terminal

Abstract

The terminal (1) includes: a base member (10) having a terminal insertion hole (111); and a cylindrical spring member (20) housed in the terminal insertion hole, the spring member including: a first annular portion (21) in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole; a plurality of spring pieces (26) protruding from the first annular portion toward an entrance (E) side of the terminal insertion hole; a second annular portion (22) in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole and disposed on an inner side of the terminal insertion hole than the first annular portion; a plurality of spring pieces (27) protruding from the second annular portion toward the entrance (E) side of the terminal insertion hole; and a first connecting portion (24) connecting the first and second annular portions, the spring pieces (26, 27) each having a front end portion (262, 272) as a free end and inclined in a manner approaching a central axis (CA).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a terminal.

[0002] For the designated countries that recognize the citation of a document based on the reference, the content described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-194545 filed in Japan on November 24, 2020 is incorporated by reference into the present specification as part of the description of the present specification. BACKGROUND

[0003] The conventional terminal (female terminal) has a base member (connection portion) of a hollow cylinder into which a mating terminal (male terminal) is inserted, and a spring member (contact spring member) provided inside the base member and having a plurality of spring pieces that are bent toward the inside of the base member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the mating terminal is inserted into such a terminal, the mating terminal enters the base member while the spring pieces are spread outward.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H8-31488

[0005] However, in the above-described spring member, since both ends of the spring pieces are fixed to the circular ring portion, a large force is required when the mating terminal is inserted, and sometimes the insertion workability deteriorates. SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present application is to provide a terminal that can achieve a reduction in the insertion force of a mating terminal.

[0007] [1] The terminal according to the present application has a base member having a terminal insertion hole into which a mating terminal is inserted, and a cylindrical spring member configured to be housed in the terminal insertion hole, to be in contact with the base member, and to be in contact with the mating terminal inserted into the terminal insertion hole, the spring member including: a ring-shaped first support portion in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole; a plurality of first spring pieces protruding from the first support portion toward an entrance side of the terminal insertion hole; a ring-shaped second support portion in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole and disposed on the inside of the terminal insertion hole than the first support portion; a plurality of second spring pieces protruding from the second support portion toward the entrance side of the terminal insertion hole; and a first connecting portion connecting the first support portion and the second support portion, the first spring pieces having first tip end portions as free ends and being inclined so as to approach a central axis of the terminal insertion hole, and the second spring pieces having first tip end portions as free ends and being inclined so as to approach the central axis of the terminal insertion hole.

[0008] In the terminal according to the present application, the first tip end portions of the first spring pieces become free ends, and thus a reduction in the insertion force of the mating terminal can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal in an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal in an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 3 is a sectional view along the III-III line of Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the base member shown in Figure 3

[0013] Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the V portion of Figure 3

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a spring member in an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 7 is an expanded view of a spring member in an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 8 (a) of is a view explaining first and second protrusions in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 8 (b) of is a view explaining a modification example in which the first and second protrusions are arranged without being staggered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be explained based on the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal in the present embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal in the present embodiment, Figure 3 is a sectional view along the III-III line of Figure 1 Figure 4 is a sectional view of the base member shown in Figure 3 Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the V portion of Figure 3 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a spring member in the present embodiment, Figure 7 is an expanded view of a spring member in the present embodiment.

[0019] The terminal 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a large-current charging terminal used for a charging connector mounted on an automobile such as an electric automobile or a plug-in hybrid automobile. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the terminal 1 has a base member 10, a spring member 20, and a cover member 30.​​​​​​

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, in the terminal 1, a cylindrical spring member 20 is provided inside a terminal insertion hole 111 of a base member 10, and a mating terminal 100 (refer to FIG. 2) is electrically connected to the terminal 1 by being inserted inside the spring member 20. The mating terminal 100 is a rod-shaped power supply terminal provided in a plug-type connector (power supply plug), and a charging connector provided in the terminal 1 is a socket-type connector which is fitted to the plug-type connector. Figure 2 Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, in the terminal 1, a cylindrical spring member 20 is provided inside a terminal insertion hole 111 of a base member 10, and a mating terminal 100 (refer to FIG. 2) is electrically connected to the terminal 1 by being inserted inside the spring member 20. The mating terminal 100 is a rod-shaped power supply terminal provided in a plug-type connector (power supply plug), and a charging connector provided in the terminal 1 is a socket-type connector which is fitted to the plug-type connector. Figure 3

[0021] Further, the use of the terminal 1 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited to the above.

[0022] The terminal 1 of the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the "terminal" of the present application, the base member 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the "base member" of the present application, and the spring member 20 of the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the "spring member" of the present application.

[0023] The base member 10 is composed of a material having electrical conductivity such as a metal material. As shown in FIG. 1, the base member 10 has a terminal connecting portion 11 which is capable of connecting the mating terminal 100, and an electric wire connecting portion 12 which is capable of connecting an electric wire (not shown). Figure 4

[0024] The terminal connecting portion 11 has a cylindrical shape, and has a bottomed terminal insertion hole 111. The terminal insertion hole 111 is a hole into which the mating terminal 100 is inserted from an entrance E side. The terminal insertion hole 111 is formed so as to extend along a center axis CA, and the spring member 20 and the cover member 30 described above are housed inside the terminal insertion hole 111. The terminal insertion hole 111 of the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the "terminal insertion hole" of the present application.

[0025] In the electric wire connecting portion 12, an electric wire insertion hole 121 is also formed so as to extend along the center axis CA. The electric wire insertion hole 121 is open at an end portion of the electric wire connecting portion 12, and has an inner diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of a conductor portion of the electric wire. In a state in which the electric wire is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 121, the electric wire connecting portion 12 is crimped from the outside to press the electric wire connecting portion 12 and the electric wire, thereby connecting the electric wire and the electric wire connecting portion 12.

[0026] The terminal insertion hole 111 of the terminal connecting portion 11 has an entrance portion 111a, a large-diameter portion 111b, and a small-diameter portion 111c. The entrance portion 111a, the large-diameter portion 111b, and the small-diameter portion 111c are arranged in this order along the center axis CA of the terminal insertion hole 111, and the center axis of the entrance portion 111a, the center axis of the large-diameter portion 111b, and the center axis of the small-diameter portion 111c all substantially coincide with the center axis CA of the terminal insertion hole 111.​​​

[0027] The inlet portion 111a is provided at the front end of the terminal connecting portion 11, and one end thereof is open to the outside of the base member 10, and the other end is connected to the large diameter portion 111b. The inlet portion 111a has the largest inner diameter among the terminal insertion holes 111. In addition, as shown in Figure 3 the drawing, the diameter of the inlet portion 111a is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the cover member 30, and the cover member 30 is provided at the inlet portion 111a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4 the drawing, the large diameter portion 111b has a cylindrical shape, and one end thereof is connected to the inlet portion 111a, and the other end is connected to the small diameter portion 111c. The large diameter portion 111b has an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet portion 111a, and has an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 111c. In addition, as shown in Figure 3 the drawing, the large diameter portion 111b has a diameter that can accommodate the spring member 20, and the spring member 20 is provided at the large diameter portion 111b.

[0029] The large diameter portion 111b has a stop wall 112 between the large diameter portion 111b and the inlet portion 111a. The cover member 30 is restricted from moving to the inside of the terminal insertion hole 111 (the +Y direction side in the drawing) by the stop wall 112.

[0030] A groove 114 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b. In the present embodiment, the groove 114 is continuously formed over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b. The groove 114 is provided at a position corresponding to the spring piece 26 (described later) of the spring member 20, and opposes the spring piece 26. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 114 in the width direction (the Y direction) is a trapezoidal shape. Furthermore, the groove 114 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b in such a manner that the end portion of the terminal insertion hole 111 on the inside (the +Y direction side in the drawing) in the groove 114 substantially coincides with the root portion 271 of the spring piece 26. The groove 114 in the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the "groove" in the present application.

[0031] Even if foreign matter such as mud enters the inside of the terminal insertion hole 111, the foreign matter is accommodated in the groove 114, and the hindrance to the elastic deformation of the spring piece 26 can be suppressed. In addition, by continuously forming the groove 114 over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b, the amount of foreign matter that can be accommodated in the groove 114 can be increased, and the generation of the hindrance to the elastic deformation of the spring piece 26 can be further suppressed. In addition, by opposing the groove 114 to the root portion 261 of the spring piece 26, the foreign matter near the root portion 261 is accommodated in the groove, and the generation of the hindrance to the elastic deformation of the spring piece 26 can be further suppressed.

[0032] Furthermore, the groove 114 can also be formed intermittently along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 111b (the same direction as the circumferential direction D of the annular portion 21 described later). For example, the groove 114 can also be formed only in the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 11b at a position opposite to the spring piece 26. Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 114 is not limited to the trapezoidal shape described above, and can also be rectangular, semi-circular, etc. Moreover, as long as the groove 114 is opposite to the spring piece 26, the position where the groove 114 is formed is not limited to the position opposite to the root 261 of the spring piece 26.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the small-diameter portion 111c has a bottomed cylindrical shape, one end of which is connected to the large-diameter portion 111b, and the other end is blocked by the bottom surface 115. The small-diameter portion 111c has an inner diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter portion 111b. In addition, although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 115 is inclined in such a way that the closer it is to the central axis CA, the further away it is from the inlet E of the terminal insertion hole 111.

[0034] The small diameter portion 111c has a locking wall 113 between it and the large diameter portion 111b. The spring member 20 is restricted by the locking wall 113 from moving toward the inside (+Y direction side) of the terminal insertion hole 111.

[0035] Additionally, the terminal connection portion 11 has a discharge hole 116 that opens into the small-diameter portion 111c of the terminal insertion hole 111. The discharge hole 116 is a through hole that extends from the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 111c to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 11, and is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 111c at a position adjacent to the bottom surface 115.

[0036] Spring component 20 is made of conductive materials such as metal. Figure 6 As shown, it has an ended cylindrical shape. Here, "ended cylindrical shape" refers to a shape in which a portion of the circumferential wall of the cylinder is cut off along the axial direction of the cylinder, resulting in an end that becomes discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. In this embodiment, the spring member 20 is cut off by a slit 20a in the direction along the central axis CA of the spring member 20. Before being disposed inside the terminal insertion hole 111, the spring member 20 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 111b. The spring member 20 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111 with its outer diameter reduced by narrowing the width of the slit 20a. The spring member 20 expands outward inside the terminal insertion hole 111, thereby causing the first to fourth protrusions 211, 212, 221, 222 (described later) of the spring member 20 to abut against the large-diameter portion 111b of the base member 10. This ensures sufficient contact pressure of the spring member 20 relative to the base member 10.

[0037] The spring component 20 includes: first to third annular portions 21 to 23; first and second connecting portions 24 and 25; spring plates 26 and 27; first and second protrusions 211 and 212 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first annular portion 21; and third and fourth protrusions 221 and 222 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second annular portion 22. In this embodiment, for example, it is formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape after processing such as punching or stamping, thereby integrally forming the first to third annular portions 21 to 23, the first and second connecting portions 24 and 25, and the spring plates 26 and 27.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first annular portion 21 corresponds to an example of the "first support portion" in this invention, and the second annular portion 22 corresponds to an example of the "second support portion" in this invention. Furthermore, the spring sheet 26 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first spring sheet" in this invention, and the spring sheet 27 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "second spring sheet" in this invention. Additionally, the first protrusion 212 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first protrusion" in this invention, the second protrusion 212 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "second protrusion" in this invention, the third protrusion 221 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "third protrusion" in this invention, and the fourth protrusion 222 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "fourth protrusion" in this invention.

[0039] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first to third annular portions 21, 22, and 23 have an ended annular shape with slits 21a, 22a, and 23a. Here, "ended annular shape" refers to a shape in which a portion of the circumferential wall of the annulus is cut off along the axial direction of the annulus, resulting in an end that becomes discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the annulus. The first to third annular portions 21, 22, and 23, arranged coaxially, are inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111 with their outer diameters reduced by narrowing the widths of the slits 21a, 22a, and 23a. The widths of the slits 21a, 22a, and 23a are widened inside the terminal insertion hole 111 to increase the outer diameter, thereby being arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b.

[0040] Furthermore, the first to third annular portions 21, 22, and 23 are arranged coaxially. The second annular portion 22 is arranged on the inner side of the terminal insertion hole 111 (the +Y direction side in the figure) of the first annular portion 21, and the third annular portion 23 is arranged on the inlet E side of the terminal insertion hole 111 (the -Y direction side in the figure) of the first annular portion 21. In addition, the second annular portion 22 is connected to the first annular portion 21 via a plurality of (four in this example) first connecting portions 24 extending along the central axis CA, and the third annular portion 23 is connected to the first annular portion 21 via a plurality of (four in this example) second connecting portions 25 extending along the central axis CA. In addition, the second annular portion 22 contacts the locking wall 113 of the small diameter portion 111c, and the third annular portion 23 contacts the cover member 30 of the inlet portion 111a. As a result, the spring member 20 housed in the terminal insertion hole 111 is restricted from moving in the direction of the central axis CA (Y direction in the figure).

[0041] The first annular portion 21 is configured to extend along the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b of the terminal insertion hole 111, and a plurality of spring plates 26 (12 in this example) are provided in the first annular portion 21. These spring plates 26 protrude from the first annular portion 21 toward the third annular portion 23. Furthermore, the number of spring plates 26 in the spring component 20 is not particularly limited to the number described above. In addition, a plurality of protrusions 211, 212 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion 21, and these protrusions abut against the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b.

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each spring piece 26 has a plate-like shape protruding from the first annular portion 21 toward the inlet E side (the -Y direction side in the figure) of the terminal insertion hole 111. The spring piece 26 is disposed between the first annular portion 21 and the third annular portion 23. Furthermore, the spring piece 26 has a root portion 261 connected to the first annular portion 21; and a free end, i.e., a front end portion 262, on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b away from the terminal insertion hole 111. Additionally, the width of each spring piece 26 gradually narrows from the root portion 261 toward the front end portion 262, and the spring piece 26 has a front end tapering shape where the width of the front end portion 262 is slightly smaller than the width of the root portion 261. In this embodiment, the front end portion 262 corresponds to an example of the "first front end portion" in this invention.

[0043] The plurality of spring pieces 26 are arranged along the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21 and are elastically deformable in the radial direction of the spring member 20. One end of each spring piece 26 is supported by the first annular portion 21, and each spring piece 26 is inclined so as to approach the central axis CA as it approaches the entrance E of the terminal insertion hole 111, with the opposing front end portions 262 approaching each other. In addition, the plurality of spring pieces 26, whose one end is supported by the first annular portion 21, are able to displace the front end portions 262 in a direction away from the central axis CA by elastic deformation, and to open the interval between the front end portions 262 approaching each other.

[0044] The spring piece 26 contacts the mating terminal 100 (refer to Figure 3 ) inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111, whereby the spring member 20 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 100. That is, when the mating terminal 100 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111, the spring piece 26 contacts the mating terminal 100 and is elastically deformed by being pressed in a direction away from the central axis CA by the mating terminal 100. Thus, the spring piece 26 contacts the mating terminal 100 in a state in which sufficient contact pressure is ensured, and the spring piece 26 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 100, with current flowing from the mating terminal 100 into the spring piece 26.

[0045] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 , the spring piece 26 protruding from the first annular portion 21 has a front end portion 262 as a free end, and is inclined so as to approach the central axis CA as described above, whereby a gap G1 is formed between the spring piece 26 and the large-diameter portion 111b. In a cross section along the central axis CA, one side of the gap G1 is closed by the spring piece 26 and the large-diameter portion 111b, and the other side is open. Also, the front end portion 262 of the spring piece 26 is a free end, and thus, as compared with the case in which the front end portion is a fixed end, the spring force of the spring piece 26 can be reduced, and reduction of the force required for insertion of the mating terminal 100 can be achieved.

[0046] In addition, the front end portion 262 of each spring piece 26 has a bent portion 262a bent in a direction away from the central axis CA. As such, the front end portion 262 has the bent portion 262a, and thus, when the mating terminal 100 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111, the mating terminal 100 is guided to be inserted in contact with the curved bent portion 262a, and the mating terminal 100 can be smoothly inserted. Therefore, reduction of the insertion force required for insertion of the mating terminal 100 can be more achieved.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a plurality of first and second protrusions 211, 212 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first annular portion 21. The plurality of first and second protrusions 211, 212 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the first annular portion 21 toward the radial direction outside of the spring member 20, and are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 111b of the base member 10. By the first and second protrusions 211, 212 being in contact with the base member 10, the current flowing from the mating terminal 100 (refer to FIG. 1) into the spring piece 26 flows into the base member 10 through the first and second protrusions 211, 212. Figure 3 ) flows into the spring piece 26 through the first and second protrusions 211, 212.

[0048] The first protrusions 211 are arranged in a line at intervals along the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21, and in the present embodiment, the first protrusions 211 are provided near both ends of the root portion 261 of the spring piece 26. In addition, the second protrusions 212 are arranged in a line at intervals along the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21 on the inner side (the +Y direction side in the drawing) of the terminal insertion hole 111 than the first protrusions 211, and the second protrusions 212 are provided at positions that are staggered in the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21 with respect to the first protrusions 211.

[0049] More specifically, the first protrusions 211 are arranged between mutually adjacent spring pieces 26, and the mutually adjacent first protrusions 211 are arranged to be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line CL1 of the spring piece 26. In addition, the second protrusions 212 are arranged near the imaginary center line CL1 of the spring piece 26. Further, the imaginary center line CL1 is an imaginary straight line that bisects the spring piece 26 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the spring piece 26.

[0050] That is, in a case where the first and second protrusions 211, 212 are projected onto an imaginary plane (not shown) along the center axis CA, the first and second protrusions 211, 212 are not coincident with each other, and the first and second protrusions 211, 212 are arranged to be alternately arranged at substantially equal intervals on the circumference. Further, the above-mentioned imaginary plane is an imaginary plane that is substantially orthogonal to the center axis CA (the Y direction in the drawing), and corresponds to the XZ plane in the drawing.

[0051] As in the present embodiment, by arranging the first and second protrusions 211, 212 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion 21 so as to be offset along the central axis CA and so as to be offset from each other in the circumferential direction D, it is possible to increase the number of protrusions located in the vicinity of the spring pieces 26. Also, the current flowing into the spring pieces 26 flows into the base member 10 via the protrusions in the vicinity of the spring pieces 26. The contact pressure of the first and second protrusions 211, 212 against the base member 10 is affected by the roundness of the first annular portion 21, the deviation in the height of the first and second protrusions 211, 212, and the deflection of the first annular portion 21 caused by elastic deformation of the spring pieces 26, and sometimes becomes uneven. However, as in the present embodiment, by arranging the first and second protrusions 211, 212 so as to be offset from each other in the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21, even if the above-mentioned contact pressure becomes insufficient at some of the first and second protrusions 211, 212, the current flows toward the remaining first and second protrusions 211, 212. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the terminal 1.

[0052] In addition, by providing the first protrusions 211 near both ends of the root portions 261 of the spring pieces 26, the current flowing in the spring pieces 26 is distributed into the current flowing toward one of the first protrusions 211, the current flowing toward the other of the first protrusions 211, and the current flowing toward the second protrusions 212, and it is more difficult to cause concentration of the current (increase in current density) in the spring member 20. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the temperature rise of the terminal 1.

[0053] In addition, the first protrusions 211 are arranged between the spring pieces 26 adjacent to each other, whereby one first protrusion 211 is located in the vicinity of each of the adjacent spring pieces 26. That is, it is possible to arrange two first protrusions 211 in the vicinity of the spring pieces 26. In this case, it is not necessary to arrange the protrusions at a narrow pitch, and thus the processing of the spring member becomes easy.

[0054] In addition, the first protrusions 211 that are particularly adjacent to each other are arranged so as to be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the above-mentioned imaginary center line CL1, whereby the current is distributed substantially equally, and the current is not likely to concentrate in either of the first protrusions 211. In addition, the second protrusions 212 located on the inner side of the terminal insertion hole 111 than the first protrusions 211 are arranged near the above-mentioned imaginary center line CL1, whereby the current is distributed to two first protrusions and one second protrusion, and the current is not likely to concentrate in any of the protrusions. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the temperature rise of the terminal 1.

[0055] Similar to the first annular portion 21 described above, the second annular portion 22 of the spring member 20 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b, and a plurality of spring plates 27 (12 in this example) are provided in the second annular portion 22. These spring plates 27 protrude from the second annular portion 22 toward the first annular portion 21. Furthermore, the number of spring plates 27 in the spring member 20 is not particularly limited to the number described above. In addition, a plurality of third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second annular portion 22, and these protrusions abut against the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each spring piece 27 has a plate-like shape protruding from the second annular portion 22 toward the inlet E (Y direction in the figure) near the terminal insertion hole 111. The spring piece 27 has: a root portion 271 connected to the second annular portion 22; and a free end, i.e., a front end portion 272, on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b away from the terminal insertion hole 111. In this embodiment, the front end portion 272 corresponds to an example of the "second front end portion" in this invention.

[0057] In this embodiment, the shape of the spring sheet 27 is the same as that of the spring sheet 26. In addition, similar to the front end portion 262, the front end portion 272 has a curved portion 272a that bends in a direction away from the central axis CA.

[0058] Multiple spring pieces 27 are arranged circumferentially along the second annular portion 22, and like the spring pieces 26, they are capable of radial elastic deformation along the spring component 20. One end of each spring piece 27 is supported by the second annular portion 22, and each spring piece 26 is inclined such that it approaches the central axis CA as it approaches the inlet E of the terminal insertion hole 111, with the opposing front ends 272 approaching each other. In addition, the multiple spring pieces 27, with one end supported by the second annular portion 22, can elastically deform to displace their front ends 272 away from the central axis CA, thus widening the gap between the approaching front ends 272.

[0059] Similar to spring plate 26, spring plate 27 engages with mating terminal 100 (see reference) inserted into terminal insertion hole 111. Figure 3 The spring member 20 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 100 through contact. Specifically, when the mating terminal 100 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 111, the spring piece 27 contacts the mating terminal 100 and elastically deforms due to being pressed away from the central axis CA by the mating terminal 100. Thus, the spring piece 27 and the mating terminal 100 are in contact with sufficient contact pressure, and the spring piece 27 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 100, with current flowing from the mating terminal 100 into the spring piece 27.

[0060] In this embodiment, such asFigure 5 As shown in FIG. 6, the spring piece 27 protruding from the second annular portion 22 has a front end portion 272 as a free end, and is inclined in a manner approaching the center axis CA as described above, so that a gap G2 is formed between the spring piece 27 and the large diameter portion 111b. In a cross section along the center axis CA, one side of the gap G2 is closed by the spring piece 27 and the large diameter portion 111b, and the other side is open. Further, the front end portion 272 of the spring piece 27 is a free end, so that compared with a case where the front end portion is a fixed end, the spring force of the spring piece 27 can be reduced, and reduction of the force required for insertion of the mating terminal 100 can be achieved. In addition, the front end portion 272 of the spring piece 27 is disposed on the inner side (the +Y direction side in the drawing) of the terminal insertion hole 111 than the front end portion 262 of the spring piece 26, and the respective front end portions 262, 272 are arranged to be staggered in the center axis CA direction, so that the peak values of the insertion forces of the mating terminal 100 in the respective spring pieces 26, 27 can be staggered with each other, and the force required for insertion of the mating terminal 100 can be suppressed to be small.

[0061] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, Figure 7 that is, in a case where the imaginary center lines CL1, CL2 of the spring pieces 26, 27 are projected onto an imaginary plane (not shown) along the center axis CA, the imaginary center lines CL1, CL2 of the spring pieces 26, 27 coincide with each other. Further, the relative positional relationship of the spring piece 26 and the spring piece 27 along the circumferential direction D is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the imaginary center line CL1 of the spring piece 26 and the imaginary center line CL2 of the spring piece 27 can not coincide with each other.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Like the first annular portion 21, a plurality of third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second annular portion 22. The third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the second annular portion 22 toward the radial direction outer side of the spring member 20, and are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 111b of the base member 10. By the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 being in contact with the base member 10, the electric current flowing into the spring piece 27 from the mating terminal 100 (refer to FIG. 5) flows into the base member 10 through the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222. Figure 3

[0063] ​The positional relationship of the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 is the same as that of the first and second protrusions 211, 212. Like the first protrusions 211, the third protrusions 221 are arranged in a line at intervals along the circumferential direction of the second annular portion 22 (the same direction D as the first annular portion 21), and in this embodiment, the third protrusions 221 are provided near both ends of the root portion 271 of the spring piece 27. In addition, the fourth protrusions 222 are arranged in a line at intervals along the circumferential direction of the second annular portion 22 on the inner side (the +Y direction side in the drawing) of the terminal insertion hole 111 than the third protrusions 221, and the fourth protrusions 222 are provided at positions that are staggered in the circumferential direction of the second annular portion 22 with respect to the third protrusions 221.

[0064] More specifically, the third protrusions 221 are arranged between mutually adjacent spring pieces 27, and the mutually adjacent third protrusions 221 are arranged to be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line CL2 of the spring piece 27. In addition, the fourth protrusions 222 are arranged near the imaginary center line CL2 of the spring piece 27. Further, the imaginary center line CL2 is a straight line that bisects the spring piece 27 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the spring piece 27.

[0065] That is, in a case where the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are projected onto an imaginary plane (not shown) along the central axis CA, the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are not coincident with each other, and the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are arranged to be alternately arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, in a case where the first to fourth protrusions 211, 212, 221, 222 are projected onto an imaginary plane (not shown) along the central axis CA of the spring member 20, in this embodiment, the first protrusions 211 and the third protrusions 221 are coincident with each other, and the second protrusions 212 and the fourth protrusions 222 are coincident with each other. Further, the first protrusions 211 and the third protrusions 221 can be non-coincident with each other, and the second protrusions 212 and the fourth protrusions 222 can be non-coincident with each other, without being limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0066] In this embodiment, the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 are arranged as described above on the outer circumferential surface of the second annular portion 22, and thus, like the first and second protrusions 211, 212, the current flowing into the spring piece 27 is distributed into currents flowing toward each of the protrusions 221, 222, and it is possible to suppress concentration of the current. Therefore, it is possible to suppress temperature rise of the terminal 1.

[0067] As Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the cover member 30 in this embodiment is a circular ring-shaped member having an opening 31, which is fitted to the entrance portion 111a of the terminal connecting portion 11. The center axis of the opening 31 substantially coincides with the center axis CA of the terminal insertion hole 111. The cover member 30 is fixed to the base member 10 by riveting or the like. Also, the spring member 20 is restricted from moving toward the entrance E side (the -Y direction in the figure) of the terminal insertion hole 111 by the cover member 30, and is fixed by being sandwiched between the cover member 30 and the locking wall 113 of the terminal insertion hole 111. In addition, a tapered surface 32 is formed on the end portion of the cover member 30 on the entrance E side, extending around the entire circumference of the opening 31, and the insertion operation of the mating terminal 100 into the terminal insertion hole 111 is facilitated by the tapered surface 32.

[0068] The terminal 1 and the mating terminal 100 described above are connected as follows.

[0069] If the mating terminal 100 is inserted from the entrance E of the terminal insertion hole 111, first, the mating terminal 100 comes into contact with the front end portion 262 of the spring piece 26. The spring piece 26 is displaced toward the direction away from the center axis CA (the radially outer side) by being pressed by the mating terminal 100. The mating terminal 100 is electrically connected to the spring piece 26 by this pressing.

[0070] If the mating terminal 100 is inserted further into the terminal insertion hole 111 (+Y direction side), next, the mating terminal 100 comes into contact with the front end portion 272 of the spring piece 27. Like the spring piece 26, the spring piece 27 is also displaced toward the direction away from the center axis CA by being pressed by the mating terminal 100. The mating terminal 100 is electrically connected to the spring piece 27 by this pressing.

[0071] If the mating terminal 100 is inserted further into the terminal insertion hole 111 (+Y direction side), the mating terminal 100 is stably held in a state of being pressed from the periphery by the spring pieces 26, 27. Here, as described above, the first to fourth protrusions 211, 212, 221, 222 come into abutment with the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b, so the spring member 20 is electrically connected to the base member 10. Therefore, the mating terminal 100 is electrically connected to the base member 10 via the spring member 20 by the electrical connection of the spring pieces 26, 27 to the mating terminal 100, and as a result, the mating terminal 100 is electrically connected to the electric wire via the terminal 1.

[0072] At this time, in this embodiment, the front end portions 262, 272 of the spring pieces 26, 27 are free ends, so compared to the case where the front end portions are fixed ends, the spring force of the spring pieces 26, 27 can be reduced, and a reduction in the insertion force of the mating terminal 100 can be achieved.

[0073] Also, in the present embodiment, the spring pieces 26 and 27 are arranged in the axial direction, and thus the timing at which the mating terminal 100 comes into contact with the spring piece 27 and the timing at which the mating terminal 100 comes into contact with the spring piece 26 are offset from each other. Thus, the peak values of the insertion force of the mating terminal 100 caused by the spring pieces 26 and 27 can be offset from each other, and thus the insertion force of the mating terminal 100 can be suppressed to be small.

[0074] Also, the spring pieces 26 and 27 are provided to the separate first and second annular portions 21 and 22, and thus the concentration of current can be suppressed, and the heating of the spring member 20 can be suppressed. In contrast, in a case where spring pieces are provided to both ends of one annular portion, the current concentrates in the annular portion, and heating of the spring member occurs.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the spring piece 26 protrudes from the first annular portion 21 toward the entrance E of the terminal insertion hole 111, and thus the contact with the mating terminal 100 near the entrance E can be ensured. In a charging device for a vehicle or the like, a plug-type connector is provided with a power terminal (the mating terminal 100) and a rod-shaped communication terminal (not shown), and a socket-type connector is provided with a power socket (the terminal 1) that can be fitted to the power terminal, and a communication socket (not shown) that can be fitted to the communication terminal. Such a charging device is configured not to supply power if the communication terminal is pulled out of the communication socket. Also, in order to prevent the mating terminal 100 from being supplied with power in a state where it has been pulled out of the terminal 1, it is necessary to release the connection of the mating terminal 100 to the terminal 1 after the communication terminal has been pulled out of the communication socket. In this regard, in the terminal 1 of the present embodiment, the spring piece 26 extends to protrude near the entrance E, and the contact with the mating terminal 100 is ensured to be longer, and thus the connection of the mating terminal 100 to the terminal 1 can be released after the communication terminal has been pulled out of the communication socket.

[0076] Also, in the present embodiment, a circular ring-shaped groove 114 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 111b of the terminal insertion hole 111, and the groove 114 is provided to correspond to the spring piece 26. Thus, even if a foreign object that has intruded from the outside enters between the root portion 261 of the spring piece 26 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole 111, the foreign object is accommodated inside the groove 114, and thus the elastic deformation of the spring piece 26 can be prevented from being hindered by the foreign object. Thus, in the present embodiment, the workability of the fitting work with the mating terminal 100 can be improved.

[0077] Further, in the present embodiment, the base member 10 has a discharge hole 116 that penetrates the base member 10 from the terminal insertion hole 111 to the outside thereof, and the discharge hole 116 is disposed on the inner side of the terminal insertion hole 111 than the spring member 20. Therefore, foreign matter can be discharged from the inside of the terminal insertion hole 111 to the outside via the discharge hole 116. In particular, in the case where the terminal 1 is used with the terminal connection portion 11 being on the upper side, foreign matter can be effectively discharged from the inside of the terminal insertion hole 111 to the outside via the discharge hole 116 by the force of gravity.

[0078] Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 211, 212, 221, 222 are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second annular portions 21, 22, and the plurality of protrusions 211, 212, 221, 222 protrude toward the radially outer side of the spring member 20. Also, at least one protrusion is disposed in the vicinity of each of the plurality of spring pieces 26, 27. Therefore, the current flowing into the spring pieces 26, 27 from the mating terminal flows toward the base member 10 via the protrusions in the vicinity of the spring pieces 26, 27. Therefore, in the present embodiment, concentration of the current in the spring member 20 is less likely to occur, and temperature rise of the terminal 1 can be suppressed.

[0079] Also, in the present embodiment, the first and second protrusions 211, 212 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion 21 are disposed so as to be offset from each other along the circumferential direction D of the first annular portion 21, whereby the current flowing into the spring pieces 26 is distributed toward the first and second protrusions 211, 212, and concentration of the current in the spring member 20 is less likely to occur. Similarly, the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second annular portion 22 are disposed so as to be offset from each other along the circumferential direction D of the second annular portion 22, whereby the current flowing into the spring pieces 27 is distributed toward the third and fourth protrusions 211, 212, and concentration of the current in the spring member 20 is less likely to occur. Thus, temperature rise of the terminal 1 can be further suppressed.

[0080] The plurality of protrusions provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second annular portions 21, 22 are disposed at least one in the vicinity of each of the plurality of spring pieces 26, 27, and preferably a plurality of protrusions are disposed in the vicinity of each of the plurality of spring pieces 26, 27. As a modification of the plurality of protrusions, for example, a plurality of first protrusions 211 aligned in a row along the circumferential direction can be disposed in the first annular portion 21, and a plurality of third protrusions 221 aligned in a row along the circumferential direction can be disposed in the second annular portion 22. Further, as another modification of the plurality of protrusions, for example, the first and second protrusions 211, 212 can be disposed so as not to be offset from each other in the first annular portion 21, and the third and fourth protrusions 221, 222 can be disposed so as not to be offset from each other in the second annular portion 22.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8(b) will specifically explain the effect of arranging a plurality of first and second protrusions 211, 212 in the first annular portion 21 as in this embodiment and arranging the first and second protrusions 211, 212 in a staggered manner. Figure 8 (a) is a diagram illustrating the first and second protrusions 211 and 212 in this embodiment. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram illustrating a modified example in which the first and second protrusions are configured to be non-separated from each other.

[0082] For example, when the first annular portions 21 and 21' have portions that do not align with the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b of the terminal insertion hole 111, sufficient contact pressure cannot be ensured between the first and second protrusions located in that portion and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 111b, resulting in high resistance and difficulty in current flow. Figure 8 (a) shows that in this embodiment, the contact pressure with the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b becomes insufficient at the two protrusions 211c and 212b near the spring plate 26b. Figure 8 (b) shows a modified example where the contact pressure with the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b becomes insufficient at the two protrusions 211b' and 212b' near the spring plate 26b'.

[0083] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in (a), two first protrusions 211a and 211b and one second protrusion 212a are arranged near the spring plate 26a, and two first protrusions 211b and 211c and one second protrusion 212b are arranged near the spring plate 26b. Therefore, the spring plate 26a connects with the mating terminal 100 (see reference 100). Figure 3 The current flowing into the spring plate 26a through the contact point Pa is distributed as a current I flowing into the base component 10 through the first protrusions 211a and 211b located near the two ends of the root 261a of the spring plate 26a. a1 I a3 and the current I flowing into the base component 10 through the second protrusion 212a. a2 (I a =I a1 +I a2 +I a3 Additionally, the spring plate 26b connects with the mating terminal 100 (see reference). Figure 3 The current I flows into the spring sheet 26b through the contact point Pb. b The current flows into the base component 10 through the first protrusion 211b near the spring plate 26b. That is, the distributed current I a3 Inflow current I bThe inflow of the first protrusion 211b can further suppress the concentration of the current, and can further suppress the temperature rise of the terminal 1. In addition, the first protrusion 211b, which has a contact pressure sufficient against the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b, is located near the spring piece 26b, and thus the current I b The inflow of the protrusions 211c, 212b, which have high resistance, can further suppress the temperature rise of the terminal 1.

[0084] On the other hand, in Figure 8 the modification example of (b), one first protrusion 211a' and one second protrusion 212a' are arranged near the spring piece 26a', and one first protrusion 211b' and one second protrusion 212b are arranged near the spring piece 26b. Thus, the current I Figure 3 flowing from the mating terminal to the spring piece 26a' through the contact point Pa' of the spring piece 26a' and the mating terminal 100 (refer to a The inflow of the first protrusion 211a', which is closest to the spring piece 26a', to the base member 10. In addition, at the same time, the current I Figure 3 flowing from the mating terminal to the spring piece 26b' through the contact point Pb' of the spring piece 26b' and the mating terminal 100 (refer to b The majority of the current I Figure 8 flows to the base member 10 through the first protrusion 211a'. That is, compared with the present embodiment of (a), a and the current I b tend to concentrate in the one first protrusion 211a'. Thus, the current density in the spring member locally becomes high, and compared with the present embodiment of (a), Figure 8 there is a case where heat is generated in a part of the spring member. In addition, if the protrusion, which has a contact pressure sufficient against the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 111b, is separated from the spring piece 26b', a part of the current I b flows to the protrusion 211b', which has high resistance, located near the spring piece 26b', and compared with the present embodiment of (a), Figure 8 there is a case where heat is generated in a part of the spring member.

[0085] The embodiments described above are described in order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, and are not described in order to limit the present application. Thus, each element disclosed in the above-described embodiments is the gist including all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present application.

[0086] For example, in the above-described embodiments, two rows of spring pieces 26, 27 are provided in the spring member 20 along the axial direction, but are not limited thereto. Three or more rows of spring pieces can be provided, for example, three or four rows of spring pieces can be provided along the axial direction.

[0087] Reference Signs List

[0088] 1…terminal; 10…base member; 11…terminal connecting portion; 111…terminal insertion hole; E…entry; 111a…entry portion; 111b…large diameter portion; 111c…small diameter portion; 112, 113…locking wall; 114…slot; 115…bottom surface; CA…center axis; 116…discharge hole; 12…wire connecting portion; 121…wire insertion hole; 20…spring member; 20a…slit; 21-23…first to third ring-shaped portions; 21a-23a…slit; 211, 211a-211c…first protrusion; 212, 212a, 212b…second protrusion; 221…third protrusion; 222…fourth protrusion; 24, 25…first and second linking portions; 26, 26a, 26b…spring piece; 261…root portion; 262…front end portion; CL1…imaginary center line; 262a…bent portion; 27…spring piece; 271…root portion; 272…front end portion; 272a…bent portion; CL2…imaginary center line; G1, G2…gap; 30…cover member; 31…opening.

Claims

1. A terminal characterized by comprising: Possessing: a base member having a terminal insertion hole into which a mating terminal is inserted; and a cylindrical spring member configured to be housed in the terminal insertion hole, to be in contact with the base member, and to be in contact with the mating terminal inserted into the terminal insertion hole, the spring member including: a first annular support portion in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole; a plurality of first spring pieces projecting from the first support portion toward an entrance side of the terminal insertion hole; a second annular support portion in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole and disposed on an inner side of the terminal insertion hole than the first support portion; a plurality of second spring pieces projecting from the second support portion toward the entrance side of the terminal insertion hole; and a first connecting portion connecting the first support portion and the second support portion, the first spring pieces have first front end portions as free ends and are inclined so as to approach a central axis of the terminal insertion hole, the second spring pieces have second front end portions as free ends and are inclined so as to approach the central axis of the terminal insertion hole, a plurality of protrusions projecting toward a radial outer side of the spring member are provided on an outer peripheral surface of each of the first support portion and the second support portion, the plurality of protrusions include: a plurality of first protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first support portion and arranged in a row at intervals along a circumferential direction of the first support portion; a plurality of second protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first support portion and arranged in a row at intervals along the circumferential direction of the first support portion, on an inner side of the terminal insertion hole than the first protrusions; a plurality of third protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second support portion and arranged in a row at intervals along a circumferential direction of the second support portion; and a plurality of fourth protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second support portion and arranged in a row at intervals along the circumferential direction of the second support portion, on an inner side of the terminal insertion hole than the third protrusions, the first protrusions and the second protrusions are arranged to be staggered with respect to each other along the circumferential direction of the first support portion, and the third protrusions and the fourth protrusions are arranged to be staggered with respect to each other along the circumferential direction of the second support portion.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein mutually adjacent ones of the first protrusions are arranged to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line of the first spring pieces, and the second protrusions are arranged near the imaginary center line of the first spring pieces, mutually adjacent ones of the third protrusions are arranged to be line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line of the second spring pieces, and the fourth protrusions are arranged near the imaginary center line of the second spring pieces.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base member has a groove at a position in the inner peripheral surface of the terminal insertion hole opposite the first spring pieces.

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