Terminal

Abstract

The invention provides a terminal capable of suppressing the number of components. A terminal (1) is provided with a terminal connection part (2) into which a counterpart-side terminal (50) is inserted and to which the counterpart-side terminal (50) is electrically connected. The terminal connection section (2) is provided with: a cylindrical inner peripheral wall section (5) having a slit section (12) formed in the axial direction (X) and an insertion space section (13) into which a mating terminal (50) is inserted; a folded-back part (6) folded back to the outside in the radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction (X) and bent; and an outer peripheral wall section (7) formed so as to be elastically deformable so as to be separated from the inner peripheral wall section (5) with the folded-back section (6) as a fulcrum. The inner peripheral wall section (5) has through-holes (15, 16) penetrating in the radial direction. The outer peripheral wall portion (7) has an outer peripheral wall contact portion (21) protruding into the insertion space portion (13) through the through holes (15, 16). The outer peripheral wall contact part (21) contacts and presses the mating terminal (50) by the elastic deformation of the outer peripheral wall part (7) in the inserted state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal. Background Art

[0002] Some terminals include a cylindrical terminal body into which an electric contact is inserted, and a cylindrical elastic contact member housed in the terminal body and applying contact pressure to the electric contact (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-195439 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional terminals are sometimes composed of a terminal body and an elastic contact member, and therefore there is room for improvement in reducing the number of components.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal capable of reducing the number of components.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the terminal of the present invention has a terminal connecting portion, which is formed into a cylindrical shape along the axial direction, and the other side terminal is inserted into the terminal connecting portion from one opening portion toward the other opening portion to be electrically connected to the terminal connecting portion, and the terminal connecting portion includes: a cylindrical inner peripheral wall portion, and the inner peripheral wall portion has: a slit portion, which is formed along the axial direction; and an insertion space portion, which is connected to the outside through the slit portion and for the other side terminal to be inserted from one of the openings; a folding portion, the folding portion is respectively formed at the slit portion side end portion of the inner peripheral wall portion along the circumferential direction around the axis, and extends outward in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The side is folded back and bent; and an outer peripheral wall portion, the outer peripheral wall portion extends from the folded portion along the inner peripheral wall portion in the circumferential direction, and is formed to be elastically deformable in a manner that can separate from the inner peripheral wall portion with the folded portion as a fulcrum, the inner peripheral wall portion has at least one through hole that penetrates the inner peripheral wall portion in the radial direction, and the outer peripheral wall portion has at least one outer peripheral wall contact portion formed to protrude toward the insertion space portion through the through hole, and when the other side terminal is inserted into the insertion state of the terminal connecting portion, the outer peripheral wall contact portion contacts and presses the other side terminal through the elastic deformation of the peripheral wall portion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the terminal of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the terminal of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to an embodiment as viewed from below.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment as viewed from below.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the state change of the terminal in the first modified example of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment as viewed from below.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 CC cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Specifically, the components of the following embodiments include those readily apparent to those skilled in the art or substantially equivalent components, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0027] In addition, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figures 1 to 4 (include Figures 5 to 13 ) is recorded as the "axial direction X", the Y direction is recorded as the "width direction Y", and the Z direction is recorded as the "height direction Z". The axial direction X, the width direction Y and the height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The axial direction X is equivalent to, for example, the extension direction of the terminal, the plugging and unplugging direction of the terminal on the other side, etc. Here, one of the axial directions X is set as the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 50 on the other side, and the other is set as the removal direction X2 of the terminal 50 on the other side. In addition, one of the height directions Z is set as the first direction Z1, and the other is set as the second direction Z2. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description are described as directions in the state where the terminal 1 is fixed to the device 51.

[0028] [Example]

[0029] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the terminal of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to an embodiment as viewed from below. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA cross-sectional view.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 1 is assembled to a device 51 mounted on a vehicle, for example, and is connected to a counterpart terminal 50, thereby electrically connecting the counterpart terminal 50 and the device 51. The counterpart terminal 50 is cylindrical and made of a conductive metal member.

[0031] The terminal 1 is formed, for example, from a single, integrally conductive metal component. For example, the terminal 1 is formed by punching, stamping, bending, or other processes from a single metal plate into shapes corresponding to the terminal connection portion 2, the device fixing portion 3, and the connecting portion 4, thereby forming each component three-dimensionally and integrally. The terminal 1 is arranged and interconnected in the order of the terminal connection portion 2, the connecting portion 4, and the device fixing portion 3, along the axial direction X, from the side in the removal direction X2 toward the side in the insertion direction X1.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the terminal connection portion 2 is formed as a whole into a cylindrical shape along the axial direction X. The terminal connection portion 2 allows the mating terminal 50 to be inserted from one opening 10 toward the other opening 11 for electrical connection. The terminal connection portion 2 is composed of an inner peripheral wall portion 5, two folded portions 6, and two outer peripheral wall portions 7.

[0033] like Figures 1 and 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall portion 5 is formed into a cylindrical shape along the axial direction X and is connected to the outer wall portions 7 via the folded portions 6. The inner wall portion 5 has a slit portion 12, an insertion space portion 13, four through holes 15, 15, 16, 16 and four inner wall contact portions 17, 17, 18, 18.

[0034] The slit portion 12 is a gap formed linearly along the axial direction X of the terminal connecting portion 2. The slit portion 12 is formed by a pair of folded portions 6 that are circumferentially opposed to each other along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 about the axis XO. The slit portion 12 is formed so as to pass from one opening 10 to the other opening 11 of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 and connect the insertion space 13 with the external space.

[0035] Insertion space 13 is formed by inner peripheral wall 5 and communicates with the outside via slit 12. Insertion space 13 is formed between a pair of openings 10 and 11 facing each other in axial direction X, and is a portion for inserting mating terminal 50 through one opening 10.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, through-holes 15, 15, 16, and 16 extend through the inner peripheral wall portion 5 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction X. Two through-holes 15, 15 are formed on the side in the removal direction X2, and two through-holes 16, 16 are formed on the side in the insertion direction X1. When viewed from the height direction Z, the four through-holes 15, 16, 15, and 16 are each formed in a rectangular shape.

[0037] The inner wall contact portions 17, 17, 18, and 18 are each formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall portion 5 toward the insertion space 13. These portions contact the mating terminal 50 when the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2. The two inner wall contact portions 17, 17 are located on the removal direction X2 side of the inner wall portion 5 and are symmetrically positioned in the width direction Y about the axis XO as viewed in the height direction Z. The two inner wall contact portions 18, 18 are located on the insertion direction X1 side of the inner wall portion 5 and are symmetrically positioned in the width direction Y about the axis XO as viewed in the height direction Z.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral wall contact portions 17, 17, 18, and 18 as viewed in the axial direction X is formed into a convex shape that is curved so as to bulge out from the inner circumference of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 toward the insertion space portion 13. The cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral wall contact portions 17, 17, 18, and 18 as viewed in the axial direction X is formed into, for example, a substantially semicircular shape. When the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2, the inner peripheral wall contact portions 17, 17, 18, and 18 are in point contact with the mating terminal 50.

[0039] The folded portion 6 is formed at the slit-side end portion 14 of the inner circumferential wall portion 5 along the circumferential direction around the axis XO, and is a portion that is folded back and curved radially outward. In the illustrated example, the folded portion 6 of this embodiment is curved so that the inner circumferential wall portion 5 and the outer circumferential wall portion 7 are radially aligned, although a slight gap is left inside.

[0040] The outer peripheral wall portion 7 extends circumferentially from each folded portion 6 along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 and is formed to be elastically deformable so as to separate from the inner peripheral wall portion 5 using each folded portion 6 as a fulcrum. The outer peripheral wall portion 7 is radially opposed to the inner peripheral wall portion 5 and is located radially outward. The outer peripheral wall portion 7 includes an outer peripheral wall body 20 and four outer peripheral wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, and 22.

[0041] The outer peripheral wall body 20 is formed along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 in the circumferential direction from the folded portion 6 , and is formed so as to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 .

[0042] The outer wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, 22 are formed to protrude into the insertion space 13 via radially opposed through-holes 15, 15, 16, 16 provided in the inner wall portion 5. These portions contact the mating terminal 50 when the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connection portion 2. The outer wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, 22 are formed to protrude from the circumferential end 20a of the outer wall body 20. The two outer wall contact portions 21, 21 are provided on the side of the outer wall portion 7 in the removal direction X2, and are positioned symmetrically in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z. The two outer wall contact portions 22, 22 are provided on the side of the outer wall portion 7 in the insertion direction X1, and are positioned symmetrically in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, 22, as viewed in the axial direction X, is formed into a convex or inverted U-shape, curved so as to bulge toward the insertion space 13. When the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, 22 contact and press the mating terminal 50 due to the elastic deformation of the outer peripheral wall portion 7. In this inserted state, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21, 21, 22, 22 are in linear contact with the mating terminal 50 along the axial direction X.

[0044] In the non-insertion state in which the mating terminal 50 is not inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2, when viewed from the axial direction X, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21, 21 are partially inserted through the through-holes 15, 15, and the portions that come into contact with the mating terminal 50 protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 toward the insertion space 13. In the non-insertion state described above, when viewed from the axial direction X, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 22, 22 are partially inserted through the through-holes 16, 16, and the portions that come into contact with the mating terminal 50 protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 toward the insertion space 13.

[0045] The device fixing portion 3 is a portion for fixing the terminal 1 to the device 51. The device fixing portion 3 is formed in a flat rectangular shape and has several through holes through which fastening members such as bolts are inserted.

[0046] The connecting portion 4 is a portion that connects the device fixing portion 3 and the inner peripheral wall portion 5 .

[0047] As described above, the terminal 1 of this embodiment includes a terminal connection portion 2 into which the counterpart terminal 50 is inserted and electrically connected. The terminal connection portion 2 includes: a cylindrical inner peripheral wall portion 5 having a slit portion 12 formed along the axial direction X and an insertion space portion 13 into which the counterpart terminal 50 is inserted; a folded portion 6 that is folded and bent outward in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction X; and an outer peripheral wall portion 7 that is formed so as to be elastically deformable so as to be separated from the inner peripheral wall portion 5 with the folded portion 6 as a fulcrum. The inner peripheral wall portion 5 has through-holes 15 and 16 extending radially therethrough. The outer peripheral wall portion 7 has an outer peripheral wall contact portion 21 that protrudes into the insertion space portion 13 via the through-holes 15 and 16. In the inserted state, the outer peripheral wall contact portion 21 contacts and presses the counterpart terminal 50 due to the elastic deformation of the outer peripheral wall portion 7.

[0048] When the mating terminal 50 is inserted from the opening 10 of the terminal connecting portion 2 into the insertion space 13 of the terminal 1, the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal 50 abuts against the inner peripheral wall contacts 17, 17 and the outer peripheral wall contacts 21, 21. Then, as the mating terminal 50 moves toward the insertion direction X1, the inner peripheral wall contacts 17, 17 are pressed by the mating terminal 50. Each inner peripheral wall portion 5 elastically deforms radially outward along with each outer peripheral wall portion 7, with the portion radially opposite the slit portion 12 serving as a fulcrum, thereby widening the slit portion 12 relatively in the circumferential direction. Simultaneously, the outer peripheral wall contacts 21, 21 are pressed by the mating terminal 50, and each outer peripheral wall portion 7 elastically deforms radially outward with the folded portion 6 serving as a fulcrum. Then, as the tip of the mating terminal 50 moves toward the opening 11, the inner wall contacts 18 and outer wall contacts 22 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the mating terminal 50. When the mating terminal 50 is fully inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2, the outer wall contacts 21, 21, 22, 22 press the mating terminal 50 due to the elastic force of the outer wall portions 7, and the inner wall contacts 17, 17, 18, 18 press the mating terminal 50 due to the elastic force of the inner wall portions 5, thereby retaining the mating terminal 50 to the terminal 1. At this point, the mating terminal 50 is electrically connected to the terminal 1 through the contact between the outer circumferential surface of the mating terminal 50 and the inner wall contacts 17, 17, 18, 18 and the outer wall contacts 21, 21, 22, 22.

[0049] Furthermore, with respect to the terminal 1, when the mating terminal 50 is fully inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2, if the mating terminal 50 undergoes axial displacement in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X, the elastic force of each inner peripheral wall portion 5 and the elastic force of each outer peripheral wall portion 7 return the mating terminal 50 to its original position. Thus, the terminal 1 can easily suppress axial displacement of the mating terminal 50.

[0050] In the terminal 1, the above structure allows the function of the elastic contact member to be provided in the terminal body compared to conventional terminals. Therefore, only the terminal body is required, and the elastic contact member is not required, which can reduce the number of terminal components.

[0051] In addition, in the terminal 1 of this embodiment, the inner wall portion 5 is connected to the outer wall portion 7 via the folded portion 6. Therefore, compared with previous terminals, even if the plate thickness of the terminal 1 is set thinner, the overall volume of the terminal can be ensured to be a certain amount, which can prevent the conductor resistance from increasing easily.

[0052] Furthermore, in the terminal 1 of this embodiment, the terminal connecting portion 2 is formed cylindrically, corresponding to the cylindrical or columnar mating terminal 50. Furthermore, the inner circumferential wall portion 5 includes four inner circumferential wall contacts 17, 17, 18, 18, which protrude toward the insertion space 13 and are located radially opposite the outer circumferential wall contacts 21, 21, 22, 22 along the axis XO along the axial direction X. These contacts 17, 17, 18, 18 are arranged to contact the mating terminal 50 in the inserted state. This allows the outer circumferential wall contacts 21, 21, 22, 22 and the inner circumferential wall contacts 17, 17, 18, 18 of the terminal 1 to contact the mating terminal 50 from both radial directions, ensuring pressure balance between the radially opposing contacts.

[0053] [First Modification]

[0054] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 9 A terminal 1A according to a first modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to a first modified example of the embodiment as viewed from below. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the state change of the terminal in the first modified example of the embodiment.

[0055] The difference between the terminal 1A of the first modified example and the terminal 1 described above is that the shape of the outer peripheral wall portion 7A of the terminal connecting portion 2A is partially different. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal 1A is composed of a terminal connection portion 2A, a coupling portion 4 , and a device fixing portion 3 .

[0056] The terminal connection portion 2A is composed of an inner peripheral wall portion 5 , a folded portion 6 , and an outer peripheral wall portion 7A.

[0057] The outer peripheral wall portion 7A includes an outer peripheral wall main body 20A, four outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A, and an extending portion 23A.

[0058] The outer peripheral wall body 20A is formed along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 from the folded portion 6 in the circumferential direction, and is formed so as to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 .

[0059] The outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A are formed to protrude into the insertion space 13 via the through-holes 15, 15, 16, 16, and contact the mating terminal 50 when the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2A. The two outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A are provided on the removal direction X2 side of the outer peripheral wall portion 7A, and are formed at positions symmetrical in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z. The two outer peripheral wall contact portions 22A, 22A are provided on the insertion direction X1 side of the outer peripheral wall portion 7A, and are formed at positions symmetrical in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, and 22A as viewed in the axial direction X are all formed to be curved toward the insertion space portion 13. When the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2A, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, and 22A contact and press the mating terminal 50 due to the elastic deformation of the outer peripheral wall portion 7A. In this inserted state, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, and 22A all make linear contact with the mating terminal 50 along the axial direction X.

[0061] In the non-insertion state in which the mating terminal 50 is not inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2A, the ends of the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A that come into contact with the mating terminal 50 are inserted through the through-holes 15, 15 when viewed in the axial direction X, and portions of these ends protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 5 toward the insertion space 13 as contacts. In the non-insertion state, the ends of the outer peripheral wall contact portions 22A, 22A that come into contact with the mating terminal 50 are inserted through the through-holes 16, 16 when viewed in the axial direction X, and portions of these ends protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 5 toward the insertion space 13 as contacts.

[0062] The extension portion 23A extends from the outer peripheral wall body 20A toward one side in the circumferential direction, and is a portion extending from the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 toward the side opposite to the slit portion side end portion 14 in the circumferential direction. Figure 7 As shown, each extension portion 23A has through holes 24 and 25 with respect to each outer peripheral wall portion 7A. The through holes 24, 24, 25, 25 correspond to punching holes for forming the so-called outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A.

[0063] There is a gap S in the radial direction between the extension portion 23A and the inner peripheral wall portion 5. That is, the gap S is formed between the outer peripheral wall portion 7A and the inner peripheral wall portion 5, and the gap S is provided on the side opposite to the folded portion 6 side in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 7A. When the terminal connecting portion 2A is inserted in a state where the counterpart terminal 50 is offset toward the first direction (slit portion 12) Z1 side, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 、 Figure 9 As shown, the width L of the slit portion 12 is expanded to a width L1. By increasing the width of the slit portion 12, the inner peripheral wall portion 5 bends radially outward. However, due to the presence of a gap S between the inner peripheral wall portion 5 and the outer peripheral wall portion 7A including the extension portion 23A, the outer peripheral wall portion 7A does not bend in conjunction with the inner peripheral wall portion 5, and the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A move toward the insertion space portion 13.

[0064] As described above, the terminal 1A of the first modified example achieves the same effects as the terminal 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0065] Furthermore, in the terminal 1A of the first modified example, since a gap S is provided between the outer peripheral wall portion 7A and the inner peripheral wall portion 5, the outer peripheral wall portion 7A does not flex radially outward in conjunction with the inner peripheral wall portion 5, but rather the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A move toward the insertion space 13. Thus, in the terminal 1A, even if, for example, the mating terminal 50 is inserted in an axially offset state toward the first direction (slit portion 12) Z1, the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A can maintain their ability to follow the mating terminal 50.

[0066] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall portion 7A of the terminal 1A of the first modified example includes an extension portion 23A that extends from the outer peripheral wall contact portions 21A, 21A, 22A, 22A along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 toward the side opposite to the slit portion-side end portion 14 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the extension portion 23A increases the surface area of the terminal 1A and improves the thermal capacity of the terminal 1A, thereby suppressing a temperature rise in the terminal 1A when power is supplied.

[0067] [Second Modification]

[0068] Next, refer to Figures 10 to 13 A terminal 1B according to a second modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment as viewed from the axial direction. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a terminal connection portion of a terminal according to a second modified example of the embodiment as viewed from below. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 CC cross-sectional view.

[0069] The terminal 1B of the second modified example is different from the above-mentioned terminal 1 in that the inner diameter of the folded portion 6B in the terminal connection portion 2B and the shape of the outer peripheral wall portion 7B are partially different. Figure 10 As shown, the terminal 1B is composed of a terminal connection portion 2B, a coupling portion 4 , and a device fixing portion 3 .

[0070] The terminal connection portion 2B is composed of an inner peripheral wall portion 5 , a folded portion 6B, and an outer peripheral wall portion 7B.

[0071] The folded portion 6B is formed at the slit-side end portion 14 of the inner circumferential wall portion 5 along the circumferential direction around the axis XO. This portion is a portion that curves radially outward after being directed radially inward. Specifically, the inner diameter of the folded portion 6B is relatively larger than that of the folded portion 6, forming a larger gap T on the inner side.

[0072] The outer peripheral wall portion 7B includes an outer peripheral wall main body 20B and four outer peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, and 22B.

[0073] The outer peripheral wall body 20B is formed along the inner peripheral wall portion 5 in the circumferential direction from the folded portion 6B, and is formed so as to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 5 .

[0074] The outer peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, and 22B are formed to protrude into the insertion space 13 through the through-holes 15, 15, 16, and 16, and contact the mating terminal 50 when the mating terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2B. The two outer peripheral wall contact portions 21B and 21B are provided on the side of the outer peripheral wall portion 7B in the removal direction X2 and are formed at positions symmetrically in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z. The two outer peripheral wall contact portions 22B and 22B are provided on the side of the outer peripheral wall portion 7B in the insertion direction X1 and are formed at positions symmetrically in the width direction Y about the axis XO as the center axis when viewed from the height direction Z.

[0075] like Figure 13 As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, 22B viewed from the axial direction X are all formed to bend toward the insertion space portion 13. When the counterpart terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 2B, the peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, 22B contact and press the counterpart terminal 50 due to the elastic deformation of the peripheral wall portion 7B. The peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, 22B in the second modified example are as shown in FIG. Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the contact surfaces with respect to the mating terminal 50 are all formed into hemispherical surfaces (or curved surfaces). Therefore, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment and the first modified example, the peripheral wall contact portions 21B, 21B, 22B, 22B do not make linear contact with the mating terminal 50 along the axial direction X, but rather make point contact in the above-mentioned inserted state.

[0076] As described above, the terminal 1B of the second modified example achieves the same effects as the terminal 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, the folded portion 6B of the terminal 1B of the second modified example is bent radially outward after being bent radially inward. Thus, even when the terminal 1B is made of a relatively hard metal material (e.g., a copper alloy rather than pure copper), cracks can be suppressed from forming in the folded portion 6B during the 180-degree bending process.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and the first and second modified examples, the counterpart terminal 50 is formed in a columnar shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0079] Explanation of symbols

[0080] 1 terminal

[0081] 2 Terminal connection

[0082] 3 Equipment fixing part

[0083] 4 Connection

[0084] 5 Inner wall

[0085] 6. Turnback

[0086] 7 Outer wall

[0087] 10, 11 opening

[0088] 12 Slit

[0089] 13 Insertion space

[0090] 14 Slit side end

[0091] 15, 16 through holes

[0092] 17, 18 Inner wall contact part

[0093] 21, 22 Outer wall contact portion

[0094] 50 Terminals on the other side

[0095] 51 devices

Claims

1. A terminal, characterized in that: The terminal connecting portion is formed into a cylindrical shape along the axial direction and is electrically connected to the other terminal by being inserted from one opening toward the other opening. The terminal connection portion includes: a cylindrical inner peripheral wall portion having a slit portion formed along the axial direction; and an insertion space portion communicating with the outside through the slit portion and for inserting the counterpart terminal through one of the openings; folded portions formed at slit-side end portions of the inner peripheral wall portion along the circumferential direction around the axis, and folded and bent outward in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction; and an outer peripheral wall portion extending from the folded portion along the inner peripheral wall portion in the circumferential direction and formed to be elastically deformable so as to be separated from the inner peripheral wall portion with the folded portion as a fulcrum, The inner peripheral wall portion has at least one through hole penetrating the inner peripheral wall portion in the radial direction. The outer peripheral wall portion has at least one outer peripheral wall contact portion formed to protrude toward the insertion space portion via the through hole, and In an inserted state where the mating terminal is inserted into the terminal connecting portion, the outer peripheral wall contact portion comes into contact with the mating terminal and presses the mating terminal due to elastic deformation of the outer peripheral wall portion.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein The other terminal is formed into a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. The terminal connection portion is formed into a cylindrical shape, The inner circumferential wall portion has at least one inner circumferential wall contact portion, which protrudes toward the insertion space portion, and the inner circumferential wall contact portion is formed at a position opposite to the outer circumferential wall contact portion in the radial direction along the axis along the axial direction, and contacts the other side terminal in the inserted state.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outer peripheral wall portion forms a gap between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion in the inserted state, and the gap is provided on the side opposite to the folded portion side in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion.

4. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outer peripheral wall portion has an extension portion extending from the outer peripheral wall contact portion along the inner peripheral wall portion toward a side opposite to the slit portion-side end portion in the circumferential direction.

5. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein The terminal further comprises: a device fixing portion, the device fixing portion being fixed to the device and electrically connected to the device; and A connecting portion connecting the device fixing portion and the inner peripheral wall portion.

Images