Improved terminal for a spring

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of wiring terminals of improved shell fragment, including shell, conducting part and elastic part. Shell interior is equipped with cavity, conducting part is fixed in cavity and is equipped with limit structure, elastic part is by clamping section, transition section, limit section, anchoring section and abutment section head-tail connection and constitutes annular structure with initial opening, in initial state, clamping section and conducting part inner end surface abut, and keep support spacing between with abutment section, wire insertion pushes elastic piece deformation, make clamping section and abutment section contact close opening, form self-tight closed loop structure and generate pre-tightening force, push clamping section tight pressure wire inside, with conducting part jointly constitute three-face limit area. The utility model is through the self-tight closed loop structure of annular elastic piece and conducting part constitute three-face limit area, while realizing excellent anti-vibration and contact reliability, significantly simplify structure, reduce cost and promote miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of terminal block technology, and more particularly to a modified spring-loaded terminal block. Background Technology

[0002] Terminal blocks, as a fundamental electrical connection element, are widely used in power distribution, circuit board connections, and various electronic devices to achieve reliable electrical connections between wires and terminals, or between terminals themselves. Among these, spring-loaded terminal blocks are a mainstream type due to their ease of operation and reliable connection. These terminals typically include a housing, a conductive element housed within the housing, and an elastic element for clamping the wire. By operating the pressing mechanism, the elastic element deforms, opening the clamping space to insert or remove the wire. Releasing the pressing mechanism allows the restoring force of the elastic element to hold the wire onto the conductive element.

[0003] However, existing spring-loaded terminals still have several shortcomings. First, to ensure the stability of the elastic element within the housing and the reliability of the clamping force, complex positioning structures are typically required to fix the elastic element. For example, a boss is stamped on the conductive element, and corresponding positioning holes are made on the elastic element for mating. This type of structure not only increases the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the parts but also occupies valuable internal space of the terminal to some extent, hindering the miniaturization design of the terminal.

[0004] Secondly, and more significantly, the preload of the elastic element in existing terminals relies directly on its linear deformation or simple bending deformation. This preload may decay over long-term use or under vibration, leading to a decrease in the clamping force on the wire. While some designs attempt to enhance clamping by adding components or complex structures, this further exacerbates the issues of structural complexity and cost.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a terminal block design that is simpler and more compact in structure, while providing a stable and strong clamping preload to ensure the long-term reliability of electrical connections, in order to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention proposes an improved spring contact terminal. By using a self-tightening closed-loop structure of a ring-shaped elastic element and a conductive element to form a three-sided limiting zone, this invention achieves excellent vibration resistance and contact reliability while significantly simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and promoting miniaturization.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a modified spring contact terminal block, comprising: The housing has an internal cavity for inserting wires; A conductive component is fixed inside the cavity, and the conductive component is provided with a limiting structure for limiting the outer end face and one side of the wire; One or more elastic elements are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically in the cavity. The elastic element is a ring-shaped elastic structure with an initial opening, which is formed by sequentially connecting a clamping section, a transition section, a limiting section, an anchoring section and an abutment section. In the initial state without the wire inserted, the first end of the clamping section abuts against the inner end face of the conductive element, and there is a support gap between the ends of the clamping section and the abutting section, so that the elastic element remains in the initial open state. When the wire is inserted into the cavity from the side of the housing and pushes against the elastic element, the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation, causing the inner end face of the clamping section to abut against the end of the abutting section, thereby closing the initial opening. This causes the annular elastic structure to generate a pre-tightening force acting on the first end of the clamping section. Under the action of the pre-tightening force, the first end of the clamping section is pressed tightly against one side of the inner end face of the wire. Thus, the limiting structure of the conductive element and the clamping section together form a limiting area for accommodating and clamping the wire.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: This improved spring-loaded terminal effectively solves the problems of complex traditional terminal structures and unstable clamping force through its unique ring-shaped elastic structure design. The elastic element, formed by connecting segments end-to-end to create a ring structure with an initial opening, maintains this opening through support spacing when no wire is inserted, ensuring assembly stability. When a wire is inserted, the deformation of the elastic element causes the clamping and abutting segments to close, forming a self-tightening closed-loop structure and generating a significant preload. This preload acts directly on the clamping segment, pressing it tightly against the inner end face of the wire, and together with the limiting structure of the conductive element, forms a three-sided limiting zone, greatly improving the wire's vibration resistance and contact reliability. The overall structure eliminates additional positioning components, achieving functionality through the deformation of the elastic element itself, simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing costs, and simultaneously achieving a balance between miniaturization and high performance in the terminal.

[0009] As an improvement, the limiting structure of the conductive component includes a horizontal segment located on and abutting the outer end face of the conductor, and a vertical segment connected to the horizontal segment and located on one side of the conductor to limit its movement. The horizontal segment and the vertical segment are perpendicularly connected to each other. The limiting structure of the conductive component adopts an L-shaped limiting angle formed by the perpendicularly connected horizontal segment and the vertical segment. This structural design can simultaneously achieve stable limiting of the conductor from both the end face and the side face of the conductor. The horizontal segment maintains surface contact with the outer end face of the conductor to ensure reliable axial limiting, while the vertical segment effectively constrains the lateral displacement of the conductor.

[0010] As an improvement, the first end of the contact section extends to the other side of the inner end face of the conductor and corresponds to that side. The clamping section and the contact section are linked, so that the conductor is squeezed inward to the first end of the clamping section until the first end of the contact section abuts against the other side of the inner end face of the conductor. This restricts the swaying of the conductor from both sides. The linkage between the contact section and the clamping section forms a two-way limiting mechanism. When the conductor sways after insertion, its inner end face will squeeze the first end of the clamping section until the first end of the contact section abuts against the other side of the inner end face of the conductor. This creates a clamping force from both the inside and outside of the conductor. This two-way cooperative limiting method effectively suppresses the radial swaying and axial movement of the conductor, greatly improving the connection stability of the conductor in a vibration environment. The linkage structure allows the contact section to adaptively adjust its position to ensure effective contact with conductors of different specifications. The entire limiting process is achieved through the deformation of the elastic element itself, without the need for additional parts. This simplifies the structure and achieves a more reliable anti-loosening effect.

[0011] As an improvement, the anchoring section extends symmetrically in the vertical direction and is provided with a locking part. The inner sidewall of the vertical section is provided with a support part corresponding to the limiting block. The opposing end faces of the locking part and the support part are complementary abutting surfaces. The abutting surface of the locking part abuts against the abutting surface of the support part to limit the displacement of the elastic element. The cooperation of the complementary abutting surfaces on the locking part and the support part achieves precise longitudinal positioning. At the same time, the symmetrically extended locking part and the support part on the vertical section form a stable surface contact support, which effectively limits the possible longitudinal forward displacement of the elastic element when the abutting section is pressed. This surface contact limiting method significantly improves the uniformity of force distribution and avoids component damage caused by stress concentration. The complementary abutting surface design ensures the minimization of the fitting gap and eliminates the shaking and abnormal noise that may be generated by the elastic element during operation.

[0012] As an improvement, the terminal block also includes a pressing member that can be slidably inserted into the cavity. The clamping section extends vertically along the length of the conductive element to form an adjusting section. The adjusting section slides against the inner end face of the pressing member. By driving the pressing member to move in a direction perpendicular to the setting direction of the adjusting section, the inner end face of the pressing member presses against the adjusting section, thereby driving the clamping section away from the conductive element to release the wire inserted into the cavity from the side of the housing. The sliding cooperation between the pressing member and the adjusting section achieves efficient transmission of operating force. When the pressing member moves vertically, its inner end face directly acts on the adjusting section extending along the length of the conductive element, converting the operating force into a precise displacement of the clamping section parallel to the conductive element. This vertical-driven horizontal movement transmission method significantly improves operating efficiency. A smaller pressing force is required to drive the clamping section away from the conductive element. The sliding contact method ensures the stability of force transmission and avoids jamming. The entire operating mechanism is compact and does not require complex transmission components. It achieves reliable wire release function in a limited space while maintaining the overall miniaturization of the terminal block.

[0013] As an improvement, the cavity is equipped with a mounting groove for accommodating the elastic element. A positioning rib protrudes from the bottom of the mounting groove corresponding to the transition section. The transition section is arc-shaped, and the side of the positioning rib facing the transition section forms an arc-shaped limiting surface that matches the shape of the transition section. The sidewall of the mounting groove forms a positioning mating surface opposite to the arc-shaped limiting surface. The transition section is housed in the positioning space formed between the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface. The sides of the transition section are respectively fitted with the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface to achieve radial positioning of the elastic element. The double fit between the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface achieves precise radial constraint on the elastic element. The complete fit between the arc-shaped limiting surface and the arc-shaped transition section ensures uniform force distribution and effectively prevents stress concentration. The positioning space formed by the positioning rib and the sidewall of the mounting groove ensures that the elastic element always maintains its optimal working posture, avoiding poor contact caused by misalignment. This surface contact positioning has higher stability than traditional point-line contact and can significantly improve the product's vibration and impact resistance. The overall structure simplifies the assembly process while ensuring positioning accuracy, and precise positioning can be achieved through simple push-in installation.

[0014] As an improvement, a limiting through hole is provided in the middle of the limiting section, and a limiting protrusion is provided on the side wall of the mounting groove corresponding to the limiting through hole. The upper and lower ends of the limiting protrusion abut against the upper and lower ends of the limiting through hole, respectively, to restrict the movement of the elastic element in the mounting groove along its height direction. The mechanical interlocking method of the limiting through hole and the limiting protrusion achieves precise constraint on the vertical direction of the elastic element. The double abutment between the limiting protrusion and the upper and lower end faces of the limiting through hole forms a two-way mechanical stop, which effectively suppresses the up-and-down movement of the elastic element that may occur under vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modified spring contact terminal structure; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the wiring terminal structure of an improved spring after the pressing component is removed; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the improved shrapnel structure; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a modified spring contact terminal structure after inserting a wire; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a modified spring-loaded terminal structure for wire swaying; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural fit between the engaging part and the supporting part; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the limiting through hole and the limiting protrusion structure.

[0016] The markings in the above figures are as follows: 1. Shell; 1.1. Cavity; 1.1.1. Mounting groove; 1.1.2. Positioning rib; 1.1.3. Limiting protrusion; 2. Conductive component; 2.1. Horizontal section; 2.2. Vertical section; 2.2.1. Supporting part; 3. Elastic component; 3.1. Clamping section; 3.2. Transition section; 3.3. Limiting section; 3.3.1. Limiting through hole; 3.4. Anchoring section; 3.4.1. Engaging part; 3.5. Abutting section; 3.6. Adjusting section; 4. Pressing component; 5. Wire. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "planar direction", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a modified spring contact terminal includes a housing 1, a conductive element 2, and two elastic elements 3. The housing 1 has a cavity 1.1 for inserting a wire 5. The conductive element 2 is fixed within the cavity 1.1 and has a limiting structure for limiting the outer end face and one side of the wire 5. One or more elastic elements 3 are symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged within the cavity 1.1. Each elastic element 3 is a ring-shaped elastic structure with an initial opening, formed by sequentially connecting a clamping section 3.1, a transition section 3.2, a limiting section 3.3, an anchoring section 3.4, and an abutment section 3.5. In the initial state before the wire 5 is inserted, the first end of the clamping section 3.1 is in contact with the conductive element 2. The inner end faces abut against each other, and there is a support gap between the ends of the clamping section 3.1 and the abutting section 3.5, so that the elastic element 3 is kept in the initial open state. When the wire 5 is inserted into the cavity 1.1 from the side of the housing 1 and pushes against the elastic element 3, the elastic element 3 undergoes elastic deformation, causing the inner end face of the clamping section 3.1 to abut against the end of the abutting section 3.5, thereby closing the initial opening. This causes the annular elastic structure to generate a pre-tightening force acting on the head end of the clamping section 3.1. Under the action of the pre-tightening force, the head end of the clamping section 3.1 is pressed tightly against one side of the inner end face of the wire 5. Thus, the limiting structure of the conductive element 2 and the clamping section together form a limiting area for accommodating and clamping the wire 5.

[0019] The limiting structure of the conductive element 2 includes a horizontal segment 2.1 located on the outer end face of the conductor 5 and abutting thereto, and a vertical segment 2.2 connected to the horizontal segment 2.1 and located on one side of the conductor 5 and limiting thereto. The horizontal segment 2.1 and the vertical segment 2.2 are perpendicularly connected to each other.

[0020] The terminal block also includes a pressing member 4 that is slidably inserted into the cavity 1.1. The clamping section 3.1 extends vertically along the length of the conductive member 2 to form an adjusting section 3.6. The adjusting section 3.6 slides against the inner end face of the pressing member 4. By driving the pressing member 4 to move in a direction perpendicular to the setting direction of the adjusting section 3.6, the inner end face of the pressing member 4 presses the adjusting section 3.6, thereby driving the clamping section 3.1 away from the conductive member 2 to release the wire 5 inserted into the cavity 1.1 from the side of the housing 1.

[0021] The cavity 1.1 is provided with a mounting groove 1.1.1 for accommodating the elastic element 3. The bottom surface of the mounting groove 1.1.1 is provided with a positioning rib 1.1.2 protruding from the transition section 3.2. The transition section 3.2 is arc-shaped. The side of the positioning rib 1.1.2 facing the transition section 3.2 is an arc-shaped limiting surface that matches the shape of the transition section 3.2. The side wall of the mounting groove 1.1.1 forms a positioning mating surface that is opposite to the arc-shaped limiting surface. The transition section 3.2 is accommodated in the positioning space formed between the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface. The side surface of the transition section 3.2 is in contact with the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface respectively to achieve radial positioning of the elastic element 3.

[0022] like Figure 5 As shown, the first end of the abutting section 3.5 extends to the other side of the inner end face of the conductor 5 and corresponds to that side. The clamping section 3.1 and the abutting section 3.5 are linked together, so that the conductor 5 is pressed inward to the first end of the clamping section 3.1 until the first end of the abutting section 3.5 abuts against the other side of the inner end face of the conductor 5, thereby restricting the shaking of the conductor 5 from both sides.

[0023] like Figure 6 As shown, the anchoring section 3.4 extends symmetrically in the vertical direction and is provided with a locking part 3.4.1. The inner sidewall of the vertical section 2.2 protrudes from the corresponding limiting block and is provided with a supporting part 2.2.1. The opposing end faces of the locking part 3.4.1 and the supporting part 2.2.1 are complementary abutting surfaces. The abutting surface of the locking part 3.4.1 abuts against the abutting surface of the supporting part 2.2.1 to limit the displacement of the elastic member 3.

[0024] like Figure 7As shown, a limiting through hole 3.3.1 is provided in the middle of the limiting section 3.3, and a limiting protrusion 1.1.3 is provided on the side wall of the mounting groove 1.1.1 corresponding to the protrusion of the limiting through hole 3.3.1. The upper and lower ends of the limiting protrusion 1.1.3 abut against the upper and lower ends of the limiting through hole 3.3.1 respectively, so as to restrict the movement of the elastic member 3 along its height direction in the mounting groove 1.1.1.

[0025] In the initial state before the wire 5 is inserted, the first end of the clamping section 3.1 abuts against the inner end face of the conductive member 2, and there is a support gap between the end of the clamping section 3.1 and the end of the abutting section 3.5, so that the elastic member 3 remains in the initial open state.

[0026] When the conductor 5 is inserted, the end of the conductor 5 pushes the clamping section 3.1 of the elastic element 3, causing the elastic element 3 to undergo elastic deformation. The support distance between the clamping section 3.1 and the abutment section 3.5 gradually decreases until the inner end face of the clamping section 3.1 abuts against the end of the abutment section 3.5, closing the initial opening of the ring structure. After the ring structure is closed, a pre-tightening force is generated, driving the first end of the clamping section 3.1 to press tightly against the inner end face of the conductor 5. Together with the horizontal section 2.1 and the vertical section 2.2 of the conductive element 2, it forms a three-sided limiting area, realizing the stable clamping of the conductor 5.

[0027] When conductor 5 sways, it causes the head end of clamping section 3.1 to be pressed inward until the head end of abutting section 3.5 abuts against the other side of the inner end face of conductor 5, thereby restricting the swaying of conductor 5 from both sides. In the clamped state, the anchoring section 3.4 of the elastic element 3 abuts against the supporting part 2.2.1 on the vertical section 2.2 of the conductive element 2 through the engaging part 3.4.1. The complementary abutting surfaces effectively restrict the displacement of the elastic element 3. At the same time, the positioning rib 1.1.2 in the mounting groove 1.1.1 fits against the transition section 3.2 through the arc-shaped limiting surface, and cooperates with the positioning mating surface of the side wall of the mounting groove 1.1.1 to achieve radial positioning of the elastic element 3. The upper and lower ends of the limiting through hole 3.3.1 on the limiting section 3.3 abut against the upper and lower ends of the limiting protrusion 1.1.3 on the side wall of the mounting groove 1.1.1, respectively, to prevent the elastic element 3 from moving along its height direction in the mounting groove 1.1.1.

[0028] When the wire 5 is released, the pressing member 4 moves in the vertical direction, and its inner end face presses the adjusting section 36 formed by the extension of the clamping section 3.1. Since the adjusting section 3.6 and the clamping section 3.1 are an integral structure, the pressure transmission causes the clamping section 3.1 to move away from the conductive member 2, releasing the clamping force on the wire 5. At this time, the annular elastic structure returns to its initial open state, and the wire 5 can be taken out from the limiting area. Throughout the process, each segment of the elastic member 3 remains linked to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

[0029] The above description only illustrates the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and variations in its specific structure are permitted. All modifications made within the scope of the independent claims of this invention are also within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A modified spring contact terminal block, characterized in that, include: The housing has an internal cavity for inserting wires; A conductive component is fixed inside the cavity, and the conductive component is provided with a limiting structure for limiting the outer end face and one side of the wire; One or more elastic elements are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically in the cavity. The elastic element is a ring-shaped elastic structure with an initial opening, which is formed by sequentially connecting a clamping section, a transition section, a limiting section, an anchoring section and an abutment section. In the initial state without the wire inserted, the first end of the clamping segment abuts against the inner end face of the conductive element, and there is a support gap between the ends of the clamping segment and the abutting segment, so that the elastic element remains in the initial open state. When the wire is inserted into the cavity from the side of the housing and pushes against the elastic element, the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation, causing the inner end face of the clamping section to abut against the end of the abutting section, thereby closing the initial opening. This causes the annular elastic structure to generate a pre-tightening force acting on the first end of the clamping section. Under the action of the pre-tightening force, the first end of the clamping section is pressed tightly against one side of the inner end face of the wire. Thus, the limiting structure of the conductive element and the clamping section together form a limiting area for accommodating and clamping the wire.

2. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure of the conductive element includes a horizontal segment located on and abutting the outer end face of the conductor, and a vertical segment connected to the horizontal segment, located on one side of the conductor, and limiting it. The horizontal segment and the vertical segment are perpendicularly connected to each other.

3. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the abutting section extends to the other side of the inner end face of the conductor and corresponds to that side. The clamping section and the abutting section are linked together, so that the conductor is pressed inward to the first end of the clamping section until the first end of the abutting section abuts against the other side of the inner end face of the conductor, thereby restricting the swaying of the conductor from both sides.

4. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anchoring section extends symmetrically in the vertical direction and is provided with a locking part. The inner sidewall of the vertical section is provided with a supporting part protruding from the limiting block. The opposing end faces of the locking part and the supporting part are complementary abutting surfaces. The abutting surface of the locking part abuts against the abutting surface of the supporting part to limit the displacement of the elastic element.

5. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal block also includes a pressing member that can be slidably inserted into the cavity. The clamping section extends vertically along the length of the conductive member to form an adjusting section. The adjusting section slides against the inner end face of the pressing member. By driving the pressing member to move in a direction perpendicular to the setting direction of the adjusting section, the inner end face of the pressing member presses the adjusting section, thereby driving the clamping section away from the conductive member to release the wire inserted into the cavity from the side of the housing.

6. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the elastic element. The bottom surface of the mounting groove is provided with a positioning rib protruding from the transition section. The transition section is arc-shaped. The side of the positioning rib facing the transition section is an arc-shaped limiting surface that matches the shape of the transition section. The side wall of the mounting groove forms a positioning mating surface that is opposite to the arc-shaped limiting surface. The transition section is accommodated in the positioning space formed between the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface. The side surface of the transition section is respectively in contact with the arc-shaped limiting surface and the positioning mating surface to achieve radial positioning of the elastic element.

7. The improved spring contact terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The middle part of the limiting section is provided with a limiting through hole, and the side wall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting protrusion corresponding to the limiting through hole. The upper and lower ends of the limiting protrusion abut against the upper and lower ends of the limiting through hole, respectively, to restrict the movement of the elastic element in the mounting groove along its height direction.

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