Plug-in terminal block with quick-release locking element

Abstract

Plug-in terminal block with quick-release locking element, comprising: a connector socket (1) comprising a plurality of locking sections (12); and a connector (2) which is detachably inserted into the socket (1), wherein the connector (2) comprises: a connector body (21) comprising an insulating housing (211), wherein the insulating housing (211) comprises a plurality of connection slots (212) and a plurality of receiving sections (213), the connection slots (212) being arranged at equal intervals, each receiving section (213) being defined between two adjacent connection slots (212); and a quick-release locking element (22) pivotably connected to the insulating housing (211), the quick-release locking element (22) comprising a handle (221), a plurality of locking hooks (222) extending from the handle (221), and a plurality of restoring spring arms (223) each extending from the locking hooks (222), the handle (221) being exposed outside the insulating housing (211), each of the locking hooks (222) and each of the restoring spring arms (223) being movably received in a corresponding receiving section (213), each of the restoring spring arms (223) bearing against an inner wall of a corresponding receiving section (213); wherein, when the restoring spring arms (223) reset, each restoring spring arm (223) drives a corresponding locking hook (222) into engagement with a corresponding locking section (12); and when the handle (221) is turned, the handle (221) drives each restoring spring arm (223) to undergo an elastic deformation, and the elastic deformation drives each locking hook (222) to be released from a corresponding locking section (12).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION Technical Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal block structure and in particular a pluggable terminal block with a quick-release locking element. Description of the related technique

[0002] Terminal blocks are common connection components and have been widely used in fields such as industrial communication with large amounts of information, industrial equipment with close integration between devices, the energy industry, which improves the reliability and safety of energy systems, and highly automated industrial controls.

[0003] To provide terminal blocks with advantages such as faster installation and easier maintenance, a pluggable terminal block combining wiring and circuit boards has appeared on the market. It includes a socket and a plug that can be quickly connected or disconnected for fast plugging and unplugging.

[0004] However, if the connection between the socket and the plug tends to loosen, the stability of signal and power transmission can be compromised. Therefore, a locking mechanism is provided between the socket and the plug. Accordingly, the question of how the locking mechanism of a pluggable terminal block can provide quick-release and quick-assembly capabilities while maintaining a compact size has become the focus of the inventor's research.

[0005] In light of the above, the inventor has conducted dedicated research and applied technical principles to solve the aforementioned problems, which has become the goal of the current development. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure provides a pluggable terminal block with a quick-release locking element. The quick-release locking element comprises a handle, a plurality of locking hooks extending from the handle, and a plurality of return spring arms, each extending from the locking hooks. The locking hooks and the return spring arms are movably arranged in corresponding receiving sections. The terminal slots are arranged at equal intervals, and each receiving section is defined between two adjacent terminal slots. Thus, the pluggable terminal block of the present disclosure provides rapid unlocking while maintaining the number of terminal slots and a compact overall size.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a pluggable terminal block with a quick-release locking element, comprising: a terminal socket comprising a plurality of locking sections; and a terminal plug that is detachably inserted into the terminal socket, the terminal plug comprising: a plug body comprising an insulating housing, the insulating housing comprising a plurality of terminal slots and a plurality of receiving sections, the terminal slots being arranged at equal intervals, each receiving section being defined between two adjacent terminal slots;and a quick-release locking element pivotally connected to the insulating housing, the quick-release locking element comprising a handle, a plurality of locking hooks extending from the handle, and a plurality of return spring arms each extending from the locking hooks, the handle being exposed outside the insulating housing, each of the locking hooks and each of the return spring arms being movably received in a corresponding receiving section, each of the return spring arms bearing against an inner wall of a corresponding receiving section; wherein, when the return spring arms return to their original position, each return spring arm drives a corresponding locking hook into engagement with a corresponding locking section;and when the handle is turned, the handle drives each return spring arm to undergo an elastic deformation, and the elastic deformation drives each locking hook to be released from a corresponding one of the locking sections.

[0008] Based on the above, the present disclosure employs a quick-release locking element in which a single handle actuates multiple locking hooks and multiple return spring arms, thereby enabling rapid unlocking of the receptacle and plug and providing excellent locking strength. Each locking hook and each return spring arm is installed in cavities formed in the insulating housing between adjacent terminal slots, so that the pluggable terminal block of the present disclosure maintains a compact size and number of terminal slots. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective assembly view of a connector according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the connector according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of a quick-release locking element according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is another perspective schematic view of the quick-release locking element according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of the quick-release locking element installed in a lower shell according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic assembly view of the quick-release locking element installed in the lower shell according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of the connector according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of a pluggable terminal block according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective assembly view of the pluggable terminal block according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of the pluggable terminal block in a state of use according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pluggable terminal block in a state of use according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of the pluggable terminal block in another state of use according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pluggable terminal block in another state of use according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The detailed description and technical content of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0010] With reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. Section 14 of the present disclosure provides a pluggable terminal block with a quick-release locking element. The pluggable terminal block 10 includes a connector socket 1 and a connector plug 2.

[0011] As in the Fig. 9 to Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the connector 1 is provided with a plurality of insertion slots 11 and a plurality of locking sections 12. Each insertion slot 11 accommodates a first connector (not shown), and each locking section 12 is a locking groove 13 formed on an inner wall of each insertion slot 11.

[0012] As in the Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 14, connector 2 is configured to be detachably inserted into socket 1; that is, connector 2 can be inserted into and removed from socket 1. Connector 2 comprises a connector body 21 and a quick-release locking element 22.

[0013] Additionally, the connector body 21 includes an insulating housing 211 and a plurality of secondary connections (not shown). The insulating housing 211 is provided with a plurality of connection slots 212 and a plurality of receiving sections 213. The connection slots 212 are arranged at equal intervals from one another. Each receiving section 213 is formed between two adjacent connection slots 212. Every secondary connection is mounted within one of the plurality of connection slots 212. The upper opening of each connection slot 212 serves for cable entry (not shown).

[0014] As described in detail below, the insulating housing 211 includes a plurality of connector heads 214. Each terminal slot 212 is formed within the corresponding connector head 214. The plurality of receiving sections 213 is a plurality of space spaces S, each formed between two adjacent connector heads 214. The insulating housing 211 extends with a plurality of vertical partitions 5 and a plurality of horizontal partitions 7, each arranged within each space space S. Each horizontal partition 7 is provided with a limiting hole 71. The insulating housing 211 is also provided with a plurality of pivot holes 6, which are provided within each space space S.

[0015] The insulating housing 211 comprises an upper shell 3 and a lower shell 4, which are assembled. The upper halves of the connector heads 214 are formed in the upper shell 3, and the lower halves of the connector heads 214 are formed in the lower shell 4. A plurality of vertical partitions 5 extends from the upper shell 3. A plurality of pivot holes 6 is defined in the lower shell 4. A plurality of horizontal partitions 7 extends from the lower shell 4.

[0016] Furthermore, the quick-release locking element 22 is pivotably connected to the insulating housing 211. The quick-release locking element 22 comprises a handle 221, a plurality of locking hooks 222 extending from the handle 221, and a return spring arm 223 extending from each locking hook 222. The handle 221 is freely accessible outside the insulating housing 211. Each locking hook 222 and each return spring arm 223 are movably received in a corresponding receiving section 213, with each return spring arm 223 bearing against an inner wall of the corresponding receiving section 213. In this embodiment, the width H of each locking hook 222 and each return spring arm 223 is 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0017] As described below, each locking hook 222 includes an L-shaped segment 224 extending from the handle 221, a straight segment 225 extending from one end of the L-shaped segment 224 away from the handle 221, and a locking pin 226 extending from the straight segment 225 away from the L-shaped segment 224. Two pivot shafts 227 extend from opposite sides of the end of each L-shaped segment 224 adjacent to the straight segment 225. Each pivot shaft 227 is pivotally connected to one of the pivot holes 6. Each straight segment 225 passes through one of the limit holes 71. Each return spring arm 223 is an inclined spring arm 8 extending from an inner side of the corresponding L-shaped segment 224.

[0018] Additionally, the handle 221 of this embodiment is a pushable handle 9. Each inclined spring arm 8 is arranged between the pushable handle 9 and the corresponding vertical partition 5. One end of each inclined spring arm 8 rests against the corresponding vertical partition 5.

[0019] However, the configuration of the handle 221 is not limited to this embodiment. The handle 221 can be a pivoting handle, with the vertical partitions 5 arranged between the pivoting handle and the inclined spring arms 8. The end of each inclined spring arm 8 rests against a corresponding vertical partition 5.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the quick-release locking element 22 is first installed in the spaces S between the plug heads 214 of the lower shell 4, and the upper shell 3 is then joined to the lower shell 4, thereby completing the assembly of the connector 2.

[0021] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows a usage state of the pluggable terminal block 10, with the plug heads 214 each inserted into the insertion slots 11. When the handle 221 is not turned (pressed), each return spring arm 223 automatically retracts and drives the corresponding locking hook 222 to engage in a locking section 12, i.e., each locking pin 226 engages in a locking groove 13, thus preventing the connection between the terminal socket 1 and the connector plug 2 from being released.

[0022] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig.Figure 14 shows another use state of the pluggable terminal block 10, with the connector 2 inserted into the socket 1. When the handle 221 is turned (pressed), it simultaneously drives the locking hooks 222 to rotate, causing the return spring arms 223 to undergo elastic deformation. This disengages the locking hooks 222 from the locking sections 12, i.e., the locking pins 226 disengage from the locking grooves 13, thus enabling the socket 1 and connector 2 to be quickly unlocked by pressing the handle 221.

[0023] In conventional locking structures between the receptacle and the plug, the locking structure typically occupies the volume of about one terminal slot to provide sufficient locking strength, so a conventional pluggable terminal block must sacrifice one terminal slot to accommodate the locking structure.

[0024] In comparison, the quick-release locking element 22 of the present disclosure includes a handle 221 that actuates several locking hooks 222 and several return spring arms 223. The width H of each locking hook 222 and each return spring arm 223 is 1 mm to 2 mm, thus exhibiting a reduced thickness. However, since several locking hooks 222 and several return spring arms 223 are provided, the quick-release locking element 22 of the present disclosure has multiple locking points compared to a single locking point in the related technology, so that the quick-release locking element 22 still provides sufficient locking strength.

[0025] Since the locking hooks 222 and the return spring arms 223 are provided in multiple and in a thinned form, the spaces formed in the insulating housing 211 between the terminal slots 212 can also be used as receiving sections for installation. In this embodiment, each locking hook 222 and each return spring arm 223 is installed in a respective space S between adjacent connector heads 214 without affecting the arrangement of the terminal slots 212, so that the terminal slots 212 remain at equal intervals. This avoids the need to reduce the number of terminal slots 212 or to increase the volume of the insulating housing 211.

[0026] Accordingly, the present disclosure employs a quick-release locking element 22 in which a single handle 221 actuates several locking hooks 222 and several return spring arms 223, thereby enabling rapid unlocking of the connector socket 1 and connector plug 2 while also providing excellent locking strength. Each locking hook 222 and each return spring arm 223 is installed in one of the receiving sections 213 formed in the insulating housing 211 between the terminal slots 212, thus enabling the pluggable terminal block 10 to maintain a compact size and the number of terminal slots 212.

[0027] In summary, the pluggable terminal block with a quick-release locking element described in this disclosure has not been seen in similar or publicly used products and possesses industrial applicability, novelty, and inventive step that fully meet the requirements for a patent application. An application will be filed in accordance with patent law to protect the inventor's rights.

Claims

[1] Plug-in terminal block with quick-release locking element, comprising: a connector socket (1) comprising a plurality of locking sections (12); and a connector (2) which is detachably inserted into the socket (1), wherein the connector (2) comprises: a connector body (21) comprising an insulating housing (211), wherein the insulating housing (211) comprises a plurality of connection slots (212) and a plurality of receiving sections (213), the connection slots (212) being arranged at equal intervals, each receiving section (213) being defined between two adjacent connection slots (212); and a quick-release locking element (22) pivotably connected to the insulating housing (211), the quick-release locking element (22) comprising a handle (221), a plurality of locking hooks (222) extending from the handle (221), and a plurality of restoring spring arms (223) each extending from the locking hooks (222), the handle (221) being exposed outside the insulating housing (211), each of the locking hooks (222) and each of the restoring spring arms (223) being movably received in a corresponding receiving section (213), each of the restoring spring arms (223) bearing against an inner wall of a corresponding receiving section (213); wherein, when the restoring spring arms (223) reset, each restoring spring arm (223) drives a corresponding locking hook (222) into engagement with a corresponding locking section (12); and when the handle (221) is turned, the handle (221) drives each restoring spring arm (223) to undergo an elastic deformation, and the elastic deformation drives each locking hook (222) to be released from a corresponding locking section (12). [2] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 1, wherein the insulating housing (211) comprises a plurality of plug heads (214), each of the terminal slots (212) is defined within a corresponding plug head (214), and the receiving sections (213) are a plurality of space spaces (S) defined between two adjacent plug heads (214). [3] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 2, wherein each locking hook (222) comprises an L-shaped segment (224) extending from the handle (221), a straight segment (225) extending from one end of the L-shaped segment (224) away from the handle (221), and a locking pin (226) extending from one end of the straight segment (225) away from the L-shaped segment (224). [4] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 3, wherein the terminal socket (1) comprises a plurality of insertion slots (11), each locking section (12) is a locking groove (13) defined on an inner wall of each insertion slot (11), and when each plug head (214) is inserted into a corresponding insertion slot (11), each locking pin (226) can be engaged with a corresponding locking groove (13). [5] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 3, wherein each restoring spring arm (223) is an inclined spring arm (8) extending from an inside of a corresponding L-shaped segment (224). [6] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 5, wherein the handle (221) is a pushable handle (9), a plurality of vertical partitions (5) extend from the insulating housing (211) and are each arranged within the space spaces (S), each inclined spring arm (8) is arranged between the pushable handle (9) and a corresponding one of the vertical partitions (5), and one end of each inclined spring arm (8) rests against a corresponding one of the vertical partitions (5). [7] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 5, wherein the handle (221) is a pivotable handle, a plurality of vertical partitions (5) extend from the insulating housing (211) and are each arranged within the space spaces (S), each vertical partition (5) is arranged between the pivotable handle and a corresponding one of the inclined spring arms (8), and one end of each inclined spring arm (8) rests against a corresponding one of the vertical partitions (5). [8] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 3, wherein two pivot shafts (227) extend from two sides of an end of each L-shaped segment (224) adjacent to the corresponding straight segment (225), the insulating housing (211) comprises a plurality of pivot holes (6) arranged within each space space (S), and each pivot shaft (227) is pivotably connected to a corresponding pivot hole (6). [9] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of horizontal partitions (7) extend from the insulating housing (211) and are each arranged within the space spaces (S), each horizontal partition (7) is provided with a limiting hole (71) and each straight segment (225) passes through a corresponding limiting hole (71). [10] Pluggable terminal block with quick-release locking element according to claim 2, wherein the insulating housing (211) comprises an upper shell (3) and a lower shell (4) which are assembled, upper halves of the plug heads (214) are defined by the upper shell (3) and lower halves of the plug heads (214) are defined by the lower shell (4), a plurality of vertical partitions (5) extend from the upper shell (3) and are each arranged within the space spaces (S), and the lower shell (4) is provided with a plurality of pivot holes (6) which are arranged within each space space (S), and with a plurality of horizontal partitions (7) which are each arranged within the space spaces (S).

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