Terminal block including a conductive strip having a lateral portion
By designing the retaining springs, support legs and mating legs in the terminal block, the problem of wire harness deviation during multi-strand conductor interlocking is solved, the electrical contact quality is improved and the structure is simplified, and suitable for multi-strand and Rigid conductor.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202210077798.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-01-27
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-01-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing terminal blocks are difficult to effectively prevent the wiring harness from deviating when plugging into multi-strand conductors, resulting in poor electrical contact quality and complex construction, and a simple solution is needed to achieve reliable plugging of the conductors.
A terminal block including an insulating housing, a conductive strip and a retaining spring is designed, the insulating housing has a lateral recess, the conductive strip has a supporting leg and a mating leg, and the retaining spring is arranged transversely, and through the lateral recess and the retaining spring, the use of limited use The conductive material forms a conductive strip to guide and hold the plugged conductor laterally to improve the electrical contact quality.
This design effectively retains the plugged conductor sideways, reduces the risk of strand deviation of the conductor during insertion, improves the electrical contact quality of the multi-strand conductor, and is suitable for rigid propulsion conductors, simplifying the manufacturing and use of conductive strips.
Smart Images
Figure CN114824864B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block comprising a conductive strip with a lateral portion. Background Art
[0002] It is known to use a terminal block with conductive strips to electrically connect plugged conductors. To this end, the terminal block includes a plurality of sockets with a releasable mechanism to maintain electrical contact between each conductor and the conductive strip.
[0003] This release mechanism usually includes a retaining spring. This configuration enables the conductor to be restrained to establish effective electrical contact.
[0004] Besides this, it is important to guide the conductor correctly during insertion so that the conductor can cooperate with the retaining spring in the correct position. To this end, the insulating housing of the terminal can have dedicated walls, the conductive strip can have a specific form or additional accessories can be used.
[0005] This is especially true when using multi-strand conductors. It is necessary to prevent some of the wire strands from straying and not being in the proper area between the conductive strip and the retaining spring.
[0006] This means a terminal block construction which can be complex and have several parts. It is therefore desirable to provide a simple construction solution to achieve reliable insertion of the conductors.
[0007] The present invention aims to address all or some of the above disadvantages. Summary of the invention
[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a terminal block comprising an insulating shell, a conductive strip and a retaining spring, wherein the insulating shell extends according to a main plane and has a lateral recess, which is arranged for the conductive strip and the retaining spring to be inserted into an installation position transverse to the main plane, and the conductive strip has a base portion extending according to a middle plane transverse to the main plane and a lateral portion attached to the base portion and extending parallel to the main plane in the installation position, the conductive strip also comprising a supporting leg attached to the base portion and configured to cooperate with the supporting portion of the retaining spring, and a mating leg attached to the base portion and configured to cooperate with a conductor inserted into a socket of the terminal block when the conductor is retained by the retaining spring, the supporting leg and the mating leg extending transverse to the middle plane and in opposite directions transverse to the middle plane, and the lateral portion and the mating leg extending according to the same direction transverse to the middle plane.
[0009] In other words, the support leg, the mating leg and the side portion are each attached to the base portion and extend transversely to the base portion. The support leg extends from the base portion according to one direction, and the mating leg and the side portion extend from the base portion according to an opposite direction.
[0010] This configuration makes it possible to laterally retain the inserted conductor and also to exert a retaining force on the conductor in the vicinity of the junction between the base portion and the lateral portion by means of the retaining spring.
[0011] This facilitates the insertion and positioning of the conductor in the socket of the terminal block. This geometry is particularly effective when using stranded conductors, but is also suitable for rigid push-on conductors. With stranded conductors, it improves the quality of the electrical contact, as there is a limited risk of strand deviation during conductor insertion.
[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the lateral recess of the insulating housing has a bottom surface; the retaining spring, the supporting leg and the engaging leg are located between the bottom surface and the lateral portion transversely to the main plane.
[0013] When inserted, the conductor is located transversely to the main plane between the lateral portion and the bottom surface. The conductor is then guided on one side by the conductive strip and on the other side by the insulating housing.
[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the conductive strip presents an L-shaped profile consisting of a base portion and a lateral portion. This arrangement enables the use of a conductive strip consisting of a limited amount of conductive material to laterally guide and retain the plugged conductor.
[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the socket has an insertion opening made in the insulating housing, which extends transversely to the middle plane and opens on the lateral recess.
[0016] During insertion, the conductor is held transversely to the main plane by the insulating housing on both sides of the insertion opening and then on one side by the lateral portion and on the other side by the bottom surface in the lateral recess.
[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining spring is a leaf spring provided with two strips which are symmetrical with respect to a central plane of the retaining spring without any constraints imposed on the retaining spring.
[0018] This arrangement enables quick installation of the spring in the lateral recess, since there is no specific orientation required to retain the spring.
[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, in the installed position the centre plane is transverse to the main plane and the median plane.
[0020] Preferably, in the installed position, the center plane is inclined relative to the insertion hole. More specifically, the center plane is perpendicular to the main plane and inclined relative to the middle plane, with an inclination greater than 45°.
[0021] This arrangement enables the retaining spring to exert pressure on the conductor in an inclined manner relative to the mid-plane. Since the support leg and the mating leg are located on both sides of the mid-plane, this means that the retaining spring also includes parts located on both sides of the mid-plane. The assembly consisting of the conductive strip and the retaining spring is then compact transversely to the mid-plane.
[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the insulating housing is provided with an actuation bore made in the insulating housing, extending transversely to the median plane and opening out on the lateral recess.
[0023] The actuation hole is oriented toward the moving portion of the retaining spring. The actuation hole is configured to enable a tool such as a screwdriver to displace the moving portion. The moving portion is configured to exert a constraint on the conductor in the absence of actuation to keep the conductor electrically connected to the mating leg.
[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, each strip of the retaining spring extends in a corresponding direction and has an undulating portion, a first undulating portion being opposite to a center plane and being designed to be in front of the actuating hole, and a second undulating portion being toward the center plane to give an inclined orientation to the end portion of the retaining spring relative to the center plane.
[0025] The first undulation provides a better grip for the tool to actuate the retaining spring. The second undulation enables the terminal portion of the retaining spring to be oriented away from the center plane. It enables a better grip of the support leg and the conductor.
[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the lateral recess is a lateral blind groove in the thickness of the terminal block, the lateral recess comprising an insert for receiving the retaining spring and the conductive strip within the thickness of the terminal block.
[0027] Lateral blind slots allow easy insertion of the retaining springs and the conductive strips.
[0028] The thickness of the terminal block is defined as the dimension of the terminal block transverse to the main plane. The conductive strips and the retaining springs are contained within the thickness dimension of the terminal block.
[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the supporting legs and the mating legs are folded cut-outs of the conductive strip, the folded cut-outs creating a passage through the base portion transverse to the mid-plane.
[0030] This arrangement simplifies the manufacture of the conductive strips.
[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the support leg has a low blocking element arranged to cooperate with the support end of the retaining spring to prevent displacement of said support end in a lower direction relative to the base part transversely to the midplane.
[0032] The low blocking element defines a fixed position for the support end of the retaining spring. During the insertion of the conductor into the socket, the support end is held in place transversely to the mid-plane.
[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the low blocking element is a placement corner created by a bend made in the supporting leg.
[0034] This arrangement simplifies the manufacture of the conductive strip, since there is no need to have additional parts of the conductive strip to block the support ends according to the lower direction.
[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the engagement leg has a high blocking element arranged to engage with the engagement end of the retaining spring to prevent displacement of said engagement end in a higher direction transverse to the midplane relative to the base portion.
[0036] The high stop element defines a fixed position for the mating end of the retaining spring. In the absence of a conductor in the socket, the mating end is held in place transversely to the mid-plane. This means that in the absence of a conductor, the support end and the mating end are held in place transversely to the mid-plane.
[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the high barrier element is a placement corner created by a bend made in the mating leg.
[0038] This arrangement simplifies the manufacture of the conductive strips.
[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the mating leg includes an inclined end portion and a coupling portion connecting the inclined end portion to the base portion, the inclined end portion and the coupling portion creating a mating protrusion for mating with the conductor.
[0040] The mating protrusions provide better electrical contact between the conductor and the support portion.Preferably, a high resistance element is located on the coupling portion.
[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the conductive strip is formed by a conductive sheet folded according to a main axis to form a lateral portion and a base portion, and the supporting leg and the mating leg are folded portions according to two parallel axes transverse to the main axis.
[0042] The construction of the conductive strip is simple, since there are only a few folding steps. At the same time, the conductive strip is rigid enough for its use.
[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the conductive sheet presents an overall rectangular form, the lateral portions are side strips, and the base portion, the support legs and the mating legs constitute another strip. The support legs and the mating legs are continuous portions of the other strip. Thus, the folding of the support legs and the mating legs creates a passage through the base portion transverse to the midplane.
[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the side strip has at least one groove along its length. This confers rigidity to the lateral portion.
[0045] The terminal block includes a clamping system for mounting the conductive strip in a mounting position. The conductive strip includes a first portion of the clamping system, and the insulating housing includes a second portion of the clamping system.
[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, a conductive strip includes a plurality of associated support legs and mating legs for a plurality of corresponding receptacles of a terminal block.
[0047] The different aspects defined above which are not incompatible may be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a terminal block with conductive strips and retaining springs in an installed position;
[0050] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the insulating body of the terminal block;
[0051] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the conductive strip and the retaining spring;
[0052] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the conductive strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] In the following detailed description of the drawings defined above, identical elements or elements fulfilling the same function may retain the same reference numerals in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.
[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the terminal block 1 comprises an insulating housing 3, a conductive strip 5 and a retaining spring 7. The insulating housing 3 extends according to a main plane 9 and has a lateral recess 11 arranged for inserting the conductive strip 5 and the retaining spring 7 transversely to the main plane 9 into an installation position.
[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the conductive strip 5 has, in the mounted position, a base portion 13 extending according to a median plane 15 transverse to the main plane 9 , and lateral portions 17 attached to the base portion 13 and extending parallel to the main plane 9 .
[0056] The conductive strip 5 also includes a support leg 19 attached to the base portion 13 and configured to cooperate with the support member 21 of the retaining spring 7, and a mating leg 23 attached to the base portion 13 and configured to cooperate with the conductor 25 inserted into the socket 27 of the terminal block 1 when the conductor 25 is retained by the retaining spring 7.
[0057] The supporting leg 19 and the engaging leg 23 extend transversely to the middle plane 15 and in opposite directions transversely to the middle plane 15 , and the lateral portion 17 and the engaging leg 23 extend according to the same direction transversely to the middle plane 15 .
[0058] In other words, the support leg 19, the mating leg 23 and the lateral portion 17 are each attached to the base portion 13 and extend transversely relative to the base portion 13. The support leg 19 extends from the base portion 13 according to one direction, and the mating leg 23 and the lateral portion 17 both extend from the base portion 13 according to the opposite direction.
[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the lateral recess 11 of the insulating housing 3 has a bottom surface 29. The retaining spring 7, the support leg 19 and the engagement leg 23 are located transversely to the main plane 9 between the bottom surface 29 and the lateral portion 17.
[0060] When inserted, the conductor 25 is located between the lateral portion 17 and the bottom face 29 transversely to the main plane 9. The conductor 25 is then guided on one side by the conductive strip 5 and on the other side by the insulating housing 3. The conductive strip 5 presents an L-shaped profile formed by the base portion 13 and the lateral portion 17.
[0061] The socket 27 has an insertion opening 31 which is produced in the insulating housing 3 and extends transversely to the center plane 15 and opens at the lateral recess 11 .
[0062] During insertion, the conductor 25 is held transversely to the main plane 9 by the insulating housing 3 on both sides of the insertion opening 31 and then on one side by the lateral portion 17 and on the other side by the bottom surface 31 in the lateral recess 11 .
[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the retaining spring 7 is a leaf spring provided with two strips 33 which are symmetrical with respect to a center plane 35 of the retaining spring 7 in the absence of any constraints imposed on the retaining spring 7 .
[0064] In the mounted position, the center plane 35 is transverse to the main plane 9 and the middle plane 15. Furthermore, the center plane 35 is inclined relative to the insertion hole 31. More specifically, the center plane 35 is perpendicular to the main plane 9 and inclined relative to the middle plane 15 by more than 45°.
[0065] The insulating housing 3 is provided with an actuation bore 37 made in the insulating housing 3 , which extends transversely to the middle plane 15 and opens onto the lateral recess 11 .
[0066] The actuation hole 37 is oriented toward the movable portion 39 of the retaining spring 7. The actuation hole 37 is configured so that a tool such as a screwdriver 41 can displace the movable portion 39. The movable portion 39 is configured to exert a constraint on the conductor 25 in the absence of actuation to keep the conductor 25 electrically connected to the mating leg 23.
[0067] Each strip 33 of the retaining spring extends in a corresponding direction and has two undulations, a first undulation 43 being opposite to the center plane 35 and designed to be in front of the actuating hole 37, and a second undulation 45 being toward the center plane 35 to give the terminal portion 47 of the retaining spring 7 an inclined orientation relative to the center plane 35.
[0068] The lateral recess 11 is a lateral blind groove in the thickness 49 of the terminal block 1 , comprising an insertion portion for receiving the retaining spring 7 and the conductive strip 5 within the thickness 49 of the terminal block 1 .
[0069] The thickness 49 of the terminal block 1 is defined as the dimension of the terminal block 1 transverse to the main plane 9. The conductive strips 5 and the retaining springs 7 are contained within the thickness dimension of the terminal block 1.
[0070] The supporting leg 19 and the mating leg 23 are folded cutouts of the conductive strip 5 which create a passage 51 through the base portion 13 transversely to the mid-plane 15 .
[0071] The supporting leg 19 has a low blocking element 53 arranged to cooperate with a supporting end 55 of the retaining spring 7 to prevent displacement of said supporting end 55 in a lower direction 57 relative to the base portion 13 transversely to the median plane 15 .
[0072] The low blocking element 53 defines a fixed position for a support end 55 of the retaining spring 7. During the insertion of the conductor 25 into the socket 27, the support end 55 is held in position transversely to the midplane 15.
[0073] The low blocking element 53 is a placement corner resulting from a bend made in the supporting leg 19 .
[0074] The engagement leg 23 has a high blocking element 59 arranged to engage with an engagement end 61 of the retaining spring 7 to prevent displacement of said engagement end 61 in a higher direction 63 relative to the base portion 13 transversely to the midplane 15 .
[0075] The high blocking element 59 defines a fixed position for the mating end 61 of the retaining spring 7. In the absence of the conductor 25 in the socket 27, the mating end 61 remains in position transversely to the middle plane 15. This means that in the absence of the conductor 25, the support end 55 and the mating end 61 remain in position transversely to the middle plane 15.
[0076] The high blocking element 59 is a placement corner created by a bend made in the mating leg 23 .
[0077] The mating leg 23 includes an inclined end portion 65 and a coupling portion 67 connecting the inclined end portion 65 to the base portion 13 , the inclined end portion 65 and the coupling portion 67 creating a mating protrusion 69 for mating with the conductor 25 .
[0078] The high blocking element 63 is located on the coupling portion 67 .
[0079] The conductive strip 5 is constituted by a conductive sheet folded according to a main axis 71 to form the lateral portion 17 and the base portion 13 , the support leg 19 and the mating leg 23 being folded according to two parallel axes 73 transverse to the main axis 71 .
[0080] The conductive sheet presents an overall rectangular form, the lateral portion 17 being a side strip, while the base portion 13, the support leg 19 and the mating leg 23 constitute another strip. The support leg 19 and the mating leg 23 are continuous parts of the other strip. Thus, the folding of the support leg 19 and the mating leg 23 creates a passage 51 through the base portion 13 transverse to the median plane 15.
[0081] The side strip has at least one groove 75 along its length which imparts rigidity to the lateral portion 17 .
[0082] The terminal block 1 comprises a clamping system 77 for mounting the conductive bar 5 in the mounting position. The conductive bar 5 comprises a first part of the clamping system 77 and the insulating housing 3 comprises a second part of the clamping system 77.
[0083] The configuration of the terminal block 1 makes it possible to laterally retain the inserted conductor 25 and also to exert a retaining force on the conductor(s) 25 with the retaining spring 7 in the vicinity of the junction between the base portion 13 and the lateral portion 17 .
[0084] This facilitates the insertion and positioning of the conductor(s) 25 in the socket(s) 27 of the terminal block 1. This geometry is particularly effective when using stranded conductors 25, but is also applicable to rigid push-in conductors 25. For stranded conductors 25, it improves the quality of the electrical contact, since there is a limited risk of strand deviation during the insertion of the conductor 25.
[0085] The plugged conductor 25 is guided and held laterally by a conductive strip 5 consisting of a limited amount of conductive material. The construction of the conductive strip 5 is simple, since there are a few folding steps. At the same time, the conductive strip 5 is rigid enough for its use.
[0086] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above as an example, but that the present invention includes all variants.
[0087] Reference numerals
[0088] Terminal block 1
[0089] Insulation shell 3
[0090] Conductive strip 5
[0091] Retaining spring 7
[0092] Main plane 9
[0093] Lateral recess 11
[0094] Base part 13
[0095] Middle plane 15
[0096] Lateral section 17
[0097] Support leg 19
[0098] Supporting part 21
[0099] Matching Leg 23
[0100] Conductor 25
[0101] Socket 27
[0102] Bottom 29
[0103] Insert hole 31
[0104] Strip 33
[0105] Center plane 35
[0106] Actuation hole 37
[0107] Removable part 39
[0108] Screwdriver 41
[0109] First undulating portion 43
[0110] Second undulating portion 45
[0111] Termination Section 47
[0112] Thickness 49
[0113] Channel 51
[0114] Low blocking element 53
[0115] Support end 55
[0116] Lower direction 57
[0117] High resistance element 59
[0118] Mating end 61
[0119] Higher Direction 63
[0120] Slanted end 65
[0121] Connecting part 67
[0122] Matching protrusion 69
[0123] Main axis 71
[0124] Parallel axis 73
[0125] Groove 75
[0126] Clamping system 77
Claims
1. A terminal block (1), comprising an insulating housing (3), a conductive strip (5) and a retaining spring (7), wherein the insulating housing (3) extends according to a main plane (9) and has a lateral recess (11), wherein the lateral recess (11) is arranged for the conductive strip (5) and the retaining spring (7) to be inserted into a mounting position transverse to the main plane (9), wherein the conductive strip (5) in the mounting position has a base portion (13) extending according to a middle plane (15) transverse to the main plane (9) and a lateral portion (17) attached to the base portion (13) and extending parallel to the main plane (9), wherein the conductive strip (5) further comprises a supporting leg (19) and a mating leg (2 3), the support leg (19) is attached to the base portion (13) and is configured to cooperate with the support portion (21) of the retaining spring (7), the engaging leg (23) is attached to the base portion (13) and is configured to cooperate with the conductor (25) inserted into the socket (27) of the terminal block (1) when the conductor (25) is retained by the retaining spring (7), the support leg (19) and the engaging leg (23) are transverse to the middle plane (15) and extend in opposite directions transverse to the middle plane (15), the lateral portion (17) and the engaging leg (23) extend according to the same direction transverse to the middle plane (15), The supporting leg (19) and the mating leg (23) are folded cutouts of the conductive strip (5), the conductive strip (5) being composed of a conductive sheet, the conductive sheet being folded along a main axis (71) to form a lateral portion (17) and a base portion (13), wherein the lateral portion (17) is a side strip, the base portion (13), the support leg (19) and the mating leg (23) constitute another strip, the support leg (19) and the mating leg (23) being continuous parts of the other strip, in, The folding of the support leg (19) and the mating leg (23) creates a passage (51) through the base portion (13) transversely to the midplane (15).
2. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The lateral recess (11) of the insulating housing (3) has a bottom surface (29); the retaining spring (7), the supporting leg (19) and the matching leg (23) are located between the bottom surface (29) and the lateral portion (17) transversely to the main plane (9).
3. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The socket (27) has an insertion hole (31) formed in the insulating housing (3), which extends transversely to the center plane (15) and opens at the lateral recess (11).
4. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The retaining spring (7) is a leaf spring, which is provided with two strips (33), the two strips being symmetrical with respect to a central plane (35) of the retaining spring (7) without imposing any constraints on the retaining spring (7).
5. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lateral recess (11) is a lateral blind groove in the thickness (49) of the terminal block (1), and the lateral recess (11) includes an insertion portion for receiving the retaining spring (7) and the conductive strip (5) within the thickness (49) of the terminal block (1).
6. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support leg (19) has a low blocking element (53) which is arranged to cooperate with the support end (55) of the retaining spring (7) to prevent the support end (55) from being displaced in a lower direction (57) relative to the base part (13) transversely to the middle plane (15).
7. The terminal block (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The low blocking element (53) is a placement corner created by a bend made in the supporting leg (19).
8. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The engagement leg (23) has a high blocking element (59) which is arranged to cooperate with the engagement end (61) of the retaining spring (7) to prevent displacement of the engagement end (61) in a higher direction (63) relative to the base portion (13) transversely to the middle plane (15).
9. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The high blocking element (59) is a placement corner created by a bend made in the mating leg (23).
10. The terminal block (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The mating leg (23) includes an inclined end (65) and a coupling portion (67) connecting the inclined end (65) to the base portion (13), the inclined end (65) and the coupling portion (67) creating a mating protrusion (69) for mating with the conductor (25).
11. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The supporting leg (19) and the mating leg (23) are folded parts according to two parallel axes (73) transverse to the main axis (71).
12. The terminal block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The conductive strip (5) comprises a plurality of associated supporting legs (19) and mating legs (23) for a plurality of corresponding sockets (27) of the terminal block (1).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Straight-through type intelligent connector
CN209001163U
terminal arrangement and spring clamp
DE102015113512B3
Spring-loaded clamp connection for an electrical conductor
DE202017006317U1