Terminal structure and wiring implement

Abstract

Provided is a terminal structure (3) which is accommodated in a housing (5) such that an electric wire (90) can be electrically connected to a terminal (40), said terminal structure (3) comprising: a locking spring (50) that comes into elastic contact with the inserted electric wire (90); and a pressing member (60). The pressing member (60) is supported by a recess (76) formed in the housing (5) and rotates using the recess (76) as a fulcrum. When the insertion hole (91) and the locking spring (50) are viewed in a view facing an open face of the insertion hole (91), the pressing member (60) presses the locking spring (50) in a rotation direction (A) so as to elastically deform the locking spring (50), thereby reducing the area of a region of the locking spring (50) that overlaps with the insertion hole (91). The pressing member (60) has a protrusion (63) that presses the locking spring (50). The protrusion (63) has a first pressing protrusion (63a) that presses the locking spring (50) and a second pressing protrusion (63b) that presses the locking spring (50).

Description

Terminal structure and wiring device

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-144992 discloses a quick-connect terminal for a socket for electrically connecting an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in a housing to a socket blade receiver.

[0003] The quick-connect terminal of the outlet has a connecting part that elastically contacts and electrically connects with the electric wire, a retaining piece that prevents the electric wire from coming loose, and a locking release member that releases the retaining piece's engagement with the electric wire. When the release button of the locking release member of the quick-connect terminal of the outlet is pressed, the sliding part of the locking release member slides and moves into the housing, causing the release piece to release the wire-locking action of the retaining piece, allowing the electric wire to be pulled out.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-92846

[0005] However, when inserting a soft wire into the insertion hole of a conventional quick-connect terminal of a socket, the wire may bend and not be inserted fully into the insertion hole, posing a problem with the ease of inserting the wire into the insertion hole of the conventional quick-connect terminal of a socket.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal structure etc. that allows even a soft electric wire to be easily inserted into an insertion hole.

[0007] A terminal structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal structure accommodated within a housing so that an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in the housing can be electrically connected to the terminal, and includes an elastic member that elastically contacts the inserted electric wire, and a pressing member, wherein the pressing member is supported in a recess formed in the housing and rotates around the recess as a fulcrum, and when the insertion hole and the elastic member are viewed so as to face the opening surface of the insertion hole, the pressing member presses the elastic member in the rotational direction, thereby elastically deforming the elastic member and reducing the area of ​​the region of the elastic member that overlaps with the insertion hole, and the pressing member has a convex portion that presses the elastic member, and the convex portion has a first pressing convex portion that presses the elastic member and a second pressing convex portion that presses the elastic member.

[0008] A wiring fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a terminal structure and a housing.

[0009] According to the terminal structure etc. of the present disclosure, even a soft electric wire can be easily inserted into the insertion hole.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a wiring device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a view showing a locking piece in a closed state. FIG. 3B is a view showing a locking piece in an open state. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device in a state in which the pressing member has rotated and the first pressing protrusion has begun to press against the locking piece. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device in a state in which the pressing member has rotated and the second pressing protrusion has begun to press against the pressing piece. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device in a state in which the first pressing protrusion is pressing against the locking piece and the second pressing protrusion is pressing against the pressing piece to open the insertion hole.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as rectangular parallelepiped shape and X-axis direction are used. For example, rectangular parallelepiped shape does not only mean a completely rectangular parallelepiped shape and an X-axis direction, but also means a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and an X-axis direction, i.e., including an error of, for example, about several percent. Furthermore, rectangular parallelepiped shape and X-axis direction mean a rectangular parallelepiped shape and an X-axis direction within the scope in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "direction."

[0014] In the following embodiments, the overlapping direction of the cover and the housing is defined as the Z-axis direction, the alignment direction of the pair of pressing members is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and the Y-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction. In addition, in the X-axis direction, the insertion hole side relative to the second wall is defined as the positive side, in the Y-axis direction, the left side of the page is defined as the positive side, and in the Z-axis direction, the cover side relative to the housing is defined as the positive side.

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment) <Configuration> First, a wiring device 1 including a terminal structure 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wiring device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a view showing the locking piece 51 in a closed state. FIG. 3B is a view showing the locking piece 51 in an open state. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device 1 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows the wiring device 1 in a state in which the pressing member 60 is not pressing the locking spring 50 and the insertion hole 91 is in a closed state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device 1 in a state in which the pressing member 60 has rotated and the first pressing protrusion 63a has begun pressing against the locking piece 51. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device 1 in a state in which the pressing member 60 has rotated and the second pressing protrusion 63b has begun pressing against the pressing piece 52. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device 1 when the first pressing protrusion 63a presses the locking piece 51 and the second pressing protrusion 63b presses the pressing piece 52 to open the insertion hole 91. In Figs. 5 to 7, the locking spring 50 in the open state shown in Fig. 4 is shown by a two-dot chain line. Figs. 5 to 7 also show a cross-section of the wiring device 1 taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1.

[0018] 1 and 2 , the wiring device 1 is a connection device that supplies and cuts off power to equipment systems, such as lighting devices and air blowers, installed in a facility. The wiring device 1 is embedded in a structure, such as a ceiling, wall, or floor. The wiring device 1 is, for example, an outlet or a switch. The wiring device 1 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0019] When an operator connects an electric wire 90 to the wiring device 1, the operator operates a pressing member 60 having a handle portion 62 provided on the wiring device 1, thereby allowing the electric wire 90 to be inserted into an insertion hole 91 of the wiring device 1. When the operator finishes operating the pressing member 60, the electric wire 90 is electrically connected to the wiring device 1.

[0020] The wiring device 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0021] The wiring device 1 includes a housing 5 , a cover 10 , and a terminal structure 3 .

[0022] The housing 5 is a housing in which an accommodating chamber S for accommodating the terminal structure 3 is formed, and a part of the housing 5 is embedded in a building. The housing 5 is a housing for a socket or a housing for a switch.

[0023] The housing 5 is cubic and has openings on the positive X-axis direction side and the positive Z-axis direction side. Specifically, the housing 5 has a first wall 71 on the negative Z-axis direction side, a pair of side walls 72 provided on both sides of the first wall 71, a second wall 74 on the negative X-axis direction side connected to the first wall 71 and the pair of side walls 72, and an intermediate wall 75 provided between the pair of side walls 72 and connected to the first wall 71 and the second wall 74.

[0024] An insertion hole 91 for inserting and removing an electric wire 90 is formed in the first wall 71 of the housing 5. The electric wire 90 is inserted into the insertion hole 91 to be electrically connected to the terminal 40. The insertion hole 91 communicates with the accommodation chamber S that accommodates the terminal structure 3, and therefore the electric wire 90 inserted into the insertion hole 91 is electrically connected to the terminal structure 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of insertion holes 91 are formed in the housing 5, but only one insertion hole 91 may be formed in the housing 5.

[0025] The housing 5 is formed with an accommodating chamber S for accommodating the terminal structure 3. In this embodiment, since the housing 5 accommodates a plurality of terminal structures 3, a plurality of accommodating chambers S separated by intermediate walls 75 are formed. In other words, the plurality of terminal structures 3 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of accommodating chambers S. Note that a plurality of terminal structures 3 may be accommodated in one accommodating chamber S. In this case, the intermediate wall 75 does not need to be formed in the housing 5.

[0026] A structure is formed in the accommodation chamber S of the housing 5. The structure supports the terminal structure 3 housed in the housing 5. The structure includes a recess 76 that can rotatably support the pressing member 60 of the terminal structure 3. Specifically, a pair of recesses 76 is formed in each of the plurality of accommodation chambers S. Each pair of recesses 76 rotatably supports one pressing member 60. Since the pressing member 60 slides in the recess 76, the inner surfaces of the pair of recesses 76 are arc surfaces formed in an arc shape.

[0027] The cover 10 has a flat, generally rectangular shape and is disposed on the front surface (the surface on the positive Z-axis direction side) of the wiring device 1. The cover 10 is fixed to the housing 5 so as to cover an opening formed in the housing 5 on the positive Z-axis direction side.

[0028] The terminal structure 3 is accommodated in the housing 5 so that an electric wire 90 inserted through an insertion hole 91 formed in the housing 5 can be electrically connected to a terminal 40 of the terminal structure 3. The terminal structure 3 is prevented from detaching from the housing 5 by the housing 5 and a cover 10 that covers an opening in the housing 5 on the positive side of the Z axis. When accommodated in the housing 5, a portion of the terminal structure 3 is exposed from the opening in the housing 5 on the positive side of the X axis.

[0029] Specifically, the terminal structure 3 includes a terminal 40 , a locking spring 50 , and a pressing member 60 .

[0030] Terminal 40 is a quick-connect terminal capable of accommodating locking spring 50 therein. Terminal 40 is accommodated in accommodation chamber S of housing 5 and has terminal plate 41 electrically connected to electric wire 90, opposing plate 42 disposed on the opposite side of terminal plate 41 with locking spring 50 interposed therebetween, and connecting portion 43 connecting terminal plate 41 and opposing plate 42. When electric wire 90 is inserted into insertion hole 91 of housing 5, terminal 40 electrically connects electric wire 90 pressed against locking spring 50 to terminal plate 41.

[0031] In this embodiment, the terminal 40 has a pair of terminal plates 41. A slit 44 is formed between the pair of terminal plates 41, allowing a portion of the locking spring 50 housed in the terminal 40 to be exposed. An intermediate wall 75 of the housing 5 is inserted into the slit 44.

[0032] The locking spring 50 makes elastic contact with the electric wire 90 inserted through the insertion hole 91, thereby electrically connecting the electric wire 90 and the terminal 40. The locking spring 50 is arranged to face the insertion hole 91. In other words, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the locking piece 51, which is a part of the locking spring 50, is exposed. The locking spring 50 is an example of an elastic member.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 , the locking spring 50 has an S-shaped pressing piece 52 when viewed along the Y-axis direction, a U-shaped or V-shaped locking piece 51 positioned opposite the opening of the insertion hole 91, and a strip-shaped central piece 53 connecting the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 and held by the opposing plate 42 of the terminal 40. The locking piece 51 is positioned closer to the opening surface of the insertion hole 91 than the pressing piece 52, and closer to the recess 76 than the pressing piece 52. The locking piece 51 is exposed from the insertion hole 91. The locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 are positioned opposite the terminal plate 41 of the terminal 40. When the pressure by the pressing member 60 is released, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can indirectly press the terminal plate 41 of the terminal 40 via the electric wire 90. The locking piece 51 is an example of a first elastic deformation portion, and the pressing piece 52 is an example of a second elastic deformation portion.

[0034] The pressing member 60 is a lever that is housed in the housing 5 and is rotatable in a predetermined direction. For example, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, when the pressing member 60 rotates in the rotation direction A indicated by the arrow, the pressing member 60 presses the locking spring 50, thereby increasing the pressing force of the pressing member 60 on the locking spring 50 and causing the locking spring 50 to elastically deform. Specifically, the elastic deformation of the locking spring 50 occurs when the locking piece 51 of the locking spring 50 is pressed in the rotation direction A by the pressing member 60, causing the locking piece 51 to elastically deform, and then the pressing piece 52 begins to elastically deform. 4, the distance between the locking piece 51 and the first pressing protrusion 63a is shorter than the distance between the pressing piece 52 and the second pressing protrusion 63b, and the first pressing protrusion 63a is positioned closer to the rotation axis C than the second pressing protrusion 63b, so that the locking piece 51 elastically deforms, followed by the pressing piece 52. The rotation axis C is the axis that serves as the rotation center of the pressing member 60. Furthermore, when the pressing member 60 rotates in the rotation direction B indicated by the arrow, the pressing force of the pressing member 60 on the locking spring 50 weakens, and then the elastic deformation of the locking spring 50 is released.

[0035] The pressing member 60 is supported by a recess 76 formed in the housing 5, and rotates around a rotation axis C with the recess 76 as a fulcrum. The pressing member 60 is a bifurcated structure that is symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane.

[0036] Specifically, the pressing member 60 has a pair of main body portions 61 and a handle portion 62 that can press the pressing member 60 in the rotation direction A.

[0037] The pair of main body portions 61 are symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane and are arranged in a bifurcated shape in the pressing member 60. Each of the pair of main body portions 61 has a plate portion 60a and a protrusion 63 that presses the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52.

[0038] The plate portion 60a has a triangular plate shape. One corner of the plate portion 60a is connected to the handle portion 62. A pivotal support portion 61a is formed at another corner of the plate portion 60a and is rotatable in a recess 76 formed in the housing 5. The pivotal support portion 61a is rotatably supported in the recess 76 formed in the housing 5 and rotates around the recess 76 as a fulcrum. The side surface of the pivotal support portion 61a forms an arc-shaped curved surface. Therefore, the pivotal support portion 61a can slide on the arc-shaped surface of the recess 76 in response to rotation of the pressing member 60. Furthermore, since the pressing member 60 is provided with a pair of pivotal support portions 61a, the pair of pivotal support portions 61a can slide on the arc-shaped surfaces of the pair of recesses 76 so as to correspond one-to-one with the pair of recesses 76.

[0039] The plate portions 60a are formed with protrusions 63. Specifically, the protrusions 63 formed on the pair of plate portions 60a are formed so as to face each other.

[0040] The protrusion 63 is disposed closer to the pivot support 61a than the handle 62. The protrusion 63 has a first pressing protrusion 63a that presses the locking piece 51 when the pressing member 60 is pressed in the rotation direction A, and a second pressing protrusion 63b that presses the pressing piece 52 when the pressing member 60 is pressed in the rotation direction A.

[0041] The first pressing protrusion 63a is a triangular protrusion, and the second pressing protrusion 63b is an arc-shaped protrusion. The first pressing protrusion 63a is arranged so as to be located closer to the recess 76 than the second pressing protrusion 63b. The first pressing protrusion 63a is also arranged so as to be located closer to the opening surface of the insertion hole 91 than the second pressing protrusion 63b. The first pressing protrusion 63a is arranged between the locking piece 51 and the terminal plate 41, and when the pressing member 60 rotates, it presses the locking piece 51, causing the locking piece 51 to deform.

[0042] When the pressing member 60 is not rotated, the second pressing protrusion 63b is disposed between the handle portion 62 and the terminal board 41. When the pressing member 60 is rotated, the second pressing protrusion 63b is inserted into the notch 41a formed in the terminal board 41, and the second pressing protrusion 63b is disposed between the pressing piece 52 and the terminal board 41.

[0043] Furthermore, since the pressing member 60 has a pair of main body portions 61, it can be said that it has a pair of first pressing protrusions 63a, a pair of second pressing protrusions 63b, and a pair of pivotal support portions 61a. Therefore, it can be said that the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a, the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b, and one of the pair of pivotal support portions 61a, one of the first pressing protrusions 63a, one of the second pressing protrusions 63b, and one of the pivotal support portions 61a, and the other of the first pressing protrusion 63a, the other second pressing protrusion 63b, and the other pivotal support portion 61a, are arranged to sandwich the locking spring 50 from both sides of the locking spring 50. As a result, the pressing member 60 can press both sides of the locking spring 50 in the Y-axis direction, specifically, the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a can press both sides of the locking piece 51 in the Y-axis direction, and the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b can press both sides of the pressing piece 52 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the pressing member 60 can elastically deform the locking spring 50 in a stable manner.

[0044] 4 and 5, when the pressing member 60 rotates in the rotational direction A indicated by the arrow, the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a first press the locking piece 51. As a result, the locking piece 51 is pressed in the rotational direction A by the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a, causing the locking piece 51 to elastically deform so as to fall toward (approach) the pressing piece 52. When the locking piece 51 elastically deforms, the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b are inserted into the pair of cutouts 41a formed in the terminal board 41 and come into contact with the pressing piece 52, thereby beginning to press the pressing piece 52. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing piece 52 is pressed in the rotational direction A by the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b, causing the pressing piece 52 to elastically deform so as to fall toward the rotational direction A. In other words, the locking piece 51 is elastically deformed by the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a so as to tilt toward the rotational direction A, and the pressing piece 52 is elastically deformed by the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b so as to tilt toward the rotational direction A. When the locking spring 50 is elastically deformed, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 7 , when the insertion hole 91 and the locking spring 50 are viewed facing the opening surface of the insertion hole 91, the pressing member 60 presses the locking spring 50 in the rotational direction A, thereby elastically deforming the locking spring 50 and reducing the area of ​​the locking spring 50 that overlaps with the insertion hole 91. As a result, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 move away from the terminal plate 41 of the terminal 40, creating an open state in which a gap is formed through which the electric wire 90 can be inserted. As a result, by inserting the electric wire 90 through the insertion hole 91, the electric wire 90 can be positioned between the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 and the terminal plate 41. In other words, the locking spring 50 can be displaced by elastic deformation to a state in which the electric wire 90 can be inserted so that the electric wire 90 can be electrically connected to the terminal 40 .

[0045] Furthermore, when the pressing member 60 rotates in the rotational direction B, the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b move in the rotational direction B and separate from the pressing piece 52. Thereafter, the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a move in the rotational direction B and separate from the locking piece 51, and the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b come out of the pair of notches 41a formed in the terminal plate 41. This releases the elastic deformation of the locking spring 50, and the locking spring 50 returns to its original state. When the locking spring 50 returns to its original state, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, when the insertion hole 91 and the locking spring 50 are viewed facing the opening of the insertion hole 91, the area of ​​the region of the locking spring 50 that overlaps with the insertion hole 91 increases. In other words, a closed state is achieved in which the gap between the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 and the terminal plate 41 is closed. As a result, when the electric wire 90 is inserted into the insertion hole 91, the electric wire 90 is sandwiched between the terminal 40 and the locking spring 50, and the electric wire 90 is fixed to the terminal structure 3 while being electrically connected to the terminal 40.

[0046] In this embodiment, one terminal structure 3 corresponds to one insertion hole 91, but this is not limiting. For example, multiple terminal structures 3 may correspond to one insertion hole 91, or one locking spring 50 may correspond to multiple insertion holes 91. Also, multiple pressing members 60 may elastically deform one locking spring 50.

[0047] <Operation> Next, a case where the electric wire 90 is electrically connected to the terminal structure 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0048] First, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 are in a closed state, closing the gap between the terminal board 41 and the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52. Then, the operator rotates the handle portion 62 of the pressing member 60 in the rotation direction A. As a result, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the locking piece 51 is elastically deformed by the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a so as to fall in the rotation direction A, and the pressing piece 52 is elastically deformed by the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b so as to fall in the rotation direction A. Then, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 move away from the terminal board 41 of the terminal 40, resulting in an open state in which a gap is formed through which the electric wire 90 can be inserted.

[0049] Next, the worker inserts the electric wire 90 through the insertion hole 91 to arrange the electric wire 90 between the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 and the terminal board 41 .

[0050] Next, the worker rotates the pressing member 60 in the rotation direction B. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4 , the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a move in the rotation direction B and separate from the locking piece 51, and the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b move in the rotation direction B and separate from the pressing piece 52, thereby returning the locking spring 50 to its original state. With the electric wire 90 sandwiched between the terminal 40 and the locking spring 50, the electric wire 90 is electrically connected to the terminal 40 and fixed to the terminal structure 3.

[0051] The worker can then complete the installation of the electric wire 90 to the wiring fixture 1 .

[0052] The operation for removing the electric wire 90 from the wiring fixture 1 is similar to the above method.

[0053] <Operation and Effect> Next, the operation and effect of the terminal structure 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0054] As described above, the terminal structure 3 of technology 1 in this embodiment is a terminal structure 3 accommodated in the housing 5 so that an electric wire 90 inserted through an insertion hole 91 formed in the housing 5 can be electrically connected to the terminal 40, and includes an elastic member (locking spring 50) that elastically contacts the inserted electric wire 90, and a pressing member 60. The pressing member 60 is supported in a recess 76 formed in the housing 5 and rotates around the recess 76 as a fulcrum. When the insertion hole 91 and the elastic member (locking spring 50) are viewed so as to face the opening of the insertion hole 91, the pressing member 60 presses the elastic member (locking spring 50) in the rotation direction A, thereby elastically deforming the elastic member (locking spring 50), thereby reducing the area of ​​the region of the elastic member (locking spring 50) that overlaps with the insertion hole 91. The pressing member 60 also has a protrusion 63 that presses the elastic member (locking spring 50). The protrusion 63 has a first pressing protrusion 63a that presses the elastic member (locking spring 50) and a second pressing protrusion 63b that presses the elastic member (locking spring 50).

[0055] According to this, when an operator inserts the electric wire 90 into the insertion hole 91 of the housing 5, the operator operates the pressing member 60. At this time, the pressing member 60 rotates around the recess 76 as a fulcrum, which allows the first pressing protrusion 63a and the second pressing protrusion 63b of the pressing member 60 to press the locking spring 50. As a result, the locking spring 50 moves away from the terminal plate 41 of the terminal 40, reducing the area of ​​the region of the locking spring 50 that overlaps with the insertion hole 91, and forming a gap inside the insertion hole 91 into which the electric wire 90 can be inserted.

[0056] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, even a soft electric wire 90 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 91 .

[0057] Moreover, the wiring device 1 of the tenth aspect of the present embodiment includes the terminal structure 3 according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and a housing 5.

[0058] This wiring device 1 also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0059] Furthermore, the terminal structure 3 of Technology 2 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in Technology 1. In this case, the elastic member (locking spring 50) has a first elastic deformation portion (locking piece 51) and a second elastic deformation portion (pressing piece 52). The protrusion 63 has a first pressing protrusion 63a that presses the first elastic deformation portion (locking piece 51) when the pressing member 60 is pressed in the rotational direction A, and a second pressing protrusion 63b that presses the second elastic deformation portion (pressing piece 52) when the pressing member 60 is pressed in the rotational direction A.

[0060] According to this, when the pressing member 60 rotates with the recess 76 as a fulcrum, the first pressing protrusion 63a of the protrusion 63 can press the locking piece 51, and the second pressing protrusion 63b of the protrusion 63 can press the pressing piece 52. In other words, since the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can be elastically deformed by the separate protrusions 63, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can be elastically deformed stably.

[0061] Furthermore, the terminal structure 3 of Technology 3 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in Technology 2. In this case, the elastic member (locking spring 50) is pressed in the rotational direction A by the pressing member 60, and after the first elastic deformation portion (locking piece 51) elastically deforms, the second elastic deformation portion (pressing piece 52) begins to elastically deform.

[0062] For example, if the pressing member is configured to elastically deform both the locking piece and the pressing piece at the same time, the pressing piece that is located far from the recess that serves as the fulcrum may be pressed more than necessary.

[0063] However, according to this embodiment, after the locking piece 51 is elastically deformed, the pressing piece 52 also further elastically deforms, so the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can elastically deform in this order in stages. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the pressing member 60 to elastically deform the pressing piece 52 more than necessary, so when the pressure on the locking piece 51 by the pressing member 60 is released, the elastically deformed locking spring 50 can return to its original shape.

[0064] Furthermore, when the operator starts to operate the pressing member 60, the first pressing protrusion 63a elastically deforms only the locking piece 51, so the operator can reduce the force that he or she applies to the pressing member 60 at the start of operation. After that, the operator can gradually increase the force that he or she applies to the pressing member 60, building on the momentum of operating the pressing member 60. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the pressing member 60.

[0065] The terminal structure 3 of Technology 4 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in Technology 2 or 3. In this case, the first elastic deformation portion (locking piece 51) is arranged closer to the recess 76 than the second elastic deformation portion (pressing piece 52). The first pressing protrusion 63a is arranged closer to the recess 76 than the second pressing protrusion 63b.

[0066] According to this, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 are arranged side by side in the insertion hole 91, so that the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can fix the electric wire 90 inserted into the insertion hole 91 to the terminal structure 3. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the electrical connection between the terminal structure 3 and the electric wire 90.

[0067] The terminal structure 3 of Technology 5 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in any one of Technologies 2 to 4. In this case, the pressing member 60 further includes a support portion 61 a disposed in the recess 76 and a handle portion 62 capable of pressing the pressing member 60 in the rotation direction A.

[0068] This allows the operator to grip the handle portion 62 of the pressing member 60 and operate it, making it easier for the operator to operate the pressing member 60.

[0069] The terminal structure 3 of Technique 6 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in Technique 5. In this case, the protrusion 63 is arranged closer to the pivot support portion 61 a than the handle portion 62.

[0070] This allows the protrusion 63 to be closer to the pivot support 61a than the handle 62, so that when an operator operates the pressing member 60, the moment of the force that the protrusion 63 applies to the locking spring 50 can be increased relative to the force applied by the operator. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the pressing member 60.

[0071] The terminal structure 3 of Technology 7 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in any one of Technologies 2 to 6. In this case, the first elastic deformation portion (locking piece 51) is arranged closer to the opening surface of the insertion hole 91 than the second elastic deformation portion (pressing piece 52).

[0072] According to this, the locking piece 51 close to the opening surface of the insertion hole 91 is elastically deformed, and then the pressing piece 52 is elastically deformed, so that the worker can insert the electric wire 90 into the insertion hole 91 while operating the pressing member 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the worker's workability.

[0073] Furthermore, the terminal structure 3 of Technology 8 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in Technology 5 or 6. In this case, the pressing member 60 has a pair of first pressing protrusions 63a, a pair of second pressing protrusions 63b, and a pair of pivotal support portions 61a. The pair of first pressing protrusions 63a, the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b, and one of the pair of pivotal support portions 61a, one of the first pressing protrusions 63a, one of the second pressing protrusions 63b, and one of the pivotal support portions 61a, and the other of the first pressing protrusion 63a, the other second pressing protrusion 63b, and the other pivotal support portion 61a are arranged to sandwich the elastic member (locking spring 50) from both sides of the elastic member (locking spring 50).

[0074] With this, when the pressing member 60 rotates around the recess 76 as a fulcrum, the pair of first pressing protrusions 63a can press both edges of the locking piece 51, and the pair of second pressing protrusions 63b can press both edges of the pressing piece 52. Compared to, for example, a case where one first pressing protrusion presses the locking piece or one second pressing protrusion presses the pressing piece, the locking piece 51 and the pressing piece 52 can be elastically deformed more stably. Therefore, a gap into which the electric wire 90 can be inserted can be appropriately formed inside the insertion hole 91. As a result, the electric wire 90 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 91.

[0075] The terminal structure 3 of Technique 9 in this embodiment is the terminal structure 3 described in any one of Techniques 1 to 8. In this case, the terminal structure 3 is disposed in a housing of a socket or a housing of a switch.

[0076] This allows the terminal structure 3 to be used as a socket or a switch.

[0077] (Other Modifications) While the terminal structure and wiring device according to the present disclosure have been described based on the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of this disclosure.

[0079] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Wiring device 3 Terminal structure 5 Housing 40 Terminal 50 Locking spring (elastic member) 51 Locking piece (first elastic deformation portion) 52 Pressing piece (second elastic deformation portion) 60 Pressing member 61a Pivot support portion 62 Handle portion 63 Convex portion 63a First pressing convex portion 63b Second pressing convex portion 76 Concave portion 90 Electric wire 91 Insertion hole

Claims

1. A terminal structure accommodated in a housing so that an electric wire inserted through an insertion hole formed in the housing can be electrically connected to the terminal, the terminal structure comprising: an elastic member that elastically contacts the inserted electric wire; and a pressing member, the pressing member being supported in a recess formed in the housing and rotating about the recess as a fulcrum, when the insertion hole and the elastic member are viewed so as to face an opening face of the insertion hole, the pressing member pressing the elastic member in the rotational direction to elastically deform the elastic member, thereby reducing an area of ​​a region of the elastic member that overlaps with the insertion hole, the pressing member having a convex portion that presses the elastic member, and the convex portion having a first pressing convex portion that presses the elastic member and a second pressing convex portion that presses the elastic member.

2. The terminal structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a first elastic deformation portion and a second elastic deformation portion, and the convex portion has a first pressing convex portion that presses the first elastic deformation portion when the pressing member is pressed in the rotational direction, and a second pressing convex portion that presses the second elastic deformation portion when the pressing member is pressed in the rotational direction.

3. The terminal structure according to claim 2, wherein the elastic deformation of the elastic member by the pressing member is such that, when the elastic member is pressed in the rotational direction, the first elastic deformation portion elastically deforms, and then the second elastic deformation portion begins to elastically deform.

4. A terminal structure as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the first elastic deformation portion is arranged closer to the recess than the second elastic deformation portion, and the first pressing convex portion is arranged closer to the recess than the second pressing convex portion.

5. The terminal structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pressing member further has a pivot portion disposed in the recess, and a handle portion capable of pressing the pressing member in the rotation direction.

6. The terminal structure according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is disposed closer to the pivot support portion than to the handle portion.

7. The terminal structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first elastic deformation portion is disposed closer to the opening surface of the insertion hole than the second elastic deformation portion.

8. The terminal structure according to claim 5, wherein the pressing member has a pair of the first pressing convex portions, a pair of the second pressing convex portions, and a pair of the axial support portions, and the pair of the first pressing convex portions, the pair of the second pressing convex portions, and one of the pair of the axial support portions, the one of the first pressing convex portions, the one of the second pressing convex portions, and one of the axial support portions, and the other of the first pressing convex portion, the other of the second pressing convex portion, and the other of the axial support portion are arranged to sandwich the elastic member from both sides.

9. The terminal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal structure is disposed within a housing of a socket or a housing of a switch.

10. A wiring device comprising: a terminal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and a housing.

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