CN107240786A - Arrangements of terminal and the wiring unit with the arrangements of terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object to provide a terminal device and a wiring device having the terminal device, which can suppress the contact state of the electric wire and the terminal part from falling into an unstable state. The terminal device (1) comprises a terminal part (2), a pressing part (3), a locking part (4) and a connecting part (5). The terminal portion (2) has conductivity. The pressing part (3) is arranged to face one surface (20) of the terminal part (2), and is configured to hold the electric wire (100) inserted from the insertion port (11) along the insertion direction, so that the electric wire (100) is sandwiched between the pressing part (3) and the terminal part (2). The locking part (4) is elastic; arranged to face the one surface (20) of the terminal part (2); and configured to restrain the electric wire (100) by contacting the electric wire (100) ) towards the movement of the insertion port (11). The connecting portion (5) joins the terminal portion (2) and the pressing portion (3).

Description

Terminal device and wiring equipment with the terminal device

technical field

The present invention generally relates to a terminal device and a wiring device having the same, and more particularly, to a terminal device to be connected with an electric wire by being inserted therein, and a wiring device having the same.

Background technique

Conventionally, in order to facilitate connection of electric wires to wiring devices such as switches (for example, refer to Document 1: JP2002-151172A), terminal devices having a so-called quick-connect structure to which electric wires can be connected without using screws are known.

The terminal device described in Document 1 includes a terminal portion (terminal plate) made of a conductive material and a lock spring. The terminal portion has a C-shape, and the lock spring is accommodated in a space surrounded by the terminal portion. The lock spring has a center piece formed by bending a sheet material having elasticity, a lock piece and a press piece. The locking piece and the pressing piece are respectively arranged at two ends of the central piece. In the terminal device, when inserted from the insertion opening (electric wire insertion hole), the electric wire is sandwiched and held between both the locking piece and the pressing piece and the contact piece of the terminal portion by the spring force of the locking spring. In this state, the electric wire can be locked by the end edge of the locking piece snapped into the electric wire, and furthermore, the pressing piece elastically holds the electric wire between the pressing piece and the terminal portion by pressing the electric wire against the terminal portion by the pressing piece.

Contents of the invention

technical problem

In the conventional terminal device as described above, since the terminal portion is provided as a part independently separated from the member for pressing the electric wire toward the terminal portion (pressing piece of the lock spring), there is a possibility that the electric wire is pressed against The force of the terminal portion varies depending on, for example, assembly accuracy of the terminal portion and the lock spring, temperature characteristics, or the like. As a result, the contact state in which the electric wire comes into contact with the terminal portion may become unstable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device and a wiring device having the terminal device, which can suppress the contact state of electric wires and terminal portions from falling into an unstable state.

way of solving the problem

A terminal device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a terminal portion, a pressing portion, a locking portion, and a connecting portion. The pressing portion is provided to face one surface of the terminal portion, and is configured to hold an electric wire inserted from the insertion opening in an insertion direction such that the electric wire is sandwiched between the pressing portion and the terminal portion. The locking portion is elastic; is provided to face the one surface of the terminal portion; and is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire toward the insertion opening by contact with the electric wire. The connecting portion joins the terminal portion and the pressing portion.

A wiring device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a terminal device and an device main body configured to receive the terminal device therein.

Beneficial Effects of the Invention

The present invention has an advantage that the contact state in which the electric wire is in contact with the terminal portion can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state.

Description of drawings

1A is a front view of a basic configuration of a terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a partially broken front view of a basic structure of a terminal device in a state where electric wires are connected to the terminal device;

2A is a perspective view of the basic configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the basic configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis;

3A is a perspective view of a terminal block of a terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the terminal block when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis;

4A is a perspective view of the spring block of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the spring block when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis;

5 is an exploded perspective view of the overall configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis;

6A is a perspective view of the overall configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the overall configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis;

7 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the terminal device;

8 is a perspective view of a wiring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

9A is a perspective view of a terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the terminal device when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis.

detailed description

(first embodiment)

(1) Summary

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called quick connect terminal to which an electric wire 100 can be connected by inserting the electric wire 100 into the terminal device 1 . The terminal device 1 includes a terminal portion 2 having conductivity. In the terminal device 1 , the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100 are electrically connected to each other by the electric wire 100 coming into contact with the terminal portion 2 . FIG. 1A shows only the terminal device 1 in a state where the electric wire 100 is not connected, and FIG. 1B shows the terminal device 1 and the electric wire 100 in a state where the electric wire 100 is connected, which state is partly represented by a dotted line (double Dot-dash line) indicates. The terminal device 1 can be used for a wiring device such as a switch or a receptacle. The wiring device 10 having the terminal device 1 (refer to FIG. 8 ) will be described in the column "(2.7) Wiring device" described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B , the terminal device 1 includes a pressing portion 3 and a locking portion 4 in addition to the terminal portion 2 . When the electric wire 100 entered from the insertion opening 11 is inserted between the terminal part 2 and the pressing part 3 , the electric wire 100 is electrically connected to the terminal part 2 . When inserted between the terminal portion 2 and the locking portion 4 , movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion opening 11 is restricted by the locking portion 4 , and thus, the electric wire 100 is locked. As long as the insertion opening 11 mentioned here is a space through which the power supply wire 100 passes to be introduced into the terminal part 2 and both the pressing part 3 and the locking part 4, the terminal device 1 does not need to have the insertion opening 11 with a solid , and may only function as the insertion port 11. 1A to 2B show the insertion port 11 without a solid body. Alternatively, the insertion port 11 may be a solid insertion hole 81 (see FIG. 5 ) formed in the casing 8 (see FIG. 5 ) described later.

When the electric wire 100 is an insulated wire in which a core wire made of a conductor is covered with an insulating coating, the end (ie, only the core wire) of the electric wire 100 from which the insulating coating is stripped is inserted from the insertion opening 11 . The electric wire 100 may be any one of a single wire in which a core wire is formed of a single wire and a twisted wire in which a core wire is formed of two or more wires.

(2) Details

(2.1) Basic configuration

Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the terminal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4B .

In the following description, the "facing direction" in which the terminal part 2 and the pressing part 3 face each other is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction pointing to the terminal part 2 when viewed from the pressing part 3 is defined as the direction of the X-axis Positive direction. Also, an "insertion direction" (an insertion direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction) in which the electric wire 100 is inserted is defined as the Y-axis direction, and a direction in which the electric wire 100 is inserted is defined as the positive direction of the Y-axis. In addition, the arrangement direction of the two electric wires 100 connected to the terminal device 1 (the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis) is defined as the Z-axis direction (ie, the direction perpendicular to the paper in FIG. 1A ), and points to The direction of the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 1A is defined as the positive direction of the Z axis. However, the purpose of these directions is not to limit the use direction of the terminal device 1 . Arrows indicating the directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the drawing are shown only for convenience of explanation, and the arrows each have no entity. The fact that the facing direction and the insertion direction are exactly orthogonal to each other (intersect at an angle of 90°) is not an essential component of the terminal device 1 as long as these directions intersect each other.

The terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment is a bipolar type terminal device that can be connected with up to two electric wires 100 . That is, since the terminal device 1 has two insertion openings 11 , two electric wires 100 can be respectively connected through the two insertion openings 11 at the same time. In the terminal device 1 , since two electric wires 100 are electrically connected to a single terminal part 2 , the two electric wires 100 connected in the terminal device 1 are electrically connected to each other via the terminal part 2 . The terminal arrangement 1 can thus be used, for example, as a supply terminal.

The terminal device 1 includes two members: a terminal block 12 ; and a spring block 13 . The terminal block 12 and the spring block 13 are respectively provided as different members. In other words, the terminal block 12 and the spring block 13 are members independently separated from each other. The terminal part 2 and the pressing part 3 are included in the terminal block 12 . The locking portion 4 is included in the spring block 13 . The terminal block 12 is formed of a conductive metal plate. The spring block 13 is formed of an elastic metal plate. The terminal block 12 (pressing portion 3 ) and the spring block 13 (locking portion 4 ) are respectively made of different materials from each other. The spring block 13 is combined with the terminal block 12 to be accommodated in a space surrounded by the terminal block 12 .

(2.2) Terminal block

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the terminal block 12 includes a connection portion 5 and a holding portion 6 in addition to the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 . The connecting portion 5 is used to join the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 . The connection portion 5 joins: the end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction; and the pressing portion 3 . In other words, respective end portions (respective upper ends in FIG. 3A ) of the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction are joined to each other through the connection portion 5 .

The terminal block 12 is made of, for example, copper (Cu). In this embodiment, since the terminal device 1 is a bipolar type, there are a plurality of pressing parts 3 and a plurality of connecting parts 5 (in this embodiment, two pressing parts 3 and two connection parts Part 5). Here, the terminal device 1 has a plane-symmetrical configuration with respect to the Z-axis direction, in which two pressing portions 3 (or two connecting portions 5) are arranged. For this reason, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, only one of the two pressing parts 3 will be described, and the description of the other of the two pressing parts 3 will be appropriately omitted. Similarly, only one of the two connecting parts 5 will be explained, and the explanation of the other of the two connecting parts 5 will be appropriately omitted.

In this embodiment, the pressing part 3, the connection part 5, the terminal part 2, and the holding part 6 are integrally formed. In other words, the terminal portion 2, the two pressing portions 3, the two connecting portions 5, and the holding portion 6 are made of one sheet of metal plate. In the present embodiment, the terminal portion 2 , the pressing portion 3 , the connecting portion 5 and the holding portion 6 constituting the terminal block 12 are formed of one sheet of metal plate subjected to punching and bending.

The terminal portion 2 has a rectangular plate shape. The terminal portion 2 is configured such that one surface 20 in its thickness direction (X-axis direction) faces the pressing portion 3 . That is, the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 is introduced between the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2 and the corresponding pressing part 3, and is electrically connected to the terminal part 2 so as to be connected to the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2. touch.

The terminal portion 2 is provided in the one surface 20 with a guide groove 23 extending in the Y-axis direction. The guide groove 23 restricts movement of the electric wire 100 toward directions other than the Y-axis direction in a plane (Y-Z plane) along the one surface 20 , thereby restricting the moving direction of the electric wire 100 to only the Y-axis direction. The guide grooves 23 are provided in two to respectively correspond to the two electric wires 100 , and two guide grooves 23 are formed in the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . Two guide grooves 23 are respectively arranged at both ends of the one surface 20 in the Z-axis direction. Each guide groove 23 has a bottom surface 231 shaped such that a cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface 231 perpendicular to the insertion direction is convexly curved toward the positive direction of the X-axis. In the present embodiment, each guide groove 23 is formed by bending a part of the terminal portion 2 .

Further, the terminal portion 2 is provided with an opening window 24 penetrating through the terminal portion 2 in the thickness direction thereof in the central region of the one surface 20 . The opening window 24 has a rectangular opening shape. The opening window 24 is a hole through which a part of the release member 9 described later passes.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , each pressing portion 3 is provided at a position facing the first region 21 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 in the X-axis direction (facing direction). The first region 21 mentioned here is a region of the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2 facing the corresponding pressing part 3 . Each pressing portion 3 is configured to hold the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction such that the electric wire 100 is sandwiched between the pressing portion 3 itself and the first region 21 . In other words, when the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 is introduced between the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 , the pressing portion 3 presses the electric wire 100 against the one surface 20 against the electric wire. 100 applied force. That is, the electric wire 100 is pressed against the first region 21 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 by the pressing portion 3 , which can generate an appropriate contact pressure between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100 .

Each pressing part 3 includes a first pressing piece 31 , a second pressing piece 32 and a third pressing piece 33 . The first pressing piece 31, the second pressing piece 32, and the third pressing piece 33 are arranged along the Y-axis direction from the connecting portion 5 side (that is, the side opposite to the insertion port 11). The three pressing pieces 33 are arranged in sequence.

The first pressing piece 31 has a rectangular plate shape and is substantially parallel to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . An end portion of the first pressing member 31 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the connection portion 5 . The other end of the first pressing piece 31 on the insertion port 11 side in the Y-axis direction is connected to the second pressing piece 32 . The second pressing piece 32 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined with respect to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to come closer to the terminal portion 2 as approaching the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. The end portion of the second pressing piece 32 on the side opposite to the first pressing piece 31 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the third pressing piece 33 . The third pressing piece 33 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined with respect to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to come closer to the terminal portion 2 as it is separated from the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction.

That is to say, the third pressing member 33 and the second pressing member 32 have a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In the pressing portion 3 , the contact portion 34 that joins the second pressing piece 32 and the third pressing piece 33 is located at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . In other words, the pressing portion 3 includes the contact portion 34 curved convexly toward the terminal portion 2 in the X-axis direction on a plane (XY plane) including both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 34 is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , each connection portion 5 protrudes toward a direction opposite to the insertion port 11 from an end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the terminal portion 2 and each pressing portion 3 are engaged with each other through the connection portion 5 provided from its end portion on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction (the upper end in FIG. 3A ). ) protrude in the positive direction of the Y axis.

Each connecting portion 5 includes a bent portion 51 . The curved portion 51 is convexly curved in the Y-axis direction toward a direction opposite to the insertion port 11 in a plane (XY plane) including both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the curved portion 51 is curved in an arc shape. The bent portion 51 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the distance between the first pressing piece 31 of the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 .

Furthermore, each connecting portion 5 is set such that its size in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the size of the corresponding pressing portion 3 in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the connection portion 5 is not formed over the entire length of the terminal portion 2 in the Z-axis direction, but is formed to avoid interference with the region of the terminal portion 2 where the guide groove 23 is formed. Therefore, each connecting portion 5 can have a low elastic constant and can be bent easily, compared to a case where each connecting portion 5 has a dimension in the Z-axis direction equal to that of the corresponding pressing portion 3 in the Z-axis direction.

The holding portion 6 is integrally formed with the terminal portion 2 and configured to hold the locking portion 4 (spring block 13 ) between itself and the terminal portion 2 . The holding portion 6 is provided to protrude from the end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the connection portion 5 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the holding portion 6 is connected to the end portion (the lower end in FIG. 3A ) of the terminal portion 2 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction.

The holding part 6 includes a first holding piece 61 , a second holding piece 62 and a third holding piece 63 . The first holder 61 , the second holder 62 and the third holder 63 are successively arranged in the order of the first holder 61 , the second holder 62 and the third holder 63 from the terminal portion 2 side. In the present embodiment, all of the following are bent with a prescribed radius of curvature: the portion joining the terminal portion 2 and the first holder 61; the joint portion between the first holder 61 and the second holder 62; and A joint portion (restricting portion 64 ) between the second holder 62 and the third holder 63 .

The first holder 61 has a rectangular plate shape, and protrudes from the terminal portion 2 in the negative direction of the X-axis. The first holder 61 and the terminal portion 2 are substantially orthogonal to each other. An end portion of the first holder 61 on the side opposite to the terminal portion 2 in the X-axis direction is connected to the second holder 62 . The second holder 62 has a rectangular plate shape, and protrudes from the first holder 61 in the Y-axis positive direction. The second holder 62 and the first holder 61 are substantially orthogonal to each other. An end portion of the second holder 62 on the side opposite to the first holder 61 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the third holder 63 . The third holder 63 has a rectangular plate shape, and protrudes from the second holder 62 in the positive direction of the X-axis. The third holder 63 and the second holder 62 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

That is, the second holder 62 faces the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 , and the third holder 63 faces the first holder 61 . Although details will be described later, the holding portion 6 positions the spring block 13 by the restricting portion 64 as a portion engaging the second holding piece 62 and the third holding piece 63 . In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship between the second holder 62 and the terminal portion 2 is defined so that those lengths in the Y-axis direction are substantially the same as each other. Therefore, the holding portion 6 has a structure in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is substantially a rectangular frame shape together with the terminal portion 2 . The spring block 13 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2 . In addition, the dimensional relationship between the first holder 61 and the third holder 63 is defined such that, in the X-axis direction, the size of the third holder 63 is smaller than that of the first holder 63, so that in the third A gap is formed between the holder 63 and the terminal portion 2 . The pressing portion 3 is introduced into the space between the second holder 62 and the terminal portion 2 through the gap.

The first holder 61 is provided with a cutout hole 611 penetrating through the first holder 61 in its thickness direction. The cutout hole 611 is provided at a position corresponding to the insertion port 11 . The electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion opening 11 can thus be introduced into the space surrounded by the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2 through the cutout hole 611 . The cutout holes 611 are provided in two to respectively correspond to the two electric wires 100 , and the two cutout holes 611 are formed in the first holder 61 . Two cutout holes 611 are respectively arranged at both ends of the first holder 61 in the Z-axis direction.

In addition, the first holder 61 is provided at its center portion with a through hole 612 penetrating through the first holder 61 in its thickness direction. The through hole 612 has a circular opening shape. Since the through hole 612 is not a main part of the terminal device 1, the through hole 612 may be omitted.

(2.3) Spring block

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the spring block 13 includes an extension portion 7 in addition to the locking portion 4 . The spring block 13 is made of steel such as special purpose stainless steel (SUS). The spring block 13 is formed of a thinner metal plate than the terminal block 12 . In this embodiment, since the terminal device 1 is a bipolar type, a plurality of locking portions 4 are provided (two locking portions in this embodiment). Here, the terminal device 1 has a plane-symmetrical configuration with respect to the Z-axis direction, in which two locking portions 4 are arranged. For this reason, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, only one of the two locking portions 4 will be explained, and an explanation of the other of the two locking portions 4 will be appropriately omitted.

In the present embodiment, the lock portion 4 and the extension portion 7 are integrally formed. In other words, the two locking parts 4 and the extension part 7 are made of one sheet metal. In this embodiment, the locking portion 4 and the extension portion 7 constituting the spring block 13 are formed from a single sheet of metal that has been punched and bent.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , each locking portion 4 is arranged at a position facing the second region 22 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 in the X-axis direction (facing direction). The second region 22 mentioned here is a region of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 that is different from the first region 21 in the Y-axis direction, and faces the locking portion 4 . The second area 22 is arranged between the first area 21 and the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the first area 21 and the second area 22 are arranged in the order of the second area 22 and the first area 21 along the Y-axis direction from the insertion port 11 side.

Each locking portion 4 is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 by coming into contact with the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the locking portion 4 is configured to sandwich the electric wire 100 between the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 and the locking portion 4 itself when the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion opening 11 is introduced into the locking portion 4 itself. between the second area 22. That is, the electric wire 100 is pressed against the second region 22 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 by the locking portion 4 , which can generate an appropriate contact pressure between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100 .

In the present embodiment, each locking portion 4 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to be closer to the terminal portion 2 as being separated from the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. Each locking portion 4 is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion opening 11 by the locking portion 4 contacting the electric wire 100 at its end edge 41 closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . That is, each locking portion 4 protrudes from a portion (spring portion 42 ) engaging each locking portion 4 and the extension portion 7 in the direction in which the electric wire 100 is inserted (ie, the positive direction of the Y axis), and is opposed to the The one surface 20 of the terminal part 2 is inclined so that the end edge 41 is closer to the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2 . When the electric wire 100 is introduced between the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 and the locking portion 4 , the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 comes into contact with the electric wire 100 . Therefore, when a force is applied to the electric wire 100 in a direction causing the electric wire 100 to move toward the insertion port 11 (the negative direction of the Y axis), the locking portion 4 is caught by the electric wire 100 so that its end edge 41 bites into the electric wire 100, And the wire 100 can thus be locked.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , extension portion 7 protrudes from an end portion (lower end in FIG. 4A ) of lock portion 4 on the insertion port 11 side in the Y-axis direction in a direction opposite to insertion port 11 . In other words, the extension portion 7 is constituted by a portion of the spring block 13 that extends from the end portion of the locking portion 4 on the side opposite to the end edge 41 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The spring part 42 , which is a part engaging the locking part 4 and the extension part 7 , applies elastic force to the locking part 4 . In other words, the spring block 13 includes the spring portion 42 convexly bent toward the insertion port 11 side in the Y-axis direction in a plane (XY plane) including both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the spring portion 42 is bent with a predetermined radius of curvature.

The extension part 7 includes a first extension piece 71 and a second extension piece 72 . The first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 are connected to each other in the order of the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 from the lock portion 4 side.

The first extension piece 71 has a rectangular plate shape, and is approximately parallel to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B . One end of the first extension piece 71 on the insertion port 11 side in the Y-axis direction is connected to the lock portion 4 . The other end of the first extension piece 71 on the side opposite to the lock portion 4 in the Y-axis direction is connected to the second extension piece 72 . The second extension 72 has a rectangular plate shape, and protrudes from the first extension 71 in the positive direction of the X-axis. The second extension 72 and the first extension 71 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

That is to say, the second extension piece 72 has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Z-axis direction together with the first extension piece 71 . The spring block 13 is positioned relative to the terminal block 12 by bringing the corner portion 73 , which is a portion joining the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 , into contact with the restricting portion 64 of the terminal block 12 . The corner portion 73 is not always in contact with the restricting portion 64 , but there is a gap between the corner portion 73 and the restricting portion 64 . That is, when the spring block 13 moves relative to the terminal block 12 toward the positive direction of the Y-axis, the corner portion 73 comes into contact with the restricting portion 64 , and the movement of the spring block 13 can be restricted accordingly. Accordingly, the spring block 13 is positioned relative to the terminal block 12 . The corner portion 73 is curved with a specified radius of curvature.

Here, the size of the spring block 13 in the Y-axis direction is defined to be slightly smaller than the distance between the first holder 61 and the third holder 63 of the terminal block 12 . The size of the spring block 13 in the X-axis direction is defined to be slightly larger than the distance between the terminal portion 2 and the second holder 62 of the terminal block 12 . Therefore, the spring block 13 is positioned slightly loosely in the Y-axis direction and can be accommodated in the space surrounded by the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2 so as to be in a compressed state in the X-axis direction. That is to say, in the state where the spring block 13 has been combined with the terminal block 12, the spring portion 42 is elastically deformed so that the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is closer to the first extension 71, and the spring block 13 is correspondingly in the X-axis direction is compressed. The dimensional relationship between the second extension 72 and the third holder 63 is defined such that these lengths in the X-axis direction are approximately equal to each other, which can be formed between the second extension 72 and the terminal portion 2 for connecting The pressing portion 3 is introduced into a gap between the second holder 62 and the terminal portion 2 .

The first extension piece 71 is provided at its center portion with a through hole 711 penetrating through the first extension piece 71 in its thickness direction. The through hole 711 has a circular opening shape. The first extension piece 71 is also provided with a slit 712 penetrating through the first extension piece 71 in its thickness direction and extending from the through hole 711 toward the locking portion 4 . The slit 712 extends through the spring portion 42 to the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 . The two locking portions 4 are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction by the slit 712 . Since the through hole 711 is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1, the through hole 711 may be omitted.

(2.4) Size relationship

Next, the dimensional relationship among the terminal portion 2 , the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 is described in a state where the spring block 13 has been combined with the terminal block 12 .

As shown in FIG. 1B, in the X-axis direction, the first distance L1 is set to be greater than the second distance L2, wherein the first distance L1 represents the distance between each pressing portion 3 and the corresponding first region 21, The second distance L2 represents the distance between each locking portion 4 and the corresponding second region 22 . In this embodiment, since the terminal portion 2 is provided with the guide groove 23 in the one surface 20, the above-mentioned first and second distances L1 and L2 and the distance L3 described later are based on each guide groove 23 as a reference. The bottom surface 231 of the deepest part is defined. That is, the first distance L1 is the distance between: the contact portion 34 of each pressing portion 3 at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2; The bottom surface 232 of the deepest part of the corresponding guide groove 23 in a region 21 . Similarly, the second distance L2 is a distance between: the end edge 41 of each locking portion 4 at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2; The bottom surface 231 of the deepest part of the corresponding guide groove 23 .

The end portion of each pressing portion 3 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction, that is, the third pressing member 33 is inclined with respect to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to move closer to the insertion port 11 in the Y-axis direction. Separated from the terminal part 2 further. That is, the third pressing piece 33 is inclined so as to be further away from the terminal portion 2 as it is separated from the contact portion 34 . Therefore, the distance between the end edge of the third pressing piece 33 on the side opposite to the contact portion 34 and the terminal portion 2 is greater than the distance between the contact portion 34 and the terminal portion 2 . In the present embodiment, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the following is defined as the third distance L3: the end edge of the third pressing piece 33 on the side opposite to the contact portion 34; The bottom surface 231 of the deepest part of the guide groove 23 .

In short, the relationship between the first, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 satisfies that the first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2, and the third distance L3 is greater than the first distance L1 (L2<L1<L3 ).

Incidentally, the electric wire 100 to be inserted from the insertion port 11 preferably has a wire diameter larger than the first distance L1 and smaller than the third distance L3 The wire diameter of the wire 100 described here is the wire diameter of the wire 100 that is limited to the wire that can be connected to the terminal device 1 When the wire 100 is an insulated wire, the wire diameter Corresponds to the diameter of the core wire to be inserted from the insertion port 11 . First, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 vs wire diameter The relationship between the first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2, the wire diameter greater than the first distance L1, and a third distance L3 greater than the wire diameter Note that the wire diameter mentioned here refers to the outer diameter of the electric wire 100 to be inserted from the insertion opening 11 (the diameter of the core wire in the case of an insulated wire), and can be roughly determined according to, for example, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards or the like.

(2.5) How to connect wires

Next, a method for connecting the electric wire 100 to the terminal device 1 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B .

A worker inserts the electric wire 100 to be connected into the terminal device 1 through the insertion opening 11 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. When the electric wire 100 is inserted, the end portion of the electric wire 100 is first introduced between the locking portion 4 and the terminal portion 2 (second region 22 ). Here, as described in the column "(2.4) Dimensional relationship", the second distance L2 and the wire diameter of the electric wire 100 have a size relationship For this reason, the locking portion 4 is pressed by the end portion of the electric wire 100 , and the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is displaced in a direction to separate from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . At this time, in the spring block 13, the spring portion 42 is elastically deformed so that the radius of curvature thereof is reduced. Therefore, the locking portion 4 applies a force to the electric wire 100 in a direction to press the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 .

When the electric wire 100 is further inserted from this state, the end portion of the electric wire 100 is drawn between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 (first region 21 ). Here, as described in the column "(2.4) Dimensional relationship", the first distance L1, the third distance L3 and the wire diameter of the electric wire 100 have a size relationship Accordingly, the end portion of the electric wire 100 is guided by the third pressing piece 33 to be drawn between the contact portion 34 and the terminal portion 2 . Then, the contact portion 34 is pressed by the end portion of the electric wire 100 , and the contact portion 34 of the pressing portion 3 is thus displaced in a direction to be separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . At this time, in the terminal block 12 , the connecting portion 5 is elastically deformed so that the radius of curvature of the bent portion 51 increases. Therefore, the pressing portion 3 applies a force to the electric wire 100 in a direction to press the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 .

In short, since the electric wire 100 is pressed against the one surface 20 (first region 21) of the terminal portion 2 by the pressing portion 3 in a state where the inserted electric wire 100 has reached a prescribed position, an appropriate contact pressure is applied to the terminal portion 2. Between the part 2 and the electric wire 100, and the electric wire 100 and the terminal part 2 are electrically connected to each other. Further, in this state, the movement of the electric wire 100 in the direction to be pulled out from the insertion opening 11 is restricted by the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 that contacts the electric wire 100 , and thus the electric wire 100 is locked.

Here, the positional relationship between the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 and the size of each of the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are defined so that when the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is in contact with the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 When displacing in the direction of separation, the locking part 4 does not come into contact with the pressing part 3 . In other words, the positional relationship between the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 in the Y-axis direction, and the size of each of the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are defined so that the pressing portion 3 is not provided on the side of the locking portion 4 On the trajectory of the end edge 41. Therefore, when the electric wire 100 is inserted, the locking part 4 and the pressing part 3 do not move simultaneously, but the locking part 4 is displaced first, and then the pressing part 3 is displaced. Therefore, the magnitude of force required to insert the electric wire 100 can be further reduced compared to a configuration in which the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are simultaneously displaced. As described above, when the locking portion 4 is arranged not to be in contact with the pressing portion 3 , it is preferable that the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first region 21 and the second region 22 is as small as possible. The length of the wire 100 that should be inserted can be reduced by reducing the distance between the first region 21 and the second region 22 , which can reduce the size of the terminal device 1 .

(2.6) Overall configuration

Next, the overall configuration of the terminal device 1 including the housing 8 and the release member 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 . That is, the terminal device 1 includes a housing 8 and a release member 9 in addition to the above-mentioned terminal block 12 and spring block 13 .

The housing 8 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 8 is formed to have a box shape having a space for accommodating the terminal block 12 and the spring block 13 . In a state where the terminal block 12 and the spring block 13 have been accommodated in the housing 8 , at least the holding portion is fixed to the housing 8 . In this embodiment, the box-shaped case 8 opened in two directions of the positive direction of the Y axis and the positive direction of the Z axis is described. The housing 8 is provided with an insertion hole 81 provided at a position of the housing 8 corresponding to the insertion port 11 and penetrating through the bottom plate of the housing 8 in the Y-axis direction. The insertion holes 81 have a circular opening shape, and are provided in two to correspond to the two electric wires 100 . Although the description of the insertion port 11 is omitted in FIGS. 5 to 6B , the insertion hole 81 of the housing 8 corresponds to the insertion port 11 in the terminal device 1 having the above-described housing.

Furthermore, the housing 8 is provided with an operation window 82 provided at a position of the housing 8 corresponding to the opening window 24 and penetrating the side wall of the housing 8 in the X-axis direction. The operation window 82 is a hole through which an acting portion 93 of the release member 9 described later passes. Further, the housing 8 is provided with a pair of bearing portions 83 for holding the release member 9, and the bearing portions 83 are respectively formed in a pair of inner surfaces of the inner surfaces of the operation window 82 and face each other in the Z-axis direction. . A shaft portion 91 of a release member 9 described later is inserted into the pair of bearing portions 83 .

The release member 9 is a member for releasing restriction on movement of the electric wire 100 performed by the locking portion 4 (ie, locking the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4 ). The release member 9 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The release member 9 is configured to be movable relative to the terminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position. The release member 9 is configured to apply a force to the lock portion 4 in a direction separating from the second region 22 when moving from the normal position to the release position, so as to release the restriction (lock) on the movement of the electric wire 100 by the lock portion 4 . 6A to 7 show a state where the release member 9 is in a normal position.

More specifically, the release member 9 includes a shaft portion 91 , an operation portion 92 and an action portion 93 . The shaft portion 91 has a columnar shape extending in the Z-axis direction. The release member 9 is held by the housing 8 in a state where the release member 9 is rotatable relative to the housing 8 about shaft portions 91 through which both ends in the Z-axis direction are respectively inserted into the pair of shaft portions 83 accomplish. Therefore, the release member 9 can turn (move) around the shaft portion 91 between the normal position and the release position. The operation portion 92 is a portion to be operated for moving the release member 9 from the normal position to the release position. The release member 9 is held by the housing 8 such that at least a part of the operation portion 92 is exposed from the housing 8 . The action portion 93 is a portion for applying force to the lock portion 4 in the direction of separation from the second region 22 when the release member 9 moves from the normal position to the release position. The release member 9 is held by the housing 8 such that at least a part of the acting portion 93 faces the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 through the operation window 82 of the housing 8 and the opening window 24 of the terminal portion 2 .

According to the above configuration, when the connection between the terminal device 1 and the electric wire 100 is released, the worker operates the release member 9 to release the locking of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4 , and thus, the electric wire 100 can be pulled out from the insertion opening 11 . That is, when the operator pushes the operation portion 92 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 7 from the state where the release member 9 is in the normal position, the release member 9 turns around the shaft portion 91 and moves to the release position. At this time, the action part 93 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 1 . And a force in the direction of separating from the second region 22 is applied to the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 . When the end edge 41 moves in a direction to separate from the second region 22 , the locking portion 4 is separated from the electric wire 100 . Therefore, the restriction (locking) of the movement of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4 can be released.

Furthermore, the terminal device 1 in the present embodiment is configured such that force is applied to the two lock portions 4 simultaneously from a single release member 9 . That is, the acting portion 93 of the release member 9 is provided at a position above the two locking portions 4 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the release member 9 moves from the normal position to the release position, force in a direction separating from the second region 22 is simultaneously applied to the two lock portions 4 , and locking by the two lock portions 4 is simultaneously released.

(2.7) Wiring equipment

The terminal device 1 having the above configuration can be used for, for example, a wiring device 10 as shown in FIG. 8 . The wiring device 10 shown in FIG. 8 includes a switch to be attached to a wall of a building or the like and to be used. The wiring device 10 includes: a device main body 101 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a terminal device 1 accommodated in the device main body 101 . In the example of FIG. 8 , the device main body 101 is provided with a handle 102 on its front surface. The wiring device 10 is configured such that the contacts in the device main body 101 are turned on/off whenever the handle 102 is pushed.

The wiring device 10 includes two terminal devices 1 each of which is the terminal device 1 having the above-described configuration. Two terminal devices 1 are housed in the device body 101 such that their insertion holes 81 (see FIG. 5 ) are exposed on the rear surface of the device body 101 . Therefore, in the wiring device 10 , the connection of the electric wires 100 can be realized by inserting the electric wires 100 from the rear surface side of the device main body 101 .

The case 8 (refer to FIG. 5 ) of the terminal device 1 may be a member independently separated from the outer case of the device main body 101 , or may be a part of the outer case of the device main body 101 . The release member 9 (refer to FIG. 7 ) is held by the outer case or case 8 of the device main body 101 such that at least part of the operation portion 92 (refer to FIG. 7 ) is exposed from the outer case of the device main body 101 .

(3) Advantages

As described above, the terminal device 1 according to the first aspect includes the terminal portion 2 , the pressing portion 3 , the locking portion 4 and the connecting portion 5 . The pressing part 3 is provided to face one surface 20 of the terminal part 2, and is configured to hold the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) such that the electric wire 100 is sandwiched between the pressing part 3 and the terminal. Between part 2. The locking portion 4 is elastic; is provided to face the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 ; and is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion opening 11 by being in contact with the electric wire 100 . The connecting portion 5 joins the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 .

According to this structure, since the electric wire 100 is held at two positions: between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2; and between the locking portion 4 and the terminal portion 2, the electric wire 100 is restrained relative to the insertion direction (Y-axis direction). ) slope. Therefore, regardless of the hardness of the electric wire 100 , the electric wire 100 can come into surface contact with the terminal portion 2 , which can stabilize the contact state between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 . Stability of the contact state between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 can lead to stabilization of the contact resistance between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 , and therefore, the temperature rise of the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed by increasing the contact resistance. Further, the pressing portion 3 that presses the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 by sandwiching the electric wire 100 between the pressing portion 3 itself and the terminal portion 2 is joined to the terminal portion 2 through the connection portion 5 . In other words, the pressing portion 3 can be handled together with the terminal portion 2 as a single component. For this reason, variation in the force with which the electric wire 100 is pressed against the terminal portion 2 is further suppressed compared to a case where the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 are components independently separated from each other. Therefore, the terminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state in which the electric wire 100 is in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the second aspect (according to the first aspect), the locking portion 4 is preferably provided between the pressing portion 3 and the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction). According to this structure, the locking portion 4 locks the electric wire 100 at a position close to the insertion opening 11 , and the pressing portion 3 presses the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 at a position away from the insertion opening 11 . Therefore, even when a force in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) is applied to the electric wire 100, the force pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 is stabilized, and there is a gap between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100. The contact state of can be easily stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1 , for example, the pressing portion 3 may be provided between the locking portion 4 and the insertion opening 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction).

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the third aspect (according to the first aspect or the second aspect), the connecting portion 5 preferably engages the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) end; and pressing part 3. According to this structure, the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 can be suppressed from interfering with the connection part 5, and the flexibility of the design of the connection part 5 can be improved. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1, for example, the connecting portion 5 may engage the following: the end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the insertion port 11 side in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction); and the pressing portion 3, or, connect The portion 5 can join the following: one end of the terminal portion 2 in the Z-axis direction; and the pressing portion 3 .

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the fourth aspect (according to the third aspect), the connecting portion 5 is preferably inserted from the end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) toward the The port 11 protrudes in the opposite direction. According to this structure, since the distance between the pressing portion 3 and the fulcrum increases according to the amount of protrusion of the connecting portion 5 when the pressing portion 3 is displaced, the displacement amount of the pressing portion 3 can be sufficiently ensured while reducing the amount of the connecting portion 5 amount of deformation. Therefore, the wire diameter of connectable wire 100 The selection width can be expanded. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1 , and, for example, the connection portion 5 may not protrude from the end portion of the terminal portion 2 on the side opposite to the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction).

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the fifth aspect (according to the fourth aspect), the connecting portion 5 preferably includes a bent portion 51, and the bent portion 51 preferably includes an insertion direction and a face where the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other. The two planes facing each other are convexly curved in a direction opposite to the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction. According to this structure, the stress applied to the connecting portion 5 based on the displacement of the pressing portion 3 is dispersed in the bent portion 51 , so the stress is suppressed from being concentrated in the connecting portion 5 . Therefore, plastic deformation of the connecting portion 5 is suppressed, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 3 can be easily maintained. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1 , for example, the connection portion 5 may not include the bent portion 51 .

The terminal device 1 according to the sixth aspect (according to any one of the first to fifth aspects) preferably includes a plurality of pressing parts 3 (two pressing parts in the case of the first embodiment), each The pressing parts 3 are configured to individually hold corresponding electric wires 100 of the plurality of electric wires 100 such that the corresponding electric wires 100 are sandwiched between each pressing part 3 and the terminal part 2 . According to this configuration, since each of the plurality of pressing parts 3 respectively applies a pressing force to the corresponding electric wires 100 of the plurality of electric wires 100 respectively inserted from the plurality of insertion openings 11, followability of the pressing part 3 to the electric wires 100 can be improved, The contact state between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 can be stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1 , for example, the single pressing part 3 may be configured to hold the plurality of electric wires 100 respectively inserted from the plurality of insertion openings 11 between the single pressing part 3 and the terminal part 2 .

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the seventh aspect (according to any one of the first to sixth aspects), the pressing part 3, the connection part 5 and the terminal part 2 are preferably integrally formed. According to this structure, since the pressing part 3 is electrically connected to the terminal part 2 via the connection part 5 , the electric wire 100 can be electrically connected to the terminal part 2 even if it comes into contact with either the terminal part 2 or the pressing part 2 . The contact resistance between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 can be further stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1 , and for example, the pressing portion 3 , the connecting portion 5 and the terminal portion 2 may be separate components independently from each other.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the eighth aspect (according to any one of the first to seventh aspects), the pressing part 3 preferably includes the contact part 34, and the contact part 34 faces each other at the pressing part 3 and the terminal part 2 The facing direction is convexly bent toward the terminal portion 2 in a plane including both the insertion direction and the facing direction. According to this configuration, when the electric wire 100 moves in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction), since the electric wire 100 comes into contact with the contact portion 34 of the pressing portion 3 , the electric wire 100 is suppressed from being caught by the pressing portion 3 . Therefore, the electric wire 100 can be smoothly inserted into or removed from the terminal device 1 . Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1 , for example, the pressing portion 3 may not include the bent contact portion 34 .

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the ninth aspect (according to any one of the first to eighth aspects), the locking portion 4 is preferably inclined with respect to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so that the direction) away from the insertion port 11 and closer to the terminal part 2. In this case, the locking portion 4 is preferably configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion opening 11 by the locking portion 4 contacting the electric wire 100 at its end edge 41 closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . According to this configuration, by inserting the electric wire 100 only from the insertion opening 11 , the locking portion 4 is pressed by the end of the electric wire 100 , and the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is displaced in a direction away from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 . Therefore, the electric wire 100 can be inserted without operating the release member 9 . Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1, and, for example, the locking portion 4 may have a shape different from the above-described shape.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the tenth aspect (according to any one of the first to ninth aspects), the terminal portion 2 is preferably provided in the one surface 20 with a guide groove 23 extending in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) . According to this configuration, movement of the electric wire 100 in directions other than the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) in the plane along the one surface 20 is restricted by the guide groove 23 . Therefore, the insertion workability of the electric wire 100 can be improved. In particular, when the electric wire 100 is a twisted wire having a core formed of two or more conducting wires, the conducting wires forming the core are hardly separated by the electric wire 100 passing through the guide groove 23 . Note that this configuration is not a necessary configuration of the terminal device 1, for example, the guide groove 23 may be omitted.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the eleventh aspect (according to the tenth aspect), the guide groove 23 preferably has a bottom surface 231 shaped such that a lateral direction of the bottom surface 231 perpendicular to the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) The cross-sectional shape is convexly curved toward a direction opposite to the pressing portion 3 in a facing direction in which the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other. According to this configuration, the electric wire 100 can easily pass through the center of the guide groove 23 in its width direction (Z-axis direction). In particular, when the electric wire 100 is a twisted wire having a core wire formed of two or more wires, the wires forming the core wire are further restrained from being separated. Note that this configuration is not a necessary configuration of the terminal device 1, and for example, the guide groove 23 may have the bottom surface 231 formed in a V shape.

The terminal device 1 according to the twelfth aspect (according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects), preferably further includes a release member 9 movable relative to the terminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position. The release member 9 is preferably configured to apply a force to the lock portion 4 in a direction separating from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 when moving from the normal position to the release position, so as to release the pair of wires performed by the lock portion 4. 100 movement limit. According to this configuration, the electric wire 100 can be easily pulled out in a state where restriction of movement of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4 has been released by operating the release member 9 . Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1, for example, the release member 9 may be omitted.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the thirteenth aspect (according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects), the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 are preferably separate components independently from each other. According to this configuration, the pressing portion 3 that presses the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 by sandwiching the electric wire 100 between the pressing portion 3 itself and the terminal portion 2 is a member independently separate from the locking portion 4 that locks the electric wire 100 . Therefore, for example, even when a force is applied from the electric wire 100 to the locking portion 4 when the electric wire 100 is inserted, the force is not transmitted from the locking portion 4 to the pressing portion 3, and the pressing force that presses the electric wire 100 with respect to the terminal portion 2 is therefore Easy to stabilize. As a result, the terminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state in which the electric wire 100 is in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Note that this configuration is not a necessary configuration of the terminal device 1 , for example, the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 may be integrally formed with each other.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the fourteenth aspect (according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects), in the facing direction in which the pressing part 3 and the terminal part 2 face each other, the first distance L1 is preferably greater than the second distance L2, wherein the first distance L1 is the distance between the pressing part 3 and the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2, and the second distance L2 is the distance between the locking part 4 and the one surface 20 of the terminal part 2 distance. According to this configuration, since the interval between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 is wider than the interval between the locking portion 4 and the terminal portion 2, the pressing portion 3 hardly interrupts the movement of the electric wire 100 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction). , and thus the electric wire 100 can be smoothly inserted/removed. Note that this configuration is not a necessary configuration of the terminal device 1, and, for example, the first distance L1 may be equal to or smaller than the second distance L2.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the fifteenth aspect (according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects), the end portion of the pressing portion 3 on the insertion port 11 side in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) is preferably The one surface 20 is inclined with respect to the terminal portion 2 . In this case, the end portion of the pressing portion 3 on the insertion port 11 side in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) is preferably inclined so as to be further separated from the terminal portion 2 as approaching the insertion port 11 in the insertion direction. According to this configuration, when the electric wire 100 is inserted, the end of the electric wire 100 is guided by the end of the pressing portion 3 on the insertion port 11 side in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) so as to be drawn into the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 Between, therefore, the insertion of the electric wire 100 can be easily realized. Note that this configuration is not an essential component of the terminal device 1 , for example, the end of the pressing portion 3 on the insertion port 11 side in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction) may not be inclined with respect to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 .

The terminal device 1 according to the sixteenth aspect (according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects), preferably further includes a holding portion 6 integrally formed with the terminal portion 2, and the holding portion 6 is preferably configured The spring block 13 including the locking portion 4 is held between the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2 . According to this configuration, since the relative position of the locking portion 4 with respect to the terminal portion 2 is determined by the holding portion 6 , the electric wire 100 can be stably locked by the locking portion 4 . In addition, when the holding portion 6 is made of a metal material, the relative position of the locking portion 4 with respect to the terminal portion 2 hardly varies as compared with, for example, a case where the locking portion 4 is held by the case 8 made of synthetic resin or the like. changes in temperature or the like. Note that this configuration is not an essential configuration of the terminal device 1 , for example, the holding portion 6 may be omitted, and the spring block 13 may be held by the housing 8 or the like.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the seventeenth aspect (according to the sixteenth aspect), the holding portion 6 preferably includes the restricting portion 64 . The restricting portion 64 preferably contacts the spring block 13 on the side of the spring block 13 opposite to the insertion opening 11 in the insertion direction (Y-axis direction), and on the side of the spring block 13 in which the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other. The spring block 13 is contacted on the side opposite to the terminal portion 2 in the facing direction (X-axis direction). According to this configuration, since the movement of the spring block 13 in the direction of separating from the insertion port 11 and the terminal portion 2 is restricted by the restricting portion 64 , the position of the spring block 13 is stabilized when the electric wire 100 is inserted. Therefore, the electric wire 100 can be stably locked by the locking portion 4 . Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1 , for example, the restricting portion 64 may be omitted, and the movement of the spring block 13 may be restricted by the housing 8 or the like.

Regarding the terminal device 1 according to the eighteenth aspect (according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects), the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 are preferably made of different materials from each other, respectively. According to this configuration, the best material can be applied for each of the pressing portion 3 for pressing the electric wire 100 on the terminal portion 2 , and the locking portion 4 for locking the electric wire 100 . For example, a material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used for the pressing portion 3 and a material having excellent elasticity may be used for the locking portion 4 . Note that this structure is not essential to the terminal device 1, for example, the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 may be made of the same material.

The wiring device 10 includes: the terminal device 1 according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects; and a device main body 101 configured to accommodate the terminal device 1 therein. According to this configuration, the wiring device 10 has an advantage that the contact state in which the electric wire 100 is in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Note that the terminal device 1 is not limited to use for the wiring device 10, but may be used for electrical devices such as home appliances, or the terminal device 1 may be used alone.

(4) change

The terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment. Even in addition to the first embodiment, many modifications and changes can be made in terms of design and the like without departing from the technical idea according to the present invention. Hereinafter, modifications of the first embodiment will be listed.

The guide groove 23 is not limited to have a configuration in which a portion of the terminal portion 2 is formed curved as described in the first embodiment but may have a configuration in which, for example, the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 is cut by a cutting process. .

The terminal portion 2, pressing portion 3, connecting portion 5, and holding portion 6 constituting the terminal block 12 are not limited to having a configuration formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be manufactured by, for example, an extrusion molding process or the like. Similarly, the lock portion 4 and the extension portion 7 constituting the spring block 13 are not limited to having a configuration formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be formed by, for example, an extrusion molding process or the like.

The fact that the contact portion 34 is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature is not an essential component of the terminal device 1 , and the contact portion 34 may be formed at an angle, for example. Similarly, the case where the corners of the holding portion 6 and the extension portion 7 are bent at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1 , for example, they may be formed at an angle. In addition, similarly, the case where the spring portion 42 is bent with a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent part of the terminal device 1 , for example, it may be formed at an angle.

As long as the terminal block 12 has conductivity, the material for the terminal block 12 is not limited to copper, but may be a copper alloy such as brass, tin (Sn) bronze, or phosphorus (P) bronze. Similarly, as long as the spring block 13 has elasticity, the material of the spring block 13 is not limited to steel special-purpose stainless steel, but may be, for example, iron (Fe), copper alloy, or the like. The terminal block 12 (press portion 3 ) and the spring block 13 (lock portion 4 ) may be made of the same material.

The terminal device 1 is not limited to a bipolar type terminal device that can be connected to at most two electric wires 100, but may be a terminal device that can be connected to three or more electric wires 100, such as a three-pole type that can be connected to at most three electric wires 100 , or a four-pole type that can be connected with up to four wires 100. In this case, in the terminal device 1 , the number of each of the pressing portion 3 , the locking portion 4 and the connection portion 5 is preferably equal to the number of poles. That is, when the terminal device 1 is a three-pole type, the number of each of the pressing portion 3 , the locking portion 4 and the connecting portion 5 is preferably three.

The pressing part 3 , the connecting part 5 and the terminal part 2 are not limited to being integrally formed, but may be separate components independently of each other. More specifically, the pressing portion 3 , the connection portion 5 , and the terminal portion 2 that are independently separated from each other may be coupled to each other by, for example, riveting, welding, crimping, or the like.

Although it is described in the first embodiment that the release member 9 is operated only when the electric wire 100 is pulled out, it may be operated when the electric wire 100 is inserted. That is, when the electric wire 100 is connected to the terminal device 1, and in a state in which the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 has been displaced in a direction to be separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 by the operation of the release member 9, A worker can operate the release member 9 and insert the wire 100 .

(second embodiment)

The terminal device 1A according to the present embodiment is a single-pole type terminal device that can be connected to only one electric wire. Hereinafter, components similar to those of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be appropriately omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the terminal device 1A corresponds to a configuration obtained by dividing the terminal device 1 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ) according to the first embodiment into two equal parts in the Z-axis direction. That is, the number of insertion openings 11 in the terminal device 1A is one, and one electric wire 100 can be connected through one insertion opening 11 . In the terminal device 1A, the one electric wire 100 is electrically connected to a single terminal portion 2 . In the terminal device 1A, each of the pressing portion 3 , the locking portion 4 and the connecting portion 5 is provided as one.

Similar to the first embodiment, the terminal device 1A of the present embodiment described above has an advantage that the contact state in which the electric wire 100 is in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the terminal device 1A can be used for the wiring device 10 (refer to FIG. 8 ).

The configuration of the second embodiment can be suitably applied in combination with the configuration of the first embodiment (including modifications).

List of reference signs

1, 1A Terminal Assembly

2 terminal part

3 Press part

4 locking part

5 connection part

9 release component

10 Wiring equipment

11 Insertion port

20 a surface

23 guide groove

34 contact part

41 end edge

51 bend

100 wires

101 Equipment body

231 bottom surface

Claims (13)

1. A terminal device, comprising: terminal part; Pressing part; the pressing part is provided to face one surface of the terminal part, the pressing part is configured to hold the electric wire inserted from the insertion port in the insertion direction so that the electric wire is sandwiched between the pressing part and the pressing part between the terminal portions; a locking portion, the locking portion is elastic, the locking portion is provided to face the one surface of the terminal portion, and the locking portion is configured to restrict the direction of the electric wire by contacting the electric wire movement of said insertion port; and A connecting portion that joins the terminal portion and the pressing portion. 2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is provided between the pressing portion and the insertion opening in the insertion direction. 3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection portion engages both: an end portion of the terminal portion on a side opposite to the insertion opening in the insertion direction; and the pressing part. 4. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion extends from the end portion of the terminal portion on the side opposite to the insertion opening in the insertion direction to the insertion opening. The opposite direction is highlighted. 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein The connection portion includes a bent portion facing toward the insertion direction along the insertion direction in a plane including the insertion direction and a facing direction in which the pressing portion and the terminal portion face each other. Mouth curved convexly in opposite direction. 6. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of pressing portions, each of which is configured to respectively hold a corresponding one of the plurality of electric wires so that the corresponding electric wire is sandwiched between each of the plurality of electric wires. Between the pressing part and the terminal part. 7. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing part, the connecting part and the terminal part are integrally formed. 8. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pressing portion includes a contact portion directed toward the terminal in a plane including both the insertion direction and the facing direction in a facing direction in which the pressing portion and the terminal portion face each other. The terminal portion is convexly bent. 9. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the locking portion is inclined with respect to the one surface of the terminal portion so as to come closer to the terminal portion as being separated from the insertion opening in the insertion direction; and The locking portion is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire toward the insertion opening by the locking portion contacting the electric wire at an end edge thereof closest to the one surface of the terminal portion. 10. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal portion is provided with a guide groove extending in the insertion direction in the one surface. 11. The terminal device according to claim 10, wherein The guide groove has a bottom surface shaped such that a cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface perpendicular to the insertion direction faces in a facing direction in which the pressing portion and the terminal portion face each other. The direction opposite to the pressing portion is convexly bent. 12. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a release member movable relative to the terminal portion between a normal position and a release position, wherein The release member is configured to, when moving from the normal position to the release position, apply a force to the locking portion in a direction separating from the one surface of the terminal portion to release the locking portion. The movement restriction of the electric wire is performed by the locking portion. 13. A wiring device comprising: A terminal arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and An apparatus main body configured to receive the terminal device therein.