Terminal structure and wiring equipment

Abstract

To provide a terminal structure and a wiring device, in which an electric wire can be easily inserted into an insertion hole.SOLUTION: A terminal device 7 is a terminal structure for being electrically connected with an electric wire 90 inserted from an insertion hole 32 formed in a housing 5, and comprising a conductive terminal member 50 including a first part 51, a second part 52, and a third part 53, in which the first part 51, the second part 52, and the third part 53 are continuously provided in this order. The third part 53 is arranged in an inner part of the insertion hole 32 along an insertion direction of the electric wire 90. In addition, the second part 52 is communicated with the third part 53 on the side opposite to an open surface side of the insertion hole 32 in the third part 53. The first part 51 and the second part 52 are exposed from the insertion hole 32. The terminal member 50 is electrically connected so as to be contacted with the electric wire 90 inserted from the insertion hole 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal structure and wiring equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional Patent Document 1 discloses a quick-connect terminal for a power outlet that electrically connects an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in a housing to a power outlet blade receptacle. The quick-connect terminal for the power outlet has a connecting portion that elastically contacts the electric wire and is electrically connected thereto, and a retaining piece for preventing the electric wire from coming off.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A terminal structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal structure for electrically connecting to an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in a housing, comprising: a cylindrical or tubular conductor fixed within the housing and communicating with the insertion hole; and a conductive terminal member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion being arranged in this order, wherein the third portion is positioned inside the conductor along the direction of insertion of the electric wire, the second portion is connected to the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole in the third portion, the first portion and the second portion are exposed from the conductor and positioned outside the conductor, and the terminal member is in contact with the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole and electrically connected. The second portion connects with the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface in the second portion, extends from the portion of the third portion that connects with the second portion to the opening surface in which the electric wire is inserted, and connects with the first portion, and the first portion extends from the position that connects with the second portion along the direction in which the pressing member presses. ru.

[0007] Furthermore, a wiring device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a terminal structure and The conductive material is held, A pressing member for pressing the electric wire inserted into the insertion hole against the third portion, and a connecting member capable of electrically connecting or electrically disconnecting the terminal member from other terminal members, A housing in which the terminal structure, the pressing member, the terminal member, and the other terminal member are arranged, Equipped with The terminal member is electrically connected to the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole formed in the housing. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the terminal structure of this disclosure, electric wires can be easily inserted into the insertion holes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a wiring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a wiring device showing how to insert an electric wire into the insertion hole of the wiring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an outlet-type wiring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing wiring equipment according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A]Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the case where the switch of the wiring equipment according to the embodiment is turned ON, along line AA in Figure 1A. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the case where the switch of the wiring equipment according to the embodiment is in the OFF state along line AA in Figure 1A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In addition, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same component is denoted by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately 90°" or "rectangular" are used. For example, "approximately 90°" or "rectangular" means not only that it is exactly 90° or rectangular, but also that it is substantially 90° or rectangular, i.e., that it includes an error of a few percent. Also, "approximately 90°" or "rectangular" means that it is 90° or rectangular to the extent that the effects of this disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately" or "rectangular".

[0014] In the following embodiments, the overlapping direction of the main body cover and the main body case is defined as the Z-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the wiring device is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. Also, in the X-axis direction, the side of the terminal member with respect to the connecting member is defined as the positive direction, in the Y-axis direction, the depth side in FIG. 1A is defined as the positive direction, and in the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the electric wire is inserted into the insertion hole is defined as the positive direction.

[0015] (Embodiment) <Configuration: Wiring Device 1> First, the configuration of the wiring device 1 will be described using FIGS. 1A to 3B.

[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the wiring device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the wiring device 1 showing the state of inserting the electric wire 90 into the insertion hole 32 of the wiring device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing the appearance of the outlet type wiring device 1a according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wiring device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the case where the switch of the wiring device 1 according to the embodiment is in the ON state along the line A-A in FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the case where the switch of the wiring device 1 according to the embodiment is in the OFF state along the line A-A in FIG. 1A.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wiring device 1 is a connection device that supplies power to equipment systems such as lighting devices and ventilation devices installed in a facility, or cuts off the supplied power. The wiring device 1 is, for example, an outlet or a switch. Such a wiring device 1 is embedded and installed in a building such as a ceiling or a wall.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the wiring device 1 includes a housing 5 and a terminal device 7.

[0019] [[ID=^]] [Housing 5] [[ID=^]] Housing 5 is an enclosure that houses the terminal device 7, and a portion of it is embedded in a structure such as a ceiling or wall. Housing 5 is a switch housing as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, but it may also be an outlet housing 5a as shown in Figure 1C. The outlet housing 5a in Figure 1C includes an operating handle 20 and a plug socket 8 into which an outlet plug is inserted. In this embodiment, the housing 5 will mainly be described as a switch housing.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1A to 2, the housing 5 includes a main body cover 10, a coil spring 21, an operating handle 20, and a main body case 30.

[0021] The main body cover 10 is a rectangular cover that is fixed to the structure either directly or via a support frame or the like. This fixes the wiring equipment 1 to the structure. The main body cover 10 is positioned on the Z-axis positive side of the main body case 30 so as to cover the opening on the Z-axis positive side of the main body case 30, and is connected and fixed to the main body case 30. Specifically, the main body cover 10 is connected to the main body case 30 by engaging a portion 11 formed on the side surface of the main body cover 10 with a portion 30a formed on the side surface of the main body case 30. The main body cover 10 constitutes a part of the outer casing of the housing 5.

[0022] The operating handle 20 is an operating element operated by the user. The operating handle 20 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the main body cover 10 by being connected to the main body cover 10. As a result, the operating handle 20 can be rotated relative to the main body cover 10 by external operation by the user, thereby turning the switch ON or OFF.

[0023] Specifically, the operating handle 20 has a oscillating part 22 formed on its back surface, which is the side facing the negative Z-axis. The oscillating part 22 is a long cylindrical shape and extends from the back surface of the operating handle 20 along the Z-axis direction. A coil spring 21 is inserted inside the oscillating part 22.

[0024] The coil spring 21 is provided between the connecting member 43 and the operating handle 20. The upper end of the coil spring 21 (the end on the positive Z-axis side) is fitted inside the swinging part 22 of the operating handle 20 and supported by the swinging part 22. The lower end of the coil spring 21 (the end on the negative Z-axis side) is supported by the upper end of the connecting member 43. As the operating handle 20 swings due to pressure applied to it, the swinging part 22 causes the coil spring 21 to swing, thereby rotating the connecting member 43.

[0025] The main body case 30 has a cubic shape. The main body case 30 has a bottom portion 31 on the Z-axis minus side and an opening on the Z-axis plus side. An insertion hole 32 for inserting and removing the electric wire 90 is formed in the bottom portion 31 of the main body case 30, and a notch 33a for arranging the pressing member 41 of the terminal device 7 is formed in the side wall 33 that is erected relative to the bottom portion 31 of the main body case 30.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B, an electric wire 90 for electrical connection to the terminal member 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 32. In this embodiment, multiple insertion holes 32 are formed in the housing 5.

[0027] A first inclined surface 32a is formed at the opening of the insertion hole 32, which is capable of guiding the electric wire 90. The first inclined surface 32a is inclined so that the diameter of the opening surface of the insertion hole 32 is larger than the diameter of the inside of the insertion hole 32, that is, so that the opening diameter of the insertion hole 32 widens. For this reason, the opening portion of the insertion hole 32 can be said to be tapered. Furthermore, a first recess 32b is formed inside the insertion hole 32. The first recess 32b is a part of the first inclined surface 32a and is formed on the back side of the first inclined surface 32a. The first recess 32b corresponds to the second recess 54 of the terminal member 50 placed in the insertion hole 32 and is formed to guide the electric wire 90 into the second recess 54. As a result, the first inclined surface 32a and the first recess 32b can guide the electric wire 90.

[0028] The notches 33a are formed in the main body case 30 on the side wall 33 on the positive X-axis side and the side wall 33 on the negative X-axis side. In this embodiment, multiple notches 33a are formed in the housing 5, but only one may be formed in the housing 5.

[0029] The main case 30 has a housing chamber 37 for housing the terminal device 7. The housing chamber 37 communicates with the insertion hole 32 and the notch 33a.

[0030] [Terminal device 7] The terminal device 7 is a terminal structure that is located inside the housing 5 and can be electrically connected to the electric wire 90 inserted through the insertion hole 32 formed in the housing 5. In other words, the terminal device 7 is an example of a terminal structure.

[0031] The terminal device 7 comprises a conductor 40, a pressing member 41, a terminal member 50, a connecting member 42, and a connecting member 43.

[0032] The conductor 40 is a cylindrical or tubular terminal. An electric wire 90 is inserted into the conductor 40. The conductor 40 is housed in a housing chamber 37 and fixed to the housing 5 so as to face the insertion hole 32 of the housing 5. Specifically, the conductor 40 is positioned in the housing chamber 37 such that the opening into which the electric wire 90 is inserted faces the insertion hole 32 of the housing 5 and connects to the insertion hole 32. In other words, the conductor 40 is positioned in the housing chamber 37 so as to extend from the insertion hole 32 of the housing 5 along the positive Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, since multiple insertion holes 32 are formed in the housing 5, multiple conductors 40 are provided in the housing 5 so as to correspond one-to-one with the insertion holes 32.

[0033] Furthermore, the conductor 40 is housed in the housing chamber 37 so as to face the notch 33a of the housing 5. A through hole 40a is formed in the conductor 40 in the portion corresponding to the notch 33a, that is, in the portion of the conductor 40 exposed from the notch 33a. A pressing member 41 is inserted into the through hole 40a. The through hole 40a is, for example, a screw hole if the pressing member 41 is a screw, or an engagement hole if the pressing member 41 is an engagement portion that engages with the through hole 40a.

[0034] In this embodiment, since multiple conductive members 40 are provided in the housing 5, multiple pressing members 41 are also provided.

[0035] The pressing member 41 is held by the conductor 40 while inserted into the notch 33a of the main body case 30. Since the head of the pressing member 41 is exposed from the main body case 30, it can press along the pressing direction. In other words, the pressing member 41 can press the electric wire 90 toward the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50.

[0036] The pressing member 41 can electrically connect the electric wire 90, which is inserted into the insertion hole 32, to the third portion 53 by pressing the electric wire 90 toward the third portion 53.

[0037] Specifically, the pressing member 41 is pressed by a tool and rotates in a first direction, thereby pressing the electric wire 90 toward the third portion 53. As a result, the electric wire 90 is fixed to the third portion 53 and the pressing member 41, enabling an electrical connection between the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53. Furthermore, the pressing member 41 is rotated by a tool in a second direction opposite to the first direction, releasing the pressure on the electric wire 90 toward the third portion 53. As a result, the electric wire 90 can be removed from the insertion hole 32 of the housing 5. The pressing member 41 is, for example, a screw, an engaging part that engages with the through hole 40a of the conductor 40, etc. In this embodiment, the pressing member 41 is a screw consisting of a pressing shaft that engages with the through hole 40a and presses the electric wire 90, and a head.

[0038] Furthermore, a portion of the terminal member 50, which electrically connects to the electric wire 90, is inserted into the conductor 40. Specifically, a portion of the terminal member 50 is inserted from the opening on the Z-axis negative side of the conductor 40 toward the Z-axis positive side of the conductor 40.

[0039] The terminal member 50 is housed in the housing chamber 37 and supported by the main body case 30 and the conductor 40. When the electric wire 90 inserted into the insertion hole 32 and the third portion 53 are pressed by the pressing member 41, the terminal member 50 comes into contact with the electric wire 90 inserted from the insertion hole 32 and is electrically connected to the electric wire 90.

[0040] The terminal member 50 is a bent, plate-shaped conductive metal member. The terminal member 50 has a first portion 51, a second portion 52, and a third portion 53, which are connected in this order. Here, "connected" means, for example, that the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are an integral component, or that the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are separate components that are connected to each other. The same applies to the second portion 52 and the third portion 53.

[0041] The first portion 51 is a long, plate-like structure. The first portion 51 is positioned inside the housing 5 so as to be in contact with the bottom 31 of the housing 5. The first portion 51 is supported by the housing 5 by being in contact with the inner surface of the housing 5. The first portion 51 extends from the insertion hole 32 along the X-axis direction. In other words, the first portion 51 extends from a position adjacent to the second portion 52 along the direction in which the pressing member 41 presses.

[0042] The second portion 52 is an L-shaped plate. The other end of the second portion 52 is connected to one end of the first portion 51 on the X-axis positive side, that is, the end of the first portion 51 on the insertion hole 32 side, and is bent relative to the first portion 51. In other words, the second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the second portion 52, and extends from the portion of the third portion 53 connected to the second portion 52 to the opening surface where the electric wire 90 is inserted, and is connected to the first portion 51. Furthermore, the second portion 52 is bent relative to the first portion 51 which extends along the X-axis, and extends along the Z-axis.

[0043] Furthermore, the second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole 32 in the third portion 53. One end of the second portion 52 is connected to the other end of the third portion 53.

[0044] Furthermore, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are exposed from the insertion hole 32. In other words, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 protrude from the insertion hole 32 of the housing 5, that is, from the conductor 40 which constitutes part of the insertion hole 32, and the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are not located inside the insertion hole 32.

[0045] The third portion 53 is a long, plate-like structure and is positioned inside the insertion hole 32. Specifically, the third portion 53 is bent relative to the second portion 52 and positioned inside the conductor 40 along the insertion direction of the electric wire 90. That is, the other end of the third portion 53 is connected to the end of the second portion 52 opposite to the other end. This third portion 53 is positioned inside the conductor 40, i.e., inside the insertion hole 32, and extends from one end of the second portion 52 along the negative Z-axis direction.

[0046] Furthermore, a second recess 54 is formed in a part of the terminal member 50. In this embodiment, the second recess 54 is formed in the third portion 53.

[0047] Specifically, at least a portion of the third portion 53 has a second recess 54 formed in the thickness direction of the terminal member 50. The second recess 54 in the third portion 53 extends from the other end of the third portion 53 (the opening side of the insertion hole 32 and the side of the first recess 32b of the housing 5) to one end of the third portion 53, corresponding to the first recess 32b of the housing 5.

[0048] Furthermore, since the second recess 54 is formed in the third portion 53, the opposing surface of the third portion 53 on the X-axis negative side that faces the conductor 40 protrudes. For this reason, the conductor 40 has a curved portion 40c in Figure 2 that is curved according to the shape of the opposing surface, so that it can support the opposing surface of the third portion 53 on the X-axis negative side.

[0049] Furthermore, the second recess 54 in the third portion 53 is positioned opposite the through-hole 40a of the conductor 40. In other words, by inserting the pressing member 41 into the through-hole 40a of the conductor 40, the pressing member 41 can press the electric wire 90 against the third portion 53. This allows the electric wire 90 to be held in the second recess 54 of the third portion 53, thereby electrically connecting the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53. For this reason, the electric wire 90 guided by the second recess 54 of the second portion 52 can be placed in the second recess 54 formed in the third portion 53, making it easy to electrically connect the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53.

[0050] In such a terminal member 50, the second recess 54 corresponds to the first recess 32b of the housing 5, so when the electric wire 90 is inserted into the insertion hole 32, the first recess 32b and the second recess 54 of the third portion 53 can guide the electric wire 90.

[0051] This terminal member 50 can be obtained, for example, by bending a metal plate. Specifically, the terminal member 50 is obtained by forming a groove in the metal plate that will become the second recess 54 of the terminal member 50, and then bending the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the third portion 53 in that order.

[0052] The connecting member 42 is housed in the housing chamber 37 and supported by the main case 30 and the conductor 40. The connecting member 42 is positioned in another insertion hole 32 corresponding to the insertion hole 32 in which the terminal member 50 is located. Specifically, the connecting member 42 is positioned in another insertion hole 32 formed on the negative X-axis side of the insertion hole 32 in which the terminal member 50 is located. The conductor 40 is also positioned in the other insertion hole 32. The connecting member 42 is an example of another terminal member.

[0053] The connecting member 42 is formed in a U-shape when viewed along the Y-axis. Therefore, a portion of the connecting member 42 is inserted into the conductor 40 located in another insertion hole 32, and the remaining portion extends out in a tongue-like manner from the opening on the Z-axis positive side of the conductor 40. A fixed contact 42a is provided at the tip of the connecting member 42 that protrudes from the Z-axis positive side opening of the conductor 40, and is positioned to face the movable contact 43a of the connecting member 43. The fixed contact 42a can be electrically connected to the electric wire 90 inserted into another insertion hole 32.

[0054] Furthermore, a recess 42b is formed in a part of the connecting member 42 inserted into the conductor 40, which is recessed in the thickness direction of the connecting member 42. This recess 42b extends along the Z-axis direction from the opening on the Z-minus side of the conductor 40 to the opening on the Z-plus side.

[0055] Because a recess 42b is formed in a part of the connecting member 42, a portion of the opposing surface of the connecting member 42 that faces the conductor 40 protrudes. For this reason, the portion of the conductor 40 that faces the opposing surface of the connecting member 42 has a curved portion 40c that is curved according to the shape of the opposing surface, so that it can support the opposing surface of the connecting member 42.

[0056] The connecting member 43 can electrically connect or disconnect the terminal member 50 and the connecting member 42 by external operation of the operating handle 20. The connecting member 43 is located on the opposite side of the insertion hole 32 in the first portion 51 and is electrically connected to the first portion 51. The connecting member 43 is made of a metal plate and is rotatably supported by the operating handle 20 and the coil spring 21 while electrically connected to the terminal member 50. The connecting member 43 has a movable contact 43a that protrudes from its surface.

[0057] The movable contact 43a is positioned to face the fixed contact 42a of the connecting member 42. Specifically, the lower end (pivot point) of the connecting member 43 is positioned on the first portion 51 of the terminal member 50, and the upper end of the connecting member 43 is engaged with the lower end of the coil spring 21. As a result, the connecting member 43 can rotate around the pivot point due to the swinging of the operating handle 20 and the coil spring 21. More specifically, when the movable contact 43a comes into contact with the fixed contact 42a of the connecting member 42 due to the swinging of the operating handle 20 and the coil spring 21, the movable contact 43a and the fixed contact 42a are electrically connected, and the switch turns ON. Conversely, when the movable contact 43a moves away from the fixed contact 42a of the connecting member 42 due to the swinging of the operating handle 20 and the coil spring 21, the electrical connection between the movable contact 43a and the fixed contact 42a is released, and the switch turns OFF. Here, the switch includes a terminal member 50, a connecting member 42, and a connecting member 43.

[0058] <Operation> Next, the operation of the wiring device 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0059] (Example of operation 1) First, we will describe the case in which the electric wire 90 is electrically connected to the wiring device 1 in this embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1B, the worker aligns the tip of the electric wire 90 with the insertion hole 32 and inserts it into the insertion hole 32. The opening surface of the insertion hole 32 is larger than the diameter inside the insertion hole 32, and the second portion 52 and the second recess 54 of the terminal member 50 can guide the tip of the electric wire 90, so the electric wire 90 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 32. After inserting the electric wire 90 into the insertion hole 32, the worker engages the tip of a tool such as a Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, or wrench with the head of the pressing member 41 and rotates it in the first direction while pressing the tool. As a result, the pressing member 41 rotates in the first direction with the X-axis as its axis, so the pressing member 41 gradually moves in the negative X-axis direction and presses the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50. As a result, the pressing shaft of the pressing member 41 presses the electric wire 90 toward the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50, allowing the pressing member 41 and the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50 to sandwich the electric wire 90. Consequently, the pressing member 41 can electrically connect the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50.

[0061] (Example of operation 2) Next, we will describe the case in which the electric wire 90 electrically connected to the wiring device 1 in this embodiment is disconnected, thereby releasing the electrical connection.

[0062] The worker engages the tip of the tool with the head of the pressing member 41 and rotates the tool in the second direction while pressing it against the head. As a result, the pressing member 41 rotates in the second direction around the X-axis axis, gradually moving away from the electric wire 90, and releasing the pressure between the electric wire 90 and the third portion 53 of the terminal member 50. This allows the worker to remove the electric wire 90 from the insertion hole 32.

[0063] (Example of operation 3) Next, the operation of the operating handle 20 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3A, when the end of the operating handle 20 on the X-axis positive side is pressed down, the operating handle 20 swings clockwise relative to the main body cover 10. At this time, the swinging part 22 of the main body cover 10 swings clockwise. As a result, the coil spring 21 inserted inside the swinging part 22 of the main body cover 10 also swings clockwise, causing the connecting member 43, which is locked at the lower end of the coil spring 21, to rotate counterclockwise, and the movable contact 43a of the connecting member 43 comes into contact with the fixed contact 42a of the connecting member 42. This electrically connects the movable contact 43a and the fixed contact 42a, turning the switch ON.

[0065] Furthermore, when the switch is ON and the end of the operating handle 20 on the X-axis minus side is pressed, the operating handle 20 swings counterclockwise relative to the main body cover 10, as shown in Figure 3B. At this time, the swinging part 22 of the main body cover 10 swings counterclockwise. As a result, the coil spring 21 inserted inside the swinging part 22 of the main body cover 10 also swings counterclockwise, causing the connecting member 43, which is locked at the lower end of the coil spring 21, to rotate clockwise, and the movable contact 43a of the connecting member 43 separates from the fixed contact 42a of the connecting member 42. This electrically disconnects the movable contact 43a and the fixed contact 42a, causing the switch to turn OFF.

[0066] <Effects and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the terminal device 7 and wiring device 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0067] As described above, the terminal device 7 of this embodiment is a terminal structure for electrically connecting to an electric wire 90 inserted through an insertion hole 32 formed in the housing 5, and comprises a conductive terminal member 50 having a first portion 51, a second portion 52, and a third portion 53, with the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the third portion 53 being arranged in this order. The third portion 53 is positioned inside the insertion hole 32 along the insertion direction of the electric wire 90. The second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole 32. The first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are exposed from the insertion hole 32. The terminal member 50 is electrically connected to the electric wire 90 inserted through the insertion hole 32 by contact.

[0068] According to this, since the second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole 32 in the third portion 53, the second portion 52 is not positioned on the opening surface side of the insertion hole 32. Therefore, since the second portion 52 is not positioned near the opening of the insertion hole 32, the size of the opening of the insertion hole 32 is less likely to become smaller.

[0069] Therefore, the electric wire 90 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 32.

[0070] In particular, with this terminal device 7, even if the terminal structure is applied to a conventional housing, the effects of this embodiment are achieved, making it possible to improve the ease of inserting the electric wire 90 into the insertion hole 32 while maintaining the conventional housing structure as much as possible.

[0071] Furthermore, in the terminal device 7 of this embodiment, the housing 5 is either a switch housing or an outlet housing.

[0072] This terminal device 7 also produces the same effects as described above.

[0073] Furthermore, the terminal device 7 of this embodiment includes a terminal structure (terminal device 7), a housing 5, a conductive terminal member 50 that is electrically connected to an electric wire 90 inserted through an insertion hole 32 formed in the housing 5, a pressing member 41 that presses the electric wire 90 inserted in the insertion hole 32 against a third portion 53, and a connecting member 43 that can electrically connect or disconnect the terminal member 50 from other terminal members 50.

[0074] This terminal device 7 also produces the same effects as described above.

[0075] Furthermore, in the terminal device 7 of this embodiment, the second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the second portion 52, and extends from the portion of the third portion 53 connected to the second portion 52 to the opening surface where the electric wire 90 is inserted, and is connected to the first portion 51. The first portion 51 extends from the position connected to the second portion 52 along the direction in which the pressing member 41 presses.

[0076] According to this, the second portion 52 is connected to the third portion 53 on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole 32 in the third portion 53, and extends to the first portion 51 on the opening surface side. Therefore, the second portion 52 can be positioned to be routed away from the opening of the insertion hole 32. Also, the first portion 51 extends away from the opening of the insertion hole 32. As a result, since the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are not positioned near the opening of the insertion hole 32, the size of the opening of the insertion hole 32 is less likely to become smaller.

[0077] Furthermore, the terminal device 7 of this embodiment includes a connecting member 43 located on the opposite side of the insertion hole 32 in the first portion 51, which can electrically connect or disconnect the terminal member 50 from other terminal members 50. The connecting member 43 is electrically connected to the first portion 51.

[0078] According to this, the connecting member 43 can be placed on the first portion 51, so that a switch can be placed in the housing 5 such that the connecting member 43 and the linking member 42 are electrically connected or disconnected.

[0079] Furthermore, in the terminal device 7 of this embodiment, the connecting member 43 is located on the opposite side of the insertion hole 32 in the first portion 51 and is electrically connected to the first portion 51.

[0080] According to this, the connecting member 43 can be placed on the first portion 51, so that a switch can be placed in the housing 5 such that the connecting member 43 and the linking member 42 are electrically connected or disconnected.

[0081] Furthermore, the terminal device 7 of this embodiment is further equipped with an operating handle 20. The connecting member 43 electrically connects or disconnects terminal member 50 from other terminal members 50 by external operation of the operating handle 20.

[0082] According to this, the terminal member 50 and the connecting member 42 can be electrically connected or disconnected by operating the operating handle 20, so the wiring device 1 of this embodiment can be applied to equipment equipped with a switch.

[0083] (Other variations) Although the terminal devices and wiring equipment relating to this disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive of may also be included within the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0084] The following describes the features of the terminal device and wiring equipment described based on the above embodiments. <Technology 1> A terminal structure for electrically connecting to an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in the housing, A conductive terminal member having a first part, a second part, and a third part, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are arranged in this order, The third portion is positioned inside the insertion hole along the direction in which the electric wire is inserted. The second portion is connected to the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole in the third portion, The first and second portions are exposed through the insertion hole, The terminal member is electrically connected to the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole by contacting it. Terminal structure. <Technology 2> The second portion connects with the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface in the second portion, and extends from the portion of the third portion that connects with the second portion to the opening surface in which the electric wire is inserted, and connects with the first portion. The first portion extends from a position adjacent to the second portion along the direction in which the pressing member presses. Terminal structure as described in Technical 1. <Technology 3> The first portion is located on the side opposite to the insertion hole and includes a connecting member capable of electrically connecting or disconnecting the terminal member from other terminal members, The connecting member is electrically connected to the first portion. Terminal structure as described in Technical 1 or 2. <Technology 4> The housing is either an outlet housing or a switch housing. A terminal structure described in any one of the three technologies. <Technology 5> A terminal structure described in any one of the technologies 1 to 4, Housing and A conductive terminal member electrically connected to the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole formed in the housing, A pressing member that presses the electric wire inserted into the insertion hole against the third portion, The system includes a connecting member capable of electrically connecting or disconnecting the aforementioned terminal member from other terminal members. Wiring equipment. <Technology 6> The connecting member is located on the side of the first portion opposite to the insertion hole side and is electrically connected to the first portion. Wiring equipment as described in Technical 5. <Technology 7> It also has an operating handle, The connecting member electrically connects or disconnects the terminal member and the other terminal member by external operation of the operating handle. Wiring equipment as described in Technical 5 or 6.

[0085] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each of the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1, 1a wiring equipment 5, 5a Housing 7 Terminal device (terminal structure) 20 Operating handles 32 Insertion holes 41 Pressing member 42 Connecting members (other terminal members) 43 Connecting Member 50 Terminal component 51 Part 1 52 Part 2 53 Part 3 90 Electric wire

Claims

1. A terminal structure for electrically connecting to an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in the housing, A cylindrical or tubular conductive body fixed within the housing and communicating with the insertion hole, A conductive terminal member having a first part, a second part, and a third part, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are arranged in this order, The third portion is arranged inside the conductor along the direction in which the electric wire is inserted. The second portion is connected to the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface of the insertion hole in the third portion, The first and second portions are exposed from the conductor and are located outside the conductor. The terminal member is electrically connected to the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole by contacting it. The second portion connects with the third portion on the side opposite to the opening surface in the second portion, and extends from the portion of the third portion that connects with the second portion to the opening surface in which the electric wire is inserted, and connects with the first portion. The first portion extends from a position adjacent to the second portion along the direction in which the pressing member presses. Terminal structure.

2. The first portion is provided with a connecting member located on the opposite side of the insertion hole, which can electrically connect or disconnect the terminal member from other terminal members, The connecting member is electrically connected to the first portion. The terminal structure according to claim 1.

3. The housing is either an outlet housing or a switch housing. The terminal structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The terminal structure according to claim 1 or 2, A pressing member that presses the electric wire, which is held by the conductor and inserted into the insertion hole, to the third portion, A connecting member capable of electrically connecting or electrically disconnecting the aforementioned terminal member from another terminal member, The system comprises the terminal structure, the pressing member, the terminal member, and the other terminal member arranged in a housing. The terminal member is electrically connected to the electric wire inserted through the insertion hole formed in the housing. Wiring equipment.

5. The connecting member is located on the side of the first portion opposite to the insertion hole side and is electrically connected to the first portion. Wiring device according to claim 4.

6. It also has an operating handle, The connecting member electrically connects or disconnects the terminal member and the other terminal member by external operation of the operating handle. Wiring device according to claim 4.

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