, making it possible to limit the twist angle that may occur in the shuttlecock portion 312B to 45° or less.

[0050] Furthermore, in the connection structure 10B, connection plate 5A may be used instead of connection plate 5. In the case of connection structure 10B, the connection plate 5 may also be covered with an insulating cover similar to the cylindrical insulating cover 6 (see Figure 4).

[0051] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the connection terminal 3C, which is the fourth embodiment; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connection structure 10C, which electrically connects the connection terminal 3C of the electric wire / cable 2 and the equipment-side connection part 4 by a connection plate 5; and Figure 12 is a plan view. In the connection structure 10C of the fourth embodiment, components identical to those in the connection structures 10 to 10B described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0052] In connection structure 10C, connection terminal 3C is different from the aforementioned connection terminal 3. The connecting terminal 3C has a shaft portion 311C of the connected portion 31C that extends straight in the axial direction from the closed end of the connecting cylinder portion 32, and a rectangular columnar portion 312C is integrally connected to the front end of the shaft portion 311C.

[0053] The columnar portion 312C is provided concentrically on the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32. The columnar portion 312C has four side surfaces surrounding the center line, and the surface of each of these side surfaces is polished to a smooth finish, forming electrical connection surfaces 313C, 315C, 316C, and 318C, respectively. The electrical connection surfaces 313C, 315C, 316C, and 318C are all parallel to the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32, the interior angle between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is 90°, the electrical connection surface 313C and the electrical connection surface 315C are parallel, and the electrical connection surface 316C and the electrical connection surface 318C are parallel. Furthermore, through holes 314C are formed perpendicular to the electrical connection surfaces 313C and 315C, and through holes 317C are formed perpendicular to the electrical connection surfaces 316C and 318C. Each of the through holes 314C and 317C is for connecting to the connection plate 5 and the equipment-side connection part 4 by inserting a bolt 11 and fastening it with a nut 12, and is formed at a position slightly closer to the protruding end from the center of each electrical connection surface. In addition, the two through holes 314C and 317C are perpendicular to each other inside the columnar part 312C. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a case where the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4 is connected to the electrical connection surface 521 of the connecting plate 5, and the electrical connection surface 313C of the connecting terminal 3C is connected to the electrical connection surface 531 of the connecting plate 5. Note that the equipment-side connected portion 4 and the connecting terminal 3C may be connected to any of the other electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, or 531. When choosing which of the electrical connection surfaces 511, 521, or 531 of the connecting plate 5 to connect the electrical connection surfaces 313C, 315C, 316C, or 318C of the connecting terminal 3C to, it is preferable to select the combination that minimizes the twist angle of the columnar portion 312C.

[0054] Since the four sides of the columnar portion 312C of the connection terminal 3C are electrical connection surfaces 313C, 315C, 316C, and 318C, even when the columnar portion 312C is directly facing the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4, it is possible to limit the twist angle of the columnar portion 312C to a maximum of 45° or less. For this reason, the connection terminal 3C and the equipment-side connected portion 4 may be directly connected without using the connection plate 5. However, by using the connecting plate 5, the twist angle of the columnar portion 312C can be further reduced. In this case, it is preferable that the angle difference θd of each electrical connection surface 511, 521, 531 of the connecting plate 5 be less than 45°. For example, if the angle difference θd of both surfaces is 22.5°, it is possible to suppress the twist angle that may occur in the columnar portion 312C to 22.5° or less.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the connection plate 5 of the connection structure 10C may be replaced with the connection plate 5A to form the connection structure 10D. In this case as well, it is preferable that the angle difference θd of the electrical connection surfaces 511 and 521 of the connection plate 5A be less than 45°.

[0056] In the case of the above connection structure 10C or connection structure 10D, the connection plate 5 or connection plate 5A may also be covered with an insulating cover similar to the cylindrical insulating cover 6 (see Figure 4).

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, when connecting the connection terminal 3C to the connection plate 5 (and similarly to the connection plate 5A), an anti-rotation member 7E may be provided. The anti-rotation member 7E abuts against both the outer edge of the connecting plate 5 and the outer edge of the columnar portion 312C of the connecting terminal 3C, which are aligned almost on the same plane when the bolt 11 is inserted, and is fastened to the connecting plate 5 and the connecting terminal 3 by the bolt 11 and nut 12. The anti-rotation member 7E is a member that integrally comprises a first planar portion 71E through which a bolt 11 is inserted, and a second planar portion 72E that abuts against both the outer edge of the connecting plate 5 and the outer edge of the columnar portion 312C of the connecting terminal 3C, which are aligned on the same plane. The anti-rotation member 7E can be formed, for example, by bending a rectangular metal plate at a right angle in the middle of its longitudinal direction. The anti-rotation member 7E may be made of a material other than metal, as long as it has sufficient rigidity. If it is made of metal, it is preferable that the anti-rotation member 7E is made of the same type of metal as a general flat washer, etc. Furthermore, it is preferable that it is plated, similar to a general flat washer, etc.

[0058] The anti-rotation member 7E can also be used to prevent rotation of the connection terminals 3, 3B and the equipment-side connected portion 4 by fastening them together with the connection terminals 3, 3B and the equipment-side connected portion 4 that are connected to the electrical connection surfaces 511 and 531 of the connection plate 5. In this case, an anti-rotation member 7E with a shorter second planar portion 72E can be used. Furthermore, the anti-rotation member 7E can also be used in the same way when connecting the connection terminals 3, 3B, 3C and the equipment-side connection part 4 to the connection plate 5A.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the four corners on the tip side of the columnar portion 312C of the connecting terminal 3C may be rounded. In this case, the corners will not catch during the connection work, allowing the work to proceed smoothly. Also, the corners will not damage other components.

[0060] Although the connector terminal 3C is square when viewed from the axial direction, the number of electrical connection surfaces may be increased by having a columnar section with an even number of regular polygons, which would increase the number of corners. In that case, electrical connection surfaces facing in many directions can be obtained, and twisting of the connector terminal can be suppressed more effectively. However, since it is desirable that the width of each electrical connection surface be equal to the width of the electrical connection surface on the other side, if the columnar section has a regular polygon shape that exceeds a square, there is a problem that the columnar section will become larger, and it is necessary to consider the balance between the number of corners and the size.

[0061] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the connection terminal 3F, which is the fifth embodiment. In addition, for connection terminal 3F, the same reference numerals are used for components with the same configuration as connection terminals 3, 3B, and 3C described above, and redundant explanations are omitted. Connection terminal 3F is a connection terminal that connects directly to the equipment-side connection part 4 without going through connection plates 5 and 5A.

[0062] The connecting terminal 3F has a shaft portion 311 of the connected portion 31F that extends axially from the closed end of the connecting cylinder portion 32, and a wing plate portion 312F integrally formed on the radially outward side of the front end of the shaft portion 311.

[0063] The shuttlecock portion 312F is bent in two places along the center line of the connecting cylinder portion 32, similar to the connecting plate 5, to form the first to third connecting portions 33F, 34F, and 35F. Furthermore, the first to third connection sections 33F, 34F, and 35F also have their inner surfaces, which become the electrical connection surfaces 331F, 341F, and 351F when bent. However, the opposite sides of each section may also be used as electrical connection surfaces. The widths of the electrical connection surfaces 331F, 341F, and 351F, as well as their respective angles θi and angle difference θd, are the same as those for the connection plate 5 described above. Furthermore, through holes 332F, 342F, and 352F are formed perpendicular to the plate surface in the first to third connection parts 33F, 34F, and 35F, and the equipment-side connection part 4 can be fastened to any of the first to third connection parts 33F, 34F, and 35F with bolts 11 and nuts 12. In this case, the aforementioned anti-rotation member 7E can also be used.

[0064] Since the pin-shaped portion 312F of the connection terminal 3F has electrical connection surfaces 331F, 341F, and 351F, when it is directly facing the electrical connection surface 42 of the equipment-side connected portion 4, it is possible to limit the twist angle of the pin-shaped portion 312F to a maximum of 135° or less. Furthermore, if both sides of the first to third connection sections 33F, 34F, and 35F are used as electrical connection surfaces, it is possible to limit the twist angle to a maximum of 45° or less.

[0065] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a connection terminal 3G with the third connection portion 35F removed from the connection terminal 3F. That is, the connection terminal 3G has only a first connection portion 33F and a second connection portion 34F, and the equipment-side connection portion 4 is connected to either the electrical connection surface 331F or 341F of the first connection portion 33F or the second connection portion 34F.

[0066] The above-mentioned connector 3G also offers the same technical benefits as connector 3F, namely, it allows for a reduction in the torsional angle of connector 3G. Furthermore, in the case of connection terminal 3G, the width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the equipment-side connected portion 4 can be reduced, so when multiple equipment-side connected portions 4 are densely packed together, the frequency of contact with other connection terminals 3G or other equipment-side connected portions 4 can be reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, in the case of connection terminal 3F or connection terminal 3G connected to the equipment-side connection part 4, the area around the pin-shaped portion 312F, 312G of connection terminal 3F or connection terminal 3G may be covered with an insulating cover similar to the cylindrical insulating cover 6 (see Figure 4).

[0068] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the equipment-side connection portion 4H, which is the sixth embodiment. The equipment-side connected portion 4H is a plate-shaped body made of good conductors provided on the equipment to be connected, which is the other end of the wire / cable 2, similar to the equipment-side connected portion 4 described above. The equipment-side connection part 4H is a component that connects directly to the connection terminal 3 without going through the connection plates 5 and 5A.

[0069] The equipment-side connected portion 4H, like the equipment-side connected portion 4, has a long, flat first connecting portion 43H, the base end (not shown) of which is electrically connected to the equipment to be connected, and the tip end of which is connectable to the electric wire / cable 2. Furthermore, at the tip end of the first connecting portion 43H, the equipment-side connected portion 4H integrally includes a second connecting portion 44H and a third connecting portion 45H adjacent to one and the other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first connecting portion 43H. The first to third connection parts 43H, 44H, and 45H have through holes 431H, 441H, and 451H that penetrate perpendicularly through the plate surface, allowing the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 to be selectively connected using bolts 11 and nuts 12. At the boundary between the first connection part 43H and the second connection part 44H, and at the boundary between the first connection part 43H and the third connection part 45H, folds parallel to the centerline direction of the connecting cylinder part 32 of the connection terminal 3 connected to the equipment-side connected part 4H are formed, and the second connection part 44H and the third connection part 45H are bent so that they undulate in the same direction relative to the first connection part 43H. Then, the inner surfaces of the first to third connection sections 43H, 44H, and 45H are polished to a smooth finish, becoming the electrical connection surfaces 432H, 442H, and 452H. The width of the electrical connection surface 432H is equal to the width of the electrical connection surface 521 of the second connection portion 52 of the connection plate 5 described above. The widths of the electrical connection surfaces 442H and 452H are equal to the widths of the electrical connection surfaces 511 and 531 of the first connection portion 51 and third connection portion 53 of the connection plate 5 described above.

[0070] Furthermore, the angle θi and angle difference θd formed by the adjacent electrical connection surface 442H of the second connection portion 44H and the electrical connection surface 432H of the first connection portion 43H are equal to the angle θi and angle difference θd formed by the adjacent electrical connection surface 511 of the first connection portion 51 and the electrical connection surface 521 of the second connection portion 52 of the connection plate 5 described above. Furthermore, the angle θi and angle difference θd formed by the adjacent electrical connection surfaces 432H of the first connection portion 43H and 452H of the third connection portion 45H are equal to the angle θi and angle difference θd formed by the adjacent electrical connection surfaces 521 of the second connection portion 52 and 531 of the third connection portion 53 of the connection plate 5 described above.

[0071] Note that for the first to third connection sections 43H, 44H, and 45H, the inner surfaces that become visible when bent are designated as electrical connection surfaces 432H, 442H, and 452H, respectively, but the opposite surfaces may also be designated as electrical connection surfaces. Furthermore, the aforementioned anti-rotation member 7E can also be used when the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 is fastened to the second and third connection portions 44H and 45H with a bolt 11 and a nut 12.

[0072] Since the equipment-side connected portion 4H has electrical connection surfaces 432H, 442H, and 452H, when it is directly facing the electrical connection surface 313 of the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3, it is possible to limit the twist angle to a maximum of 135° or less. Furthermore, when both sides of the first to third connection sections 43H, 44H, and 45H are used as electrical connection surfaces, it is possible to limit the twist angle to a maximum of 45° or less.

[0073] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the equipment-side connected portion 4I with the third connected portion 45H removed from the equipment-side connected portion 4H. That is, the equipment-side connected portion 4I has only the first connected portion 43H and the second connected portion 44H, and the wing plate portion 312 of the connection terminal 3 is connected to either the first connected portion 43H or the second connected portion 44H.

[0074] The above-mentioned equipment-side connected portion 4I also achieves the same technical effect as the equipment-side connected portion 4H, namely, it is possible to reduce the twist angle of the connection terminal 3. Furthermore, in the case of the equipment-side connected portion 4I, the width in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction can be reduced, so when multiple equipment-side connected portions 4I are densely packed together, the frequency of contact with other equipment-side connected portions 4I can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, when the equipment-side connection portion 4H or 4I is connected to the connection terminal 3, the area around the first to third connection portions 43H, 44H, 45H or the area around the first and second connection portions 43H, 44H of the equipment-side connection portion 4H or 4I may be covered with an insulating cover similar to the cylindrical insulating cover 6 (see Figure 4).

[0076] [others] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, a component integrally formed from a single member in an embodiment may be replaced with a component divided into multiple members that are connected or fixed to each other. Also, a component formed by connecting multiple members may be replaced with a component integrally formed from a single member. Furthermore, details shown in the embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2. Electric wires and cables 21 Conductor 22 Covering layer 3,3B,3C,3F,3G connection terminal 31,31B,31C,31F Connected part 311,311B,311C Shaft 32 Connecting cylinder section 312, 312B, 312F (Hagoita section) 312C columnar part 313, 313B, 315B, 313C, 315C, 316C, 318C, 331F, 341F, 351F Electrical connection surface 314,314B,314C,317C,332F,342F,352F Through hole 4,4H,4I Device side connected part 41 Through hole 42 Electrical connection surface 43H~45H First to Third Connection Section 431H, 441H, 451H through hole 432H, 442H, 452H Electrical connection surface 5,5A,5C connection plate 51-53 First to Third Connection Sections 511, 521, 531 Electrical connection surface 512, 522, 532 through holes 6. Insulating cover 7E Anti-rotation member 71E First plane part 72E Second plane part 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Connection Structure 11 volts 12 nuts θd angle difference θi angle

Claims

1. A connection plate that electrically connects a connection terminal having a connecting cylinder portion into which a wire or cable conductor can be inserted and a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, and a device-side connected portion having an electrical connection surface, which is provided on the device to be connected to which the wire or cable is electrically connected, The device comprises flat first to third connection portions, each having an electrical connection surface on both sides that individually contacts the electrical connection surface of the terminal-side connected portion and the electrical connection surface of the equipment-side connected portion. Each of the multiple electrical connection surfaces is oriented at a different angle around an axis along the center line of the connecting cylinder portion of the connecting terminal connected to the connecting plate. The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. A connecting plate characterized by the following features.

2. The connecting plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle difference θd between adjacent electrical connection surfaces of the connecting plate is 0° < θd ≤ 90°.

3. The connecting plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle θi between adjacent electrical connection surfaces of the connecting plate is less than 180°.

4. The connecting plate according to claim 1, characterized by having an insulating cover that has insulating properties to ensure insulation from the surroundings.

5. A connecting cylinder into which the conductor of an electric wire or cable can be inserted, A connection terminal having a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, The terminal-side connected portion comprises flat plate-shaped first to third connecting portions having electrical connection surfaces on both sides that are oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connecting cylinder portion, The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. A connector characterized by the following features.

6. The connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that the angle difference θd between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is 0° < θd ≤ 90°.

7. The connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that the angle θi between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is less than 180°.

8. The connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized by having an insulating cover that has insulating properties to ensure insulation from the surroundings.

9. A device-side connected portion is provided on a connected device that is electrically connected to a connection terminal having a connecting cylinder portion into which a wire or cable conductor can be inserted and a terminal-side connected portion that makes contact with an electrical connection surface to make an electrical connection, and is the other party to which the wire or cable is electrically connected. The device comprises flat first to third connection parts, each having electrical connection surfaces on both sides that are oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion of the connection terminal connected to the connected part on the device side, The first and third connecting portions, located on either side of the second connecting portion, are both bent so as to undulate in the same direction relative to the second connecting portion. The angle between the first and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, and the angle between the third and second connecting portions, which are located inward due to the aforementioned undulations, are both obtuse angles. A device-side connection part characterized by the above.

10. The equipment-side connected portion according to claim 9, characterized in that the angle difference θd between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is 0° < θd ≤ 90°.

11. The equipment-side connected portion according to claim 9, characterized in that the angle θi formed between adjacent electrical connection surfaces is less than 180°.

12. The equipment-side connection portion according to claim 9, characterized by having an insulating cover that has insulating properties to ensure insulation from the surroundings.

13. A connecting plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned connection terminal and, The equipment side connected portion and, A connection structure between the electric wire / cable having the above-mentioned and the equipment to be connected, A connection structure characterized in that the electrical connection surface of the connection terminal is connected to one of the plurality of electrical connection surfaces of the connection plate, and the electrical connection surface of the equipment-side connected portion is connected to another of the plurality of electrical connection surfaces of the connection plate.

14. The connection structure according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection terminal has a plurality of electrical connection surfaces, the terminal-side connected portion of which is oriented at different angles around an axis along the center line of the connection cylinder portion.

15. The aforementioned connection terminal has two electrical connection surfaces on the terminal side of the connected portion, The connection structure according to claim 14, characterized in that the two electrical connection surfaces are facing in opposite directions by 180° to each other.

16. The aforementioned connection terminal has four electrical connection surfaces on the terminal side of the connected portion, The connection structure according to claim 14, characterized in that the four electrical connection surfaces are all oriented in directions that are 90° apart from adjacent electrical connection surfaces.

17. The connecting plate and the connecting terminal are connected to each other by a fastening member. The connection structure according to claim 13, further comprising an anti-rotation member that abuts against the outer edge of the connecting plate and the outer edge of the connecting terminal, and is fastened to the connecting plate and the connecting terminal by the fastening member.

18. The connecting plate and the equipment-side connection portion are connected to each other by fastening members. The connection structure according to claim 13, characterized in that it has an anti-rotation member that abuts against the outer edge of the connecting plate and the outer edge of the equipment-side connected portion, and is fastened to the connecting plate and the equipment-side connected portion by the fastening member.

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