Terminals and wires with terminals

Abstract

A terminal (12) connected to the front end of an electric wire (11), comprising a terminal body (15) and a sliding portion (16), wherein the terminal body (15) has a clamping portion for clamping the electric wire (11), the sliding portion (16) is in the shape of a tube externally embedded in the terminal body (15), the sliding portion (16) has a pressurizing portion protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the sliding portion (16), the sliding portion (16) is configured to be able to slide relative to the terminal body (15) between a non-contact position where the pressurizing portion does not contact the clamping portion, and a contact position where the pressurizing portion contacts the clamping portion in front of the non-contact position, the sliding portion (16) having a lower wall (31), a side edge extending upward from one side of the lower wall (31), and a sliding portion (31) extending upward from the side edge of the lower wall (31). A first side wall extending upward from the side edge of the other side of the lower wall (31) is formed, a first upper wall (30A) is formed at the upper end of the first side wall and extends toward the second side wall via a bent first bent portion (32), a second upper wall (30B) is formed at the upper end of the second side wall and at a position forward of the first upper wall (30A) and extends toward the first side wall via a bent second bent portion (33), a protrusion (46) protruding outward is formed on the first upper wall (30A), and a rear retaining portion (54) is provided at the rear end edge of the second upper wall (30B) or the rear end edge of the second bent portion (33) for receiving the force of the protrusion (46) pressing the first upper wall (30A) from the rear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal and an electric wire having the terminal. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there is a known electric wire with a terminal in which a terminal is connected to a core wire exposed from the end of the electric wire. As such a terminal, for example, there is a terminal having a crimping portion that is crimped to the core wire exposed from the end of the electric wire from the outside.

[0003] In order to crimp the above-mentioned terminal to the electric wire, for example, the following arrangement is used. First, a terminal of a predetermined shape is formed by stamping a metal plate. Next, the terminal is placed on the loading portion of the lower mold located on the lower side of a pair of molds that can move relative to each other in the up and down directions. Next, the core wire exposed from the end of the electric wire is placed on the crimping portion of the terminal in an overlapping manner. Thereafter, one or both of the pair of molds are moved in a direction approaching each other, and the crimping portion is clamped between the crimping portion of the upper mold and the loading portion of the lower mold, thereby crimping the crimping portion to the core wire of the electric wire. Through the above arrangement, the terminal is connected to the end of the electric wire (see patent document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-50736 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the case where a core wire is clamped for connection instead of the crimping portion, the terminal can be composed of two components: a terminal body and a sliding portion arranged behind the terminal body. In this case, when the sliding portion is pressed to slide, there is a concern that the sliding portion may be deformed due to the force applied to the sliding portion.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal having an improved strength of a sliding portion.

[0010] Solutions to Problems

[0011] The present invention discloses a terminal connected to the front end portion of an electric wire, comprising a terminal body and a sliding portion, wherein the terminal body has a clamping portion for clamping the electric wire, the sliding portion is in the shape of a tube externally embedded in the terminal body, the sliding portion has a pressurizing portion protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the sliding portion, and the sliding portion is configured to be able to slide between a non-contact position and a contact position relative to the terminal body, the non-contact position being a position where the pressurizing portion does not contact the clamping portion, and the contact position being a position forward of the non-contact position and where the pressurizing portion contacts the clamping portion, the sliding portion having a lower wall and extending from one side of the lower wall. A first side wall extending upward from the side edge of the lower wall, and a second side wall extending upward from the side edge of the other side of the lower wall, a first upper wall extending toward the second side wall via a bent first bent portion is formed at the upper end portion of the first side wall, a second upper wall extending toward the first side wall via a bent second bent portion is formed at the upper end portion of the second side wall and at a position forward of the first upper wall, a protrusion protruding outward is formed on the first upper wall, and a rear retaining portion that receives the force of the protrusion pressing the first upper wall from the rear is provided at the rear end edge of the second upper wall or the rear end edge of the second bent portion.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the strength of the sliding portion can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electric wire with a terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a side sectional view showing the electric wire with a terminal.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal body and the sliding portion.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a sliding portion.

[0018] Figure 5 Is included Figure 4 A sectional view taken along the VV line in the figure and perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0019] Figure 6 Is included Figure 4 A sectional view taken along the VI-VI line in the figure and perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0020] Figure 7 It is shown in the included Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in the figure and cut at a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the terminal body and the sliding portion are temporarily locked.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a side sectional view showing a state in which the core wire of the electric wire is inserted into the inside of the terminal body and the sliding part in a state in which the terminal body and the sliding part are temporarily locked.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a top view showing the electric wire with a terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

[0026] (1) The present invention is a terminal connected to the front end of an electric wire, comprising a terminal body and a sliding portion, wherein the terminal body has a clamping portion for clamping the electric wire, the sliding portion is in the shape of a tube externally embedded in the terminal body, the sliding portion has a pressurizing portion protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the sliding portion, and the sliding portion is configured to be able to slide between a non-contact position and a contact position relative to the terminal body, the non-contact position being a position where the pressurizing portion does not contact the clamping portion, and the contact position being a position forward of the non-contact position and where the pressurizing portion contacts the clamping portion, the sliding portion having a lower wall, a portion extending from the lower wall A first side wall extending upward from the side edge of the lower wall, and a second side wall extending upward from the side edge of the other side of the lower wall, a first upper wall extending toward the second side wall via a bent first bent portion is formed at the upper end portion of the first side wall, a second upper wall extending toward the first side wall via a bent second bent portion is formed at the upper end portion of the second side wall and at a position forward of the first upper wall, a protrusion protruding outward is formed on the first upper wall, and a rear retaining portion that receives the force of the protrusion pressing the first upper wall from the rear is provided at the rear end edge of the second upper wall or the rear end edge of the second bent portion.

[0027] When the protrusion is pressed forward by the clamp, the first upper wall provided with the protrusion is also pressed forward. Thus, the force applied to the first upper wall when the clamp presses the protrusion forward is received by the rear retaining portion of the second upper wall. This can improve the strength of the sliding portion.

[0028] (2) Preferably, the rear retaining portion includes a rear end edge of the second bent portion, and the end portion on the second side wall side of the front end edge of the first upper wall becomes a first contact portion, which contacts the rear end edge of the second bent portion when the protrusion of the first upper wall is pressed from the rear.

[0029] When the protrusion is pressed forward from the rear by the clamp, the rear end of the first bent portion functions as a fulcrum when viewed from above, causing the first upper wall to rotate. Consequently, the first contact portion formed on the front edge of the first upper wall on the second side wall side abuts the rear retaining portion of the second upper wall from behind. Because the second bent portion is bent, its strength is greater than that of the second side wall and the second upper wall. This improves the strength of the sliding portion.

[0030] (3) Preferably, a front retaining portion protruding upward is formed at the upper end edge of the first side wall and at a position forward of the first bending portion, and a second contact portion is provided on the second upper wall and behind the front retaining portion, so that the second contact portion abuts against the front retaining portion from behind to receive the force applied to the rear retaining portion of the second upper wall.

[0031] When a force is applied to the rear retaining portion from behind, the rear end of the second bent portion functions as a fulcrum when viewed from above, causing the second upper wall to rotate. Consequently, the second contact portion formed on the second sidewall of the second upper wall abuts the front retaining portion of the first upper wall from behind. As a result, the force applied to the second contact portion is borne by the front retaining portion, thereby increasing the strength of the sliding portion.

[0032] (4) Preferably, the protrusion is formed near the first bent portion.

[0033] When the protrusion is pressed from behind by a clamp, the rear end of the first bent portion functions as a fulcrum when viewed from above, causing the first upper wall to rotate. Because the protrusion is formed near the first bent portion, which functions as a fulcrum, the first upper wall is less likely to rotate when the protrusion is pressed from behind. This improves the strength of the sliding portion.

[0034] (5) Preferably, the protrusion is formed by bending the first upper wall.

[0035] Since the protrusion is formed by bending the first upper wall, it is difficult to form a portion where the thickness of the metal plate constituting the protrusion is thinner than other portions. This can improve the strength of the protrusion and thus the strength of the sliding portion.

[0036] (6) Preferably, the sliding portion has a third upper wall behind the first upper wall, and the pressurizing portion is provided on the third upper wall.

[0037] If the protrusion formed on the first upper wall is pressed from behind, the force applied to the protrusion is absorbed by the second upper wall, located further forward of the first upper wall. On the other hand, by locating the pressure portion that presses the clamping portion on the third upper wall, the force applied to the pressure portion from the clamping portion is absorbed by the third upper wall. This disperses the force applied to the sliding portion, compared to a situation where a single upper wall absorbs both the force applied to the protrusion and the force applied to the pressure portion. This improves the strength of the sliding portion.

[0038] (7) The present disclosure is a terminal-equipped electric wire comprising: the terminal described in any one of the above items; and an electric wire connected to the terminal.

[0039] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0041] <Implementation Method 1>

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 10 Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. The terminal-equipped electric wire 10 of this embodiment includes an electric wire 11 and a terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 11. The terminal 12 is connected to an object terminal (not shown). Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 12 is connected to the front end of the wire 11 in the extending direction (the direction indicated by the arrow line Y). In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow line Z is referred to as upward, the direction indicated by the arrow line Y is referred to as forward, and the direction indicated by the arrow line X is referred to as left. In addition, with respect to a plurality of identical components, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the components, and reference numerals for the other components may be omitted.

[0043] [Wire 11]

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric wire 11 is arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction. In the electric wire 11, the outer periphery of the core wire 13 is surrounded by an insulating coating 14 made of an insulating synthetic resin. The core wire 13 of this embodiment is composed of a single metal wire. Alternatively, the core wire 13 may be a stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of metal thin wires. The metal constituting the core wire 13 can be appropriately selected from any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy as needed. The core wire 13 of this embodiment is composed of copper or a copper alloy.

[0045] [Terminal 12]

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 12 includes a metal terminal body 15 and a sliding portion 16 that is slidable relative to the terminal body 15 .

[0047] [Terminal body 15]

[0048] The terminal body 15 is formed into a predetermined shape by a known method such as stamping, cutting, and casting. The metal constituting the terminal body 15 can be appropriately selected from any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. as needed. The terminal body 15 of this embodiment is composed of copper or copper alloy. A plating layer can also be formed on the surface of the terminal body 15. The metal constituting the plating layer can be appropriately selected from any metal such as tin, nickel, silver, etc. as needed. The terminal body 15 of this embodiment is tin-plated.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal body 15 has: a barrel 17, which can be inserted into a plate-shaped counterpart terminal; and a wire connecting portion 20, which is located behind the barrel 17 and connected to the wire 11. Figure 2 As shown, the wire connecting portion 20 includes an upper clamping portion 18A and a lower clamping portion 18B that extend rearward. The terminal 12 of this embodiment is referred to as a so-called female terminal, and the counterpart terminal is referred to as a so-called male terminal.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the barrel 17 is in the shape of a square barrel extending in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the barrel 17 is open in a manner that allows the object terminal to be inserted. An elastic contact piece (not shown) that can be elastically deformed is arranged inside the barrel 17. The elastic contact piece protrudes inward from the inner wall of the barrel 17 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The object terminal inserted into the barrel 17 presses the elastic contact piece to elastically deform it. The object terminal is clamped between the inner wall of the barrel 17 and the elastic contact piece by utilizing the rebound force of the elastically deformed elastic contact piece. As a result, the object terminal is electrically connected to the terminal 12.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a square cylindrical wire connection portion 20 is provided behind the barrel portion 17. An upper clamping portion 18A (an example of a clamping portion) is provided at the rear end of the upper wall of the wire connection portion 20, extending rearward. A lower clamping portion 18B (an example of a clamping portion) is provided at the rear end of the lower wall of the wire connection portion 20, extending rearward. The upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B are elongated and extend forward and backward. The lengths of the upper and lower clamping portions 18A and 18B in the front-to-back direction are approximately the same.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, an upper retaining protrusion 23A protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the upper clamping portion 18A, further forward than the rear end. A lower retaining protrusion 23B protruding upward is provided on the rear end of the upper surface of the lower clamping portion 18B. The lower retaining protrusion 23B and the upper retaining protrusion 23A are provided at positions offset in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] The lower surface of upper clamping portion 18A and the upper surface of lower clamping portion 18B bite into the oxide film formed on the surface of core wire 13, peeling off the oxide film, thereby exposing the metal surface of core wire 13. This metal surface contacts upper clamping portion 18A and lower clamping portion 18B, thereby electrically connecting core wire 13 to terminal body 15.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, a locking protrusion 28 protruding outward is formed on the side wall of the terminal body 15. The locking protrusion 28 is locked with the temporary locking receiving portion 26 and the formal locking receiving portion 27 described below, thereby maintaining the sliding portion 16 in the temporary locking position (an example of a non-contact position) and the formal locking position (an example of a contact position).

[0055] [Sliding portion 16]

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the sliding portion 16 is in the shape of a square cylinder extending in the front-to-back direction. The sliding portion 16 is formed by stamping a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The metal constituting the sliding portion 16 can be appropriately selected from any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. as needed. The sliding portion 16 of this embodiment is not particularly limited and is composed of stainless steel. A plating layer can also be formed on the surface of the sliding portion 16. The metal constituting the plating layer can be appropriately selected from any metal such as tin, nickel, silver, etc. as needed.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the cross-section of the inner shape of the sliding portion 16 is formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the cross-section of the outer shape of the area where the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B are provided in the terminal body 15. As a result, the sliding portion 16 is arranged outside the area where the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B are provided in the terminal body 15.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the sliding portion 16 includes: a lower wall 31; a right side wall 39 (an example of a first side wall), which extends upward from the right side edge of the lower wall 31; a left side wall 34 (an example of a second side wall), which extends upward from the left side edge of the lower wall 31; and an upper wall 30, which covers the space formed by the lower wall 31, the right side wall 39 and the left side wall 34 from above.

[0059] like Figure 4As shown, the upper wall 30 of the sliding portion 16 is divided into three sections in the front-to-back direction. The upper wall 30 located near the center in the front-to-back direction is a first upper wall 30A. A second upper wall 30B is provided in front of the first upper wall 30A. A third upper wall 30C is provided behind the first upper wall 30A.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the first upper wall 30A is formed to extend leftward from near the center in the front-to-back direction of the upper end portion of the right side wall 39. The right side wall 39 and the first upper wall 30A are connected via a first bent portion 32. The first bent portion 32 connects the right side wall 39 and the first upper wall 30A in a state where the right side wall 39 and the first upper wall 30A are bent at a substantially right angle.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, a first overlapping portion 52 is formed below the first upper wall 30A and extends rightward from near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper end of the left side wall 34. When viewed from above, the first upper wall 30A and the first overlapping portion 52 are formed into rectangular shapes of substantially the same size.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the left side wall 34 is connected to the second upper wall 30B via the second bent portion 33. The second bent portion 33 connects the left side wall 34 and the second upper wall 30B, with the left side wall 34 and the second upper wall 30B bent at a substantially right angle. A recess 56 is formed on the right edge of the second upper wall 30B, extending rearward from the front end. A front retaining portion 55, located at the upper end of the right side wall 39, is disposed within this recess 56. The front retaining portion 55 is formed so that the area of the upper end of the right side wall 39 corresponding to the recess 56 protrudes upward.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, a second overlapping portion 53 is provided below the second upper wall 30B. This second overlapping portion 53 is formed so as to extend leftward from the portion of the upper end portion of the right side wall 39, located behind the front retaining portion 55. The left end of the second overlapping portion 53 is an extension extending forward. The front edge of the extension is flush with the front edge of the sliding portion 16.

[0064] The third upper wall 30C is formed so that a portion of the upper end portion of the right side wall 39 that is located rearward of the first bent portion 32 extends leftward.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, a lower pressing portion 25B (an example of a pressing portion) that projects upward is provided on the upper surface of the lower wall 31 of the sliding portion 16. An upper pressing portion 25A (an example of a pressing portion) that projects downward is provided below the third upper wall 30C of the sliding portion 16, approximately halfway along the area from the rear end toward the front of the sliding portion 16.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, a temporary latching receiving portion 26 is formed on the left side wall 34 and the right side wall 39 of the sliding portion 16, near the front end in the front-back direction. Furthermore, a formal latching receiving portion 27 is formed on the left side wall 34 and the right side wall 39 of the sliding portion 16, further rearward of the temporary latching receiving portion 26. The temporary latching receiving portion 26 and the formal latching receiving portion 27 are elastically latchable with latching protrusions 28 provided on the left and right side walls of the terminal body 15.

[0067] The state in which the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 is locked with the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the sliding portion 16 is a state in which the sliding portion 16 is held at the temporary locking position relative to the terminal body 15 (see Figure 8 ). In this state, the upper side pressurizing portion 25A and the lower side pressurizing portion 25B of the sliding portion 16 are located further back than the rear end edges of the upper side clamping portion 18A and the lower side clamping portion 18B of the terminal body 15. As a result, the upper side pressurizing portion 25A and the lower side pressurizing portion 25B are not in contact with the upper side clamping portion 18A and the lower side clamping portion 18B, respectively. Separated to the rear. In addition, in this state, the interval between the upper side clamping portion 18A and the lower side clamping portion 18B is set to be larger than the diameter of the core wire 13 (refer to Figure 9 ).

[0068] The state where the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 is locked with the formal locking receiving portion 27 of the sliding portion 16 becomes a state where the sliding portion 16 is locked at the formal locking position relative to the terminal body 15. Figure 2 As shown, in this state, the upper pressing portion 25A of the sliding portion 16 contacts the upper clamping portion 18A from above. In addition, the lower pressing portion 25B of the sliding portion 16 contacts the lower clamping portion 18B from below.

[0069] As described above, the slider 16 is fitted onto the region of the terminal body 15 where the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B are provided, and is slidable in the front-rear direction between the temporary locking position and the final locking position.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown, while the sliding portion 16 is held in the officially locked position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper pressure portion 25A presses the upper clamping portion 18A from above, causing the upper clamping portion 18A to deform downward. Furthermore, the lower pressure portion 25B presses the lower clamping portion 18B from below, causing the lower clamping portion 18B to deform upward. Thus, while the core wire 13 is arranged in the space between the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B in a state extending in the front-to-back direction and while the sliding portion 16 is held in the officially locked position relative to the terminal body 15, the core wire 13 is clamped from above and below by the elastically deformed upper clamping portion 18A and lower clamping portion 18B. Specifically, the upper clamping portion 18A contacts the core wire 13 from above by being pressed downward by the upper pressure portion 25A, and the lower clamping portion 18B contacts the core wire 13 from below by being pressed upward by the lower pressure portion 25B.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when the sliding portion 16 is held in the officially locked position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper retaining protrusion 23A of the upper clamping portion 18A presses the core wire 13 from above, and the lower retaining protrusion 23B of the lower clamping portion 18B presses the core wire 13 from below. In this way, the core wire 13 is pressed from above by the upper retaining protrusion 23A and from below by the lower retaining protrusion 23B, which is arranged at a position offset from the upper retaining protrusion 23A in the front-to-back direction, thereby maintaining a state of being bent in the vertical direction. In addition, the core wire 13 is also electrically connected to the terminal 12 through the upper retaining protrusion 23A and the lower retaining protrusion 23B.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, a pair of lead-in portions 47 are provided near the rear end of the slide 16 and on the left and right walls 34 and 39. The lead-in portions 47 are formed so that their width narrows as they move from the rear toward the front. The core wire 13 is guided into the interior of the slide 16 by sliding contact with the inner surfaces of the lead-in portions 47.

[0073] The first upper wall 30A is formed so that a portion near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper edge of the right side wall 39 of the sliding portion 16 is bent leftward. The first upper wall 30A has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0074] like Figure 4As shown, a protrusion 46 protruding upward is provided in an area on the right side of the first upper wall 30A. In other words, the protrusion 46 is formed near the first bent portion 32 in the first upper wall 30A. The protrusion 46 of this embodiment is formed in connection with the first bent portion 32. The protrusion 46 is formed by bending the first upper wall 30A. The protrusion 46 is formed to extend from the front end portion of the first upper wall 30A to the rear end portion in the front-to-back direction. When viewed from the rear, the protrusion 46 is formed in the shape of a square groove opening downward. The wall thickness of the protrusion 46 is formed uniformly. Uniform formation includes the case where the wall thickness of the protrusion 46 is uniform, and also includes the case where it is considered to be substantially uniform even when it is uneven. In other words, no part with extremely thin wall thickness is formed in the protrusion 46. By pressing the protrusion 46 forward, the sliding portion 16 can move forward.

[0075] The structure of the pressing protrusion 46 is not particularly limited, and for example, a known jig 45 can be used. Furthermore, the structure is not limited to the jig 45, and for example, the protrusion 46 may be pressed using a manufacturing facility of an actuator equipped with the pressing protrusion 46.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the portion of the front edge of the first upper wall 30A near the left end serves as a first contact portion 50. This first contact portion 50 contacts the rear edge of the second bent portion 33 when the protrusion 46 is pressed from behind by the clamp 45. Meanwhile, the rear edge of the second bent portion 33 serves as a rear retaining portion 54. When the protrusion 46 is pressed from behind by the clamp 45, the first contact portion 50 contacts the rear retaining portion 54 from behind, thereby absorbing the force exerted on the protrusion 46 of the first upper wall 30A from behind.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear end portion of the recess 56 formed in the second upper wall 30B serves as the second contact portion 51. When the first contact portion 50 contacts the rear retaining portion 54 of the second upper wall 30B from the rear, the second contact portion 51 contacts the front retaining portion 55 from the rear. The second contact portion 51 is located behind the front retaining portion 55.

[0078] [Step of connecting the electric wire 11 and the terminal 12]

[0079] Next, an example of a process of connecting the electric wire 11 and the terminal 12 will be described. The process of connecting the electric wire 11 and the terminal 12 is not limited to the following description.

[0080] The terminal body 15 and the sliding portion 16 are formed by a known method. The sliding portion 16 is assembled from the rear relative to the terminal body 15. The front edge of the sliding portion 16 abuts against the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 from the rear, and the side wall of the sliding portion 16 expands and deforms. If the sliding portion 16 is pressed further forward, the side wall of the sliding portion 16 recovers and deforms, and the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the sliding portion 16 is locked to the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15. As a result, the sliding portion 16 is maintained in a temporary locking position relative to the terminal body 15 (refer to Figure 8 ). Thus, terminal 12 is obtained.

[0081] By stripping the insulating coating 14 using a known method, the core wire 13 of the electric wire 11 is exposed.

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, when the electric wire 11 is pushed forward from the rear end of the slider 16, the leading end of the core wire 13 is introduced into the interior of the slider 16. The core wire 13 abuts against the lead-in portion 47 of the slider 16 and is guided toward the slider 16. When the electric wire 11 is further pushed forward, the leading end of the core wire 13 enters the interior of the terminal body 15 and reaches the space between the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B.

[0083] When the slide portion 16 is held at the temporary locking position relative to the terminal body 15 , the distance between the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the core wire 13 .

[0084] Then, if Figure 10 As shown, the clamp 45 is brought into contact with the protrusion 46 from the rear, causing the slide 16 to slide forward. This causes the slide 16 to move forward relative to the terminal body 15. At this point, the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 and the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the slide 16 are released, and the side wall of the slide 16 extends over the locking protrusion 28, deforming and expanding.

[0085] When the slider 16 is moved forward, the side wall of the slider 16 recovers and deforms, and the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 elastically locks with the permanent locking receiving portion 27 of the slider 16. Thus, the slider 16 is held in the permanent locking position relative to the terminal body 15.

[0086] like Figure 9As shown, in order from the front, the second overlapping portion 53 is disposed below the second upper wall 30B, and the first overlapping portion 52 is disposed below the first upper wall 30A. The lower surfaces of the second overlapping portion 53, the first overlapping portion 52, and the lower surface of the front end portion of the third upper wall 30C are substantially flush with each other. As a result, the upper clamping portion 18A is guided within the sliding portion 16 by the lower surfaces of the second overlapping portion 53 and the first overlapping portion 52, allowing it to smoothly move toward the lower surface of the front end portion of the third upper wall 30C.

[0087] While the slider 16 is held in its officially locked position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper pressing portion 25A of the slider 16 abuts against the upper clamping portion 18A of the terminal body 15 from above, pressing it downward. Furthermore, the lower pressing portion 25B of the slider 16 abuts against the lower clamping portion 18B of the terminal body 15 from below, pressing it upward. As a result, the core wire 13 is clamped from above and below by the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, by clamping the core wire 13 between the lower surface of the upper clamping portion 18A and the upper surface of the lower clamping portion 18B, the oxide film formed on the surface of the core wire 13 is peeled off, exposing the metal surface constituting the core wire 13. When this metal surface comes into contact with the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B, the electric wire 11 and the terminal 12 are electrically connected.

[0089] While core wire 13 is clamped from above and below by upper clamping portion 18A and lower clamping portion 18B, it is held by upper retaining protrusion 23A of upper clamping portion 18A and lower retaining protrusion 23B of lower clamping portion 18B, thereby maintaining core wire 13 in a state extending in the front-to-back direction and bent in the vertical direction. This securely holds core wire 13, thereby improving the holding force between wire 11 and terminal 12 when tensile force is applied to wire 11. Thus, terminal-attached wire 10 is completed.

[0090] [Effects of this embodiment]

[0091] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The terminal 12 of this embodiment is a terminal 12 connected to the front end of the electric wire 11, and includes a terminal body 15 and a sliding portion 16. The terminal body 15 includes an upper clamping portion 18A and a lower clamping portion 18B for clamping the electric wire 11. The sliding portion 16 is cylindrical and externally embedded in the terminal body 15. The sliding portion 16 includes an upper pressure portion 25A and a lower pressure portion 25B protruding inward from the inner surface of the sliding portion 16. The sliding portion 16 is configured to be able to slide relative to the terminal body 15 between a temporary locking position and a formal locking position. The temporary locking position is the upper pressure portion 25A and the lower pressure portion 25B. The lower pressure portion 25B is not in contact with the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B. The formal locking position is a position that is forward of the temporary locking position and the upper pressure portion 25A and the lower pressure portion 25B are in contact with the upper clamping portion 18A and the lower clamping portion 18B. The sliding portion 16 has a lower wall 31, a right side wall 39 extending upward from the right side edge of the lower wall 31, and a left side wall 34 extending upward from the left side edge of the lower wall 31. A first upper wall 30A is formed at the upper end portion of the right side wall 39, extending toward the left side wall 34 via a bent first bent portion 32. At the upper end of the left side wall 34 and at a position forward of the first upper wall 30A, a second upper wall 30B is formed that extends toward the right side wall 39 via the bent second bent portion 33, and a protrusion 46 protruding outward is formed on the first upper wall 30A. At the rear end edge of the second upper wall 30B or the rear end edge of the second bent portion 33, a rear retaining portion 54 is provided that receives the force of the protrusion 46 pressing the first upper wall 30A from the rear.

[0092] Furthermore, the terminal-equipped electric wire 10 of the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned terminal 12 and the electric wire 11 connected to the terminal 12 .

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, when the protrusion 46 is pressed forward by the clamp 45, the first upper wall 30A provided with the protrusion 46 is also pressed forward. Consequently, the entire first upper wall 30A is pushed forward, and the front edge of the first upper wall 30A contacts the rear retaining portion 54 from behind. Thus, the force applied to the first upper wall 30A when the clamp 45 presses the protrusion 46 forward is received by the rear retaining portion 54 of the second upper wall 30B. This improves the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the rear retaining portion 54 includes the rear end edge of the second bent portion 33, and the end portion on the left side of the left wall 34 in the front end edge of the first upper wall 30A becomes the first contact portion 50, which contacts the rear end edge of the second bent portion 33 when the protrusion 46 of the first upper wall 30A is pressed from the rear.

[0095] The first upper wall 30A is connected to the right side wall 39 via the first bent portion 32 extending in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the first upper wall 30A cannot move straight forward even when pressed from the rear by the clamp 45. Specifically, the rear end of the first bent portion 32 functions as a fulcrum, rotating in the direction generally indicated by the arrow line A when viewed from above. As described above, since the first bent portion 32 extends in the front-to-back direction, the first upper wall 30A does not perform a complete circular motion. In addition, the rear end of the first bent portion 32 is not a strict center of rotation.

[0096] When the pressing portion presses the first upper wall 30A from behind, the first contact portion 50 formed on the left side wall 34 side of the front edge of the first upper wall 30A abuts the rear retaining portion 54 of the second upper wall 30B from behind. Because the second bent portion 33 is bent, it is stronger than the left side wall 34 and the second upper wall 30B. This improves the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0097] According to this embodiment, a front retaining portion 55 protruding upward is formed at the upper end edge of the right side wall 39 and at a position forward of the first bending portion 32, and a second contact portion 51 is provided on the second upper wall 30B and behind the front retaining portion 55. The second contact portion 51 abuts against the front retaining portion 55 from behind to receive the force applied to the rear retaining portion 54 of the second upper wall 30B.

[0098] If the rear retaining portion 54 of the second upper wall 30B is pressed from the rear by the first contact portion 50 of the first upper wall 30A, the second upper wall 30B moves forward as a whole. To explain in detail, the second upper wall 30B is connected to the left side wall 34 by the second bent portion 33 extending in the front-to-back direction, so the second upper wall 30B cannot move straight forward. Specifically, the rear end portion of the second bent portion 33 functions as a fulcrum and moves in a manner that rotates roughly in the direction indicated by the arrow line B when viewed from above. As described above, since the second bent portion 33 extends in the front-to-back direction, the second upper wall 30B does not perform a complete circular motion. In addition, the rear end portion of the second bent portion 33 is not a strict center of rotation.

[0099] When the rear retaining portion 54 is pressed from behind by the first contact portion 50, the second contact portion 51 formed on the left side wall 34 of the second upper wall 30B abuts from behind against the front retaining portion 55 of the first upper wall 30A. As a result, the force applied to the second contact portion 51 is absorbed by the front retaining portion 55, thereby increasing the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, the protrusion 46 is formed near the first bent portion 32 .

[0101] When the protrusion 46 is pressed forward from the rear by the clamp 45, the rear end of the first bent portion 32 functions as a fulcrum when viewed from above, causing the first upper wall 30A to move in a substantially rotational manner. Since the protrusion 46 is formed near the first bent portion 32, which functions as a fulcrum, the first upper wall 30A is less likely to rotate when the protrusion 46 is pressed from the rear. This improves the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0102] According to the present embodiment, the protrusion 46 is formed by bending the first upper wall 30A.

[0103] Since the protrusion 46 is formed by bending the first upper wall 30A, it is difficult to form a portion where the thickness of the metal plate constituting the protrusion 46 is thinner than other portions. This improves the strength of the protrusion 46 and thus the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, the sliding portion 16 includes the third upper wall 30C behind the first upper wall 30A, and the upper pressing portion 25A is provided on the third upper wall 30C.

[0105] When the protrusion 46 formed on the first upper wall 30A is pressed from behind, the force applied to the protrusion 46 is received by the second upper wall 30B, located forward of the first upper wall 30A. Meanwhile, by positioning the upper pressure portion 25A, which presses the upper clamping portion 18A, on the third upper wall 30C, the force applied to the upper pressure portion 25A from the upper clamping portion 18A is received by the third upper wall 30C. This disperses the force applied to the sliding portion 16, compared to a case where a single upper wall receives both the force applied to the protrusion 46 and the force applied to the upper pressure portion 25A. This improves the strength of the sliding portion 16.

[0106] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0107] (1) In the first embodiment, the protrusion 46 is provided near the right end of the first upper wall 30A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the protrusion 46 may be provided near the center of the first upper wall 30A in the left-right direction.

[0108] (2) The protrusion 46 may be formed by punching the first upper wall 30A upward.

[0109] (3) The rear holding portion 54 may be formed on the rear edge of the second upper wall 30B instead of the second bent portion 33. Alternatively, the rear holding portion 54 may be formed on both the rear edge of the second upper wall 30B and the rear edge of the second bent portion 33.

[0110] (4) The front holding portion 55 may be omitted.

[0111] (5) The locking protrusion 28, the temporary locking receiving portion 26, and the permanent locking receiving portion 27 may be omitted.

[0112] (6) The terminal 12 in the first embodiment is a female terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be a so-called male terminal.

[0113] Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 10: Wires with terminals

[0115] 11: Wires

[0116] 12: Terminal

[0117] 13: Core wire

[0118] 14: Insulation coating

[0119] 15: Terminal body

[0120] 16: Sliding part

[0121] 17: Barrel

[0122] 18A: Upper clamping part

[0123] 18B: Lower clamping part

[0124] 20: Wire connection

[0125] 23A: Upper retaining protrusion

[0126] 23B: Lower retaining protrusion

[0127] 25A: Upper pressure part

[0128] 25B: Lower pressure part

[0129] 26: Temporary card acceptance department

[0130] 27: Formal stop of the acceptance department

[0131] 28: Locking protrusion

[0132] 30: Up the wall

[0133] 30A: First wall

[0134] 30B: Second wall

[0135] 30C: Third Up Wall

[0136] 31: Lower wall

[0137] 32: First bending part

[0138] 33: Second bending part

[0139] 34: Left side wall (an example of the second side wall)

[0140] 39: Right side wall (an example of the first side wall)

[0141] 45: Fixture

[0142] 46: Protrusion

[0143] 47: Introduction

[0144] 50: First contact part

[0145] 51: Second contact portion

[0146] 52: First overlapping part

[0147] 53: Second overlapping part

[0148] 54: Rear holding part

[0149] 55: Front retaining part

[0150] 56: Concave

Claims

1. A terminal connected to the front end of an electric wire, wherein: The terminal includes a terminal body and a sliding portion, The terminal body has a clamping portion for clamping the electric wire. The sliding portion is in the shape of a tube embedded in the terminal body. The sliding portion includes a pressurizing portion protruding inward from an inner surface of the sliding portion. The sliding portion is configured to be able to slide relative to the terminal body between a non-contact position and a contact position, wherein the non-contact position is a position where the pressurizing portion does not contact the clamping portion, and the contact position is a position forward of the non-contact position where the pressurizing portion contacts the clamping portion. The sliding portion includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending upward from one side edge of the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending upward from the other side edge of the bottom wall. A first upper wall is formed at the upper end of the first side wall and extends toward the second side wall via a first bent portion. A second upper wall is formed at the upper end of the second side wall and further forward than the first upper wall and extends toward the first side wall via a second bent portion. A protrusion protruding outward is formed on the first upper wall. A rear retaining portion that receives a force pressing the protruding portion of the first upper wall from behind is provided at a rear end edge of the second upper wall or a rear end edge of the second bent portion.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein The rear holding portion includes a rear end edge of the second bent portion, An end portion of the front end edge of the first upper wall on the second side wall side serves as a first contact portion that contacts a rear end edge of the second bent portion when the protruding portion of the first upper wall is pressed from behind.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A front retaining portion protruding upward is formed at an upper end edge of the first side wall and in front of the first bent portion. A second contact portion is provided on the second upper wall and behind the front retaining portion. The second contact portion contacts the front holding portion from behind to receive the force applied to the rear holding portion of the second upper wall.

4. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The protrusion is formed near the first bent portion.

5. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The protrusion is formed by bending the first upper wall.

6. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The sliding portion has a third upper wall behind the first upper wall, and the pressing portion is provided on the third upper wall.

7. An electric wire with a terminal, comprising: The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and The wires are connected to the terminals.

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