Assembly member of a connector device and a connector device

Abstract

An assembly member of a connector device has a substrate having a through-hole and a bar-shaped press-fit terminal which is press-fitted into the through-hole. The press-fit terminal has a front end portion, a press-fit portion, and a base end portion. The press-fit portion has a tapered portion which connects a parallel portion having two contact pieces juxtaposed across a hole eye and the front end portion. In a longitudinal cross section of the press-fit terminal, the hole eye has a curve constituting a front end side. A line constituting the tapered portion has a contact point and a reference point. The contact point is a point which first contacts an opening edge of the through-hole when the press-fit terminal is inserted into the through-hole. The reference point is an intersection of the line constituting the tapered portion and a specific perpendicular line. The specific perpendicular line is a perpendicular line of the line constituting the tapered portion which passes through an end point of the curve. The contact point is located at a position on the front end portion side than the reference point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an assembly component for a connector device and a connector device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-064595, filed on March 31, 2020, and invokes all the contents of the aforementioned Japanese application. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a press-fit terminal. The press-fit terminal has, from the front end side, a front end portion consisting of a guide portion and a press-fit portion consisting of a substrate connecting portion that is pressed into a through-hole of a substrate. The substrate connecting portion has a contact piece consisting of a pair of protruding tabs and an eyelet formed by a gap between the pair of protruding tabs.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-156804 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The connector assembly component disclosed herein includes: a substrate having a through hole and a rod-shaped crimp terminal pressed into the through hole. The crimp terminal has a front end, a crimping portion, and a base end sequentially from the front end side. The crimping portion has: an eyelet penetrating the crimp terminal; a parallel portion having two contact pieces arranged side by side with the eyelet spaced apart; and a tapered portion connecting the parallel portion to the front end. In a longitudinal section obtained by cutting the crimp terminal at its widest position, the eyelet has a curve forming the front end side of the eyelet. The line forming the tapered portion has a contact point and a reference point. The contact point is the point that first contacts the opening edge of the through hole when the crimp terminal is inserted into the through hole. The reference point is the intersection of the line forming the tapered portion and a specific perpendicular line. The specific perpendicular line is the perpendicular line of the line forming the tapered portion that passes through the endpoint of the curve. The contact point is located closer to the front end side than the reference point.

[0007] The connector device disclosed herein includes a substrate having a through hole and a rod-shaped press-fit terminal pressed into the through hole. The substrate is a substrate included in the assembly component of the connector device disclosed herein, and the press-fit terminal is a press-fit terminal included in the assembly component of the connector device disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the assembly components of the connector device according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the crimping terminals of the assembly components of the connector device according to Embodiment 1 viewed from the front end of the crimping terminals.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the connector device of Embodiment 2.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the assembly components of a conventional connector device. Detailed Implementation

[0012] [The problem this disclosure aims to solve]

[0013] It is desirable that press-fit terminals are less prone to damage such as cracks caused by pressing into the through-holes of the substrate.

[0014] One of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide an assembly component for a connector device that is less prone to damage to the press-fit terminals caused by pressing into the through-holes of the substrate.

[0015] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connector device in which an assembly component of the above-described connector device is assembled.

[0016] [The Effects of This Disclosure]

[0017] The assembly components of the connector device disclosed herein are less prone to damage to the press-fit terminals caused by pressing into the through holes of the substrate.

[0018] The connector device disclosed herein can be used for a long period of time.

[0019] Description of Implementation Methods of this Disclosure

[0020] The inventors have diligently studied the causes of damage such as cracks in press-fit terminals that occur during the pressing into through-holes in a substrate. As a result, it was discovered that, as shown in the experimental examples described later, one cause is that the contact point is located on the base end side compared to the reference point. The contact point is the location that first contacts the opening edge of the through-hole when the press-fit terminal is inserted into it. The reference point is the intersection of the line forming the tapered portion in the longitudinal section of the press-fit terminal (described later) and a specific perpendicular line. The tapered portion is the front end portion of the press-fit portion, connecting the parallel portion to the front end. The specific perpendicular line is the perpendicular line of the line forming the tapered portion that passes through the endpoint of the curve forming the front end side of the orifice. This reference point is the location where the maximum principal strain is greatest due to the stress acting in conjunction with the pressing of the press-fit portion into the through-hole.

[0021] The following reasons can be considered as evidence. For press-fit terminals where the reference point is located further forward than the contact point, tensile stress is applied to the reference point from the initial pressing stage until the pressing is complete. When this tensile stress lasts for a long period, cracks are more likely to occur. Therefore, press-fit terminals where the reference point is located further forward than the contact point are more prone to damage associated with pressing into the through-holes of the substrate.

[0022] The inventors manufactured and designed a press-fit terminal with the contact point located on the front side of the reference point. As shown in the test example described later, after pressing it into the through hole, it was found that the press-fit terminal was not prone to cracks or other damage.

[0023] The reasons for this are as follows: When a press-fit terminal with its contact point located further forward than the reference point is initially pressed into the through-hole, unlike a press-fit terminal with its reference point located further forward than the contact point, it experiences compressive stress on the reference point rather than tensile stress during the initial pressing process. The compressive stress acting on the reference point decreases as the insertion length of the press-fit portion into the through-hole increases. When the insertion length exceeds a certain length, the compressive stress acting on the reference point transforms into tensile stress. That is, when the insertion length exceeds a certain length, tensile stress acts on the reference point. The tensile stress acting on the reference point increases as the insertion length increases. Thus, compared to a press-fit terminal with its contact point located further forward than the reference point, the period of tensile stress is shorter. Therefore, cracks are less likely to occur. Therefore, damage accompanying pressing into the through-hole is less likely to occur.

[0024] This invention is based on these insights. First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0025] (1) An assembly component of a connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a substrate having a through hole and a rod-shaped press-fit terminal pressed into the through hole, the press-fit terminal having a front end, a press-fit portion and a base end in sequence from the front end side, the press-fit portion having: an eyelet penetrating the press-fit terminal; a parallel portion having two contact pieces arranged side by side with the eyelet apart; and a tapered portion connecting the parallel portion to the front end. In a longitudinal section obtained by cutting the press-fit terminal at its widest position, the eyelet has a curve constituting the front end side of the eyelet, the line constituting the tapered portion has a contact point and a reference point, the contact point being the point that first contacts the opening edge of the through hole when the press-fit terminal is inserted into the through hole, the reference point being the intersection of the line constituting the tapered portion and a specific vertical line, the specific vertical line being a vertical line of the line constituting the tapered portion that passes through the endpoint of the curve, and the contact point being located at a position closer to the front end side than the reference point.

[0026] The above structure is less prone to damage to the press-fit terminals caused by the pressing of the press-fit portion into the through-hole of the substrate. This is because, as described above, the contact point of the press-fit terminal is located at a position closer to the front end than the reference point, thus the period during which tensile stress acts on the reference point is tended to be shorter. Therefore, the above structure does not cause damage to the press-fit terminals caused by the pressing of the press-fit portion into the through-hole of the substrate, and a connector device for connecting the substrate and the press-fit terminals can be constructed.

[0027] (2) As one way of assembling the connector device described above, the width of the hole is 0.1 times or more relative to the outer width of the parallel part.

[0028] The width of the orifice is more than 0.1 times the outer width of the parallel section, resulting in a relatively large orifice width. That is, the width of each of the two contact pieces in the parallel section is relatively small. Therefore, the above structure facilitates the deformation of each contact piece by pressing the press-fit part into the through hole. Thus, the above structure facilitates the pressing of the press-fit part into the through hole.

[0029] (3) As one way of assembling the connector device described above, the thickness of the press-fit terminal may be 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less.

[0030] Because the thickness of the crimped terminals in the above structure is less than 0.8mm, the crimped terminals are thin, allowing for miniaturization even in multi-pole connectors. This miniaturization also ensures a clean conductive path within the connector while saving space. Furthermore, the crimped terminals are at least 0.2mm thick, ensuring they are not excessively thin and thus providing high strength.

[0031] (4) As one of the assembly components of the connector device described above, the number of the press-fit terminals may be 8 or more.

[0032] Even with eight or more crimp terminals, the crimp terminals remain relatively small, enabling miniaturization of the connector. This miniaturization ensures a secure conductive path within the connector while saving space.

[0033] (5) As one way of assembling the connector device described above, the press-fit terminal and the substrate may be used to form a control module.

[0034] The above structure is less prone to damage to the press-fit terminals caused by pressing into the through holes of the substrate, and is therefore suitable for constructing a control module.

[0035] (6) The connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate having a through hole and a rod-shaped press-fit terminal pressed into the through hole, wherein the substrate is the substrate of the assembly component of the connector device described in any one of (1) to (5) above, and the press-fit terminal is the press-fit terminal of the assembly component of the connector device described in any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0036] The above structure can be used for a long time. The reasons for this are as follows: The above structure presses the crimped terminals into the through-holes, making them less prone to damage associated with pressing into the through-holes of the substrate. That is, no damage occurs at the crimped terminals pressed into the through-holes. Therefore, there is substantially no situation where damage to the crimped terminals increases during the use of the connector device.

[0037] Detailed Description of the Embodiments of this Disclosure

[0038] The following describes in detail the embodiments of this disclosure. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same names.

[0039] Implementation Method 1

[0040] [Assembly components of connector device]

[0041] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The assembly component 1 of the connector device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The assembly component 1 of this connector device includes a substrate 2 and a crimp terminal 3. The substrate 2 has a through hole 25. The crimp terminal 3 is a rod-shaped component that is pressed into the through hole 25. The crimp terminal 3 has, from its front end side, a front end portion 31, a crimping portion 32, and a base end portion 36 in sequence. The crimping portion 32 has an eyelet 33, a parallel portion 34, and a tapered portion 35. The eyelet 33 extends through the crimp terminal 3. The parallel portion 34 has two contact pieces 341 arranged side-by-side across the eyelet 33. When the contact pieces 341 are inserted into the through hole 25, they contact the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 25. The tapered portion 35 connects the parallel portion 34 to the front end portion 31. One characteristic of the assembly component 1 of this connector device is that, in the longitudinal section of the crimp terminal 3, the line constituting the tapered portion 35 has contact points 351 and reference points 352 that satisfy a specific positional relationship. The following is a detailed explanation of each structure.

[0042] In the following description, the front end of the crimp terminal 3 is located on the substrate 2 side when assembling the assembly component 1 of the connector assembly. The front end of the crimp terminal 3 is Figure 1 The lower side of the paper surface. The axial direction of the eyelet 33 is the thickness direction of the press-fit terminal 3. The axial direction of the eyelet 33 and the thickness direction of the press-fit terminal 3 are in... Figure 1 The center is the direction perpendicular to the paper. Figure 2The direction of the paper is vertical. The parallel orientation of the two contact pieces 341 in the crimp terminal 3 is the width direction of the crimp terminal 3. The parallel orientation of the two contact pieces 341 and the width direction of the crimp terminal 3 are... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The longitudinal section of the crimp terminal 3 refers to the section obtained by cutting at the widest point of the crimp terminal 3. The widest point of the tapered portion 35 contacts the opening edge of the through hole 25. Therefore, the crimp terminal 3 is cut at its widest point. In this embodiment, the widest point of the crimp terminal 3 is determined by... Figure 2 The dotted line I-I in the diagram marks the position where the thickness of the press-fit terminal 3 is bisected. Regarding... Figure 1 Although the longitudinal section of the crimp terminal 3 is shown, it is not shaded for ease of explanation. The direction orthogonal to the thickness and width directions of the crimp terminal 3, i.e., the direction in which the front end portion 31, the crimping portion 32, and the base end portion 36 are arranged in a straight line, is the length direction of the crimp terminal 3. The length direction of the crimp terminal 3 is... Figure 1 The top and bottom directions on the paper.

[0043] [Substrate]

[0044] Substrate 2 is equipped with electronic components such as semiconductor relays and connectors. (Diagrams of the components mounted on substrate 2, including electronic components and connectors, are omitted.) Substrate 2 can be a printed circuit board.

[0045] The substrate 2 has a through-hole 25. The through-hole 25 has a penetrating hole opening on the surface 21 and back surface 22 of the substrate 2, and a conductive layer disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole. The conductive layer is made of metal. For example, copper can be used as this metal. This conductive layer is electrically connected to a conductor pattern on the surface 21 or back surface 22 of the substrate 2. The through-hole 25 is pressed into the front end of the press-fit terminal 3 (described later), specifically the press-fit portion 32. The conductive layer of the through-hole 25 and the press-fit portion 32 are electrically connected through contact.

[0046] The inner circumferential shape of the through hole 25 is a uniform cylindrical shape along the axial direction of the through hole 25. The shape of the opening of the through hole 25 can be circular, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, square, etc. For example, a rectangular shape can be considered as a square shape.

[0047] The internal dimensions of the through hole 25 can be appropriately selected. When the opening shape of the through hole 25 is circular, the internal dimension is the inner diameter. When the opening shape of the through hole 25 is elliptical, the internal dimension is the length of the minor axis. When the opening shape of the through hole 25 is racetrack-shaped, the internal dimension is the distance between the opposite straight sides. When the opening shape of the through hole 25 is rectangular, the internal dimension is the length of the short side.

[0048] The axial length of the through hole 25 can be appropriately selected. For example, the axial length of the through hole 25 can be a length that accommodates the entire length of the press-fit portion 32 of the press-fit terminal 3, which will be described later.

[0049] [press-fit terminal]

[0050] The press-fit terminal 3 is a rod-shaped component that electrically connects the substrate 2 to the counterpart connector. The counterpart connector is not shown in the diagram.

[0051] The material of the press-fit terminal 3 can be, for example, copper or a copper alloy. A metallic cladding layer can also be provided on the surface of the press-fit terminal 3. The material of the cladding layer can be, for example, tin or a tin alloy. The press-fit terminal 3 is obtained by stamping a metal sheet. A press-fit terminal 3 with a cladding layer is obtained by providing the cladding layer after stamping.

[0052] In this embodiment, the surface and back surface of the crimp terminal 3 are formed by planes. These surfaces are one side and one side located in the thickness direction of the crimp terminal 3. Figure 1 The front side of the paper and the inside side of the paper.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the two sides of the crimp terminal 3 are formed by curved surfaces protruding outwards in the width direction. These two sides are a surface located on one side and a surface located on the other side in the width direction of the crimp terminal 3. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The left side of the paper and the right side of the paper. Figure 1 Shown by Figure 2 The single-dot dashed line shown in I-I indicates that the state of the press-fit terminal 3 has been cut off.

[0054] The crimp terminal 3 has a front end portion 31, a crimping portion 32 and a base end portion 36 in sequence from the front end side.

[0055] (Front end)

[0056] The front end portion 31 is the part that first penetrates into the through hole 25. The width and thickness of the front end portion 31 are smaller than the internal dimensions of the through hole 25. In the aforementioned longitudinal section, the front end portion 31 has a portion with a uniform width along the length direction of the press-fit terminal 3 and a portion that tapers towards the front end.

[0057] (Pressure Assembly Section)

[0058] The press-fit portion 32 is the part that is pressed into the through hole 25. When the press-fit portion 32 is pressed into the through hole 25, the press-fit portion 32 presses against the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 25. Through this pressing, the press-fit portion 32 is less likely to fall off from the through hole 25. Therefore, the press-fit terminal 3 can be connected to the substrate 2 without using a metal connecting material such as solder. The press-fit portion 32 has: an eyelet 33, a parallel portion 34, and a tapered portion 35.

[0059] <hole>

[0060] When the press-fit part 32 is pressed into the through hole 25 of the substrate 2, the eyelet 33 deforms the two contact pieces 341 of the parallel part 34 (described later) so that they can be easily pressed into the press-fit part 32. Furthermore, by pressing in, the two contact pieces 341 can easily press against the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 25. The eyelet 33 penetrates the press-fit terminal 3.

[0061] The inner circumferential shape of the eyelet 33 is a uniform cylindrical shape along the axial direction of the eyelet 33. In the longitudinal section of the press-fit terminal 3, the opening shape of the eyelet 33 is an elongated hole extending from the front end side to the base end side. Examples of the opening shapes of the eyelet 33 include elliptical shapes, racetrack shapes, etc.

[0062] In the aforementioned longitudinal section, the eyelet 33 has a first curve 331 forming the front end side, a second curve 332 forming the base end 36 side, and two intermediate lines 333 connecting the first curve 331 and the second curve 332.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first curve 331 is formed by a single arc protruding towards the front end. Alternatively, the first curve 331 may be formed by combining multiple arcs, unlike this embodiment. The first curve 331 has two endpoints 331a. Each endpoint 331a of the first curve 331 is the endpoint closest to the front end of the first curve 331. In the embodiment where the first curve 331 is formed by a single arc, each endpoint 331a of the first curve 331 is the end of the arc. Unlike this embodiment, if the first curve 331 is formed by combining multiple arcs, for example, having a first arc and a second arc sequentially from the front end, each endpoint of the first curve 331 is the boundary between the first arc and the second arc.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second curve 332 is formed by an arc protruding towards the base end. The second curve 332 can also be formed by combining multiple arcs, unlike in this embodiment. The second curve 332 has two endpoints. The endpoints of the second curve 332 are, like the endpoints of the first curve 331, the endpoints closest to the base end of the second curve 332.

[0065] In this embodiment, the two intermediate lines 333 are formed by straight lines parallel to each other along the length direction of the press-fit terminal 3. Alternatively, the two intermediate lines 333 can be formed by connecting multiple straight lines that are not parallel to each other. When multiple straight lines are connected, the two intermediate lines 333 can be, for example, formed by a first inclined line on the side of the first curve 331, a second inclined line on the side of the second curve 332, and a straight line connecting the first and second inclined lines. That is, the two intermediate lines 333 are formed by two first inclined lines, two second inclined lines, and two straight lines. Each first inclined line extends outward in the width direction of the press-fit terminal 3 from each endpoint 331a of the first curve 331 near the side of the second curve 332. Each second inclined line extends outward in the width direction of the press-fit terminal 3 from each endpoint of the second curve 332 near the side of the first curve 331. Each straight line can be formed by a straight line along the length direction of the press-fit terminal 3.

[0066] The width W1 of the eyelet 33 can be, for example, more than 0.1 times the outer width W2 of the parallel portion 34 described later. The width W1 of the eyelet 33 and the outer width W2 of the parallel portion 34 each refer to the maximum width in the aforementioned longitudinal section. If the width W1 of the eyelet 33 is more than 0.1 times the outer width W2, then the width W1 of the eyelet 33 is relatively large. That is, the widths of the two contact pieces 341 described later are relatively small. Therefore, when the press-fit portion 32 is pressed into the through hole 25, the two contact pieces 341 are easily deformed. The width W1 of the eyelet 33 can also be, for example, more than 0.2 times the outer width W2, and in particular, more than 0.25 times the outer width W2.

[0067] The width W1 of the eyelet 33 can be, for example, 0.6 times or less relative to the outer width W2. If the width W1 of the eyelet 33 is 0.6 times or less relative to the outer width W2, then the width W1 of the eyelet 33 is not too large. Therefore, the load acting on the press-fit part 32 due to the press-fit part 32 pressing into the through hole 25 is reduced. The width W1 of the eyelet 33 can also be, for example, 0.5 times or less relative to the outer width W2, and in particular, 0.45 times or less relative to the outer width W2.

[0068] That is, the width W1 of the eyelet 33 can be, for example, 0.1 times or more and 0.6 times or less relative to the outer width W2, further, 0.2 times or more and 0.5 times or less relative to the outer width W2, and in particular, 0.25 times or more and 0.45 times or less relative to the outer width W2.

[0069] Parallel Section

[0070] Regarding the parallel section 34, the eyelet 33 is arranged side by side with two contact pieces 341. This parallel section 34, within the press-fit section 32, has an outer width W2 larger than the internal dimension of the through-hole 25. The parallel section 34 has two contact pieces 341 arranged side by side, separated by the eyelet 33. The outer width W2 of the parallel section 34 refers to the length between the outer edges of the two contact pieces 341 along the width direction of the press-fit terminal 3. The two contact pieces 341 deform due to the press-fit section 32 being pressed into the through-hole 25. Through this deformation, the press-fit section 32 is inserted into the through-hole 25. Within the through-hole 25, the two contact pieces 341 press against the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 25. This pressing prevents the press-fit section 32 from detaching from the through-hole 25. Therefore, for the connection between the press-fit terminal 3 and the substrate 2, no metal connection material such as solder is required. The two contact pieces 341 extend linearly along the length direction of the press-fit terminal 3.

[0071] <Conical part>

[0072] The tapered portion 35 connects the parallel portion 34 and the front end portion 31. In this example, the tapered portion 35 narrows in width as it approaches the front end portion 31 from the parallel portion 34 in the aforementioned longitudinal section. Hereinafter, the line forming the tapered portion 35 in the aforementioned longitudinal section will be referred to as the tapered line 350. This tapered line 350 has a contact point 351 and a reference point 352. Figure 1 The contact point 351 and reference point 352 of the tapered line 350 on the left side of the paper are shown at the tapered portion 35. For ease of explanation, the diagrams of the contact point and reference point of the tapered line on the right side of the paper are omitted. The contact point and reference point on the right side of the paper are symmetrical to the contact point and reference point on the left side of the paper with respect to the center line of the length direction of the press-fit terminal 3. One side in the width direction is... Figure 1 The left side of the paper, the other side in the width direction is Figure 1 On the right side of the paper. The 35° tapered line can be either a straight line or a curve.

[0073] • Contact points and reference points

[0074] Contact point 351 is the portion that first contacts the opening edge of the through hole 25 when the press-fit terminal 3 is inserted into the through hole 25 of the substrate 2. That is, contact point 351 is provided in the tapered portion 35 and has the same width as the internal dimension of the through hole 25. Contact point 351 is located in the tapered line 350 at a position closer to the front end than the reference point 352.

[0075] Reference point 352 is the intersection of the tapered line 350 and a specific perpendicular line. The specific perpendicular line is the perpendicular line of the tapered line 350 to the endpoint 331a of the first curve 331 on the front end side of the hole 33. The perpendicular line of the tapered line 350 is itself when the tapered line 350 is a straight line, and the perpendicular line of the tangent to the tapered line 350 when the tapered line 350 is a curve. Reference point 352 is the location with the greatest principal strain due to the stress accompanying the pressing of the press-fit part 32 into the through hole 25. Reference point 352 is located in the tapered line 350 at a position closer to the base end than the contact point 351. That is, reference point 352 is provided in a portion of the tapered part 35 with a width greater than the width of the portion where the contact point 351 is located.

[0076] In this configuration, the contact point 351 of the press-fit terminal 3 and the reference point 352 satisfy the aforementioned positional relationship, thereby applying compressive stress to the reference point 352 during the initial pressing of the press-fit portion 32 into the through hole 25. The compressive stress acting on the reference point 352 decreases as the insertion length of the press-fit portion 32 into the through hole 25 increases. When the insertion length exceeds a certain length, the compressive stress acting on the reference point 352 transforms into tensile stress. That is, when the insertion length exceeds a certain length, tensile stress is applied to the reference point 352. The tensile stress acting on the reference point 352 increases as the insertion length increases.

[0077] On the other hand, refer to Figure 4 To illustrate the previous press-fit terminal 300. Figure 4 The conventional crimp terminal 300 shown is substantially the same as the crimp terminal 3 of this method, except for the following structures (a) and (b). Regarding Figure 4 Although a longitudinal section is shown for the crimp terminal 300, no shading is added for ease of explanation. Regarding structure (a), the length of the eyelet 330 along the length direction of the crimp terminal 300 is longer than the length of the eyelet 33 along the length direction of the crimp terminal 3 of this embodiment. Regarding structure (b), compared to the positional relationship between the contact point 351 and the reference point 352, the reference point 352 is located at a position closer to the front end than the contact point 351. In conventional crimp terminals 300, tensile stress is applied to the reference point 352 from the initial pressing stage until the pressing is completed. That is, unlike the crimp terminal 3 of this embodiment, conventional crimp terminals 300 do not apply compressive stress to the reference point 352. The tensile stress acting on the reference point 352 increases with the aforementioned increase in insertion length.

[0078] Thus, compared to the conventional press-fit terminal 300, the duration of tensile stress in this type of press-fit terminal 3 is shorter. In the conventional press-fit terminal 300, the duration of tensile stress is longer, thus increasing the likelihood of cracking. In contrast, the press-fit terminal 3 of this type is less prone to cracking due to the shorter duration of tensile stress. Consequently, the press-fit terminal 3 of this type is less likely to suffer damage associated with pressing into the through hole 25.

[0079] (Base end)

[0080] The base end portion 36 extends to the side opposite to the front end portion 31 compared to the press-fit portion 32. The base end portion 36 has a connecting portion that is electrically connected to the counterpart connector. The counterpart connector is inserted into the connector housing. (The connector housing is not shown in the diagram.) The connector housing is cylindrical in shape. The connector housing has an opening for inserting the counterpart connector into the connector housing and an inner wall located on the side opposite to the opening. The connecting portion of the base end portion 36 penetrates the inner wall of the connector housing and is disposed within the connector housing. The connecting portion of the base end portion 36 is electrically connected to the counterpart connector portion within the housing.

[0081] (thickness)

[0082] The thickness of the crimp terminal 3 can be appropriately selected according to the application of the assembly component 1 of the connector device. Examples of possible thicknesses for the crimp terminal 3 include 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. If the thickness of the crimp terminal 3 is 0.8 mm or less, it is relatively thin, thus enabling miniaturization even for multi-pole connectors. If the thickness of the crimp terminal 3 is 0.2 mm or more, it is not too thin, thus providing higher strength. Other possible thicknesses for the crimp terminal 3 include 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less, and more specifically, 0.4 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In particular, a thickness of 0.4 mm is suitable.

[0083] (quantity)

[0084] The number of crimp terminals 3 can be appropriately selected according to the application of the assembly component 1 of the connector device. For example, eight or more crimp terminals 3 can be listed. The crimp terminals 3 are thin and small. Therefore, even if the number of crimp terminals 3 is eight or more, miniaturization of the connector with crimp terminals 3 can be achieved. Furthermore, the conductive path of the connector can be ensured in a space-saving manner. The number of crimp terminals 3 can also be 20 or more, and in particular, 50 or more. The number of crimp terminals 3 can also be 100 or more.

[0085] [use]

[0086] The assembly component 1 of the connector device of this method can construct a control module. Examples of control modules include, for example, the body control module of an automobile and the control module of an airbag.

[0087] [Effects]

[0088] The assembly component 1 of this connector device is less prone to damage to the press-fit terminal 3 caused by the pressing of the press-fit portion 32 into the through hole 25 of the substrate 2. This is because the contact point 351 of the press-fit terminal 3 is located on the front end side of the reference point 352, thereby shortening the period during which tensile stress is applied to the reference point 352. Therefore, the assembly component 1 of the connector device can construct a connector device that connects the substrate 2 and the press-fit terminal 3 without causing damage to the press-fit terminal 3 caused by pressing into the through hole 25.

[0089] Implementation Method 2

[0090] [Connector device]

[0091] Reference Figure 3 The connector device 10 of Embodiment 2 will be described below. This connector device 10 includes a substrate 2 having a through hole 25 and a rod-shaped crimp terminal 3 pressed into the through hole 25. This connector device 10 is constructed by assembling the assembly member 1 of the connector device of Embodiment 1. The substrate 2 is the substrate 2 included in the assembly member 1 of the connector device of Embodiment 1. The crimp terminal 3 is the crimp terminal 3 included in the assembly member 1 of the connector device of Embodiment 1. The crimping portion 32 of the crimp terminal 3 is pressed into the through hole 25. Regarding the two contact pieces 341 included in the parallel portion 34 of the crimping portion 32, both ends of the contact pieces 341 in the longitudinal direction press against the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 25. The two contact pieces 341 deform in a direction that approaches each other in the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the contact pieces 341.

[0092] [Effects]

[0093] The connector device 10 of this type can be used for a long period of time. The reason for this is as follows: The connector device 10 presses the crimped terminal 3 into the through-hole 25, which is less prone to damage associated with pressing into the through-hole 25 of the substrate 2. That is, no damage is caused to the crimped terminal 3 pressed into the through-hole 25. Therefore, there is substantially no situation where damage to the crimped terminal 3 increases during the use of the connector device 10.

[0094] Experimental Examples

[0095] In this test example, the presence or absence of damage to the press-fit terminals caused by pressing into the vias of the substrate was evaluated. This evaluation was conducted through experiments and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) analysis.

[0096] [Sample No. 1]

[0097] The press-fit terminal of sample No. 1 is the same as the reference. Figure 1 The crimp terminals 3 are the same as those provided in the assembly component 1 of the connector device described in Embodiment 1. That is, the crimp terminals of Sample No. 1 are as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the longitudinal section of the press-fit terminal 3, the tapered line 350 constituting the tapered portion 35 has a contact point 351 and a reference point 352. The contact point 351 of the press-fit terminal of sample No.1 is located on the front end side compared to the reference point 352.

[0098] [Sample No. 101]

[0099] The press-fit terminal of sample No. 101 is the same as the reference. Figure 4 The description is the same as the conventional crimp terminal 300. That is, the crimp terminal of sample No. 101 is as described above. Figure 4 As mentioned above, except for the length of the eyelet 330 and the fact that the contact point 351 is located on the base side of the reference point 352, it is the same as the press-fit terminal of sample No.1.

[0100] [Experimental and CAE Analysis]

[0101] An experiment was conducted in which actual press-fit terminals were inserted into through-holes in a substrate to investigate whether the press-fit terminals of each sample were damaged. Additionally, in terms of CAE, the press-fit portion of the press-fit terminals of each sample was pressed into through-holes in the substrate, and the location of the maximum principal strain of the press-fit terminals of each sample was investigated. Furthermore, the magnitude of the maximum principal strain and the stress generated at the reference point were calculated.

[0102] The crimp terminal of sample No. 1 did not show any damage such as cracks. On the other hand, the crimp terminal of sample No. 101 developed cracks near the reference point.

[0103] At the press-fit terminals of either Sample No. 1 or Sample No. 101, the location with the largest maximum principal strain is near the reference point. The magnitude of the maximum principal strain at the press-fit terminal of Sample No. 1 is approximately 20% larger than that at the press-fit terminal of Sample No. 101.

[0104] In the initial pressing stage, compressive stress acts on the reference point of the press-fit terminal of sample No.1. This compressive stress decreases as the insertion length of the press-fit part into the through hole increases. When the insertion length exceeds a certain length, the compressive stress acting on the reference point transforms into tensile stress. This tensile stress increases as the insertion length increases.

[0105] On the other hand, from the initial pressing stage to the completion of pressing, tensile stress is applied to the reference point of the press-fit terminal of sample No. 101. That is, unlike the press-fit terminal of sample No. 1, compressive stress is not actually applied to the reference point of the press-fit terminal of sample No. 101. The tensile stress increases with the aforementioned insertion length.

[0106] Based on the above results, it can be seen that, compared with the press-fit terminal of sample No. 101, the press-fit terminal of sample No. 1, despite having a larger maximum principal strain, is still able to suppress damage. The reason for this is likely that, because the contact point of the press-fit terminal of sample No. 1 is located further forward than the reference point, it can shorten the period during which tensile stress acts on the reference point, compared to the press-fit terminal of sample No. 101, where the contact point is located further back than the reference point.

[0107] The invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0109] 1. Assembly components of the connector device

[0110] 10 Connector Device

[0111] 2 substrates

[0112] 21 Surface, 22 Back side, 25 Through hole

[0113] 3. 300 press fit terminals

[0114] 31 Front end, 32 Press-fit section, 33, 330 Holes

[0115] 331 First curve, 331a endpoint, 332 Second curve, 333 Intermediate line

[0116] 34 parallel section, 341 contact piece

[0117] 35-inch tapered section

[0118] 350 tapered line, 351 contact point, 352 reference point

[0119] 36 base ends

[0120] Width of W1 hole, outer width of W2.

Claims

1. An assembly component for a connector device, comprising: A substrate with through holes; and A rod-shaped press-fit terminal is pressed into the through hole. The press-fit terminal has, in sequence from the front end side, a front end, a press-fit part, and a base end. The press-fit section has: An eyelet extends through the press-fit terminal in the thickness direction. The parallel section has two contact pieces arranged side by side with the aperture separated by the aperture; and The tapered portion connects the parallel portion to the front end portion. The thickness of the press-fit terminal is between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. In the longitudinal section obtained by cutting at the position where the thickness is bisected at the press-fit terminal. The opening shape of the aperture is racetrack-shaped, and the aperture has a curve forming the front end side of the aperture and two middle lines connected to the curve. The two intermediate lines are formed by parallel straight lines or by connecting multiple straight lines that contain non-parallel lines. The curve is composed of circular arcs. The lines constituting the tapered portion have contact points and reference points. The contact point is located on the front end side of the reference point. The contact point is the point that first contacts the opening edge of the through hole when the press-fit terminal is inserted into the through hole. The reference point is the intersection of the line forming the tapered portion and a specific perpendicular line. The specific perpendicular line is the perpendicular line among the perpendicular lines that form the tapered portion, passing through the endpoint of the curve.

2. The assembly component of the connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the aperture is more than 0.1 times the outer width of the parallel section.

3. The assembly component of the connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of press-fit terminals is 8 or more.

4. The assembly component of the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The press-fit terminals and the substrate together constitute a control module.

5. A connector device comprising: A substrate with through holes; and A rod-shaped press-fit terminal is pressed into the through hole. The substrate is the substrate included in the assembly component of the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The crimp terminal is a crimp terminal provided on the assembly component of the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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