Terminal block structure and connection module for it

Abstract

Terminal block structure, which includes: an insulating base body (1) comprising a chamber (11) which is extended by two fastening blocks (12) in the chamber (11) and two wiring recesses (14) which are connected to and arranged next to the chamber (11); and a connection module (2) which is included in the chamber (11) and which comprises: a fixed connection (21) comprising a transverse plate (211) shaped to correspond to a lower edge of each wiring recess (14), and two upright plates (212) extending upwards from two ends of the transverse plate (211), the two upright plates (212) being bent outwards by two elastic support arms (213) bearing against the two fastening blocks (12); and two operable terminals (22) which are located on the two elastic support arms (213) and on the two mounting blocks (12), wherein an outer end of each operable terminal (22) is extended by an operable plate (223) which is formed outside each upright plate (212) and blocks between each wiring recess (14) and the chamber (11), and wherein an inner end is extended by a stop plate (222) which is formed to correspond to each operable plate (223).

Description

BACKGROUND Technical area

[0001] The disclosure relates to a connection structure, in particular a terminal block structure and a connection module for it. Related area

[0002] A terminal block is a common connection component widely used in industrial communication with large amounts of data and close integration between devices to improve the electrical power industry with reliability and safety of power systems and industrial control with higher automation.

[0003] A terminal block structure of the related field comprises a plastic frame and a connection module mounted within the plastic frame. The connection module includes an upper elastic plate and a lower elastic plate, which are attached to two sides of the plastic frame. One end of the upper elastic plate has a free end that rests against the lower elastic plate. When a wire or cable is inserted between the free end of the upper elastic plate and the lower elastic plate, the free end of the upper elastic plate can spring back towards the lower elastic plate, causing the wire or cable to be clamped between the free end of the upper elastic plate and the lower elastic plate, thus establishing an electrical connection between the wire or cable and both the upper and lower elastic plates.

[0004] However, it is commonly observed that a flat object, such as a screwdriver, is inserted between the upper elastic plate and the plastic frame, or that an additional tongue is movably or rotatably attached to the upper elastic plate to force the free end of the upper elastic plate away from the lower elastic plate. Since plastic has less tensile strength than metal, the upper elastic plate can easily be moved downwards to leave the installed position of the plastic frame. This increases the friction between the upper elastic plate and the plastic frame, which affects the wiring speed and the operation of the terminal block the next time the upper elastic plate is pressed.

[0005] In light of this, the inventors dedicated themselves to the aforementioned state of the art, conducted intensive research, and collaborated with scientific practitioners to attempt to solve the problems mentioned above. Ultimately, they developed an invention that is both practical and effective in overcoming these disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0006] The disclosure provides a terminal block structure and a connection module for this purpose, which utilize the operable connection so that it rests against the elastic support arm of the fixed connection in order to cause the operable connection to remain in its original position after long-term use without deflection, in order to achieve the advantages of the terminal block structure and connection module with long-term stable wiring speed and long-term stable operation.

[0007] According to embodiments of the disclosure, the disclosure provides a terminal block structure comprising: an insulating base body having a chamber extended by two mounting blocks in the chamber and two wiring recesses connected to the chamber formed thereon; and a connection terminal module received in the chamber comprising: a fixed terminal comprising a transverse plate formed corresponding to a lower edge of each wiring recess and two upright plates extended upward by two ends of the transverse plate, the two upright plates being bent outwards by two elastic support arms bearing against the two mounting blocks;and two operable terminals that abut the two elastic support arms and the two mounting blocks, wherein an outer end of each operable terminal is extended by an operable plate formed outside each upright plate and blocked between each wiring trough and the chamber, and an inner end is extended by a stop plate formed corresponding to each operable plate.

[0008] According to embodiments of the disclosure, the disclosure provides a connection module comprising: a fixed connection having a transverse plate and two upright plates extended upwards by two ends of the transverse plate, the two upright plates being bent outwards with two elastic support arms; and two operable connections abutting the two elastic support arms, an outer end of each operable connection being extended by an operable plate formed outside each upright plate and an inner end being extended by a stop plate formed corresponding to each operable plate.

[0009] As a result, the operable connection rests against the elastic support arm of the fixed connection. Since the metal material of the elastic support arm has better structural strength than the plastic material when the operable plate is pushed inwards, the operable connection exerts pressure on the elastic support arm. However, the strength of the elastic support arm is increased, making it difficult to rotate the operable connection and deflect it from its original position. This ensures that the operable connection remains in its original position without deflection even after long-term use, thus achieving the advantages of the terminal block structure and the connection module with long-term stable wiring speed and operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the connection module of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the clamping block structure of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is an assembled perspective view of the clamping block structure of the revelation; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping block structure of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view of the usage status of the terminal block structure of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is another schematic view of the usage status of the clamping block structure of the disclosure; Fig. 7 is yet another schematic view of the usage status of the clamping block structure of the disclosure; and Fig. Figure 8 is yet another schematic view of the usage status of the terminal block structure of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The technical content of this disclosure is evident from the detailed description of embodiments together with the presentation of related drawings as follows. The embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are to be regarded as illustrative and not as limiting.

[0011] It will be directed to the Fig. Reference is made to Figures 1-8. The disclosure provides a terminal block structure and a connection module for it. The connection structure 10 mainly comprises an insulating base body 1 and a connection module 2. The connection module 2 mainly comprises one fixed terminal 21 and two operable terminals 22.

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2-8, the insulating base body 1 is made of plastic material. The insulating base body 1 has a chamber 11 and is extended within the chamber 11 by two mounting blocks 12, which form two connecting recesses 13 and two wiring recesses 14 that are connected to the chamber 11. The two connecting recesses 13 are located above the chamber 11. The two wiring recesses 14 are located on two transverse sides of the chamber 11.

[0013] More precisely, the upper surface of each fastening block 12 is formed with a through-hole 121 and a recessed groove 122, and has a curved end 123 at one end. The lower wall of each recessed groove 122 is formed with a recessed hole 1221. Each recessed hole 1221 is connected to each through-hole 121. The outlines of the two fastening blocks 12 are laterally symmetrical. Furthermore, the interior of the insulating base body 1 is extended by a lower rod 15 and several projections 16 in the chamber 11.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-8, the connection module 2 is housed in chamber 11 and contains one fixed terminal 21 and two operable terminals 22. The fixed terminal 21 and the operable terminals 22 are made of conductive metal material. The thickness of the fixed terminal 21 is greater than that of each operable terminal 22.

[0015] More precisely, the fixed connection 21 has a transverse plate 211, which is formed according to a lower edge of each wiring recess 14, and two upright plates 212, which extend upwards through two ends of the transverse plate 211. The central section of the transverse plate 211 is held to a lower rod 15. The transverse plate 211 is formed with several notches 2111. Each projection 16 engages with each notch 2111 to ensure that the transverse plate 211 is firmly positioned in the chamber 11. The two upright plates 212 are bent outwards by two elastic support arms 213. Each upright plate 212 passes through each through-hole 121. Each elastic support arm 213 is embedded in each recessed groove 122 to ensure that the two elastic support arms 213 bear against the two mounting blocks 12.

[0016] Furthermore, each operable terminal 22 has a U-shaped curved plate 221. The center of each U-shaped curved plate 221 rests against each arcuate end 123, and the inner side rests against a corresponding elastic support arm 213 to ensure that the two operable terminals 22 rest firmly against the two elastic support arms 213 and the two mounting blocks 12. An outer end of each operable terminal 22 is extended by an operable plate 223, which is formed outside each upright plate 212 and blocks between each wiring recess 14 and the chamber 11, and an inner end is extended by a stop plate 222, which is formed corresponding to each operable plate 223. Each stop plate 222 and each operable plate 223 are extended separately by two ends of each U-shaped curved plate 221.

[0017] Furthermore, each elastic support arm 213 is provided with an engagement groove 23. Each operable connection 22 is extended by a detent 24. Each detent 24 engages with a corresponding engagement groove 23 and is embedded in each recessed hole 1221. A distal end of each detent 24 extends into a corresponding through-hole 121 and rests against the inside of the connection between each upright plate 212 and each elastic support arm 213.

[0018] Furthermore, each upright plate 212 is formed with a hollow opening 2121, which is shaped according to each wiring recess 14. Each operable plate 223 can penetrate into a corresponding hollow opening 2121. A distal end of each stop plate 222 is bent with an inverted L-shaped locking section 2221. Each inverted L-shaped locking section 2221 is used to block a distal end of a wire material 100, such as a wire or cable.

[0019] Furthermore, the shapes of each upright plate 212 and each elastic support arm 213, which extend in one piece so that they are shaped, are a V-shape, and one shape of each operable connection 22 is an inverted V-shape to cause the fixed connection 21 and the two operable connections 22, which abut each other, to form a butterfly-shaped frame.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2-8, the connection structure 10 of the disclosure further comprises two inwardly sliding handles 3, which are received in each connection recess 13. One end of each inwardly sliding handle 3 is hinged to the insulating base body 1 and the other end rests against each operable plate 223.

[0021] More precisely, each inwardly sliding handle 3 is a U-shaped handle 31. One end of each U-shaped handle 31 is hinged to the insulating base body 1 and forms above each U-shaped curved plate 221. The other end has a movable end 32 that rests against the operable plate 223, and the center is formed with a sliding recess 33 that is exposed in each connection recess 13. Inserting a flat object (not shown), such as a screwdriver, into the sliding recess 33 can drive the U-shaped handle 31 so that it rotates, causing the movable end 32 to push the operable plate 223 so that it moves toward the wiring recess 14.

[0022] As in Fig.As shown in Figures 5-8, which depict the operating state of the terminal block structure 10 and the connection terminal module 2 of the disclosure, a flat object such as a screwdriver is used. This is inserted into the sliding recess 33 to drive the inwardly pushing handle 3, causing it to rotate and drive the moving end 32, which in turn pushes the operable plate 223 toward the wiring trough 14. A wire material 100, such as a wire or cable, is then inserted into the wiring trough 14 until it is blocked by the locking plate 222. The inwardly pushing handle 3 can then be released to cause the operable plate 223 to return to the position that blocks each wiring trough 14 and the chamber 11. Finally, the wire material 100, such as a wire or cable, is clamped between the cross plate 221 and the operable plate 223.This means that the wire material 100, such as a wire or cable, is clamped between the fixed terminal 21 and the operable terminal 22 to complete the wiring operation of the terminal block structure 10.

[0023] Furthermore, the operable connection 22 of the disclosure is located at the arc-shaped end 123 of the insulating base body 1 and at the elastic support arm 213 of the fixed connection 21.Since the metal material of the elastic support arm 213 has better structural strength than the plastic material of the arc-shaped end 123, the U-shaped curved plate 221 of the operable connector 22 exerts pressure on the arc-shaped end 123 and the elastic support arm 213 when the operable plate 223 is pushed towards the wiring recess 14 by the inwardly sliding handle 3, while the strength of the elastic support arm 213 has been increased so that the U-shaped curved plate 221 of the operable connector 22 is difficult to rotate in order to deflect from its original position, and the contact area of ​​the U-shaped curved plate 221 and the mounting block 12 can be reduced to decrease the friction between different materials in order to effectively reduce the rotational force of the U-shaped curved plate 221.This ensures that the operable terminal 22 remains in its original position without deflection after long-term use, in order to achieve the advantages of the terminal block structure 10 and the connection terminal module 2 with long-term stable wiring speed and long-term stable operation.

[0024] Furthermore, the elastic support arm 213 is designed with the engagement groove 23, the operable connection 22 is extended by the locking pawl 24, the locking pawl 24 engages with the engagement groove 23, and a distal end of the locking pawl 24 rests on the inside of the connection between the upright plate 212 and the elastic support arm 213, so that the operable connection 22 and the fixed connection 21 lie more firmly against each other in order to increase the function of the operable connection 22, which continues to remain in its original position without deflection after long-term use.

[0025] Although this disclosure has been described by means of specific embodiments, the person skilled in the art could make numerous modifications and variants without deviating from the scope of protection and the inventive concept of this disclosure set out in the claims.

Claims

[1] Terminal block structure comprising: an insulating base body (1) comprising a chamber (11) extended by two mounting blocks (12) in the chamber (11), and two wiring troughs (14) communicating with and arranged adjacent to the chamber (11); and a connection module (2) accommodated in the chamber (11) and comprising: a fixed terminal (21) comprising a transverse plate (211) formed corresponding to a lower edge of each wiring recess (14) and two upright plates (212) extending upward from two ends of the transverse plate (211), the two upright plates (212) being bent outwardly with two elastic support arms (213) abutting against the two fixing blocks (12); and two operable terminals (22) abutting the two elastic support arms (213) and the two fixing blocks (12), wherein an outer end of each operable terminal (22) is extended by an operable plate (223) formed outside each upright plate (212) and interposed between each wiring trough (14) and the chamber (11), and wherein an inner end is extended by a stop plate (222) formed corresponding to each operable plate (223). [2] The terminal block structure according to claim 1, wherein a top surface of each fixing block (12) is formed with a through hole (121) and a recessed groove (122) communicating with each other, one end includes an arcuate end (123), each upright plate (212) passes through each through hole (121), each elastic support arm (213) is embedded in a corresponding recessed groove (122), each operable terminal (22) includes a U-shaped arcuate plate (221), a center of each U-shaped arcuate plate (221) abuts against each arcuate end (123), an inner side abuts against each elastic support arm (213), and each stopper plate (222) and each operable plate (223) extend separately from two ends of each U-shaped arcuate plate (221). [3] The terminal block structure according to claim 2, wherein a bottom wall of each recessed groove (122) is formed with a recessed hole (1221), the thickness of the fixed terminal (21) is greater than that of each operable terminal (22), each elastic support arm (213) is formed with an engaging groove (23), each operable terminal (22) is extended with a latch (24), and each latch (24) is engaged with each engaging groove (23) and embedded in each recessed hole (1221). [4] The terminal block structure according to claim 3, wherein each recessed hole (1221) communicates with each through hole (121), and a distal end of each latching pawl (24) extends into each through hole (121) and abuts against an inner side of a joint of each upright plate (212) and each elastic support arm (213). [5] The terminal block structure according to claim 2, further comprising two inwardly sliding handles (3), wherein the insulating base (1) has two communication grooves (13) formed thereon that communicate with the chamber (11), each inwardly sliding handle (3) is received in a corresponding communication groove (13), and one end of each inwardly sliding handle (3) is hinged to the insulating base (1) and another end abuts each operable plate (223). [6] The terminal block structure according to claim 5, wherein each inward sliding handle (3) is a U-shaped handle (31), one end of each U-shaped handle (31) is hinged to the insulating base body (1) and formed over each U-shaped bent plate (221), another end comprises a movable end (32) abutting against each operable plate (223), and a center is formed with a sliding recess (33) exposed in each connection trough (13). [7] The terminal block structure according to claim 1, wherein each upright plate (212) is formed with a hollow opening (2121) corresponding to each wiring trough (14), each operable plate (223) can enter a corresponding hollow opening (2121), and a distal end of each stopper plate (222) is bent with an inverted L-shaped locking portion (2221). [8] The terminal block structure according to claim 1, wherein an inner space of the insulating base body (1) is further expanded by a lower rod (15) and a plurality of projections (16) in the chamber (11), a central portion of the cross plate (211) is held by the lower rod (15), the cross plate (211) is formed with a plurality of notches (2111), and each projection (16) is engaged with each notch (2111). [9] Connection module comprising: a fixed terminal (21) comprising a transverse plate (211) and two upright plates (212) extended upward from two ends of the transverse plate (211), the two upright plates (212) being bent outwardly by two elastic support arms (213); and two operable terminals (22) abutting the two elastic support arms (213), wherein an outer end of each operable terminal (22) is extended by an operable plate (223) formed outside each upright plate (212) and an inner end is extended by a stop plate (222) formed corresponding to each operable plate (223). [10] A connection terminal module according to claim 9, wherein the thickness of each fixed terminal (21) is greater than the thickness of each operable terminal (22), each elastic support arm (213) is formed with an engagement groove (23), each operable terminal (22) is extended by a latch (24), and each latch (24) is engaged with a corresponding engagement groove (23). [11] The connection terminal module according to claim 9, wherein each upright plate (212) is formed with a hollow opening (2121), each operable plate (223) penetrates into a corresponding hollow opening (2121), and a distal end of each stopper plate (222) is bent with an inverted L-shaped locking portion (2221).

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