Terminal unit and first terminal

Abstract

Disclosed is a novel terminal unit capable of suppressing peeling of a plating layer of a columnar connection part or a cylindrical connection part. A terminal unit (10) is provided with a first terminal (12) having a columnar connection part (16), a first side contact (22) provided on the columnar connection part (16), and a sliding resistance reduction part (38) extending from the tip surface (25) of the columnar connection part (16) toward the first side contact (22), and a second terminal (14) having a cylindrical connection part (18) and second side contacts (72a, 72b) provided on the cylindrical connection part (18). The cylindrical connection part (16) is press-fitted into the cylindrical connection part (18) and assembled thereto, and the sliding resistance reducing part (38) prevents direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface (22) of the cylindrical connection part (16) and the second-side contact point (72a) before the sliding resistance reducing part (38) crosses the second-side contact point (72a) in the press-fitting direction, reduces the sliding resistance of the cylindrical connection part (16) with respect to the second-side contact point (72a), and reduces the sliding resistance of the cylindrical connection part (16) with respect to the second-side contact point (72a). After the sliding resistance reducing part (38) passes over the second side contact (72a), the first side contact (22) is in pressure contact with the second side contact (72a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal unit and a first terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal unit that realizes an electrical connection structure consisting of a male terminal (first terminal) with a columnar connecting portion, such as a pin terminal, and a female terminal (second terminal) with a cylindrical connecting portion, such as a sleeve terminal. An elastic contact piece is provided inside the cylindrical connecting portion of the second terminal, folding back from its top opening. When the columnar connecting portion of the first terminal is inserted through the top opening of the cylindrical connecting portion of the second terminal, the elastic contact piece in contact with the columnar connecting portion expands in diameter against the elastic restoring force, allowing the columnar connecting portion to enter the inner side of the cylindrical connecting portion. Through the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece, the contact portion at the end of the elastic contact piece is pressed against the columnar connecting portion of the first terminal, and the first and second terminals remain in contact, thus achieving an electrical connection. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-24901 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in such existing terminal units, when the cylindrical connecting portion of the first terminal is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion of the second terminal, the elastic contact piece of the cylindrical connecting portion moves while rubbing against the surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. As a result, through repeated insertion and removal of the first terminal relative to the second terminal, the plating of the cylindrical or cylindrical connecting portion may peel off, potentially leading to adverse conditions such as increased contact resistance.

[0005] In response, the present invention discloses a novel terminal unit and a first terminal that can suppress the peeling of the plating on the columnar or cylindrical connecting portion. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The terminal unit of the present invention includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal has a columnar connecting portion, a first side contact disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion, and a sliding resistance reducing portion extending from the top surface of the columnar connecting portion toward the first side contact. The second terminal has a cylindrical connecting portion that can elastically deform in the expansion direction and a second side contact disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. The columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion from the top surface to be assembled to the cylindrical connecting portion. In the pressing direction of the columnar connecting portion pressing into the cylindrical connecting portion, before the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the sliding resistance reducing portion avoids direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion and the second side contact, thereby reducing the sliding resistance of the columnar connecting portion relative to the second side contact. After the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the first side contact is pressed against the second side contact.

[0007] The first terminal of the present invention is assembled on the second terminal, the second terminal having a cylindrical connecting portion that can elastically deform in the expansion direction and a second side contact provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, the first terminal constituting the terminal unit of the present invention. Invention Effects

[0008] According to the present invention, the coating peeling of columnar or cylindrical connecting parts can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the terminal unit according to Embodiment 1 with the connection state of the first terminal and the second terminal. Figure 2 This is shown with the first and second terminals in a non-connected state. Figure 1 A perspective view of the terminal unit shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The sectional view of the terminal unit shown is Figure 4 Section III-III in the diagram. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The sectional view of the terminal unit shown is Figure 3 Sectional view IV-IV in the middle. Figure 5 It shows the composition Figure 1 A perspective view of the first terminal of the terminal unit shown. Figure 6 It shows the composition Figure 5 A perspective view of the first terminal component shown. Figure 7AThis is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state when the first terminal is pressed into the second terminal. It shows the state at which the first terminal begins to be pressed into the second terminal, represented by a diagram equivalent to... Figure 3 The cross-section of section VIIA-VIIA is shown in the figure. Figure 7B It is used to explain from Figure 7A The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in. Figure 7C It is used to explain from Figure 7B The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in. Figure 7D It is used to explain from Figure 7C The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in, and shows the state in which the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal unit according to Embodiment 2, which is equivalent to... Figure 4 The image. Figure 9 It shows the composition Figure 8 A perspective view of the first terminal of the terminal unit shown. Figure 10 It shows the composition Figure 9 A perspective view of the first terminal component shown. Figure 11A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state when the first terminal is pressed into the second terminal, and is related to... Figure 7A The corresponding diagram. Figure 11B It is used to explain from Figure 11A The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in. Figure 11C It is used to explain from Figure 11B The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in. Figure 11D It is used to explain from Figure 11C The diagram further illustrates the state in which the first terminal is pressed in, and shows the state in which the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged. Detailed Implementation

[0010] <Description of Embodiments of the Invention> First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. The terminal unit of the present invention, (1) The device has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal has a columnar connecting portion, a first side contact disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion, and a sliding resistance reducing portion extending from the top surface of the columnar connecting portion toward the first side contact. The second terminal has a cylindrical connecting portion that can elastically deform in the expansion direction and a second side contact disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. The columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion from the top surface and assembled thereon. In the pressing direction of the columnar connecting portion towards the cylindrical connecting portion, before the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the sliding resistance reducing portion avoids direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion and the second side contact, thereby reducing the sliding resistance of the columnar connecting portion relative to the second side contact. After the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the first side contact is pressed against the second side contact.

[0011] According to the terminal unit of this structure, the columnar connecting portion of the first terminal has a sliding resistance reducing portion extending from the top surface toward a first contact portion disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion. In the pressing direction where the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion, before the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the sliding resistance reducing portion prevents direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion and the second side contact, reducing the sliding resistance of the columnar connecting portion relative to the second side contact. After the sliding resistance reducing portion passes the second side contact, the first side contact is pressed against the second side contact. Therefore, when the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion, the risk of direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion and the second side contact before the first side contact reaches the second side contact, resulting in plating peeling off the second side contact, can be reduced or prevented. Consequently, adverse conditions such as increased contact resistance between the first and second side contacts can also be suppressed. Furthermore, during the initial pressing of the columnar connector into the cylindrical connector until the sliding resistance reduction part passes the second side contact, the sliding resistance reduction part avoids direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connector and the second side contact. Therefore, the insertion resistance of the columnar connector (first terminal) into the cylindrical connector (second terminal) can be reduced, and defects such as plating peeling off the second contact can be reduced or prevented.

[0012] Furthermore, any structure can be adopted as long as the sliding resistance reduction part avoids direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connector and the second side contact point during the period before the sliding resistance reduction part passes the second side contact point in the pressing direction, thereby reducing the sliding resistance.

[0013] Furthermore, any structure with a columnar protrusion can be included as a columnar connector. For example, structures with solid or hollow cylindrical shapes can be used.

[0014] (2) Preferably, when the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion to form a concentric configuration, in the circumferential region of the columnar connecting portion that overlaps with the second side contact in the pressing direction, the region from the top surface to the first side contact has an isolation opposing surface located radially inward, which is radially spaced apart from the second side contact. The sliding resistance reduction portion is formed by the isolation opposing surface. By providing an isolation opposing surface located radially inward and radially spaced apart from the second side contact in a predetermined circumferential region of the columnar connecting portion, the sliding resistance reduction portion can be easily formed. In particular, since the isolation opposing surface as the sliding resistance reduction portion is configured to be radially spaced apart from the second side contact, the following undesirable situation can be further reliably reduced or avoided: before the first side contact reaches the second side contact, the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion slides directly with the second side contact and cuts the plating.

[0015] (3) Preferably, when the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion to form a concentric configuration, in the circumferential region of the columnar connecting portion that overlaps with the second side contact in the pressing direction, the region from the top surface to the first side contact has a resin outer peripheral surface made of synthetic resin material, and the sliding resistance reduction portion is formed by the resin outer peripheral surface. Because the sliding resistance reduction portion is provided by forming a predetermined circumferential region of the columnar connecting portion by the resin outer peripheral surface, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion that contacts the second side contact before the first side contact reaches the second side contact, it is advantageous to reduce or avoid the following undesirable situation: the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion slides directly with the second side contact and the plating peels off before the first side contact reaches the second side contact. In particular, by combining it with the above-described (2) method, the sliding resistance of the resin outer peripheral surface relative to the second side contact can be further reduced, and the plating peeling off the second side contact and the pressing resistance of the columnar connecting portion being pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion can be reduced simultaneously.

[0016] (4) Preferably, a resin cap is provided, which covers the top surface of the columnar connector, and the outer peripheral surface of the resin cap is integrally formed with the resin cap. This is because by integrally forming the resin cap and the outer peripheral surface of the resin member mounted on the columnar connector, the number of parts can be reduced, and the processability or assembly can be improved. In addition, by covering the top surface with the resin cap, countermeasures against electric shock caused by incorrect finger contact can be implemented.

[0017] (5) Preferably, the contact surface of the resin outer peripheral surface that contacts the columnar connecting portion has a locking hole, which engages with a protrusion provided on the columnar connecting portion. The resin outer peripheral surface is held in place by the engagement of the protrusion and the locking hole. This is because the engaging force of the locking hole and the protrusion ensures that even if sliding resistance acts on the resin outer peripheral surface, it can be stably held in place by the columnar connecting portion. Furthermore, since the locking hole and the protrusion are located between the resin outer peripheral surface and the opposing surfaces of the columnar connecting portion, they do not require large dimensions, thus improving the retention of the resin outer peripheral surface.

[0018] (6) Preferably, the device further comprises a first housing for receiving the first terminal, the first housing having a cylindrical cover portion disposed radially outward from the columnar connector portion, the cylindrical cover portion having a pair of notches disposed at two opposite locations radially opposite to the cylindrical cover portion, and the second terminal being inserted into the pair of notches, thereby positioning the columnar connector portion of the first terminal circumferentially to the cylindrical connector portion of the second terminal. By inserting the second terminal into the pair of notches on the cylindrical cover portion of the first housing, the columnar connector portion and the cylindrical connector portion are positioned circumferentially, thus preventing the following adverse conditions: the columnar connector portion being pressed in with an incorrect circumferential orientation, or the second side contact of the cylindrical connector portion sliding on the metal outer peripheral surface of the columnar connector portion, resulting in plating peeling.

[0019] The first terminal of the present invention, (7) Assembled on the second terminal, the second terminal having a cylindrical connecting portion that can elastically deform in the expansion direction and a second side contact provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, the first terminal constituting any one of the terminal units described in (1) to (6) above.

[0020] According to this method, a first terminal can be provided that can also enjoy the effects described in (1) to (6).

[0021] <Details of the embodiments of the present invention> The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Specific examples of the terminal unit and the first terminal of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, the present invention 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.

[0022] <Implementation Method 1> The following uses Figures 1 to 7DThe terminal unit 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 constituting the terminal unit 10 will be described. The first terminal 12 has a columnar connecting portion 16, and the second terminal 14 has a cylindrical connecting portion 18 that can elastically deform in the expansion direction. The columnar connecting portion 16 of the first terminal 12 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 of the second terminal 14, thereby assembling the columnar connecting portion 16 to the cylindrical connecting portion 18. Furthermore, the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are electrically connected by contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the inner peripheral surface 20 of the cylindrical connecting portion 18. That is, in Embodiment 1, the first terminal 12 is a male terminal and the second terminal 14 is a female terminal. In addition, a first side contact 22 is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the first terminal 12, and second side contacts 72a and 72b (described later) are provided on the inner peripheral surface 20 of the cylindrical connecting portion 18. In the following description, "forward" refers to... Figure 3 The left and the back refer to Figure 3 To the right of the middle. Above refers to... Figure 3 Above and below refer to Figure 3 Below the middle. Left refers to... Figure 4 The left and right sides refer to Figure 4 On the right side of the diagram. Additionally, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled with reference numerals, while the reference numerals for the others are omitted.

[0023] <Terminal 12> Also Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the first terminal 12 has a maximum outer diameter of φA at its top (refer to...). Figure 7A The columnar connecting portion 16. In Embodiment 1, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting portion 16 is approximately circular, and in the axial direction, the outer diameter of the portion other than the location where the sliding resistance reduction portion (isolation opposing surface 38) is formed is approximately constant at φA. The first terminal 12 has Figure 6 The first metal terminal part 24 shown has a columnar connecting portion 16 at its top. The first terminal 12 has a resin cap 26 that covers the top surface 25 of the columnar connecting portion 16 in the pressing direction (as described later, from right to left) towards the cylindrical connecting portion 18. That is, the columnar connecting portion 16 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 from the top surface 25 side.

[0024] Furthermore, the shape of the first terminal 12, which is closer to the base end than the columnar connecting portion 16, is not limited. However, in Embodiment 1, a flat plate portion 28 is provided at the base end (right end) of the first terminal 12, and a circumferential positioning protrusion 30 protruding outward in the plate thickness direction is provided on this flat plate portion 28. By inserting this circumferential positioning protrusion 30 into a recess (not shown) at the right end of the first housing 42 (described later), the first terminal 12 is prevented from rotating about the central axis relative to the first housing 42. In addition, the flat plate portion 28 of the first terminal 12 can be fixed to the terminal portion of a machine with bolts or the like, or it can be fixed to an electrical wire.

[0025] Furthermore, a fixing portion 34 with a circular cross-section is provided on the top surface 25 of the first terminal part 24 via a small diameter portion 32. The resin cap 26 is fixed to the fixing portion 34, and the resin cap 26 is provided in such a way that it covers the small diameter portion 32 and the fixing portion 34. In this way, by providing the resin cap 26 in a way that extends beyond the fixing portion 34, the possibility of the resin cap 26 falling off from the columnar connecting portion 16 (first terminal part 24) can be reduced.

[0026] The resin cap 26 is formed of synthetic resin and has electrical insulation properties. In Embodiment 1, the resin cap 26 has a roughly circular cross-sectional shape, a roughly constant outer diameter in the axial direction, and a tapered surface 36 that gradually narrows towards the tip on the outer peripheral surface of the resin cap 26 (left end portion). Therefore, the outer diameter of the tip of the resin cap 26 is smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion of the resin cap 26.

[0027] Furthermore, the maximum outer diameter of the resin cap 26 is not limited; for example, it may be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter φA of the columnar connecting portion 16. In Embodiment 1, the resin cap 26 is formed such that the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the resin cap 26 is located slightly below the isolation opposing surface 38 described later. Such a resin cap 26 is formed separately from the columnar connecting portion 16 and can be assembled to the top of the columnar connecting portion 16 by pressing or the like, or it can be formed integrally with the columnar connecting portion 16.

[0028] Here, a sliding resistance reduction part is provided at the top end of the columnar connecting part 16. The sliding resistance reduction part extends from the top end surface 25 toward the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting part 16, which serves as the first side contact point 22, that is, toward the base end side in the axial direction (left-right direction). In Embodiment 1, the sliding resistance reduction part is formed by the isolation opposing surface 38.

[0029] <Sliding resistance reduction section (isolated opposing surface 38)> The isolation opposing surface 38 is disposed at the top end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16, and has a predetermined length dimension (left-right direction dimension). The isolation opposing surface 38 is disposed on a portion of the peripheral surface, as in Embodiment 1. Figure 3As shown, a predetermined circumferential area is provided below the columnar connecting portion 16. The isolation opposing surface 38 is generally planar in shape and is located radially inward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the generally annular columnar connecting portion 16. That is, a recess is provided at the top end of the columnar connecting portion 16, which is recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface and extends in the axial direction, and the bottom surface of this recess forms the isolation opposing surface 38. Thus, the isolation distance B between the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the isolation opposing surface 38 in the vertical direction (refer to...) Figure 7A It is smaller than the maximum outer diameter φA of the columnar connecting part 16.

[0030] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surfaces of the isolation opposing surface 38 and the columnar connecting portion 16 are smoothly continuous, and a curved surface 40 is provided at the periphery of the isolation opposing surface 38. Additionally, since the resin cap 26 coincides with the top surface 25 of the columnar connecting portion 16, the curved surface 40 also extends across the base end of the resin cap 26. By providing such a curved surface 40, the columnar connecting portion 16 will not hook onto the cylindrical connecting portion 18 when it is pressed into and pulled out of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 due to the step created by the isolation opposing surface 38.

[0031] <First Shell 42> The first housing 42 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a cylindrical cover 44. The cylindrical cover 44 has a through hole extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of notches 46, 46 extending in the left-right direction are provided at two locations on opposite sides in the radial direction of the cylindrical cover 44. Each of these notches 46 has a predetermined circumferential dimension (width dimension) and is provided throughout approximately the entire length of the cylindrical cover 44, dividing the cylindrical cover 44 circumferentially by these notches 46. As a result, a pair of curved plate portions 48, 48 are provided on opposite sides in the vertical direction of the cylindrical cover 44. That is, in the cylindrical cover 44, each curved plate portion 48 is provided between the circumferential of each notch 46, and each curved plate portion 48 has a predetermined front-back dimension. In addition, flat plate portions 50, 50 protruding outward in the front-back direction are provided at both ends of the circumferential direction of each curved plate portion 48. These flat plate sections 50 times and curved plate sections 48 are arranged approximately along their entire length in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the first terminal 12 is inserted into the through hole of the cylindrical cover portion 44 in the first housing 42, and the first terminal 12 and the first housing 42 are fixed to each other by means of pressing, interlocking, bonding, welding, etc., thereby forming a Figure 2The first terminal 52 with housing is shown. Furthermore, as described above, a recess (not shown) is provided at the right end of the first housing 42, into which the circumferential positioning protrusion 30 in the first terminal 12 is inserted, thereby preventing the first terminal 12 from rotating about the central axis relative to the first housing 42. Thus, in each of the first terminals 12 in the first terminal 52 with housing, an isolating opposing surface 38 is provided below. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, in the first terminal 52 with housing, the columnar connecting portion 16 is located on the inner periphery of each bent plate portion 48 at a predetermined radial distance, and the columnar connecting portion 16 is covered by each bent plate portion 48 along its entire length (left-right direction). In Embodiment 1, a pair of first terminals 12, 12 are assembled in a common first housing 42, and the pair of first terminals 12, 12 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0033] <Terminal 2, 14> The second terminal 14 is configured to include a second terminal part 54, which is formed, for example, by stamping a generally strip-shaped metal plate into a predetermined shape. The metal plate can be made of low-resistance materials such as copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys. The second terminal part 54 includes the aforementioned cylindrical connecting portion 18. Alternatively, the second terminal 14 may also be configured to include a spring member or the like that which applies force to the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 (described later) in a direction that brings them closer together.

[0034] <Cylindrical connecting part 18> The cylindrical connecting portion 18 is generally cylindrical in shape and opens on both sides in the left-right direction. That is, the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the second terminal 14 before the first terminal 12 is pressed in, the diameter φC of the imaginary circle of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 constituting the second side contacts 72a and 72b described later, and each linear contact portion 74 (refer to...) Figure 7A The distance between the upper end of the columnar connector 16 and the lower end of the resin cap 26 in the vertical direction is smaller than the outer diameter φA of the columnar connector 16, and smaller than the vertical separation distance D between the upper end of the columnar connector 16 and the lower end of the resin cap 26 (refer to...). Figure 7A Furthermore, tapered surfaces 56, 56, which gradually increase in diameter outward toward the opening direction are respectively provided at the two openings of the cylindrical connecting portion 18. In addition, in Embodiment 1, as described later, since the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is divided into a first peripheral wall portion 58 and a second peripheral wall portion 60 facing each other in the vertical direction, each tapered surface 56 is provided separately on the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 on both sides in the vertical direction.

[0035] <Week 1 wall section 58 and Week 2 wall section 60> The cylindrical connecting portion 18 is configured to include a first peripheral wall portion 58 and a second peripheral wall portion 60 arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction. In Embodiment 1, the first peripheral wall portion 58 is located on the lower side, and the second peripheral wall portion 60 is located on the upper side. The first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 are each a substantially half-divided cylindrical body. Figure 3 In the longitudinal section of the second terminal 14 shown, the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 each have inner peripheral surfaces 62 and 64 with arc-shaped cross-sections. Therefore, the inner peripheral surfaces 62 and 64 of the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 constitute the inner peripheral surface 20 of the cylindrical connecting portion 18. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the columnar connecting portion 16 of the first terminal 12 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 of the second terminal 14, the first side contact 22 formed by the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the second side contacts 72a and 72b (described later) provided on the inner peripheral surface 20 (two inner peripheral surfaces 62 and 64) of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 come into contact with each other.

[0036] Also Figure 3 , 4 As shown, an arc-shaped protrusion 66 extending circumferentially and protruding radially inward is provided at the circumferential center portion of the inner circumferential surface 62 of the first circumferential wall portion 58. This arc-shaped protrusion 66 is located at the lateral center portion of the first circumferential wall portion 58, protruding radially inward from the lateral center. The arc-shaped protrusion 66 has a defined axial dimension (lateral dimension) and is smaller than the total lateral length of the first circumferential wall portion 58. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, on the inner surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 66, there are curved surfaces 68 and 68 on the left and right sides of the center in the left and right directions that protrude most radially inward. The protrusion size gradually decreases as it moves outward in the left and right directions.

[0037] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the arc-shaped protrusion 66 is formed by stamping the first peripheral wall portion 58. As a result, a recess 70 that opens outward (downward) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 58 at a position corresponding to the arc-shaped protrusion 66.

[0038] Furthermore, the curvature of the inner surface of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 is less than the curvature of the outer peripheral surface (first side contact point 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16. Therefore, in Figure 3 When the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 shown are engaged, the circumferential center of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 contacts the outer peripheral surface (first side contact 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16. That is, the top of the arc-shaped protrusion 66, especially the circumferential center, forms the second side contact 72a that contacts the first side contact 22 when the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are engaged.

[0039] exist Figure 3In the longitudinal section of the second terminal 14 shown, the curvature of the inner circumferential surface 64 of the second peripheral wall portion 60 differs in the circumferential direction. Specifically, on the inner circumferential surface 64, at two locations separated from the circumferential center portion by the two circumferential ends, portions with a curvature smaller than that of the circumferential center portion are provided. Thus, in Figure 3 In the longitudinal section of the second terminal 14 shown, the circumferential central portion of the inner circumferential surface 64 is an arc shape with a substantially constant curvature, and substantially straight-line extending portions are connected to the circumferential ends of the arc. In summary, compared to the case where the inner circumferential surface 64 is a curved surface with a substantially constant curvature, it protrudes radially inward at two points that are separated from the circumferential ends of the circumferential central portion.

[0040] In Embodiment 1, the second peripheral wall portion 60 has a generally constant inner and outer surface shape and extends in the left-right direction along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 18. Therefore, as described later, when the columnar connecting portion 16 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, at two points on the inner peripheral surface 64 that are separated from the circumferential central portion by the circumferential ends, the inner peripheral surface 64 of the second peripheral wall portion 60 contacts the outer peripheral surface (first side contact point 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16. Furthermore, when the pressing of the columnar connecting portion 16 into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is completed, at two points on the inner peripheral surface 64 that are separated from the circumferential central portion by the circumferential ends, the inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall portion 60 abuts against the outer peripheral surface (first side contact point 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16. These two points on the inner peripheral surface 60 that are separated from the circumferential central portion by the circumferential ends are in line contact. In Embodiment 1, in the second peripheral wall portion 60, the portion of the inner peripheral surface 64 that has a reduced curvature and protrudes radially inward and contacts the columnar connecting portion 16 is the linear contact portion 74.

[0041] That is, on the inner circumferential surface 64 of the second peripheral wall portion 60, multiple (two) linear contact portions 74 are provided at circumferentially isolated locations, extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 and protruding radially inward. Furthermore, in addition to the second side contact 72a of the aforementioned arc-shaped protrusion 66, a pair of second side contacts 72b, 72b are formed by the tops of these linear contact portions 74, which contact the first side contact 22 when the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are engaged. Each second side contact 72b (each linear contact portion 74) on the second peripheral wall portion 60 side extends linearly in the left-right direction. In particular, in Embodiment 1, in the projection (viewed from above and below) of the opposing directions of the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60, the second side contact (circumferential center of the arc-shaped protrusion 66) 72a on the side of the first peripheral wall portion 58 is disposed between the second side contact (a pair of linear contact portions 74, 74) 72b, 72b on the side of the second peripheral wall portion 60 in the front-back direction.

[0042] <Terminal 2 Part 54> In the second terminal part 54, the rear ends of the first circumferential wall portion 58 and the second circumferential wall portion 60 are circumferential ends facing each other in the vertical direction, namely the first circumferential ends 76 and 76. These two first circumferential ends 76 and 76 are separated by a predetermined isolation distance in the vertical direction and are facing each other. Furthermore, the front ends of the first circumferential wall portion 58 and the second circumferential wall portion 60 are circumferential ends facing each other in the vertical direction, namely the second circumferential ends 78 and 78. These two second circumferential ends 78 and 78 are separated by a predetermined isolation distance in the vertical direction and are facing each other.

[0043] A pair of base end plate portions 80, 80 are respectively provided at the first peripheral ends 76, 76, protruding radially outward (rearward) towards the cylindrical connecting portion 18. As described above, the second terminal part 54 is formed by stamping a generally strip-shaped metal plate, and the pair of base end plate portions 80, 80 are connected to each other at their rear portions. In Embodiment 1, when viewed in the vertical direction, the pair of base end plate portions 80, 80 are generally rectangular in shape.

[0044] A wire mounting section 82, for mounting a wire (not shown), is provided in the portion of the side plate portion 80, 80, located behind the base end. The wire mounted in the wire mounting section 82 is, for example, an insulated wire, with the core wire exposed by peeling the insulation layer from the end of the wire and mounted in the wire mounting section 82 located at the rear end of the second terminal 14 (second terminal part 54). Furthermore, the method of mounting the core wire of the wire to the second terminal 14 (second terminal part 54) is not limited; for example, it can be crimping using a crimping plate, or bonding, welding, etc. Alternatively, the second terminal 14 can be fixed to the terminal portion of the machine using bolts or the like instead of a wire.

[0045] A pair of top side plates 84, 84 are provided at the two second peripheral ends 78, 78, respectively, protruding radially outward (front) towards the cylindrical connecting portion 18. When viewed vertically, the pair of top side plates 84, 84 are approximately rectangular in shape and are isolated from each other vertically. That is, in the second terminal 14, the base end side plates 80, 80 are connected to each other on one side (rear side) of the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 in the front-rear direction, while the top side plates 84, 84 are isolated from each other on the other side (front side) of the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 in the front-rear direction, forming free ends that protrude in a cantilever beam shape. As a result, the top side plates 84, 84 can elastically deform in directions that are close to or separated from each other.

[0046] At the top (front) ends of these top side plates 84, a spring (not shown) can be installed, which applies force to each top side plate 84 in a direction toward each other, and further applies force to the first peripheral wall 58 and the second peripheral wall 60 in a direction toward each other. A protrusion 86 for fixing the spring is provided on the upper and lower outer surface of each top side plate 84, for example, protruding outward in the upper and lower direction. Furthermore, when a spring is provided, a stop 88 to prevent the top side plates 84 from abutting against each other is provided on the upper and lower inner surface of each top side plate 84, for example, protruding inward in the upper and lower direction.

[0047] In the second terminal part 54, which is formed by bending a metal plate into such a shape, the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting part 18 before the columnar connecting part 16 is pressed in (the diameter of the imaginary circle of each of the second side contacts 72a, 72b, 72b) is... As described above, the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting part 16 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting part 16. And it is less than the vertical distance B between the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting part 16 and the vertical distance D between the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting part 16 and the lower end of the resin cap 26 (refer to...). Figure 7A ).

[0048] Assembly of Terminal Unit 10 Show Figures 7A to 7D For example, a method for assembling the terminal unit 10 is described by pressing the columnar connecting portion 16 of the first terminal 12 into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 of the second terminal 14, which is of the shape described above. Furthermore, in Figures 7A to 7D The diagram shows the staged pressing of the columnar connecting part 16 relative to the cylindrical connecting part 18. Figure 7A The press-in start state is shown, and Figure 7B and Figure 7C This indicates the middle of the pressing process. Additionally, Figure 7D The image shows the pressed-in completed state, and the image shows the above-mentioned assembly into terminal unit 10. Figures 1 to 4 The state.

[0049] First, each of the first terminals 12 is fixed to the first housing 42 to form a housing-covered first terminal 52. Furthermore, the second terminal 14 is fixed to a second housing (not shown), or a housing-covered second terminal can be formed by fixing the second terminal to the second housing. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown, the columnar connecting portion 16 in the first terminal 12 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 in the second terminal 14 are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction, and their respective central axes are aligned to form a substantially concentric arrangement. This substantially concentric arrangement of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is... Figure 7A The state shown.

[0050] In addition, Figure 1 , 2 In this configuration, the second terminal 14 is assembled on the upper first terminal 12 of the two first terminals 12. However, the second terminal 14 can also be assembled on the lower first terminal 12, and a female terminal different from the second terminal 14 can also be assembled thereon. Furthermore, when the second terminal 14 is assembled on the lower first terminal 12, the second terminal 14 assembled on the lower first terminal 12 can be assembled with the second terminal 14 assembled on the upper first terminal 12 in the same orientation (i.e., the orientation in which the wire fixing part 82 is provided behind the cylindrical connecting part 18 and the wire is connected to the rear end of the second terminal 14), or it can be assembled with the second terminal 14 assembled on the upper first terminal 12 in the opposite direction in the front-back direction (i.e., the orientation in which the wire fixing part 82 is provided in front of the cylindrical connecting part 18 and the wire is connected to the front end of the second terminal 14).

[0051] Furthermore, from Figure 7A As shown, the columnar connecting part 16 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting part 18, becoming... Figure 7B The state shown. In this state, the columnar connecting portion 16 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 from the resin cap 26 side. Here, the initial inner diameter φC of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is smaller than the isolation distance D between the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the lower end of the resin cap 26. Thus, in Figure 7B In the state shown, below the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the arc-shaped protrusion 66 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the resin cap 26, and above the cylindrical connecting portion 18, each linear contact portion 74 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16, pushing the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 in the cylindrical connecting portion 18 outward.

[0052] In addition, although Figure 7B Not shown in the diagram, but in this state, it is also as shown. Figure 1 As shown, the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 of the second terminal 14 are inserted into the gap on both sides in the vertical direction between the upper and lower curved plate portion 48 and the columnar connecting portion 16. Furthermore, a pair of top end side plates 84, 84 of the second terminal 14 protrude forward through the front notch portion 46, and a pair of base end side plates 80, 80 of the second terminal 14 protrude rearward through the rear notch portion 46. Thus, by abutting against the circumferential ends (flat plate portions 50) of each top end side plate portion 84, each base end side plate portion 80, and each curved plate portion 48, relative rotation of the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14, i.e., relative rotation of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 about the central axis of the columnar connecting portion 16, is prevented. In summary, by inserting the second terminal 14 into the pair of notches 46, 46, the columnar connecting portion 16 is positioned circumferentially relative to the cylindrical connecting portion 18.

[0053] From that Figure 7B As shown, the columnar connecting part 16 is further inserted into the cylindrical connecting part 18, becoming... Figure 7C The state shown. In Figure 7C In the shown state, the resin cap 26 extends beyond the circumferential center portion of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 (the lower second side contact 72a). Here, below the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16, an isolation opposing surface 38 is provided, located radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16. At this time, the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is equal to D, which is the vertical isolation distance between the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the lower end of the resin cap 26, and greater than B, which is the vertical isolation distance between the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the isolation opposing surface. As a result, the lower second side contact 72a and the isolation opposing surface 38 are separated radially (vertically), facing each other with a gap. Figure 7C As shown, when the columnar connecting part 16 is inserted in the middle state, direct sliding contact between the lower second side contact point 72a and the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting part 16 can be avoided.

[0054] Furthermore, through from Figure 7C The state shown is further inserted into the columnar connecting part 16, thereby becoming Figure 7D The insertion is complete as shown. In this state, the isolating opposing surface 38 passes through the circumferential center portion of the arc-shaped protrusion 66, and the portion of the outer peripheral surface (first side contact 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16 that is rearward of the isolating opposing surface 38 contacts the circumferential center portion of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 (the lower second side contact 72a). Furthermore, in the upper portion of the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the contact between each second side contact 72b, formed by each linear contact portion 74, and the outer peripheral surface (first side contact 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16 is maintained. Thus, the first side contact 22 of the columnar connecting portion 16 and each second side contact 72a, 72b, 72b of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 are in contact, and the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are electrically connected.

[0055] In particular, because the initial inner diameter φC of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter φA of the columnar connecting portion 16, when the columnar connecting portion 16 is fully inserted, the cylindrical connecting portion 18 is pushed outward by the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16, and the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 elastically deform outward in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the elastic restoring force relative to this elastic deformation acts as an inward force in the vertical direction on the first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60, pressing them against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16.

[0056] That is, in the pressing direction where the columnar connecting portion 16 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, before the sliding resistance reducing portion (isolation opposing surface 38) passes the lower second side contact 72a, direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the lower second side contact 72a can be avoided by the sliding resistance reducing portion (isolation opposing surface 38). Therefore, the sliding resistance of the columnar connecting portion 16 relative to the lower second side contact 72a is reduced. Furthermore, after the sliding resistance reducing portion (isolation opposing surface 38) passes the lower second side contact 72a, the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 (first side contact 22) is pressed against each of the second side contacts 72a, 72b, 72b. The terminal unit 10 according to Embodiment 1 is completed through the assembly process described above.

[0057] According to the terminal unit 10 of Embodiment 1, by providing a sliding resistance reduction portion (isolation opposing surface 38) in the columnar connecting portion 16, direct sliding between the second side contact 72a and the first side contact 22 (outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16) on the lower side of the cylindrical connecting portion 18 can be avoided during the pressing of the columnar connecting portion 16 relative to the cylindrical connecting portion 18. This prevents metal-to-metal contact between the first side contact 22 (which is made of metal) and the lower second side contact 72a, thus preventing the plating on the first side contact 22 and the lower second side contact 72a from peeling off. Furthermore, when the columnar connecting portion 16 is fully pressed against the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the first side contact 22 and each of the second side contacts 72a, 72b, 72b are pressed together, which more reliably achieves the electrical conduction state between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14. Furthermore, during the pressing of the columnar connecting portion 16 relative to the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 (first side contact 22) and each of the upper second side contacts 72b directly contact and slide. However, because each of the upper second side contacts 72b (each linear contact portion 74) extends linearly in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the contact area is large. Therefore, the sliding pressure between the first side contact 22 and each of the upper second side contacts 72b is relatively small, and even in the state of metal contact, sliding will not be a major problem.

[0058] In particular, in Embodiment 1, since the sliding resistance reduction part is formed by an isolation opposing surface 38 that is radially isolated from the lower second side contact 72a, the sliding of the first side contact 22 and the lower second side contact 72a can be more reliably prevented, and the plating peeling accompanying metal contact can be more reliably prevented.

[0059] The first housing 42 includes curved plate portions 48 and notches 46. The second terminal 14 is inserted into each notch 46, thereby positioning the columnar connecting portion 16 in the first terminal 12 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 in the second terminal 14 circumferentially via the first housing 42. As a result, the sliding resistance reduction portion (isolation opposing surface 38) will not deviate from the formation position of the lower second side contact 72a around the central axis of the columnar connecting portion 16. For example, it can avoid the following undesirable situation: during the pressing of the columnar connecting portion 16, the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 other than the sliding resistance reduction portion (isolation opposing surface 38) comes into contact with the lower second side contact 72a and the plating is peeled off.

[0060] <Implementation Method 2> Next, use Figures 8 to 11D The terminal unit 100 and the first terminal 102 constituting the terminal unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the second terminal 14 can adopt the same structure as in Embodiment 1. In the following description, components and parts that are substantially the same as in Embodiment 1 will be labeled with the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, thereby omitting detailed descriptions.

[0061] <Terminal 102> like Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the first terminal 102 includes a first terminal part 104 and a resin cap 106 covering the top surface 25 of the first terminal part 104. At the top of the columnar connecting portion 16 in the first terminal part 104, a notch-shaped recess 108 is provided in a region extending from the top surface 25 to a predetermined axial direction dimension. This recess 108 is formed with a predetermined circumferential dimension in the lower portion of the first terminal part 104, and the bottom surface of the recess 108 extends flatly in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the first terminal part 104. Furthermore, a downwardly protruding protrusion 110 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 108. The protrusion 110 has a generally semi-circular cross-section and extends along the axial direction of the first terminal part 104 with a predetermined length dimension. Furthermore, a first housing 42, identical to that in Embodiment 1, is assembled on the first terminal 102. When the columnar connecting portion 16 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the columnar connecting portion 16 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 are positioned circumferentially (around the central axis of the columnar connecting portion 16) via the first housing 42.

[0062] <Sliding resistance reduction section (resin outer peripheral surface 112)> At the top end of the columnar connecting portion 16, a resin cap 106 is installed to cover the top surface 25 of the columnar connecting portion 16 and the bottom surface of the recess 108. The resin cap 106 integrally provides a resin outer peripheral surface 112, which covers the recess 108 and forms the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16. In summary, the area below the columnar connecting portion 16, from the top surface 25 to the first side contact 22—that is, the area extending from the top surface 25 toward the base end to a predetermined axial dimension—is formed as the resin outer peripheral surface 112. In Embodiment 2, this resin outer peripheral surface 112 constitutes a sliding resistance reduction portion. Specifically, in Embodiment 2, the same isolation opposing surface 38 as in Embodiment 1 is provided on the resin outer peripheral surface 112. Therefore, when the columnar connecting portion 16 (described later) is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the sliding amount of the lower second side contact 72a and the resin outer peripheral surface 112 can be reduced, thereby reducing sliding resistance.

[0063] Furthermore, a locking hole 116 is provided on the contact surface 114 of the resin outer peripheral surface 112 that contacts the columnar connecting portion 16 (i.e., the surface that overlaps with the bottom surface of the recess 108 of the columnar connecting portion 16). The locking hole 116 engages with the protrusion 110 provided on the columnar connecting portion 16. By fitting the protrusion 110 and the locking hole 116, the resin outer peripheral surface 112 (resin cap 106) is held on the columnar connecting portion 16. In addition, the resin cap 106 having the resin outer peripheral surface 112, like in Embodiment 1, can be either formed separately from the columnar connecting portion 16 and then fixed, or it can be formed integrally with the columnar connecting portion 16.

[0064] Assembly of Terminal Unit 100 Show Figures 11A to 11D For example, a method for assembling the terminal unit 100 is described by pressing the columnar connecting portion 16 of the first terminal 102 into the cylindrical connecting portion 18 of the second terminal 14, which is of the same shape as described above. Furthermore, Figures 11A to 11D It is the same as in implementation method 1 Figures 7A to 7D The corresponding diagram, Figure 11A The press-in start state is shown, and Figure 11B and Figure 11C This indicates the middle of the pressing process. Additionally, Figure 11D The image shows the pressed-in completed state, and the image shows the assembly of the terminal unit 100. Figure 8 The state.

[0065] First, such as Figure 11A As shown, the columnar connecting portion 16 in the first terminal 102 and the cylindrical connecting portion 18 in the second terminal 14 are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction, and their respective central axes are aligned to form a roughly concentric arrangement.

[0066] Then, from Figure 11AThe state shown involves inserting the columnar connecting part 16 into the cylindrical connecting part 18, thus forming... Figure 11B The state shown. Therefore, in Figure 11B In the state shown, below the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the arc-shaped protrusion 66 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the resin cap 106, and above the cylindrical connecting portion 18, each linear contact portion 74 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16. The first peripheral wall portion 58 and the second peripheral wall portion 60 in the cylindrical connecting portion 18 are pushed outward to the peripheral side (both sides in the vertical direction).

[0067] From that Figure 11B The state shown further involves inserting the columnar connecting portion 16 into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, thus becoming... Figure 11C The state shown. In Figure 11C In the shown state, the resin cap 106 extends beyond the circumferential center portion of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 (the lower second side contact point 72a). Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, an isolation opposing surface 38 is also provided below the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 (resin outer peripheral surface 112), located radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16. As a result, as... Figure 11C As shown, when the columnar connector 16 is inserted, direct sliding contact between the lower second-side contact 72a and the outer peripheral surface (resin outer peripheral surface 112) of the columnar connector 16 can be avoided. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the isolating opposing surface 38 may not be provided in the resin outer peripheral surface 112, and when the columnar connector 16 is inserted into the cylindrical connector 18, the circumferential central portion of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 (the lower second-side contact 72a) and the resin outer peripheral surface 112 can slide relative to each other. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the metal columnar connector 16 and the lower second-side contact 72 do not slide in a metal-to-metal contact manner, so the problem of plating peeling will not affect the electrical conductivity of the first terminal 102 and the second terminal 14.

[0068] Then, from Figure 11C The state shown is further inserted into the columnar connecting part 16, thereby becoming Figure 11D The insertion is complete as shown. In this state, the resin outer peripheral surface 112 passes through the circumferential center of the arc-shaped protrusion 66, and the portion of the outer peripheral surface (first side contact 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16 that is rearward of the resin outer peripheral surface 112 contacts the circumferential center of the arc-shaped protrusion 66 (the lower second side contact 72a). Furthermore, in the upper portion of the cylindrical connecting portion 18, the contact between each second side contact 72b, formed by each linear contact portion 74, and the outer peripheral surface (first side contact 22) of the columnar connecting portion 16 is maintained. Thus, the first side contact 22 in the columnar connecting portion 16 and each second side contact 72a, 72b, 72b in the cylindrical connecting portion 18 are in contact, and the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are electrically connected.

[0069] That is, in the pressing direction where the columnar connecting portion 16 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 18, before the sliding resistance reducing portion (resin outer peripheral surface 112) passes the lower second side contact 72a, direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the metal columnar connecting portion 16 and the lower second side contact 72a is avoided by the sliding resistance reducing portion (resin outer peripheral surface 112). As a result, the sliding resistance of the columnar connecting portion 16 relative to the lower second side contact 72a is reduced. Furthermore, after the sliding resistance reducing portion (resin outer peripheral surface 112) passes the lower second side contact 72a, the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 (first side contact 22) is pressed onto each of the second side contacts 72a, 72b, 72b in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The terminal unit 100 according to Embodiment 2 is completed through the assembly process described above.

[0070] In the terminal unit 100 of Embodiment 2, which is formed with the structure described above, the same effect as that of the terminal unit 10 in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In particular, in Embodiment 2, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 16 is formed by a resin outer peripheral surface 112. Even if the lower second side contact 72a and the resin outer peripheral surface 112 slide, sliding caused by metal contact can be avoided, thus preventing the plating of the first terminal 102 and / or the second terminal 14 from peeling off. In addition, since such a resin outer peripheral surface 112 is integrally provided with the resin cap 106, the number of parts can be reduced, and by providing the resin cap 106, the possibility of accidental contact with the first terminal 102 and electric shock can be reduced. Furthermore, the columnar connecting portion 16 and the resin outer peripheral surface 112 are provided with interlocking protrusions 110 and engaging holes 116, thereby effectively preventing the resin outer peripheral surface 112 (resin cap 106) from falling off the first terminal 102.

[0071] <Variation Example> The above description, as specific examples of the present invention, details embodiments 1 and 2; however, the present invention is not limited to this specific description. Modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention. For example, the following variations of the embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0072] (1) The structure of the columnar or cylindrical connecting part is not limited to the manner described in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting part 16 is approximately circular, but it is not limited. For example, it can be an ellipse, an oblong, a semicircle, or a polygon. In addition, the columnar connecting part is not necessarily solid; it can also be hollow. Similarly, in the embodiment, the shape of the cylindrical connecting part 18 is approximately cylindrical, but it can correspond to or not correspond to the columnar connecting part. It can be an elliptical cylinder, an oblong cylinder, a semicircle, or a polygonal cylinder.

[0073] (2) In the described embodiment, each of the second side contacts 72a and 72b that contacts the first side contact 22 is provided in the circumferential central portion of the arcuate protrusion 66 in the first peripheral wall portion 58 and in each of the linear contact portions 74 in the second peripheral wall portion 60, but this embodiment is not limited to this method. For example, in addition to the first peripheral wall portion, the arcuate protrusion constituting the second side contact may also be provided in the second peripheral wall portion, and in another way, in addition to the second peripheral wall portion, the linear contact portion constituting the second side contact may also be provided in the first peripheral wall portion. When multiple second side contacts are provided, it is sufficient to provide a sliding resistance reducing portion that reduces the sliding resistance of any one of the second side contacts and the first side contact when the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion. However, it is preferable to provide a sliding resistance reducing portion, such as reducing the sliding resistance of the circumferential central portion of the arcuate protrusion which is relatively large compared to the sliding resistance, in the columnar connecting portion as described in the above embodiment.

[0074] (3) As described in the above embodiments, a spring member may also be provided at the second terminal to apply force to the first and second peripheral walls in a direction that brings them closer together. In addition to the clamping spring exemplified in the above embodiments, the spring member may also be a helical spring or a ring-shaped elastic member.

[0075] (4) The shape of the first housing is not limited. In the embodiment described, a pair of first terminals 12, 12 are assembled in a common first housing 42, but one or more first terminals may also be assembled in the first housing.

[0076] (5) As described in Embodiment 2, it is not necessary to provide an isolation opposing surface on the outer peripheral surface of the resin. The outer peripheral surface of the columnar connector can also be a smooth and continuous annular surface that includes the outer peripheral surface of the resin. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0077] 10-terminal unit (Implementation Method 1) 12 Terminal 1 14 Terminal 2 16. Columnar connecting parts 18. Cylindrical connecting part 20 Inner circumferential surface 22. First contact point (outer peripheral surface) 24. Terminal 1 component 25 Top face 26 Resin Caps 28 Flat plate-shaped part 30 circumferential positioning protrusion 32 Small diameter section 34 Fixing part 36 Conical surface 38. Isolation Opposing Surface (Part for Reducing Sliding Resistance) 40 curved surface 42 First shell 44. Cylindrical cap 46. ​​Notch 48. Bending plate section 50 flat plate section 52 with housing, first terminal 54. Terminal 2 component 56 conical surface 58 Week 1 Wall Section 60 Week 2 Wall section 62, 64 inner circumferential surfaces 66. Arc-shaped protrusion 68. Curved surface 70 recess 72a, 72b second side contacts 74 Linear Contact Section 76 End of Week 1 78 Week 2 End 80 Base end side plate portion 82 Cable Installation Section 84 Top side panel 86 convex part 88 Stop section 100-terminal unit (Implementation Method 2) 102 Terminal 1 104 Terminal 1 component 106 Resin Cap 108 concavity 110 Protrusion 112 Resin outer peripheral surface (part with reduced sliding resistance) 114 Contact Surface 116 locking holes

Claims

1. A terminal unit comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, The first terminal includes a columnar connection portion, a first side contact provided on an outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion, and a sliding resistance reducing portion extending from a top end surface of the columnar connection portion toward the first side contact. The second terminal has a cylindrical connection portion that is elastically deformable in a diameter expansion direction, and a second side contact provided on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical connection portion. The columnar connection part is pressed into the cylindrical connection part from the top end surface and assembled to the cylindrical connection part. In the direction in which the columnar connection portion is pressed into the tubular connection portion, before the sliding resistance reducing portion passes over the second side contact, the sliding resistance reducing portion avoids direct sliding contact between the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion and the second side contact, thereby reducing the sliding resistance of the columnar connection portion relative to the second side contact. After the sliding resistance reducing portion passes over the second side contact, the first side contact comes into pressure contact with the second side contact.

2. The terminal unit according to claim 1, wherein: When the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the tubular connecting portion and arranged concentrically, in a circumferential area of ​​the columnar connecting portion overlapping with the second side contact in the pressing direction, an area from the top end surface to the first side contact has an isolation opposing surface located radially inwardly in a manner opposed to the second side contact with a gap in the radial direction, and the sliding resistance reducing portion is formed by the isolation opposing surface.

3. The terminal unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: When the columnar connecting portion is pressed into the tubular connecting portion and arranged concentrically, in a circumferential area of ​​the columnar connecting portion overlapping with the second side contact in the pressing direction, the area from the top end surface to the first side contact has a resin outer peripheral surface made of synthetic resin material, and the sliding resistance reducing portion is formed by the resin outer peripheral surface.

4. The terminal unit according to claim 3, further comprising a resin cap, wherein: The resin cap covers the top end surface of the columnar connection portion, and the resin outer peripheral surface is integrally provided with the resin cap.

5. The terminal unit according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: The contact surface of the resin outer peripheral surface with the columnar connecting part has an engagement hole, and the engagement hole engages with a protrusion provided on the columnar connecting part. The protrusion is fitted into the engagement hole, so that the resin outer peripheral surface is held by the columnar connecting part.

6. The terminal unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a first housing for accommodating the first terminal, wherein: The first housing includes a cylindrical cover portion which is arranged to be spaced apart from the columnar connecting portion in the radial direction outward. The cylindrical cover has a pair of notches provided at two locations facing each other in the radial direction of the cylindrical cover. The second terminal is inserted and arranged in the pair of notches, so that the columnar connection portion of the first terminal is positioned relative to the cylindrical connection portion of the second terminal in the circumferential direction.

7. A first terminal assembled to a second terminal, the second terminal having a tubular connecting portion elastically deformable in a diameter expansion direction, and a second side contact provided on an inner peripheral surface of the tubular connecting portion, The first terminal constitutes the terminal unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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