A plug-in connector and a connection structure of the plug-in connector with a meter relay lead-out terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a direct insertion type connector and a connection structure of the direct insertion type connector with an electric meter relay lead-out end, the direct insertion type connector is used for matching with a conductor provided with a hole, and comprises an insulating shell and a conductive connecting terminal; a fixing part is arranged outside the insulating shell, the fixing part can pass through the hole of the conductor and is fixed to the conductor; the connecting terminal comprises a connecting main body, an elastic contact part and a wire connecting part which are arranged on the connecting main body; the connecting main body is attached to the insulating shell, the elastic contact part is located outside the insulating shell, and the elastic contact part is electrically connected with the surface of the conductor when the fixing part is fixed to the conductor. The application cancels the insertion sheet in the structure, and can be directly connected with the lead-out end of the electric meter relay, so that the defects of the insertion sheet insertion are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic instrument technology, and in particular to a through-hole connector and its connection structure with the relay lead of an electric meter. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the common methods for low-voltage sampling at the relay leads in electricity meters are riveting or resistance welding. However, this connection requires the relay manufacturer to pre-fabricate the connection method during relay production. When such connections need to be completed by the meter supplier, the usual solution is for the relay manufacturer to pre-rive or weld a connector to the lead requiring the connection during relay production. When the product arrives at the meter supplier, the supplier uses compatible terminals to perform the connection. However, this method is inefficient and costly during assembly. Furthermore, if the connector is deformed or damaged during transportation, the connection cannot be completed, and the product cannot be returned for repair, resulting in significant losses.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention aims to develop a connection structure that can be directly plugged into the relay leads of an electricity meter to achieve low-voltage sampling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problems existing in the prior art by providing a direct-insertion connector and its connection structure with the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay. The connector eliminates the insert and can be directly plugged into the lead-out terminal.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a direct-insertion connector for use with a conductor having a hole, comprising an insulating shell and a conductive connection terminal, wherein a fixing part is provided outside the insulating shell, the fixing part can pass through the hole of the conductor and be fixed to the conductor; the connection terminal comprises a connection body, and an elastic contact part and a wire connection part provided on the connection body, the connection body is installed in the insulating shell, the elastic contact part is located outside the insulating shell, and when the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, the elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the surface of the conductor.

[0006] Furthermore, the elastic contact portion includes a plurality of contact springs, which are spaced apart around the perimeter of the fixing portion. Each contact spring is bent. When the fixing portion is fixed to the conductor, each contact spring is in electrical contact with the surface of the conductor and is in a deformed state.

[0007] Furthermore, there are two contact springs, which are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the fixing part; the contact springs extend outward along the radial direction of the fixing part, and the contact springs are bent to form at least one arched part protruding in the direction pointed to by the fixing part.

[0008] Furthermore, the connection terminal also includes a plurality of auxiliary contact feet disposed on the connection body. The auxiliary contact feet extend out of the insulating housing and are located at one end of the insulating housing. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, each auxiliary contact foot extends into the hole and makes electrical contact with the hole wall.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing part is an umbrella-shaped buckle, the maximum diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the umbrella-shaped buckle is provided with at least one radially penetrating notch, which divides the umbrella-shaped buckle into at least two parts connected at the root, each part being able to elastically swing radially.

[0011] Furthermore, the wire connection portion includes a first crimping portion for crimping and fixing to the insulating outer shell of the wire and a second crimping portion for crimping and fixing to the conductive core of the wire.

[0012] Furthermore, the second crimping portion is located between the connecting body and the first crimping portion. The first crimping portion and the second crimping portion each include a support wall and two arc-shaped crimping walls. The support wall of the first crimping portion and the support wall of the second crimping portion are located on the same side of the connecting body and are integrally formed with the connecting body. The two arc-shaped crimping walls are located on opposite sides of the support wall and are arranged inwards towards each other to crimp the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the wire and limit the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the wire between the two arc-shaped crimping walls and the support wall.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing part is located at one end of the insulating housing, the insulating housing has four surrounding walls, the other end of the insulating housing is provided with an opening and is opposite to one end of the insulating housing, the connecting terminal is inserted into the insulating housing through the opening, and the elastic contact part of the connecting terminal extends out of the insulating housing from the through-hole formed between one end of the insulating housing and the fixing part.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting body is provided with a retaining spring clip, which engages with a retaining hole provided on the surrounding wall of the insulating housing to prevent the connecting terminal from exiting the opening; the shape of the connecting body is adapted to the shape of the surrounding wall of the insulating housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the anti-reverse hole extends two first notches towards the other end of the insulating housing, so that the portion of the insulating housing between the two first notches forms an elastic support piece; the anti-reverse hole extends a second notch towards one end of the insulating housing, the anti-reverse spring clip falls into the second notch, and the tail end of the anti-reverse spring clip is locked at the tail end of the elastic support piece.

[0016] The present invention also provides a connection structure between a through-hole connector and the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay, including an electricity meter relay and a through-hole connector as described above. The lead-out terminal of the electricity meter relay is provided with a through hole, the fixing part passes through the through hole of the lead-out terminal and is fixed to the lead-out terminal, and the elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the surface of the lead-out terminal.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. The direct-plug connector of the present invention includes an insulating housing and a connecting terminal. The insulating housing is provided with a fixing part, and the connecting terminal specifically includes an elastic contact part and a wire connection part. When the present invention is used to connect to the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay, the fixing part only needs to pass through a pre-drilled through hole in the lead-out terminal to fix the fixing part to the lead-out terminal. Simultaneously, the elastic contact part of the connecting terminal maintains electrical contact with the lead-out terminal, thereby enabling the connection for weak current sampling of the relay lead-out terminal in the electricity meter. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for a plug-in connector, allowing direct plug-in connection to the lead-out terminal of the electricity meter relay, thus solving the drawbacks of plug-in connectors. Furthermore, the present invention enables automated mass production, thereby reducing costs, improving performance, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

[0019] 2. The elastic contact portion includes the plurality of contact springs, which not only enables multi-point contact with the conductor to ensure the energizing effect, but also makes the structure of the elastic contact portion simpler and easier to manufacture.

[0020] 3. The auxiliary contact foot is provided to further ensure the energizing effect between the connection terminal and the conductor, and to avoid poor contact between the elastic contact part and the conductor, which could cause conductivity failure.

[0021] 4. The fixing part is an umbrella-shaped buckle, which makes the fixing part easy to insert and easy to manufacture. The notch groove can improve the elastic deformation capability of the umbrella-shaped buckle and also allows the umbrella-shaped buckle to be repeatedly inserted and removed from the conductor.

[0022] 5. The wire connection part includes the first crimping part and the second crimping part, so that the connection between the wire connection part and the wire is convenient and reliable.

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; however, the direct-insertion connector of the present invention and its connection structure with the lead-out terminal of the meter relay are not limited to the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the direct-insertion connector of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the insulating shell of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection terminal of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection terminal of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the direct-insertion connector of the present invention and the lead-out terminal of the meter relay.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector and the lead-out end of the present invention in a mating state. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector and the lead-out end of the present invention in a mating state. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector and the lead-out end of the present invention in a mating state. Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the through-hole connector and the lead-out end of the present invention in a mating state. Figure 4 . Detailed Implementation

[0035] Please see Figures 1-11As shown, a direct-insertion connector of the present invention is used to cooperate with a conductor having a hole. It includes an insulating housing 1 and a conductive connection terminal 2. The insulating housing 1 is provided with a fixing part, which can pass through the hole of the conductor and be fixed to the conductor. The connection terminal 2 includes a connection body 21, and an elastic contact part and a wire connection part provided on the connection body 21. The connection body 21 is installed in the insulating housing 1. The elastic contact part is located outside the insulating housing 1. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, the elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the surface of the conductor.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the fixing part is located at one end of the insulating housing 1. The insulating housing 1 has four surrounding walls, and the other end of the insulating housing 1 has an opening opposite to one end of the insulating housing 1. The fixing part is specifically located on the end face of one end of the insulating housing 1, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the fixing part is located on the surrounding wall of one end of the insulating housing, making the insulating housing and its fixing part approximately L-shaped. The fixing part is integrally formed with the insulating housing 1, but is not limited thereto. The fixing part is partially connected to the insulating housing 1, forming multiple through-holes 13 between the fixing part and the insulating housing 1. The connecting terminal 2 is inserted into the insulating housing 1 through the opening, and the elastic contact part of the connecting terminal 2 extends out of the insulating housing 1 from the through-holes 13. The four surrounding walls of the insulating housing 1 are flat, specifically square, but not limited thereto. The shape of the connecting body 21 is adapted to the four surrounding walls of the insulating housing 1, that is, the connecting body 21 is approximately square, so that after the connecting body 21 is inserted into the insulating housing 1, it is fixed relative to the insulating housing 1 in the circumferential direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the fixing part is an umbrella-shaped buckle 11, the maximum diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the hole. The umbrella-shaped buckle 11 has an umbrella-shaped inclined surface 111, and a buckle boss 112 is formed at the root of the umbrella-shaped inclined surface 111. In this way, when the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 passes through the hole, its umbrella-shaped inclined surface 111 can provide guidance, making it easy for the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 to pass through the hole. After the part of the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 containing the umbrella-shaped inclined surface 111 passes through the hole, the buckle boss 112 is locked on the corresponding end face of the conductor, thereby preventing the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 from exiting the hole. The umbrella-shaped buckle 11 is provided with at least one radially penetrating notch 113, which divides the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 into at least two parts connected at the root, each part being able to elastically swing radially. This provides an improved elastic deformation capability for the umbrella-shaped buckle 11, making it easier for the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 to pass through the hole, and also enabling the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 to be repeatedly inserted and removed from the conductor.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the elastic contact portion includes a plurality of contact springs 22, which are spaced apart around the perimeter of the fixing portion. Each contact spring 22 is bent. When the fixing portion is fixed to the conductor, each contact spring 22 makes electrical contact with the conductor surface and is in a deformed state. "A plurality of" refers to two or more, specifically two contact springs 22, but not limited to this. The two contact springs 22 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the fixing portion (i.e., the umbrella-shaped buckle 11). The contact springs 22 extend radially outward along the fixing portion, and each contact spring 22 is bent to form at least one arched portion 221 protruding in the direction pointed to by the fixing portion (i.e., the umbrella-shaped buckle 11). The arched portion 221 is approximately V-shaped and close to the tail end of the contact spring 22 (i.e., the end of the contact spring 22 away from the fixing portion).

[0039] In this embodiment, the connecting terminal 2 further includes a plurality of auxiliary contact feet 23 disposed on the connecting body 21. The auxiliary contact feet 23 extend out of the insulating housing 1 and are located at one end of the insulating housing 1. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, each auxiliary contact foot 23 extends into the hole and makes electrical contact with the hole wall. The fixing part (i.e., the umbrella-shaped buckle 11) is provided with a clearance notch 114 at the position corresponding to each auxiliary contact foot 23 to appropriately avoid the auxiliary contact foot 23 and prevent mutual interference. The auxiliary contact feet 23 are specifically divided into two groups, each group including one or at least two auxiliary contact feet 23. The auxiliary contact feet 23 and the contact springs 22 are located at the same end of the connecting body 21. Since the connecting body 21 is roughly square, the two contact springs 22 are respectively located on one pair of opposite sides of the connecting body 21, and the two groups of auxiliary contact feet 23 are respectively located on the other pair of opposite sides of the connecting body 21.

[0040] In this embodiment, the wire connection portion is located inside the insulating housing 1. The wire connection portion includes a first crimping portion 25 for crimping and fixing to the insulating outer shell of the wire 3 and a second crimping portion 26 for crimping and fixing to the conductive core of the wire 3. The second crimping portion 26 is located between the connecting body 21 and the first crimping portion 25. The first crimping part 25 and the second crimping part 26 respectively include a support wall 251 / 261 and two arc-shaped crimping walls 252 / 262. The support wall 251 of the first crimping part 25 and the support wall 261 of the second crimping part 26 are located on the same side of the other end of the connecting body 21 and are integrally formed with the connecting body 21. The two arc-shaped crimping walls 252 / 262 are located on opposite sides of the support wall 251 / 261 and are arranged inwards towards each other to crimp the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the conductor 3 and limit the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the conductor 3 between the two arc-shaped crimping walls 252 / 262 and the support wall 251 / 261.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the connecting body 21 is provided with a retaining spring 24, which engages with a retaining hole 12 provided on the surrounding wall of the insulating housing 1 to prevent the connecting terminal 2 from exiting the opening. Figure 2 As shown, the anti-reverse hole 12 of the insulating housing 11 extends two first notches 121 towards one end of the insulating housing, forming an elastic support 13 between the two first notches 121. During the insertion of the connecting terminal 2 into the insulating housing, the anti-reverse spring clip 24 contacts the elastic support 13, causing the elastic support 13 to deform outward to avoid the anti-reverse spring clip 24. This makes the installation of the connecting terminal smoother and avoids friction between the anti-reverse spring clip 24 and the inner wall surface of the insulating housing, thus preventing the generation of plastic debris. The anti-reverse hole 12 of the insulating housing 11 extends a second notch 122 towards one end of the insulating housing to avoid the anti-reverse spring clip 24 and prevent friction between the anti-reverse spring clip 24 and the inner wall surface of the insulating housing, thus preventing the generation of plastic debris. After the connecting terminal 2 is installed in place, the anti-reverse spring clip 24 falls into the second notch 122, and the tail end of the anti-reverse spring clip 24 is locked at the tail end of the elastic support 13, thus preventing the connecting terminal 2 from retracting.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connecting terminal 2 is integrally made of metal sheet, and the insulating shell 1 is integrally formed with the fixing part (i.e., umbrella-shaped buckle 11).

[0043] In this invention, a through-hole connector is assembled such that, before the two contact springs 22 of the connecting terminal 2 are bent into shape, the connecting terminal 2 is inserted into the insulating housing 1 through the opening, and the two contact springs 22 extend from the two openings 13 formed at one end of the insulating housing 1, respectively. When the connecting terminal 2 is assembled in place, the anti-retraction spring clip 24 engages with the anti-retraction hole 12, preventing the connecting terminal 2 from exiting through the opening. After the two contact springs 22 extend from the two openings 13 formed at one end of the insulating housing 1, the two contact springs 22 are then bent into the following shape: Figure 1 The state shown.

[0044] The present invention provides a through-hole connector, such as... Figures 7-11 As shown, it can be used in conjunction with the lead-out terminal 41 of the meter relay 4. The lead-out terminal 41 constitutes the conductor. Therefore, the lead-out terminal 41 needs to have a through hole 411 pre-formed to match the fixing part (i.e., the umbrella-shaped buckle 11). During assembly, the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 is passed through the through hole 411 of the lead-out terminal 4 to fix the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 to the lead-out terminal 41, as shown. Figures 8-10 As shown; during the process of the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 passing through the through hole 411, the arched portions 221 of the two contact springs 22 first contact the surface of the lead-out end 41, and as the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 is pushed forward, the two contact springs 22 gradually undergo elastic deformation until the side of the arched portion 221 near the root of the contact spring 22 is nearly parallel to the surface of the lead-out end 41, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. After the umbrella-shaped buckle 11 is inserted into place, the four auxiliary contact feet 23 on the connecting terminal 2 also enter the through holes 411 of the lead-out terminal 41 and make electrical contact with the hole wall of the through hole 411, as shown. Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, this improves the energizing effect between the connection terminal 2 and the lead-out terminal 41, and avoids poor contact between the contact spring 22 and the lead-out terminal 41, which could cause conductive failure.

[0045] This invention provides a direct-plug connector that eliminates the need for inserts, allowing direct connection to the leads of a meter relay. This solves the quality problems associated with insert connections, such as detachment or breakage due to deformation and dimensional inconsistencies during transportation. Furthermore, this direct-plug connector enables automated mass production, reducing costs, improving performance, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

[0046] Please see Figures 7-11As shown, the present invention provides a connection structure between a direct-plug connector and the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay, including an electricity meter relay 4 and a direct-plug connector as described above. The lead-out terminal 41 of the electricity meter relay is provided with a through hole 411. The fixing part passes through the through hole 411 of the lead-out terminal 41 and is fixed to the lead-out terminal 4. The elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the surface of the lead-out terminal 41.

[0047] The present invention discloses a connection structure between a through-hole connector and the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay. For details regarding the structure, assembly method, and working principle of the through-hole connector, please refer to the preceding description section, which will not be repeated here.

[0048] The present invention discloses a direct-insertion connector and its connection structure with the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay. The parts not described herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies.

[0049] The above embodiments are only used to further illustrate a direct-insertion connector of the present invention and its connection structure with the lead-out terminal of the meter relay. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A through-hole connector for use with a conductor having a hole, characterized in that: The device includes an insulating shell and conductive connecting terminals. A fixing part is provided outside the insulating shell, which can pass through a hole in the conductor and be fixed to the conductor. The connecting terminals include a connecting body, an elastic contact part, and a wire connecting part disposed on the connecting body. The connecting body is installed in the insulating shell, and the elastic contact part is located outside the insulating shell. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, the elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the conductor surface. The elastic contact part includes multiple contact springs, which are spaced apart around the fixing part.

2. The through-hole connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each contact spring is bent. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, each contact spring is in electrical contact with the surface of the conductor, and each contact spring is in a deformed state.

3. The through-hole connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of contact springs is two, and the two contact springs are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the fixing part; the contact springs extend outward along the radial direction of the fixing part, and the contact springs are bent to form at least one arched part protruding in the direction pointed to by the fixing part.

4. The through-hole connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection terminal also includes a plurality of auxiliary contact feet disposed on the connection body. The auxiliary contact feet extend out of the insulating housing and are located at one end of the insulating housing. When the fixing part is fixed to the conductor, each auxiliary contact foot extends into the hole and makes electrical contact with the hole wall.

5. The through-hole connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing part is an umbrella-shaped buckle, and the maximum diameter of the umbrella-shaped buckle is larger than the diameter of the hole.

6. The through-hole connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The umbrella-shaped buckle has at least one radially penetrating notch, which divides the umbrella-shaped buckle into at least two parts connected at the root, each part being able to elastically swing radially.

7. The through-hole connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductor connection portion includes a first crimping portion for crimping and fixing to the insulating outer shell of the conductor and a second crimping portion for crimping and fixing to the conductive core of the conductor.

8. The through-hole connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second crimping portion is located between the connecting body and the first crimping portion. The first crimping portion and the second crimping portion each include a support wall and two arc-shaped crimping walls. The support wall of the first crimping portion and the support wall of the second crimping portion are located on the same side of the connecting body and are integrally formed with the connecting body. The two arc-shaped crimping walls are located on opposite sides of the support wall and are arranged inwards towards each other to crimp the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the wire and limit the insulating outer sheath or conductive core of the wire between the two arc-shaped crimping walls and the support wall.

9. The through-hole connector according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The fixing part is located at one end of the insulating housing. The insulating housing has four surrounding walls. The other end of the insulating housing is provided with an opening and is opposite to one end of the insulating housing. The connecting terminal is inserted into the insulating housing through the opening, and the elastic contact part of the connecting terminal extends out of the insulating housing from the through-hole formed between one end of the insulating housing and the fixing part.

10. The through-hole connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting body is provided with a retaining spring clip, which engages with a retaining hole provided on the surrounding wall of the insulating housing to prevent the connecting terminal from exiting the opening; the shape of the connecting body is adapted to the shape of the surrounding wall of the insulating housing.

11. The through-hole connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The anti-reverse hole extends to one side of the insulating housing with two first notches, so that the portion of the insulating housing between the two first notches forms an elastic support piece; the anti-reverse hole extends to one side of the insulating housing with a second notch, the anti-reverse spring clip falls into the second notch, and the tail end of the anti-reverse spring clip is locked at the tail end of the elastic support piece.

12. A connection structure between a direct-plug connector and the lead-out terminal of an electricity meter relay, comprising an electricity meter relay, characterized in that: It also includes a through-hole connector as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the lead-out end of the meter relay is provided with a through hole, the lead-out end constitutes the conductor, and the through hole of the lead-out end constitutes the hole of the conductor; the fixing part passes through the through hole of the lead-out end and is fixed to the lead-out end, and the elastic contact part is in electrical contact with the surface of the lead-out end.

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