terminal module

Abstract

In the terminal module (10), the housing (16) has a pair of side walls (22, 22), the terminal member (18) has a first terminal (46) relatively movable with respect to the pair of side walls (22, 22), the pair of side walls (22, 22) each has a first partition wall portion (26) and a second partition wall portion (28), the first partition wall portion (26) has a first terminal receiving portion (34), the second partition wall portion (28) has a second terminal receiving portion (42), the first terminal (46) has a guided portion (68), a first engaging portion (70), and a second engaging portion (72), the first partition wall portions (26) of the pair of side walls (22, 22) are parallel to each other, the second partition wall portions (28) of the pair of side walls (22, 22) are parallel to each other, in the first position, the guided portion (68) of the first terminal (46) is disposed between the first partition wall portion (26) and the second partition wall portion (28), the first engaging portion (70) engages with the first terminal receiving portion (34), and the second engaging portion (72) engages with the second terminal receiving portion (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to terminal modules. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-034045, filed on March 4, 2021, and incorporates all the contents described in the aforementioned Japanese patent application. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a terminal module in which a first terminal (electrical contact member) is assembled in a housing containing a helical spring (coil spring). The first terminal is pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal is blocked by a portion (front wall) provided by bending a part of the side wall of the housing. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-200777 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The terminal module disclosed herein is electrically connected to a counterpart terminal component. The terminal module includes an elastically deformable helical spring, a housing for housing the helical spring, and a terminal component mounted on the housing. The helical spring has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end. The housing has a top wall and a pair of side walls. The top wall contacts the first end of the helical spring. The pair of side walls extend from the top wall toward the second end of the helical spring and are opposite to each other. The terminal component has a first terminal mounted on the pair of side walls and movable relative to them. Each of the pair of side walls has a side wall base connected to the top wall, a first dividing wall portion connected to the side wall base, and a second dividing wall portion connected to the side wall base and separated from the first dividing wall portion. The first dividing wall portion has a first terminal receiving portion capable of receiving the terminal component pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal has a second terminal receiving portion, which can receive the first terminal pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal has a first surface pressed by the second end of the helical spring, a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface, a guide portion slidable relative to the first dividing wall portion, a first engaging portion that can engage with the first dividing wall portion, and a second engaging portion that can engage with the second dividing wall portion. The first dividing wall portions disposed on each of the pair of sidewalls are parallel to each other, and the second dividing wall portions disposed on each of the pair of sidewalls are parallel to each other. The first terminal can reversibly obtain a first position and a second position different from the first position. In the first position, the first surface is pressed by the helical spring, the guide portion is disposed between the first dividing wall portion and the second dividing wall portion, the first engaging portion engages with the first terminal receiving portion, and the second engaging portion engages with the second terminal receiving portion. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the terminal module of the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the terminal module and the counterpart terminal component of the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a front view showing the terminal module of the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a right view showing the terminal module of the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a bottom view showing the terminal module of the embodiment. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 Sectional view VI-VI in the middle. Figure 7This is a perspective view showing the terminal module and the counterpart terminal component of the embodiment. Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the terminal module and the counterpart terminal component of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0006] <The problem the invention aims to solve> In the terminal module described in Patent Document 1, the machining time for the housing increases compared to the case where no bending process is performed on the housing. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving manufacturability, there is room for further improvement in the terminal module.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a terminal module that improves manufacturability.

[0008] <Invention Effects> The terminal module disclosed herein has the effect of improving manufacturability.

[0009] <Description of embodiments of this disclosure> First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described. (1) The terminal module of this disclosure is electrically connected to a counterpart terminal member. The terminal module includes an elastically deformable helical spring, a housing for housing the helical spring, and a terminal member assembled in the housing. The helical spring has a first end and a second end disposed on the opposite side of the first end. The housing has a top wall and a pair of side walls. The top wall contacts the first end of the helical spring. The pair of side walls extend from the top wall toward the second end of the helical spring and are opposite to each other. The terminal member has a first terminal, which is assembled in the pair of side walls and is movable relative to the pair of side walls. Each of the pair of side walls has a side wall base connected to the top wall, a first partition wall portion connected to the side wall base, and a second partition wall portion connected to the side wall base and separated from the first partition wall portion. The first partition wall portion has a first terminal receiving portion, which can receive the terminal member pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal has a second terminal receiving portion on the second partition wall. The second terminal receiving portion can receive the first terminal pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal has a first surface pressed by the second end of the helical spring, a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface, a guide portion that can slide relative to the first partition wall, a first engaging portion that can engage with the first partition wall, and a second engaging portion that can engage with the second partition wall. The first partition wall portions disposed on each of the pair of side walls are parallel to each other, and the second partition wall portions disposed on each of the pair of side walls are parallel to each other. The first terminal can reversibly obtain a first position and a second position different from the first position. In the first position, the first surface is pressed by the helical spring, the guide portion is disposed between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the first engaging portion engages with the first terminal receiving portion, and the second engaging portion engages with the second terminal receiving portion.

[0010] According to this structure, each of the pair of opposing sidewalls has a first dividing wall portion and a second dividing wall portion. The first dividing wall portion has a first terminal receiving portion capable of receiving a first terminal, and the second dividing wall portion has a second terminal receiving portion capable of receiving a first terminal. Furthermore, the first dividing wall portions of each pair of sidewalls are parallel to each other, and the second dividing wall portions of each pair of sidewalls are also parallel to each other. Therefore, the bending process of the housing to accommodate the first and second terminal receiving portions can be omitted. Thus, the manufacturability of the terminal module can be improved.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the first terminal has at least a portion of a pair of side surfaces opposite to the pair of side walls of the housing, the guided portion protruding from the pair of side surfaces, the first engaging portion protruding from the pair of side surfaces, and the second engaging portion protruding from the pair of side surfaces.

[0012] According to this structure, the guide portion, the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion protrude from a pair of sides. Therefore, when the first terminal is punched from sheet metal using a stamping process, the guide portion, the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion can be provided, thus eliminating the need to perform a bending process on the first terminal. Therefore, the manufacturability of the terminal module can be improved.

[0013] (3) Preferably, the first engaging portion protrudes from each of the pair of sides, and the second engaging portion protrudes from each of the pair of sides.

[0014] According to this structure, the first engaging portion protrudes from both sides of a pair of side surfaces of the first terminal. Therefore, when the first terminal is rotated after the first engaging portion hooks onto the first extension, tilting of the first terminal relative to the housing can be prevented. Therefore, the second engaging portion can more easily engage with the second partition wall portion. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module can be improved. Furthermore, the first and second engaging portions protrude from both sides of a pair of side surfaces respectively. Therefore, the first terminal is received by the housing at at least four points. Therefore, compared to the case where the first terminal is received by the housing at three points, the first terminal can be prevented from falling off the housing. This further improves the durability of the terminal module.

[0015] (4) Preferably, the first terminal has a first terminal end disposed on the side of the guided portion closer to the second engaging portion than the second engaging portion, and the first engaging portion is disposed on the first terminal end.

[0016] According to this structure, the first engaging portion is disposed at the end of the first terminal. Therefore, compared to the case where the first engaging portion is disposed between the end of the first terminal and the guided portion, the amount of protrusion of the first terminal relative to the housing can be suppressed. Therefore, the terminal module can be miniaturized.

[0017] (5) Preferably, the first dividing wall portion has a first base portion connected to the side wall base portion and a first extension portion extending from the first base portion toward the opposite side of the second dividing wall portion, the first terminal receiving portion is disposed on the first extension portion, and the first engaging portion engages with the first terminal receiving portion from the top wall side.

[0018] According to this structure, the first terminal receiving portion is disposed on a first extension portion extending from the first base portion toward the opposite side of the second partition wall portion. Furthermore, the first terminal receiving portion is disposed such that a first engaging portion engages with it from the top wall side. Therefore, by hooking the first engaging portion onto the first extension portion and rotating the first terminal 46 relative to the housing, the operator can engage the second engaging portion with the second terminal receiving portion. This improves the ease of assembly of the terminal module.

[0019] (6) Preferably, the second partition wall portion has a second base portion connected to the side wall base portion and a second extension portion extending from the second base portion toward the opposite side of the first partition wall portion, the second terminal receiving portion is disposed on the second extension portion, the second extension portion has a second inclined portion, the second inclined portion is inclined toward the first partition wall portion side as it moves toward the opposite side of the top wall, and the second terminal receiving portion is closer to the top wall than the second inclined portion.

[0020] According to this structure, the second terminal receiving portion of the second partition wall is positioned closer to the top wall side than the second inclined portion of the second partition wall. Furthermore, the second inclined portion is inclined such that it approaches the first partition wall side as it moves towards the opposite side of the top wall. Therefore, when the first terminal is rotated relative to the housing around the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion is positioned closer to the top wall side than the second terminal receiving portion, it is possible to prevent the second engaging portion of the first terminal from hooking onto the second partition wall. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module can be improved.

[0021] (7) Preferably, the first terminal has a first portion that contacts the second end of the helical spring and a second portion that is connected to the first portion and extends toward the top wall side of the housing, the first engaging portion is disposed on the first portion, the second engaging portion is disposed on the second portion, and the second terminal receiving portion is closer to the top wall than the first terminal receiving portion.

[0022] According to this structure, when the operator rotates the first terminal to assemble it into the housing, the second engaging portion of the first terminal can easily engage with the second terminal receiving portion of the housing. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module can be improved.

[0023] (8) Preferably, the first terminal at the first position is pressed by the convex portion of the opposite terminal member through the second surface, so that the guided portion of the first terminal slides on the first partition wall of the housing, thereby obtaining the second position. The position of the guided portion at the second position is closer to the top wall than the position of the guided portion at the first position, and is closer to the receiving portion of the second terminal in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the arrangement of the first end and the second end of the helical spring and the direction of the opposing sidewalls.

[0024] According to this structure, when the first terminal moves from the first position to the second position, the protruding portion of the counterpart terminal moves relative to the second surface of the first terminal. Therefore, even if foreign matter adheres to the second surface of the first terminal before the first terminal and the counterpart terminal components are electrically connected, the protruding portion of the counterpart terminal can wipe away the foreign matter adhering to the second surface of the first terminal. Thus, the increase in contact resistance between the first terminal and the counterpart terminal components can be suppressed. Furthermore, the heating of the terminal module can be suppressed.

[0025] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure> Specific examples of the terminal modules of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all variations within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims. Additionally, in this disclosure, "parallel" does not refer to strict geometrical parallelism, but rather to a range that can be considered parallel and has width within the scope of achieving the effects of the invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "orthogonal" does not refer to strict geometrical orthogonality, but rather to a range that can be considered orthogonal and has width within the scope of achieving the effects of the invention. Additionally, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled with reference numerals, while reference numerals are omitted for other components.

[0026] <Terminal Module 10> like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, terminal module 10 can be electrically connected to counterpart terminal member 12. Terminal module 10 and counterpart terminal member 12 are used, for example, to electrically connect multiple vehicle-mounted devices (not shown). Terminal module 10 is held, for example, by a connector housing (not shown). Terminal module 10 is mounted to a vehicle-mounted device, for example, by means of a connector housing. Examples of vehicle-mounted devices include, for example, battery packs, inverters, and electric motors. Figure 1 As shown, the terminal module 10 includes a helical spring 14, a housing 16 for housing the helical spring 14, and a terminal member 18 assembled in the housing 16.

[0027] <Terminal component 18> like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal member 18 has a first terminal 46 electrically connected to the counterpart terminal member 12, a second terminal 48 electrically connected to an external machine (not shown), and a flexible conductor 50 electrically connecting the first terminal 46 and the second terminal 48. The first terminal 46 is mounted on the housing 16.

[0028] <Helical Spring 14> The helical spring 14 is an example of an elastic member capable of elastic deformation. The helical spring 14 can, for example, be made of a metallic material. Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the helical spring 14 is formed, for example, by winding a wire around a central axis 14c. The helical spring 14 has a first end 14a and a second end 14b.

[0029] In the following description, for convenience, the direction along the central axis 14c of the coil spring 14 will be referred to as the axial direction of the coil spring 14. The first end 14a is the end of the coil spring 14 in the axial direction. The second end 14b is the end opposite to the first end 14a in the axial direction. That is, the second end 14b is located opposite to the first end 14a in the axial direction. The first end 14a and the second end 14b are arranged along the axial direction of the coil spring. The coil spring 14 is elastically deformable along its axial direction. The coil spring 14 is extendable and retractable along its axial direction.

[0030] The first end 14a contacts the housing 16. The second end 14b contacts the first terminal 46. The helical spring 14 is held between the housing 16 and the first terminal 46. The helical spring 14 held between the housing 16 and the first terminal 46 is shorter than its natural length. That is, the helical spring 14 held between the housing 16 and the first terminal 46 is compressed in the axial direction. Therefore, the helical spring 14 presses against the housing 16 and the first terminal 46.

[0031] <Shell 16> The housing 16 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The housing 16 is formed into a predetermined shape, for example, by stamping. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the housing 16 has a top wall 20 and a pair of side walls 22, 22 extending from the top wall 20. The top wall 20 is, for example, rectangular. The top wall 20 contacts the first end 14a of the coil spring 14. The pair of side walls 22, 22 extend from the top wall 20 toward the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. The pair of side walls 22, 22 extend, for example, along the axial direction of the coil spring 14. The pair of side walls 22, 22 are opposite to each other. The housing 16 has, for example, an opening on the side of the coil spring 14 opposite to the top wall 20 in the axial direction. A first terminal 46 is fitted to the pair of side walls 22, 22.

[0032] like Figure 4As shown, each of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 has a sidewall base 24 connected to the top wall 20, a first dividing wall portion 26 connected to the sidewall base 24, and a second dividing wall portion 28 connected to the sidewall base 24 and separated from the first dividing wall portion 26. The sidewall base 24 is, for example, rectangular. The first dividing wall portion 26 extends from the sidewall base 24 toward the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. The second dividing wall portion 28 extends from the sidewall base 24 toward the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. The first dividing wall portion 26 is separated from the second dividing wall portion 28 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the coil spring 14 and the opposing directions of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22.

[0033] In the following description, for convenience, the axial direction of the coil spring 14 will be referred to as the vertical direction. The opposing directions of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 will be referred to as the horizontal direction. The direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the coil spring 14 and the opposing directions of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 will be referred to as the front-back direction. In the following description, for convenience, in the vertical direction, the side of the first end 14a will be referred to as the upper side, and the side of the second end 14b will be referred to as the lower side. In the front-back direction, the side of the first dividing wall portion 26 will be referred to as the front side, and the side of the second dividing wall portion 28 will be referred to as the rear side.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the first dividing wall portion 26 extends downward from the lower end of the side wall base 24, for example. The second dividing wall portion 28 extends downward from the lower end of the side wall base 24, for example. The first dividing wall portion 26 and the second dividing wall portion 28 are separated in the front-rear direction. The first dividing wall portion 26 extends from the middle portion in the front-rear direction from the lower end of the side wall base 24, for example. The second dividing wall portion 28 extends from the rear portion in the front-rear direction from the lower end of the side wall base 24, for example. The first dividing wall portion 26 is located in front of the second dividing wall portion 28. The rear end face of the first dividing wall portion 26 faces the second dividing wall portion 28. The first dividing wall portion 26 can engage with the first terminal 46.

[0035] The first dividing wall portion 26 has a first base portion 30 connected to the side wall base portion 24, a first extension portion 32 extending from the first base portion 30 toward the side opposite to the second dividing wall portion 28, a first terminal receiving portion 34, and a first inclined portion 36 opposite to the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0036] The first base 30 extends downward from the lower end of the sidewall base 24. The first base 30 extends forward in a manner that is downward in proportion to the direction of extension. The first base 30 includes, for example, a front end that is inclined forward in a manner that is downward in proportion to the direction of extension. The first base 30 is located forward of the second dividing wall portion 28. The rear end face of the first base 30 is, for example, opposite to the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0037] The first extension 32 extends forward from the first base 30. The first extension 32 extends forward, for example, from the lower end of the first base 30. The first extension 32 can engage with the first terminal 46, for example. The upper end of the first extension 32 can engage with the first terminal 46, for example. The upper end face of the first extension 32 can engage with the first terminal 46, for example.

[0038] The first terminal receiving portion 34 can receive the first terminal 46 pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The first terminal receiving portion 34 can engage with the first terminal 46 pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The first terminal receiving portion 34 is disposed in the first dividing wall portion 26. The first terminal receiving portion 34 is disposed, for example, in the first extension portion 32. The first terminal receiving portion 34 is, for example, a part of the end face of the first extension portion 32 facing the top wall 20. The first terminal receiving portion 34 is, for example, a part of the upper end face of the first extension portion 32.

[0039] The first inclined portion 36 is disposed at the rear end of the first dividing wall portion 26. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, a part of the rear end surface of the first dividing wall portion 26. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, disposed at the rear end of the first base portion 30. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, a part of the rear end surface of the first base portion 30.

[0040] The first inclined portion 36 is inclined away from the side of the second dividing wall portion 28 as it moves toward the opposite side of the top wall 20. That is, the first inclined portion 36 is inclined forward as it moves downward. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, inclined away from the side of the first extension portion 32 as it moves toward the side of the top wall 20. That is, the first inclined portion 36 is inclined backward as it moves upward. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, continuously inclined. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, inclined linearly inclined. The first inclined portion 36 is, for example, capable of contacting the first terminal 46.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a first dividing wall portion 26 is provided on each of a pair of sidewalls 22, 22. The pair of first dividing wall portions 26, 26 are, for example, parallel to each other. The pair of first base portions 30, 30 are, for example, parallel to each other. The pair of first extension portions 32, 32 are, for example, parallel to each other.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the second partition wall portion 28 has a second base portion 38 connected to the side wall base portion 24, a second extension portion 40 extending from the second base portion 38 toward the opposite side of the first partition wall portion 26, a second terminal receiving portion 42, and a second inclined portion 44 inclined toward the side of the first partition wall portion 26 as it approaches the opposite side of the top wall 20.

[0043] The second base 38 extends downward from the lower end of the sidewall base 24. The upper portion of the second base 38 extends downward, for example. The lower portion of the second base 38 extends forward, for example, by tilting downward. The front end face of the second base 38 faces at least a portion of the first terminal 46, for example. The front end face of the second base 38 faces at least a portion of the first base 30, for example.

[0044] The second extension 40 extends rearward from the second base 38. The second extension 40, for example, spans the upper and lower portions of the second base 38. The second extension 40, for example, extends rearward beyond the sidewall base 24. The upper end of the second extension 40 extends in the front-rear direction. The upper end of the second extension 40, for example, is closer to the top wall 20 than the upper end of the first extension 32. The upper end face of the second extension 40, for example, is located above the upper end face of the first extension 32. The second extension 40, for example, can engage with the first terminal 46. The upper end of the second extension 40, for example, can engage with the first terminal 46. The upper end face of the second extension 40, for example, can engage with the first terminal 46.

[0045] The second terminal receiving portion 42 can receive the first terminal 46 pressed downwards by the helical spring 14. The second terminal receiving portion 42 can engage with the first terminal 46 pressed downwards by the helical spring 14. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is disposed in the second dividing wall portion 28. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is disposed, for example, in the second extension portion 40. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is, for example, a part of the end face of the second extension portion 40 facing the top wall 20. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is, for example, a part of the upper end face of the second extension portion 40. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is, for example, closer to the top wall 20 than the first terminal receiving portion 34. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is, for example, located above the first terminal receiving portion 34.

[0046] The second inclined portion 44 is disposed on the second partition wall portion 28. The second inclined portion 44 is disposed, for example, on the second extension portion 40. The second inclined portion 44 is disposed, for example, at the rear end of the second extension portion 40. The second inclined portion 44 is, for example, part of the rear end face of the second extension portion 40. The second inclined portion 44 is inclined in a manner that approaches the first partition wall portion 26 side as it moves toward the opposite side of the top wall 20. The second inclined portion 44 is inclined in a manner that moves forward as it moves downward.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a second dividing wall portion 28 is provided on each of a pair of sidewalls 22, 22. The pair of second dividing wall portions 28, 28 are, for example, parallel to each other. The pair of second base portions 38, 38 are, for example, parallel to each other. The pair of second extension portions 40, 40 are, for example, parallel to each other.

[0048] <Terminal 1, 46> Terminal 46 can be made of metal materials such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. Terminal 46 can also be made of sheet metal. Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal 46 is, for example, L-shaped when viewed from the left or right. The first terminal 46 is formed into a predetermined shape, for example, by stamping.

[0049] The first terminal 46 is fitted to a pair of sidewalls 22, 22 of the housing 16. The first terminal 46 is movable relative to the pair of sidewalls 22, 22. Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the first terminal 46 is pressed downward by the helical spring 14, thereby enabling the first terminal 46 to achieve a first position engaging with a pair of sidewalls 22, 22. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first terminal 46, which is positioned in the first position, can be pressed upward by the opposite terminal member 12 to obtain a second position that is above the first position.

[0050] The first terminal 46, positioned in the second position, is pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The first terminal 46, positioned in the second position, can regain the first position by moving the opposing terminal member 12 downward. That is, the first terminal 46 can reversibly acquire both the first and second positions in conjunction with the mechanical connection with the opposing terminal member 12.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first terminal 46 has a first portion 52, a second portion 54 connected to the first portion 52, a first surface 56, a second surface 58 disposed on the opposite side of the first surface 56, a pair of side surfaces 60, 60, a first terminal end 64, and a second terminal end 66 disposed on the opposite side of the first terminal end 64. The first terminal 46 has a joint portion 55 engaged with a flexible conductor 50, a terminal tilting portion 62, a guided portion 68, a first engaging portion 70, and a second engaging portion 72.

[0052] The first part 52 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction. The first part 52 contacts the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. The first part 52 can, for example, engage with the first dividing wall portion 26. The first part 52 is, for example, positioned above the first extension 32. At least a portion of the first part 52 is, for example, disposed inside the housing 16. At least a portion of the first part 52 is, for example, disposed between a pair of sidewalls 22, 22.

[0053] Part 2 54 is connected to Part 1 52. Part 2 54 extends, for example, from Part 1 52 toward the top wall 20. Part 2 54 extends, for example, upward. Part 2 54 intersects Part 1 52, for example. Part 2 is orthogonal to Part 1, for example. At least a portion of Part 2 54 is disposed on the exterior of the housing 16.

[0054] The first surface 56, for example, spans across the first portion 52 and the second portion 54. The first surface 56 includes, for example, the upper surface of the first portion 52 and the front surface of the second portion 54. The first surface 56 of the first portion 52 contacts the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. The first surface 56 of the first portion 52 faces, for example, the top wall 20 side of the housing 16. The first surface 56 of the second portion 54 faces, for example, the coil spring 14 side. The first surface 56 of the second portion 54 faces, for example, the side wall base 24 side of the housing 16. The first surface 56 of the second portion 54 faces, for example, the second dividing wall portion 28 side of the housing 16.

[0055] The second surface 58 is the opposite side of the first surface 56. The second surface 58, for example, spans across the first portion 52 and the second portion 54. The second surface 58, for example, includes the lower surface of the first portion 52 and the rear surface of the second portion 54. The second surface 58 of the second portion 54, for example, is engaged with the flexible conductor 50. The second surface 58 of the second portion 54, for example, is disposed on the exterior of the housing 16. The second surface 58 of the second portion 54, for example, is disposed rearward from the housing 16.

[0056] At least a portion of a pair of sidewalls 60, 60 faces a pair of sidewalls 22, 22. One of the pair of sidewalls 60, 60 faces, for example, to the left. The other of the pair of sidewalls 60, 60 faces, for example, to the right. The pair of sidewalls 60, 60 spans, for example, part 1 52 and part 2 54. The pair of sidewalls 60, 60 includes, for example, the left end face of part 1 52 and the left end face of part 2 54. The pair of sidewalls 60, 60 includes, for example, the right end face of part 1 52 and the right end face of part 2 54. At least a portion of the pair of sidewalls 60, 60 of part 1 52 faces, for example, a first dividing wall portion 26. At least a portion of the pair of sidewalls 60, 60 of part 1 52 faces, for example, a second dividing wall portion 28.

[0057] The first terminal end 64 is, for example, the end located in front of the first part 52. The first terminal end 64 is, for example, the front end of the first terminal 46. The first terminal end 64 is, for example, the front end of the first part 52 of the first terminal 46.

[0058] The second terminal end 66 is the end located opposite to the first terminal end 64. For example, the second terminal end 66 is the end located opposite to the first terminal end 64 in the extending direction of the first terminal 46. For example, the second terminal end 66 is the upper end of the second portion 54 of the first terminal 46. For example, the second terminal end 66 is located above the first terminal end 64.

[0059] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the guided portion 68 protrudes from a pair of side surfaces 60, 60 of the first terminal 46. For example, the guided portion 68 protrudes from each of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. For example, the guided portion 68 protrudes to the left from one of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. For example, the guided portion 68 protrudes to the right from the other of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. For example, when viewed from above, the guided portion 68 protrudes to the left or right of the first dividing wall portion 26. For example, when viewed from above, the guided portion 68 protrudes to the left or right of the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0060] The guided portion 68 is disposed, for example, in the first portion 52 of the first terminal 46. The guided portion 68 is disposed, for example, between the first terminal end 64 and the second terminal end 66. The guided portion 68 is disposed, for example, between the first engaging portion 70 and the second engaging portion 72 in the front-rear direction. The guided portion 68 is disposed, for example, between the first dividing wall portion 26 and the second dividing wall portion 28 in the front-rear direction. The guided portion 68 faces, for example, the rear end of the first dividing wall portion 26. The guided portion 68 faces, for example, the first inclined portion 36. The guided portion 68 can contact, for example, the first inclined portion 36. The guided portion 68 faces, for example, the front end of the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0061] The first engaging portion 70 can be received by the first terminal receiving portion 34 when the first terminal 46 is pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The first engaging portion 70 can engage with the first terminal receiving portion 34 by the first terminal 46 being pressed downward by the helical spring 14. That is, when the first terminal 46 reaches the first position, the first engaging portion 70 engages with the first terminal receiving portion 34.

[0062] The first engaging portion 70 protrudes, for example, from a pair of sides 60, 60 of the first terminal 46. The first engaging portion 70 protrudes, for example, from each of the pair of sides 60, 60. The first engaging portion 70 protrudes to the left from one of the pair of sides 60, 60. The first engaging portion 70 protrudes to the right from the other of the pair of sides 60, 60. Figure 5 As shown, the first engaging portion 70 protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the side wall 22 when viewed from above. The first engaging portion 70 protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the first dividing wall portion 26. The first engaging portion 70 protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the first extension portion 32 when viewed from above.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, the first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed in the first portion 52 of the first terminal 46. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed in the end 64 of the first terminal. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed forward of the guided portion 68. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed forward of the second engaging portion 72. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed forward of the first base 30. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, disposed above the first extension 32. The first engaging portion 70 is, for example, shorter than the first extension 32 in the front-rear direction.

[0064] The second engaging portion 72 can be received by the second terminal receiving portion 42 when the first terminal 46 is pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The second engaging portion 72 can engage with the second terminal receiving portion 42 by the first terminal 46 being pressed downward by the helical spring 14. That is, when the first terminal 46 is in the first position, the second engaging portion 72 engages with the second terminal receiving portion 42.

[0065] The second engaging portion 72 protrudes from a pair of side surfaces 60, 60 of the first terminal 46. The second engaging portion 72 may protrude from each of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. The second engaging portion 72 may protrude to the left from one of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. The second engaging portion 72 may protrude to the right from the other of the pair of side surfaces 60, 60. Figure 5 As shown, the second engaging portion 72 protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the side wall 22 when viewed from above. The second engaging portion 72 also protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the second dividing wall portion 28 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 72 protrudes, for example, in a left-right direction than the second extension portion 40 when viewed from above.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed in the second portion 54 of the first terminal 46. The second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed between the guided portion 68 and the end of the second terminal 66 in the extending direction of the first terminal 46. The second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed above the first engaging portion 70. The second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed below the engaging portion 55. The second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed rearward of the second base 38. The second engaging portion 72 is, for example, disposed above the second extension 40.

[0067] The engagement portion 55 is a part of the first terminal 46 to which the flexible conductor 50 is engaged. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, disposed on the second surface 58 of the second portion 54. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, disposed between the end 66 of the second terminal and the second engaging portion 72. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, located closer to the top wall 20 of the housing 16 than the second engaging portion 72. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, disposed above the second engaging portion 72. The engagement portion 55 is disposed on the exterior of the housing 16 when viewed from a direction where a pair of sidewalls 22, 22 face each other. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, disposed rearward of the housing 16 when viewed from a left-right direction. The engagement portion 55 is, for example, disposed rearward of the base 24 of the sidewall of the housing 16 when viewed from a left-right direction.

[0068] A terminal tilting portion 62 is disposed on the second surface 58 of the second portion 54. The terminal tilting portion 62 tilts in the extending direction of the first terminal 46, approaching the first surface 56 as it moves towards the opposite side of the first portion 52. The terminal tilting portion 62 is disposed, for example, near the top wall 20, closer to the connecting portion 55. The terminal tilting portion 62 is disposed, for example, on the side closer to the second terminal end 66, closer to the connecting portion 55. The terminal tilting portion 62 is disposed, for example, above the connecting portion 55. The terminal tilting portion 62 is disposed, for example, at the second terminal end 66. The terminal tilting portion 62 can be opposed to the flexible conductor 50 in the front-back direction.

[0069] <Terminal 2, 48> like Figure 1 As shown, the second terminal 48 can be made of metal, for example. The second terminal 48 is, for example, plate-shaped. The second terminal 48 is, for example, formed into a predetermined shape by stamping. A flexible conductor 50 is joined to one end of the second terminal 48. The other end of the second terminal 48 can be electrically connected to an external machine (not shown). The second terminal 48 is, for example, held above the first terminal 46 by a housing (not shown).

[0070] <Soft Conductor 50> The flexible conductor 50 is a conductor with flexibility. The flexible conductor 50 is a conductor with superior flexibility compared to the first terminal 46. The flexible conductor 50 is a conductor with superior flexibility compared to the second terminal 48. The flexible conductor 50, for example, can be repeatedly deformed.

[0071] The flexible conductor 50 is joined to terminal 46 and terminal 48. The flexible conductor 50 is joined to terminal 46 and terminal 48 using known techniques such as soldering. The flexible conductor 50 is electrically connected to terminal 46. The flexible conductor 50 is electrically connected to terminal 48.

[0072] The flexible conductor 50 is, for example, a braided component made of multiple metal wires. The braided component is, for example, woven into a tubular shape. The outer peripheral surface of the braided component is, for example, joined to the first terminal 46 and the second terminal 48.

[0073] <Counter-end component 12> The counterpart terminal member 12 can be made of metal, for example. The counterpart terminal member 12 can be made of sheet metal, for example. The counterpart terminal member 12 has an L-shape, for example. The counterpart terminal member 12 has a protrusion 74 on the surface opposite the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46, for example. The protrusion 74 protrudes towards the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46, for example. A pair of protrusions 74 are provided. The counterpart terminal member 12 is formed into a predetermined shape, for example, by stamping. The counterpart terminal member 12 contacts the first terminal 46, thereby enabling electrical connection between the counterpart terminal member 12 and the first terminal 46. More specifically, the counterpart terminal member 12 is electrically connected to the first terminal 46 by contacting the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46 with the protrusion 74 of the counterpart terminal member 12. When the first terminal 46 moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion 74 of the counterpart terminal member 12 rubs against the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46.

[0074] <Position 1 and Position 2 of Terminal 1 46> like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, terminal 1 can achieve position 1. (As indicated...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first terminal 46 can achieve the second position. For example, the first terminal 46 can reversibly achieve both the first and second positions in conjunction with the electrical connection state with the opposite terminal member 12. Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal 46 acquires its first position, for example, before being electrically connected to the opposite terminal member 12. Figure 7 As shown, the first terminal 46 acquires a second position, for example, when electrically connected to the opposite terminal member 12. Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal 46 acquires a first position, for example, when the electrical connection with the opposite terminal member 12 is released.

[0075] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the first terminal 46 can reversibly acquire a first position and a second position, for example, in conjunction with a mechanical connection state with the counterpart terminal member 12. The first terminal 46 acquires the first position, for example, before mechanical connection with the counterpart terminal member 12. The first terminal 46 acquires the second position, for example, when mechanical connection with the counterpart terminal member 12 is established. The first terminal 46 acquires the first position, for example, when the mechanical connection with the counterpart terminal member 12 is disengaged.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal 46 can be positioned by being pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The guide portion 68 in the first position is disposed between the first dividing wall portion 26 and the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0077] In the first position, the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 engages with the first terminal receiving portion 34. In the first position, the first engaging portion 70 engages, for example, with the first dividing wall portion 26. In the first position, the first engaging portion 70 engages, for example, with the first extension portion 32.

[0078] In the first position, the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 engages with the second terminal receiving portion 42. In the first position, the second engaging portion 72 engages, for example, with the second dividing wall portion 28. In the first position, the second engaging portion 72 engages, for example, with the second extension portion 40. Therefore, in the first position, the first terminal 46 is held, for example, by the housing 16 and the coil spring 14.

[0079] In the first position, the joint 55 is disposed on the outside of the housing 16 when viewed from a direction where the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 face each other. In the first position, the joint 55 is disposed rearward of the housing 16 when viewed from a left-right direction. In the first position, the joint 55 is disposed rearward of the sidewall base 24 of the housing 16 when viewed from a left-right direction.

[0080] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first terminal 46 in the first position is pressed towards the top wall 20 by the opposing terminal member 12, thereby enabling the first terminal 46 to reach the second position. When the first terminal 46 moves from the first position to the second position, the guided portion 68 of the first terminal 46 slides along the first inclined portion 36. That is, the guided portion 68 is guided by the first inclined portion 36. Therefore, when the first terminal 46 moves from the first position to the second position, the direction of movement of the first terminal 46 is restricted by the first inclined portion 36.

[0081] The first inclined portion 36 is inclined, for example, away from the first extension portion 32 as it moves toward the top wall 20. The first terminal 46 is pressed toward the top wall 20 by the opposing terminal member 12, and thus guided by the guide portion 68 in a manner that moves away from the first extension portion 32 as it approaches the top wall 20. That is, the guided portion 68 is guided by the first inclined portion 36 in a manner that moves upward and backward. Therefore, the guided portion 68 of the first terminal 46 in the second position is located above and behind the guided portion 68 of the first terminal 46 in the first position. In other words, the first terminal 46 moves upward and backward by being pressed upward by the opposing terminal member 12.

[0082] The guided portion 68 protrudes laterally beyond the first dividing wall portion 26 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the guided portion 68 protrudes laterally beyond the second dividing wall portion 28 when viewed from above. Therefore, compared to the case where the first terminal 46 has only one guided portion 68, tilting of the first terminal 46 can be suppressed when it moves from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the reduction of the contact area between the first terminal 46 and the opposing terminal member 12 can be suppressed, and the increase in contact resistance between the first terminal 46 and the opposing terminal member 12 can be suppressed. Furthermore, heat generation of the terminal module 10 can be suppressed.

[0083] In the second position, the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 disengages from the first terminal receiving portion 34. That is, in the second position, the first engaging portion 70 is released from engagement with the first terminal receiving portion 34. In the second position, the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 disengages from the second terminal receiving portion 42. That is, in the second position, the second engaging portion 72 is released from engagement with the second terminal receiving portion 42. Therefore, in the second position, the first terminal 46 is, for example, held by the helical spring 14 and the opposing terminal member 12.

[0084] In the second position, the joint 55, to which the first terminal 46 of the flexible conductor 50 is joined, is located outside the housing 16 when viewed from the left and right directions. That is, the joint 55 is located further back than the housing 16. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the joint 55 in the second position is further away from the housing 16 than the joint 55 in the first position. That is, the joint 55 in the second position is located further rearward than the joint 55 in the first position.

[0085] The first terminal 46 in the second position is pressed downward by the helical spring 14. The first terminal 46 in the second position is supported from below by the opposing terminal member 12. That is, the first terminal 46 in the second position is prevented from moving downward by the opposing terminal member 12. Therefore, when the opposing terminal member 12 is moved downward, the first terminal 46 moves downward from the second position.

[0086] When the opposing terminal member 12 continues to move downward, the first terminal 46 engages with the housing 16 and stops moving downward. More specifically, the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 engages with the first terminal receiving portion 34 of the housing 16. The second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 engages with the second terminal receiving portion 42 of the housing 16. That is, the first terminal 46 again obtains the first position. Therefore, the first terminal 46 can reversibly obtain the first position and the second position.

[0087] When the first terminal 46 moves reversibly between the first position and the second position, the flexible conductor 50 deforms in response to the movement of the first terminal 46. That is, by deforming the flexible conductor 50, the first terminal 46 can reversibly take on the first position and the second position. For example, the flexible conductor 50 is pressed and bent by the first terminal 46 when the first terminal 46 moves from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the terminal module 10 can accommodate the case where the distance between the first terminal 46 and the second terminal 48 becomes shorter. In addition, for example, the flexible conductor 50 is stretched and elongated by the first terminal 46 when the first terminal 46 moves from the second position to the first position. Therefore, the terminal module 10 can accommodate the case where the distance between the first terminal 46 and the second terminal 48 becomes longer.

[0088] <Assembly method of terminal module 10> The terminal module 10 is assembled, for example, as follows: First, a housing 16 formed into a predetermined shape is prepared. Next, a flexible conductor 50 is joined to the first terminal 46 and the second terminal 48 to prepare the terminal member 18. Next, a helical spring 14 is housed inside the housing 16. Next, the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 is hooked onto the upper end face of the first extension 32 of the first dividing wall portion 26. In this state, the first engaging portion 70 is located above the first extension 32. The guided portion 68 is located below the first extension 32.

[0089] Next, the first terminal 46 is pressed into the top wall 20 of the housing 16, and the first terminal 46 is rotated relative to the housing 16. The rotation direction of the first terminal 46 is, for example, in... Figure 4 The rotation is counterclockwise. For example, the first terminal 46 rotates relative to the housing 16 with the first engaging portion 70 as its center. At this time, the helical spring 14 housed in the housing 16 is compressed vertically by the first terminal 46. The guided portion 68 of the first terminal 46 enters between the first dividing wall portion 26 and the second dividing wall portion 28. The second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 detours above the second terminal receiving portion 42 of the second extension portion 40. The second inclined portion 44 provided on the second dividing wall portion 28 has an inclined shape, so the second engaging portion 72 easily detours above the second terminal receiving portion 42. That is, the second inclined portion 44 prevents the second engaging portion 72 from hooking onto the second dividing wall portion 28.

[0090] With the first engaging portion 70 and the second engaging portion 72 positioned above the first terminal receiving portion 34 and the second terminal receiving portion 42, respectively, the distance between the top wall 20 and the first terminal 46 in the vertical direction is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 14. That is, in this state, the coil spring 14 is compressed vertically by the top wall 20 and the first terminal 46. In this state, the coil spring 14 generates a restoring force in the vertical direction, so after the second engaging portion 72 moves to above the second terminal receiving portion 42, the first surface 56 of the first terminal 46 is pressed downwards by the second end 14b of the coil spring 14. As a result, the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 engages with the first terminal receiving portion 34 from above.

[0091] The second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 engages with the second receiving portion 42 from above. That is, the first engaging portion 70 and the second engaging portion 72 are received by the first receiving portion 34 and the second receiving portion 42, respectively. Through the engagement of the housing 16 and the first terminal 46 as described above, the terminal module 10 is completed. Furthermore, the first terminal 46 of the assembled terminal module 10 reaches its first position.

[0092] In the assembled terminal module 10, the distance between the top wall 20 and the first portion 52 of the first terminal 46 is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 14. Therefore, the first engaging portion 70 is pressed against the first terminal receiving portion 34 by the coil spring 14. The second engaging portion 72 is pressed against the second terminal receiving portion 42 by the coil spring 14. The engaging state of the housing 16 and the first terminal 46 is maintained by the coil spring 14. That is, the first terminal 46 of the terminal module 10 can maintain a first position, for example, before being connected to the counterpart terminal member 12.

[0093] Alternatively, after assembling the first terminal 46 into the housing 16, the terminal module 10 can be completed by connecting the flexible conductor 50 and the second terminal 48 to the first terminal 46.

[0094] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained. (1) The first partition wall portions 26 of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 are each parallel to each other. The first terminal receiving portion 34, which engages with the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46, is disposed on the first partition wall portion 26. In addition, the second partition wall portions 28 of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 are each parallel to each other. The second terminal receiving portion 42, which engages with the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46, is disposed on the second partition wall portion 28. Therefore, the process of bending the housing 16 to install the first terminal receiving portion 34 and the second terminal receiving portion 42 on the housing 16 can be omitted. Therefore, the manufacturability of the terminal module 10 can be improved.

[0095] (2) The guided portion 68, the first engaging portion 70, and the second engaging portion 72 protrude from a pair of side surfaces 60, 60 of the first terminal 46. Therefore, when the first terminal 46 is punched from sheet metal by stamping, the guided portion 68, the first engaging portion 70, and the second engaging portion 72 can be provided on the first terminal 46. Therefore, the bending process of the first terminal to provide the guided portion 68, the first engaging portion 70, and the second engaging portion 72 on the first terminal can be omitted. This further improves the manufacturability of the terminal module 10.

[0096] (3) The first engaging portion 70 protrudes from both sides of a pair of side surfaces 60 of the first terminal 46. Therefore, by hooking the first engaging portion 70 onto the first extension 32 and rotating the first terminal 46, tilting of the first terminal 46 relative to the housing 16 can be suppressed when the second engaging portion 72 engages with the second dividing wall portion 28. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module 10 can be improved. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 70 and the second engaging portion 72 protrude from both sides of a pair of side surfaces 60, respectively. Therefore, the first terminal 46 is received by the housing 16 at at least four points. Therefore, compared to the case where the first terminal 46 is received by the housing 16 at three points, the first terminal 46 can be prevented from falling off the housing 16. This further improves the durability of the terminal module 10.

[0097] (4) The first engaging portion 70 is disposed on the first terminal end 64. When the first engaging portion 70 is disposed between the first terminal end 64 and the guided portion 68, the first terminal 46 has an excess length equivalent to the amount between the first engaging portion 70 and the first terminal end 64. Therefore, by disposing the first engaging portion 70 on the first terminal end 64, the first terminal 46 can be miniaturized compared to the case where the first engaging portion 70 is disposed between the first terminal end 64 and the guided portion 68. Therefore, the terminal module 10 can be miniaturized.

[0098] (5) The first terminal receiving portion 34 is disposed on the first extension portion 32 extending from the first base portion 30 toward the side opposite to the second dividing wall portion 28. Therefore, by hooking the first engaging portion 70 onto the first extension portion 32 from the top wall 20 side, the operator can rotate the first terminal 46 relative to the housing 16, thereby engaging the second engaging portion 72 onto the second terminal receiving portion 42. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module 10 can be improved.

[0099] (6) The second extension 40, which is provided with the second terminal receiving portion 42, has a second inclined portion 44. The second terminal receiving portion 42 is disposed on the side closer to the top wall 20 than the second inclined portion 44. The second inclined portion 44 is inclined in such a way that it approaches the first partition wall portion 26 as it moves toward the opposite side of the top wall 20. By hooking the first terminal 46 onto the first partition wall portion 26 and rotating the first terminal 46 relative to the housing, the operator can engage the second engaging portion 72 with the second terminal receiving portion 42. The second inclined portion 44 prevents the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 from hooking onto the second partition wall portion 28. Therefore, the second inclined portion 44 makes it easy for the second engaging portion 72 to detour to the side closer to the top wall 20 than the second terminal receiving portion 42. Therefore, the assembly workability of the terminal module 10 can be improved.

[0100] (7) The first engaging portion 70 is disposed in the first part 52, and the second engaging portion 72 is disposed in the second part 54. The second terminal receiving portion 42 of the housing 16 is closer to the top wall 20 than the first terminal receiving portion 34 of the housing 16. Therefore, when the first terminal 46 is rotated and assembled into the housing 16, the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 can easily engage with the second terminal receiving portion 42 of the housing 16. Thus, the assembly workability of the terminal module 10 can be improved.

[0101] (8) The first terminal 46 is pressed by the counterpart terminal member 12, thereby moving the first terminal 46 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first end 14a and the second end 14b of the coil spring 14 are aligned and the direction in which the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 are opposed. The protrusion 74 of the counterpart terminal member 12 moves relative to the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46. Even if foreign matter adheres to the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46 before the first terminal 46 and the counterpart terminal member 12 are electrically connected, the protrusion 74 of the counterpart terminal member 12 can wipe away the foreign matter adhering to the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46 and remove it. Therefore, the increase in contact resistance between the first terminal 46 and the counterpart terminal member 12 can be suppressed. Therefore, the electrical connection reliability of the terminal module 10 can be improved.

[0102] <Other Implementation Methods> The above embodiments can be implemented in the following variations. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction. • The flexible conductor 50 may not be a braided component. The flexible conductor 50 only needs to be flexible and able to be repeatedly deformed in accordance with the movement of the first terminal. The flexible conductor 50 may be, for example, a stranded wire composed of multiple metal wires twisted together, or an insulated wire with the stranded wires as the core wire. The flexible conductor 50 may also be, for example, a laminated conductor composed of multiple thin plate-shaped conductors overlapping each other.

[0103] • The first terminal 46 may also omit the first part 52 and the second part 54. That is, the first terminal 46 may, for example, omit the second part 54 and be flat.

[0104] • The flexible conductor 50 may also engage with a surface other than the second surface 58 of the second part 54. The engagement portion 55 may also engage with the first surface 56 of the first part 52, for example. The engagement portion 55 may also be farther from the top wall 20 than the second engaging portion 72, for example.

[0105] • The terminal tilting part 62 can also be omitted. • The terminal tilting portion 62 may also be provided at a location other than the end portion 66 of the second terminal.

[0106] • The guided part 68 can also be set with one or more parts. • The guided part 68 can also protrude from a part other than the side 60. • The guide part 68 can also be located in a part other than the first part 52. • The guided part 68 may also be located in a position other than between the first engaging part 70 and the second engaging part 72 in the front-back direction. • When multiple guided parts 68 are provided, the multiple guided parts 68 can also be provided at different positions in the front-rear direction.

[0107] • The first card section 70 can also be set with one or more cards. • The first engaging part 70 may also protrude from a part other than the side 60. • The first engaging part 70 can also be configured in a location other than the first part 52. When multiple first engaging parts 70 are provided, the multiple first engaging parts 70 may also be provided at different positions in the front-rear direction.

[0108] • The second card section 72 can also be set with one or more. • The second engaging part 72 can also protrude from a part other than the side 60. • The second engaging part 72 can also be configured at the location of the second part 54. When multiple second engaging parts 72 are provided, the multiple second engaging parts 72 may also be provided at different positions in the front-rear direction.

[0109] • The convex part 74 can also be omitted. • The protruding part 74 may not be provided on the opposite terminal member 12, but on the second surface 58 of the first terminal 46.

[0110] • The first dividing wall portion 26 may also extend from the lower end of the middle portion of the side wall base 24 of the side wall 22. • The second dividing wall portion 28 may also extend from the lower end of the rear end of the side wall base 24 of the side wall 22.

[0111] • The first extension 32 may also extend from a portion other than the lower end of the first base 30. • Extension 32 can also be omitted. • The first terminal receiving portion 34 may not be the upper end face of the first extension portion 32. The first terminal receiving portion 34 can be freely configured in the first dividing wall portion 26 as long as it can engage with the first engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 46 pressed downward by the helical spring 14.

[0112] • The second extension 40 may also extend from a portion other than the lower end of the second base 38. • The second extension 40 can also be omitted. • The second terminal receiving portion 42 may not be the upper end face of the second extension portion 40. The second terminal receiving portion 42 can be freely configured in the second dividing wall portion 28 as long as it can engage with the second engaging portion 72 of the first terminal 46 which is pressed downward by the helical spring 14.

[0113] • The first tilting part 36 can guide the guided part 68 of the first terminal 46 in such a way that the guided part 68 of the first terminal 46 in the second position is located above and behind the guided part 68 of the first terminal 46 in the first position. • The first inclined section 36 may also be inclined discontinuously. • The first inclined portion 36 may not cover the entire rear end face of the first base 30. For example, the first inclined portion 36 may be provided only in the area that can contact the guided portion 68 of the first terminal 46. • The first inclined portion 36 may not be the rear end face of the first base portion 30. The first inclined portion 36 may also be provided, for example, by bending a portion of the first base portion 30 using a stamping process.

[0114] • The first inclined portion 36 may also be omitted. If the first inclined portion 36 is omitted, for example, a structure for guiding the guided portion 68 may be provided in the connector housing (not shown) of the terminal module 10. That is, when the first terminal 46 is pressed upward by the opposing terminal member 12, the structure for guiding the first terminal 46 from the first position to the second position need not be provided in the terminal module 10 itself. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0115] 10-terminal module 12. Counterparty terminal components 14. Coil springs 14a 1st end 14b Second end 14c central axis 16. Shell 18 terminal components 20 Top Wall 22 Sidewalls 24. Sidewall base (base) 26 First dividing wall section 28 Second dividing wall section 30 First base (first dividing wall side base) 32 First extension (first partition wall side extension) 34 Terminal 1 Receiving Section 36 First inclined section (first dividing wall side inclined section) 38. Second base (second dividing wall side base) 40 Second extension (Second partition wall side extension) 42 Second terminal receiving section 44 Second inclined section (Second dividing wall side inclined section) 46 Terminal 1 48 Terminal 2 50 Flexible conductor 52 Part 1 54 Part 2 55 Joint 56 Page 1 58 Page 2 60 Side View 62. Terminal tilt section (tilted section on the first terminal side) 64 Terminal 1 end (Terminal 1 side, Terminal 1 end) 66. Terminal 2 end (second end on the side of terminal 1) 68 Guided Department 70 First Card Section 72 Second Card Section 74 convex part

Claims

1. A terminal module capable of electrical connection with a counterpart terminal component, wherein, The terminal module includes: A helical spring capable of elastic deformation; The housing that houses the helical spring; and Terminal components assembled into the housing, The helical spring has a first end and a second end disposed on the opposite side of the first end. The housing has a top wall and a pair of side walls. The top wall contacts the first end of the helical spring, and the pair of side walls extend from the top wall toward the second end of the helical spring and are opposite to each other. The terminal member has a first terminal, which is fitted to the pair of sidewalls and is movable relative to the pair of sidewalls. Each of the pair of sidewalls has a sidewall base connected to the top wall, a first partition wall portion connected to the sidewall base, and a second partition wall portion connected to the sidewall base and separated from the first partition wall portion. The first partition wall has a first terminal receiving portion, which can accept the first terminal pressed by the helical spring. The second partition wall has a second terminal receiving portion, which can accept the first terminal pressed by the helical spring. The first terminal includes a first surface pressed by the second end of the helical spring, a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface, a guide portion slidable relative to the first dividing wall portion, a first engaging portion capable of engaging with the first dividing wall portion, and a second engaging portion capable of engaging with the second dividing wall portion. The first segmented wall portions disposed on each of the pair of sidewalls are generally parallel to each other and extend in a direction parallel to the base of the sidewalls. The second dividing wall portions disposed on each of the pair of sidewalls are generally parallel to each other and extend in a direction parallel to the base of the sidewalls. The first terminal can reversibly obtain a first position and a second position different from the first position. At the first position, The first surface is pressed by the helical spring. The guided portion is disposed between the first dividing wall portion and the second dividing wall portion. The first engaging portion engages with the first terminal receiving portion. The second engaging portion engages with the second terminal receiving portion.

2. The terminal module according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal has at least a portion of a pair of side surfaces opposite the pair of sidewalls of the housing. The guided portion protrudes from the pair of sides. The first engaging portion protrudes from the pair of sides. The second engaging portion protrudes from the pair of sides.

3. The terminal module according to claim 2, wherein, The first engaging portion protrudes from each of the pair of sides. The second engaging portion protrudes from each of the pair of sides.

4. The terminal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first terminal has an end disposed on the side of the first terminal that is closer to the guided portion than the second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is disposed at the end of the first terminal.

5. The terminal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first dividing wall portion has a first base portion connected to the side wall base portion, and a first extension portion extending from the first base portion toward the opposite side of the second dividing wall portion. The first terminal receiving portion is disposed on the first extension portion. The first engaging portion engages with the first terminal receiving portion from the top wall side.

6. The terminal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second dividing wall portion has a second base portion connected to the side wall base portion, and a second extension portion extending from the second base portion toward the opposite side of the first dividing wall portion. The second terminal receiving portion is disposed on the second extension portion. The second extension has a second inclined portion, which is inclined in such a way that it approaches the first dividing wall portion side as it moves toward the opposite side of the top wall. The second terminal receiving portion is closer to the top wall than the second inclined portion.

7. The terminal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first terminal has a first portion that contacts the second end of the helical spring, and a second portion that is connected to the first portion and extends toward the top wall side of the housing. The first engaging portion is disposed in the first part. The second engaging portion is disposed on the second part. The second terminal receiving portion is closer to the top wall than the first terminal receiving portion.

8. The terminal module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first terminal at the first position is pressed by the convex portion of the opposite terminal member on the second surface, causing the guided portion of the first terminal to slide on the first dividing wall portion of the housing, thereby achieving the second position. The guided portion at the second position is closer to the top wall than the guided portion at the first position, and is closer to the second terminal receiving portion in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first end and the second end of the helical spring are arranged and the direction in which the pair of sidewalls are opposed.

Images