Quick connect terminal block

Abstract

A quick connection terminal block includes a first base assembly having a plurality of wire slots, a second base assembly coupled to the first base assembly, and a locking member located on one side of each wire slot and including a fixed structure, a locking arm structure, and an unlocking structure. The fixed structure is fixed to one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly. The locking arm structure extends from the fixed structure and is buckled to the other of the first base assembly and the second base assembly to lock the first base assembly and the second base assembly. The unlocking structure extends from the fixed structure and pushes the locking arm structure to unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly when the unlocking structure is pressed. Thus, the unlocking structure is effectively simplified and the space of the wire slots is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a terminal block, and more particularly to a quick-connect terminal block. Background Technology

[0002] Quick-connect terminal blocks primarily separate the terminal block and the circuit board end into two components. The terminal block can be quickly assembled onto the circuit board end, which is soldered and fixed to the circuit board. Multiple wires are then inserted into the terminal block to form an electrical connection with the circuit board. This gives quick-connect terminal blocks the advantages of easy assembly and space saving. Generally, the terminal block and circuit board end are locked together using interlocking latches or hook-and-loop latches. However, interlocking latches make quick-connect terminal blocks difficult to disassemble and maintain. Hook-and-loop latches typically rely on a lever inside the terminal block for unlocking, which not only makes the internal structure of the terminal block overly complex but also occupies space in the wiring slot, reducing the number of wires that can be connected within a given volume.

[0003] In view of this, the inventor has devoted himself to research and applied theoretical principles to address the shortcomings of the prior art, and has made every effort to solve the above-mentioned problems, which is the target of the inventor's improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to effectively simplify the unlocking structure of quick-connect terminal blocks and avoid occupying the space of the wiring slot.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a quick-connect terminal block, including a first base assembly, a second base assembly, and a locking member. The first base assembly has a plurality of wiring slots extending along a plugging direction. The second base assembly is detachably assembled to the first base assembly along the plugging direction. The locking member is located on one side of each wiring slot and includes a fixing structure, a locking arm structure, and an unlocking structure. The fixing structure is fixed to one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the plugging direction. The locking arm structure extends from the fixing structure and engages with the other of the first base assembly and the second base assembly to lock the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the plugging direction. The unlocking structure extends from the fixing structure. When the unlocking structure is pressed, the unlocking structure pushes the locking arm structure to unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing structure includes a tenon, and one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a slot, and the tenon is secured in the slot.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing structure further includes a connecting crossbar, and the locking arm structure and the unlocking structure extend from the connecting crossbar respectively.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing structure further includes an extension rod extending from the connecting crossbar, and a latch extending from the extension rod.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking arm structure includes an elastic arm and a hook. The elastic arm extends from the fixed structure, and the hook is disposed on one side of the elastic arm to fasten the first base assembly or the second base assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a snap-fit ​​groove, and a hook is snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a stop block, and a hook is engaged with the stop block.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the unlocking structure includes a swing arm, a pressure receiving part and a pushing part. The swing arm extends from the fixed structure, the pressure receiving part extends from the swing arm by bending, and the pushing part extends from the pressure receiving part to the side of the elastic arm where the hook is provided. When the pressure receiving part is pressed, the pressure receiving part moves relative to the fixed structure through the swing arm to drive the pushing part to push the locking arm structure and unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pushing part has a pushing slope, and the locking arm structure has a guiding slope. The pushing slope is formed on the side of the pushing part facing the locking arm structure, and the guiding slope is formed on the side of the locking arm structure facing the pushing part. When the pressed part is pressed, the pushing part pushes the locking arm structure by abutting the guiding slope through the pushing slope.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking component includes two locking arm structures, each locking arm structure being symmetrically arranged on one side of the fixed structure, the swing arm being located between the locking arm structures, and the unlocking structure including two pushing parts, each pushing part extending from the pressure-bearing part toward each locking arm structure.

[0015] The quick-connect terminal block of this utility model has a locking member located on one side of each wiring slot, and its fixing structure is fixed to one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the insertion direction. The other of the first base assembly and the second base assembly is fastened by a locking arm structure extending from the fixing structure to lock the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the insertion direction. When the unlocking structure is pressed, the locking arm structure can be pushed to unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly, thereby effectively simplifying the unlocking structure of the quick-connect terminal block of this utility model and avoiding occupying the space of the wiring slot. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the first base assembly and locking component of the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the locking component according to the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional front view of the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a usage state diagram (I) of the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a usage state diagram (II) of the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the locking component according to the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional front view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a usage state diagram of the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0028] 100: First base component

[0029] 110: First insulating shell

[0030] 111: Wiring slot

[0031] 112: Adjustment slot

[0032] 113: Adjustment parts

[0033] 114: Card slot

[0034] 120: First terminal

[0035] 200: Second base assembly

[0036] 210: Second insulating shell

[0037] 211: Socket

[0038] 212: Stop

[0039] 220: Second terminal

[0040] 300: Locking component

[0041] 310: Fixed structure

[0042] 311: Connecting crossbar

[0043] 312: Extension rod

[0044] 313: Clamp

[0045] 320: Locking arm structure

[0046] 321: Flexible Arm

[0047] 322: Hook

[0048] 323: Guide ramp

[0049] 330: Unlock Structure

[0050] 331: Swing Arm

[0051] 332: Pressure-bearing part

[0052] 333: Pushing part

[0053] 333A: Pushing against the inclined plane

[0054] D: Connection direction Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "front side", "rear side", "left side", "right side", "front end", "rear end", "end", "longitudinal", "lateral", "vertical", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting conditions of this utility model.

[0056] As used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and “fifth” describe various components, parts, regions, hierarchies, and / or sections, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, hierarchy, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and “fifth” herein does not imply order or sequence.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, terms such as "substantially" and "approximately" are used to describe and narrate small changes. When combined with an event or situation, the term may include the exact moment the event or situation occurred, or an approximate point in time. For example, when combined with a numerical value, the term may include a range of variation less than or equal to ±10% of that value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0058] The detailed description and technical content of this utility model will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0059] This utility model provides a quick-connect terminal block that allows multiple wires (not shown in the figure) to be inserted and connected. Please refer to [the following text is missing from the original] first. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the first embodiment of the quick-connect terminal block of this utility model includes a first base assembly 100, a second base assembly 200, and a locking member 300.

[0060] The first base assembly 100 includes a first insulating housing 110 and a plurality of first terminals 120 disposed within the first insulating housing 110. The first base assembly 100 has a plurality of wiring slots 111 for inserting various wires. Specifically, each wiring slot 111 extends inward from the top of the first insulating housing 110 along an insertion direction D (i.e., vertical direction), and the wiring slots 111 are arranged equidistantly or in a matrix. Each first terminal 120 is disposed within each wiring slot 111, allowing each wire to form a contact connection with each first terminal 120 after insertion into the wiring slot 111. Furthermore, a plurality of adjustment slots 112 are formed on the front side of the first insulating housing 110. Each adjustment slot 112 communicates with each wiring slot 111. Each adjustment slot 112 accommodates an adjustment member 113 (e.g., a bolt), and each adjustment member 113 abuts against one side of the corresponding first terminal 120. The user can clamp or release the corresponding wire by rotating the adjusting member 113.

[0061] The second base assembly 200 includes a second insulating housing 210 and a plurality of second terminals 220 disposed within the second insulating housing 210. The second base assembly 200 is detachably connected to the first base assembly 100 along the insertion direction D. In this embodiment, the bottom of the first insulating housing 110 of the first base assembly 100 is male (protrusion), while the top of the second insulating housing 210 of the second connecting assembly is female (groove), thus the first base assembly 100 can be inserted into the second base assembly 200, but this invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bottom of the first insulating housing 110 of the first base assembly 100 may also be female, while the top of the second insulating housing 210 of the second connecting assembly may be male for insertion into the first base assembly 100. When the second base assembly 200 is connected to the first base assembly 100 along the insertion direction D, each second terminal 220 of the second base assembly can form a connection with each first terminal 120 of the first base assembly 100, that is, each second terminal 220 can form a connection with each corresponding wire through each first terminal 120.

[0062] The locking member 300 is located on one side of each wiring slot 111. In this embodiment, the locking member 300 is located on the front side of the first insulating housing 110 and each wiring slot 111, but this utility model is not limited thereto. The locking member 300 includes a fixing structure 310, at least one locking arm structure 320, and an unlocking structure 330. The fixing structure 310 is fixed to one of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 along the insertion direction D. In this embodiment, the locking member 300 is fixed in the first base assembly 100 by the fixing structure 310, but in other embodiments, the locking member 300 may also be fixed in the second base assembly 200 by the fixing structure 310. The locking arm structure 320 extends from the fixing structure 310 and is engaged with the other of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200, thereby locking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 along the insertion direction D. In this embodiment, the fixing structure 310 is fixed to the first base assembly 100, and the locking member 300 is fastened to the second base assembly 200, thereby locking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200. However, in other embodiments, the fixing structure 310 may also be fixed to the second base assembly 200, and the locking member 300 may be fastened to the first base assembly 100. The unlocking structure 330 extends from the fixing structure 310. When the unlocking structure 330 is pressed, it can push the locking arm structure 320 to disengage it from the corresponding fastened first base assembly 100 or second base assembly 200, thereby unlocking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200.

[0063] Further explanation: The fixing structure 310 includes a connecting crossbar 311, at least one extension rod 312, and at least one latch 313, and one of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 has at least one slot 114. In this embodiment, the number of extension rods 312, latches 313, and slots 114 are all two and symmetrically arranged, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For ease of description, the following description will only use a single extension rod 312, a single latch 313, and a single slot 114, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. The extension rod 312 extends from the connecting crossbar 311 generally along the insertion direction D, and the latch 313 extends from the extension rod 312 and is generally parallel to the connecting crossbar 311, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, since the fixing structure 310 in this embodiment is fixed to the first base assembly 100, the first insulating housing 110 of the first base assembly 100 has the slot 114 in this embodiment. The tenon 313 is secured in the slot 114 along a direction intersecting the insertion direction D, thereby preventing the tenon 313 from disengaging from the slot 114 along the insertion direction D or its reverse direction, and thus preventing the locking member 300 from disengaging from the first base assembly 100 along the insertion direction D or its reverse direction.

[0064] In this embodiment, there are two locking arm structures 320, which are symmetrically arranged on one side of the fixed structure 310, but this utility model is not limited thereto. Specifically, each locking arm structure 320 and unlocking structure 330 extends from the connecting crossbar 311 of the fixed structure 310 along the insertion direction D, and the unlocking structure 330 is located between each locking arm structure 320, but this utility model is not limited thereto. For ease of explanation, the following description uses a single locking arm structure 320, but this is not intended to limit this utility model. One of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 has a latching groove 211. Since the locking member 300 in this embodiment is latched to the second base assembly 200, the part with the latching groove 211 in this embodiment is the second insulating shell 210 of the second base assembly 200, and the latching groove 211 corresponds to the locking member 300 being located on the front side of the second insulating shell 210. The locking arm structure 320 includes an elastic arm 321 and a hook 322. The elastic arm 321 extends from the connecting crossbar 311 of the fixing structure 310 along the insertion direction D. A latch 322 is provided on one side of the elastic arm 321 to engage the first base assembly 100 or the second base assembly 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, the latch 322 is located on the side of the elastic arm 321 away from the unlocking structure 330 (the outer side of the elastic arm 321), and the latch 322 engages within the latching groove 211 of the second insulating housing 210, thereby locking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 along the insertion direction D.

[0065] Further explanation: The unlocking structure 330 includes a swing arm 331, a pressure receiving portion 332, and at least one pushing portion 333. The swing arm 331 extends from the connecting crossbar 311 of the fixing structure 310 along the insertion direction D, and the swing arm 331 is located between each locking arm structure 320. The pressure receiving portion 332 bends and extends from the swing arm 331 in a direction away from the first insulating housing 110. Therefore, when the user presses the pressure receiving portion 332 of the unlocking structure 330, the pressure receiving portion 332 can move towards the first insulating housing 110 via the swing arm 331. In this embodiment, there are two pushing portions 333, which are symmetrically arranged on the pressure receiving portion 332, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For ease of explanation, the following description uses only a single pushing portion 333, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. Each pushing portion 333 extends from the pressure receiving portion 332 to the side of the corresponding elastic arm 321 where the hook 322 is provided. Specifically, since the hook 322 in this embodiment is located on the side of the elastic arm 321 away from the unlocking structure 330 (the outer side of the elastic arm 321), the pushing part 333 extends from the pressure-receiving part 332 to the corresponding side of the elastic arm 321 away from the unlocking structure 330 (the outer side of the elastic arm 321). That is, the locking arm structure 320 is located between the swing arm 331 and the corresponding pushing part 333. Thus, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the user presses the pressure part 332 of the unlocking structure 330, the pressure part 332 can move relative to the fixed structure 310 toward the first insulating shell 110 via the swing arm 331, thereby driving the push part 333 to push the locking arm structure 320 toward the swing arm 331 to retract inward, so that the hook 322 disengages from the latch groove 211, thereby unlocking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 to separate the two along the insertion direction D.

[0066] Furthermore, the pushing part 333 has a pushing ramp 333A, and the locking arm structure 320 has a guiding ramp 323. The pushing ramp 333A is formed on the side of the pushing part 333 facing the locking arm structure 320, and the guiding ramp 323 is formed on the side of the locking arm structure 320 facing the pushing part 333. In other words, the pushing ramp 333A of the pushing part 333 and the guiding ramp 323 of the corresponding locking arm structure 320 are opposite to each other and are substantially parallel to each other. Thus, when the user presses the pressure portion 332 of the unlocking structure 330 to move it toward the first insulating housing 110, the pushing part 333 can abut against the guiding ramp 323 of the corresponding locking arm structure 320 through the pushing ramp 333A, thereby pushing the locking arm structure 320 toward the swing arm 331 to achieve unlocking.

[0067] It is worth mentioning that, since the locking member 300 is located on the front side of the first insulating housing 110 and each wiring slot 111, and the locking member 300 is also offset from each adjustment slot 112, the user can easily operate the locking member 300 or each adjustment member 113 from the same side. Furthermore, the setting of the locking member 300 does not affect the configuration of each wiring slot 111 and each adjustment slot 112, thereby maximizing the number of wires that can be connected without sacrificing the space of at least one wiring slot 111. In addition, because the structure of the locking member 300 is simple, it does not excessively increase the structural complexity of the first insulating housing 110 and the second insulating housing 210. Moreover, since the user only needs to press the pressure portion 332 of the unlocking structure 330 to unlock, the quick-connect terminal block of this invention can be operated and unlocked in confined spaces, thereby effectively increasing the applicable scenarios and applicability.

[0068] Please continue reading. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the second embodiment of the quick-connect terminal block of this utility model differs from the first embodiment mainly in the specific structure of the locking member 300, and one of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 has at least one stop 212 instead of a latching groove 211, as detailed below. It is worth noting that the number of stop 212s in this embodiment is the same as the number of latching grooves 211 in the first embodiment, which is two. For ease of explanation, only a single stop 212 will be described below, but this is not intended to limit the utility model; it is stated above.

[0069] In this embodiment, each hook 322 is located on the side of the corresponding elastic arm 321 facing the unlocking structure 330 (inner side of the elastic arm 321). Since the tenon 313 of the fixing structure 310 is still fixed in the slot 114 of the first insulating housing 110, the second insulating housing 210 of the second base assembly 200 has the stop 212. The hook 322 of the locking arm structure 320 is engaged with the bottom of the stop 212 of the second insulating housing 210, thereby locking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 along the insertion direction D. In addition, since the hook 322 in this embodiment is located on the side of the corresponding elastic arm 321 facing the unlocking structure 330 (inner side of the elastic arm 321), the pushing part 333 extends from the pressure part 332 to the side of the corresponding elastic arm 321 facing the unlocking structure 330 (inner side of the elastic arm 321), that is, the pushing part 333 is located between the swing arm 331 and the corresponding locking arm structure 320. Therefore, as Figure 11As shown, when the user presses the pressure part 332 in this embodiment to move it toward the first insulating housing 110, the pushing part 333 can abut against the guide slope 323 of the corresponding locking arm structure 320 through the pushing slope 333A, thereby pushing the locking arm structure 320 outward away from the swing arm 331 to make the hook 322 disengage from the stop block 212, thereby unlocking the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200.

[0070] The quick-connect terminal block of this utility model has a locking member 300 located on one side of each wiring slot 111, and its fixing structure 310 is fixed along the insertion direction D to one of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200. The locking arm structure 320 extending from the fixing structure 310 engages with the other of the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 to lock the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200 along the insertion direction D. When the unlocking structure 330 is pressed, the locking arm structure 320 can be pushed to unlock the first base assembly 100 and the second base assembly 200. This effectively simplifies the unlocking structure 330 of the quick-connect terminal block of this utility model and avoids occupying the space of the wiring slot 111.

[0071] In summary, the foregoing disclosure of this utility model is intended to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand the technical content of this utility model and implement it accordingly, and is not intended to limit the scope of patent protection of this utility model. In addition, this utility model may have other embodiments not listed. Without departing from the spirit and essence of this utility model, those skilled in the art should be able to devise various corresponding changes and modifications based on this utility model, but all such changes and modifications should fall within the scope of protection of the patent application filed for this utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-connect terminal block, characterized in that, include: A first base assembly having a plurality of wiring slots extending along a plugging direction; A second base assembly, detachably assembled to the first base assembly along the insertion direction; and A locking component is located on one side of each of the wiring slots and includes a fixing structure, a locking arm structure and an unlocking structure. The fixing structure is fixed to one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the insertion direction. The locking arm structure extends from the fixing structure and engages with the other of the first base assembly and the second base assembly to lock the first base assembly and the second base assembly along the insertion direction. The unlocking structure extends from the fixing structure. When the unlocking structure is pressed, the unlocking structure pushes the locking arm structure to unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly.

2. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing structure includes a tenon, and one of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a slot, wherein the tenon is secured in the slot.

3. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing structure also includes a connecting crossbar, from which the locking arm structure and the unlocking structure extend respectively.

4. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing structure also includes an extension rod extending from the connecting crossbar, and the latch extending from the extension rod.

5. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking arm structure includes an elastic arm and a hook. The elastic arm extends from the fixed structure, and the hook is disposed on one side of the elastic arm to fasten the first base assembly or the second base assembly.

6. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 5, characterized in that, One of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a snap-fit ​​groove, and the hook is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove.

7. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 5, characterized in that, One of the first base assembly and the second base assembly has a stop block, and the hook is engaged with the stop block.

8. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The unlocking structure includes a swing arm, a pressure receiving part, and a pushing part. The swing arm extends from the fixed structure, the pressure receiving part extends from the swing arm by bending, and the pushing part extends from the pressure receiving part to the side of the elastic arm where the hook is provided. When the pressure receiving part is pressed, the pressure receiving part moves relative to the fixed structure through the swing arm to drive the pushing part to push the locking arm structure and unlock the first base assembly and the second base assembly.

9. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The pushing part has a pushing slope, and the locking arm structure has a guiding slope. The pushing slope is formed on the side of the pushing part facing the locking arm structure, and the guiding slope is formed on the side of the locking arm structure facing the pushing part. When the pressed part is pressed, the pushing part pushes the locking arm structure by abutting the guiding slope through the pushing slope.

10. The quick-connect terminal block as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The locking component includes two locking arm structures, each of which is symmetrically arranged on one side of the fixed structure. The swing arm is located between the locking arm structures. The unlocking structure includes two pushing parts, each of which extends from the pressure-bearing part toward the locking arm structure.

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