A connection terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a connecting terminal, which comprises a shell, a conductive sheet, an elastic sheet and a control element, and a cooperation mechanism is arranged between the control element and the shell; when the elastic sheet is in a locking state, the cooperation mechanism is in a first cooperation position, and the control element and a trigger leg are close to each other; when the elastic sheet is in a releasing state, the cooperation mechanism is in a second cooperation position, and the control element is separated from the trigger leg; when the elastic sheet is in the locking state, an inserted electric conductor can push the trigger leg, and then drive the control element, so that the cooperation mechanism is switched from the first cooperation position to the second cooperation position, and a clamping leg is released to clamp the electric conductor; the elastic sheet further comprises a fourth cooperation part, the fourth cooperation part is connected with the trigger leg, and a stop part is arranged in the shell and used for limiting the stroke of the fourth cooperation part. When the connecting terminal is connected with the electric conductor, the operation is simple and labor-saving, an additional trigger element is not needed, the number of parts is reduced, the structure is simple, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connection technology, and in particular to a connection terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, various connection terminals for electrical conductors are known. For example, German invention patent publication number DE102019127464B3 discloses a connection terminal that uses a spring element in the form of a tension spring to press the electrical conductor against a contact element through elastic action, achieving a clamping connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element. This terminal has a mating device that locks the clamping legs relative to the housing in a released position. When an electrical conductor is inserted, the mating device is triggered to release the lock, and the clamping legs move out of the released position and clamp the electrical conductor. To move the clamping legs to the released position, especially to attach the electrical conductor or release the connected electrical conductor from the connection terminal, a tool (such as a screwdriver) is required. The tool is attached to the connection terminal to apply force to the clamping legs.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN112928500B discloses a quick-connect terminal. When connecting solid wires, tin-plated wires, or terminal wires, it can be directly inserted into the wiring hole, but it requires forceful insertion between the clamping legs and the conductive plate, resulting in considerable insertion force. For loose wires, a tool is needed to press the operating element to separate the conductive plate from the clamping legs, and then the loose wire can be inserted before releasing the tool to clamp the loose wire between the conductive plate and the clamping legs. Connecting solid wires, tin-plated wires, terminal wires, and loose wires with this quick-connect terminal is difficult or requires the use of tools.

[0004] For example, the connection terminal disclosed in CN118117381A can realize the quick insertion of hard wires, tinned wires, terminal wires and loose wires, but it requires the setting of independent operating elements and triggering elements, and the triggering element is reset through the interaction of the two. The overall structure is complex and the manufacturing cost is high.

[0005] In summary, existing connection terminals still have shortcomings in terms of ease of operation, structural simplification, and cost control. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a connection terminal designed to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0007] A connection terminal, comprising: The housing has spaced-apart insertion channels and operating channels. The insertion channels are used for inserting a power supply conductor to connect the conductor to the connection terminal. A spring clip is disposed within the housing, and the spring clip includes a clamping leg and a trigger leg connected to each other; An operating element is disposed in the operating channel. The operating element can reciprocate along the axial direction of the operating channel to drive the clamping leg to rotate toward or away from the trigger leg, thereby switching the spring piece between a locked state and a released state, so that the electrical conductor can enter the housing through the insertion channel and be clamped by the clamping leg. A mating mechanism is provided between the operating element and the housing, the mating mechanism having a first mating position corresponding to the locked state and a second mating position corresponding to the released state; When the spring is in the locked state, the engagement mechanism is in the first engagement position, and the operating element and the trigger leg are close to each other; When the spring is in the released state, the engagement mechanism is in the second engagement position, and the operating element is separated from the trigger leg; The spring is configured such that when the spring is in the locking state, the inserted electrical conductor can push the trigger leg, thereby driving the operating element to switch the engagement mechanism from the first engagement position to the second engagement position, and release the clamping leg to clamp the electrical conductor. The spring also includes a fourth mating part, which is connected to the trigger leg. A stop part is provided inside the housing to limit the stroke of the fourth mating part.

[0008] Optionally, the operating element includes a first body and a second body, the second body protruding from the first body, and the length of the first body being greater than the length of the second body; the mating mechanism includes a first mating part disposed on the second body, a second mating part disposed on the first body, and a third mating part disposed within the housing.

[0009] Optionally, when the spring is in the locked state, the second mating part and the fourth mating part cooperate, the fourth mating part also abuts against the stop part, and the bottom of the second body abuts against the clamping leg.

[0010] Optionally, when the spring is in the released state, the first mating part and the third mating part engage, and the bottom of the second body abuts against the clamping leg.

[0011] Optionally, the fourth mating part protrudes from the side wall of the trigger leg near the first body.

[0012] Optionally, the second mating part protrudes from the side wall of the first body near the insertion channel and is inclined downwards, and the fourth mating part has a snap-fit ​​surface located on the side wall of the fourth mating part near the first body and inclined downwards, and the snap-fit ​​surface is configured to mate with the second mating part.

[0013] Optionally, the fourth mating part has an abutment surface located on the side wall of the fourth mating part away from the first body and inclined downward, and the abutment surface is configured to abut against the stop part.

[0014] Optionally, the trigger leg and the fourth mating part are integrally formed.

[0015] Optionally, the trigger leg and the fourth mating part are separately disposed, and the spring sheet further includes a trigger leg sleeve, the fourth mating part protruding from the trigger leg sleeve, and the trigger leg sleeve being fitted around the outer periphery of the trigger leg.

[0016] Optionally, the spring also includes a retaining leg, one end of which is connected to the clamping leg, and the other end of which is connected to the triggering leg.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The connecting terminal of this application, through the switching between a first and second mating position by the mating mechanism and the engagement between the fourth engaging part and the stop part, allows the spring to switch between a locked state and a released state. When an electrical conductor is inserted, the conductor pushes the trigger leg to unlock the operating element, allowing the clamping leg to be released and clamp the electrical conductor by its own elasticity. The entire process does not require external tools such as screwdrivers, making operation simple and labor-saving. Furthermore, the elimination of additional triggering elements reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, and lowers costs. In addition, the connecting terminal of this application is compatible with various wires, enabling quick installation and reliable connection of solid wires, tinned wires, terminal wires, and loose wires. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the spring clip structure of the connection terminal in Embodiment 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the operating element of the connection terminal in Embodiment 1; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the operating element of the connection terminal in Embodiment 1 from another perspective; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal in the first embodiment when it is in a locked state; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal in the first embodiment when it is in the released state; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the electrical conductor is inserted into the connecting terminal in Embodiment 1; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping legs of the connecting terminals clamping the electrical conductor in Embodiment 1; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the spring sheet in Example 2; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the spring clip in Example 2; Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal in the second embodiment when it is in a locked state.

[0020] 1. Housing; 11. Insertion channel; 12. Operating channel; 13. Third mating part; 14. Stop part; 15. Blocking part; 16. Support part; 2. Conductive sheet; 3. Spring piece; 31. Clamping leg; 32. Trigger leg; 33. Fourth mating part; 331. Snap-fit ​​surface; 332. Abutment surface; 34. Holding leg; 35. First elastic part; 36. Second elastic part; 37. Trigger leg sleeve; 4. Operating element; 41. First body; 42. Second body; 43. First mating part; 44. Second mating part; 45. Slot; 5. Electrical conductor.

[0021] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the term "and / or" throughout the text includes three solutions; taking A and / or B as an example, it includes technical solution A, technical solution B, and a technical solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0025] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The present invention provides a connection terminal, which includes a housing 1, a conductive sheet 2, a spring sheet 3, and an operating element 4. The housing 1 has a spaced-apart insertion channel 11 and an operating channel 12. The insertion channel 11 is used for the insertion of a power conductor 5 to realize the connection between the electric conductor 5 and the connection terminal. The conductive sheet 2 is disposed inside the housing 1 and is configured to make electrical contact with the electric conductor 5. The spring sheet 3 is disposed inside the housing 1 and includes a clamping leg 31 and a triggering leg 32 connected to each other. The operating element 4 is disposed in the operating channel 12 and can reciprocate along the axial direction of the operating channel 12 to drive the clamping leg 31 to rotate toward or away from the triggering leg 32, thereby switching the spring sheet 3 between a locked state and a released state, so that the electric conductor 5 can enter the housing 1 through the insertion channel 11 and be clamped by the clamping leg 31. A mating mechanism is provided between the operating element 4 and the housing 1. The mating mechanism has a first mating position corresponding to the locked state and a second mating position corresponding to the released state. When the spring 3 is in the locked state, the engagement mechanism is in the first engagement position, and the operating element 4 and the trigger leg 32 are close to each other; When the spring 3 is in the released state, the engagement mechanism is in the second engagement position, and the operating element 4 is separated from the trigger leg 32; The spring 3 is configured such that when the spring 3 is in the locked state, the inserted electrical conductor 5 can push the trigger leg 32, thereby driving the operating element 4 to switch the engagement mechanism from the first engagement position to the second engagement position and release the clamping leg 31 to clamp the electrical conductor 5. Specifically, the control element 4 includes a first body 41 and a second body 42. The second body 42 protrudes from the first body 41. The length of the first body 41 is greater than the length of the second body 42. The second body 42 is provided with a first mating part 43. The first body 41 is provided with a second mating part 44. The second mating part 44 is located below the first mating part 43. A third mating part 13 is provided inside the housing 1. The spring 3 also includes a fourth mating part 33, which is connected to the trigger leg 32. A stop part 14 is provided inside the housing 1. The stop part 14 is located below the third mating part 13 and is used to limit the stroke of the fourth mating part 33. When the spring 3 is in the locked state, the second mating part 44 and the fourth mating part 33 engage, and the fourth mating part 33 also abuts against the stop part 14. The bottom of the second body 42 abuts against the clamping leg 31. When the spring 3 is in the released state, the first mating part 43 and the third mating part 13 engage to prevent the operating element 4 from dislodging from the housing 1. The bottom of the second body 42 abuts against the clamping leg 31, and the fourth mating part 33 abuts against the stop part 14. When the spring 3 is in the locked state, the electrical conductor 5 can enter the housing 1 through the insertion channel 11 to push the trigger leg 32 to rotate in the pivot direction G, causing the fourth mating part 33 to move away from the stop part 14 and separate from the second mating part 44, thereby releasing the clamping leg 31 to rotate, so that the clamping leg 31 elastically abuts against the electrical conductor 5, and the operating element 4 moves upward along the operating channel 12 under the action of the elastic force of the clamping leg 31.

[0026] The connection terminal of this application achieves the switching between the locked and released states of the spring 3 through the engagement between the first mating part 43 on the operating element 4 and the third mating part 13 on the housing 1, and the engagement between the second mating part 44 on the operating element 4 and the fourth mating part 33 on the spring 3. When the conductor 5 is inserted, the conductor 5 pushes the trigger leg 32 to unlock the operating element 4, allowing the clamping leg 31 to be released and clamp the conductor 5 by its own elasticity. The entire process does not require external tools such as screwdrivers, making operation simple and labor-saving. Furthermore, the elimination of additional triggering elements reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, and lowers costs. In addition, the connection terminal of this application is compatible with various wires, enabling quick installation and reliable connection of solid wires, tinned wires, terminal wires, and loose wires.

[0027] Specifically, the second body 42 is vertically disposed on the side of the first body 41 and located on the side of the first body 41, so that a space for the clamping leg 31 to pass through can be formed between the second body 42 and the first body 41, so that the clamping leg 31 can pass over the first body 41 and abut against the bottom of the second body 42.

[0028] Specifically, the first mating part 43 is disposed on the side of the second body 42 near the insertion channel 11 and extends along the thickness direction of the second body 42.

[0029] The housing 1 has a blocking part 15 inside. The blocking part 15 is located in the operating channel 12 and above the spring piece 3. The blocking part 15 is used to limit the second body 42 and prevent the operating element 4 from being pressed down too much and damaging the spring piece 3.

[0030] The bottom of the first body 41 is designed with a tapered structure to facilitate the insertion of the control element 4 into the control channel 12.

[0031] Specifically, the top of the second body 42 is provided with a slot 45 for inserting tools such as screwdrivers, which facilitates pressing the operating element 4.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The fourth mating part 33 protrudes from the side wall of the trigger leg 32 near the first body 41.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fourth mating part 33 extends upward from the side wall of the first body 41 toward the interior of the housing 1, near the trigger leg 32.

[0034] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The second mating part 44 protrudes from the side wall of the first body 41 near the insertion channel 11 and is inclined downward. The fourth mating part 33 has a snap-fit ​​surface 331 and an abutment surface 332. The snap-fit ​​surface 331 is located on the side wall of the fourth mating part 33 near the first body 41 and is inclined downward. The snap-fit ​​surface 331 is configured to mate with the second mating part 44. The abutment surface 332 is located on the side wall of the fourth mating part 33 away from the first body 41 and is inclined downward. The abutment surface 332 is configured to abut against the stop part 14.

[0035] When the spring piece 3 is in the locked state, the second mating part 44 and the fourth mating part 33 engage, and the clamping leg 31, under its own elastic force, generates a large upward rebound force on the operating element 4. This causes the second mating part 44 on the operating element 4 to generate a large force F1 on the engaging surface 331 of the fourth mating part 33 on the trigger leg 32. At this time, the stop part 14 inside the housing 1 limits the contact surface 332 of the fourth mating part 33 and provides a reaction force F2 to counteract the force F1. Thus, when inserting the electrical conductor 5, a very small insertion force can be used to switch the spring piece 3 from the locked state to the state of clamping the electrical conductor 5.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 The spring 3 also includes a retaining leg 34, one end of which is connected to the clamping leg 31, and the other end of which is connected to the triggering leg 32.

[0037] Specifically, one side of the retaining leg 34 is fixedly connected to the conductive plate 2 located inside the housing 1, and the clamping leg 31 abuts against the conductive plate 2 located on the other side inside the housing 1. When the electric conductor 5 is inserted, the clamping leg 31 cooperates with the conductive plate 2 to clamp the electric conductor 5 inside the housing 1.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 The spring 3 also includes a first elastic part 35, one end of which is connected to the clamping leg 31 and the other end of which is connected to the retaining leg 34. The first elastic part 35 is used to provide a resetting elastic force for the clamping leg 31.

[0039] Specifically, the clamping leg 31 extends downward at an angle from one end of the first elastic part 35 toward the insertion channel 11.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 The spring 3 also includes a second elastic part 36. One end of the second elastic part 36 is connected to the retaining leg 34, and the other end of the second elastic part 36 is connected to the trigger leg 32. The second elastic part 36 is used to provide elastic force for the trigger leg 32 to reset.

[0041] Specifically, in the initial state, the trigger leg 32 extends horizontally from the end of the second elastic part 36 away from the retaining leg 34 toward the insertion channel 11, and the trigger leg 32 is perpendicular to the retaining leg 34.

[0042] Specifically, both the second elastic part 36 and the first elastic part 35 are U-shaped structures. The second elastic part 36 also has a through hole in the middle to increase the elasticity of the second elastic part 36.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 The conductive sheet 2 has a support portion 16, which supports the retaining leg 34 and the first elastic portion 35 to fix the spring sheet 3 relative to the housing 1. By providing the support portion 16, stable support can be provided for the retaining leg 34 and the first elastic portion 35, preventing the spring sheet 3 from shifting or deflecting during the swinging of the clamping leg 31.

[0044] Specifically, the support part 16 is located below the blocking part 15.

[0045] In this embodiment, the clamping leg 31, the first elastic part 35, the holding leg 34, the second elastic part 36, the trigger leg 32, and the fourth mating part 33 are integrally arranged.

[0046] refer to Figures 9-11In Embodiment 2, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the trigger leg 32 and the fourth mating part 33 are separately configured. Specifically, the spring 3 also includes a trigger leg sleeve 37, with the fourth mating part 33 protruding from the top surface of the trigger leg sleeve 37 and protruding from the side wall of the trigger leg 32 near the first body 41. The trigger leg sleeve 37 is fitted around the outer periphery of the trigger leg 32 and surrounds at least a portion of the trigger leg 32. When the electrical conductor 5 is inserted into the housing 1, the bottom end of the electrical conductor 5 abuts against the top surface of the trigger leg sleeve 37 to push the trigger leg sleeve 37 and the trigger leg 32 to rotate in the pivot direction.

[0047] Specifically, the trigger leg 32 is rectangular, and the trigger leg sleeve 37 is made of plastic.

[0048] The working principle of the connection terminals in this application is as follows: refer to Figures 4 to 6 When the spring 3 is in the released state and needs to be switched to the locking state, press the operating element 4 to move the operating element 4 downward along the axis of the operating channel 12. When the operating element 4 moves downward, the first mating part 43 disengages from the third mating part 13. At the same time, the operating element 4 pushes the clamping leg 31 to rotate it towards the trigger leg 32 until the operating element 4 moves to the point where the second mating part 44 and the fourth mating part 33 abut against each other. The spring 3 switches to the locking state. At this time, a gap is formed between the clamping leg 31 and the conductive piece 2 for the insertion of the power supply conductor 5.

[0049] refer to Figures 7 to 8 When the spring 3 is in the locked state, the electrical conductor 5 is inserted into the housing 1 in the direction F through the insertion channel 11. The electrical conductor 5 abuts against the trigger leg 32, causing the trigger leg 32 to rotate in the pivot direction. This causes the fourth mating part 33 to move away from the stop part 14 and separate from the second mating part 44, thereby releasing the clamping leg 31. Under the action of its own elastic force, the clamping leg 31 rotates away from the trigger leg 32. On the one hand, this causes the operating element 4 to move upward along the operating channel 12, and on the other hand, it clamps the electrical conductor 5 between the clamping leg 31 and the conductive piece 2, thus achieving a reliable connection between the electrical conductor 5 and the connecting terminal.

[0050] When it is necessary to remove the conductor 5, press the operating element 4 to drive the clamping leg 31 to rotate toward the trigger leg 32, the clamping leg 31 separates from the conductor 5, and then the conductor 5 is removed. At this time, the trigger leg 32 rotates in the opposite direction to the pivoting direction under its own elastic force, the trigger leg 32 resets, the fourth mating part 33 on the trigger leg 32 engages with the second mating part 44, and the fourth mating part 33 abuts against the stop part 14, and the spring piece 3 switches to the locking state.

[0051] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection terminal, comprising: The housing has a plug-in channel and an operating channel. The plug-in channel is used for inserting a power supply conductor to connect the conductor to the connection terminal. A spring clip is disposed within the housing, and the spring clip includes a clamping leg and a trigger leg connected to each other; An operating element is disposed in the operating channel. The operating element is capable of reciprocating along the axial direction of the operating channel to drive the clamping leg to rotate toward or away from the trigger leg, thereby switching the spring piece between a locked state and a released state. A conductive sheet is disposed inside the housing for electrical contact with the electrical conductor; Its features are: A mating mechanism is provided between the operating element and the housing, the mating mechanism having a first mating position corresponding to the locked state and a second mating position corresponding to the released state; When the spring is in the locked state, the engagement mechanism is in the first engagement position, and the operating element and the trigger leg are close to each other; When the spring is in the released state, the engagement mechanism is in the second engagement position, and the operating element is separated from the trigger leg; The spring is configured such that when the spring is in the locking state, the inserted electrical conductor can push the trigger leg, thereby driving the operating element to switch the engagement mechanism from the first engagement position to the second engagement position, and release the clamping leg to clamp the electrical conductor. The spring also includes a fourth mating part, which is connected to the trigger leg. A stop part is provided inside the housing to limit the stroke of the fourth mating part.

2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating element includes a first body and a second body connected to each other, the second body protruding from the first body, and the length of the first body being greater than the length of the second body; the mating mechanism includes a first mating part disposed on the second body, a second mating part disposed on the first body, and a third mating part disposed within the housing.

3. The connecting terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the spring is in the locked state, the second mating part and the fourth mating part cooperate, the fourth mating part abuts against the stop part, and the bottom of the second body abuts against the clamping leg.

4. The connecting terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the spring is in the released state, the first mating part and the third mating part engage, and the bottom of the second body abuts against the clamping leg.

5. The connecting terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fourth mating part protrudes from the side wall of the trigger leg near the first body.

6. The connecting terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second mating part protrudes from the side wall of the first body near the insertion channel and is inclined downwards. The fourth mating part has a snap-fit ​​surface, which is located on the side wall of the fourth mating part near the first body and is inclined downwards. The snap-fit ​​surface is configured to mate with the second mating part.

7. The connecting terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth mating part has an abutting surface located on the side wall of the fourth mating part away from the first body and inclined downward, and the abutting surface is configured to abut against the stop part.

8. The connecting terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger leg and the fourth mating part are integrally formed.

9. The connecting terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger leg and the fourth mating part are separately disposed. The spring sheet also includes a trigger leg sleeve. The fourth mating part protrudes from the trigger leg sleeve, and the trigger leg sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the trigger leg.

10. The connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring also includes a retaining leg, one end of which is connected to the clamping leg, and the other end of which is connected to the triggering leg.

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