Connection terminals

Abstract

To provide a connection terminal that can stably hold overlapping electrical connection parts. [Solution] In a connection terminal 1 comprising a wire connection portion 3 to which an electric wire 101 is electrically connected, and an electrical connection portion 5 formed in a flat plate shape and made of a single member continuous with the outer edge of the wire connection portion 3, the electrical connection portion 5 has a pair of engaging portions 17, 17 that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and protruding toward one side of the electrical connection portion 5, and a pair of linear engaged portions 19, 19 that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and inserted between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 to engage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connection terminal, there is known one including a wire connection portion to which a wire is electrically connected, and a main body portion as an electrical connection portion formed in a flat plate shape and formed of a member where the wire connection portion is continuous with the outer edge (see Patent Document 1). In this connection terminal, a pair of clamping pieces as a pair of engaging portions is provided on the main body portion, which are spaced apart from the outer edge of the main body portion and protrude toward one surface side of the main body. Further, on the main body portion, a pair of clamped portions as a pair of engaged portions that are curved and are spaced apart from the outer edge of the main body portion and are inserted and engaged between the pair of clamping pieces is provided. In such a connection terminal, the main body portions of a plurality of connection terminals are arranged in an overlapping manner. At this time, between the pair of clamping pieces of one connection terminal, the pair of clamped portions of the other are inserted, and the pair of clamping pieces and the pair of clamped portions are engaged. By engaging the pair of clamping pieces and the pair of clamped portions, when an external force is applied to the wire, it is possible to prevent the mutual positions of the main body portions of the overlapping connection terminals from shifting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the connection terminal as in Patent Document 1 above, a pair of engaged portions engaged with the pair of engaging portions are formed in a curved shape. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the wire, the engaging portion is likely to move along the curved surface of the engaged portion with respect to the circumferential direction of the electrical connection portion, and the mutual positions of the overlapping electrical connection portions may shift.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a connection terminal that can stably hold overlapping electrical connection parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connection terminal according to this embodiment comprises a wire connection portion to which electric wires are electrically connected, and an electrical connection portion formed as a single member that is flat in shape and continuous with the outer edge of the wire connection portion, wherein the electrical connection portion has a pair of engaging portions that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion and protrude toward one side of the electrical connection portion, and a pair of linear engaged portions that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion and inserted between the pair of engaging portions to engage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection terminal that can stably hold overlapping electrical connection parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the electrical connection portions of the two connection terminals according to this embodiment, arranged in an overlapping configuration. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the electrical connection portions of the two connection terminals according to this embodiment superimposed. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the electrical connection portions of the three connection terminals according to this embodiment superimposed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The connection terminals according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the connection terminal 1 according to this embodiment is used, for example, as an earth terminal for grounding electrical components. The connection terminal 1 is electrically connected to the end of an electric wire 101 that is electrically connected to an electrical component (not shown). Multiple connection terminals 1 are stacked on top of each other and electrically connected to a grounded earthing member (not shown).

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connection terminal 1 includes a wire connection part 3 and an electrical connection part 5.

[0012] The wire connection section 3 includes a covering fixing section 7 and a core wire crimping section 9.

[0013] The covering fixing portion 7 consists, for example, of a pair of crimping pieces. At the end of the electric wire 101, the pair of crimping pieces are crimped onto the outer circumference of the insulating coating of the electric wire 101. By crimping the covering fixing portion 7 onto the insulating coating of the electric wire 101, the connection terminal 1 is fixed to the end of the electric wire 101.

[0014] The core wire crimping section 9 consists of, for example, a pair of crimping pieces. At the end of the electric wire 101, the pair of crimping pieces of the core wire crimping section 9 are crimped onto the core wire exposed from the insulating coating of the electric wire 101. By crimping the core wire crimping section 9 onto the core wire of the electric wire 101, the connection terminal 1 is electrically connected to the electric wire 101.

[0015] The electrical connection portion 5 is formed in a flat plate shape. The wire connection portion 3 is formed as a continuous single member extending along the planar direction of the electrical connection portion 5 on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5. An insertion hole 11 is provided in the center of the electrical connection portion 5, penetrating the electrical connection portion 5 in the thickness direction. The insertion holes 11 are arranged so that they coincide when the electrical connection portions 5 of the multiple connection terminals 1 are overlapped in the thickness direction. A fastening member (not shown), such as a bolt fastened to a grounding member, is inserted through the insertion hole 11. By fastening the fastening member inserted through the insertion hole 11 to the grounding member, the grounding member and the multiple electrical connection portions 5 come into contact and are electrically connected, and the electrical components are grounded via the connection terminals 1.

[0016] The electrical connection section 5, where multiple connection terminals 1 are superimposed, may shift in position relative to each other, for example, when an external force is applied to the electric wire 101 or when fastening a fastening member. Therefore, the electrical connection section 5 is provided with a locking projection 13, a locking hole 15, a pair of engaging parts 17, 17, and a pair of engaged parts 19, 19.

[0017] The locking projection 13 is provided on one side of the electrical connection portion 5 and protrudes outward from that side of the electrical connection portion 5. The front side of adjacent electrical connection portions 5, 5 with the locking projection 13 in the assembly direction (insertion direction) is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the planar direction of the electrical connection portion 5. The rear side of adjacent electrical connection portions 5, 5 with the locking projection 13 in the assembly direction (insertion direction) is formed as a locking surface that is perpendicular to the planar direction of the electrical connection portion 5.

[0018] The locking hole 15 is formed to penetrate the electrical connection portion 5 in the thickness direction. The locking hole 15 is positioned where the locking projection 13 is inserted when multiple electrical connection portions 5 are stacked on top of each other. When multiple electrical connection portions 5 are stacked on top of each other, the locking projection 13 is inserted into the locking hole 15 and engages with it. At this time, the locking surface of the locking projection 13 engages with the edge of the locking hole 15, which can restrict the movement of adjacent electrical connection portions 5, 5 in the disassembly direction (extraction direction), and can restrict the misalignment of the stacked electrical connection portions 5.

[0019] A pair of engaging portions 17, 17 are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and protrude toward one side of the electrical connection portion 5. The protruding portions of the engaging portions 17 extend along the insertion and removal direction of adjacent electrical connection portions 5, 5. The protruding ends of the engaging portions 17 are provided with extension portions 21 that extend toward each other's engaging portions 17, 17 in a planar direction parallel to the plane of the electrical connection portion 5. The space between the extension portions 21 and the electrical connection portion 5 is set to be equal to or slightly wider than the thickness of the electrical connection portion 5 so that the electrical connection portion 5 can be inserted. By providing extension portions 21 on the engaging portions 17, it is possible to restrict the lifting of the overlapping electrical connection portions 5 and to restrict the misalignment of the overlapping electrical connection portions 5.

[0020] The pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are arranged spaced apart from the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and form the outer edge of the linearly formed electrical connection portion 5. The pair of engaged portions 19, 19 extend along the insertion and extraction directions of the adjacent electrical connection portions 5, 5. The pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are arranged at positions where the phase is different by about 45° with respect to the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 11, for example, at the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5. The space between the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 is set to an interval that can be inserted between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17. When the other electrical connection portion 5 is overlapped with one electrical connection portion 5, the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are inserted between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 and engaged with the pair of engaging portions 17, 17. The engagement between the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 and the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 restricts the rotation of the other electrical connection portion 5 with respect to the circumferential direction of one electrical connection portion 5, for example, when an external force is applied to the electric wire 101 or when the fastening member is fastened. At this time, since the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are linearly formed, the engaging portion 17 does not move along the engaged portion 19. Therefore, the displacement in the circumferential direction of the electrical connection portion 5 can be stably restricted, and the displacement of the overlapped electrical connection portions 5 can be restricted.

[0021] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 may be inclined so that the distance between them becomes narrower in the insertion direction into the space between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17. Note that the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 are also inclined so as to have the same inclination as the pair of engaged portions 19, 19. By inclining the pair of engaged portions 19, 19, when the insertion into the space between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 is completed, the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 cannot be inserted any further. Therefore, excessive insertion of the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 into the space between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 can be restricted, and the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 and the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 can be stably engaged.

[0022] As an example of the assembly of such a connection terminal 1 to a grounding member, first, between a pair of engaging portions 17, 17 of the electrical connection portion 5 of one connection terminal 1, a pair of engaged portions 19, 19 of the electrical connection portion 5 of the other connection terminal 1 are inserted. Next, the locking projection 13 of the electrical connection portion 5 of one connection terminal 1 and the locking hole 15 of the electrical connection portion 5 of the other connection terminal 1 are engaged, and the electrical connection portions 5 of the two connection terminals 1 are overlapped. When three or more connection terminals 1 are used, the same procedure is repeated to overlap the electrical connection portions 5 of the plurality of connection terminals 1. Then, the plurality of connection terminals 1 with the electrical connection portions 5 overlapped are arranged on the grounding member, a fastening member is inserted through the insertion hole 11, and the fastening member is fastened to the grounding member to complete the assembly.

[0023] In such a connection terminal 1, it includes a wire connection portion 3 to which a wire 101 is electrically connected, and an electrical connection portion 5 formed in a flat plate shape and formed of a member continuous with the outer edge of the wire connection portion 3. And the electrical connection portion 5 has a pair of engaging portions 17, 17 arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and protruding toward one surface side of the electrical connection portion 5. Further, the electrical connection portion 5 has a pair of linear engaged portions 19, 19 arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the electrical connection portion 5 and inserted and engaged between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17.

[0024] The engagement between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 and the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 restricts the rotation of the other electrical connection portion 5 with respect to the circumferential direction of one electrical connection portion 5 when an external force is applied to the wire 101. At this time, since the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are formed linearly, the engaging portion 17 does not move along the engaged portion 19. For this reason, the displacement in the circumferential direction of the electrical connection portion 5 can be stably restricted, and the displacement of the overlapped electrical connection portions 5 can be restricted.

[0025] Therefore, in such a connection terminal 1, the overlapped electrical connection portions 5 can be stably held.

[0026] Furthermore, the protruding ends of the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 are provided with extension portions 21 that extend toward each other in a planar direction parallel to the plane of the electrical connection portion 5, into which the electrical connection portion 5 can be inserted.

[0027] Therefore, the extension portion 21 can restrict the lifting of the overlapping electrical connection portions 5 and restrict the misalignment of the overlapping electrical connection portions 5.

[0028] Furthermore, the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 are inclined such that the distance between them decreases in the direction of insertion between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17.

[0029] By inclining the pair of engaged portions 19, 19, once insertion between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 is complete, it is not possible to insert the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 any further. Therefore, excessive insertion of the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 can be restricted, and the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 and the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 can be stably engaged.

[0030] Furthermore, the electrical connection section 5 is provided with an insertion hole 11 through which a fastening member is inserted.

[0031] When the fastening member inserted through the insertion hole 11 is fastened, an external force is applied to the overlapping electrical connection portion 5 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the engagement between the pair of engaging portions 17, 17 and the pair of engaged portions 19, 19 can stably restrict the circumferential displacement of the overlapping electrical connection portion 5. Therefore, the electrical connection reliability of the fastening member can be maintained.

[0032] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0033] For example, in this embodiment, the electrical connection parts of two or three connection terminals are arranged in an overlapping manner, but the invention is not limited to this, and the electrical connection parts of four or more connection terminals may be arranged in an overlapping manner. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1 Connection terminal 3. Wire connection section 5. Electrical connection 11 Through hole 17 Engaging part 19 Engaged portion 21 Extension 101 Electric wire

Claims

1. The wire connection part where the wires are electrically connected, An electrical connection part formed in a flat plate shape, with the wire connection part being a single member continuous with the outer edge, Equipped with, The electrical connection portion is a connection terminal having a pair of engaging portions that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion and protrude toward one side of the electrical connection portion, and a pair of linear engaged portions that are spaced apart on the outer edge of the electrical connection portion and are inserted between the pair of engaging portions to engage.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the protruding ends of a pair of engagement portions are provided with extensions that extend toward each other in a planar direction parallel to the plane of the electrical connection portion, and into which the electrical connection portion can be inserted.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of engagement portions are inclined such that the distance between them decreases in the direction of insertion between the pair of engagement portions.

4. The connection terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical connection portion is provided with an insertion hole through which a fastening member is inserted.

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