(19)
(11) EP 3 664 222 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43) Date of publication:
10.06.2020 Bulletin 2020/24

(21) Application number: 18918191.0

(22) Date of filing: 21.12.2018
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
H01R 4/48(2006.01)
H01R 9/00(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/JP2018/047273
(87) International publication number:
WO 2019/215953 (14.11.2019 Gazette 2019/46)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 08.05.2018 JP 2018090187

(71) Applicant: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co. Ltd.
Tokyo 103-0011 (JP)

(72) Inventor:
  • MACHIDA Noriyoshi
    Tokyo 103-0011 (JP)

(74) Representative: Appelt, Christian W. 
Boehmert & Boehmert Anwaltspartnerschaft mbB Pettenkoferstrasse 22
80336 München
80336 München (DE)

   


(54) CONNECTION TERMINAL STAND, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT


(57) There is provided an inside member (73) disposed inside a plate spring (34) . The inside member (73) is provided with a support portion (81) abutting on an end portion serving as a fixed end side of the plate spring (34) of a first bent section (53) to support the plate spring (34) and a bent section regulating portion (82) which, when the plate spring (34) is pushed into the inner side in the insertion direction relative to a regular position when the plate spring (34) is assembled, abuts on the first bent section (53) to stop the plate spring (34) at a predetermined position.




Description

Technical Field



[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal stand and electrical equipment.

Background Art



[0002] PTL 1 discloses, as a terminal structure for connecting an electric wire to an electric circuit, a push-in terminal in which the electric wire needs only to be inserted into a housing. In the terminal structure, a plate spring bent in to a substantially V shape is used. When the electric wire is inserted, the tip of the electric wire first pushes the plate spring, and then, when the tip of the electric wire extends beyond the tip of the plate spring, an engagement state is set in which the tip of the plate spring next presses the electric wire.

Citation List


Patent Literature



[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 5539809

Summary of Invention


Technical Problem



[0004] Although the fixed end side is supported in the plate spring, there is a possibility that the electric wire becomes unsteady depending on a support manner. Moreover, when the plate spring is pushed into the inner side relative to a regular position due to an assembling error, it becomes difficult to stably hold the electric wire.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to stably hold the electric wire.

Solution to Problem



[0006] A connection terminal stand according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with
a plate spring configured to be engaged with an electric wire inside a housing when the electric wire is inserted into an electric wire insertion hole of the housing to suppress displacement in the drawing direction of the electric wire, in which
the plate spring has
a free end side section whose tip projects toward the inner side in the insertion direction and an electric wire path, and whose plate surface is disposed to cross the electric wire path, the electric wire path being at a position where the electric wire passes inside the housing,
a fixed end side section having a linear shape fixed to the housing and extending in parallel with the electric wire path, and
a first fixed section interposed between the free end side section and the fixed end side section and bent to a side where the plate spring is formed into a convex shape as viewed from the front side in the insertion direction,
when the electric wire is inserted, the tip of the electric wire pushes the free end side section and, when the tip of the electric wire extends beyond the tip of the free end side section, an engagement state is set in which the tip of the free end side section pushes the electric wire,
an inside member supported by the housing and disposed inside the plate spring is provided, and
the inside member is provided with
a support portion configured to abut on an end portion serving as a fixed end side of the plate spring of the first bent section to support the plate spring and
a bent section regulating portion configured to, when the plate spring is pushed into the inner side in the insertion direction relative to a regular position when the plate spring is assembled, abut on the first bent section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.

Advantageous Effects of Invention



[0007] According to the present invention, the inside member supports the end portion serving as the fixed end side of the plate spring of the first bent section, and therefore the fixed end side section can be prevented from tilting to the free end side of the plate spring. Moreover, even when the plate spring is pushed in relative to the regular position, the plate spring can be stopped at the predetermined position. Therefore, the unsteadiness of the electric wire can be suppressed and the electric wire can be stably held.

Brief Description of Drawings



[0008] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection terminal stand;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection terminal stand partially illustrating the inside;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the insertion of a ferrule terminal;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a state where a terminal portion abuts on a free end side section of a plate spring;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the tip of the terminal portion reaches the tip of the free end side section;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the insertion of the ferrule terminal is completed;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a state where a tool is inserted;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are figures illustrating an intermediate plate for one pole;

FIG. 9 is a figure illustrating the plate spring for one pole;

FIG. 10 is a figure illustrating a state where the plate spring is assembled on one side; and

FIG. 11 is a figure illustrating a state where the plate spring is assembled on the other side.


Description of Embodiments



[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure is schematic and is different from realities in some cases. Moreover, the following embodiments exemplify a device and a method for embodying the technical idea of the present invention and do not specify the configurations to the following configurations. More specifically, the technical idea of the present invention can be variously altered within the technical scope described in Claims.

<<Configuration>>



[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection terminal stand.

[0011] In the following description, three directions orthogonal to each other are defined as a width direction, a vertical direction, and a depth direction for convenience.

[0012] A connection terminal stand 11 is a terminal socket for connecting a relay to an external circuit. On one end side in the vertical direction, a primary side terminal portion 12 for coil terminals capable of connecting a primary side lead wire is formed. In the center in the vertical direction, a relay terminal portion 13 capable of connecting a relay having contacts of four poles is formed, for example. On the other end side in the vertical direction, a secondary side terminal portion 14 capable of connecting secondary side lead wires for common terminals, a-contact terminals, and b-contact terminals is formed. The primary side terminal portion 12, the relay terminal portion 13, and the secondary side terminal portion 14 are integrated by a housing 15.

[0013] In the housing 15, on the upper surface serving as the front side in the depth direction, the relay terminal portion 13 is disposed on the inner side in the depth direction relative to the primary side terminal portion 12 and the secondary side terminal portion 14.

[0014] The primary side terminal portion 12 has a spring terminal structure. In the upper surface of the housing 15, a plurality of electric wire insertion holes 21 into which a lead wire can be inserted is formed along the depth direction. On one end side in the width direction, two electric wire insertion holes 21c and 21d are formed as those for one polarity. On the other end side in the width direction, two electric wire insertion holes 21a and 21b are formed as those for the other polarity. Therefore, four electric wire insertion holes 21 in total are provided in the primary side terminal portion 12. The two electric wire insertion holes 21a and 21b or 21c and 21d having the same polarity are shifted in both the width direction and the vertical direction, and thus are arranged in zigzag as viewed in the depth direction. In the upper surface of the housing 15, a plurality of tool insertion holes 22 is formed which is arranged in the vertical direction with respect to each electric wire insertion hole 21 and into which a tool can be inserted along the depth direction. The tool insertion holes 22 are provided one by one for each of the electric wire insertion holes 21a to 21d and are individually disposed on the other end side in the vertical direction relative to the electric wire insertion holes 21a to 21d. Therefore, four tool insertion holes 22 in total are provided in the primary side terminal portion 12.

[0015] The relay terminal portion 13 has a plug-in terminal structure. In the upper surface of the housing 15, a plurality of plug insertion ports 23 into which a plug can be inserted along the depth direction is formed. Two plug insertion ports 23 are formed as those for coil terminals on the one end side in the vertical direction. On the other end side in the vertical direction, three plug insertion ports 23 are formed along the vertical direction as one for common terminal, one for a-contact terminal, and one for b-contact terminal. The three plug insertion ports 23 are set as one set and four sets are arranged along the width direction. Therefore, 14 plug insertion ports 23 in total are provided in the relay terminal portion 13.

[0016]  The secondary side terminal portion 14 has a spring terminal structure. In the upper surface of the housing 15, a plurality of electric wire insertion holes 24 corresponding to four poles into which a lead wire can be inserted along the depth direction is formed. The secondary side terminal portion 14 has three stages whose height in the depth direction is sequentially lowered from one end side toward the other end side in the vertical direction. In the upper stage, two electric wire insertion holes 24a to 24h per one pole are formed as those for b-contact terminals, for example. In the middle stage, two electric wire insertion holes 24i to 24p per one pole are formed as those for a-contact terminals, for example. In the lower stage, two electric wire insertion holes 24q to 24x per one pole are formed as those for common terminals, for example. In each stage, the two electric wire insertion holes 24 (for example, 24a and 24b) of one electrode are shifted in both the width direction and the vertical direction and are arrange in zigzag as viewed in the depth direction. The six electric wire insertion holes 24 (for example, 24a, 24b, 24i, 24j, 24q, and 24r) are set as one set and are arranged for four poles along the width direction. Therefore, 24 electric wire insertion holes 24 in total are provided in the secondary side terminal portion 14. In the upper surface of the housing 15, a plurality of tool insertion holes 25 is formed which is arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the electric wire insertion holes 24 and into which a tool can be inserted along the depth direction. In each stage, the tool insertion holes 25 are provided one by one for each of the electric wire insertion holes 24a to 24x and are individually disposed on the one end side in the vertical direction relative to the electric wire insertion holes 24. Therefore, 24 tool insertion holes 25 in total are provided in the secondary side terminal portion 14.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection terminal stand partially illustrating the inside.

[0018] The primary side terminal portion 12 and the secondary side terminal portion 14 have basically the same structure, and therefore a description is given taking the secondary side terminal portion 14 as an example herein.

[0019] Inside the housing 15, a blade receiving spring 31 is provided on the inner side in the depth direction in each plug insertion port 23. The blade receiving spring 31 is provided with a pair of spring pieces facing with and energizing each other and holds a plug inserted between the pair of spring pieces therebetween. On the inner side in the depth direction in each of the electric wire insertion holes 24a to 24x, a spring metal fitting 32 is provided. Each of the spring metal fittings 32 is attached to an intermediate base 46. The spring metal fitting 32 is provided with a pressing surface 33 substantially in parallel with the depth direction and the width direction and a plate spring 34 energized against the pressing surface 33 and holds a lead wire inserted between the pressing surface 33 and the plate spring 34 therebetween. On the inner side in the depth direction relative to the blade receiving springs 31 and the spring metal fittings 32, relay conductive plates 35 electrically connecting the same are provided. The relay conductive plates 35 include two systems for coil terminals and four systems each for common terminals, for a-contact terminals, and for b-contact terminals.

[0020] A ferrule terminal 17 is crimped to a lead wire 16 (electric wire) inserted into each electric wire insertion hole 24. Herein, the ferrule terminal 17 inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 24x of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The ferrule terminal 17 is a rod-shaped crimp terminal for preventing loosening of a stranded wire and stabilizing the quality of electric connection. The ferrule terminal 17 is provided with an insulated color portion 18 and a terminal portion 19. On the tip side of the color portion 18, a tapered surface 18a whose diameter becomes smaller toward the tip is formed. The terminal portion 19 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the color portion 18.

[0021] When the lead wire 16 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 24 of the housing 15, the plate spring 34 is engaged with the terminal portion 19 inside the housing 15 to suppress the displacement in the drawing direction. Moreover, when a tool (not illustrated) is inserted into the tool insertion hole 25, the engagement with the terminal portion 19 is released inside the housing 15.

[0022] Next, the structure of the electric wire insertion hole 24 is described.

[0023] The electric wire insertion holes 24 formed in the secondary side terminal portion 14 all have the same structure. Herein, a description is given taking the electric wire insertion hole 24 formed in the lower stage as an example.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the insertion of the ferrule terminal.

[0025] The electric wire insertion hole 24 is provided with a large diameter portion 43, an abutment portion 44, and a small diameter portion 45 in this order toward the inside of the housing 15. The diameter of the large diameter portion 43 has a dimension slightly larger than that of the color portion 18. The abutment portion 44 is a tapered surface whose diameter becomes smaller toward the inner side in the depth direction. The tapered angle of the abutment portion 44 with respect to the depth direction is larger than the angle of the tapered surface 18a with respect to the depth direction. The diameter of the small diameter portion 45 has a dimension smaller than the diameter of the color portion 18 and larger than the diameter of the terminal portion 19.

[0026] The plate spring 34 is formed of stainless steel, for example, and the plate thickness is about 0.5 mm and uniform. The plate spring 34 is provided with a free end side section 51, a fixed end side section 52, a first bent section 53, a second bent section 54, and a tool contact section 55. A position where the terminal portion 19 passes inside the housing 15 is set as a terminal path 56 (electric wire path) .

[0027] The free end side section 51 is a section whose tip linearly projects toward the inner side in the insertion direction and the terminal path 56 and whose plate surface is disposed to cross the terminal path 56 and energized toward the pressing surface 33. In a state where the ferrule terminal 17 is not inserted, a tip 51a of the free end side section 51 abuts on the pressing surface 33.

[0028] The fixed end side section 52 is a linear section fixed to the intermediate base 46 and extending in parallel with the terminal path 56.

[0029] The first bent section 53 is a section interposed between the free end side section 51 and the fixed end side section 52 and is curved to a side where the plate spring 34 is formed into a convex shape as viewed from the front side in the insertion direction. When the curvature radius is excessively small, plastic deformation is likely to occur and further elastic force decreases. Therefore, the curvature radius is set to be twice or more the plate thickness and is preferably 3 times or more. Therefore, the curvature radius is preferably set to 1.5 mm or more herein.

[0030] The second bent section 54 is a section interposed between the free end side section 51 and the first bent section 53 and bent to a side where the plate spring 34 is formed into a concave shape as viewed from the front side in the insertion direction or the terminal path 56.

[0031] The tool contact section 55 is a linear section interposed between the first bent section 53 and the second bent section 54 and, when the tool is inserted, pushed toward the fixed end side of the plate spring 34 with respect to the terminal path 56 by the outer peripheral surface of the tool.

[0032] An operation of the plate spring 34 is described.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the terminal portion abuts on the free end side section of the plate spring.

[0034] When the ferrule terminal 17 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 24, the terminal portion 19 first passes through the small diameter portion 45, and then a tip 19a of the terminal portion 19 abuts on the plate surface of the free end side section 51 in the plate spring 34.

[0035] When the ferrule terminal 17 is pushed in from this state, the tip 19a of the terminal portion 19 pushes the plate surface of the free end side section 51 in the plate spring 34 toward the inner side in the depth direction. At this time, the range from the free end side section 51 to the tool contact section 55 rotates with the curvature center of the first bent section 53 as the support point to narrow the opening degree of the tool contact section 55 with respect to the fixed end side section 52, i.e., elastically deform the plate spring 34 in a closing direction.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the tip of the terminal portion reaches the tip of the free end side section.

[0037] When the ferrule terminal 17 is further pushed in, the tip 19a of the terminal portion 19 reaches the tip 51a of the free end side section 51.

[0038] When the ferrule terminal 17 is further pushed in, so that the tip 19a of the terminal portion 19 extends beyond the tip 51a of the free end side section 51, the terminal portion 19 enters so as to be placed between the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 and the pressing surface 33. At this time, an engagement state is set in which the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 presses the terminal portion 19 against the pressing surface 33 by the elastic force of the plate spring 34.

[0039] The free end side section 51 projects toward the inner side in the depth direction, and therefore, in this engagement state, the displacement in the insertion direction of the terminal portion 19 is performed in the forward direction and permitted. On the other hand, the displacement in the drawing direction is performed in an opposite direction in which the free end side section 51 is oppositely stroked. Therefore, the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 is caught in the terminal portion 19, so that the displacement in the drawing direction is suppressed. Therefore, loosening and removal of the ferrule terminal 17 can be suppressed. Thus, the terminal portion 19 is held between the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 and the pressing surface 33, whereby a restrained state is set in which the terminal portion 19 is held. The width dimension of the terminal portion 19 is about 1.5 mm. Between the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 and the pressing surface 33, a gap is formed corresponding to the width dimension of the terminal portion 19.

[0040] Herein, a state where the ferrule terminal 17 does not tilt is drawn for convenience. In actual, however, a state is formed in which, due to the fact that the terminal portion 19 is pressed against the pressing surface 33 side by the plate spring 34, the ferrule terminal 17 tilts with respect to the depth direction. Therefore, in order to positively permit a slight tilt when the ferrule terminal 17 is inserted, the diameter of the large diameter portion 43, the tapered angle of the abutment portion 44, the diameter of the small diameter portion 45, and the like are set.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the insertion of the ferrule terminal is completed.

[0042] When the ferrule terminal 17 is further pushed in, so that the tip side of the tapered surface 18a in the color portion 18 abuts on the abutment portion 44 of the electric wire insertion hole 24, a further insertion is prevented, so that the ferrule terminal 17 stops. At this time, the tip 19a of the terminal portion 19 is set so that a gap is formed with respect to a bottom surface 47 in the housing 15. Herein, one is used in which the length of the color portion 18 is about 6.0 mm, the length of the terminal portion 19 is about 8.0 mm, and the entire length is about 14.0 mm.

[0043]  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a state where a tool is inserted.

[0044] When the plate spring 34 is engaged with the terminal portion 19, the tool insertion hole 25 is disposed at a position overlapping with a region from the other end side in the vertical direction in the free end side section 51 to the other end side in the vertical direction in the first bent section 53 as viewed from the front side in the depth direction. The tool insertion hole 25 is formed to tilt by about 10° with respect to the depth direction so as to be closer to the terminal portion 19 toward the inner side in the depth direction. When the plate spring 34 is engaged with the terminal portion 19, the tool contact section 55 extends substantially in parallel with the axis of the tool insertion hole 25. For a tool 61, a minus driver is used, for example.

[0045] When the tool 61 is inserted, the outer peripheral surface of the tool 61 contacts in the range from one end side in the vertical direction in the first bent section 53 to the tool contact section 55 while sliding to push the tool contact section 55 aside to the one end side in the vertical direction. Or, the tip of the tool 61 abuts in the range from the other end side in the vertical direction in the free end side section 51 to the second bent section 54 to depress the free end side section 51. Thus, by pushing the tool contact section 55 aside to the one end side in the vertical direction or depressing the free end side section 51, the opening degree of the tool contact section 55 is narrowed with respect to the fixed end side section 52, i.e., the plate spring 34 is elastically deformed in a closing direction. Thus, the engagement state between the tip 51a of the free end side section 51 and the terminal portion 19 is released, so that the terminal portion 19 is released from the restraint by the plate spring 34, and thus the ferrule terminal 17 can be drawn.

[0046] Next, the intermediate base 46 is described.

[0047] FIGS. 8A and 8B are figures illustrating an intermediate plate for one pole.

[0048] In the intermediate base 46, an intermediate plate 71 projecting to the front side in the depth direction is formed for one pole. Since the intermediate plates 71 of the poles all have a common structure, only the intermediate plate 71 for one pole is illustrated herein. In the figures, FIG. 8A is a figure viewed from the other end side in the width direction. In the figures, FIG. 8B is a figure viewed from one end side in the width direction.

[0049] Each intermediate plate 71 is provided with a partition plate 72, one inside member 73, and the other inside member 74.

[0050] Since the two electric wire insertion holes 24 (for example, 24x and 24w) are provided per one pole, one intermediate plate 71 has a side corresponding to one electric wire insertion hole 24 (for example, 24x) and a side corresponding to the other electric wire insertion hole 24 (for example, 24w). The partition plate 72 partitions one side and the other side.

[0051] Since the two electric wire insertion holes 24 (for example, 24x and 24w) are shifted also in the vertical direction, the one inside member 73 and the other inside member 74 are also shifted in the vertical direction but the two electric wire insertion holes 24 have basically the same structure.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a figure illustrating the plate spring for one pole.

[0053] In the plate spring 34, the front side in the depth direction in the fixed end side section 52 is branched to a side corresponding to one electric wire insertion hole (for example, 24x) and a side corresponding to the other electric wire insertion hole 24 (for example, 24w). In each of the branched portions, the first bent section 53, the tool contact section 55, the second bent section 54, and the free end side section 51 are continuously formed. On the side corresponding to the other electric wire insertion hole 24 (for example, 24w), the front side in the depth direction in the fixed end side section 52 is tilted to the other end side in the vertical direction in order to be shifted to the other end side in the vertical direction relative to the side corresponding to the one electric wire insertion hole 24 (24x) .

[0054] The plate spring 34 is assembled to the intermediate plate 71 of the intermediate base 46.

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a state where the plate spring is assembled on one side.

[0056] Herein, a state is illustrated in which the side corresponding to the one electric wire insertion hole (for example, 24x) is viewed from one end side in the width direction.

[0057] The one inside member 73 is disposed inside the plate spring 34 and is provided with a support portion 81, a regulating portion 82 (bent section regulating portion), a regulating portion 83 (tool contact section regulating portion), and a regulating portion 84 (free end side section regulating portion).

[0058] The support portion 81 abuts on an end portion serving as the fixed end side of the plate spring 34 of the first bent section 53, i.e., a connection position of the first bent section 53 and the fixed end side section 52, to support the plate spring 34. The outside of the fixed end side section 52, i.e., the other end side in the vertical direction, is supported by the housing 15 which is not illustrated.

[0059] When the plate spring 34 is pushed into the inner side in the insertion direction relative to the regular position when the plate spring 34 is assembled, the regulating portion 82 abuts on the first bent section 53 to stop the plate spring 34 at a predetermined position. In the plate spring 34, a lower end 52a of the fixed end side section 52 is supported by the intermediate base 46 but there is a possibility that the plate spring 34 is pushed into the inner side relative to the regular position due to an assembling error. Herein, the plate spring 34 is located at the regular position, and therefore the first bent section 53 is separated with respect to the regulating portion 82. The predetermined position where the plate spring 34 is stopped is set in a range where the ferrule terminal 17 can be stably held.

[0060] When the tool 61 is inserted, so that the tool contact section 55 is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring 34, the regulating portion 83 abuts on at least one of an end portion serving as the free end side of the plate spring 34 of the first bent section 53 and the tool contact section 55 to stop the plate spring 34 at the predetermined position. The tool 61 is a minus driver as described above. Therefore, the tip side is formed so that the thickness becomes smaller as two end surfaces which are disposed back to back come closer to each other toward the tip and the blade edge has a straight line shape. When the blade edge of the tool 61 is inserted substantially in parallel with the plate spring 34, the first bent section 53 is not deflected more than necessary. However, when inserted in non-parallel with the plate spring 34 or scooped out, the first bent section 53 is deflected more than necessary. The predetermined position where the plate spring 34 is stopped is set in a range where the plastic deformation of the plate spring 34 can be prevented.

[0061]  When the tool 61 is inserted, so that the tool contact section 55 is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring 34, the regulating portion 84 abuts on the free end side section 51 to stop the plate spring 34 at the predetermined position. When the tool 61 is deeply inserted into the inner side, the first bent section 53 is deflected more than necessary. The predetermined position where the plate spring 34 is stopped is set in a range where the plastic deformation of the plate spring 34 can be prevented.

[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates a state where the plate spring is assembled on the other side.

[0063] As described above, the one side and the other side have basically the same structure, and therefore the same reference numerals are given to common portions and a detailed description thereof is omitted. On the other side, the support portion 81 and the regulating portion 82 are projected to the other end side in the vertical direction. On the inner side in the depth direction in the regulating portion 82, a recessed corner 85 is present and is rounded to an arc shape in order to reduce the concentration of stress.

<<Operation>>



[0064] Next, a main operation of this embodiment is described.

[0065] Although the fixed end side section 52 is supported in the plate spring 34, there is a possibility that the ferrule terminal 17 becomes unsteady depending on a support manner. For example, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 10, when the position in the depth direction in the regulating portion 82 is a further inner side, the front side in the depth direction similarly in the fixed end side section 52 tilts to the free end side of the plate spring 34, so that unsteadiness may be caused.

[0066] Thus, the inside member 73 (or 74) is disposed inside the plate spring 34 and the support portion 81 supports an end portion serving as the fixed end side of the plate spring 34 of the first bent section 53. This can suppress the tilt of the fixed end side section 52 to the free end side of the plate spring 34. Therefore, the movable range of the plate spring 34 is stabilized, whereby the unsteadiness of the ferrule terminal 17 is suppressed and the ferrule terminal 17 can be stably held.

[0067] Moreover, there is a possibility that the plate spring 34 is pushed into the inner side relative to the regular position due to an assembling error. Thus, the regulating portion 82 is provided which, when the plate spring 34 is pushed in relative to the regular position, abuts on the first bent section 53 to stop the plate spring 34 at the predetermined position. Thus, the ferrule terminal 17 can be stably held.

[0068] When the tool 61 is inserted in non-parallel with the plate spring 34 or scooped out, the first bent section 53 is deflected more than necessary. Thus, the regulating portion 83 is provided which, when the tool contact section 55 is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring 34 by the tool 61, abuts on at least one of an end portion serving as the free end side of the plate spring 34 of the first bent section 53 and the tool contact section 55 to stop the plate spring 34 at the predetermined position. Thus, the plastic deformation of the plate spring 34 can be prevented, and therefore influence on the characteristics of the plate spring 34 can be suppressed. Therefore, the ferrule terminal 17 can be stably held.

[0069] Furthermore, when the tool 61 is deeply inserted into the inner side, the first bent section 53 is deflected more than necessary. Thus, the regulating portion 84 is provided which, when the tool contact section 55 is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring 34 by the tool 61, abuts on the free end side section 51 to stop the plate spring 34 at the predetermined position. Thus, the plastic deformation of the plate spring 34 can be prevented, and therefore influence on the characteristics of the plate spring 34 can be suppressed. Therefore, the ferrule terminal 17 can be stably held.

<<Modification>>



[0070] The above-described embodiment describes the case where the ferrule terminal 17 is crimped to the lead wire 16. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and a bare wire may be used as it is whether it is a single wire or a stranded wire.

[0071] The above-described embodiment describes the relay of a c-contact in which the a-contact terminal and the b-contact terminal are combined. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and is also applicable to a relay of a-contacts or a relay of b-contacts. Moreover, the relay having contacts of four poles is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and is also applicable to a relay of one pole, two poles, or three poles. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a relay and is also applicable to a timer.

[0072] The above-described embodiments describe the terminal socket for connecting a relay, a timer, and the like to an external circuit but the present invention is not limited thereto. In short, the present invention is also applicable to any other electrical equipment and accessories insofar as they have a spring terminal structure capable of holding the ferrule terminals 17 inserted into the housing 15.

[0073] As described above, the description is given referring to the limited number of embodiments. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto and it is obvious for a person skilled in the art to alter the embodiments based on the disclosure above.

Reference Signs List



[0074] 
11
connection terminal stand
12
primary side terminal portion
13
relay terminal portion
14
secondary side terminal portion,
15
housing
16
lead wire
17
ferrule terminal
18
color portion
18a
tapered surface
19
terminal portion
19a
tip
21
electric wire insertion hole
22
tool insertion hole
23
plug insertion port
24
electric wire insertion hole
25
tool insertion hole
30
angle
32
spring metal fitting
33
pressing surface
34
plate spring
35
relay conductive plate
43
large diameter portion
44
abutment portion
45
small diameter portion
46
intermediate base
47
bottom surface
51
free end side section
51a
tip
52
fixed end side section
53
first bent section
54
second bent section
55
tool contact section
56
terminal path
61
tool
71
intermediate plate
72
partition plate
73
inside member
74
inside member
81
support portion
82
regulating portion
83
regulating portion
84
regulating portion
85
recessed corner



Claims

1. A connection terminal stand comprising:

a plate spring configured to be engaged with an electric wire inside a housing when the electric wire is inserted into an electric wire insertion hole of the housing to suppress displacement in a drawing direction of the electric wire, wherein

the plate spring includes

a free end side section whose tip projects toward an inner side in an insertion direction and an electric wire path, and whose plate surface is disposed to cross the electric wire path, the electric wire path being at a position where the electric wire passes inside the housing,

a fixed end side section having a linear shape fixed to the housing and extending in parallel with the electric wire path, and

a first bent section interposed between the free end side section and the fixed end side section and bent to a side where the plate spring is formed into a convex shape as viewed from a front side in the insertion direction,

when the electric wire is inserted, a tip of the electric wire pushes the free end side section and, when the tip of the electric wire extends beyond a tip of the free end side section, an engagement state is set in which the tip of the free end side section pushes the electric wire,

an inside member supported by the housing and disposed inside the plate spring is provided, and

the inside member includes

a support portion configured to abut on an end portion serving as a fixed end side of the plate spring of the first bent section to support the plate spring and

a bent section regulating portion configured to, when the plate spring is pushed into the inner side in the insertion direction relative to a regular position when the plate spring is assembled, abut on the first bent section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.


 
2. The connection terminal stand according to Claim 1 comprising:

a tool insertion hole formed in the housing side by side with the electric wire insertion hole, wherein

the plate spring includes

a second bent section interposed between the free end side section and the first bent section and bent to a side where the plate spring is formed into a concave shape as viewed from the front side in the insertion direction or the electric wire path and

a tool contact section having a linear shape interposed between the first bent section and the second bent section,

when a tool is inserted into the tool insertion hole, the tool contacts the tool contact section to push the tool contact section aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring to elastically deform the plate spring and the engagement between the tip of the free end side section and the electric wire is released, and

the inside member includes

a tool contact section regulating portion configured to, when the tool is inserted and the tool contact section is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring, abut on at least one of an end portion serving as a free end side of the plate spring of the first bent section and the tool contact section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.


 
3. The connection terminal stand according to Claim 2, wherein
the inside member includes
a free end side section regulating portion configured to, when the tool is inserted and the tool contact section is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring, abut on the free end side section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.
 
4. Electrical equipment comprising:
the connection terminal stand according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.
 


Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT


1. (Amended) A connection terminal stand comprising:

a plate spring configured to be engaged with an electric wire inside a housing when the electric wire is inserted into an electric wire insertion hole of the housing to suppress displacement in a drawing direction of the electric wire, wherein

the plate spring includes

a free end side section whose tip projects toward an inner side in an insertion direction and an electric wire path, and whose plate surface is disposed to cross the electric wire path, the electric wire path being at a position where the electric wire passes inside the housing,

a fixed end side section fixed to the housing and extending in a linear shape in parallel with the electric wire path, a rear end of the fixed end side section ending with the linear shape, and

a first bent section interposed between the free end side section and the fixed end side section and bent to a side where the plate spring is formed into a convex shape as viewed from a front side in the insertion direction,

when the electric wire is inserted, a tip of the electric wire pushes the free end side section and, when the tip of the electric wire extends beyond a tip of the free end side section, an engagement state is set in which the tip of the free end side section pushes the electric wire,

an inside member supported by the housing and disposed inside the plate spring is provided, and

the inside member includes

a support portion configured to abut on an end portion serving as a fixed end side of the plate spring of the first bent section to support the plate spring and

a bent section regulating portion configured to, when the plate spring is pushed into the inner side in the insertion direction relative to a regular position when the plate spring is assembled, abut on the first bent section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.


 
2. The connection terminal stand according to Claim 1 comprising:

a tool insertion hole formed in the housing side by side with the electric wire insertion hole, wherein

the plate spring includes

a second bent section interposed between the free end side section and the first bent section and bent to a side where the plate spring is formed into a concave shape as viewed from the front side in the insertion direction or the electric wire path and

a tool contact section having a linear shape interposed between the first bent section and the second bent section,

when a tool is inserted into the tool insertion hole, the tool contacts the tool contact section to push the tool contact section aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring to elastically deform the plate spring and the engagement between the tip of the free end side section and the electric wire is released, and

the inside member includes

a tool contact section regulating portion configured to, when the tool is inserted and the tool contact section is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring, abut on at least one of an end portion serving as a free end side of the plate spring of the first bent section and the tool contact section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.


 
3. The connection terminal stand according to Claim 2, wherein
the inside member includes
a free end side section regulating portion configured to, when the tool is inserted and the tool contact section is pushed aside to the fixed end side of the plate spring, abut on the free end side section to stop the plate spring at a predetermined position.
 
4. Electrical equipment comprising:
the connection terminal stand according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.
 




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Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description