terminal unit

Abstract

One aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal unit capable of suppressing damage to a protective member. The terminal unit (13) according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a plate-shaped terminal (21) extending toward a first direction (X1) from its top end; and a protective member (22) fixed to the top end of the terminal (21). The terminal (21) has a first top end portion (21c) as the end on the first direction (X1) side, and claw engagement portions (21a) recessed from both sides in the width direction. The protective member (22) includes: a protective body portion (22a) having an insertion recess (22d) for inserting the first top end portion (21c); arm portions (22b) extending from both sides of the protective body portion (22a) in the width direction toward a second direction (X2) opposite to the first direction (X1); and claw portions (22c) protruding from the second top end portions (22j) of a pair of arm portions (22b) toward mutually facing sides. The claw (22c) is inserted into the claw engagement portion (21a) with the first top end portion (21c) inserted into the insertion recess (22d), thereby fixing the protective member (22) to the terminal (21). The arm portion (22b) extends from the end portion of the protective body portion (22a) on the first direction (X1) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to terminal units. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have onboard devices such as high-voltage batteries and inverters. These onboard devices are connected to each other via wiring harnesses and connectors. Regarding the male-side terminals of such connectors, there is a possibility of electric shock when a finger or other object comes into contact with their tip; therefore, measures are implemented to prevent electric shock. Furthermore, the male-side terminal for which the electric shock prevention measures are implemented has a terminal unit, which includes: a terminal made of a metal sheet extending in a first direction; and a protective member made of an insulating material and fixed to the tip of the terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Figure 12, etc.)). This protective member has: a protective body portion having an insertion recess for inserting the tip of the terminal; an arm portion extending from both sides of the protective body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and claw portions protruding from the tip of the arm portion towards mutually facing sides. Additionally, the terminal has claw engaging portions recessed from both sides in the width direction for the claw portions to be inserted into. The protective member is fixed to the terminal by inserting the claw portions into the claw engaging portions while the tip of the terminal is inserted into the insertion recess.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 003566 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the terminal unit described above, when assembling the protective member to the terminal, the arm needs to be flexed. When the arm is flexed, there is a problem that a large stress is applied, especially at the base end of the arm, which can easily cause damage.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a terminal unit that can suppress damage to the protective component.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The terminal unit disclosed herein includes: a plate-shaped terminal extending toward a first direction from its top end; and a protective member fixed to the top end of the terminal, wherein the direction orthogonal to the first direction and to the thickness direction of the terminal is defined as the width direction, the terminal having a first top end portion serving as the end portion in the first direction, and claw engaging portions recessed from both sides in the width direction, the protective member having: a protective body portion having an insertion recess for inserting the first top end portion; an arm portion extending from both sides of the protective body portion in the width direction toward a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a claw portion protruding from a second top end portion serving as the end portion in the second direction of a pair of arms toward mutually facing sides and embedded in the claw engaging portions, wherein the protective member is fixed to the terminal by inserting the claw portion into the claw engaging portions while the first top end portion is inserted into the insertion recess, and the arm portion extending from the protective body portion at a position closer to the first direction than the end portion in the second direction.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The terminal unit according to this disclosure can suppress damage to the protective component. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a connector in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of a terminal unit in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a terminal unit in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 4-4 line section view.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a partial top view illustrating the assembly of the terminal unit in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0019] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0020] The terminal unit disclosed herein,

[0021] [1] It comprises: a plate-shaped terminal extending toward a first direction from its top end; and a protective member fixed to the top end of the terminal, wherein the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the thickness direction of the terminal is set as the width direction, the terminal having a first top end portion as the end portion of the first direction and claw engaging portions recessed from both sides of the width direction, the protective member having: a protective body portion having an insertion recess for inserting the first top end portion; an arm portion extending from both sides of the protective body portion in the width direction toward a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a claw portion protruding from a second top end portion of the second direction side end portion of a pair of arms portions toward mutually facing sides and inserted into the claw engaging portions, wherein the protective member is fixed to the terminal by inserting the claw portion into the claw engaging portions while the first top end portion is inserted into the insertion recess, and the arm portion extending from the protective body portion at a position closer to the first direction side than the end portion of the second direction side.

[0022] According to this structure, the arm extends from the end of the protective body portion closer to the first direction side than the end on the second direction side, thus its length is longer compared to the case where it extends from the end on the second direction side of the protective body portion. Therefore, the arm is prone to bending. Thus, for example, when fixing the protective member to the terminal, even if the arm bends, it is possible to suppress the application of large stresses, especially at the base end of the arm. Therefore, damage to the protective member can be suppressed.

[0023] [2] Preferably, the arm extends from the end of the protective body portion in the first direction.

[0024] According to this structure, the arm extends from the end of the protective body in the first direction, thus its length becomes longer compared to the case where it extends between the end in the first direction and the end in the second direction of the protective body. Therefore, the arm is more prone to flexing. Thus, for example, when fixing the protective member to the terminal, even if the arm flexes, it is easier to suppress the application of large stresses, especially at the base end of the arm. Therefore, damage to the protective member can be more effectively suppressed.

[0025] [3] Preferably, the protective member has an inclined surface whose width gradually decreases toward the insertion recess.

[0026] According to this structure, the protective member has an inclined surface whose width gradually decreases towards the insertion recess. Therefore, when assembling the protective member onto the terminal, the tip of the terminal is guided by the inclined surface of the protective member and smoothly inserted into the insertion recess. Thus, assembly becomes easy.

[0027] [4] Preferably, the terminal has a terminal inclined surface whose width gradually decreases toward the first top portion.

[0028] According to this structure, the terminal has a terminal inclined surface whose width gradually decreases towards the first tip. Therefore, when the protective member is assembled to the terminal, the tip of the arm is guided by the terminal inclined surface to flex smoothly outward in the width direction, in other words, to the side where they are separated. As a result, assembly becomes easy.

[0029] [5] Preferably, the terminal inclined surface is disposed between the claw engagement portion and the first top portion.

[0030] According to this structure, the protective component can be smoothly assembled to the terminal by the positional relationship between the terminal inclined surface and the claw engagement portion and the first top portion.

[0031] [6] Preferably, the first top portion includes a pressing portion that is pressed into the insertion recess.

[0032] According to this structure, the first top part includes a pressing part that is pressed into the insertion recess, thereby suppressing the shaking of the protective body part relative to the terminal, and thus suppressing the detachment of the protective member relative to the terminal.

[0033] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0034] Specific examples of the terminal units of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, sometimes a portion of the structure is shown enlarged or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only strictly parallel or orthogonal cases, but also generally parallel or orthogonal cases within the range that achieve the desired effect in this embodiment. Moreover, the invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended, through the claims, to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0035] [Structure of Connector 11]

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, connector 11 includes connector housing 12 and a plurality of terminal units 13 fixed to connector housing 12. Connector 11 is provided in a vehicle. For example, a vehicle has on-board equipment such as a high-voltage battery and an inverter, which are connected to each other via wiring harnesses. Connector 11 is provided as a component for connecting the on-board equipment and the wiring harnesses.

[0037] The connector housing 12 has a cylindrical portion 12a with an external opening. The terminal unit 13 is disposed within the connector housing 12, with its top end exposed to the outside through the opening of the cylindrical portion 12a. In this embodiment, two cylindrical portions 12a and two terminal units 13 are provided.

[0038] [Structure of Terminal Unit 13]

[0039] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the terminal unit 13 includes a terminal 21 and a protective member 22. The terminal 21 is plate-shaped and made of a metal plate. The top end of the terminal 21 extends in a first direction X1. The terminal 21 is arranged such that the direction in which the top end extends, i.e., the first direction X1, is aligned with the direction from the opening of the cylindrical portion 12a toward the outside. The protective member 22 is made of an insulating material. Specifically, the protective member 22 is made of an insulating resin material. The protective member 22 is fixed to the top end of the terminal 21, i.e., the first direction X1 side of the terminal 21.

[0040] [Structure of Terminal 21]

[0041] Terminal 21 has claw-like engaging portions 21a recessed on both sides in the width direction at its top end. Furthermore, the width direction Y is orthogonal to the first direction X1 extending from terminal 21 and to the thickness direction Z of terminal 21. Additionally, terminal 21 has a narrow width portion 21b on its top end side that is wider than the width between the claw-like engaging portions 21a and narrower than the width at the base end of terminal 21.

[0042] Furthermore, terminal 21 has a terminal inclined surface 21d on the top side of the narrower portion 21b, the width of which gradually decreases toward the first top portion 21c, in other words, toward the first direction X1. The terminal inclined surface 21d is disposed between the claw engagement portion 21a and the first top portion 21c. In addition, the first top portion 21c is the end of terminal 21 on the first direction X1 side. The first top portion 21c of terminal 21 is formed extending from the top of the terminal inclined surface 21d in the first direction X1 with a certain width.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first top end portion 21c of terminal 21 is provided with steps on both end faces 21e in the thickness direction Z and the end faces 21f of other portions of terminal 21, and its thickness is set to be smaller than that of other portions.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the base end of terminal 21 in this embodiment is bent. Furthermore, a connecting hole 21h is formed at the base end 21g of terminal 21. A wire harness (not shown) is connected to the base end 21g of terminal 21 via a bolt or the like that threaded through the connecting hole 21h and screwed into a nut.

[0045] [Structure of protective component 22]

[0046] The protective member 22 has a protective body 22a, an arm 22b, and a claw 22c. The protective body 22a, arm 22b, and claw 22c are integrally formed. That is, the protective member 22 is an integrally formed product.

[0047] The protective body 22a is formed in a generally cuboid shape. An insertion recess 22d is formed in the protective body 22a on the side of the second direction X2, opposite to the first direction X1, and the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 is inserted into the insertion recess 22d. The width of the insertion recess 22d is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the first tip portion 21c before the terminal 21 is inserted. Therefore, the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 is formed as a press-in portion that is pressed into the insertion recess 22d.

[0048] Furthermore, in the protective main body 22a, protrusions 22e protruding toward the second direction X2 are provided on both sides of the width direction on the second direction X2 side. Also, on the pair of protrusions 22e, opposing protective member inclined surfaces 22f with widths gradually decreasing toward the insertion recess 22d are provided.

[0049] The arm portion 22b extends from both sides of the protective body portion 22a in the width direction toward the second direction X2. The arm portion 22b extends from the end portion of the protective body portion 22a located closer to the first direction X1 than the end portion in the second direction X2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the arm portion 22b extends from the end portion of the protective body portion 22a in the first direction X1. The arm portion 22b has an extension portion 22g that extends slightly outward in the width direction Y from both sides of the protective body portion 22a in the width direction, and an arm body portion 22h that extends from the top of the extension portion 22g toward the second direction X2. The arm body portion 22h is provided to have a slight gap with the protective body portion 22a in the width direction Y.

[0050] The claw portion 22c protrudes from the second tip portion 22j, which is the end of a pair of arms 22b on the second direction X2 side, toward the mutually facing side. Opposite claw portion inclined surfaces 22k, whose width gradually decreases toward the first direction X1 side, are provided on the pair of claw portions 22c. The claw portion 22c is formed in such a way that it is inserted into the claw engagement portion 21a of the terminal 21.

[0051] Furthermore, the protective member 22 is fixed to the terminal 21 by inserting the claw portion 22c into the claw engagement portion 21a while the first top end portion 21c of the terminal 21 is inserted into the insertion recess 22d.

[0052] Next, the function of the terminal unit 13 configured as described above will be explained.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, when the protective member 22 is assembled onto the terminal 21, when the protective member 22 is moved relative to the terminal 21 in the second direction X2, the second tip portion 22j of the arm portion 22b and the claw portion 22c are guided by the terminal inclined surface 21d and flex outward in the width direction Y. Furthermore, when the protective member 22 is further moved relative to the terminal 21 in the second direction X2, the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 is inserted into the insertion recess 22d, and the claw portion 22c is engaged with the claw engagement portion 21a, thereby fixing the protective member 22 to the terminal 21.

[0054] Next, the effects of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0055] (1) The arm portion 22b extends from the end portion of the protective body portion 22a that is closer to the end portion in the first direction X1 than the end portion in the second direction X2. Therefore, its length is longer than when it extends from the end portion in the second direction X2 of the protective body portion 22a. As a result, the arm portion 22b is prone to bending. Therefore, for example, when the protective member 22 is fixed to the terminal 21, even if the arm portion 22b is bent, it is possible to suppress the application of large stress, especially at the base end portion 22b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the protective member 22.

[0056] (2) The arm portion 22b extends from the end portion of the protective body portion 22a in the first direction X1, and therefore its length is longer than when it extends between the end portion in the first direction X1 and the end portion in the second direction X2 of the protective body portion 22a. Therefore, the arm portion 22b is more prone to bending. Therefore, for example, when fixing the protective member 22 to the terminal 21, even if the arm portion 22b is bent, the stress, especially at the base end of the arm portion 22b, can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, damage to the protective member 22 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0057] (3) The protective member 22 has a pair of opposing inclined surfaces 22f that gradually decrease in width toward the insertion recess 22d. Therefore, when the protective member 22 is assembled to the terminal 21, the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 is guided by the inclined surfaces 22f of the protective member and smoothly inserted into the insertion recess 22d. Thus, assembly becomes easy.

[0058] (4) Terminal 21 has a terminal inclined surface 21d whose width gradually decreases toward the first tip portion 21c. Therefore, when the protective member 22 is assembled to the terminal 21, the second tip portion 22j of the arm portion 22b is guided by the terminal inclined surface 21d to smoothly flex outward in the width direction Y, in other words, to the side where they are separated. Therefore, assembly becomes easy.

[0059] (5) By positioning the terminal inclined surface 21d between the claw engagement portion 21a and the first top end portion 21c, the effect described in (4) above can be obtained, and the protective member 22 can be smoothly assembled onto the terminal 21.

[0060] (6) The claw portion 22c has opposing claw inclined surfaces 22k whose width gradually decreases toward the first direction X1. Therefore, when the protective member 22 is assembled to the terminal 21, the second tip portion 22j of the arm portion 22b is guided by the claw inclined surface 22k to smoothly flex outward in the width direction Y, in other words, to the side where they are separated. Therefore, assembly becomes easy.

[0061] (7) The first top part 21c of the terminal 21 includes a pressing part that is pressed into the insertion recess 22d, thereby suppressing the shaking of the protective body part 22a relative to the terminal 21, and further suppressing the detachment of the protective member 22 relative to the terminal 21.

[0062] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the arm portion 22b extends from the end portion of the protective body portion 22a on the first direction X1 side, but it is not limited to this, and may also be configured to extend between the end portion of the protective body portion 22a on the first direction X1 side and the end portion on the second direction X2 side. Even so, the same effect as the effect (1) of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the protective member 22 has a pair of protective member inclined surfaces 22f with opposite widths that gradually decrease toward the insertion recess 22d, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to not have the protective member inclined surfaces 22f and the protrusion 22e.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the terminal 21 has a terminal inclined surface 21d whose width gradually decreases toward the first top portion 21c, but it is not limited to this, for example, it may be configured not to have a terminal inclined surface 21d.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the claw portion 22c has opposing claw inclined surfaces 22k whose width gradually decreases toward the first direction X1, but it is not limited to this, for example, it may be configured not to have claw inclined surfaces 22k.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 is formed as a press-in portion that is pressed into the insertion recess 22d. However, it is not limited to this and may also be configured to be inserted into the insertion recess 22d without being pressed in. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first tip portion 21c is pressed into the insertion recess 22d by pressing in the width direction Y. However, it is not limited to this and may also be formed as a press-in portion that is pressed into the insertion recess 22d by pressing in the thickness direction Z. The first tip portion 21c may be modified to other structures as long as it includes even a portion pressed into the insertion recess 22d. When the first tip portion 21c includes a press-in portion, it can suppress the wobbling of the protective body portion 22a relative to the terminal 21.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the arm portion 22b is configured to have an extension portion 22g that extends slightly outward in the width direction Y from both sides of the protective body portion 22a in the width direction, and an arm body portion 22h that extends from the top of the extension portion 22g toward the second direction X2. However, it may also be configured to have other structures. For example, the arm portion 22b may also be configured to extend in an inclined direction from both sides of the protective body portion 22a in the width direction Y and toward the second direction X2.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the base end side of terminal 21 is bent, but it is not limited to this; for example, it may be formed in a shape where the base end side is not bent. In addition, in the above embodiment, a connection hole 21h is formed at the base end 21g of terminal 21, but it is not limited to this; it may be formed in a shape where the connection hole 21h is not formed.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the connector 11 has two terminal units 13, but it is not limited to this, and may also have only one or more terminal units 13.

[0071] For example, as in the above embodiment, the width between the pair of arms 22b of the protective member 22 can also be equal to the width of the narrow portion 21b of the terminal 21.

[0072] For example, as in the above embodiment, the width between the pair of protrusions 22e of the protective member 22 at the end in the second direction X2 can be either equal to or wider than the width of the first top portion 21c of the terminal 21.

[0073] For example, as in the above embodiment, the protrusion 22e of the protective member 22 may also protrude from both sides of the insertion recess 22d in the width direction toward the second direction X2.

[0074] For example, as in the embodiment described above, the tilt angle of the claw-shaped inclined surface 22k of the protective member 22 relative to the YZ plane can also be equal to the tilt angle of the terminal inclined surface 21d of the terminal 21 relative to the YZ plane. In this case, when the protective member 22 is assembled to the terminal 21, the two claw-shaped inclined surfaces 22k separated in the Y direction can respectively make face contact with the two terminal inclined surfaces 21d of the terminal 21. Therefore, the insertion direction of the protective member 22 relative to the terminal 21 is stable, so the protective member 22 can be smoothly assembled to the terminal 21.

[0075] The terminal 21 in the illustrated embodiment can, for example, be manufactured from a metal plate having a first plate thickness. This first plate thickness can also be the plate thickness of the two end faces 21f of the terminal 21. The plate thickness of the two end faces 21e of the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 can also be less than this first plate thickness, sometimes referred to as a second plate thickness. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, terminal 21 may have a metal plate body (two end faces 21f) having a first plate thickness, and a top portion (first top portion 21c) having a second plate thickness smaller than the first plate thickness. The two end faces 21f of terminal 21 are sometimes referred to as the two end faces 21f of the metal plate body of terminal 21. This metal plate body is sometimes referred to as a non-top portion of terminal 21 other than the first top portion 21c. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the maximum thickness of the protective member 22 in the plate thickness direction Z (for example, the thickness of the protective body 22a) can also be the same as the first plate thickness of the terminal 21.

[0076] For example Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, it can also be configured such that, with the protective member 22 fully assembled to the plate-shaped terminal 21, the insertion recess 22d of the protective member 22 receives the entire first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21 and only receives the first tip portion 21c. For example, it can also be configured such that, with the protective member 22 fully assembled to the plate-shaped terminal 21, the protective member 22 covers both end faces 21e of the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21, while the end faces 21f of the metal plate body of the terminal 21 (the non-tip portion of the terminal 21), other than the first tip portion 21c of the terminal 21, are not covered by the protective member 22 and are exposed from the protective member 22.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0078] 11 Connectors

[0079] 12 Connector Housing

[0080] 12a cylindrical part

[0081] 13 terminal units

[0082] 21 terminals

[0083] 21a Claw Connector

[0084] 21b Small width section

[0085] 21c First apex

[0086] 21d Terminal Inclined Surface

[0087] 21e Two end faces

[0088] 21f Two end faces

[0089] 21g base end

[0090] 21h connection hole

[0091] 22 Protective components

[0092] 22a Protect the main body

[0093] 22b Arm

[0094] 22c Claw

[0095] 22d Insertion recess

[0096] 22e Protrusion

[0097] 22f Protective component inclined surface

[0098] 22g epitaxial portion

[0099] 22h Arm Main Body

[0100] 22j Second apex

[0101] 22k Claw Inclined Surface

[0102] X1 Direction 1

[0103] X2, second direction

[0104] Y-width direction

[0105] Z-thickness direction

Claims

1. A terminal unit comprising: The plate-shaped terminal extends towards the first direction from its top end; and A protective component is fixed to the top end of the terminal. The direction orthogonal to the first direction and to the thickness direction of the terminal is defined as the width direction. The terminal has a first top end portion serving as the end portion in the first direction, and claw engagement portions recessed from both sides in the width direction. The protective member has: a protective body portion having an insertion recess for inserting the first top end portion; and an arm portion extending from both sides of the protective body portion in the width direction toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. And the claw portion, which protrudes from the second tip portion of the end portion of the pair of arms on the second direction side towards the mutually facing side and engages with the claw engagement portion. The protective member is fixed to the terminal by inserting the claw portion into the claw engagement portion while the first tip portion is inserted into the insertion recess. The arm extends from the end of the protective body portion that is closer to the first direction side than the end on the second direction side. The protective member has a pair of opposing inclined surfaces whose width gradually decreases toward the insertion recess.

2. The terminal unit according to claim 1, wherein, The arm extends from the end of the protective body portion on the first direction side.

3. The terminal unit according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal has a terminal inclined surface whose width gradually decreases toward the first top portion.

4. The terminal unit according to claim 3, wherein, The terminal inclined surface is disposed between the claw engagement portion and the first top portion.

5. The terminal unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first tip portion includes a pressing portion that is pressed into the insertion recess.

Images