Terminals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terminal, which is easy to manage in terminal manufacturing. The terminal (10) has a male terminal and a female terminal connected to each other. The male terminal (20) has a protrusion (21) with a circular cross-section. The female terminal (40) has a main body (41), and the main body (41) has a connection space (S) formed on the inner side thereof for arranging the protrusion (21). The main body (41) has an elastic contact piece (56) that can be flexibly deformed and a pair of receiving parts (58). The elastic contact piece (56) has a variable connection surface (57) arranged toward the center (SO) of the connection space (S) when viewed from the connection direction. The pair of receiving parts (58) are arranged on the side opposite to the elastic contact piece (56) across the connection space (S), and have a pair of flat fixed connection surfaces (59) inclined in a manner that expands toward the variable connection surface (57) side. The opening angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces (59) is constant in the connection direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to terminals. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a female terminal (a triangular contact). A male terminal (connector pin) contacts the female terminal at three points. In addition, female terminals are also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-182711

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-35794

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-194716

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-21187 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] In the structure of Patent Document 1, it is unclear whether the three contact points of the female terminal with the male terminal are fixed plates or elastic plates. However, if the plates are fixed plates, the dimensional tolerances of the male terminal cannot be absorbed, making it difficult to achieve proper contact pressure. Furthermore, if the plates are elastic plates, the contact state and contact pressure must be adjusted individually for each contact point, making manufacturing management difficult.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can facilitate management in terminal manufacturing.

[0012] Solutions to Problems

[0013] The terminal disclosed herein comprises a male terminal and a female terminal connected to each other, the male terminal having a protrusion with a circular cross-section, the female terminal having a main body portion, the main body portion having a connection space for configuring the protrusion formed on the inner side, the main body portion having an elastic contact piece that can be flexibly deformed and a pair of receiving portions, the elastic contact piece having a variable connection surface, the variable connection surface being configured toward the center of the connection space when viewed from the connection direction of the male terminal relative to the female terminal, the distance between the variable connection surface and the center of the connection space being variable by the flexure and deformation of the elastic contact piece, a pair of the receiving portions being configured on the side opposite to the elastic contact piece across the connection space, and having a pair of flat fixed connection surfaces inclined in a manner expanding toward the side of the variable connection surface, the distance between the pair of the fixed connection surfaces and the center of the connection space being constant, and the opening angle of the pair of the fixed connection surfaces being constant in the connection direction.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, terminal manufacturing management can be easily performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of the male terminal and the female terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the female terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view of the main body of the female terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA line section view.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 BB line cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a front view showing a state where the male terminal and the female terminal are connected.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a side view of the male terminal and the female terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the female terminal according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0025] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0026] The terminal disclosed herein,

[0027] (1) It has a male terminal and a female terminal connected to each other, the male terminal has a protrusion with a circular cross-section, and the female terminal has a main body, the main body has a connection space for configuring the protrusion formed on the inner side, the main body has an elastic contact piece that can be flexed and deformed and a pair of receiving parts, the elastic contact piece has a variable connection surface, the variable connection surface is arranged toward the center of the connection space when viewed from the connection direction of the male terminal relative to the female terminal, the distance between the variable connection surface and the center of the connection space is variable by the flexure and deformation of the elastic contact piece, a pair of the receiving parts are arranged on the side opposite to the elastic contact piece across the connection space, and have a pair of flat fixed connection surfaces inclined in a manner expanding toward the variable connection surface side, the distance between the pair of the fixed connection surfaces and the center of the connection space is constant, and the opening angle of the pair of the fixed connection surfaces is constant in the connection direction.

[0028] This structure allows the circular-shaped tab to contact the variable connection surface and the pair of fixed connection surfaces, stably retaining the male terminal within the connection space. Furthermore, the single variable connection surface can accommodate dimensional tolerances in the male terminal, simplifying manufacturing management. Furthermore, because the angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces remains constant in the connection direction, the tab can be guided in the connection direction during the connection process. This prevents the tab from tilting and contacting the inner surface of the main body during connection.

[0029] (2) Preferably, the main body is formed in a square tube shape having four walls, and the receiving portion is formed obliquely at a corner portion connecting two adjacent walls.

[0030] According to this structure, the receiving portion can be easily formed by press working or the like.

[0031] (3) Preferably, the corner portion connecting the two adjacent walls has an outwardly angular portion on both sides of the receiving portion in the connection direction.

[0032] According to this structure, the female terminal can be arranged in the cavity in a stable posture due to the angular portion.

[0033] (4) Preferably, the corner portion has a connection portion that is inclined from the angular portion disposed on the front side in the connection direction to the receiving portion.

[0034] According to this structure, when the tab of the male terminal is inserted into the connection space, it is possible to prevent the tab from being caught between the angular portion and the receiving portion.

[0035] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0036] The following is a reference to the attached Figure 1 While describing specific examples of the present disclosure, the present invention is not limited to these examples but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents.

[0037] <Implementation Method 1>

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 10 of the first embodiment includes a male terminal 20 and a female terminal 40 connected to each other. The male terminal 20 and the female terminal 40 are made of metal, for example, by bending a metal plate. In the following description, the sides facing each other when the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 40 are connected are referred to as the front side, and the Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 The up and down directions shown are used as height directions, and Figure 3 、 Figure 6 The left and right directions shown and Figure 5 The vertical direction shown is the width direction. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 The left and right directions in are equivalent to the connection directions.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the male terminal 20 is formed into a straight-line extending shape. The male terminal 20 has a protruding piece 21, a male side wire barrel 22 and a male side insulation barrel 23. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral surface of the cross section of the tab 21 is formed into a circle. Figure 1 As shown, the protruding piece 21 has a cylindrical portion 25 and a reduced diameter portion 26. The cylindrical portion 25 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a constant outer diameter. The reduced diameter portion 26 protrudes from the front end (top end) of the cylindrical portion 25 and has an outer diameter that decreases toward the protruding direction.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, an electric wire 90 is connected to the male terminal 20. The electric wire 90 includes a core wire 91 (a conductor) and an insulating coating 92. The core wire 91 is covered by the coating 92. The male-side wire barrel 22 of the male terminal 20 is crimped to the core wire 91, which is exposed after the coating 92 is removed. The male-side insulating barrel 23 of the male terminal 20 is crimped to the coating 92 of the electric wire 90.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the female terminal 40 is L-shaped. It includes a main body 41, a bent portion 42, a female wire barrel 43, and a female insulation barrel 44. The main body 41 extends linearly along the connection direction. The female wire barrel 43 and the female insulation barrel 44 are arranged in a direction intersecting (more specifically, perpendicular to) the connection direction. The bent portion 42 is located between the main body 41, the female wire barrel 43, and the female insulation barrel 44.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, an electric wire 93 is connected to the female terminal 40. The electric wire 93 includes a core wire 94 (conductor) and an insulating coating 95. The core wire 94 is covered by the coating 95. The female-side wire barrel 43 of the female terminal 40 is crimped to the core wire 94 exposed by removing the coating 95. The female-side insulation barrel 44 of the female terminal 40 is crimped to the coating 95 of the electric wire 93.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main body 41 is formed into a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the main body 41 is formed into a square cylindrical shape with four walls. The four walls are each formed into a plate shape. The four walls are a first wall 51, a second wall 52, a third wall 53, and a fourth wall 54. The first wall 51 and the third wall 53 are opposed to each other in the height direction. The second wall 52 and the fourth wall 54 are opposed to each other in the width direction. The first wall 51 and the third wall 53 are arranged orthogonally with respect to the second wall 52 and the fourth wall 54.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a connection space S is formed inside the main body 41, where the tab 21 is disposed. In the following description, the center SO of the connection space S refers to the center of the connection space S when viewed from the connection direction. The center SO of the connection space S is the same as the center of the tab 21 when the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 40 are connected.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 41 includes a support portion 55 and an elastic contact piece 56. The support portion 55 is plate-shaped. The support portion 55 is disposed on the first wall 51 side of the connection space S and is arranged along the inner side surface of the first wall 51. The support portion 55 is also disposed orthogonally to the fourth wall 54 and is connected to the fourth wall 54.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic contact piece 56 is plate-shaped and can bend and deform in the height direction. The elastic contact piece 56 is disposed on the first wall 51 side of the connection space S. The elastic contact piece 56 is connected to the fourth wall 54 via the support portion 55. The elastic contact piece 56 protrudes rearward from the support portion 55. The front end of the elastic contact piece 56 is formed as a fixed end fixed to the support portion 55, and the rear end is formed as a free end. When viewed from the width direction, the elastic contact piece 56 is shaped so that its center portion in the connection direction extends toward the third wall 53 and is bent.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, the elastic contact piece 56 has a variable connection surface 57 disposed toward the center SO of the connection space S. The variable connection surface 57 is formed at a position facing the third wall 53 in the height direction. The distance between the variable connection surface 57 and the center SO of the connection space S is variable by the deflection of the elastic contact piece 56.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 41 has a pair of receiving portions 58. The receiving portions 58 are located on the side opposite the elastic contact piece 56 across the connection space S. The receiving portions 58 have a pair of fixed connection surfaces 59. The fixed connection surfaces 59 are flat surfaces. The distance between the fixed connection surfaces 59 and the center SO of the connection space S is constant. The fixed connection surfaces 59 are inclined so as to expand toward the variable connection surface 57. The opening angle of the fixed connection surfaces 59 is constant in the connection direction.

[0049] Here, the so-called opening angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 is the intersection angle θ of the imaginary lines VL extending along the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59. The opening angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 is preferably less than 120°. According to this structure, the width dimension of the main body 41 can be suppressed to a small size, and thus the width dimension of the female terminal 40 can be suppressed to a small size. The opening angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 is more preferably greater than 50° and less than 70°. The protrusion 21 is evenly supported from three directions by the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 and the variable connection surface 57, so that the position is easily stabilized. At this time, because the opening angle of the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 is 60°, by setting it to a close value of greater than 50° and less than 70°, the protrusion 21 can be held more stably.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 41 has a first corner portion 61 connecting the second wall 52 and the third wall 53 and a second corner portion 62 connecting the third wall 53 and the fourth wall 54. The first corner portion 61 and the second corner portion 62 correspond to corner portions. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first corner portion 61 and the second corner portion 62 respectively include the aforementioned receiving portion 58 , the angular portion 63 , the connecting portion 64 , and the rear connecting portion 65 .

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the angular portions 63 are formed in an outwardly angular shape and are arranged on both sides of the receiving portion 58 in the connection direction (front-rear direction).

[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the connection portion 64 is inclined from the angular portion 63 arranged on the front side (front side) of the angular portions 63 arranged on both sides of the connection direction (front-back direction) to the receiving portion 58 toward the center SO of the connection space S. The connection portion 64 has a tapered shape. The connection portion 64 is connected to the angular portion 63 arranged on the front side of the connection direction and the receiving portion 58 in a curved shape.

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the rear connecting portion 65 is inclined toward the center SO of the connection space S from the rear corner portion 63 of the angular portions 63 arranged on both sides in the connection direction (front-rear direction) to the receiving portion 58. The rear connecting portion 65 has a tapered shape. The rear connecting portion 65 is connected to the angular portion 63 arranged on the rear side in the connection direction and the receiving portion 58 in a curved shape.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 41 has an opening 67. The opening 67 is arranged behind the receiving portion 58 and opens on the outer side surface of the third wall 53. The interior of the opening 67 communicates with the connection space S.

[0055] The following description relates to the function and effect of the terminal 10 .

[0056] When the male terminal 20 is connected to the female terminal 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the cylindrical portion 25 of the tab 21 of the male terminal 20 contacts the variable connection surface 57 and the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59. Because the tab 21 has a circular cross-section, stability in the connected state between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 40 becomes an issue. To address this, the variable connection surface 57 is positioned toward the center SO of the connection space S. Furthermore, the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 are positioned opposite the variable connection surface 57, across the connection space S, and are inclined so as to expand toward the variable connection surface 57. This ensures that the tab 21 is stably held in the connection space S. Furthermore, while the distance between the variable connection surface 57 and the center SO of the connection space S is variable due to the deflection of the elastic contact piece 56, the distance between the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 and the center SO of the connection space S remains constant. In other words, because the dimensional tolerances of the male terminal 20 can be accommodated by a single variable connection surface 57, manufacturing management is simplified. Furthermore, because the pair of fixed connection surfaces 59 maintain a constant angle in the connection direction, they can guide the tab 21 in the connection direction during connection. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the protrusion 21 from being inclined and coming into contact with the inner side surfaces of the main body portion 41 (more specifically, the four walls of the main body portion 41 ) during the connection process.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 41 is formed into a square tube shape having four walls. Furthermore, the receiving portion 58 is formed obliquely at each of the first corner portion 61 connecting the second wall 52 and the third wall 53 and the second corner portion 62 connecting the third wall 53 and the fourth wall 54. With this structure, the receiving portion 58 can be easily formed by stamping or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, the first corner portion 61 and the second corner portion 62 each have an outwardly angular portion 63 on both sides of the connection direction of the receiving portion 58. According to this structure, the angular portion 63 allows the female terminal 40 to be arranged in a stable posture in the cavity of the housing (not shown).

[0059] Furthermore, the first corner portion 61 and the second corner portion 62 each include a connecting portion 64 that slopes from an angular portion 63 disposed on the front side in the connection direction to the receiving portion 58. This structure prevents the tab 21 of the male terminal 20 from being caught between the angular portion 63 and the receiving portion 58 when the tab 21 is inserted into the connection space S.

[0060] <Implementation Method 2>

[0061] The terminal 210 of the second embodiment differs from the terminal 10 of the first embodiment in that the female terminal 240 has a lance 241. The other aspects are the same.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, the terminal 210 of the second embodiment includes the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 240 connected to each other. The female terminal 240 includes a main body 41 , a bent portion 42 , a female wire barrel 43 , a female insulation barrel 44 , and a lance 241 .

[0063] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the lance 241 is plate-shaped and projects rearward from the front edge of the opening 67. The lance 241 is inclined in the height direction in a direction away from the connection space S and extends rearward along the connection direction from the middle.

[0064] According to this structure, it is not necessary to provide a lance on the housing side that accommodates the female terminal 240 , so the shape of the housing can be simplified.

[0065] [Other embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0066] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0067] (1) The elastic contact piece may not be in a cantilever shape, but may be in a double-supported beam shape with both ends being fixed ends, for example.

[0068] (2) The female terminal does not need to be L-shaped, and may be, for example, linear.

[0069] (3) The protrusion only needs to have a circular cross-sectional shape at its outer periphery, and may be solid.

[0070] Description of Reference Numerals

[0071] 10, 210: Terminal

[0072] 20: Male terminal

[0073] 21: Tab

[0074] 22: Male side spool

[0075] 23: Male side insulation tube

[0076] 25: Cylindrical part

[0077] 26: Reduced diameter part

[0078] 40, 240: female terminal

[0079] 41: Main body

[0080] 42: Bending part

[0081] 43: Female side bobbin

[0082] 44: Female side insulation tube

[0083] 51: 1st wall (wall)

[0084] 52: 2nd wall (wall)

[0085] 53: 3rd Wall (Wall)

[0086] 54: 4th wall (wall)

[0087] 55: Supporting part

[0088] 56: Elastic contact piece

[0089] 57: Variable connection surface

[0090] 58: Reception Department

[0091] 59: Fixed connection surface

[0092] 61: 1st corner (corner)

[0093] 62: 2nd corner (corner)

[0094] 63: With angular part

[0095] 64: Connection

[0096] 65: Rear connection

[0097] 67: Opening

[0098] 90, 93: Wires

[0099] 91, 94: core wire

[0100] 92, 95: Covering

[0101] 241: Spear

[0102] S: Connecting Space

[0103] SO: The center of the connecting space

[0104] VL: Imaginary Line

[0105] θ: intersection angle of imaginary lines

Claims

1. A terminal comprising a male terminal and a female terminal connected to each other, The male terminal has a tab with a circular cross section, The female terminal has a main body portion, and a connection space for arranging the protrusion is formed inside the main body portion. The main body has an elastic contact piece capable of flexing and deforming and a pair of receiving parts. The elastic contact piece has a variable connection surface, and the variable connection surface is arranged toward the center of the connection space when viewed from the connection direction of the male terminal relative to the female terminal. The distance between the variable connection surface and the center of the connection space is variable due to the deflection and deformation of the elastic contact piece. The pair of receiving portions are arranged on the side opposite to the elastic contact piece across the connection space, and have a pair of flat fixed connection surfaces inclined in a manner expanding toward the variable connection surface side. The distance between a pair of the fixed connection surfaces and the center of the connection space is constant, The opening angle of a pair of said fixed connection surfaces is constant in said connection direction, The main body is formed by bending a metal plate and has a square tube shape having a first wall, a second wall, a third wall opposite to the first wall, and a fourth wall opposite to the second wall, and has a support portion connected to the fourth wall and arranged along the inner side surface of the first wall. The elastic contact piece protrudes rearward from the support portion, The pair of receiving portions are obliquely formed at a first corner portion connecting the second wall and the third wall, and a second corner portion connecting the third wall and the fourth wall, respectively.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein The corner portion connecting two adjacent walls has outwardly angular portions on both sides of the receiving portion in the connection direction.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein The corner portion has a connection portion that is inclined from the angular portion disposed on the front side in the connection direction to the receiving portion.

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