Connection terminal or terminal block

Abstract

To prevent a plurality of connection terminals from becoming entangled with each other even when the connection terminals are grouped together.SOLUTION: A connection terminal is a clip-shaped terminal that clamps an alternative terminal inserted between a pair of opposing clamping pieces, and the tip side of at least one of the clamping pieces that contacts the alternative terminal is divided into multiple contact portions by notches extending from the tip to the base end, and at least one of the adjacent contact portions has a protrusion that protrudes so as to narrow the gap between it and the other contact portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal or a terminal block. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a connection terminal to be incorporated into a terminal block or the like, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a clip-shaped terminal that clamps an additional terminal inserted between a pair of opposing clamping pieces, and the tip sides of both clamping pieces that come into contact with the additional terminals are divided into two contact portions by a notch extending from the tip to the base end.

[0003] With this type of connection terminal, the two contact parts operate separately to make contact with other terminals. Therefore, even if one contact part develops poor contact, the other contact part can maintain contact, improving contact reliability compared to a connection terminal with only one contact part.

[0004] However, the connection terminals shown in Non-Patent Document 1 have gaps between adjacent contact portions. Therefore, for example, when a plurality of connection terminals are thrown into one plating bath during plating, the other connection terminals will get caught in the gaps and become tangled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Design Registration No. 1546606 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to prevent a plurality of connection terminals from becoming entangled with each other even when the connection terminals are grouped together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connection terminal of the present invention is a clip-shaped connection terminal that clamps a separate terminal inserted between a pair of opposing clamping pieces, and the tip side of at least one of the clamping pieces that contacts the separate terminal is divided into a plurality of contact portions by notches extending from the tip to the base end, and is characterized in that at least one of the adjacent contact portions has a protrusion that protrudes so as to narrow the gap between it and the other contact portion.

[0008] According to the present invention, the protrusions prevent other connection terminals from entering the gaps between the adjacent contact portions, so that even if a plurality of connection terminals are grouped together, the connection terminals are less likely to become entangled with each other.

[0009] The other connection terminals tend to get into the gaps between the adjacent contact portions from the tip sides thereof.

[0010] Therefore, the protrusions may be configured to protrude so as to narrow the gap between the tips of adjacent contact portions.

[0011] Furthermore, if the gap between adjacent contact portions extends linearly, other connection terminals can easily get into the gap.

[0012] Thus, the tip of one of the adjacent contact portions may have an extension portion that extends longer than the other contact portion, and the protrusion may protrude from the extension portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, for example, the protrusion can be extended to a position facing the tip of the other contact, and by extending it in this manner, the gap between the adjacent contacts becomes substantially L-shaped, which makes it more difficult for the connection terminals to become entangled.

[0014] The protrusions may protrude from adjacent contact portions.

[0015] Even with this configuration, both protrusions prevent other connection terminals from entering the gap between the adjacent contact portions, making it difficult for the connection terminals to become entangled with each other.

[0016] In addition, when the contact portion of one of the clamping portions is defined as a first contact portion, the tip side of the other clamping piece is divided into second contact portions facing the respective first contact portions, and one of the adjacent second contact portions facing the first contact portion that does not have the protrusion portion may have a second protrusion portion that protrudes so as to narrow the gap between it and the other second contact portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the protruding portion and the second protruding portion protrude alternately, so that the position of the gap narrowed by the protruding portion and the position of the gap narrowed by the second protruding portion are misaligned, which makes it more difficult for the connection terminals to become entangled with each other.

[0018] Specific embodiments of the connection terminal include one in which the pair of clamping pieces are connected to each other at the base end side, and one in which the pair of clamping pieces are separate.

[0019] A terminal block according to the present invention is characterized by comprising any one of the above-mentioned connection terminals. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the connection terminal of the present invention, even when a plurality of connection terminals are grouped together, the connection terminals are less likely to become entangled with each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a connection terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are front and rear views illustrating a connection terminal according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a schematic view of the connection terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a connection terminal according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5]13 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of one of the clamping pieces in a connection terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are front and rear views each showing a schematic view of one of the clamping pieces in a connection terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view that illustrates a terminal block incorporating a connection terminal of a first embodiment and a connection terminal of a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A connection terminal and a terminal block according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] 1 to 3, the connection terminal T1 of this embodiment is a clip-shaped terminal including a first clamping piece 10 and a second clamping piece 20. The connection terminal T1 according to this embodiment is used by being assembled into a case C of a terminal block TB, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0024] The clamping pieces 10, 20 face each other with a gap between them so as not to contact each other, and clamp the separate terminal X inserted therebetween. Specifically, the connection terminal T1 according to this embodiment has the clamping pieces 10, 20 formed by bending a metal plate, and is clamped by utilizing the elasticity of the metal plate. Here, the separate terminal X may have, for example, a plate-shaped or rod-shaped insertion portion inserted between the clamping pieces 10, 20, and may be either conductive or insulating.

[0025] The first clamping piece 10 has a rectangular shape, and the tip side is divided into a plurality of first contact portions 12 by a notch extending from the tip to the base end. In this embodiment, the tip side is divided into two, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be divided into three or more.

[0026] The notch does not reach the base end of the first clamping piece 10, so that both first contact portions 12 are connected to each other on the base end side. The notch may reach the base end of the first clamping piece 10. The notch extends with the same width from the tip to the base end. Therefore, the two first contact portions 12 are adjacent to each other with a gap 11 formed by the notch between them, and are arranged in parallel.

[0027] The second clamping piece 20 has a rectangular shape, and its tip side is divided by notches extending from the tip to the base end into second contact portions 22 that face the first contact portions 12. In other words, the tip side of the second clamping piece 20 is divided into the same number of second contact portions 22 as the first contact portions 12.

[0028] The notch does not reach the base end of the second clamping piece 20, and as a result, both second contact portions 22 are connected to each other on the base end side. The notch may reach the base end of the second clamping piece 20. The notch extends from the tip to the base end with the same width. Therefore, the two second contact portions 22 are adjacent to each other with a gap 21 formed by the notch between them, and are arranged in parallel.

[0029] The first contact portion 12 and the second contact portion 22 facing each other have portions spaced apart by a gap narrower than the thickness of the separate terminal X, and these portions become the contact points with the separate terminal X. In addition, the first contact portion 12 and the second contact portion 22 facing each other have tip portions 14, 24 that bend so as to widen toward the tip, forming an insertion port M.

[0030] The connection terminal T1 of this embodiment further includes a support portion 30 that connects the first clamping piece 10 and the second clamping piece 20 at the base end. The connection terminal T1 is attached to the case C via the support portion 30. The support portion 30 of this embodiment includes a linking portion 31 that connects the first clamping piece 10 and the second clamping piece to each other at the base end, and a connection portion 32 that rises from the linking portion 31 in the opposite direction to the first clamping portion 10 and the second clamping portion 20. The connection terminal T1 of this embodiment is attached to the case C via the connection portion 32. A second separate terminal is connected to the connection portion 32.

[0031] In this embodiment, one of the first contact portions 12a of the adjacent first contact portions 12 has the first protrusion 13, and one of the second contact portions 22a of the adjacent second contact portions 22 has the second protrusion 23. Here, in the present invention, the adjacent contact portions 12, 22 refer to the contact portions 12, 20 formed on the same clamping portions 10, 20.

[0032] The first protrusion 13 protrudes from one first contact portion 12a so as to narrow the gap 11 between the first contact portion 12b and the other first contact portion 12b. More specifically, it protrudes from the tip portion 14a of the first contact portion 12a so as to narrow the gap between the tips of the first contact portions 12a and 12b. The first protrusion 13 protrudes so as not to contact the other first contact portion 12b. In this embodiment, the tip portion 14a of one first contact portion 12a of the adjacent first contact portions 12 has an extension portion 15 that extends longer than the tip portion 14b of the other first contact portion 12b, and the first protrusion 13 protrudes from this extension portion 15. The first protrusion 13 extends to a position facing the tip of the other first contact portion 12b. Therefore, the gap 11 between the adjacent first contact portions 12 is substantially L-shaped, and the open end 11a of this gap 11 faces in the direction in which the first protruding portion 13 protrudes.

[0033] The second protrusion 23 protrudes from one second contact portion 22a so as to narrow the gap 21 between the second contact portion 22b of the other. More specifically, it protrudes from the tip portion 24a of one second contact portion 22a so as to narrow the gap between the tips of both second contact portions 22a, 22b. The second protrusion 23 protrudes so as not to contact the other first contact portion 22b. In this embodiment, the tip portion 24a of one second contact portion 22a of the adjacent second contact portions 22 has an extension portion 25 that extends longer than the tip portion 24b of the other second contact portion 22b, and the second protrusion 23 protrudes from this extension portion 25. The second protrusion 23 extends to a position facing the tip of the other second contact portion 22b. Therefore, the gap 21 between the adjacent second contact portions 22 is substantially L-shaped, and the open end 21a of this gap 21 faces in the protruding direction of the second protruding portion 23.

[0034] Here, the one second contact portion 22a is the second contact portion 22 facing the other first contact portion 12b, that is, the second contact portion 22 facing the first contact portion 12b that does not have the first protrusion 13. Therefore, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 23 protrude in opposite directions. As a result, the opening end 11a of the gap 11 between both first contact portions 12 and the opening end 21a of the gap 21 between both second contact portions 22 face in opposite directions.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the first protrusion 13 prevents other connection terminals from entering the gap 11 between adjacent first contact portions 12. In addition, the second protrusion 23 prevents other connection terminals from entering the gap 21 between adjacent second contact portions 22. As a result, even if multiple connection terminals are grouped together, the connection terminals are less likely to become entangled with each other.

[0036] Furthermore, since first protrusion 13 and second protrusion 23 are provided at tip portions 14, 24, opening ends 11a, 21a of gaps 11, 21 can prevent other connection terminals from entering gaps 11, 21, making entanglement less likely.

[0037] Furthermore, since the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 23 protrude in opposite directions, the position of the gap 11, 21 narrowed by these protrusions 13, 23 shifts, making it difficult for other connection terminals to enter the gap 11, 21 and making it less likely for them to become entangled.

[0038] In addition, since the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 23 protrude from the extension portions 15, 25 and extend to a position opposite the tip of the shorter contact portions 12b, 22b, the gaps 11, 21 become approximately L-shaped, making it difficult for other connection terminals to enter the gaps 11, 21 and making it less likely for them to become entangled.

[0039] Second Embodiment A connection terminal T2 of this embodiment is a modified example of the connection terminal T1 of the first embodiment, and is different in particular in the shapes of the first contact portion 12 and the second contact portion 22. In Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 showing the connection terminal T2 of this embodiment, the same components as those in the connection terminal T1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first clamping piece 100 and the second clamping piece 200 are provided with a support portion 30 on the base end side, but are not connected to each other via this support portion 30. In other words, the first clamping piece 100 and the second clamping piece 200 are separate bodies. The support portion 30 also functions as a connection portion 32.

[0041] The first clamping piece 100 has a tip end curved into a substantially U-shape, and the tip end is divided into two first contact portions 120 by a notch extending from the tip end to the base end.

[0042] Adjacent first contact portions 120 have first protrusions 130 protruding from each first contact portion 120 toward the other first contact portion 120. In this embodiment, these first protrusions 130 face each other. Therefore, the gap 11 is narrowed by both first protrusions 130.

[0043] The second clamping piece 200 also has the same shape as the first clamping piece 100 and has adjacent second contact portions 220, and each second contact portion 220 has a second protrusion 230 toward the other second contact portion 220, so that the gap 21 is narrowed by both second protrusions 230.

[0044] In this embodiment as well, both protrusions 130, 230 prevent other connection terminals from entering the gap between adjacent contact portions 120, 220. As a result, even if a plurality of connection terminals are grouped together, the connection terminals are less likely to become entangled with each other.

[0045] The connection terminal T2 according to this embodiment is also used by being assembled in the case C of the terminal block TB as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the first clamping piece 100 and the second clamping piece 200 are separate, so the first clamping piece 100 and the second clamping piece 200 may be assembled in the case C so that the first contact portion 120 and the second contact portion 220 face each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first clamping piece 100 and the second clamping piece 200 are installed so that the first contact portion 120 and the second contact portion 220 contact each other. Therefore, the contact portion of both contact portions 120, 220 becomes a contact point with another terminal. In this terminal block TB, the connection terminal T1 of the first embodiment and the connection terminal T2 of the second embodiment are used in combination.

[0046] This terminal block TB is installed, for example, in the middle of a main circuit, and is used to insert a sub-circuit into the main circuit. Specifically, the upstream end (second separate terminal) of the main circuit is connected to the connection portion 32 of one connection terminal T1, and the downstream end (second separate terminal) of the main circuit is connected to the connection portion 32 of the other connection terminal T1. This results in a state in which the upstream side and downstream side of the main circuit are connected via the connection terminal T2. When inserting a sub-circuit into this main circuit, the upstream end (separate terminal) of the sub-circuit is clamped by both clamping pieces 10, 20 of one connection terminal T1, and the downstream end (separate terminal) is clamped by both clamping pieces 10, 20 of the other connection terminal T1, and further an insulating terminal is inserted between both clamping pieces 100, 200 of the connection terminal T2. This results in the upstream side and downstream side of the main circuit being connected via the sub-circuit.

[0047] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, the protrusion protrudes from the tip of the contact portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may protrude from, for example, an intermediate position of the contact portion. In addition, the tip sides of both clamping pieces are divided into a plurality of contact portions, but only the tip side of one of the clamping pieces may be divided into a plurality of contact portions.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the first protrusion and the second protrusion protrude in opposite directions, but the present invention is not limited to this and may protrude in the same direction. In the first embodiment, the protrusion protrudes from the tip end of the contact portion, but may protrude from an intermediate position.

[0049] Furthermore, if the width of the gap narrowed by the protrusion is made shorter than the thickness of the contact portion or shorter than the width of the contact portion, entanglement becomes even less likely to occur.

[0050] In addition, parts of the various embodiments may be combined or modified as long as it does not go against the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] T1: Connection terminal X: Separate terminal 10: 1st clamping piece 11: Gap 12: 1st contact part 13: 1st protrusion 14a: Tip 15: Stretching part 20:Second clamping piece 21: Gap 22:Second contact part 23:Second protrusion 24a:Tip 25: Stretching part T2: Connection terminal 100: 1st clamping piece 120: 1st contact part 130: 1st protrusion 200:Second clamping piece 220: Second contact part 230: Second protrusion TB :Terminal Block

Claims

1. A connection terminal having a clip shape for clamping an additional terminal inserted between a pair of opposing clamping pieces, the tip side of at least one of the clamping pieces that contacts the additional terminal being divided into a plurality of contact portions by notches extending from the tip to the base end, A connection terminal, characterized in that at least one of adjacent contact portions has a protruding portion that protrudes so as to narrow a gap between the contact portion and the other contact portion.

2. 2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions protrude so as to narrow a gap between the tips of adjacent contact portions.

3. a tip end portion of one of the adjacent contact portions has an extension portion that extends longer than the other contact portion, 3. The connection terminal according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the extension.

4. 2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions protrude from adjacent contact portions.

5. When the contact portion of one of the clamping pieces is defined as a first contact portion, the tip side of the other clamping piece is divided into second contact portions facing the first contact portions, A connection terminal as described in claim 1, wherein one of the adjacent second contact portions that faces a first contact portion that does not have the protrusion has a second protrusion that protrudes so as to narrow the gap between it and the other second contact portion.

6. 2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the pair of clamping pieces are connected to each other at their base ends.

7. 2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein said pair of clamping pieces are separate bodies.

8. A terminal block comprising the connection terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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