Patent Grant
10910737
The present invention relates generally to a rail terminal assembling structure, and more particularly to a rail terminal assembling structure, which is convenient to assemble and provides elastic engagement and multi-portion locating effect so as to enhance the connection effect between the metal leaf spring and the protection member.
A conventional terminal structure has an insulation case and a metal component or a metal leaf spring enclosed in the insulation case. The metal leaf spring serves to press and electrically connect with a conductive wire plugged into the terminal. The terminals are arranged and latched on a grounding rail (or conductive rail) to establish a common grounding device of an electrical apparatus or a mechanical apparatus for conducting the residual voltage or static charge of the apparatus.
Some conventional terminal structures also employ protection members assembled with the metal leaf springs. For example, US 2017/0012368 A1 “push-in clamp retainer, push-in clamp assembly and electric connector element” and US 2016/0164196 A1 “conductive wire connection structure of rail-type electrical terminal” (as shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26) disclose conventional terminal structures.
As shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, US 2016/0164196 A1 includes a conductive plate 7, a protection member 8 and a metal leaf spring 9, which are assembled with each other to form a conductive support structure A. An upright arm 72 is perpendicularly connected with each of two ends of the conductive plate 7 for assembling with the protection member 8, whereby the conductive plate 7 has a U-shaped cross section. In addition, a notch 71 is formed on one side of the conductive plate 7 beside each upright arm 72 near the middle section of the conductive plate 7. A shoulder section 73 is disposed on one side of a top end of the upright arm 72. The protection member 8 is fitted around the upright arm 72. The protection member 8 includes a subsidiary side 85, a first side 81, a second side 82, a third side 83 and a fourth side 84, which are sequentially perpendicularly connected with each other. An opening 86 is defined between the fourth side 84 and the subsidiary side 85, whereby the protection member 8 has a C-shaped cross section for receiving the metal leaf spring 9. At least the subsidiary side 85 serves to guide the metal leaf spring 9 to move in a fixed path. In addition, two notches 821, 841 are respectively formed beside the junctions between the third side 83 and the second and fourth sides 82, 84. The metal leaf spring 9 includes a first section 91 and a bent second section 92 connected with the first section 91. The first section 91 has a tail end 94.
The second section 92 has a head end 93. In addition, two lateral protrusion sections 941, 942 are respectively formed on two sides of the first section 91. An outward protruding finger section 95 is disposed on the tail end 94.
When assembled, the protection member 8 is fitted around the upright arm 72 of the conductive plate 7. At this time, the second side 82 and the subsidiary side 85 are respectively fitted on two lateral sides of the upright arm 72 and the finger section 95 of the metal leaf spring 9 is inserted into the notch 71 of the conductive plate 7. The first section 91 is attached to the inner face of the third side 83. Then, the first section 91 and the third side 83 are connected with each other by means of a welding point 80 (as shown in
However, in practice, the above structure has the following shortcomings:
It is therefore tried by the applicant to provide a rail terminal assembling structure to solve the above shortcomings of the conventional rail terminal assembling structure.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a rail terminal assembling structure including a protection member having a contact side section, a connection side section opposite to the contact side section and two lateral sections disposed between the connection side section and the contact side section. The contact side section, the connection side section and the lateral sections together define an assembling passage passing through the protection member. A first locating section and an elastic locating section are disposed on the connection side section. A second locating section is disposed at the other end distal from the first locating section. An end section of a conductive plate extends into the assembling passage and is securely attached to the contact side section. The rail terminal assembling structure further includes a metal leaf spring having a first section and a second section at two ends and an elastic bight section at the middle section. A first located section and an insertion section are disposed on the first section. When the first section extends into the assembling passage corresponding to the connection side section and the first section elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section until the insertion section reaches the elastic locating section, the elastic locating section is elastically engaged into the insertion section and cooperates with the second locating section to secure the second located section of the first section of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section of the metal leaf spring and the connection side section can form a multi-portion locating system. When an operator plugs the conductive wire into and/or extracts the conductive wire out of the terminal, the pulling force (or so-called external action force) of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring loosen or detach from the protection member and/or the metal leaf spring can be directly securely connected on the protection member. The protection member is simply connected with one end of the conductive plate so that it is no more necessary to interconnect the conductive plate and the metal leaf spring. In this case, the protection member can be designed and characterized in that the protection member can be bent by different inclination angles relative to the conductive plate. Therefore, the external conductive wire can be plugged into the terminal and connected therewith by different angles. Accordingly, the entire layout of the rail terminal assembling structure is simplified and the requirement for ambient space is reduced.
In the above rail terminal assembling structure, the first section of the U-shaped metal leaf spring is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section of the protection member, whereby the first section of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section and the end section of the second section of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate. When an operator plugs the conductive wire into and/or extracts the conductive wire out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring (or the first section) will displace in response to the pulling force (or so-called external action force) of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range (or movable distance) together defined by the assembling structure of the elastic locating section and the insertion section and the second locating section and the second located section. Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member, the metal leaf spring and the conductive plate.
The present invention can be best understood through the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
Please refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating section 15 is a stop plate downward bent from an edge of the connection side section 12 toward the assembling passage 14. A perforation 151 is formed on one side of the stop plate proximal to the connection side section 12. The elastic locating section 121 is a protruding elastic locating tongue section formed by means of punching.
One end of the conductive plate 2 extends into the assembling passage 14 of the protection member 1 and is securely attached to an inner surface of the contact side section 11. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive plate 2 is respectively formed with lateral recesses 22 near two lateral sides of two end sections. The lateral recesses 22 can be fitted with the portions of the two lateral sections 13 of the protection member 1 in adjacency to the contact side section 11 with the conductive plate 2 attached to the inner side of the contact side section 11. Accordingly, the protection member 1 is located and hindered from moving in the axial direction of the conductive plate 2. The conductive plate 2 has an inner face 23 distal from the contact side section 11. In addition, two end sections of the conductive plate 2 are respectively formed with arched edges 21 bent and extending in a direction away from the assembling passage 14.
In practice, the conductive plate 2 not only can be secured by means of fitting the lateral recesses 22 with the protection member 1, but also can be securely connected with the protection member 1 by means of other suitable structures and manners. In this case, the conductive plate 2 can be better multidirectionally located.
The metal leaf spring 3 has a first section 31, a second section 32 and an elastic bight section 33 connected between the first and second sections 31, 32. Accordingly, the metal leaf spring 3 is a substantially U-shaped member. Two first located sections 313 are respectively disposed on two sides of the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring 3 near the middle of the first section 31, (such as outward expanded lateral protrusion sections). The first section 31 is formed with an insertion section 312 corresponding to the elastic locating section 121. The insertion section 312 has the structural form of a locating hole. It should be noted that the structural forms of the insertion section 312 and the elastic locating section 121 are exchangeable.
In a preferred embodiment, a second located section 311 (such as an end protrusion section) is disposed at a tail end of the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring 3. An end section 321 is disposed at a tail end of the second section 32. The end section 321 is arched and bent toward the contact side section 11.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1, the metal leaf spring 3 is extended into the assembling passage 14 with the first section 31 attached to the connection side section 12. The second locating section 15 (the stop plate) serves to stop the tail end of the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring 3. At this time, the second located section 311 is inserted into the perforation 151, while the elastic locating section 121 (elastic locating tongue section) extends into the insertion section 312. Also, the two first located sections 313 are respectively snugly securely engaged with the two first locating sections 131. Accordingly, the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring 3 is securely connected with the connection side section 12 of the protection member 1 to effectively locate the metal leaf spring 3. Also, the end section 321 of the second section 32 of the metal leaf spring 3 abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14 from one side near the first locating section 131. At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32 of the metal leaf spring 3 to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33, the end section 321 of the second section 32 cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32 to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32 will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
In the above structure of this embodiment, the first locating sections 131, the elastic locating section 121 (the elastic locating tongue section) and the perforation 151 of the second locating section 15 are connected with the first located sections 313, the insertion section 312 and the second located section 311. Accordingly, the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring 3 is located with the connection side section 12 of the protection member 1 at multiple portions.
As shown in
That is, when the first section 31 extends into the assembling passage 14 corresponding to the connection side section 12 and the first section 31 elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section 121 until the insertion section 312 reaches the elastic locating section 121, the elastic locating section 121 is elastically engaged into the insertion section 312 and cooperates with the second locating section 15 to secure the second located section 311 of the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring and the connection side section 12 form a multi-portion locating system, whereby when an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the pulling force (or so-called external action force) of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring 3 loosen or detach from the protection member 1.
Especially, the first section 31 of the U-shaped metal leaf spring 3 is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section 12 of the protection member 1, whereby the first section 31 of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section 12 and the end section 321 of the second section 32 of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate 2. When an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring 3 (or the first section 31) will displace in response to the pulling force (or so-called external action force) of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range together defined by the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121 and the insertion section 312 and the second locating section 15 and the second located section 311 (two positions). (That is, the movable distance of the second located section 311 and the insertion section 312 is limited or regulated within the allowable motional range together defined by the elastic locating section 121 and the second locating section 15). Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member 1, the metal leaf spring 3 and the conductive plate 2.
Therefore, it can be realized that the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121 engaged in the insertion section 312 (in cooperation with the second locating section 15) interrupts the extraction path of the metal leaf spring 3 (or the first section 31). The metal leaf spring 3 (or the first section 31) cannot be retreated out of the protection member 1 from the aforesaid allowable motional range unless an operator operates the elastic locating section 121 to separate from the insertion section 312.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating section 15a is a stop plate downward bent from an edge of the connection side section 12a toward the assembling passage 14a. A middle section of the stop plate is punched to form an upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a (obliquely) protruding toward the connection side section 12a. A gap is reserved between the upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a and the connection side section 12a. The elastic locating section 121a is a protruding elastic locating tongue section formed by means of punching. In addition, two lateral stop sections 132a are respectively disposed on the two lateral sections 13a near an edge of the second locating section 15a (the stop plate). The lateral stop sections 132a are bent toward the assembling passage 14a. The two lateral stop sections 132a respectively abut against two lateral outer sides of the second locating section 15a (the stop plate).
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section 11a of the protection member 1a in the same manner as the first embodiment.
The metal leaf spring 3a has a first section 31a, a second section 32a and an elastic bight section 33a connected between the first and second sections 31a, 32a. Accordingly, the metal leaf spring 3a is a substantially U-shaped member. Two outward expanded first located sections 313a are respectively disposed on two sides of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a near the middle of the first section 31a, (such as lateral protrusion sections). The first section 31a is formed with an insertion section 312a (in the form of a locating hole) corresponding to the elastic locating section 121a. An end section 321a is disposed at a tail end of the second section 32a. The end section 321a is arched and bent toward the contact side section 11a.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1a, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 14a with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 12a. The second locating section 15a (the stop plate) serves to stop the tail end of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a (or the second located section 311a). The tail end of the first section 31a (or the second located section 311a) is directly inserted into the gap between the upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a and the connection side section 12a. In addition, the elastic locating section 121a (the elastic locating tongue section) is cooperatively extended into the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively located in the two first locating sections 131a (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 12a of the protection member 1a to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14a from one side near the first locating section 131a (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
That is, when the first section 31a extends into the assembling passage 14a corresponding to the connection side section 12a and the first section 31a elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section 121a until the insertion section 312a reaches the elastic locating section 121a, the elastic locating section 121a is elastically engaged into the insertion section 312a and cooperates with the second locating section 15a (and/or the upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a) to secure the second located section 311a of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring and the connection side section 12a form a multi-portion locating system, whereby when an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the external action force of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring 3a loosen or detach from the protection member 1a.
Especially, the first section 31a of the U-shaped metal leaf spring 3a is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section 12a of the protection member 1a, whereby the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section 12a and the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate 2. When an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) will displace in response to the external action force of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range together defined by the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121a and the insertion section 312a and the second locating section 15a (and/or the upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a) and the second located section 311a (two positions). (That is, the movable distance of the second located section 311a and the insertion section 312a is limited or regulated within the allowable motional range together defined by the elastic locating section 121a and the second locating section 15a (and/or the upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a)). Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member 1a, the metal leaf spring 3a and the conductive plate 2.
Therefore, it can be realized that the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121a engaged in the insertion section 312a (in cooperation with the second locating section 15 and/or upward protruding elastic tongue section 151a) interrupts the extraction path of the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a). The metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) cannot be retreated out of the protection member 1a from the aforesaid allowable motional range unless an operator operates the elastic locating section 121a to separate from the insertion section 312a.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating section 15b is a bent plate extending into the assembling passage 14b and bent toward the first locating sections 131b (the lateral notch). In addition, two lateral stop sections 132b are respectively disposed on the two lateral sections 13b near an edge of the second locating section 15b (the bent plate). The lateral stop sections 132b are bent toward the assembling passage 14b. The two lateral stop sections 132b respectively abut against the bottom side of the second locating section 15b (the bent plate).
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section 11b of the protection member 1b in the same manner as the first embodiment.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1b, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 14b with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 12b. The second locating section 15b (the bent plate) serves to hold the tail end of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a (or the second located section 311a). In addition, the elastic locating section 121b (the elastic locating tongue section) is cooperatively extended into the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively inserted in the two first locating sections 131b (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 12b of the protection member 1b to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14b from one side near the first locating section 131b (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
That is, when the first section 31a extends into the assembling passage 14b corresponding to the connection side section 12b and the first section 31a elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section 121b until the insertion section 312a reaches the elastic locating section 121b, the elastic locating section 121b is elastically engaged into the insertion section 312a and cooperates with the second locating section 15b to secure the second located section 311a of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring and the connection side section 12b form a multi-portion locating system, whereby when an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the external action force of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring 3a loosen or detach from the protection member 1b.
Especially, the first section 31a of the U-shaped metal leaf spring 3a is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section 12b of the protection member 1b, whereby the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section 12b and the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate 2. When an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) will displace in response to the external action force of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range together defined by the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121b and the insertion section 312a and the second locating section 15b and the second located section 311a (two positions). (That is, the movable distance of the second located section 311b and the insertion section 312a is limited or regulated within the allowable motional range together defined by the elastic locating section 121b and the second locating section 15a). Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member 1b, the metal leaf spring 3a and the conductive plate 2.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating sections 132c are two lateral stop sections respectively disposed on an edge of each of the two lateral sections 13c distal from the first locating section 131c (the lateral notch). The lateral stop sections are bent toward the assembling passage 14c. In addition, a gap 15c is reserved between the second locating sections 132c (the lateral stop sections) and the connection side section 12c.
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section 11c of the protection member 1c in the same manner as the first embodiment.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1c, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 14c with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 12c. The tail end of the first section 31a, (that is, the second located section 311a) is directly passed through the gap 15c and the elastic locating section 121c (the elastic locating tongue section) is cooperatively extended into the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively engaged in the two first locating sections 131c (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 12c of the protection member 1c to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14c from one side near the first locating section 131c (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
That is, when the first section 31a extends into the assembling passage 14c corresponding to the connection side section 12c and the first section 31a elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section 121c until the insertion section 312a reaches the elastic locating section 121c, the elastic locating section 121c is elastically engaged into the insertion section 312a and cooperates with the second locating section 132c (or the gap 15c) to secure the second located section 311a of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring and the connection side section 12c form a multi-portion locating system, whereby when an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the external action force of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring 3a loosen or detach from the protection member 1c.
Especially, the first section 31a of the U-shaped metal leaf spring 3a is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section 12c of the protection member 1c, whereby the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section 12c and the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate 2. When an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) will displace in response to the external action force of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range together defined by the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121c and the insertion section 312a and the second locating section 132c (or the gap 15c) and the second located section 311a (two positions). (That is, the movable distance of the second located section 311a and the insertion section 312a is limited or regulated within the allowable motional range together defined by the elastic locating section 121c and the second locating section 132c). Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member 1c, the metal leaf spring 3a and the conductive plate 2.
Therefore, it can be realized that the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 121c engaged in the insertion section 312a (in cooperation with the second locating section 132c) interrupts the extraction path of the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a). The metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) cannot be retreated out of the protection member 1c from the aforesaid allowable motional range unless an operator operates the elastic locating section 121c to separate from the insertion section 312a.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating sections 132d are two lateral stop sections respectively disposed on the middles of the lateral sections 13d. The lateral stop sections are transversely bent toward the assembling passage 14d. In addition, a gap 15d is reserved between the second locating sections 132d (the lateral stop sections) and the connection side section 12d.
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section 11d of the protection member 1d in the same manner as the first embodiment.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1d, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 14d with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 12d. The second located section 311a of the first section 31a is directly passed through the gap 15d and the elastic locating section 121d (the elastic locating tongue section) is cooperatively extended into the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively engaged in the two first locating sections 131d (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 12d of the protection member 1d to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14d from one side near the first locating section 131d (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating sections 132e are two lateral stop sections respectively disposed on the middles of the lateral sections 13e. The lateral stop sections are bent toward the connection side section 12e. In addition, a gap 15e is reserved between the second locating sections 132e (the lateral stop sections) and the connection side section 12e.
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section lie of the protection member 1e in the same manner as the first embodiment.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 1e, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 14e with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 12e. The second located section 311a of the first section 31a is directly passed through the gap 15e and the elastic locating section 121e (the elastic locating tongue section) is cooperatively extended into the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively engaged with the two first locating sections 131e (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 12e of the protection member 1e to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 14e from one side near the first locating section 131e (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
Please now refer to
In a preferred embodiment, the second locating section 421 is a lateral bottom section connected between the edges of the two lateral sections 43. The lateral bottom section is positioned on the same side as the connection side section 42 and is lower than the connection side section 42. Accordingly, a lower gap 423 with a height difference is formed between the lateral bottom section and the connection side section 42. At least one protruding elastic locating section 4211 is disposed on the second locating section 421 (the lateral bottom section).
The conductive plate 2 is securely assembled and connected on the inner surface of the contact side section 41 of the protection member 4 in the same manner as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the tail end of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring is the second located section 311a. In addition, a subsidiary locating section 311b is defined or formed between the first located section 313a and the insertion section 312a of the metal leaf spring 3a.
When assembled, after the conductive plate 2 is connected with the protection member 4, the metal leaf spring 3a is extended into the assembling passage 44 with the first section 31a attached to the connection side section 42. The first section 31a is directly passed through the lower gap 423 and the elastic locating section 4211 is inserted in the insertion section 312a. The two first located sections 313a (the lateral protrusion sections) are respectively engaged with the two first locating sections 431 (the lateral notches). Accordingly, the subsidiary locating section 311b and the second located section 311a of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring 3a is securely connected with the connection side section 42 and the second locating section 421 (the lateral bottom section) of the protection member 4 and to locate the metal leaf spring 3a. Also, the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a abuts against the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2.
In use, the external conductive wire A extends into the assembling passage 44 from one side near the first locating section 431 (the lateral notch). At this time, the conductive wire A first pushes the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring 3a to elastically compress and deform the elastic bight section 33a. After the conductive wire A passes through the end section 321a, under the elastic restoring force of the elastic bight section 33a, the end section 321a of the second section 32a cooperates with the inner face 23 of the conductive plate 2 to together hold the conductive wire A and electrically connect therewith. In the case that the conductive wire A is pulled by an external force, the conductive wire A will drive the second section 32a to move in reverse direction. Under such circumstance, the second section 32a will gradually move toward the conductive wire A and fasten the conductive wire A to effectively hinder the conductive wire A from being loosened and extracted out.
That is, when the first section 31a and the subsidiary locating section 311b extend into the assembling passage 44 corresponding to the connection side section 42, the subsidiary locating section 311b will press and securely connect with the connection side section 42. Also, the first section 31a (or the second located section 311a) elastically pushes/presses the elastic locating section 4211 until the insertion section 312a reaches the elastic locating section 4211. At this time, the elastic locating section 4211 is elastically engaged into the insertion section 312a and cooperates with the second locating section 421 to secure the second located section 311a of the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring. Accordingly, the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring and the protection member 4 form a multi-portion locating system, whereby when an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the external action force of the operator is prevented from making the metal leaf spring 3a loosen or detach from the protection member 4.
Especially, the first section 31a of the U-shaped metal leaf spring 3a is connected with the inner surface of the preset connection side section 42 of the protection member 4, whereby the first section 31a of the metal leaf spring is respectively securely connected with the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the connection side section 42 and the end section 321a of the second section 32a of the metal leaf spring abuts against the conductive plate 2. When an operator plugs the conductive wire A into and/or extracts the conductive wire A out of the terminal, the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) will displace in response to the external action force of the operator. The maximum displacement amount is limited within a movable range together defined by the assembling structure of the connection side section 42, the elastic locating section 4211 and the insertion section 312a and the second locating section 421 and the second located section 311a (three positions). (That is, the movable distance of the subsidiary locating section 311b, the second located section 311a and the insertion section 312a is limited or regulated within the allowable motional range together defined by the connection side section 42, the elastic locating section 4211 and the second locating section 421). Accordingly, a connection effect without easy loosening is set up between the protection member 4, the metal leaf spring 3a and the conductive plate 2.
Therefore, it can be realized that the assembling structure of the elastic locating section 4211 engaged in the insertion section 312a (in cooperation with the connection side section 42, and the second locating section 421) interrupts the extraction path of the metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a). The metal leaf spring 3a (or the first section 31a) cannot be retreated out of the protection member 4 from the aforesaid allowable motional range unless an operator operates the elastic locating section 4211 to separate from the insertion section 312a.
In conclusion, in the rail terminal assembling structure of the present invention, the protection member and the metal leaf spring can be truly conveniently assembled with each other and more securely located. This improves the shortcoming of the conventional terminal assembling structure that the conductive plate is needed to help in assembling the metal leaf spring with the protection member. Moreover, after the protection member is assembled with the conductive plate, the wire plug-in direction can be adjusted in accordance with the required different angles. (For example, the angle can be changed as shown by the phantom lines of
The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, not intended to limit the scope thereof. Many modifications of the above embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105129737 A | Sep 2016 | TW | national |
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/498,660.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6796855 | Fricke | Sep 2004 | B2 |
| 10038255 | Wu | Jul 2018 | B2 |
| 20160164196 | Wu | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20170012368 | Aboulkassem | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180301825 A1 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15498660 | Apr 2017 | US |
| Child | 16018322 | US |
