EP3226351B1 - Terminal device and wiring apparatus with same - Google Patents
Terminal device and wiring apparatus with same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3226351B1 EP3226351B1 EP17162479.4A EP17162479A EP3226351B1 EP 3226351 B1 EP3226351 B1 EP 3226351B1 EP 17162479 A EP17162479 A EP 17162479A EP 3226351 B1 EP3226351 B1 EP 3226351B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- pressing
- electric wire
- terminal device
- terminal portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 93
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 93
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- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
- H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
- H01R4/48185—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end
- H01R4/4819—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end the spring shape allowing insertion of the conductor end when the spring is unbiased
- H01R4/4821—Single-blade spring
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
- H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
- H01R4/4846—Busbar details
- H01R4/485—Single busbar common to multiple springs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
- H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
- H01R4/4828—Spring-activating arrangements mounted on or integrally formed with the spring housing
- H01R4/483—Pivoting arrangements, e.g. lever pushing on the spring
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to terminal devices and wiring apparatuses with same and, more particularly, to a terminal device to be connected with an electric wire by the electric wire being inserted, and a wiring apparatus with the same.
- the terminal device described in the Document 1 includes a terminal portion (terminal plate) made of conductive material and a locking spring.
- the terminal portion has a C-shape, and the locking spring is housed in a space surrounded by the terminal portion.
- the locking spring has a central piece, a locking piece and a pressing piece, which are formed by bending a plate material that is elastic.
- the locking piece and the pressing piece are provided at both ends of the central piece, respectively.
- the electric wire when inserted from an insertion port (electric wire insertion-hole), the electric wire is sandwiched and held by a spring force of the locking spring between both of the locking piece and the pressing piece and a contact piece of the terminal portion. In this state, the electric wire can be locked by an end edge of the locking piece biting into the electric wire, and further, the pressing piece elastically holds the electric wire between itself and the terminal portion by the pressing piece pressing the electric wire against the terminal portion.
- a locking portion (the locking piece of the locking spring), which locks the electric wire
- a pressing portion (the pressing piece of the locking spring), which presses the electric wire against the terminal portion
- US 2011/0053406 A1 discloses a securely latched power connector assembly that comprises a bottom plate and an inclined portion, wherein the inclined portion is bent downward at an upper end thereof to form a first buckle portion that may be provided with a notch for holding the core of a wire inserted into the connector.
- EP 0 828 314 A1 discloses a screwless electrical contact device for connecting one or more conductors comprising a backing element located opposed to an inner portion of the contact areas of the device and a spring element adapted to press an inserted conductor against the contact areas.
- a terminal with a locking element with a convex shape is known from DE 1 989 884 U .
- CN 87214630 U relates to a plug-in connecting means, comprising a V-shaped spring lamination, a clamping wire spring with the clamping wire part of a sharp edge angle, and a wire connecting terminal.
- a plug-in connecting means comprising a V-shaped spring lamination, a clamping wire spring with the clamping wire part of a sharp edge angle, and a wire connecting terminal.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device and a wiring apparatus with the same, which can suppress a contact state of an electric wire in contact with a terminal portion from falling into an unstable state.
- Claim 1 discloses a terminal device according to the invention.
- a terminal device includes a terminal portion, a pressing portion and a locking portion.
- the pressing portion is disposed to face one surface of the terminal portion, and configured to hold an electric wire inserted along an inserting direction from an insertion port so that the electric wire is sandwiched between the pressing portion and the terminal portion.
- the locking portion is elastic; disposed to face the one surface of the terminal portion; and configured to restrict movement of the electric wire toward the insertion port by contact with the electric wire.
- the pressing portion and the locking portion are members independently separated from each other.
- the pressing portion includes a first pressing piece, a second pressing piece, and a contact portion that joins the first pressing piece and the second pressing piece.
- the first pressing piece and the second pressing piece have a structure formed in approximately a V-shape, in a plane including both of the inserting direction, and a facing direction in which the pressing portion and the terminal portion face each other.
- the contact portion is curved convexly toward the terminal portion in the facing direction, in said plane.
- the second pressing piece of the pressing portion on a side of the insertion port in the inserting direction is inclined relative to the one surface of the terminal portion so as to be further separated from the terminal portion as approaching the insertion port in the inserting direction.
- a wiring apparatus includes the terminal device and an apparatus body configured to house therein the terminal device.
- a terminal device 1 is a so-called quick connection terminal, to which an electric wire 100 can be connected by the electric wire 100 being inserted thereto.
- the terminal device 1 includes a terminal portion 2 having electrical conductivity.
- 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 illustrates only the terminal device 1 in a state where the electric wire 100 is not connected
- FIG. 1B illustrates the terminal device 1 and the electric wire 100 in a state where the electric wire 100 is connected, partially indicated by imaginary lines (two-dot chain lines).
- the terminal device 1 may be used for a wiring apparatus such as a switch or an outlet.
- a wiring apparatus 10 with the terminal device 1 (refer to FIG. 8 ) will be explained in a column of "(2.7) Wiring Apparatus" described later.
- the terminal device 1 includes a pressing portion 3 and a locking portion 4 in addition to the terminal portion 2.
- the electric wire 100 entering from an insertion port 11 is inserted between the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3, the electric wire 100 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 2.
- the terminal portion 2 and the locking portion 4 movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 is restricted by the locking portion 4, and accordingly, the electric wire 100 is locked.
- the insertion port 11 mentioned herein is a space which the electric wire 100 passes through to be introduced between the terminal portion 2 and both of the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4, the terminal device 1 is not needed to have the insertion port 11 with an entity, and may have only a function as the insertion port 11.
- the insertion port 11 may be an insertion-hole 81 (refer to FIG. 5 ) with an entity, which is formed in a casing 8 (refer to FIG. 5 ) described later.
- the electric wire 100 When the electric wire 100 is an insulated wire where a core wire made of a conductor is covered with an insulation coating, an end of the electric wire 100 from which the insulation coating is peeled off, namely only the core wire, is inserted from the insertion port 11.
- the electric wire 100 may be any of a single wire where the core wire is formed of a single conductor wire, and a stranded wire where the core wire is formed of two or more conductor wires.
- terminal device 1 a basic configuration of the terminal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4B .
- a "facing direction” in which the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 face each other is defined as an X axis direction, and a direction of directing to the terminal portion 2, when viewed from the pressing portion 3, is defined as a positive direction of an X axis.
- an "inserting direction” in which the electric wire 100 is inserted is defined as a Y axis direction, and a direction of inserting the electric wire 100 is defined as a positive direction of a Y axis.
- a direction in which two electric wires 100 connected to the terminal device 1 are arranged is defined as a Z axis direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to a paper face of FIG. 1A ), and a direction of directing to the front side of the paper face of FIG. 1A is defined as a positive direction of a Z axis.
- the purpose of those directions is not to restrict a use direction of the terminal device 1.
- Arrows indicating the directions of the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis in the figures are illustrated merely for convenience of explanation, and the arrows each do not have an entity.
- a matter that the facing direction and the inserting direction are exactly orthogonal to each other (cross at an angle of 90°) is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1 as long as those directions cross each other.
- the terminal device 1 is a bipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with at most two electric wires 100. That is, since the terminal device 1 has two insertion ports 11, two electric wires 100 can be simultaneously connected through the two insertion ports 11, respectively. In the terminal device 1, since the two electric wires 100 are electrically connected to the single terminal portion 2, the two electric wires 100 connected in the terminal device 1 are electrically connected to each other via the terminal portion 2.
- the terminal device 1 may be therefore used as a feed terminal, for example.
- 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 portion 2 and the pressing portion 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 metal plate having electrical conductivity.
- the spring block 13 is formed of a metal plate having elasticity.
- the terminal block 12 (pressing portion 3) and the spring block 13 (locking portion 4) are made of materials different from each other, respectively.
- the spring block 13 is combined with the terminal block 12 so as to be housed in a space surrounded by the terminal block 12.
- the terminal block 12 includes a connecting portion 5 and a holding portion 6, in addition to the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3.
- the connecting portion 5 is to join the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3.
- the connecting portion 5 joins: an end on an opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the insertion ports 11 in the Y axis direction; and the pressing portion 3.
- ends (upper ends in FIG. 3A ) on opposite sides, of the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3, from the insertion ports 11 in the Y axis direction are joined to each other by the connecting portion 5.
- the terminal block 12 is made of copper (Cu) for example.
- the terminal device 1 is a bipolar type, the pressing portion 3 is provided in plural and the connecting portion 5 is also provided in plural (two pressing portions 3 and two connecting portions 5 in this embodiment).
- the terminal device 1 has a configuration that is in plane symmetry 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 noted, only one of the two pressing portions 3 will be explained, and explanation of the other of the two pressing portions 3 will be appropriately omitted. Similarly, only one of the two connecting portions 5 will be explained, and explanation of the other of the two connecting portions 5 will be appropriately omitted.
- the pressing portions 3, the connecting portions 5, the terminal portion 2 and the holding portion 6 are integrally formed.
- the terminal portion 2, the two pressing portions 3, the two connecting portions 5 and the holding portion 6 are made of a sheet of metal plate.
- the terminal portion 2, pressing portions 3, connecting portions 5 and holding portion 6, which constitute the terminal block 12, are formed by a sheet of metal plate being subjected to punching and bending.
- the terminal portion 2 has a rectangular plate shape.
- the terminal portion 2 is configured so that one surface 20 in a thickness direction thereof (X axis direction) faces the pressing portions 3. That is, the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 is introduced between the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 and a corresponding pressing portion 3, and electrically connected to the terminal portion 2 so as to be in contact with the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the terminal portion 2 is provided in the one surface 20 with a guide groove 23 that extends 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 limiting a moving direction of the electric wire 100 to only the Y axis direction.
- the guide grooves 23 is provided in two so as to respectively correspond to two electric wires 100, and two guide grooves 23 are formed in the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the 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 that is shaped so that a cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface 231 perpendicular to the inserting direction is curved convexly toward the positive direction of the X axis.
- each guide groove 23 is formed by curving part of the terminal portion 2.
- the terminal portion 2 is provided in a central region of the one surface 20 with an opening window 24 that penetrates the terminal portion 2 in the thickness direction thereof.
- the opening window 24 has a rectangular opened shape.
- the opening window 24 is a hole which part of a release member 9 described later is made to pass through.
- each pressing portion 3 is disposed at a position of facing a first region 21 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 in the X axis direction (the facing direction).
- the first region 21 mentioned herein is a region facing a corresponding pressing portion 3, of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- Each pressing portion 3 is configured to hold an electric wire 100 inserted along the Y axis direction from the insertion port 11 so that the electric wire 100 is sandwiched between itself and the first region 21.
- the pressing portion 3 applies to the electric wire 100 a force in a direction of pressing the electric wire 100 against the one surface 20. 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 a proper contact pressure between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100.
- Each pressing portion 3 includes a first pressing piece 31, a second pressing piece 32 and a third pressing piece 33.
- the first pressing piece 31, second pressing piece 32 and third pressing piece 33 are arranged along the Y axis direction in order of the first pressing piece 31, second pressing piece 32 and third pressing piece 33 from the side of the connecting portion 5 (i.e., the side opposite from the insertion port 11).
- 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 on an opposite side, of the first pressing piece 31, from the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the connecting portion 5. Another end of the first pressing piece 31 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the second pressing piece 32.
- the second pressing piece 32 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 approaching the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. An end on an opposite side, of the second pressing piece 32, from the first pressing piece 31 in the Y axis direction is connected with the third pressing piece 33.
- the third pressing piece 33 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 separated from the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction.
- the third pressing piece 33 has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately a V-shape together with the second pressing piece 32.
- a contact portion 34 which joins the second pressing piece 32 and the third pressing piece 33, is at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the pressing portion 3 includes the contact portion 34 curved convexly toward the terminal portion 2 in the X axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.
- the contact portion 34 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature.
- each connecting portion 5 is projected toward a direction opposite to the insertion port 11 from an end on the opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, the terminal portion 2 and each pressing portion 3 are joined to each other by the connecting portion 5 provided so as to be projected in the positive direction of the Y axis from the ends (upper ends in FIG. 3A ) on the opposite side, thereof, from the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction.
- Each connecting portion 5 includes a curved part 51.
- the curved part 51 is curved convexly toward a direction opposite to the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.
- the curved part 51 is curved like a circular arc shape.
- the curved part 51 has an internal diameter that is approximately equal to a distance between the first pressing piece 31 of the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2.
- each connecting portion 5 is set so that a size thereof in the Z axis direction is smaller than a size of a corresponding pressing portion 3 in the Z axis direction. More specifically, the connecting portions 5 are not formed over the full length of the terminal portion 2 in the Z axis direction, but formed so as to avoid interference with regions, in which the guide grooves 23 are formed, of the terminal portion 2. Accordingly, each connecting portion 5 can have a lower elastic coefficient and can be more easily bent, compared with a case where the size of each connecting portion 5 in the Z axis direction is equal to the size of the corresponding pressing portion 3 in the Z axis direction.
- the holding portion 6 is formed integrally with the terminal portion 2, and configured so as to hold, between itself and the terminal portion 2, the locking portion 4 (spring block 13).
- the holding portion 6 is provided so as to be projected from an end on an opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the connecting portions 5 in the Y axis direction. That is, the holding portion 6 is connected with the end (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 portion 6 includes a first holding piece 61, a second holding piece 62 and a third holding piece 63.
- the first holding piece 61, second holding piece 62 and third holding piece 63 are continuously arranged in order of the first holding piece 61, second holding piece 62 and third holding piece 63 from the side of the terminal portion 2.
- all of: a part of joining the terminal portion 2 and the first holding piece 61; a joining part between the first and second holding pieces 61 and 62; and a joining part (a restricting part 64) between the second and third holding pieces 62 and 63 are curved at a prescribed radius of curvature.
- the first holding piece 61 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the negative direction of the X axis from the terminal portion 2.
- the first holding piece 61 and the terminal portion 2 are substantially orthogonal to each other.
- An end on an opposite side, of the first holding piece 61, from the terminal portion 2 in the X axis direction is connected with the second holding piece 62.
- the second holding piece 62 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the Y axis from the first holding piece 61.
- the second holding piece 62 and the first holding piece 61 are substantially orthogonal to each other.
- An end on an opposite side, of the second holding piece 62, from the first holding piece 61 in the Y axis direction is connected with the third holding piece 63.
- the third holding piece 63 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the X axis from the second holding piece 62.
- the third holding piece 63 and the second holding piece 62 are substantially orthogonal
- the holding portion 6 positions the spring block 13 by the restricting part 64 that is a part of joining the second and third holding pieces 62 and 63.
- a dimensional relationship between the second holding piece 62 and the terminal portion 2 is defined so that those lengths in the Y axis direction are approximately the same as each other.
- the holding portion 6 therefore has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately a rectangular frame shape together with the terminal portion 2.
- the spring block 13 is housed in a space surrounded by the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2.
- a dimensional relationship between the first holding piece 61 and the third holding piece 63 is defined so that, in the X axis direction, a size of the third holding piece 63 is smaller than a size of the first holding piece 61, thereby forming a gap between the third holding piece 63 and the terminal portion 2.
- the pressing portion 3 is introduced through this gap into the space between the second holding piece 62 and the terminal portion 2.
- the first holding piece 61 is provided with a cutout-hole 611 that penetrates the first holding piece 61 in a thickness direction thereof.
- the cutout-hole 611 is disposed at a position corresponding to the insertion port 11.
- the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 can be therefore introduced through the cutout-hole 611 into the space surrounded by the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2.
- the cutout-hole 611 is provided in two so as to respectively correspond to two electric wires 100, and two cutout-holes 611 are formed in the first holding piece 61.
- the two cutout-holes 611 are respectively disposed at both ends of the first holding piece 61 in the Z axis direction.
- the first holding piece 61 is provided in a central part thereof with a through-hole 612 that penetrates the first holding piece 61 in the thickness direction thereof.
- the through-hole 612 has a circular opened shape. Since the through-hole 612 is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, the through-hole 612 may be omitted.
- the spring block 13 includes an extending portion 7 in addition to the locking portion 4.
- the spring block 13 is made of Steel Special Use Stainless (SUS) for example.
- the spring block 13 is formed of a metal plate thinner than the terminal block 12.
- the terminal device 1 since the terminal device 1 is a bipolar type, the locking portion 4 is provided in plural (in this embodiment, two locking portions).
- the terminal device 1 has a configuration that is in plane symmetry with respect to the Z axis direction in which two locking portions 4 are arranged. For this reason, hereinafter, unless otherwise noted, only one of the two locking portions 4 will be explained and explanation of the other of the two locking portions 4 will be appropriately omitted.
- the locking portions 4 and the extending portion 7 are integrally formed.
- the two locking portions 4 and the extending portion 7 are made of a sheet of metal plate.
- the locking portions 4 and extending portion 7, which constitute the spring block 13, are formed by a sheet of metal plate being subjected to punching and bending.
- each locking portion 4 is disposed at a position of facing a second region 22 of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 in the X axis direction (the facing direction).
- the second region 22 mentioned herein is a region that is different from the first region 21, of the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, in the Y axis direction, and faces the locking portion 4.
- the second region 22 is disposed between the first region 21 and the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, the first region 21 and the second region 22 are arranged along the Y axis direction in order of the second region 22 and the first region 21 from the side of the insertion port 11.
- Each locking portion 4 is configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 by contact with the electric wire 100 inserted along the Y axis direction from the insertion port 11.
- the locking portion 4 is configured to sandwich the electric wire 100 between itself and the second region 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 a proper contact pressure between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100.
- 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 separated from the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction.
- Each locking portion 4 is configured to restrict the movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 by the locking portion 4 being, at an end edge 41 thereof closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, in contact with the electric wire 100.
- each locking portion 4 is projected, from a part (spring part 42) joining the each locking portion 4 and the extending portion 7, in a direction (i.e., the positive direction of the Y axis) in which the electric wire 100 is inserted, and inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to make the end edge 41 closer to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2. While 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 is in contact with the electric wire 100.
- the extending portion 7 is projected, in a direction opposite to the insertion port 11, from ends (lower ends in FIG. 4A ) of the locking portions 4 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction.
- the extending portion 7 is constituted by part of the spring block 13, which extends in the positive direction of the Y axis from an end on an opposite side, of the locking portion 4, from the end edge 41.
- the spring part 42 which is a part of joining the locking portion 4 and the extending portion 7, applies an elastic force to the locking portion 4.
- the spring block 13 includes the spring part 42 curved convexly toward the side of the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.
- the spring part 42 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature.
- the extending portion 7 includes a first extending piece 71 and a second extending piece 72.
- the first extending piece 71 and the second extending piece 72 are connected with each other in order of the first extending piece 71 and the second extending piece 72 from the side of the locking portion 4.
- the first extending piece 71 has a rectangular plate shape, and as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , is approximately parallel to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2. An end of the first extending piece 71 on a side of the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the locking portion 4. Another end on an opposite side, of the first extending piece 71, from the locking portion 4 in the Y axis direction is connected with the second extending piece 72.
- the second extending piece 72 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the X axis from the first extending piece 71.
- the second extending piece 72 and the first extending piece 71 are substantially orthogonal to each other.
- the second extending piece 72 has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately an L-shape together with the first extending piece 71.
- the spring block 13 is positioned with respect to the terminal block 12 by making a corner 73, which is a part of joining the first and second extending pieces 71 and 72, come into contact with the restricting part 64 of the terminal block 12.
- the corner 73 is always not in contact with the restricting part 64, but there is a gap between the corner 73 and the restricting part 64.
- the corner 73 comes into contact with the restricting part 64, and the movement of the spring block 13 can be accordingly restricted. Therefore, the spring block 13 is positioned with respect to the terminal block 12.
- the corner 73 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature.
- a size of the spring block 13 in the Y axis direction is defined so as to be slightly smaller than a distance between the first holding piece 61 and the third holding piece 63 of the terminal block 12.
- a size of the spring block 13 in the X axis direction is defined so as to be slightly larger than a distance between the terminal portion 2 and the second holding piece 62 of the terminal block 12. Accordingly, the spring block 13 is slightly loosely positioned in the Y axis direction, and can be housed in a 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.
- the spring part 42 is elastically deformed so as to cause the end edges 41 of the locking portions 4 to be closer to the first extending piece 71, and the spring block 13 accordingly falls into the compressed state in the X axis direction.
- a dimensional relationship between the second extending piece 72 and the third holding piece 63 is defined so that those lengths in the X axis direction are approximately equal to each other, which can form, between the second extending piece 72 and the terminal portion 2, a gap for introducing the pressing portion 3 between the second holding piece 62 and the terminal portion 2.
- the first extending piece 71 is provided in a central part thereof with a through-hole 711 that penetrates the first extending piece 71 in a thickness direction thereof.
- the through-hole 711 has a circular opened shape.
- the first extending piece 71 is further provided with a slit 712 that penetrates the first extending piece 71 in the thickness direction thereof and extends from the through-hole 711 toward the locking portions 4.
- the slit 712 extends to the end edges 41 of the locking portions 4 through the spring part 42.
- 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 for the terminal device 1, the through-hole 711 may be omitted.
- a first distance L1 is set so as to be larger than a second distance L2, where the first distance L1 represents a distance between each pressing portion 3 and a corresponding first region 21, and the second distance L2 represents a distance between each locking portion 4 and a corresponding second region 22.
- the terminal portion 2 is provided in the one surface 20 with the guide grooves 23, the first and second distances L1 and L2 mentioned above and a third distance L3 mentioned later are all defined based on a bottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of each guide groove 23, as a reference.
- the first distance L1 is a distance between: the contact portion 34, which is at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, of each pressing portion 3; and the bottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of the corresponding guide groove 23 in the first region 21 of the terminal portion 2.
- the second distance L2 is a distance between: the end edge 41, which is at a position closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, of each locking portion 4; and the bottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of the corresponding guide groove 23 in the second region 22 of the terminal portion 2.
- each pressing portion 3 namely the third pressing piece 33 is inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to be further separated from the terminal portion 2 as approaching the insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, the third pressing piece 33 is inclined so as to be further separated from the terminal portion 2 as separated from the contact portion 34. Accordingly, a distance between: an end edge on the opposite side, of the third pressing piece 33, from the contact portion 34; and the terminal portion 2 is larger than a distance between the contact portion 34 and the terminal portion 2.
- a distance between: the end edge on the opposite side, of the third pressing piece 33, from the contact portion 34; and the bottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of the corresponding guide groove 23 of the terminal portion 2 is defined as the third distance L3.
- the relationship between the first, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 meets that the first distance L1 is larger than the second distance L2, and the third distance L3 is larger than the first distance L1 (L2 ⁇ L1 ⁇ L3).
- the electric wire 100 to be inserted from the insertion port 11 preferably has a wire diameter ⁇ X that is more than the first distance L1 and less than the third distance L3.
- the wire diameter ⁇ X of the electric wire 100 mentioned herein is a wire diameter ⁇ X of an electric wire 100 defined as an electric wire connectable with the terminal device 1.
- the wire diameter ⁇ X corresponds to a diameter of a core wire to be inserted from the insertion port 11.
- first, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 and the wire diameter ⁇ X meets that the first distance L1 is larger than the second distance L2, and the wire diameter ⁇ X is larger than the first distance L1, and the third distance L3 is larger than the wire diameter ⁇ X (L2 ⁇ L1 ⁇ ⁇ X ⁇ L3).
- the wire diameter ⁇ X mentioned herein means an outer diameter of the electric wire 100 to be inserted from the insertion port 11 (a diameter of the core wire in the case of the insulated wire), and may be appropriately determined in accordance with, for example, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard or the like.
- a worker inserts the electric wire 100 as a connected target into the terminal device 1 through the insertion port 11 in the positive direction of the Y axis.
- an end of the electric wire 100 is first introduced between the locking portion 4 and the terminal portion 2 (the second region 22).
- the second distance L2 and the wire diameter ⁇ X of the electric wire 100 have the dimensional relationship of "L2 ⁇ ⁇ X", as described in the column of "(2.4) Dimensional Relationship".
- 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 of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the spring part 42 is elastically deformed so that its radius of curvature is reduced.
- the locking portion 4 therefore applies, to the electric wire 100, a force in a direction of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2.
- the end of the electric wire 100 is introduced between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 (the first region 21).
- the first distance L1, the third distance L3 and the wire diameter ⁇ X of the electric wire 100 have the dimensional relationship of "L1 ⁇ ⁇ X ⁇ L3", as described in the column of "(2.4) Dimensional Relationship".
- the end of the electric wire 100 is guided by the third pressing piece 33 so as to be introduced between the contact portion 34 and the terminal portion 2.
- the contact portion 34 is then pressed by the end of the electric wire 100, and the contact portion 34 of the pressing portion 3 is therefore displaced in a direction of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the connecting portion 5 is elastically deformed so that a radius of curvature of the curved part 51 is increased.
- the pressing portion 3 therefore applies, to the electric wire 100, a force in a direction of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2.
- a positional relationship between the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3, and a size of each of the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are defined so that the locking portion 4 does not come into contact with the pressing portion 3 when the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is displaced in a direction of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- 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 disposed on a locus of the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4.
- the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are not simultaneously displaced, but the locking portion 4 is first displaced and the pressing portion 3 is then displaced. Accordingly, the magnitude of a force required for inserting the electric wire 100 can be more reduced, compared with a configuration that the locking portion 4 and the pressing portion 3 are simultaneously displaced.
- a distance between the first region 21 and the second region 22 in the Y axis direction is preferably made as small as possible.
- a length of the electric wire 100 which should be inserted can be reduced by reducing the distance between the first region 21 and the second region 22, which can downsize the terminal device 1.
- the terminal device 1 includes the casing 8 and the release member 9, in addition to the above-mentioned terminal block 12 and spring block 13.
- the casing 8 is made of material having electric insulation, such as synthetic resin.
- the casing 8 is shaped like a box that has a space for housing the terminal block 12 and the spring block 13. In a state where the terminal block 12 and the spring block 13 have been housed in the casing 8, at least the holding portion 6 is fixed to the casing 8.
- the box-shaped casing 8 is illustrated, which are opened in two directions of the positive direction of the Y axis and the positive direction of the Z axis.
- the casing 8 is provided with an insertion-hole 81 that is disposed at a position corresponding to the insertion port 11, of the casing 8, and penetrates a bottom plate of the casing 8 in the Y axis direction.
- the insertion-hole 81 has a circular opened shape, and is provided in two so as to correspond to two electric wires 100. Although illustration of the insertion port 11 is omitted in FIGS. 5 to 6B , the insertion-hole 81 of the casing 8 corresponds to the insertion port 11 in the terminal device 1 with the casing as above.
- the casing 8 is provided with an operational window 82 that is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening window 24, of the casing 8, and penetrates a side wall of the casing 8 in the X axis direction.
- the operational window 82 is a hole which an action part 93 of the release member 9 described later is made to pass through.
- the casing 8 is provided with a pair of bearing parts 83 for holding the release member 9, and the bearing parts 83 are respectively formed in inside surfaces, which are paired and face each other in the Z axis direction, of inside surfaces of the operational window 82.
- a shaft part 91 of the release member 9 as described later is inserted in the pair of bearing parts 83.
- the release member 9 is a member for releasing the restriction of the movement of the electric wire 100, performed by the locking portion 4, namely the locking of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4.
- the release member 9 is made of material having electric insulation, such as synthetic resin.
- the release member 9 is configured to be movable relatively to the terminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position.
- the release member 9 is configured to apply, when moved from the normal position to the release position, a force to the locking portion 4 in a direction of being separated from the second region 22 so as to release the restriction (the locking) of the movement of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4.
- FIGS. 6A to 7 show a state where the release member 9 is at the normal position.
- the release member 9 includes the shaft part 91, an operational part 92 and the action part 93.
- the shaft part 91 has a columnar shape extending along the Z axis direction.
- the release member 9 is held by the casing 8 in a state where the release member 9 can be turned around the shaft part 91 with respect to the casing 8, by both ends of the shaft part 91 in the Z axis direction being respectively inserted into the paired bearing parts 83.
- the release member 9 can be turned (moved) between the normal position and the release position around the shaft part 91.
- the operational part 92 is a part 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 casing 8 so that at least part of the operational part 92 is exposed from the casing 8.
- the action part 93 is a part for applying to the locking portion 4 a force in a direction of being separated from the second region 22, when the release member 9 is moved from the normal position to the release position.
- the release member 9 is held by the casing 8 so that at least part of the action part 93 is made to face the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 through the operational window 82 of the casing 8 and the opening window 24 of the terminal portion 2.
- the worker 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, performed by the locking portion 4, and accordingly, can pull out the electric wire 100 from the insertion port 11. That is, when the worker pushes the operational part 92 in a direction shown by an arrow A1 in FIG. 7 from the state where the release member 9 is at the normal position, the release member 9 is turned around the shaft part 91, and moved to the release position. At this time, the action part 93 is moved in a direction shown by an arrow A2 in FIG. 7 , and applies to the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 a force in a direction of being separated from the second region 22. When the end edge 41 is moved in the direction of being separated from the second region 22, the locking portion 4 is separated from the electric wire 100. The restriction (the locking) of the movement of the electric wire 100 by the locking portion 4 can be therefore released.
- the terminal device 1 in this embodiment is configured so that a force is applied from the single release member 9 simultaneously to the two locking portions 4. That is, the action part 93 of the release member 9 is disposed at a position over the two locking portions 4 in the Z axis direction.
- the release member 9 is moved from the normal position to the release position, the force in the direction of being separated from the second region 22 is applied simultaneously to the two locking portions 4, and the locking by the two locking portions 4 is simultaneously released.
- the terminal device 1 with the above-mentioned configuration can be used for a wiring apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 8 , for example.
- the wiring apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a switch to be attached to a wall in a building or the like and to be used.
- the wiring apparatus 10 includes: an apparatus body 101 having a rectangular parallelopiped shape; and the terminal device 1 housed in the apparatus body 101.
- the apparatus body 101 is provided on a front surface thereof with a handle 102.
- the wiring apparatus 10 is configured so that a contact point in the apparatus body 101 is switched on/off whenever the handle 102 is pushed.
- the wiring apparatus 10 includes two terminal devices 1, each of which is the terminal device 1 with the above-mentioned configuration.
- the two terminal devices 1 are housed in the apparatus body 101 so that insertion-holes 81 (refer to FIG. 5 ) thereof are exposed on a rear surface of the apparatus body 101. Accordingly, in the wiring apparatus 10, connection of the electric wire 100 can be achieved by the electric wire 100 being inserted from the side of the rear surface of the apparatus body 101.
- the casing 8 (refer to FIG. 5 ) of the terminal device 1 may be a member independently separated from a case body of the apparatus body 101, or may be part of the case body of the apparatus body 101.
- the release member 9 (refer to FIG. 7 ) is held by the case body of the apparatus body 101 or the casing 8 so that at least part of the operational part 92 (refer to FIG. 7 ) is exposed from the case body of the apparatus body 101.
- a terminal device 1 includes a terminal portion 2, a pressing portion 3 and a locking portion 4.
- the pressing portion 3 is disposed to face one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, and configured to hold an electric wire 100 inserted along an inserting direction (Y axis direction) from an insertion port 11 so that the electric wire 100 is sandwiched between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2.
- the locking portion 4 is elastic; disposed to face the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2; and configured to restrict movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 by contact with the electric wire 100.
- the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 are members independently separated from each other.
- 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 suppressed from being inclined with respect to the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- the electric wire 100 can be brought into surface-contact with the terminal portion 2 regardless of hardness of the electric wire 100, which can stabilize a contact state between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2.
- the stabilization of the contact state between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 can lead to a stabilization of a contact resistance between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2, and therefore, an increase in temperature of the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed by an increase in the contact resistance.
- the pressing portion 3 of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 by sandwiching the electric wire 100 between itself and the terminal portion 2 is members independently separated from each other. Accordingly, for example even when a force is applied from the electric wire 100 to the locking portion 4 upon insertion of the electric wire 100, this force is not transmitted from the locking portion 4 to the pressing portion 3, and the force of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 is therefore easily stabilized. Therefore, the terminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state of the electric wire 100 in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state.
- a first distance L1 is preferably larger than a second distance L2, where the first distance L1 is a distance between the pressing portion 3 and the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, and the second distance L2 is a distance between the locking portion 4 and the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the pressing portion 3 since an interval between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 is wider than an interval between the locking portion 4 and the terminal portion 2, the pressing portion 3 hardly interrupts movement of the electric wire 100 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), and the electric wire 100 can be therefore smoothly inserted/removed.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the first distance L1 may be equal to or smaller than the second distance L2.
- an end of the pressing portion 3 on a side of the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction is preferably inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the end of the pressing portion 3 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction is preferably inclined so as to be further separated from the terminal portion 2 as approaching the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction.
- this configuration upon insertion of the electric wire 100, an end of the electric wire 100 is guided by the end of the pressing portion 3 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) so as to be introduced between the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2, and accordingly, the insertion of the electric wire 100 can be easily achieved.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the end of the pressing portion 3 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) may not be inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- a terminal device 1 according to a fourth aspect in any one of the first to third aspects, preferably further includes a connecting portion 5 that joins the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3.
- the pressing portion 3 of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 by sandwiching the electric wire 100 between itself and the terminal portion 2 is joined to the terminal portion 2 by the connecting portion 5.
- the pressing portion 3 can be treated as a single component together with the terminal portion 2. For this reason, the force of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 is further suppressed from varying, compared with a case where the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3 are components independently separated from each other.
- the terminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state of the electric wire 100 in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, connecting portion 5 may be omitted.
- the connecting portion 5 preferably joins: an end on an opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction); and the pressing portion 3. According to this configuration, the electric wire 100 inserted from the insertion port 11 can be suppressed from interfering with the connecting portion 5, and the flexibility of design of the connecting portion 5 can be enhanced. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the connecting portion 5 may join: an end of the terminal portion 2 on the side of the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction); and the pressing portion 3. Alternatively, the connecting portion 5 may join: one end of the terminal portion 2 in the Z axis direction; and the pressing portion 3.
- the connecting portion 5 is preferably projected, toward a direction opposite to the insertion port 11, from the end on the opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). According to this configuration, since a distance between the pressing portion 3 and a fulcrum when the pressing portion 3 is displaced is increased depending on a projected amount of the connecting portion 5, it is possible to sufficiently secure a displacement amount of the pressing portion 3 while reducing a deformed amount of the connecting portion 5. A selection width of a wire diameter ⁇ X of a connectable electric wire 100 can be therefore extended. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the connecting portion 5 may not be projected from the end on the opposite side, of the terminal portion 2, from the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- the connecting portion 5 preferably includes a curved part 51, and the curved part 51 is preferably curved convexly toward the direction opposite to the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction, in a plane including both of the inserting direction and a facing direction in which the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other.
- a stress applied to the connecting portion 5 upon the displacement of the pressing portion 3 is dispersed in the curved part 51, and the stress is therefore suppressed from being generated intensively in the connecting portion 5.
- the connecting portion 5 is suppressed from plastically deforming, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 3 can be easily maintained.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the connecting portion 5 may not include the curved part 51.
- the pressing portion 3, the connecting portion 5 and the terminal portion 2 are preferably integrally formed. According to this configuration, since the pressing portion 3 is electrically conductive to the terminal portion 2 via the connecting portion 5, the electric wire 100 can be electrically connected to the terminal portion 2 even when brought into contact with any of the terminal portion 2 and the pressing portion 3. The contact resistance between the electric wire 100 and the terminal portion 2 can be therefore further stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the pressing portion 3, the connecting portion 5 and the terminal portion 2 may be members independently separated from one another.
- a terminal device 1 in any one of the first to eighth aspects, preferably further includes a holding portion 6 that is formed integrally with the terminal portion 2, and the holding portion 6 is preferably configured to hold a spring block 13 including the locking portion 4 between the holding portion 6 and the terminal portion 2.
- the holding portion 6 since a 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.
- the holding portion 6 is made of metal material, the relative position of the locking portion 4 with respect to the terminal portion 2 is hardly varied depending on a change in temperature or the like, compared with a case where the locking portion 4 is held by the casing 8 and the like made of synthetic resin, for example.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the holding portion 6 may be omitted and the spring block 13 may be held by the casing 8 and the like.
- the holding portion 6 preferably includes a restricting part 64.
- the restricting part 64 is preferably in contact with the spring block 13 on an opposite side of the spring block 13 from the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), and in contact with the spring block 13 on an opposite side of the spring block 13 from the terminal portion 2 in a facing direction (X axis direction) in which the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other.
- this configuration since movement of the spring block 13 in a direction of being separated from the insertion port 11 and the terminal portion 2 is restricted by the restricting part 64, the spring block 13 is positionally stabilized upon the insertion of the electric wire 100, and accordingly, the electric wire 100 can be stably locked by the locking portion 4.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the restricting part 64 may be omitted and the movement of the spring block 13 may be restricted by the casing 8 and the like.
- the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 are preferably made of materials different from each other, respectively. According to this configuration, it is possible to apply the best material for each of: the pressing portion 3 for pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2; and the locking portion 4 for locking the electric wire 100. For example, it is possible to apply material having excellent electrical conductivity for the pressing portion 3, and material having excellent elasticity for the locking portion 4. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the pressing portion 3 and the locking portion 4 may be made of the same material.
- the terminal portion 2 is preferably provided in the one surface 20 with a guide groove 23 extending in the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- the guide groove 23 extending in the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- the guide groove 23 preferably has a bottom surface 231 that is shaped so that a cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface 231 perpendicular to the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is curved convexly 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.
- the electric wire 100 can be made so as to easily pass through a center of the guide groove 23 in a width direction thereof (Z axis direction).
- the guide groove 23 may have a bottom surface 231 formed like a V-shape.
- a terminal device 1 according to a fourteenth aspect in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, preferably further includes a release member 9 that is movable relatively to the terminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position.
- the release member 9 is preferably configured to apply, when moved from the normal position to the release position, a force to the locking portion 4 in a direction of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to release restriction of movement of the electric wire 100 performed by the locking portion 4.
- the electric wire 100 can be easily pulled out in a state where the restriction of movement of the electric wire 100 performed by the locking portion 4 has been released by operating the release member 9.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the release member 9 may be omitted.
- the locking portion 4 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), is preferably disposed between the pressing portion 3 and the insertion port 11. According to this configuration, the locking portion 4 locks the electric wire 100 at a position close to the insertion port 11, and the pressing portion 3 presses the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 at a position far from the insertion port 11. Accordingly, even when a force in a direction perpendicular to the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is applied to the electric wire 100, the force of pressing the electric wire 100 against the terminal portion 2 is stabilized, and the contact state between the terminal portion 2 and the electric wire 100 can be easily stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the pressing portion 3 may be disposed between the locking portion 4 and the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- a terminal device 1 in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, preferably includes a plurality of the pressing portions 3 (two pressing portions in the case of the First Embodiment), each of which is configured to individually hold a corresponding electric wire 100 of a plurality of the electric wires 100 so that the corresponding electric wire 100 is sandwiched between the each pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2.
- each of a plurality of the pressing portions 3 individually applies a pressing force to a corresponding electric wire 100 of a plurality of the electric wires 100 respectively inserted from a plurality of the insertion ports 11, the followability of the pressing portions 3 to the electric wires 100 can be improved, and the contact state between the electric wires 100 and the terminal portion 2 can be stabilized.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, a single pressing portion 3 may be configured to hold a plurality of the electric wires 100, respectively inserted from a plurality of the insertion ports 11, between the single pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2.
- the pressing portion 3 preferably includes a contact portion 34, and the contact portion 34 is curved convexly toward the terminal portion 2 in a facing direction in which the pressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 face each other, in a plane including both of the inserting direction and the facing direction.
- the electric wire 100 is moved in the inserting direction (Y axis direction)
- 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.
- the electric wire 100 can be therefore smoothly inserted into or removed from the terminal device 1.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the pressing portion 3 may not include the curved contact portion 34.
- the locking portion 4 is preferably inclined relative to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 so as to be closer to the terminal portion 2 as separated from the insertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction).
- the locking portion 4 is preferably configured to restrict the movement of the electric wire 100 toward the insertion port 11 by the locking portion 4 being, at an end edge 41 thereof closest to the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2, in contact with the electric wire 100.
- the locking portion 4 is pressed by an end of the electric wire 100, and the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 is displaced in a direction of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2.
- the electric wire 100 can be therefore inserted without operation to the release member 9.
- this configuration is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the locking portion 4 may have a shape different from the above-mentioned shape.
- a wiring apparatus 10 includes: the terminal device 1 according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects; and an apparatus body 101 configured to house therein the terminal device 1. According to this configuration, the wiring apparatus 10 has an advantage that the contact state of the electric wire 100 in contact with the terminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state.
- the terminal device 1 is not limited to be used for the wiring apparatus 10, but may be to be used for an electrical apparatus such as a home appliance, or the terminal device 1 may be used alone.
- the guide groove 23 is not limited to have the configuration that the part of the terminal portion 2 is formed to be curved as described in the First Embodiment, but may have a configuration that is formed by cutting the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 through a cutting process, for example.
- the terminal portion 2, pressing portion 3, connecting portion 5 and holding portion 6, which constitute the terminal block 12, are not limited to have the configuration that is formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be formed through an extrusion molding process or the like, for example.
- the locking portion 4 and extending portion 7, which constitute the spring block 13 are not limited to have the configuration that is formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be formed through an extrusion molding process or the like, for example.
- the contact portion 34 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, the contact portion 34 may be formed angularly.
- the matter that the corners of the holding portion 6 and the corners of the extending portion 7 are curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, they may be formed angularly.
- the matter that the spring part 42 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for the terminal device 1, and for example, it may be formed angularly.
- the material for the terminal block 12 is not limited to copper, but may be copper alloy such as brass, tin (Sn) bronze or phosphor (P) bronze.
- the material for the spring block 13 is not limited to Steel Special Use Stainless, but may be for example iron (Fe), copper alloy or the like.
- the terminal block 12 (pressing portion 3) and the spring block 13 (locking portion 4) may be made of the same material.
- the terminal device 1 is not limited to a bipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with at most two electric wires 100, but may be a terminal device that is connectable with three or more electric wires 100, such as a three-pole type connectable with at most three electric wires 100, or a four-pole type connectable with at most four electric wires 100.
- the number of each of the pressing portions 3, locking portions 4 and connecting portions 5 is preferably equal to the number of the poles. That is, when the terminal device 1 is a three-pole type, the number of each of the pressing portions 3, locking portions 4 and connecting portions 5 is preferably three.
- the pressing portion 3, connecting portion 5 and terminal portion 2 are not limited to be formed integrally, but may be members independently separated from one another. More specifically, the pressing portion 3, connecting portion 5 and terminal portion 2 independently separated from one another may be coupled with one another by, for example, caulking, welding, crimping or the like.
- 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 connecting the electric wire 100 to the terminal device 1, the worker may operate the release member 9 and insert the electric wire 100 in a state where the end edge 41 of the locking portion 4 has been displaced in a direction of being separated from the one surface 20 of the terminal portion 2 by the operation of the release member 9.
- a terminal device 1A according to this embodiment is a unipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with only one electric wire.
- components similar to those of the First Embodiment are assigned with the same reference signs and explanations thereof will be appropriately omitted.
- the terminal device 1A corresponds to a configuration that is obtained by dividing the terminal device 1 (refer to FIGS. 6A and 6B ) according to the First Embodiment into two equal parts in the Z axis direction. That is, the number of the insertion port 11 in the terminal device 1A is one, and one electric wire 100 can be connected through the one insertion port 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, locking portion 4 and connecting portion 5 is provided in one.
- the terminal device 1A of this embodiment explained above has an advantage that the contact state of the electric wire 100 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 may be used for the wiring apparatus 10 (refer to FIG. 8 ).
- the configuration of the Second Embodiment can be applied appropriately in combination with the configuration (including the variations) of the First Embodiment.
Landscapes
- Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
Description
- This invention generally relates to terminal devices and wiring apparatuses with same and, more particularly, to a terminal device to be connected with an electric wire by the electric wire being inserted, and a wiring apparatus with the same.
- Conventionally, there has been known a terminal device with a so-called quick connection structure, to which an electric wire can be connected without using a screw, for the purpose of facilitating connection of the electric wire to a wiring apparatus such as a switch (for example, refer to a Document 1:
JP 2002-151172 A - The terminal device described in the
Document 1 includes a terminal portion (terminal plate) made of conductive material and a locking spring. The terminal portion has a C-shape, and the locking spring is housed in a space surrounded by the terminal portion. The locking spring has a central piece, a locking piece and a pressing piece, which are formed by bending a plate material that is elastic. The locking piece and the pressing piece are provided at both ends of the central piece, respectively. In the terminal device, when inserted from an insertion port (electric wire insertion-hole), the electric wire is sandwiched and held by a spring force of the locking spring between both of the locking piece and the pressing piece and a contact piece of the terminal portion. In this state, the electric wire can be locked by an end edge of the locking piece biting into the electric wire, and further, the pressing piece elastically holds the electric wire between itself and the terminal portion by the pressing piece pressing the electric wire against the terminal portion. - In the conventional terminal device as the above, a locking portion (the locking piece of the locking spring), which locks the electric wire, and a pressing portion (the pressing piece of the locking spring), which presses the electric wire against the terminal portion, are integrally formed as the locking spring. For this reason, for example when a force is applied from the electric wire to the locking portion upon insertion of the electric wire, this force is transmitted from the locking portion to the pressing portion, and accordingly, there is a possibility that it influences the force of pressing the electric wire against the terminal portion. As a result, it may cause a contact state of the electric wire in contact with the terminal portion to be unstable.
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US 2011/0053406 A1 discloses a securely latched power connector assembly that comprises a bottom plate and an inclined portion, wherein the inclined portion is bent downward at an upper end thereof to form a first buckle portion that may be provided with a notch for holding the core of a wire inserted into the connector. -
EP 0 828 314 A1 discloses a screwless electrical contact device for connecting one or more conductors comprising a backing element located opposed to an inner portion of the contact areas of the device and a spring element adapted to press an inserted conductor against the contact areas. - A terminal with a locking element with a convex shape is known from
DE 1 989 884 U -
CN 87214630 U relates to a plug-in connecting means, comprising a V-shaped spring lamination, a clamping wire spring with the clamping wire part of a sharp edge angle, and a wire connecting terminal. When connecting, only one conducting wire whose front end is peeled is inserted in the connecting means. - The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device and a wiring apparatus with the same, which can suppress a contact state of an electric wire in contact with a terminal portion from falling into an unstable state.
Claim 1 discloses a terminal device according to the invention. - A terminal device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a terminal portion, a pressing portion and a locking portion. The pressing portion is disposed to face one surface of the terminal portion, and configured to hold an electric wire inserted along an inserting direction from an insertion port so that the electric wire is sandwiched between the pressing portion and the terminal portion. The locking portion is elastic; disposed to face the one surface of the terminal portion; and configured to restrict movement of the electric wire toward the insertion port by contact with the electric wire. The pressing portion and the locking portion are members independently separated from each other. The pressing portion includes a first pressing piece, a second pressing piece, and a contact portion that joins the first pressing piece and the second pressing piece. The first pressing piece and the second pressing piece have a structure formed in approximately a V-shape, in a plane including both of the inserting direction, and a facing direction in which the pressing portion and the terminal portion face each other. The contact portion is curved convexly toward the terminal portion in the facing direction, in said plane. The second pressing piece of the pressing portion on a side of the insertion port in the inserting direction is inclined relative to the one surface of the terminal portion so as to be further separated from the terminal portion as approaching the insertion port in the inserting direction.
- A wiring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes the terminal device and an apparatus body configured to house therein the terminal device.
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FIG. 1A is a front view of a basic configuration of a terminal device according to a First Embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 1B is a front view, partially broken, of the basic configuration of the terminal device in a state where an electric wire is connected thereto; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the basic configuration of the terminal device when viewed from a positive direction of a Y axis, andFIG. 2B is a perspective view of the basic configuration of the terminal device when viewed from a negative direction of the Y axis; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a terminal block of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, andFIG. 3B is a perspective view of the terminal block when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a spring block of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, andFIG. 4B is a perspective view of the spring block when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a whole configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis; -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the whole configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, andFIG. 6B is a perspective view of the whole configuration of the terminal device when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the whole configuration of the terminal device; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wiring apparatus according to the First Embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 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, andFIG. 9B is a perspective view of the terminal device when viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , aterminal device 1 according to a First Embodiment is a so-called quick connection terminal, to which anelectric wire 100 can be connected by theelectric wire 100 being inserted thereto. Theterminal device 1 includes aterminal portion 2 having electrical conductivity. In theterminal device 1, theterminal portion 2 and theelectric wire 100 are electrically connected to each other by theelectric wire 100 coming into contact with theterminal portion 2.FIG. 1A illustrates only theterminal device 1 in a state where theelectric wire 100 is not connected, andFIG. 1B illustrates theterminal device 1 and theelectric wire 100 in a state where theelectric wire 100 is connected, partially indicated by imaginary lines (two-dot chain lines). Theterminal device 1 may be used for a wiring apparatus such as a switch or an outlet. Awiring apparatus 10 with the terminal device 1 (refer toFIG. 8 ) will be explained in a column of "(2.7) Wiring Apparatus" described later. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A to 2B , theterminal device 1 includes apressing portion 3 and alocking portion 4 in addition to theterminal portion 2. When theelectric wire 100 entering from aninsertion port 11 is inserted between theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3, theelectric wire 100 is electrically connected to theterminal portion 2. When inserted between theterminal portion 2 and the lockingportion 4, movement of theelectric wire 100 toward theinsertion port 11 is restricted by the lockingportion 4, and accordingly, theelectric wire 100 is locked. As long as theinsertion port 11 mentioned herein is a space which theelectric wire 100 passes through to be introduced between theterminal portion 2 and both of thepressing portion 3 and the lockingportion 4, theterminal device 1 is not needed to have theinsertion port 11 with an entity, and may have only a function as theinsertion port 11.FIGS. 1A to 2B illustrate theinsertion port 11 without an entity. Alternatively, theinsertion port 11 may be an insertion-hole 81 (refer toFIG. 5 ) with an entity, which is formed in a casing 8 (refer toFIG. 5 ) described later. - When the
electric wire 100 is an insulated wire where a core wire made of a conductor is covered with an insulation coating, an end of theelectric wire 100 from which the insulation coating is peeled off, namely only the core wire, is inserted from theinsertion port 11. Theelectric wire 100 may be any of a single wire where the core wire is formed of a single conductor wire, and a stranded wire where the core wire is formed of two or more conductor wires. - Hereinafter, a basic configuration of the
terminal device 1 will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1A to 4B . - In the following explanations, a "facing direction" in which the
terminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3 face each other is defined as an X axis direction, and a direction of directing to theterminal portion 2, when viewed from thepressing portion 3, is defined as a positive direction of an X axis. In addition, an "inserting direction" in which theelectric wire 100 is inserted (the inserting direction being perpendicular to the X axis direction) is defined as a Y axis direction, and a direction of inserting theelectric wire 100 is defined as a positive direction of a Y axis. Furthermore, a direction in which twoelectric wires 100 connected to theterminal device 1 are arranged (the direction being perpendicular to both of the X axis and the Y axis) is defined as a Z axis direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to a paper face ofFIG. 1A ), and a direction of directing to the front side of the paper face ofFIG. 1A is defined as a positive direction of a Z axis. However, the purpose of those directions is not to restrict a use direction of theterminal device 1. Arrows indicating the directions of the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis in the figures are illustrated merely for convenience of explanation, and the arrows each do not have an entity. A matter that the facing direction and the inserting direction are exactly orthogonal to each other (cross at an angle of 90°) is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1 as long as those directions cross each other. - The
terminal device 1 according to this embodiment is a bipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with at most twoelectric wires 100. That is, since theterminal device 1 has twoinsertion ports 11, twoelectric wires 100 can be simultaneously connected through the twoinsertion ports 11, respectively. In theterminal device 1, since the twoelectric wires 100 are electrically connected to thesingle terminal portion 2, the twoelectric wires 100 connected in theterminal device 1 are electrically connected to each other via theterminal portion 2. Theterminal device 1 may be therefore used as a feed terminal, for example. - The
terminal device 1 includes two members: aterminal block 12; and aspring block 13. Theterminal block 12 and thespring block 13 are respectively provided as different members. In other words, theterminal block 12 and thespring block 13 are members independently separated from each other. Theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3 are included in theterminal block 12. The lockingportion 4 is included in thespring block 13. Theterminal block 12 is formed of a metal plate having electrical conductivity. Thespring block 13 is formed of a metal plate having elasticity. The terminal block 12 (pressing portion 3) and the spring block 13 (locking portion 4) are made of materials different from each other, respectively. Thespring block 13 is combined with theterminal block 12 so as to be housed in a space surrounded by theterminal block 12. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , theterminal block 12 includes a connectingportion 5 and a holdingportion 6, in addition to theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3. The connectingportion 5 is to join theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3. The connectingportion 5 joins: an end on an opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from theinsertion ports 11 in the Y axis direction; and thepressing portion 3. In other words, ends (upper ends inFIG. 3A ) on opposite sides, of theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3, from theinsertion ports 11 in the Y axis direction are joined to each other by the connectingportion 5. - The
terminal block 12 is made of copper (Cu) for example. In this embodiment, since theterminal device 1 is a bipolar type, thepressing portion 3 is provided in plural and the connectingportion 5 is also provided in plural (twopressing portions 3 and two connectingportions 5 in this embodiment). Here, theterminal device 1 has a configuration that is in plane symmetry 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 noted, only one of the twopressing portions 3 will be explained, and explanation of the other of the twopressing portions 3 will be appropriately omitted. Similarly, only one of the two connectingportions 5 will be explained, and explanation of the other of the two connectingportions 5 will be appropriately omitted. - In this embodiment, the
pressing portions 3, the connectingportions 5, theterminal portion 2 and the holdingportion 6 are integrally formed. In other words, theterminal portion 2, the twopressing portions 3, the two connectingportions 5 and the holdingportion 6 are made of a sheet of metal plate. In this embodiment, theterminal portion 2, pressingportions 3, connectingportions 5 and holdingportion 6, which constitute theterminal block 12, are formed by a sheet of metal plate being subjected to punching and bending. - The
terminal portion 2 has a rectangular plate shape. Theterminal portion 2 is configured so that onesurface 20 in a thickness direction thereof (X axis direction) faces thepressing portions 3. That is, theelectric wire 100 inserted from theinsertion port 11 is introduced between the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 and a correspondingpressing portion 3, and electrically connected to theterminal portion 2 so as to be in contact with the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. - The
terminal portion 2 is provided in the onesurface 20 with aguide groove 23 that extends in the Y axis direction. Theguide groove 23 restricts movement of theelectric wire 100 toward directions other than the Y axis direction, in a plane (Y-Z plane) along the onesurface 20, thereby limiting a moving direction of theelectric wire 100 to only the Y axis direction. Theguide grooves 23 is provided in two so as to respectively correspond to twoelectric wires 100, and twoguide grooves 23 are formed in the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. The twoguide grooves 23 are respectively arranged at both ends of the onesurface 20 in the Z axis direction. Eachguide groove 23 has abottom surface 231 that is shaped so that a cross-sectional shape of thebottom surface 231 perpendicular to the inserting direction is curved convexly toward the positive direction of the X axis. In this embodiment, eachguide groove 23 is formed by curving part of theterminal portion 2. - In addition, the
terminal portion 2 is provided in a central region of the onesurface 20 with anopening window 24 that penetrates theterminal portion 2 in the thickness direction thereof. The openingwindow 24 has a rectangular opened shape. The openingwindow 24 is a hole which part of arelease member 9 described later is made to pass through. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , eachpressing portion 3 is disposed at a position of facing afirst region 21 of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 in the X axis direction (the facing direction). Thefirst region 21 mentioned herein is a region facing a correspondingpressing portion 3, of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. Eachpressing portion 3 is configured to hold anelectric wire 100 inserted along the Y axis direction from theinsertion port 11 so that theelectric wire 100 is sandwiched between itself and thefirst region 21. In other words, while theelectric wire 100 inserted from theinsertion port 11 is introduced between the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3, thepressing portion 3 applies to the electric wire 100 a force in a direction of pressing theelectric wire 100 against the onesurface 20. That is, theelectric wire 100 is pressed against thefirst region 21 of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 by thepressing portion 3, which can generate a proper contact pressure between theterminal portion 2 and theelectric wire 100. - Each
pressing portion 3 includes a firstpressing piece 31, a secondpressing piece 32 and a thirdpressing piece 33. The firstpressing piece 31, secondpressing piece 32 and thirdpressing piece 33 are arranged along the Y axis direction in order of the firstpressing piece 31, secondpressing piece 32 and thirdpressing piece 33 from the side of the connecting portion 5 (i.e., the side opposite from the insertion port 11). - The first
pressing piece 31 has a rectangular plate shape, and is substantially parallel to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. An end on an opposite side, of the firstpressing piece 31, from theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the connectingportion 5. Another end of the firstpressing piece 31 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the secondpressing piece 32. The secondpressing piece 32 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to be closer to theterminal portion 2 as approaching theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. An end on an opposite side, of the secondpressing piece 32, from the firstpressing piece 31 in the Y axis direction is connected with the thirdpressing piece 33. The thirdpressing piece 33 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to be closer to theterminal portion 2 as separated from theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. - That is, the third
pressing piece 33 has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately a V-shape together with the secondpressing piece 32. In thepressing portion 3, acontact portion 34, which joins the secondpressing piece 32 and the thirdpressing piece 33, is at a position closest to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. In other words, thepressing portion 3 includes thecontact portion 34 curved convexly toward theterminal portion 2 in the X axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, thecontact portion 34 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , each connectingportion 5 is projected toward a direction opposite to theinsertion port 11 from an end on the opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, theterminal portion 2 and eachpressing portion 3 are joined to each other by the connectingportion 5 provided so as to be projected in the positive direction of the Y axis from the ends (upper ends inFIG. 3A ) on the opposite side, thereof, from theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. - Each connecting
portion 5 includes acurved part 51. Thecurved part 51 is curved convexly toward a direction opposite to theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, thecurved part 51 is curved like a circular arc shape. Thecurved part 51 has an internal diameter that is approximately equal to a distance between the firstpressing piece 31 of thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2. - Furthermore, each connecting
portion 5 is set so that a size thereof in the Z axis direction is smaller than a size of a correspondingpressing portion 3 in the Z axis direction. More specifically, the connectingportions 5 are not formed over the full length of theterminal portion 2 in the Z axis direction, but formed so as to avoid interference with regions, in which theguide grooves 23 are formed, of theterminal portion 2. Accordingly, each connectingportion 5 can have a lower elastic coefficient and can be more easily bent, compared with a case where the size of each connectingportion 5 in the Z axis direction is equal to the size of the correspondingpressing portion 3 in the Z axis direction. - The holding
portion 6 is formed integrally with theterminal portion 2, and configured so as to hold, between itself and theterminal portion 2, the locking portion 4 (spring block 13). The holdingportion 6 is provided so as to be projected from an end on an opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from the connectingportions 5 in the Y axis direction. That is, the holdingportion 6 is connected with the end (lower end inFIG. 3A ) of theterminal portion 2 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. - The holding
portion 6 includes afirst holding piece 61, asecond holding piece 62 and athird holding piece 63. Thefirst holding piece 61,second holding piece 62 andthird holding piece 63 are continuously arranged in order of thefirst holding piece 61,second holding piece 62 andthird holding piece 63 from the side of theterminal portion 2. In this embodiment, all of: a part of joining theterminal portion 2 and thefirst holding piece 61; a joining part between the first andsecond holding pieces third holding pieces - The
first holding piece 61 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the negative direction of the X axis from theterminal portion 2. Thefirst holding piece 61 and theterminal portion 2 are substantially orthogonal to each other. An end on an opposite side, of thefirst holding piece 61, from theterminal portion 2 in the X axis direction is connected with thesecond holding piece 62. Thesecond holding piece 62 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the Y axis from thefirst holding piece 61. Thesecond holding piece 62 and thefirst holding piece 61 are substantially orthogonal to each other. An end on an opposite side, of thesecond holding piece 62, from thefirst holding piece 61 in the Y axis direction is connected with thethird holding piece 63. Thethird holding piece 63 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the X axis from thesecond holding piece 62. Thethird holding piece 63 and thesecond holding piece 62 are substantially orthogonal to each other. - That is, the
second holding piece 62 faces the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, and thethird holding piece 63 faces thefirst holding piece 61. Although the detail is described later, the holdingportion 6 positions thespring block 13 by the restrictingpart 64 that is a part of joining the second andthird holding pieces second holding piece 62 and theterminal portion 2 is defined so that those lengths in the Y axis direction are approximately the same as each other. The holdingportion 6 therefore has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately a rectangular frame shape together with theterminal portion 2. Thespring block 13 is housed in a space surrounded by the holdingportion 6 and theterminal portion 2. Furthermore, a dimensional relationship between thefirst holding piece 61 and thethird holding piece 63 is defined so that, in the X axis direction, a size of thethird holding piece 63 is smaller than a size of thefirst holding piece 61, thereby forming a gap between thethird holding piece 63 and theterminal portion 2. Thepressing portion 3 is introduced through this gap into the space between thesecond holding piece 62 and theterminal portion 2. - The
first holding piece 61 is provided with a cutout-hole 611 that penetrates thefirst holding piece 61 in a thickness direction thereof. The cutout-hole 611 is disposed at a position corresponding to theinsertion port 11. Theelectric wire 100 inserted from theinsertion port 11 can be therefore introduced through the cutout-hole 611 into the space surrounded by the holdingportion 6 and theterminal portion 2. The cutout-hole 611 is provided in two so as to respectively correspond to twoelectric wires 100, and two cutout-holes 611 are formed in thefirst holding piece 61. The two cutout-holes 611 are respectively disposed at both ends of thefirst holding piece 61 in the Z axis direction. - Furthermore, the
first holding piece 61 is provided in a central part thereof with a through-hole 612 that penetrates thefirst holding piece 61 in the thickness direction thereof. The through-hole 612 has a circular opened shape. Since the through-hole 612 is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, the through-hole 612 may be omitted. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , thespring block 13 includes an extendingportion 7 in addition to the lockingportion 4. Thespring block 13 is made of Steel Special Use Stainless (SUS) for example. Thespring block 13 is formed of a metal plate thinner than theterminal block 12. In this embodiment, since theterminal device 1 is a bipolar type, the lockingportion 4 is provided in plural (in this embodiment, two locking portions). Here, theterminal device 1 has a configuration that is in plane symmetry with respect to the Z axis direction in which twolocking portions 4 are arranged. For this reason, hereinafter, unless otherwise noted, only one of the two lockingportions 4 will be explained and explanation of the other of the two lockingportions 4 will be appropriately omitted. - In this embodiment, the locking
portions 4 and the extendingportion 7 are integrally formed. In other words, the two lockingportions 4 and the extendingportion 7 are made of a sheet of metal plate. In this embodiment, the lockingportions 4 and extendingportion 7, which constitute thespring block 13, are formed by a sheet of metal plate being subjected to punching and bending. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , each lockingportion 4 is disposed at a position of facing asecond region 22 of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 in the X axis direction (the facing direction). Thesecond region 22 mentioned herein is a region that is different from thefirst region 21, of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, in the Y axis direction, and faces the lockingportion 4. Thesecond region 22 is disposed between thefirst region 21 and theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, thefirst region 21 and thesecond region 22 are arranged along the Y axis direction in order of thesecond region 22 and thefirst region 21 from the side of theinsertion port 11. - Each locking
portion 4 is configured to restrict movement of theelectric wire 100 toward theinsertion port 11 by contact with theelectric wire 100 inserted along the Y axis direction from theinsertion port 11. In other words, while theelectric wire 100 inserted from theinsertion port 11 is introduced between the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 and the lockingportion 4, the lockingportion 4 is configured to sandwich theelectric wire 100 between itself and thesecond region 22. That is, theelectric wire 100 is pressed against thesecond region 22 of the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 by the lockingportion 4, which can generate a proper contact pressure between theterminal portion 2 and theelectric wire 100. - In this embodiment, each locking
portion 4 has a rectangular plate shape, and is inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to be closer to theterminal portion 2 as separated from theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. Each lockingportion 4 is configured to restrict the movement of theelectric wire 100 toward theinsertion port 11 by the lockingportion 4 being, at anend edge 41 thereof closest to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, in contact with theelectric wire 100. That is, each lockingportion 4 is projected, from a part (spring part 42) joining the each lockingportion 4 and the extendingportion 7, in a direction (i.e., the positive direction of the Y axis) in which theelectric wire 100 is inserted, and inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to make theend edge 41 closer to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. While theelectric wire 100 is introduced between the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 and the lockingportion 4, theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 is in contact with theelectric wire 100. Accordingly, when a force in a direction (the negative direction of the Y axis) of causing theelectric wire 100 to move toward theinsertion port 11 is applied to theelectric wire 100, the lockingportion 4 is caught by theelectric wire 100 so that theend edge 41 thereof bites into theelectric wire 100, and theelectric wire 100 can be therefore locked. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , the extendingportion 7 is projected, in a direction opposite to theinsertion port 11, from ends (lower ends inFIG. 4A ) of the lockingportions 4 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. In other words, the extendingportion 7 is constituted by part of thespring block 13, which extends in the positive direction of the Y axis from an end on an opposite side, of the lockingportion 4, from theend edge 41. Thespring part 42, which is a part of joining the lockingportion 4 and the extendingportion 7, applies an elastic force to the lockingportion 4. In other words, thespring block 13 includes thespring part 42 curved convexly toward the side of theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction, in a plane (X-Y plane) including both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, thespring part 42 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature. - The extending
portion 7 includes a first extendingpiece 71 and a second extendingpiece 72. The first extendingpiece 71 and the second extendingpiece 72 are connected with each other in order of the first extendingpiece 71 and the second extendingpiece 72 from the side of the lockingportion 4. - The first extending
piece 71 has a rectangular plate shape, and as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , is approximately parallel to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. An end of the first extendingpiece 71 on a side of theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction is connected with the lockingportion 4. Another end on an opposite side, of the first extendingpiece 71, from the lockingportion 4 in the Y axis direction is connected with the second extendingpiece 72. The second extendingpiece 72 has a rectangular plate shape, and is projected in the positive direction of the X axis from the first extendingpiece 71. The second extendingpiece 72 and the first extendingpiece 71 are substantially orthogonal to each other. - That is, the second extending
piece 72 has a structure that a cross-sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the Z axis direction is approximately an L-shape together with the first extendingpiece 71. Thespring block 13 is positioned with respect to theterminal block 12 by making acorner 73, which is a part of joining the first and second extendingpieces part 64 of theterminal block 12. Thecorner 73 is always not in contact with the restrictingpart 64, but there is a gap between thecorner 73 and the restrictingpart 64. That is, when thespring block 13 is moved toward the positive direction of the Y axis relatively with respect to theterminal block 12, thecorner 73 comes into contact with the restrictingpart 64, and the movement of thespring block 13 can be accordingly restricted. Therefore, thespring block 13 is positioned with respect to theterminal block 12. Thecorner 73 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature. - Here, a size of the
spring block 13 in the Y axis direction is defined so as to be slightly smaller than a distance between thefirst holding piece 61 and thethird holding piece 63 of theterminal block 12. A size of thespring block 13 in the X axis direction is defined so as to be slightly larger than a distance between theterminal portion 2 and thesecond holding piece 62 of theterminal block 12. Accordingly, thespring block 13 is slightly loosely positioned in the Y axis direction, and can be housed in a space surrounded by the holdingportion 6 and theterminal portion 2 so as to be in a compressed state in the X axis direction. That is, in a state where thespring block 13 has been combined with theterminal block 12, thespring part 42 is elastically deformed so as to cause the end edges 41 of the lockingportions 4 to be closer to the first extendingpiece 71, and thespring block 13 accordingly falls into the compressed state in the X axis direction. A dimensional relationship between the second extendingpiece 72 and thethird holding piece 63 is defined so that those lengths in the X axis direction are approximately equal to each other, which can form, between the second extendingpiece 72 and theterminal portion 2, a gap for introducing thepressing portion 3 between thesecond holding piece 62 and theterminal portion 2. - The first extending
piece 71 is provided in a central part thereof with a through-hole 711 that penetrates the first extendingpiece 71 in a thickness direction thereof. The through-hole 711 has a circular opened shape. The first extendingpiece 71 is further provided with aslit 712 that penetrates the first extendingpiece 71 in the thickness direction thereof and extends from the through-hole 711 toward the lockingportions 4. Theslit 712 extends to the end edges 41 of the lockingportions 4 through thespring part 42. The twolocking portions 4 are separated from each other in the Z axis direction by theslit 712. Since the through-hole 711 is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, the through-hole 711 may be omitted. - Next, a dimensional relationship among the
terminal portion 2, thepressing portions 3 and thelocking portions 4 will be described in a state where thespring block 13 has been combined with theterminal block 12. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , in the X axis direction, a first distance L1 is set so as to be larger than a second distance L2, where the first distance L1 represents a distance between eachpressing portion 3 and a correspondingfirst region 21, and the second distance L2 represents a distance between each lockingportion 4 and a correspondingsecond region 22. In this embodiment, since theterminal portion 2 is provided in the onesurface 20 with theguide grooves 23, the first and second distances L1 and L2 mentioned above and a third distance L3 mentioned later are all defined based on abottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of eachguide groove 23, as a reference. That is, the first distance L1 is a distance between: thecontact portion 34, which is at a position closest to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, of eachpressing portion 3; and thebottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of thecorresponding guide groove 23 in thefirst region 21 of theterminal portion 2. Similarly, the second distance L2 is a distance between: theend edge 41, which is at a position closest to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, of each lockingportion 4; and thebottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of thecorresponding guide groove 23 in thesecond region 22 of theterminal portion 2. - An end on the side of the
insertion port 11 in the Y axis direction, of eachpressing portion 3, namely the thirdpressing piece 33 is inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to be further separated from theterminal portion 2 as approaching theinsertion port 11 in the Y axis direction. That is, the thirdpressing piece 33 is inclined so as to be further separated from theterminal portion 2 as separated from thecontact portion 34. Accordingly, a distance between: an end edge on the opposite side, of the thirdpressing piece 33, from thecontact portion 34; and theterminal portion 2 is larger than a distance between thecontact portion 34 and theterminal portion 2. In the embodiment, in the X axis direction, a distance between: the end edge on the opposite side, of the thirdpressing piece 33, from thecontact portion 34; and thebottom surface 231 that is the deepest part of thecorresponding guide groove 23 of theterminal portion 2 is defined as the third distance L3. - In short, the relationship between the first, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 meets that the first distance L1 is larger than the second distance L2, and the third distance L3 is larger than the first distance L1 (L2 < L1 < L3).
- Incidentally, the
electric wire 100 to be inserted from theinsertion port 11 preferably has a wire diameter ϕX that is more than the first distance L1 and less than the third distance L3. The wire diameter ϕX of theelectric wire 100 mentioned herein is a wire diameter ϕX of anelectric wire 100 defined as an electric wire connectable with theterminal device 1. When theelectric wire 100 is an insulated wire, the wire diameter ϕX corresponds to a diameter of a core wire to be inserted from theinsertion port 11. The relationship between the first, second and third distances L1, L2 and L3 and the wire diameter ϕX meets that the first distance L1 is larger than the second distance L2, and the wire diameter ϕX is larger than the first distance L1, and the third distance L3 is larger than the wire diameter ϕX (L2 < L1 < ϕX < L3). Note that the wire diameter ϕX mentioned herein means an outer diameter of theelectric wire 100 to be inserted from the insertion port 11 (a diameter of the core wire in the case of the insulated wire), and may be appropriately determined in accordance with, for example, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard or the like. - Next, a method for connecting the
electric wire 100 to theterminal device 1 with the configuration as above will be described with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B . - A worker inserts the
electric wire 100 as a connected target into theterminal device 1 through theinsertion port 11 in the positive direction of the Y axis. When theelectric wire 100 is inserted, an end of theelectric wire 100 is first introduced between the lockingportion 4 and the terminal portion 2 (the second region 22). Here, the second distance L2 and the wire diameter ϕX of theelectric wire 100 have the dimensional relationship of "L2 < ϕX", as described in the column of "(2.4) Dimensional Relationship". For this reason, the lockingportion 4 is pressed by the end of theelectric wire 100, and theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 is displaced in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. At this time, in thespring block 13, thespring part 42 is elastically deformed so that its radius of curvature is reduced. The lockingportion 4 therefore applies, to theelectric wire 100, a force in a direction of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2. - When the
electric wire 100 is further inserted from this state, the end of theelectric wire 100 is introduced between thepressing portion 3 and the terminal portion 2 (the first region 21). Here the first distance L1, the third distance L3 and the wire diameter ϕX of theelectric wire 100 have the dimensional relationship of "L1 < ϕX < L3", as described in the column of "(2.4) Dimensional Relationship". For this reason, the end of theelectric wire 100 is guided by the thirdpressing piece 33 so as to be introduced between thecontact portion 34 and theterminal portion 2. Thecontact portion 34 is then pressed by the end of theelectric wire 100, and thecontact portion 34 of thepressing portion 3 is therefore displaced in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. At this time, in theterminal block 12, the connectingportion 5 is elastically deformed so that a radius of curvature of thecurved part 51 is increased. Thepressing portion 3 therefore applies, to theelectric wire 100, a force in a direction of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2. - In short, in a state where the inserted
electric wire 100 has reached a prescribed position, since theelectric wire 100 is pressed against the one surface 20 (the first region 21) of theterminal portion 2 by thepressing portion 3, the proper contact pressure is generated between theterminal portion 2 and theelectric wire 100, and theelectric wire 100 and theterminal portion 2 are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, in this state, movement of theelectric wire 100 toward a direction of being pulled out from theinsertion port 11 is restricted by theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 being in contact with theelectric wire 100, and accordingly, theelectric wire 100 is locked. - Here a positional relationship between the locking
portion 4 and thepressing portion 3, and a size of each of the lockingportion 4 and thepressing portion 3 are defined so that the lockingportion 4 does not come into contact with thepressing portion 3 when theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 is displaced in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. In other words, the positional relationship between the lockingportion 4 and thepressing portion 3 in the Y axis direction, and the size of each of the lockingportion 4 and thepressing portion 3 are defined so that thepressing portion 3 is not disposed on a locus of theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4. Thus, when theelectric wire 100 is inserted, the lockingportion 4 and thepressing portion 3 are not simultaneously displaced, but the lockingportion 4 is first displaced and thepressing portion 3 is then displaced. Accordingly, the magnitude of a force required for inserting theelectric wire 100 can be more reduced, compared with a configuration that the lockingportion 4 and thepressing portion 3 are simultaneously displaced. As above while the lockingportion 4 is set so as not to come into contact with thepressing portion 3, a distance between thefirst region 21 and thesecond region 22 in the Y axis direction is preferably made as small as possible. A length of theelectric wire 100 which should be inserted can be reduced by reducing the distance between thefirst region 21 and thesecond region 22, which can downsize theterminal device 1. - Next, an overall configuration of the
terminal device 1 including acasing 8 and arelease member 9 will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 7 . That is, theterminal device 1 includes thecasing 8 and therelease member 9, in addition to the above-mentionedterminal block 12 andspring block 13. - The
casing 8 is made of material having electric insulation, such as synthetic resin. Thecasing 8 is shaped like a box that has a space for housing theterminal block 12 and thespring block 13. In a state where theterminal block 12 and thespring block 13 have been housed in thecasing 8, at least the holdingportion 6 is fixed to thecasing 8. In this embodiment, the box-shapedcasing 8 is illustrated, which are opened in two directions of the positive direction of the Y axis and the positive direction of the Z axis. Thecasing 8 is provided with an insertion-hole 81 that is disposed at a position corresponding to theinsertion port 11, of thecasing 8, and penetrates a bottom plate of thecasing 8 in the Y axis direction. The insertion-hole 81 has a circular opened shape, and is provided in two so as to correspond to twoelectric wires 100. Although illustration of theinsertion port 11 is omitted inFIGS. 5 to 6B , the insertion-hole 81 of thecasing 8 corresponds to theinsertion port 11 in theterminal device 1 with the casing as above. - Furthermore, the
casing 8 is provided with anoperational window 82 that is disposed at a position corresponding to theopening window 24, of thecasing 8, and penetrates a side wall of thecasing 8 in the X axis direction. Theoperational window 82 is a hole which anaction part 93 of therelease member 9 described later is made to pass through. In addition, thecasing 8 is provided with a pair of bearingparts 83 for holding therelease member 9, and the bearingparts 83 are respectively formed in inside surfaces, which are paired and face each other in the Z axis direction, of inside surfaces of theoperational window 82. Ashaft part 91 of therelease member 9 as described later is inserted in the pair of bearingparts 83. - The
release member 9 is a member for releasing the restriction of the movement of theelectric wire 100, performed by the lockingportion 4, namely the locking of theelectric wire 100 by the lockingportion 4. Therelease member 9 is made of material having electric insulation, such as synthetic resin. Therelease member 9 is configured to be movable relatively to theterminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position. Therelease member 9 is configured to apply, when moved from the normal position to the release position, a force to the lockingportion 4 in a direction of being separated from thesecond region 22 so as to release the restriction (the locking) of the movement of theelectric wire 100 by the lockingportion 4.FIGS. 6A to 7 show a state where therelease member 9 is at the normal position. - More specifically, the
release member 9 includes theshaft part 91, anoperational part 92 and theaction part 93. Theshaft part 91 has a columnar shape extending along the Z axis direction. Therelease member 9 is held by thecasing 8 in a state where therelease member 9 can be turned around theshaft part 91 with respect to thecasing 8, by both ends of theshaft part 91 in the Z axis direction being respectively inserted into the paired bearingparts 83. Thus, therelease member 9 can be turned (moved) between the normal position and the release position around theshaft part 91. Theoperational part 92 is a part to be operated for moving therelease member 9 from the normal position to the release position. Therelease member 9 is held by thecasing 8 so that at least part of theoperational part 92 is exposed from thecasing 8. Theaction part 93 is a part for applying to the locking portion 4 a force in a direction of being separated from thesecond region 22, when therelease member 9 is moved from the normal position to the release position. Therelease member 9 is held by thecasing 8 so that at least part of theaction part 93 is made to face theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 through theoperational window 82 of thecasing 8 and theopening window 24 of theterminal portion 2. - According to the above configuration, when the connection between the
terminal device 1 and theelectric wire 100 is released, the worker operates therelease member 9 to release the locking of theelectric wire 100, performed by the lockingportion 4, and accordingly, can pull out theelectric wire 100 from theinsertion port 11. That is, when the worker pushes theoperational part 92 in a direction shown by an arrow A1 inFIG. 7 from the state where therelease member 9 is at the normal position, therelease member 9 is turned around theshaft part 91, and moved to the release position. At this time, theaction part 93 is moved in a direction shown by an arrow A2 inFIG. 7 , and applies to theend edge 41 of the locking portion 4 a force in a direction of being separated from thesecond region 22. When theend edge 41 is moved in the direction of being separated from thesecond region 22, the lockingportion 4 is separated from theelectric wire 100. The restriction (the locking) of the movement of theelectric wire 100 by the lockingportion 4 can be therefore released. - Furthermore, the
terminal device 1 in this embodiment is configured so that a force is applied from thesingle release member 9 simultaneously to the two lockingportions 4. That is, theaction part 93 of therelease member 9 is disposed at a position over the two lockingportions 4 in the Z axis direction. Thus, when therelease member 9 is moved from the normal position to the release position, the force in the direction of being separated from thesecond region 22 is applied simultaneously to the two lockingportions 4, and the locking by the two lockingportions 4 is simultaneously released. - The
terminal device 1 with the above-mentioned configuration can be used for awiring apparatus 10 as shown inFIG. 8 , for example. Thewiring apparatus 10 illustrated inFIG. 8 is a switch to be attached to a wall in a building or the like and to be used. Thewiring apparatus 10 includes: anapparatus body 101 having a rectangular parallelopiped shape; and theterminal device 1 housed in theapparatus body 101. In the example ofFIG. 8 , theapparatus body 101 is provided on a front surface thereof with ahandle 102. Thewiring apparatus 10 is configured so that a contact point in theapparatus body 101 is switched on/off whenever thehandle 102 is pushed. - The
wiring apparatus 10 includes twoterminal devices 1, each of which is theterminal device 1 with the above-mentioned configuration. The twoterminal devices 1 are housed in theapparatus body 101 so that insertion-holes 81 (refer toFIG. 5 ) thereof are exposed on a rear surface of theapparatus body 101. Accordingly, in thewiring apparatus 10, connection of theelectric wire 100 can be achieved by theelectric wire 100 being inserted from the side of the rear surface of theapparatus body 101. - The casing 8 (refer to
FIG. 5 ) of theterminal device 1 may be a member independently separated from a case body of theapparatus body 101, or may be part of the case body of theapparatus body 101. The release member 9 (refer toFIG. 7 ) is held by the case body of theapparatus body 101 or thecasing 8 so that at least part of the operational part 92 (refer toFIG. 7 ) is exposed from the case body of theapparatus body 101. - As described above, a
terminal device 1 according to a first aspect includes aterminal portion 2, apressing portion 3 and a lockingportion 4. Thepressing portion 3 is disposed to face onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, and configured to hold anelectric wire 100 inserted along an inserting direction (Y axis direction) from aninsertion port 11 so that theelectric wire 100 is sandwiched between thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2. The lockingportion 4 is elastic; disposed to face the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2; and configured to restrict movement of theelectric wire 100 toward theinsertion port 11 by contact with theelectric wire 100. Thepressing portion 3 and the lockingportion 4 are members independently separated from each other. - According to this configuration, since the
electric wire 100 is held at two positions: between thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2; and between the lockingportion 4 and theterminal portion 2, theelectric wire 100 is suppressed from being inclined with respect to the inserting direction (Y axis direction). Thus, theelectric wire 100 can be brought into surface-contact with theterminal portion 2 regardless of hardness of theelectric wire 100, which can stabilize a contact state between theelectric wire 100 and theterminal portion 2. The stabilization of the contact state between theelectric wire 100 and theterminal portion 2 can lead to a stabilization of a contact resistance between theelectric wire 100 and theterminal portion 2, and therefore, an increase in temperature of theterminal portion 2 can be suppressed by an increase in the contact resistance. In addition, thepressing portion 3 of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 by sandwiching theelectric wire 100 between itself and theterminal portion 2 is members independently separated from each other. Accordingly, for example even when a force is applied from theelectric wire 100 to the lockingportion 4 upon insertion of theelectric wire 100, this force is not transmitted from the lockingportion 4 to thepressing portion 3, and the force of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 is therefore easily stabilized. Therefore, theterminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state of theelectric wire 100 in contact with theterminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, in a facing direction (X axis direction) in which thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 face each other, a first distance L1 is preferably larger than a second distance L2, where the first distance L1 is a distance between thepressing portion 3 and the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, and the second distance L2 is a distance between the lockingportion 4 and the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. According to this configuration, since an interval between thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 is wider than an interval between the lockingportion 4 and theterminal portion 2, thepressing portion 3 hardly interrupts movement of theelectric wire 100 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), and theelectric wire 100 can be therefore smoothly inserted/removed. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the first distance L1 may be equal to or smaller than the second distance L2. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, an end of thepressing portion 3 on a side of theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is preferably inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. In this case, the end of thepressing portion 3 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is preferably inclined so as to be further separated from theterminal portion 2 as approaching theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction. According to this configuration, upon insertion of theelectric wire 100, an end of theelectric wire 100 is guided by the end of thepressing portion 3 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) so as to be introduced between thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2, and accordingly, the insertion of theelectric wire 100 can be easily achieved. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the end of thepressing portion 3 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction) may not be inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. - A
terminal device 1 according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, preferably further includes a connectingportion 5 that joins theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3. According to this configuration, thepressing portion 3 of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 by sandwiching theelectric wire 100 between itself and theterminal portion 2 is joined to theterminal portion 2 by the connectingportion 5. In other words, thepressing portion 3 can be treated as a single component together with theterminal portion 2. For this reason, the force of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 is further suppressed from varying, compared with a case where theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3 are components independently separated from each other. Therefore, theterminal device 1 has an advantage that the contact state of theelectric wire 100 in contact with theterminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, connectingportion 5 may be omitted. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the connectingportion 5 preferably joins: an end on an opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction); and thepressing portion 3. According to this configuration, theelectric wire 100 inserted from theinsertion port 11 can be suppressed from interfering with the connectingportion 5, and the flexibility of design of the connectingportion 5 can be enhanced. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the connectingportion 5 may join: an end of theterminal portion 2 on the side of theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction); and thepressing portion 3. Alternatively, the connectingportion 5 may join: one end of theterminal portion 2 in the Z axis direction; and thepressing portion 3. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the connectingportion 5 is preferably projected, toward a direction opposite to theinsertion port 11, from the end on the opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). According to this configuration, since a distance between thepressing portion 3 and a fulcrum when thepressing portion 3 is displaced is increased depending on a projected amount of the connectingportion 5, it is possible to sufficiently secure a displacement amount of thepressing portion 3 while reducing a deformed amount of the connectingportion 5. A selection width of a wire diameter ϕX of a connectableelectric wire 100 can be therefore extended. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the connectingportion 5 may not be projected from the end on the opposite side, of theterminal portion 2, from theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the connectingportion 5 preferably includes acurved part 51, and thecurved part 51 is preferably curved convexly toward the direction opposite to theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction, in a plane including both of the inserting direction and a facing direction in which thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 face each other. According to this configuration, a stress applied to the connectingportion 5 upon the displacement of thepressing portion 3 is dispersed in thecurved part 51, and the stress is therefore suppressed from being generated intensively in the connectingportion 5. Thus, the connectingportion 5 is suppressed from plastically deforming, and the pressing force of thepressing portion 3 can be easily maintained. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the connectingportion 5 may not include thecurved part 51. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, thepressing portion 3, the connectingportion 5 and theterminal portion 2 are preferably integrally formed. According to this configuration, since thepressing portion 3 is electrically conductive to theterminal portion 2 via the connectingportion 5, theelectric wire 100 can be electrically connected to theterminal portion 2 even when brought into contact with any of theterminal portion 2 and thepressing portion 3. The contact resistance between theelectric wire 100 and theterminal portion 2 can be therefore further stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, thepressing portion 3, the connectingportion 5 and theterminal portion 2 may be members independently separated from one another. - A
terminal device 1 according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, preferably further includes a holdingportion 6 that is formed integrally with theterminal portion 2, and the holdingportion 6 is preferably configured to hold aspring block 13 including the lockingportion 4 between the holdingportion 6 and theterminal portion 2. According to this configuration, since a relative position of the lockingportion 4 with respect to theterminal portion 2 is determined by the holdingportion 6, theelectric wire 100 can be stably locked by the lockingportion 4. Furthermore, when the holdingportion 6 is made of metal material, the relative position of the lockingportion 4 with respect to theterminal portion 2 is hardly varied depending on a change in temperature or the like, compared with a case where the lockingportion 4 is held by thecasing 8 and the like made of synthetic resin, for example. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the holdingportion 6 may be omitted and thespring block 13 may be held by thecasing 8 and the like. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the holdingportion 6 preferably includes a restrictingpart 64. The restrictingpart 64 is preferably in contact with thespring block 13 on an opposite side of thespring block 13 from theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), and in contact with thespring block 13 on an opposite side of thespring block 13 from theterminal portion 2 in a facing direction (X axis direction) in which thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 face each other. According to this configuration, since movement of thespring block 13 in a direction of being separated from theinsertion port 11 and theterminal portion 2 is restricted by the restrictingpart 64, thespring block 13 is positionally stabilized upon the insertion of theelectric wire 100, and accordingly, theelectric wire 100 can be stably locked by the lockingportion 4. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the restrictingpart 64 may be omitted and the movement of thespring block 13 may be restricted by thecasing 8 and the like. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, thepressing portion 3 and the lockingportion 4 are preferably made of materials different from each other, respectively. According to this configuration, it is possible to apply the best material for each of: thepressing portion 3 for pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2; and the lockingportion 4 for locking theelectric wire 100. For example, it is possible to apply material having excellent electrical conductivity for thepressing portion 3, and material having excellent elasticity for the lockingportion 4. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, thepressing portion 3 and the lockingportion 4 may be made of the same material. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, theterminal portion 2 is preferably provided in the onesurface 20 with aguide groove 23 extending in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). According to this configuration, movement of theelectric wire 100 to directions other than the inserting direction (Y axis direction) in a plane along the onesurface 20 is restricted by theguide groove 23. Workability for inserting theelectric wire 100 can be therefore improved. In particular, when theelectric wire 100 is a stranded wire with a core wire formed of two or more conductor wires, the conductor wires forming the core wire hardly fall apart by theelectric wire 100 passing through theguide groove 23. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, theguide groove 23 may be omitted. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, theguide groove 23 preferably has abottom surface 231 that is shaped so that a cross-sectional shape of thebottom surface 231 perpendicular to the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is curved convexly toward a direction opposite to thepressing portion 3 in a facing direction in which thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 face each other. According to this configuration, theelectric wire 100 can be made so as to easily pass through a center of theguide groove 23 in a width direction thereof (Z axis direction). In particular, when theelectric wire 100 is a stranded wire with a core wire formed of two or more conductor wires, the conductor wires forming the core wire are further suppressed from falling apart. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, theguide groove 23 may have abottom surface 231 formed like a V-shape. - A
terminal device 1 according to a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, preferably further includes arelease member 9 that is movable relatively to theterminal portion 2 between a normal position and a release position. Therelease member 9 is preferably configured to apply, when moved from the normal position to the release position, a force to the lockingportion 4 in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to release restriction of movement of theelectric wire 100 performed by the lockingportion 4. According to this configuration, theelectric wire 100 can be easily pulled out in a state where the restriction of movement of theelectric wire 100 performed by the lockingportion 4 has been released by operating therelease member 9. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, therelease member 9 may be omitted. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a fifteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), the lockingportion 4 is preferably disposed between thepressing portion 3 and theinsertion port 11. According to this configuration, the lockingportion 4 locks theelectric wire 100 at a position close to theinsertion port 11, and thepressing portion 3 presses theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 at a position far from theinsertion port 11. Accordingly, even when a force in a direction perpendicular to the inserting direction (Y axis direction) is applied to theelectric wire 100, the force of pressing theelectric wire 100 against theterminal portion 2 is stabilized, and the contact state between theterminal portion 2 and theelectric wire 100 can be easily stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, thepressing portion 3 may be disposed between the lockingportion 4 and theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). - A
terminal device 1 according to a sixteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, preferably includes a plurality of the pressing portions 3 (two pressing portions in the case of the First Embodiment), each of which is configured to individually hold a correspondingelectric wire 100 of a plurality of theelectric wires 100 so that the correspondingelectric wire 100 is sandwiched between the eachpressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2. According to this configuration, since each of a plurality of thepressing portions 3 individually applies a pressing force to a correspondingelectric wire 100 of a plurality of theelectric wires 100 respectively inserted from a plurality of theinsertion ports 11, the followability of thepressing portions 3 to theelectric wires 100 can be improved, and the contact state between theelectric wires 100 and theterminal portion 2 can be stabilized. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, a singlepressing portion 3 may be configured to hold a plurality of theelectric wires 100, respectively inserted from a plurality of theinsertion ports 11, between the singlepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to a seventeenth aspect, in any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, thepressing portion 3 preferably includes acontact portion 34, and thecontact portion 34 is curved convexly toward theterminal portion 2 in a facing direction in which thepressing portion 3 and theterminal portion 2 face each other, in a plane including both of the inserting direction and the facing direction. According to this configuration, when theelectric wire 100 is moved in the inserting direction (Y axis direction), since theelectric wire 100 comes into contact with thecontact portion 34 of thepressing portion 3, theelectric wire 100 is suppressed from being caught by thepressing portion 3. Theelectric wire 100 can be therefore smoothly inserted into or removed from theterminal device 1. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, thepressing portion 3 may not include thecurved contact portion 34. - Regarding a
terminal device 1 according to an eighteenth aspect, in any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the lockingportion 4 is preferably inclined relative to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 so as to be closer to theterminal portion 2 as separated from theinsertion port 11 in the inserting direction (Y axis direction). In this case, the lockingportion 4 is preferably configured to restrict the movement of theelectric wire 100 toward theinsertion port 11 by the lockingportion 4 being, at anend edge 41 thereof closest to the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2, in contact with theelectric wire 100. According to this configuration, by theelectric wire 100 being only inserted from theinsertion port 11, the lockingportion 4 is pressed by an end of theelectric wire 100, and theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 is displaced in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2. Theelectric wire 100 can be therefore inserted without operation to therelease member 9. Note that this configuration is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, the lockingportion 4 may have a shape different from the above-mentioned shape. - A
wiring apparatus 10 includes: theterminal device 1 according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects; and anapparatus body 101 configured to house therein theterminal device 1. According to this configuration, thewiring apparatus 10 has an advantage that the contact state of theelectric wire 100 in contact with theterminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Note that theterminal device 1 is not limited to be used for thewiring apparatus 10, but may be to be used for an electrical apparatus such as a home appliance, or theterminal device 1 may be used alone. - Hereinafter, variations of the First Embodiment will be listed.
- The
guide groove 23 is not limited to have the configuration that the part of theterminal portion 2 is formed to be curved as described in the First Embodiment, but may have a configuration that is formed by cutting the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 through a cutting process, for example. - The
terminal portion 2, pressingportion 3, connectingportion 5 and holdingportion 6, which constitute theterminal block 12, are not limited to have the configuration that is formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be formed through an extrusion molding process or the like, for example. Similarly, the lockingportion 4 and extendingportion 7, which constitute thespring block 13, are not limited to have the configuration that is formed by bending a single metal plate, but may be formed through an extrusion molding process or the like, for example. - The matter that the
contact portion 34 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, thecontact portion 34 may be formed angularly. Similarly, the matter that the corners of the holdingportion 6 and the corners of the extendingportion 7 are curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, they may be formed angularly. In addition similarly, the matter that thespring part 42 is curved at a prescribed radius of curvature is not an essential constituent for theterminal device 1, and for example, it may be formed angularly. - As long as the
terminal block 12 has electrical conductivity, the material for theterminal block 12 is not limited to copper, but may be copper alloy such as brass, tin (Sn) bronze or phosphor (P) bronze. Similarly, as long as thespring block 13 has elasticity, the material for thespring block 13 is not limited to Steel Special Use Stainless, but may be for example iron (Fe), copper alloy or the like. The terminal block 12 (pressing portion 3) and the spring block 13 (locking portion 4) may be made of the same material. - The
terminal device 1 is not limited to a bipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with at most twoelectric wires 100, but may be a terminal device that is connectable with three or moreelectric wires 100, such as a three-pole type connectable with at most threeelectric wires 100, or a four-pole type connectable with at most fourelectric wires 100. In this case, in theterminal device 1, the number of each of thepressing portions 3, lockingportions 4 and connectingportions 5 is preferably equal to the number of the poles. That is, when theterminal device 1 is a three-pole type, the number of each of thepressing portions 3, lockingportions 4 and connectingportions 5 is preferably three. - The
pressing portion 3, connectingportion 5 andterminal portion 2 are not limited to be formed integrally, but may be members independently separated from one another. More specifically, thepressing portion 3, connectingportion 5 andterminal portion 2 independently separated from one another may be coupled with one another by, for example, caulking, welding, crimping or the like. - Although it is described in the First Embodiment that the
release member 9 is operated only when theelectric wire 100 is pulled out, it may be operated when theelectric wire 100 is inserted. That is, when connecting theelectric wire 100 to theterminal device 1, the worker may operate therelease member 9 and insert theelectric wire 100 in a state where theend edge 41 of the lockingportion 4 has been displaced in a direction of being separated from the onesurface 20 of theterminal portion 2 by the operation of therelease member 9. - A
terminal device 1A according to this embodiment is a unipolar type of terminal device that is connectable with only one electric wire. Hereinafter, components similar to those of the First Embodiment are assigned with the same reference signs and explanations thereof will be appropriately omitted. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theterminal device 1A corresponds to a configuration that is obtained by dividing the terminal device 1 (refer toFIGS. 6A and 6B ) according to the First Embodiment into two equal parts in the Z axis direction. That is, the number of theinsertion port 11 in theterminal device 1A is one, and oneelectric wire 100 can be connected through the oneinsertion port 11. In theterminal device 1A, the oneelectric wire 100 is electrically connected to a singleterminal portion 2. In theterminal device 1A, each of thepressing portion 3, lockingportion 4 and connectingportion 5 is provided in one. - Similarly to the First Embodiment, the
terminal device 1A of this embodiment explained above has an advantage that the contact state of theelectric wire 100 in contact with theterminal portion 2 can be suppressed from falling into an unstable state. Furthermore similarly to the First Embodiment, theterminal device 1A may be used for the wiring apparatus 10 (refer toFIG. 8 ). - The configuration of the Second Embodiment can be applied appropriately in combination with the configuration (including the variations) of the First Embodiment.
-
- 1, 1A
- Terminal Device
- 2
- Terminal Portion
- 3
- Pressing Portion
- 4
- Locking Portion
- 5
- Connecting Portion
- 6
- Holding Portion
- 9
- Release Member
- 10
- Wiring Apparatus
- 11
- Insertion Port
- 13
- Spring Block
- 20
- One Surface
- 23
- Guide Groove
- 34
- Contact Portion
- 41
- End Edge
- 51
- Curved Part
- 64
- Restricting Part
- 100
- Electric Wire
- 101
- Apparatus Body
- 231
- Bottom Surface
- L1
- First Distance
- L2
- Second Distance
Claims (10)
- A terminal device (1, 1A), comprising:a terminal portion (2);a pressing portion (3) that is disposed to face one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2), the pressing portion (3) being configured to hold an electric wire (100) inserted along an inserting direction (Y) from an insertion port (11) so that the electric wire (100) is sandwiched between the pressing portion (3) and the terminal portion (2);a locking portion (4) that is elastic, the locking portion (4) being disposed to face the one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2), and the locking portion (4) being configured to restrict movement of the electric wire (100) toward the insertion port (11) by contact with the electric wire (100);wherein the pressing portion (3) includes a first pressing piece (31), a second pressing piece (32), a third pressing piece (33), and a contact portion (34) that joins the second pressing piece (32) and the third pressing piece (33);wherein the second pressing piece (32) and the third pressing piece (33) have a structure formed in approximately a V-shape, in a plane including both of the inserting direction (Y), anda facing direction (X) in which the pressing portion (3) and the terminal portion (2) face each other;wherein the contact portion (34) is curved convexly toward the terminal portion (2) in the facing direction (X), in said plane ; andwherein the third pressing piece (33) of the pressing portion (3) on a side of the insertion port (11) in the inserting direction (Y) is inclined relative to the one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2) so as to be further separated from the terminal portion (2) as approaching the insertion port (11) in the inserting direction (Y);characterized in thatthe pressing portion (3) and the locking portion (4) being members independently separated from each other.
- The terminal device (1, 1A) according to claim 1, wherein
in a facing direction in which the pressing portion (3) and the terminal portion (2) face each other, a first distance (L1) between the pressing portion (3) and the one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2) is larger than a second distance (L2) between the locking portion (4) and the one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2). - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a connecting portion (5) that joins the terminal portion (2) and the pressing portion (3).
- The terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holding portion (6) that is formed integrally with the terminal portion (2), wherein
the holding portion (6) is configured to hold a spring block (13) including the locking portion (4) between the holding portion (6) and the terminal portion (2). - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to claim 4, wherein
the holding portion (6) comprises a restricting part (64) that is in contact with the spring block (13) on an opposite side of the spring block (13) from the insertion port (11) in the inserting direction,
the restricting part (64) being in contact with the spring block (13) on an opposite side of the spring block (13) from the terminal portion (2) in a facing direction in which the pressing portion (3) and the terminal portion (2) face each other. - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the pressing portion (3) and the locking portion (4) are made of materials different from each other, respectively. - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
the terminal portion (2) is provided in the one surface (20) with a guide groove (23) that extends in the inserting direction. - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to claim 7, wherein
the guide groove (23) has a bottom surface (231) that is shaped so that a cross-sectional shape of the bottom surface (231) perpendicular to the inserting direction is curved convexly 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. - The terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a release member (9) that is movable relatively to the terminal portion (2) between a normal position and a release position, wherein
the release member (9) is configured to apply, when moved from the normal position to the release position, a force to the locking portion (4) in a direction of being separated from the one surface (20) of the terminal portion (2) so as to release restriction of movement of the electric wire (100) performed by the locking portion (4). - A wiring apparatus (10), comprising:the terminal device (1, 1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; andan apparatus body (101) configured to house therein the terminal device (1, 1A).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2016066915A JP2017183023A (en) | 2016-03-29 | 2016-03-29 | Terminal arrangement and wiring accessory |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3226351A1 EP3226351A1 (en) | 2017-10-04 |
EP3226351B1 true EP3226351B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 |
Family
ID=58410169
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17162479.4A Active EP3226351B1 (en) | 2016-03-29 | 2017-03-23 | Terminal device and wiring apparatus with same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3226351B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017183023A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107240785A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP7300890B2 (en) * | 2019-05-21 | 2023-06-30 | オータックス株式会社 | Terminal block |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1989884U (en) * | 1967-02-17 | 1968-07-25 | Vedder Gmbh Geb | INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT WITH SCREWLESS CURRENT CONNECTOR TERMINAL. |
CN87214630U (en) * | 1987-10-20 | 1988-08-10 | 罗安喜 | Plug-in connecting means for electrical accessories |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NO963800A (en) * | 1996-09-10 | 1997-11-10 | Elektrokontakt As | Screwless electrical contact device |
JP4303413B2 (en) | 2000-11-15 | 2009-07-29 | パナソニック電工株式会社 | Terminal equipment |
US7976330B2 (en) * | 2009-08-28 | 2011-07-12 | K.S. Terminals Inc. | Securely latched power connector assembly |
DE102011056410B4 (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2013-06-27 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | terminal |
DE202013100635U1 (en) * | 2013-02-13 | 2013-03-04 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | Spring terminal and connection terminal for electrical conductors |
DE102013101406B4 (en) * | 2013-02-13 | 2018-07-12 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conductor terminal |
DE202015003298U1 (en) * | 2015-05-05 | 2015-06-03 | Dinkle Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Terminal structure |
-
2016
- 2016-03-29 JP JP2016066915A patent/JP2017183023A/en active Pending
-
2017
- 2017-03-23 EP EP17162479.4A patent/EP3226351B1/en active Active
- 2017-03-29 CN CN201710197100.1A patent/CN107240785A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1989884U (en) * | 1967-02-17 | 1968-07-25 | Vedder Gmbh Geb | INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT WITH SCREWLESS CURRENT CONNECTOR TERMINAL. |
CN87214630U (en) * | 1987-10-20 | 1988-08-10 | 罗安喜 | Plug-in connecting means for electrical accessories |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3226351A1 (en) | 2017-10-04 |
JP2017183023A (en) | 2017-10-05 |
CN107240785A (en) | 2017-10-10 |
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