Terminal connection structure

Abstract

The invention provides a terminal connection structure. The terminal connection structure includes: a male terminal having a columnar shape; a female terminal having a hole into which the male terminal is inserted; a first contact member, which is interposed between the male terminal and the female terminal, and which electrically connects the male terminal and the female terminal; and a second contact member, which is interposed between the male terminal and the female terminal, and which electrically connects the male terminal and the female terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a terminal connection structure. Background Art

[0002] A terminal connection structure is described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-8878. The terminal connection structure includes a rod-shaped male terminal and a cylindrical female terminal. A contact member that electrically connects the two terminals is provided between the male terminal and the female terminal. The contact member is disposed between the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal, and is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

[0003] The above terminal connection structure is used, for example, in the power circuit of an electric vehicle. In this case, a relatively large current flows through the terminal connection structure. If a large current flows through the male terminal and the female terminal, the heat generation amount becomes large at the contact member that connects the two terminals. In order to suppress the heat generation of the contact member, it is effective to increase the contact area of the contact member with respect to the male terminal and the female terminal. However, along with this, the sizes of the male terminal and the female terminal also become large, which may lead to the enlargement of the terminal connection structure. This specification provides a technology that can reduce the heat generation of the contact member without enlarging the terminal connection structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The mode disclosed in this specification relates to a terminal connection structure. The terminal connection structure includes: a male terminal that is columnar; a female terminal that has a hole into which the male terminal is inserted; a first contact member that is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal and electrically connects the male terminal and the female terminal; and a second contact member that is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal and electrically connects the male terminal and the female terminal. The first contact member is disposed between the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal that faces the outer side surface, and the first contact member is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction in which the outer side surface of the male terminal faces the inner side surface of the female terminal. The second contact member is disposed between a first surface of the male terminal other than the outer side surface and a second surface of the female terminal that faces the first surface of the male terminal, and the second contact member is configured to be elastically deformable in a second direction in which the first surface of the male terminal faces the second surface of the female terminal.

[0005] According to the above mode, the two contact members as a whole can widen the contact area with the male terminal and the female terminal. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the contact member without enlarging the terminal connection structure.

[0006] The first contact member may also have a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces are each configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

[0007] In the above-described manner, the first contact member may also have an upper end portion extending along the circumferential direction and a lower end portion extending along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces may also extend between the upper end portion and the lower end portion.

[0008] In the above-described manner, the first contact member may contact the outer side surface of the male terminal at the upper end portion and the lower end portion, or may contact the inner side surface of the female terminal at the middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

[0009] In the above-described manner, the second contact member may also have a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces are each configured to elastically deform in the radial direction.

[0010] In the above-described manner, the second contact member may also have a first end portion extending along the circumferential direction and a second end portion extending along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces may also extend between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0011] In the above-described manner, the second contact member may contact the first surface of the male terminal at the first end portion and the second end portion, or may contact the second surface of the female terminal at the middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

[0012] In the above-described manner, the first contact member may extend along the circumferential direction and have a first gap between the first two ends in the circumferential direction of the first contact member. The second contact member may also extend along the circumferential direction and have a second gap between the second two ends in the circumferential direction of the second contact member. The position of the first gap at the first two ends of the first contact member and the position of the second gap at the second two ends of the second contact member may also be different in the circumferential direction.

[0013] In the above-described manner, the female terminal may also have a columnar portion erected from the bottom surface of the female terminal. The male terminal may also have a hole portion for accommodating the columnar portion of the female terminal. The second surface of the female terminal may also be the outer side surface of the columnar portion. The first surface of the male terminal may also be the inner side surface of the hole portion facing the outer side surface of the columnar portion.

[0014] In the above-described manner, the above-described terminal connection structure may also include a third contact member that is sandwiched between the above-described male terminal and the above-described female terminal and electrically connects the above-described male terminal and the above-described female terminal. The above-described third contact member may also be disposed between the front end surface of the above-described male terminal and the bottom surface of the above-described female terminal that faces the above-described front end surface of the above-described male terminal, and the above-described third contact member may be configured to elastically deform in a third direction in which the front end surface of the above-described male terminal faces the bottom surface of the above-described female terminal. The above-described second direction may also be the above-described radial direction.

[0015] In the above-described manner, the above-described first contact member may also contact the inner side surface of the above-described female terminal at the above-described upper end portion and the above-described lower end portion. The above-described first contact member may also contact the outer side surface of the above-described male terminal at the middle portion of each of the above-described plurality of elastic pieces.

[0016] In the above-described manner, the above-described third direction may also be an axial direction parallel to the insertion direction in which the above-described male terminal is inserted into the above-described female terminal.

[0017] In the above-described manner, the above-described first surface of the above-described male terminal may also be the front end surface of the above-described male terminal, and the above-described second surface of the above-described female terminal may also be the bottom surface of the above-described female terminal that faces the above-described front end surface of the above-described male terminal.

[0018] In the above-described manner, the above-described second direction may also be an axial direction parallel to the insertion direction in which the above-described male terminal is inserted into the above-described female terminal.

[0019] The above-described second contact member may contact the above-described second surface of the above-described female terminal at the above-described first end portion and the above-described second end portion, or may contact the above-described first surface of the above-described male terminal at the middle portion of each of the above-described plurality of elastic pieces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein,

[0021] Figure 1 is an end view showing the structure of the terminal connection structure.

[0022] Figure 2 denotes Figure 1 an enlarged view of part II.

[0023] Figure 3 denotes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the terminal connection structure taken along line III-III.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first contact member.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a top view of the third contact member.

[0026] Figure 6 It is an end view showing the terminal connection structure of Modification 1.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a top view of the fourth contact member of Modification 1.

[0028] Figure 8 It is an end view showing the terminal connection structure of Modification 2.

[0029] Figure 9 It is an end view showing the terminal connection structure of Modification 3.

[0030] Figure 10 It is an end view showing the terminal connection structure of Modification 4. Detailed implementation mode

[0031] In the first structure of the present technology, the terminal connection structure may also include: a columnar male terminal; a female terminal having a hole into which the male terminal is inserted; and a first contact member and a second contact member that are sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal and electrically connect the male terminal and the female terminal. The first contact member may be disposed between the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal that faces the outer side surface, and is configured to elastically deform in the radial direction in which the outer side surface of the male terminal faces the inner side surface of the female terminal. The second contact member may be disposed between the second surface of the male terminal other than the outer side surface and the second surface of the female terminal that faces the second surface of the male terminal, and is configured to elastically deform in the second direction in which the second surface of the male terminal faces the second surface of the female terminal.

[0032] In the second structure of the present technology, in addition to the above first structure, the first contact member has a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces are each configured to elastically deform in the radial direction. In this case, the plurality of elastic pieces may be provided over the entire circumferential length of the outer side surface, or may be limited to a partial section in the circumferential direction of the outer side surface.

[0033] In the third structure of the present technology, in addition to the above second structure, the first contact member may also have an upper end portion extending along the circumferential direction and a lower end portion extending along the circumferential direction. In this case, the plurality of elastic pieces may also extend between the upper end portion and the lower end portion. With this structure, the elasticity of each elastic piece is maintained, and the rigidity of the first contact member as a whole can be improved.

[0034] In the fourth structure of the present technology, in addition to the above-mentioned third structure, the first contact member may also contact one of the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal at the upper end portion and the lower end portion. Further, the first contact member may also contact the other of the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal at the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces. With such a structure, the first contact member is stably held between the male terminal and the female terminal. In addition, the plurality of elastic pieces each function as a leaf spring supported at both ends, and their elasticity can be stably exhibited.

[0035] In the fifth structure of the present technology, in addition to any one of the above-mentioned first to fourth structures, the second contact member may also have a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of elastic pieces are each configured to elastically deform in the radial direction. In this case, the plurality of elastic pieces may be provided over the entire circumferential length of the second surface, or may be provided only in a partial section in the circumferential direction of the second surface.

[0036] In the sixth structure of the present technology, in addition to the above-mentioned fifth structure, the second contact member may also have a first end portion extending in the circumferential direction and a second end portion extending in the circumferential direction. In this case, the plurality of elastic pieces may also extend between the first end portion and the second end portion. With such a structure, the elasticity of each elastic piece is maintained, and the rigidity of the second contact member as a whole can be improved.

[0037] In the seventh structure of the present technology, in addition to the above-mentioned sixth structure, the second contact member may also contact one of the second surface of the male terminal and the second surface of the female terminal at the first end portion and the second end portion. Further, the second contact member may also contact the other of the second surface of the male terminal and the second surface of the female terminal at the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces. With such a structure, the second contact member is stably held between the male terminal and the female terminal. Additionally, the plurality of elastic pieces each function as a leaf spring supported at both ends, and their elasticity can be stably exhibited.

[0038] In the eighth structure of the present technology, in addition to any one of the first to seventh structures described above, the first contact member may also extend in the circumferential direction, and a gap may be provided between both ends in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the second contact member may also extend in the circumferential direction, and a gap may be provided between both ends in the circumferential direction. In this case, the positions of the gaps at both ends of the first contact member in the circumferential direction and the gaps at both ends of the second contact member in the circumferential direction may also be different from each other. Based on such a structure, the first contact member and the second contact member are configured as a whole without bias with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0039] In the ninth structure of the present technology, in addition to any one of the first to eighth structures described above, the female terminal may also have a columnar portion erected from the bottom surface of the female terminal. Moreover, the male terminal may also have a hole portion for accommodating the columnar portion of the female terminal. In this case, the second surface of the female terminal may also be the outer side surface of the columnar portion, and the second surface of the male terminal may also be the inner side surface of the hole portion facing the outer side surface of the columnar portion. Based on such a structure, the second surfaces of the male terminal and the female terminal facing each other can be set wider, thereby widening the contact area where the second contact member contacts the male terminal and the female terminal.

[0040] In the tenth structure of the present technology, in addition to the ninth structure described above, the second direction may also be the radial direction. However, as another structure, the second direction may also be a direction having an angle with respect to the radial direction.

[0041] In the eleventh structure of the present technology, in addition to the ninth or tenth structure described above, the terminal connection structure may further include a third contact member that is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal to electrically connect the male terminal and the female terminal. In this case, the third contact member may be disposed between the front end surface of the male terminal and the bottom surface of the female terminal facing the front end surface of the male terminal, and is configured to elastically deform in a third direction in which the front end surface of the male terminal and the bottom surface of the female terminal face each other. Based on such a structure, the first contact member (and the second contact member) is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal in the radial direction, whereas the third contact member is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal in a direction different from the radial direction. Thus, even when vibration occurs between the male terminal and the female terminal, regardless of the direction of the vibration, contact with the male terminal and the female terminal can be maintained through these contact members.

[0042] In the twelfth structure of the present technology, in addition to the eleventh structure, the third direction may be an axial direction parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal relative to the female terminal. However, as another structure, the third direction may be a direction having an angle with respect to the axial direction.

[0043] In the 13th structure of the present technology, in addition to any one of the above-mentioned 1st structure to the 8th structure, the above-mentioned second surface of the above-mentioned male terminal can also be the front end surface of the above-mentioned male terminal. In this case, the above-mentioned second surface of the above-mentioned female terminal can also be the bottom surface of the above-mentioned female terminal opposite to the above-mentioned front end surface of the above-mentioned male terminal. If based on this structure, the first contact component is clamped between the male terminal and the female terminal in the radial direction, and in contrast, the second contact component is clamped between the male terminal and the female terminal in a direction different from the radial direction. Therefore, even if vibration is generated between the male terminal and the female terminal, regardless of the direction of the vibration, the contact between the male terminal and the female terminal can be maintained by these contact components.

[0044] In the 14th structure of the present technology, in addition to the 13th structure, the second direction may be an axial direction parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal relative to the female terminal. However, as another structure, the second direction may be a direction having an angle with respect to the axial direction.

[0045] Hereinafter, representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of this detailed description is simply to show the details of the embodiments for implementing the present invention to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to provide a further improved terminal connection structure, the additional features and inventions disclosed below can be used separately or together with other features and inventions.

[0046] In addition, in the broadest sense, the combination of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description is not necessary for implementing the present invention, but is recorded only for the purpose of specifically illustrating the representative specific examples of the present invention. Moreover, the various features of the representative specific examples described above and below, as well as the various features described in the independent and dependent claims, do not necessarily have to be combined as in the specific examples described here or in the order listed when providing additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Structures different from the features described in the embodiments and / or claims are intended to be disclosed in a separate and independent manner as the disclosure of the initial application and the limitation of the specific matters claimed, with respect to all the features described in this specification and / or claims. Also, with respect to the descriptions related to all numerical ranges and groups or collections, it is intended to disclose the structures among them as the disclosure of the initial application and the limitation of the specific matters claimed.

[0048] Embodiment

[0049] Refer to Figures 1 to 5 The terminal connection structure 10 of the embodiment will be described. The terminal connection structure 10 can be used in the power circuit of an electric vehicle. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the terminal connection structure 10 includes a male terminal 20, a female terminal 30, a first contact member 40, a second contact member 50, and a third contact member 60. Although it is an example, the male terminal 20 is an output terminal provided on the inverter side, and the female terminal 30 is an input terminal provided on the motor side of the electric vehicle. The female terminal 30 is connected to the bus bar 2 of the motor. Although it is an example, the motor is a motor driven by three-phase alternating current, and the terminal connection structure 10 of this embodiment has at least three male terminals 20 and three female terminals 30 for the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. In addition, when charging the electric vehicle, since the motor is used as a boost and buck circuit (so-called neutral point charging), the terminal connection structure 10 may further include a fourth male terminal 20 and a female terminal 30 that connect the power converter to the neutral point. In addition, part or all of the structures related to this technology can be applied to all of the above three pairs of terminals 20, 30 or four pairs of terminals 20, 30, or can be applied to at least one pair of terminal pairs 20, 30. The first contact member 40, the second contact member 50, and the third contact member 60 are respectively members that are sandwiched between the male terminal 20 and the above-mentioned female terminal 30 and electrically connect the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30.

[0050] The male terminal 20 is a substantially columnar member. The male terminal 20 is made of metal. The metal material constituting the male terminal 20 is, for example, copper. In a modified example, the metal material constituting the male terminal 20 may also be aluminum. The male terminal 20 has an outer side surface 20a and a front end surface 20b located at the front end of the male terminal 20. The male terminal 20 has a hole portion 22 that opens at the front end surface 20b. The hole portion 22 has an inner side surface 22a and a bottom surface 22b. The inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 extends between the front end surface 20b and the bottom surface 22b of the male terminal 20. That is, the male terminal 20 is a columnar member having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0051] The female terminal 30 is a component having a hole for inserting the male terminal 20. The female terminal 30 accommodates the male terminal 20 in a detachable manner. The female terminal 30 is made of metal. The metal material constituting the female terminal 30 is, for example, copper. In a modified example, the material constituting the female terminal 30 may also be aluminum. The female terminal 30 has an inner side surface 30a facing the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 and a bottom surface 30b facing the front end surface 20b of the male terminal 20. The female terminal 30 has a columnar portion 32 erected from the bottom surface 30b. The columnar portion 32 can be inserted and removed relative to the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 and is formed in such a manner as to be accommodated in the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20. The columnar portion 32 has an outer side surface 32a and a front end surface 32b located at the front end of the columnar portion 32. The outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 faces the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20. The front end surface 32b of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 faces the bottom surface 22b of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20. That is, the hole of the female terminal 30 has an annular cross section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal 20.

[0052] Here, in the present specification, a cylindrical coordinate system composed of an axial direction D1, a radial direction D2, and a circumferential direction D3 is defined based on the cylindrical male terminal 20. The axial direction D1 is a direction parallel to the long side direction of the cylindrical male terminal 20, and its coordinate axis is defined on the central axis C of the male terminal 20. The axial direction D1 coincides with the insertion direction of the male terminal 20 relative to the female terminal 30. The radial direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1 and is defined by a coordinate axis having the central axis C of the male terminal 20 as the origin. Moreover, the circumferential direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1 and the radial direction D2 and is defined by a coordinate axis around the central axis C of the male terminal 20.

[0053] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the first contact member 40 is interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the radial direction D2. The first contact member 40 is disposed between the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 and the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30.

[0054] The first contact member 40 is a substantially cylindrical plate member extending in the circumferential direction D3. The first contact member 40 has a first upper end portion 42, a first lower end portion 44, and a plurality of first elastic pieces 46. The first upper end portion 42 is located at the upper end of the first contact member 40 and extends in the circumferential direction D3. The first lower end portion 44 is located at the lower end of the first contact member 40 and extends in the circumferential direction D3.

[0055] A plurality of first elastic pieces 46 are each configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction D2. The plurality of first elastic pieces 46 each extend between a first upper end portion 42 and a first lower end portion 44. That is, the plurality of first elastic pieces 46 are interconnected at their both ends by the first upper end portion 42 and the first lower end portion 44. Based on this structure, the elasticity of each first elastic piece 46 is maintained, and the rigidity of the first contact member 40 as a whole can be improved.

[0056] The first contact member 40 has a shape in which a plurality of first elastic pieces 46 are arranged in the circumferential direction D3. The plurality of first elastic pieces 46 are provided so as to extend over substantially the entire length of the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20. The "substantially the entire length" in this specification means a length of about 70% or more of the entire length of the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 in the circumferential direction D3. However, the plurality of first elastic pieces 46 are not limited thereto, and may also be provided in a partial section of the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 in the circumferential direction D3.

[0057] The first contact member 40 contacts the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30 at the first upper end portion 42 and the first lower end portion 44. Moreover, the first contact member 40 contacts the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 at the intermediate portion 46a of each of the plurality of first elastic pieces 46. That is, the male terminal 20 is pressed into the female terminal 30, and the first contact member 40 elastically deforms between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. Based on this structure, the first contact member 40 is stably held between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. In addition, each of the plurality of first elastic pieces 46 functions as a leaf spring supported at both ends, and its elasticity can be stably exhibited. In addition, although not particularly limited, the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30 has a recess. The first upper end portion 42 and the first lower end portion 44 of the first contact member 40 are engaged with the recesses of the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30.

[0058] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the second contact member 50 is interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the radial direction D2. The second contact member 50 is disposed between the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 and the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30.

[0059] The second contact member 50 is a substantially cylindrical plate member that extends in the circumferential direction D3. The second contact member 50 has a second upper end portion 52, a second lower end portion 54, and a plurality of second elastic pieces 56. The second upper end portion 52 is located at the upper end of the second contact member 50 and extends in the circumferential direction D3. The second lower end portion 54 is located at the lower end of the second contact member 50 and extends in the circumferential direction D3. That is, although the second contact member 50 has a different size from the first contact member 40, it has the same structure as the Figure 3 structure of the first contact member 40 shown.

[0060] A plurality of second elastic pieces 56 are each configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction D2. The plurality of second elastic pieces 56 each extend between a second upper end portion 52 and a second lower end portion 54. That is, the plurality of second elastic pieces 56 are interconnected at their both ends by the second upper end portion 52 and the second lower end portion 54. Based on this structure, the elasticity of each of the second elastic pieces 56 is maintained, and the rigidity of the second contact member 50 as a whole can be improved.

[0061] The second contact member 50 contacts the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 at the second upper end portion 52 and the second lower end portion 54. Further, the second contact member 50 contacts the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 at the intermediate portion 56a of each of the plurality of second elastic pieces 56. Based on this structure, between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30, the second contact member 50 is stably held. In addition, each of the plurality of second elastic pieces 56 functions as a leaf spring supported at both ends, and its elasticity can be stably exhibited. Further, although not particularly limited, the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 has a recess. The second upper end portion 52 and the second lower end portion 54 of the second contact member 50 are engaged with the recesses of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20.

[0062] The second contact member 50 has a shape in which a plurality of second elastic pieces 56 are arranged in the circumferential direction D3. In this case, the plurality of second elastic pieces 56 are provided so as to extend over substantially the entire length in the circumferential direction D3 of the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30. However, the plurality of second elastic pieces 56 are not limited thereto, and may be provided in a partial section in the circumferential direction D3 of the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30.

[0063] As Figure 3 shown, a gap CL1 is provided between both ends in the circumferential direction D3 of the first contact member 40. Similar to the first contact member 40, a gap CL2 is provided between both ends in the circumferential direction D3 of the second contact member 50. The positions of the gap CL1 at both ends of the first contact member 40 and the gap CL2 at both ends of the second contact member 50 in the circumferential direction D3 are different from each other. Based on this structure, the first contact member 40 and the second contact member 50 are arranged without bias as a whole with respect to the circumferential direction D3.

[0064] As Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 shown, the third contact member 60 is interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the axial direction D1. The third contact member 60 is disposed between the front end surface 20b of the male terminal 20 and the bottom surface 30b of the female terminal 30. The third contact member 60 is configured to be elastically deformable in the axial direction D1.

[0065] The third contact member 60 is a plate member having a substantially circular plate shape. The third contact member 60 has an inner peripheral end portion 62, a plurality of outer peripheral end portions 64, and a plurality of third elastic pieces 66. The plurality of third elastic pieces 66 extend between the inner peripheral end portion 62 and the plurality of outer peripheral end portions 64. The inner peripheral end portion 62 is located at the inner peripheral end of the third contact member 60 and extends along the circumferential direction D3. The inner peripheral end portion 62 has an annular shape that extends in a circle in the circumferential direction D3. The plurality of outer peripheral end portions 64 are respectively located at the outer peripheral ends of the plurality of third elastic pieces 66 and extend intermittently along the circumferential direction D3. The plurality of third elastic pieces 66 are each configured to be elastically deformable along the axial direction D1 between the inner peripheral end portion 62 and the plurality of outer peripheral end portions 64. In addition, without being limited to the above structure, the outer peripheral end portion 64 may also have an annular shape that extends in a circle in the circumferential direction D3. In this case, the inner peripheral end portion 62 may also be divided into a plurality of portions so as to extend intermittently along the circumferential direction D3.

[0066] In the terminal connection structure 10 of the embodiment, a first contact member 40 and a second contact member 50 are provided between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. The first contact member 40 is located between the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 and the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30 and contacts both the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. In addition, the second contact member 50 is located between the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 different from the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 and the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 opposed to the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 and contacts both the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. Based on this structure, the two contact members 40 and 50 as a whole can widen the contact area with the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. Thereby, heat generation of the contact members 40 and 50 can be suppressed without increasing the size of the terminal connection structure 10.

[0067] In particular, in the female terminal 30 of the present embodiment, a columnar portion 32 is provided, and in the male terminal 20, a hole portion 22 for accommodating the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 is provided. Based on this structure, the region where the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 face each other can be effectively enlarged, and by disposing the second contact member 50 here, the resistance between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 can be reduced.

[0068] The first contact member 40 is disposed in the gap between the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 and the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30. On the other hand, the second contact member 50 is disposed in the gap between the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 and the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30. In these two gaps, the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 are thermally deformed (expanded or contracted), whereby their sizes are changed respectively. Basically, the larger the gap is, the smaller the contact area between the male terminal 20 or the female terminal 30 and the contact members 40, 50 becomes. In this regard, it is also effective that the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the male terminal 20 is different from the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the female terminal 30. Based on this structure, when the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 are thermally deformed (expanded or contracted), one of the two gaps becomes larger, and in contrast, the other gap becomes smaller. Thus, even if the contact area between one of the two contact members 40, 50 and the male terminal 20 or the female terminal 30 is reduced, the contact area between the other of the two contact members 40, 50 and the male terminal 20 or the female terminal 30 can be increased.

[0069] Moreover, in addition to the first contact member 40 and the second contact member 50, the terminal connection structure 10 further includes a third contact member 60 interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30. Based on this structure, the three contact members 40, 50, 60 as a whole can further widen the contact area with the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30.

[0070] In addition, the first contact member 40 and the second contact member 50 are interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the radial direction D2, whereas the third contact member 60 is interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the axial direction D1 different from the radial direction D2. Thus, even when vibration occurs between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30, regardless of the direction of the vibration, the contact between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 can be maintained through these contact members 40, 50, 60.

[0071] Here, the radial direction D2 is an example of the "second direction". The inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 is an example of the "second surface of the male terminal". The outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 is an example of the "second surface of the female terminal". The axial direction D1 is an example of the "third direction". In addition, the number of the contact members interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 is not limited to three, and as shown in the following modification example, it may be two or more.

[0072] Modification Example 1

[0073] Refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 7A description will be given of the terminal connection structure 100 of Modification 1. As Figure 6 shown, the terminal connection structure 100 may also be such that, in addition to the three contact members 40, 50, and 60 of the terminal connection structure 10 of the embodiment, a fourth contact member 170 is further provided. The fourth contact member 170 may also be interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the axial direction D1. In this case, the fourth contact member 170 may also be disposed between the bottom surface 22b of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 and the front end surface 32b of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30. Moreover, the fourth contact member 170 may be configured to be elastically deformable in the axial direction D1. With such a structure, as a whole, the four contact members 40, 50, 60, and 170 can further broaden the contact area with the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30.

[0074] As Figure 7 shown, the fourth contact member 170 may also have a central portion 172, a plurality of outer peripheral end portions 174, and a plurality of fourth elastic pieces 176. The plurality of fourth elastic pieces 176 extend between the central portion 172 and the plurality of outer peripheral end portions 174. The central portion 172 may also be located at the center of the fourth contact member 170. The central portion 172 may be circular. The plurality of outer peripheral end portions 174 may be respectively located at the outer peripheral ends of the fourth contact member 70 and extend intermittently in the circumferential direction D3. The plurality of fourth elastic pieces 176 may be respectively configured to be elastically deformable in the axial direction D1 between the central portion 172 and the plurality of outer peripheral end portions 174. The fourth contact member 170 may contact the bottom surface 22b of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 at the plurality of outer peripheral end portions 174, or may contact the front end surface 32b of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 at the central portion 172. In addition, in Modification 1, the terminal connection structure 100 may also include only the first contact member 40 and the fourth contact member 170, and not include the second contact member 50 and the third contact member 60. In this case, the axial direction D1 corresponds to an example of the "second direction" in the present technology. The bottom surface 22b of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 corresponds to an example of the "second surface of the male terminal". Moreover, the front end surface 32b of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 corresponds to an example of the "second surface of the female terminal".

[0075] Modification 2

[0076] Refer to Figure 8 A description will be given of the terminal connection structure 200 of Modification 2. As Figure 8 shown, the terminal connection structure 200 may also include only two contact members 40 and 50. The two contact members 40 and 50 may be the first contact member 40 and the second contact member 50 interposed between the male terminal 20 and the female terminal 30 in the radial direction D2.

[0077] Modification 3

[0078] Refer to Figure 9 The terminal connection structure 300 of Modification 3 will be described. As Figure 9 shown, the first contact member 340 of the terminal connection structure 300 may also be configured such that the positional relationship between the first upper end portion 42 and the first lower end portion 44, and the intermediate portions 46a of the plurality of first elastic pieces 46 in the radial direction D2 is opposite to that of the first contact member 40 of the embodiment. That is, the first contact member 340 may contact the outer side surface 20a of the male terminal 20 at the first upper end portion 42 and the first lower end portion 44, or may contact the inner side surface 30a of the female terminal 30 at the intermediate portions 46a of the plurality of first elastic pieces 46. Based on this structure, the elasticity of each of the first elastic pieces 46 is maintained, and the rigidity of the first contact member 340 as a whole can be improved. In other modifications, the second contact member may also be configured such that the positional relationship between the second upper end portion 52 and the second lower end portion 54, and the intermediate portions 56a of the plurality of second elastic pieces 56 in the radial direction D2 is opposite to that of the second contact member 50 of the embodiment. That is, in this case, the second contact member may contact the outer side surface 32a of the columnar portion 32 of the female terminal 30 at the second upper end portion 52 and the second lower end portion 54, or may contact the inner side surface 22a of the hole portion 22 of the male terminal 20 at the intermediate portions 56a of the plurality of second elastic pieces 56.

[0079] Modification 4

[0080] Refer to Figure 10 The terminal connection structure 400 of Modification 4 will be described. As Figure 10 shown, the terminal connection structure 400 may also include a male terminal 420, a female terminal 430, a first contact member 40, and a third contact member 60. The male terminal 420 may not have a hole portion that opens on the front end surface 20b. In addition, the female terminal 430 may not have a columnar portion that stands up from the bottom surface 30b. Based on this structure, the first contact member 40 is sandwiched between the male terminal 420 and the female terminal 430 in the radial direction D2, whereas the third contact member 60 is sandwiched between the male terminal 420 and the female terminal 430 in an axial direction D1 different from the radial direction D2. Thus, even when vibration occurs between the male terminal 420 and the female terminal 430, regardless of the direction of the vibration, contact with the male terminal 420 and the female terminal 430 can be maintained through these contact members 40 and 60. In addition, in this case, the inner peripheral end portion 62 of the third contact member 60 may not be in a circular ring shape, and may be a circular shape without a hole. Thus, with respect to the third contact member 60, the contact area with the male terminal 420 and the female terminal 430 can be further widened.

[0081] Here, the axial direction D1 is an example of the "second direction". The front end face 20b of the male terminal 420 is an example of the "second face of the male terminal". The bottom face 30b of the female terminal 430 is an example of the "second face of the female terminal".

[0082] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the male terminal 20 is a columnar member having a circular ring-shaped cross section, but is not limited thereto. The male terminal 20 may be a columnar member having a polygonal ring-shaped cross section. Regarding the hole of the female terminal 30, it is not limited to the structure of the embodiment, and it may not have a circular ring-shaped cross section. The shape of the hole of the female terminal 30 can be appropriately changed to match the male terminal 20.

Claims

1. A terminal connection structure, characterized in that: include: A male terminal, the male terminal being columnar; a female terminal having a hole for inserting the male terminal; a first contact member, the first contact member being interposed between the male terminal and the female terminal to electrically connect the male terminal and the female terminal; as well as a second contact member, the second contact member being interposed between the male terminal and the female terminal to electrically connect the male terminal and the female terminal; in, The first contact member is arranged between the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal which is opposite to the outer side surface. The first contact member is configured to elastically deform in a radial direction where the outer side surface of the male terminal and the inner side surface of the female terminal face each other. The second contact member is arranged between a first surface of the male terminal excluding the outer surface and a second surface of the female terminal facing the first surface of the male terminal. The second contact member is configured to elastically deform in a second direction in which the first surface of the male terminal and the second surface of the female terminal face each other.

2. The terminal connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first contact member has a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged in the circumferential direction, and each of the plurality of elastic pieces is configured to be elastically deformed in the radial direction.

3. The terminal connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first contact member has an upper end portion extending in the circumferential direction and a lower end portion extending in the circumferential direction. The plurality of elastic pieces extend between the upper end portion and the lower end portion.

4. The terminal connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first contact member is in contact with the outer side surface of the male terminal at the upper end and the lower end. The first contact member is in contact with the inner side surface of the female terminal at a middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

5. The terminal connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second contact member has a shape in which a plurality of elastic pieces are arranged in the circumferential direction, and each of the plurality of elastic pieces is configured to be elastically deformed in the radial direction.

6. The terminal connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second contact member has a first end portion extending in the circumferential direction and a second end portion extending in the circumferential direction. The plurality of elastic pieces extend between the first end portion and the second end portion.

7. The terminal connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second contact member contacts the first surface of the male terminal at the first end and the second end. The second contact member is in contact with the second surface of the female terminal at a middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

8. The terminal connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first contact member extends in the circumferential direction and has a first gap between first ends of the first contact member in the circumferential direction. The second contact member extends in the circumferential direction and has a second gap between second ends of the second contact member in the circumferential direction. The position of the first gap at the first two ends of the first contact member and the position of the second gap at the second two ends of the second contact member in the circumferential direction are different.

9. The terminal connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The female terminal has a columnar portion erected from the bottom surface of the female terminal. The male terminal has a hole portion that accommodates the columnar portion of the female terminal. The second surface of the female terminal is an outer side surface of the columnar portion. The first surface of the male terminal is an inner surface of the hole portion that faces the outer surface of the columnar portion.

10. The terminal connection structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The terminal connection structure further includes a third contact component, which is sandwiched between the male terminal and the female terminal to electrically connect the male terminal and the female terminal, wherein: The third contact member is arranged between the front end surface of the male terminal and the bottom surface of the female terminal facing the front end surface of the male terminal. The third contact member is configured to elastically deform in a third direction in which the front end surface of the male terminal and the bottom surface of the female terminal face each other, and The second direction is the radial direction.

11. The terminal connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first contact member contacts the inner side surface of the female terminal at the upper end and the lower end. The first contact member is in contact with the outer side surface of the male terminal at a middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

12. The terminal connection structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The third direction is an axial direction parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal into the female terminal.

13. The terminal connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first surface of the male terminal is a front end surface of the male terminal, The second surface of the female terminal is a bottom surface of the female terminal that faces the front end surface of the male terminal.

14. The terminal connection structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: The second direction is an axial direction parallel to an insertion direction of the male terminal into the female terminal.

15. The terminal connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second contact member contacts the second surface of the female terminal at the first end and the second end. The second contact member is in contact with the first surface of the male terminal at a middle portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces.

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