A crimp-free terminal and a wiring method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a crimp-free type terminal and a wiring method, which comprises a terminal body used for electrically connecting with a component and a copper head used for electrically connecting with a line switch, a locking groove is arranged on the surface of the terminal body far away from the copper head, the groove wall of the locking groove is arranged in an inclined mode, the opening size of the locking groove increases along the direction close to the copper head, a pressing block is arranged in the locking groove in a sliding mode, a pressing hole extending along the extension direction of the locking groove is arranged on the pressing block in a penetrating mode and is used for inserting and penetrating a wire, the pressing block comprises at least two petal block bodies, the pressing hole is enclosed by the petal block bodies, and a pressing elastic piece which enables the pressing block to slide in a direction far away from the copper head is connected between the pressing block and the terminal body. The application omits special equipment required by a traditional crimping process, simplifies a wiring process, and improves installation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly to a crimp-free terminal and wiring method. Background Technology

[0002] A terminal is a component used to conveniently and reliably connect wires, acting as a bridge between wires and equipment, circuits, or other wires, and is widely used in electrical, electronic, and industrial fields.

[0003] In related technologies, the wiring terminals used in distribution cabinets include a terminal body and a copper tip. The copper tip is used for electrical connection with the incoming switch on the distribution cabinet. The terminal body has a crimping groove for inserting wires, which are used for electrical connection with components. In actual installation, after inserting the wire into the crimping groove, a crimping machine is used to crimp and fix the wire to the terminal body. The copper tip and the incoming switch are then secured with locking screws. However, the installation of these terminals requires a crimping machine, making the process cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To improve the ease of terminal installation, this application provides a crimp-free terminal and wiring method.

[0005] This application provides a crimp-free terminal and wiring method, which adopts the following technical solution: A crimp-free terminal includes a terminal body for electrical connection with components and a copper head for electrical connection with an incoming switch. A locking groove is formed on the surface of the terminal body away from the copper head. The groove wall is inclined, and the opening size of the locking groove increases towards the copper head. A clamping block is slidably disposed within the locking groove. A clamping hole extending along the extension direction of the locking groove for insertion and passage of a wire is formed on the clamping block. The clamping block includes at least two petal blocks, and the clamping hole is formed by the petal blocks. A clamping elastic element is connected between the clamping block and the terminal body to allow the clamping block to slide away from the copper head.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, during wiring, the wire only needs to be inserted into the clamping hole. At this time, the wire, along with the petal blocks, slides towards the copper head against the elastic force of the clamping element. Simultaneously, the petal blocks slide back to back, opening the clamping hole (making the diameter of the clamping hole larger), allowing the wire to be smoothly inserted into the clamping hole. After the end of the wire is fully inserted into the clamping hole, the wire is released. At this time, the clamping element is released, causing the petal blocks to slide away from the copper head. At the same time, the outer surface of the petal blocks slides against the groove wall of the locking groove, causing the petal blocks to slide towards each other, closing the clamping hole and clamping and fixing the wire. The petal blocks always maintain the state of clamping the wire under the action of the clamping element. By setting a locking groove with an inclined groove wall and a clamping block composed of multiple petal blocks, combined with the elastic restoring force of the clamping element, automatic clamping and fixing of the wire is achieved. After the wire is inserted into the clamping hole, the clamping block slides away from the copper head along the locking groove under the action of the elastic element. Due to the inclined design of the groove wall, the blocks move closer together during the sliding process, thereby tightening the clamping hole and forming a uniform clamping force on the wire. This structure eliminates the need for special equipment required by traditional crimping processes, simplifies the wiring process, and eliminates the need to pull the wire out after it is inserted into the clamping hole. Instead, the clamping force of the clamping elastic element achieves the clamping of the wire, saving a step and further improving installation efficiency, while ensuring the reliability and stability of the wire connection.

[0007] Optionally, the wall of the clamping hole is provided with a clamping protrusion.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, a clamping protrusion is provided on the wall of the clamping hole. This structure enhances the clamping block's ability to engage with the wire surface. The clamping protrusion can embed into the wire surface, effectively increasing the contact area and friction, preventing the wire from loosening under stress or vibration, thereby improving the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity reliability of the connection. It is especially suitable for wiring scenarios under high current or high vibration conditions.

[0009] Optionally, the two surfaces of the locking protrusion arranged along the extension direction of the locking groove are inclined surfaces, the two inclined surfaces share a common side and are inclined in opposite directions, and the distance between the two inclined surfaces decreases along the direction close to the central axis of the pressing hole.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, two inclined surfaces share a common edge and are inclined in opposite directions, forming a structure similar to a "wedge" or "knife edge". This design allows the clamping protrusion to cut into the surface of the wire more smoothly during the clamping process, and generates a self-locking effect when subjected to reverse force, further preventing the wire from retracting and enhancing the unidirectional locking capability. It is suitable for occasions that require unidirectional insertion and maintenance of a tight connection.

[0011] Optionally, the outer surface of each of the said petal blocks is inclined, and the inclination direction and inclination angle of the outer surface of the petal block are the same as the inclination direction and inclination angle of the groove wall of the locking groove.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer surface inclination direction of each petal block is consistent with the wall of the locking groove, allowing the petal blocks to move more smoothly along the groove wall during sliding, minimizing rotation of the petal blocks during sliding, and reducing jamming. This structure optimizes the force transmission path, ensuring that all petal blocks move synchronously and cooperate to clamp the wire, improving the consistency and stability of the clamping action, thereby enhancing the reliability and service life of the overall structure.

[0013] Optionally, an inclined guide surface is formed on the end of the wall of the clamping hole away from the copper head, and the inclination direction of the guide surface is opposite to the inclination direction of the groove wall of the locking groove.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, an inclined guide surface is provided at the end of the clamping hole away from the copper head, which facilitates the smooth insertion of the wire into the clamping hole, reduces insertion resistance, and prevents the wire end from bending or being damaged. This guide structure is particularly suitable for connecting multi-strand thin wires or rigid wires, improving the convenience and applicability of wiring operations.

[0015] Optionally, the terminal body includes a detachably connected mounting base and an end cover. The mounting base has a mounting groove for mounting the end cover, and the locking groove is formed through the end cover.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the terminal body is designed as two parts: a detachable mounting base and an end cover. A mounting groove is provided on the mounting base for assembling the end cover. This structure facilitates maintenance, cleaning, or replacement of components such as clamping blocks inside the terminal, improving the product's maintainability and modularity. It also facilitates separate processing and assembly during production.

[0017] Optionally, the end cap has an external thread, the mounting groove has an internal thread, and the end cap is threadedly connected to the mounting base.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the end cap and mounting base are designed with a threaded connection. The end cap can be installed and removed simply by screwing it on, making operation easy and requiring no additional tools. The threaded connection has good self-locking and adjustability, allowing the end cap position to be adjusted as needed to accommodate different wire diameters or clamping force requirements, enhancing the product's adaptability and practicality.

[0019] Optionally, the two surfaces of the clamping protrusion arranged along the extension direction of the locking groove are inclined surfaces, the two inclined surfaces share a common edge and have the same inclination direction, and the distance between the inclined surface and the copper head decreases in the direction close to the central axis of the pressing hole.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the two inclined surfaces are tilted in the same direction and the distance between them and the copper head decreases towards the center of the hole, thus forming a "reverse tooth" structure. This structure allows the clamping protrusion to gradually press the wire in when it is inserted, while generating greater resistance when it is pulled out, achieving a one-way locking function. It is particularly suitable for applications that require preventing the wire from accidentally coming out.

[0021] A wiring method using crimp-free terminals includes the following steps: S1: Insert the wire into the clamping hole; S2: Loosen the wire, press the elastic element to drive each petal block to slide synchronously away from the copper head, and at the same time, each petal block slides towards each other to close the pressing hole and clamp and fix the wire.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the wire can be fixed with a simple plug-in and release action. This method utilizes the restoring force of the clamping elastic element to automatically drive the valve block to slide and clamp the wire, eliminating the need for crimping tools, greatly simplifying the wiring process, reducing operational difficulty and time costs, and making it suitable for rapid on-site wiring and maintenance.

[0023] A wiring method using crimp-free terminals includes the following steps: S1: Thread the end cap onto the mounting base so that there is a certain distance between the two surfaces of the end cap and the mounting base; S2: Insert the wire into the clamping hole; S3: Loosen the wire, press the elastic element to drive each petal block to slide synchronously away from the copper head, and at the same time, each petal block slides towards each other to close the pressing hole and clamp and fix the wire. S4: Tighten the end cap so that the two surfaces of the end cap and the mounting base are in close contact.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the end cap is pre-installed with a gap, the wire is inserted, and then the end cap is tightened. At this time, the end cap moves a certain distance towards the copper head, while the clamping block, under the action of the clamping elastic element, does not move in this direction or only moves a shorter distance than the end cap. This means that the clamping block further clamps the wire. This design allows for fine adjustment of the clamping block position, further controlling the clamping force on the wire. While ensuring reliable wiring, it increases operational flexibility and applicability, and is particularly suitable for wiring applications requiring precise clamping force.

[0025] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. It eliminates the need for specialized equipment required by traditional crimping processes, simplifies the wiring process, improves installation efficiency, and ensures the reliability and stability of wire connections; 2. The threaded connection has good self-locking and adjustability. The end cap position can be adjusted as needed to adapt to different wire diameters or clamping force requirements, which enhances the adaptability and practicality of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Terminal body; 11. Locking groove; 12. Mounting base; 121. Mounting groove; 13. End cap; 2. Copper head; 3. Clamping block; 31. Clamping hole; 311. Guide surface; 32. Lobe block; 33. Clamping protrusion; 331. Inclined surface; 4. Clamping elastic element; 5. Base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following combination Figures 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0031] Example 1: Embodiment 1 of this application discloses a crimp-free terminal. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The crimp-free terminal includes a terminal body 1 and a copper head 2. The terminal body 1 is used for electrical connection with components, and the copper head 2 is used for electrical connection with an incoming switch. A locking groove 11 extending towards the copper head 2 is formed on the surface of the terminal body 1 away from the copper head 2. The groove wall of the locking groove 11 is inclined, and the opening size of the locking groove 11 increases towards the copper head 2. A clamping block 3 is slidably disposed within the locking groove 11. A clamping hole 31 extending along the extending direction of the locking groove 11 for insertion and passage of a wire is formed on the clamping block 3. The clamping block 3 includes at least two petal blocks 32, and the clamping hole 31 is formed by the at least two petal blocks 32. A clamping elastic member 4 is connected between the clamping block 3 and the terminal body 1, allowing the clamping block 3 to slide away from the copper head 2.

[0032] When the wire is inserted into the clamping hole 31, the wire is released. Under the action of the elastic element, the clamping block 3 slides away from the copper head 2 along the locking groove 11. Due to the inclined design of the groove wall, each block 32 moves closer to each other during the sliding process, thereby tightening the clamping hole 31 and forming a uniform clamping force on the wire. This achieves the effect of automatic clamping and fixing of the wire, simplifying the wiring process and improving installation efficiency.

[0033] Reference Figure 1A pressing surface is formed on the copper head 2. During installation, the copper head 2 is inserted into the slot on the incoming line switch, and the locking screw on the incoming line switch is tightened. The locking screw presses against the pressing surface, thereby fixing the copper head 2 to the incoming line switch and establishing an electrical connection.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 The terminal body 1 includes a mounting base 12 and an end cap 13. The mounting base 12 is made of aluminum, and the end cap 13 is made of aluminum alloy. The mounting base 12 is cylindrical, and the copper head 2 is fixed to the mounting base 12 by welding. The cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting base 12 is approximately 1.4 times that of the national standard (GB / T14315-2008, 5.2.3, Copper-Aluminum Transition Terminal Block DTL), which enhances its ability to carry high currents and extends its service life. A mounting groove 121 for mounting the end cap 13 is formed on the surface of the mounting base 12 away from the copper head 2. The extension direction of the mounting groove 121 is the same as that of the locking groove 11, and the shape and size of the mounting groove 121 match the end cap 13. The end cap 13 is also a rotating body with a "T"-shaped cross-section. Part of the end cap 13 is inserted into the mounting groove 121, while the radial dimension of the other part is the same as that of the mounting base 12 and fits against the opening surface of the mounting groove 121.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 The end cap 13 has external threads, and the mounting groove 121 has internal threads. The end cap 13 is threadedly connected to the mounting base 12. Conductive grease is applied to the threads to increase the thread contact area and make the threaded connection tighter. In other embodiments, the detachable connection between the mounting base 12 and the end cap 13 can be of various forms. In addition to threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, plug-in connections, etc., can also be used to facilitate maintenance and replacement of internal components of the terminal.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 A locking groove 11 is formed through the end cap 13. The inclination angle of the groove wall of the locking groove 11 can be designed according to actual needs and wire clamping force requirements, and is generally suitable between 10° and 60°. The locking groove 11 is a frustum-shaped groove. In some special cases, the groove wall can also be treated with surface treatment processes, such as nickel plating, to improve its oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 An inclined guide surface 311 is formed on the end of the wall of the clamping hole 31 away from the copper head 2. The inclined direction of the guide surface 311 is opposite to the inclined direction of the groove wall of the locking groove 11. This facilitates the smooth insertion of the wire into the clamping hole 31, reduces insertion resistance, and prevents the wire end from bending or being damaged.

[0038] Reference Figure 2The number of petal blocks 32 is typically 2-4; in this embodiment, there are 2 petal blocks 32. The outer surface of each petal block 32 is also inclined, with its inclination direction and angle consistent with the groove wall of the locking groove 11. This ensures that the petal block 32 fits tightly against the groove wall during sliding, reducing jamming. The petal block 32 is made of aluminum alloy. The clamping hole 31 is formed by the petal blocks 32, and its cross-sectional shape is circular or elliptical to accommodate wires of different shapes and specifications. Anti-slip textures can be provided on the surface of the petal blocks 32 to increase friction against the wire and improve the clamping effect.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 A locking protrusion 33 is provided on the wall of the pressing hole 31. The locking protrusion 33 is integrally formed on the wall of the pressing hole 31. There are multiple locking protrusions 33, which are arranged along the extension direction of the locking groove 11 and extend around the central axis of the pressing hole 31. The locking protrusion 33 includes two inclined surfaces 331, which share a common edge and have opposite inclination directions. The distance between the two inclined surfaces 331 decreases along the direction close to the central axis of the pressing hole 31.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 To enhance its hardness and wear resistance, the surface of the clamping protrusion 33 can be heat-treated or hard chrome plated. The clamping protrusion 33 has a tooth-like shape, and its height and width can be designed according to the wire specifications and clamping force requirements. In practical applications, the clamping protrusion 33 can embed into the surface of the wire, effectively increasing the contact area and friction, preventing the wire from loosening under stress or vibration, thereby improving the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity reliability of the connection. The effect of the clamping protrusion 33 is particularly pronounced under high current or high vibration conditions.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The clamping elastic element 4 is a spring, typically a stainless steel compression spring, which has good elasticity and corrosion resistance. The spring constant needs to be selected according to the actual clamping force requirements to ensure sufficient elasticity for the clamping block 3 to clamp the wire. In other embodiments, the clamping elastic element 4 can be an elastic rubber block, which can be made of materials with good elasticity and insulation properties, such as silicone rubber. Its advantages are simple structure and low cost.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The mounting groove 121 is also provided with a base plate 5, which is made of stainless steel. One end face of the base plate 5 abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 121, and the other end face is integrally formed with a hook for hooking one end of the pressing elastic element 4. The other end of the pressing elastic element 4 abuts against the pressing block 3.

[0043] The assembly principle of a crimp-free terminal according to Embodiment 1 of this application is as follows: First, the copper head 2 is welded to the mounting base 12. Then, the petal block 32 is installed into the locking groove 11. Next, one end of the clamping elastic member 4 is hooked onto the base plate 5, and the other end abuts against the petal block 32. Finally, the end cap 13, along with the petal block 32 and the clamping elastic member 4, is installed into the mounting groove 121, and the end cap 13 is tightened.

[0044] Embodiment 1 of this application also discloses a wiring method using the above-mentioned crimp-free terminals, including the following steps: S1: Insert the wire into the clamping hole 31. In this step, the operator needs to align the end of the wire with the clamping hole 31 and then slowly insert the wire. If the wire is a multi-strand thin wire or a rigid wire, the guide surface 311 can be used to more easily guide the wire into the clamping hole 31.

[0045] S2: Release the wire, and the clamping elastic element 4 drives each petal block 32 to slide synchronously away from the copper head 2. At the same time, each petal block 32 slides towards each other to close the clamping hole 31 and clamp and fix the wire. When the wire is released, the clamping elastic element 4 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the clamping block 3 to slide along the locking groove 11 away from the copper head 2. Due to the inclination of the groove wall of the locking groove 11, each petal block 32 moves closer to each other, thereby tightening the clamping hole 31 and forming a uniform clamping force on the wire.

[0046] Example 2: Reference Figure 3 Unlike Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the two inclined surfaces 331 of the clamping protrusion 33 share a common edge and have the same inclination direction. The distance between the inclined surface 331 and the copper head 2 decreases along the direction close to the central axis of the clamping hole 31.

[0047] The locking protrusion 33 with its "reverse tooth" structure can gradually press the wire in when it is inserted, and generate greater resistance when it is pulled out, thus achieving a one-way locking function. When the wire is inserted into the pressing hole 31, the locking protrusion 33 will gradually press the wire in as the petal block 32 slides, and due to its special structure, the wire is difficult to pull out.

[0048] Example 3: This embodiment discloses a wiring method that uses the crimp-free terminal block from Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps: S1: Thread the end cap 13 onto the mounting base 12, so that there is a certain distance between the two adjacent surfaces of the end cap 13 and the mounting base 12. In this step, the operator needs to align the external thread of the end cap 13 with the internal thread of the mounting groove 121 of the mounting base 12, and then slowly screw the end cap 13 until a suitable gap is left between the end cap 13 and the mounting base 12.

[0049] S2: Insert the wire into the clamping hole 31. Similarly, to ensure that the wire is accurately inserted into the clamping hole 31, the guide surface 311 can be used to reduce the difficulty of insertion.

[0050] S3: Loosen the wire, press the elastic element 4 to drive each petal block 32 to slide synchronously away from the copper head 2, and at the same time, each petal block 32 slides towards each other to close the pressing hole 31 and clamp and fix the wire. This step is the same in principle as the corresponding step in Example 1.

[0051] S4: Tighten the end cap 13 so that the two surfaces of the end cap 13 and the mounting base 12 are in contact. When the end cap 13 is tightened, the end cap 13 will move a certain distance towards the copper head 2, while the clamping block 3 does not move or only moves a shorter distance than the end cap 13 under the action of the clamping elastic element 4. This means that the clamping block 32 further clamps the wire.

[0052] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A crimp-free terminal, characterized in that: The device includes a terminal body (1) for electrical connection with components and a copper head (2) for electrical connection with an incoming switch. A locking groove (11) is provided on the surface of the terminal body (1) away from the copper head (2). The groove wall of the locking groove (11) is inclined. The size of the opening of the locking groove (11) increases in the direction close to the copper head (2). A pressing block (3) is slidably disposed in the locking groove (11). A pressing hole (31) for inserting and passing a wire is provided through the pressing block (3) and extends along the extension direction of the locking groove (11). The pressing block (3) includes at least two petal blocks (32). The pressing hole (31) is formed by the petal blocks (32). A pressing elastic element (4) is connected between the pressing block (3) and the terminal body (1) to make the pressing block (3) slide away from the copper head (2).

2. The crimp-free terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wall of the pressing hole (31) is provided with a clamping protrusion (33).

3. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two surfaces of the clamping protrusion (33) arranged along the extension direction of the locking groove (11) are inclined surfaces (331). The two inclined surfaces (331) share a common side and are inclined in opposite directions. The distance between the two inclined surfaces (331) decreases along the direction close to the central axis of the pressing hole (31).

4. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of each of the said petal blocks (32) is inclined, and the inclination direction and inclination angle of the outer surface of the petal block (32) are the same as the inclination direction and inclination angle of the groove wall of the locking groove (11).

5. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inclined guide surface (311) is formed on the end of the hole wall away from the copper head (2) of the clamping hole (31), and the inclination direction of the guide surface (311) is opposite to the inclination direction of the groove wall of the locking groove (11).

6. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal body (1) includes a detachably connected mounting base (12) and an end cover (13). The mounting base (12) has a mounting groove (121) for mounting the end cover (13), and the locking groove (11) is opened through the end cover (13).

7. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The end cap (13) has an external thread, and the mounting groove (121) has an internal thread. The end cap (13) is threadedly connected to the mounting base (12).

8. A crimp-free terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two surfaces of the clamping protrusion (33) arranged along the extension direction of the locking groove (11) are inclined surfaces (331). The two inclined surfaces (331) share a common side and have the same inclination direction. The distance between the inclined surface (331) and the copper head (2) decreases along the direction close to the central axis of the pressing hole (31).

9. A wiring method using the crimp-free terminal as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Insert the wire into the clamping hole (31); S2: Loosen the wire and press the elastic element (4) to drive each petal block (32) to slide synchronously away from the copper head (2). At the same time, each petal block (32) slides towards each other to close the pressing hole (31) and clamp and fix the wire.

10. A wiring method using the crimp-free terminal as described in claim 7, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Thread the end cap (13) onto the mounting base (12) so that there is a certain distance between the two surfaces of the end cap (13) and the mounting base (12); S2: Insert the wire into the clamping hole (31); S3: Loosen the wire, press the elastic element (4) to drive each petal block (32) to slide synchronously away from the copper head (2), and at the same time, each petal block (32) slides towards each other to close the pressing hole (31) and clamp and fix the wire; S4: Tighten the end cap (13) so that the two surfaces of the end cap (13) and the mounting base (12) are in contact.

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