Metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal

A metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal includes a main body having a base section defined with a first end and a second end. The first end is connected with a first section and a locating section. The second end is connected with a bight section and a second section. The locating section has a head section and a tail section. The tail section extends to a position of the bight section to form a hook-like structure for providing an elastic action force and a support system. The locating section is positioned in the reciprocally moving path of the second section to set up a moving end point of the second section to improve the shortcomings of the conventional metal leaf spring that when plugging in the conductive wire, the metal leaf spring is over-bent to affect the pressing and securing effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal, and more particularly to an assembly of a terminal device for an electro-conductive wire to plug in and connect therewith and a metal leaf spring for pressing or releasing the electro-conductive wire.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional terminal device or wire pressing terminal has an insulation case (generally made of plastic material) and an electrical connector or metal member (or metal leaf spring). The metal leaf spring is enclosed in the insulation case to press and electrically connect with or release a conductive wire plugged into the terminal device.

Such electrical connection terminal devices include two types. The first type of electrical connection terminal device is inserted on a circuit board such as printed circuit board (PCB). The second type of electrical connection terminal device is latched with a grounding rail (or conductive rail) in a row to set up a common grounding device of an electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment.

The aforesaid electrical connection terminal is inserted on a circuit board such as printed circuit board (PCB) or a grounding rail and includes an insulation case having a perforation or a wire plug-in hole for the conductive wire to plug into the interior of the case. The case defines a chamber in which the electrical connector (or the metal leaf spring) is mounted. The metal leaf spring serves to contact or electrically connect with the conductive wire plugged into the case. The electrical connector has an elastic free end. After the conductive wire is plugged into the case, the free end of the electrical connector will bite the conductive wire to prevent the conductive wire from easily detaching from the electrical connector out of contact with the electrical connector. Unless an operator uses a tool to extend into the case and push/press the free end, the conductive wire cannot be released from the contact of the electrical connector.

The metal leaf spring of the conventional electrical connection terminal device has some shortcomings in structural design and application. For example, when plugging the conductive wire into the terminal device, due to human operation factor, it often takes place that the conductive wire cannot enter the terminal device by a precise angle to push/press the free end of the metal leaf spring. In this case, the elastic free end of the metal leaf spring can hardly securely press and restrict the conductive wire or the metal leaf spring will be over-bent. Especially, after a long period of high-frequency assembling operation of the conductive wire, elastic fatigue is apt to happen to the structure of the metal leaf spring. As a result, the lifetime of the terminal device will be shortened.

In order to improve the shortcoming of the metal leaf spring that elastic fatigue is apt to happen to the structure of the metal leaf spring to shorten the lifetime of the terminal device, a technical means for preventing the metal leaf spring from being over-bent has been disclosed.

The conventional clamping spring (or metal leaf spring) is assembled with a reception member (or frame body). A protrusion section is formed on one side of the reception member in the moving path of the clamping leg (or free end) of the clamping spring to prevent the clamping leg from being over-biased.

However, as well known by those who are skilled in this field, the structure of the additional protrusion section of the reception member (or frame body) in cooperation with the clamping spring (or metal leaf spring) is relatively complicated. In addition, when the conductive wire is plugged into the electrical connection terminal by an imprecise angle, the conductive wire also will push/press the clamping leg of the clamping spring to deflect the clamping leg and make the clamping leg pass over the protrusion section. This deteriorates the effect that the protrusion section prevents the clamping leg from being over-biased. This is not what we expect.

To speak representatively, the above references reveal some shortcomings existing in the conventional electrical connection terminal and the metal leaf spring in design of relevant assembling structure. In case the assembling structure of the terminal device and the metal leaf spring is redesigned to be different from the conventional electrical connection terminal, the use form of the electrical connection terminal can be changed to practically improve the application of the electrical connection terminal and enhance the operation stability of the electrical connection terminal.

It is found that the structural form of an optimal terminal device or metal leaf spring must overcome or improve the aforesaid shortcomings of the conventional electrical connection terminal and include several design considerations as follows:1. The structural form of the conventional electrical connection terminal that the reception member (or frame body) is additionally formed with the protrusion section must be omitted so as to improve the shortcomings existing in the conventional electrical connection terminal that the cooperative structure is relatively complicated (and/or the manufacturing cost is relatively high) and the clamping leg (or the free end of the metal leaf spring) is apt to deflect and pass over the protrusion section to deteriorate the effect that the protrusion section prevents the clamping leg from being over-biased.2. In the condition that the metal leaf spring can keep stably pressing and restricting the conductive wire, a true moving range of the metal leaf spring (or the free end thereof) is set up. Especially, the metal leaf spring itself forms an end position, whereby the free end can only move to reach the set end position, that is, the metal leaf spring itself can stop the free end. Therefore, no matter how the free end moves, the free end cannot pass over the metal leaf spring so that the free end is prevented from being over-biased. In this case, the possibility that the metal leaf spring is over-bent to shorten the lifetime of the electrical connection terminal as in the conventional structure is minimized.3. A support system is provided as a metal leaf spring protection structure, which has an elastic action force to help the metal leaf spring to securely press and restrict the conductive wire and prevent the metal leaf spring from being over-biased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal. The metal leaf spring protection structure includes a main body. The main body has a base section defined with a first end and a second end. The first end is connected with a first section and a locating section. The second end is connected with a bight section and a reciprocally movable second section. The locating section has a head section and a tail section. The tail section extends to a position of the bight section to form a hook-like structure and has an elastic action force as a support system. The locating section is positioned in the reciprocally moving path of the second section to set up a moving end point of the second section. The metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal improves the shortcomings of the conventional metal leaf spring that the conductive wire cannot be plugged into the terminal by a precise angle so that the metal leaf spring is over-bent to affect the pressing and securing effect.

In the above metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal, a bent section is formed between the first end of the base section and the first section. The bent section contains an angle. The first section is bent toward the second end of the base section and obliquely extends to connect with the locating section, whereby a subsidiary bent section is formed between the first section and the locating section. The subsidiary bent section contains an angle. The bight section between the second end and the second section of the base section contains an angle, whereby the second section obliquely extends in a direction to the first end of the base section. The tail section is bent along the curvature of the bight section to form the hook-like structure. When the second section moves forward to contact or push/press the locating section or the hook-like structure, the hook-like structure supports the bight section to provide an elastic action force for helping the second section to move backward toward the initial position.

Accordingly, the second section is prevented from being over-biased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Please refer toFIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal of the present invention includes a main body100. The main body100is selectively made of elastic metal sheet or the like material by means of pressing in the form of a plate body. The main body100is mounted on a case90made of insulation material. Alternatively, the main body100is assembled with an electrical connect ion member80. The electrical connection member80is formed as a frame body and the main body100and the electrical connection member80are together assembled and mounted on the case90.

As shown in the drawings, the main body100includes a base section30defined with a first end31and a second end32. The first end31is connected with a first section10and a locating section40.

The second end32is connected with a bight section50and a reciprocally movable second section20. The locating section40has a head section41and a tail section42connected with the head section41. The locating section40is positioned in a reciprocally moving path of the second section20to set up a moving end point or moving range of the second section20.

To speak more specifically, a bent section11is formed between the first end31of the base section30and the first section10. The bent section11contains an angle, which is an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle. In addition, the first end31is bent toward the second end32of the base section30and extends to connect with the locating section40, whereby a subsidiary bent section12is formed between the first section10and the locating section40. The subsidiary bent section12contains an angle, which is an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle.

As shown inFIG. 3, the locating section40obliquely extends in a direction to the upper side of the drawing, whereby the angle contained between the first section10and the locating section40(or the subsidiary bent section12) is an acute angle. The second section20obliquely extends in a direction to the lower side of the drawing, whereby the angle contained between the second section20and the base section30is an acute angle.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the bight section50between the second end32of the base section30and the second section20contains an angle, whereby the second section20extends in a direction to the first end31of the base section30. At this time, it is defined that the second section20is positioned in an initial position. The tail section42is bent along the curvature of the bight section50to form a hook-like structure45. When the second section20is moved forward to contact or push/press the locating section40or the hook-like structure45, the hook-like structure45can support the bight section50to provide an elastic action force for helping the second section20to move backward toward the initial position. Accordingly, the second section20is prevented from being over-biased.

As shown in the drawing, the hook-like structure45is bent along the bight section50toward the second end32of the base section30. In addition, the hook-like structure45is in contact with the bight section50.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the lateral side of the base section30is formed with finger sections33and the electrical connection member80is formed with mouth sections83. The finger sections33can be inserted in the mouth sections83to securely assemble the main body100with the electrical connection member80with the second section20freely reciprocally movable.

As shown inFIG. 3, the case90has a wire plug-in hole92. The conductive wire70can be plugged through the wire plug-in hole92into the case90to be pressed and restricted by the main body100and electrically connected with the electrical connection member80.

To speak more specifically, when an operator plugs the conductive wire70through the wire plug-in hole92into the case90or the electrical connection member80, the conductive wire70pushes the second section20to move in a direction to the locating section40. Also, in cooperation with the structure of the bight section50, the second section20or the tail end22of the second section20swings toward the lower side of the drawing to securely press and restrict the conductive wire70entering the case90or the electrical connection member80.

It should be noted that when the second section20drivingly moves the bight section50, the hook-like structure45provides a system for supporting the bight section50to prevent the bight section50and the second section20from being over-biased. In addition, the hook-like structure45will provide an elastic action force to push/press the second section20so as to help the second section20to securely press and restrict the conductive wire70.

It should be noted that the locating section40of the main body100serves as a moving end point structure of the second section20. This ensures that when the second section20is pushed/pressed and biased by the conductive wire70, the second section20is prevented from being over-biased as the clamping leg of the conventional terminal that passes over the stop point (or the protrusion section). In addition, the locating section40has the form of an (entirely) plane structure, whereby the second section20can snugly attach to the locating section40without deflecting.

Please now refer toFIG. 4, which shows a modified embodiment of the main body100of the present invention. In this embodiment, the tail section42of the locating section40of the main body100extends to a position of the bight section50. The hook-like structure45is bent along the bight section50toward the second end32of the base section30and spaced from the bight section50by a gap.

FIG. 4also shows that a rear end section46of the hook-like structure45is pressed against the tail section42.

Therefore, when the conductive wire70pushes the second section20to move toward the locating section40, the gap55provides an elastic moving space. After the second section20reaches or contacts the tail section42, the second section20will first push the hook-like structure45to move toward the upper side of the drawing until the hook-like structure45contacts the bight section50or the second end32of the base section30. At this time, the locating section40(or the tail section42) will prevent the second section20from being over-biased. Accordingly, a locating support point is set up to ensure that the locating section40prevents the second section20from being over-biased.

In this embodiment, the size of the gap defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50determines the moving range of the second section20.

FIG. 4also shows a preferred embodiment in which the first section10is attached to the sidewall82of the electrical connection member80, whereby the electrical connection member80provides a support effect for the main body100so that the main body100and the electrical connection member80can be more securely assembled with each other.

Please now refer toFIG. 5, which shows a modified embodiment of the main body100of the present invention. In this embodiment, a connection section13is disposed between the subsidiary bent section12and the locating section40.

To speak more specifically, the connection section13obliquely extends in a direction to the second end32of the base section30to forma reverse bent section14connected with the locating section40. As shown in the drawing, the angle contained between the first section10and the connection section13(or the subsidiary bent section12) is an acute angle smaller than the obtuse angle contained between the connection section13and the locating section40(or the reverse bent section14).

Please refer toFIG. 6, which shows the structure of the subsidiary bent section12between the first section10and the locating section40. The subsidiary bent section12is formed with an arched structure as the connection section13. The connection section13obliquely extends in a direction to the base section30and the second end32to form the reverse bent section14connected with the locating section40.

It should be noted that the structural form of the first section10, the subsidiary bent section12and the connection section13as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6increases the length of the first section10. Correspondingly, the attachment length or area of the first section10to the sidewall82of the electrical connection member80is increased so that the electrical connection member80can provide greater support effect for the main body100and the main body100and the electrical connection member80can be more securely assembled with each other.

Please now refer toFIG. 7, which shows a preferred embodiment of the main body100of the present invention. In this embodiment, the length of the first section10is as minimized as possible. Also, through the subsidiary bent section12, the first section10is bent toward the second end32of the base section30and extends to form the locating section40. In addition, the locating section40is parallel to the base section30.

FIG. 7also shows that the tail section42of the locating section40extends to the position of the bight section50to form the hook-like structure45. The hook-like structure45is bent along the bight section50toward the second end32of the base section30. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

Please now refer toFIG. 8, which shows a modified embodiment of the main body100. As shown in the drawing, the length of the first section10is as minimized as possible. Also, through the subsidiary bent section12, the first section10is bent toward the second end32of the base section30and extends to form the locating section40. In addition, the locating section40is parallel to the base section30.

FIG. 8also shows that the tail section42of the locating section40extends to the position of the bight section50to form the hook-like structure45. The head section41is formed with a U-shaped structure44in a direction away from the base section30(or to the lower side of the drawing). In cooperation with the structures of the head section41and the tail section42of the locating section40in contact with or in parallel to the base section30, the U-shaped structure44and the hook-like structure45in contact with the bight section50respectively set up a locating support point to prevent the second section20from being over-biased.

FIG. 9is a view of a modified embodiment of the main body100, showing the structure of the locating section40extending to the bight section50. As shown in the drawing, the locating section40is parallel to the base section30. The head section41is formed with a U-shaped structure44in a direction away from the base section30(or to the lower side of the drawing). Also, the tail section42extends to a position of the bight section50to form a hook-like structure45in a direction to the base section30(or the second end32). A gap is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

FIG. 9also shows that the bending angle of the hook-like structure45is different from the bending angle of the bight section50.

FIG. 10shows the structure of the tail section42of the locating section40. The locating section40has a sub-bent section43formed between the head section41and the tail section42. As shown in the drawing, the angle contained between the head section41and the tail section42(or the sub-bent section43) is an obtuse angle, whereby the tail section42extends to the position of the bight section50to form the hook-like structure45.

In this embodiment, the hook-like structure45is bent along the bight section50in a direction to the second section20or the tail end22thereof. In addition, the hook-like structure45is in contact with the bight section50. Therefore, the locating section40(or the head section41) and the hook-like structure45respectively provide a locating support system and the hook-like structure45can provide an elastic action force in response to the move of the second section20toward the locating section40to enhance the effect that the second section securely presses and restricts the conductive wire70.

Please now refer toFIG. 11, which shows a modified embodiment of the main body100. In this embodiment, the rear end section46of the hook-like structure45extends along the bight section50toward the second section20(or the tail end22thereof). The rear end section46is in contact with and in parallel to the second section20. This also enhances the action force of the second section20for securely pressing and restricting the conductive wire70.

FIG. 12is a view of a preferred embodiment of the main body100, showing the structure of the subsidiary bent section12between the first section10and the locating section40and showing that the locating section40extends to the bight section50. In this embodiment, a connection section13is disposed between the subsidiary bent section12and the locating section40. The connection section13obliquely extends in a direction to the second end32of the base section30to form a reverse bent section14connected with the locating section40(or the head section41). In addition, a sub-bent section43is formed between the head section41and the tail section42.

FIG. 13shows that a connection section13is disposed between the subsidiary bent section12and the locating section40of the main body100. The connection section13obliquely extends in a direction to the second end32of the base section30to form a reverse bent section14connected with the locating section40(or the head section41). A sub-bent section43is formed between the head section41and the tail section42. In addition, the rear end section46of the hook-like structure45extends along the bight section50toward the second section20(or the tail end22thereof). The rear end section46is in contact with and in parallel to the second section20.

FIG. 14shows a modified embodiment of the main body100. In this embodiment, a sub-bent section43is formed between the head section41and the tail section42and the hook-like structure45is bent toward the second section20(or the tail end22thereof). In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

FIG. 15shows a modified embodiment of the main body100. In this embodiment, the length of the first section10is as minimized as possible. Also, through the subsidiary bent section12, the first section10is bent toward the second end32of the base section30and extends to form the locating section40. In addition, the locating section40is parallel to the base section30.

Also, as shown in the drawing, the tail section42of the locating section40extends to a position of the bight section50to form a hook-like structure45. The hook-like structure45is bent along the bight section50toward the second section20. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

FIG. 15also shows that a sub-bent section43is formed on the tail section42and the rear end section46of the hook-like structure45is pressed against the tail section42to change the moving range of the second section20.

Please now refer toFIG. 16, which shows that the locating section40is parallel to the base section30and the hook-like structure45is bent along the curvature of the bight section50toward the second section20(or the tail end22thereof). In addition, the hook-like structure45is in contact with the bight section50.

FIG. 17shows that the locating section40is parallel to the base section30and the hook-like structure45is bent along the curvature of the bight section50toward the second section20(or the tail end22thereof). In addition, the hook-like structure45and the rear end section46thereof are respectively in contact with the bight section50and the second section20.

FIG. 18shows that the locating section40is parallel to the base section30and the head section41is formed with a U-shaped structure44in a direction away from the base section30(or to the lower side of the drawing). Also, the tail section42extends to a position of the bight section50and is bent toward the second section20to form a hook-like structure45. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50and the rear end section46is parallel to the second section20.

In this embodiment, in cooperation with the structures of the head section41and the tail section42of the locating section40in contact with or in parallel to the base section30, the U-shaped structure44and the hook-like structure45respectively set up a locating support point to prevent the second section20from being over-biased.

Please now refer toFIG. 19, which shows that the locating section40is parallel to the base section30and the head section41is formed with a U-shaped structure44in a direction away from the base section30(or to the lower side of the drawing). Also, the tail section42extends to a position of the bight section50and is bent toward the second section20to form a hook-like structure45. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

FIG. 20shows that the locating section40is parallel to the base section30and the head section41is formed with a U-shaped structure44in a direction away from the base section30(or to the lower side of the drawing). Also, the tail section42extends to a position of the bight section50and is bent toward the second section20to form a hook-like structure45. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

Also, as shown in the drawing, the rear end section46is biased toward the hook-like structure45or the tail section42.

Please now refer toFIGS. 21, 22 and 23, which show a preferred embodiment of the main body100and the electrical connection member80. As shown in the drawings, the subsidiary bent section12of the main body100obliquely extends in a direction to the second end32of the base section30to connect with the locating section40(or the head section41). A sub-bent section43is formed between the head section41and the tail section42, whereby the tail section42extends to the position of the bight section50to form the hook-like structure45. In addition, a gap55is defined between the hook-like structure45and the bight section50.

In this embodiment, an insertion section85is disposed on a sidewall82of the electrical connection member80. The insertion section85is a plate-shaped body bent from the sidewall82and protruding from the sidewall82. An assembling section15is formed between the base section30and the first section10of the main body100corresponding to the insertion section85of the electrical connection member80. The assembling section15is a notch structure. When the main body100is assembled with the electrical connection member80, the insertion section85is connected with the assembling section15, whereby the main body100can be more securely assembled with the electrical connection member80.

To speak representatively, in condition of optimal and stable operation, in comparison with the conventional electrical connection terminal, the metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal of the present invention has the following advantages:1. The main body100and the electrical connection terminal device or the relevant connection components thereof have been redesigned in use, structure and connection relationship. For example, the bent section11is formed between the base section30and the first section10of the main body100and the subsidiary bent section12is formed between the first section10and the locating section40. The head section41of the locating section40is formed with the U-shaped structure44. The tail section42of the locating section40is formed with the sub-bent section43in a direction to the base section30. The tail section42extends to a position of the bight section50to form the hook-like structure45and/or the gap55. The rear end section46extends along the second section20. The structure of the present invention is obviously different from the conventional electrical connection terminal. Also, the present invention changes the use form of the conventional electrical connection terminal.2. In the structural form of the main body100and/or the electrical connection member80, the structure of the cooperative protrusion section additionally formed on the reception member (or frame body) of the conventional electrical connection terminal is removed. Accordingly, the present invention improves the shortcoming of the conventional electrical connection terminal that the cooperative structure is relatively complicated and the clamping leg (or the free end of the metal leaf spring) is apt to deflect and pass over the protrusion section to deteriorate the effect that the protrusion section prevents the clamping leg from being over-biased.3. In the condition that the metal leaf spring can keep stably pressing and restricting the conductive wire, a true moving range of the main body100(or the second section20thereof) is set up. The locating section40of the main body100itself forms a preset end position, which is formed by means of directly pressing the main body100. In contrast, in the conventional electrical connection terminal, it is necessary to additionally dispose a cooperative component or stop component. The present invention obviously can lower the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the second section20can only move to reach the set end position, where the main body100and/or the locating section40can stop the second section20. Therefore, no matter how the second section20moves (or deflects), the free end of the second section20cannot pass over the main body100so that the free end is prevented from being over-biased. In this case, the possibility that the metal leaf spring is over-bent to shorten the lifetime of the electrical connection terminal as in the conventional structure is minimized.4. Especially, by means of the structural form that the hook-like structure45is assembled with the bight section50, when the second section20is moved forward to contact or push/press the locating section40or the hook-like structure45, the hook-like structure45not only serves as a system for supporting the bight section50, but also provides an elastic action force for helping the second section20to move backward toward the initial position. Accordingly, the second section20is prevented from being over-biased. In addition, the hook-like structure45or the rear end sect ion46and the second sect ion20cooperate with each other to provide an action force for enhancing the effect that the second section20securely presses and restricts the conductive wire70.

In conclusion, the metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal of the present invention is different from the conventional electrical connection terminal in space form and is advantageous over the conventional electrical connection terminal. The metal leaf spring protection structure of electrical connection terminal of the present invention is greatly advanced and inventive.