Connector terminal, chain terminal, connector, and connector terminal manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention prevents poor contact and poor attachment / detachment with a connector terminal on a target side. The connector terminal (11) is disconnected from the chain terminal (1) and is inserted into a terminal insertion hole of the connector housing (21). The connector terminal is provided with a base portion (14) attached to the connector housing, a first contact portion (12) protruding from the base portion in one direction, and a second contact portion (13) protruding from the base portion in the other direction. A chain type terminal is provided with a belt-shaped bracket (5) which connects a plurality of terminals in parallel, and the bracket is cut off between the terminals to form a base part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector terminal, a chain terminal, a connector, and a method for manufacturing the connector terminal. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, a connector housing is formed with multiple terminal insertion holes, and multiple connector terminals are inserted into the multiple terminal insertion holes to assemble the connector. The multiple connector terminals are connected via a bracket, and the multiple connector terminals are disconnected from the bracket before or after insertion into the multiple terminal insertion holes. As a connector terminal, a connector terminal with pin-shaped contact portions formed at both ends is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the connector terminal of Patent Document 1, one contact portion is connected to the bracket, and after the other contact portion is inserted into the terminal insertion hole, the front end of the one contact portion disconnects from the bracket.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-063101.

[0004] However, when the connector terminal described in Patent Document 1 is disconnected from the bracket, a burr or the like may be generated at one of the contact points, causing poor contact between the connector terminal and the mating connector terminal, or poor attachment and detachment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector terminal, a chain terminal, a connector, and a method for manufacturing a connector terminal that can prevent poor contact with a mating connector terminal and poor attachment and detachment.

[0006] A connector terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is a connector terminal that is disconnected from a chain terminal and inserted into a terminal insertion hole of a connector housing, wherein the connector terminal comprises: a base portion mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base portion in one direction; and a second contact portion protruding from the base portion in the other direction. A strip-shaped bracket that connects a plurality of terminals in parallel is provided on the chain terminal, and the terminals of the bracket are cut off to form the base portion, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided in which a bracket of a chain terminal is cut between the terminals, thereby separating the connector terminal from the chain terminal and forming a base portion of the connector terminal. When the bracket is cut, burrs are not generated on the first and second contact portions, nor is a cut defect. Therefore, poor contact between the connector terminal and the mating connector terminal and poor assembly and disassembly can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the chain terminal according to this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2It is a perspective view of the connector terminal according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 These are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the connector according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the assembly operation of the connector according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the connection state of terminals in this embodiment.

[0013] Description of Reference Numerals

[0014] 1...Chain terminal; 5...Center bracket (bracket); 7...Bracket hole; 10...Connector; 11...Connector terminal; 12...First contact portion; 13...Second contact portion; 14...Base; 17...Press-in shoulder; 21...Connector housing; 22...Terminal insertion hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Generally speaking, chain terminals are formed by connecting multiple terminals with a strip-shaped bracket. Although the terminals are used by disconnecting them from the bracket, burrs may sometimes appear on the cut surface of the terminal or the cut surface may become tilted when disconnected from the bracket. If the part connected to the bracket is the wire of the DIP terminal, the wire is soldered to the substrate, so even if some burrs appear on the cut surface of the wire, the impact is small. On the other hand, if the part connected to the bracket is the contact part of the pin terminal, burrs on the broken surface of the contact part may cause poor contact or poor assembly and disassembly when connecting to the connector terminal on the other side.

[0016] If the central portions of multiple terminals are connected by a center bracket, burrs, etc., will not form at the tip of the contact portion even if the center bracket is cut. However, the center bracket is in the form of a strip of a predetermined thickness, so when the center bracket is cut, the load on the cutting tool increases. This requires multiple bracket holes in the center bracket for feeding the chain terminals. In this embodiment, by forming bracket holes between the terminals of the center bracket, the strength of the cut portion between the terminals of the center bracket is reduced, thereby reducing the load on the cutting tool.

[0017] Hereinafter, the chain terminal and the connector terminal of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the chain terminal according to this embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of the connector terminal of the present embodiment. In addition, in each figure, the front side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow FR, the rear side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow RE, the upper side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow U, the lower side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow LO, the left side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow L, and the right side of the terminal is indicated by the arrow R.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the chain terminal 1 is formed by punching a metal flat plate into a predetermined shape. The chain terminal 1 is provided with a strip-shaped center bracket (bracket) 5 that connects multiple terminals (connector terminals 11) in parallel. The first contact portion 12 of each terminal protrudes from the upper edge of the center bracket 5, and the second contact portion 13 of each terminal protrudes from the lower edge of the center bracket 5. The first contact portion 12 of each terminal is arranged at equal intervals in the direction in which the center bracket 5 extends. The second contact portion 13 of each terminal is arranged at equal intervals in the direction in which the center bracket 5 extends, corresponding to the first contact portion 12.

[0019] Between the terminals of the center bracket 5, multiple bracket holes 7 are formed for feeding the chain terminals 1. The bracket holes 7 are circular, and the feed claws of the feed mechanism (not shown) enter the bracket holes 7 to feed the chain terminals 1. The bracket holes 7 are located at the boundaries of adjacent terminals. A predetermined cutting line C is defined on the center bracket 5, extending across the center of the bracket holes 7 in the width direction of the center bracket 5. Because the predetermined cutting line C is interrupted by the bracket holes 7, the width of the cut when the center bracket 5 is cut with a cutting tool is narrowed by an amount corresponding to the diameter of the bracket holes 7.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector terminal 11 is formed by breaking off the chain terminal 1. The connector terminal 11 is inserted into the connector housing 21 (see Figure 3 ) through the terminal insertion hole 22 to form a connector. A wide base 14 is formed in the center of the connector terminal 11, and the base 14 is attached to the connector housing 21. The first contact portion 12 protrudes upward (in the first direction) from the base 14, and the second contact portion 13 protrudes downward (in the second direction) from the base 14. The first and second contacts 12, 13 are formed in a prismatic shape, with the tips of the first and second contacts 12, 13 pointed in the shape of a truncated pyramid.

[0021] The base end side (upper side) of the second contact portion 13 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 22 of the connector housing 21. A pair of first and second latching claws 15 and 16 extend from the two side surfaces of the base end side (upper side) of the second contact portion 13. The first latching claw 15 is located below the second latching claw 16. The side surface of the first latching claw 15 is inclined so that the amount of extension increases toward the base end side. The side surface of the second latching claw 16 is inclined in a stepped manner so that the amount of extension increases toward the base end side. As a result, the second contact portion 13 can be pressed into the terminal insertion hole 22, and the second contact portion 13 is not easily removed from the terminal insertion hole 22.

[0022] The base 14 of the connector terminal 11 is formed by cutting the center bracket 5 between the terminals (see Figure 1) is formed. As described above, the bracket hole 7 is formed on the planned cutting line C of the center bracket 5. Therefore, the width of the cut made by the cutting tool is narrowed by an amount corresponding to the bracket hole 7, reducing the load on the cutting tool. Furthermore, burrs may form on the cut surface of the center bracket 5, i.e., the side surface of the base 14, resulting in poor cutting. Since the side surface of the base 14 does not contact the connector housing 21 or the mating connector terminals, even if burrs form on the side surface of the base 14, it has no effect.

[0023] A pair of press-fit shoulders 17 are formed on the upper surface of the base 14 on the first contact portion 12 side, and a pair of contact surfaces 18 are formed on the lower surface of the base 14 on the second contact portion 13 side. The pair of press-fit shoulders 17 serve as a pair of pressure-receiving surfaces that receive pressure from a pressing tool (not shown). The pair of press-fit shoulders 17 are pressed by the pressing tool, and the second contact portion 13 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 22. The pair of contact surfaces 18 contact the bottom surface of the connector housing 21, thereby limiting the insertion distance of the connector terminal 11. Thus, the center bracket 5 forms a pair of press-fit shoulders 17 and a pair of contact surfaces 18 on the connector terminal 11.

[0024] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The connector and the method of assembling the connector are explained. Figure 3 These are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the connector according to this embodiment. Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the assembly operation of the connector according to this embodiment. Figure 5 : is an explanatory diagram of the connection state of the terminals of this embodiment. Figure 3 (A) indicates the top surface of the connector, Figure 3 (B) means Figure 3 The cross section of the connector (A) cut along AA, Figure 3 (C) means Figure 3 (B) is a cross section of the connector cut along line BB. Figure 5 In the figure, the housing of the connector on the counterpart side is omitted.

[0025] like Figure 3 (A)~ Figure 3 As shown in (C), connector 10 is a relay connector that connects a pair of mating connectors (not shown). Connector 10 includes a resin connector housing 21. A pair of left and right recesses 23 are formed on the upper surface of connector housing 21, and a pair of front and rear terminal insertion holes 22 extend from the bottom surface of each recess 23 to the lower surface of connector housing 21. The second contact portion 13 of each connector terminal 11 is press-fitted into each terminal insertion hole 22. The first contact portion 12 of each connector terminal 11 protrudes upward from the upper surface of connector housing 21, and the second contact portion 13 of each connector terminal 11 protrudes downward from the lower surface of connector housing 21.

[0026] In this case, the depth of recess 23 is designed to be greater than the height of base 14. More specifically, the upper surface of connector housing 21 is positioned above the pair of press-fit shoulders 17 of base 14. Since base 14 fully enters recess 23, even when a mating connector is connected to first contact 12 of connector 10, press-fit shoulders 17 do not interfere with the mating connector. Furthermore, base 14 extends laterally beyond second locking claws 16. Consequently, the lower surface of base 14 functions as contact surface 18 that contacts the bottom surface of recess 23.

[0027] Next, the manufacture of the connector terminal 11 and the assembly of the connector 10 will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the chain terminal 1 is formed by punching a metal plate such as phosphor bronze into a predetermined shape (a step of forming the chain terminal). After the chain terminal 1 is punched out of the metal plate, it is subjected to a plating treatment such as a base plating treatment. The plated chain terminal 1 is fed into the production line. In the production line, the bracket hole 7 of the center bracket 5 is hooked onto a feed claw, which then sequentially feeds the chain terminal 1 toward the cutting tool.

[0028] Next, if Figure 4 As shown, the chain terminal 1 is cut between the terminals, and the connector terminal 11 is disconnected from the chain terminal 1 (a step of disconnecting the connector terminal). The center bracket 5 is cut along the predetermined cutting line C using a cutting tool, and the connector terminal 11 is disconnected from the chain terminal 1. As described above, the bracket hole 7 is formed between the terminals. The width of the center bracket 5 is narrowed by an amount corresponding to the diameter of the bracket hole 7, reducing the resistance when the center bracket 5 is cut with the cutting tool. The cut surface of the connector terminal 11 is not plated, and the base material, such as phosphor bronze, is exposed through the cut surface.

[0029] Next, the connector terminal 11 is positioned above the connector housing 21 and inserted into the terminal insertion hole 22 of the connector housing 21 (see FIG. Figure 3 (C)). At this point, the pressing tool abuts the pair of pressing shoulders 17 of the connector terminal 11, and the second contact portion 13 of the connector terminal 11 is pressed into the terminal insertion hole 22 of the connector housing 21. When the pair of contact surfaces 18 of the connector terminal 11 come into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 23 of the connector housing 21, the pressing tool stops pressing. The second contact portion 13 is pressed into the terminal insertion hole 22, and the first and second retaining claws 15 and 16 of the second contact portion 13 bite into the inner surface of the terminal insertion hole 22, preventing the connector terminal 11 from falling out.

[0030] like Figure 5As shown, mating connector terminal 31 approaches first contact portion 12 of connector terminal 11, and first contact portion 12 of connector terminal 11 enters between a pair of contact pieces 32 of connector terminal 31. First contact portion 12 is held between the pair of contact pieces 32, connecting connector terminal 11 to mating connector terminal 31. Furthermore, mating connector terminal 35 approaches second contact portion 13 of connector terminal 11, and second contact portion 13 of connector terminal 11 enters between a pair of contact pieces 36 of connector terminal 35. Second contact portion 13 is held between the pair of contact pieces 36, connecting connector terminal 11 to mating connector terminal 35.

[0031] As described above, connector terminal 11 is cut at center bracket 5, preventing burrs or poor cutting at the tips of first and second contact portions 12 and 13. Consequently, the pair of contact pieces 32 of mating connector terminal 31 maintains good contact with first contact portion 12 of connector terminal 11, and the pair of contact pieces 36 of mating connector terminal 35 maintains good contact with second contact portion 13 of connector terminal 11. Various wiring, such as power lines and signal lines, are connected to mating connector terminals 31 and 35, and these wiring connected to mating connector terminals 31 and 35 are electrically connected via connector terminal 11.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, by cutting the center bracket 5 of the chain terminal 1 between the terminals, the connector terminal 11 is disconnected from the chain terminal 1, and the base 14 of the connector terminal 11 is formed. When the center bracket 5 is cut, burrs are not generated on the first and second contact portions 12 and 13, and the cutting is not poor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor contact between the connector terminal 11 and the connector terminals 31 and 35 on the mating side, and prevent poor assembly and detachment.

[0033] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first and second contact portions are formed in a prism shape, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the first and second contact portions are formed to protrude from the base portion.

[0034] In addition, in the present embodiment, the bracket hole is formed in a circular shape, but the hole shape of the bracket hole is not particularly limited.

[0035] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connector terminal is disconnected from the chain terminal and then inserted into the connector housing. However, the connector terminal may be disconnected from the chain terminal after being inserted into the connector housing.

[0036] As described above, the first form is a connector terminal (11) that is disconnected from a chain terminal (1) and inserted into a terminal insertion hole (22) of a connector housing (21), wherein the connector terminal comprises: a base (14) mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion (12) protruding from the base in one direction; and a second contact portion (13) protruding from the base in the other direction. The chain terminal is provided with a strip-shaped bracket (center bracket 5) that connects a plurality of terminals in parallel, and the bracket is cut between the terminals to form the base. According to this structure, the bracket of the chain terminal is cut between the terminals, thereby disconnecting the connector terminal from the chain terminal and forming the base of the connector terminal. When the bracket is cut, burrs are not generated on the first and second contact portions, and cutting defects are not performed, thereby preventing poor contact between the connector terminal and the connector terminal on the other side and poor assembly and disassembly.

[0037] The second embodiment is constructed based on the first embodiment, wherein a bracket hole (7) for feeding out the chain terminal is formed between the terminals of the bracket, and a predetermined cutting line (C) is set on the bracket so as to cross the bracket hole in the width direction of the bracket. According to this structure, the cutting width cut by the cutting tool is narrowed by an amount corresponding to the bracket hole, thereby reducing the load acting on the cutting tool when cutting the bracket.

[0038] The third form is constructed based on the first form or the second form, wherein a pair of press-in shoulders (17) are formed on the first contact portion side of the base, the pair of press-in shoulders are pressed by a pressing tool, and the second contact portion is inserted into the terminal insertion hole. According to this structure, the bracket of the chain terminal can be used to form the press-in shoulders that receive the pressing force from the pressing tool.

[0039] The fourth embodiment is configured such that, based on any one of the first to third embodiments, the base end side of the second contact portion is inserted into the terminal insertion hole, a pair of locking claws (15, 16) protrude from both side surfaces of the base end side of the second contact portion, and the side surfaces of the pair of locking claws are inclined so that the protrusion amount increases toward the base end side. According to this configuration, the second contact portion can be pressed into the terminal insertion hole and the second contact portion can be less likely to fall out of the terminal insertion hole.

[0040] A fifth embodiment is a chain terminal comprising: a plurality of connector terminals inserted into terminal insertion holes of a connector housing; and a strip-shaped bracket for connecting the plurality of connector terminals in parallel. The plurality of connector terminals comprises: a base portion mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion projecting in one direction from the base portion; and a second contact portion projecting in another direction from the base portion. The bracket is cut between the terminals to form the base portion. This structure prevents poor contact and improper assembly and detachment between a connector terminal disconnected from the chain terminal and a mating connector terminal.

[0041] A sixth embodiment is a connector (10) comprising: a connector terminal disconnected from a chain terminal; and a connector housing having a terminal insertion hole formed therein for inserting the connector terminal; the connector terminal comprising: a base mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion projecting in one direction from the base portion; and a second contact portion projecting in another direction from the base portion; a strip-shaped bracket for connecting a plurality of connector terminals in parallel is provided on the chain terminal, and the base portion is formed by cutting between the terminals of the bracket. According to this structure, when the connectors are connected to each other, poor contact between the connector terminal and the connector terminal on the other side and poor assembly and disassembly can be prevented.

[0042] A seventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a connector terminal to be inserted into a terminal insertion hole of a connector housing, comprising the steps of: forming a chain terminal by punching a flat plate into a predetermined shape; and disconnecting the connector terminal from the chain terminal. The chain terminal includes a band-shaped bracket that connects a plurality of connector terminals in parallel. The connector terminal includes a base portion mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base portion in one direction; and a second contact portion protruding from the base portion in another direction. During the disconnecting step, the bracket is cut between the terminals to form the base portion. This structure enables the manufacture of a connector terminal that prevents poor contact with a mating connector terminal and poor assembly and disassembly.

[0043] Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described, the above-described embodiment and modifications may be combined in whole or in part as other embodiments.

[0044] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be subjected to various modifications, substitutions, and variations without departing from the spirit of the technical concept. Furthermore, as long as the technical concept can be realized by other means through technological advancement or other derived technologies, such means may also be used for implementation. Therefore, the scope of the claims covers all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical concept.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, disconnected from a chain terminal and inserted into a terminal insertion hole of a connector housing, characterized in that: have: a base mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base in one direction; as well as The second contact portion protrudes from the base portion in another direction, The chain terminal is provided with a strip-shaped bracket for connecting a plurality of terminals in parallel. The base portion is formed by cutting between terminals of the bracket.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein: A bracket hole for sending out the chain terminal is formed between the terminals of the bracket. The bracket has a planned cutting line set so as to cross the bracket hole in a width direction of the bracket.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A pair of press-fit shoulders are formed on the first contact portion side of the base portion, The pair of press-fit shoulders are pressed by a pressing tool, and the second contact portion is inserted into the terminal insertion hole.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base end side of the second contact portion is inserted into the terminal insertion hole, A pair of locking claws extend from both side surfaces of the base end side of the second contact portion. The side surfaces of the pair of locking claws are inclined so that the protrusion amount increases toward the base end side.

5. A chain terminal comprising: a plurality of connector terminals inserted into terminal insertion holes of a connector housing; and a strip-shaped bracket connecting the plurality of connector terminals in parallel. It is characterized in that The plurality of connector terminals include: a base mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base in one direction; as well as The second contact portion protrudes from the base portion in another direction, The base portion is formed by cutting between terminals of the bracket.

6. A connector comprising: a connector terminal disconnected from a chain terminal; and a connector housing having a terminal insertion hole formed therein for inserting the connector terminal. It is characterized in that The connector terminal comprises: a base mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base in one direction; as well as The second contact portion protrudes from the base portion in another direction, The chain terminal is provided with a belt-shaped bracket for connecting a plurality of the connector terminals in parallel. The base portion is formed by cutting between terminals of the bracket.

7. A method for manufacturing a connector terminal to be inserted into a terminal insertion hole of a connector housing, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: a step of forming a chain terminal by punching a flat plate into a prescribed shape; and the step of disconnecting the connector terminal from the chain terminal, The chain terminal is provided with a belt-shaped bracket for connecting a plurality of the connector terminals in parallel. The connector terminal is provided with: a base mounted on the connector housing; a first contact portion protruding from the base in one direction; as well as The second contact portion protrudes from the base portion in another direction, In the step of disconnecting the connector terminals, the terminals of the bracket are cut to form the base portion.

Images