Terminal and connector

Abstract

To provide a terminal and a connector that can improve heat dissipation.SOLUTION: A terminal 20 includes a plate-like first connection portion 30 extending in a first direction X1, a coupling portion 40 extending from a first edge of the first connection portion 30 in a second direction Y1 intersecting with the first direction X1, and a second connection portion 50 protruding in the second direction Y1 from the coupling portion 40. The coupling portion 40 has a plate-like main body portion 41 extending in the second direction Y1 from the first edge of the first connection portion 30, and a protruding piece 42 protruding in the first direction X1 from a first side edge of the main body portion 41 in a third direction Z1 intersecting with both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to terminals and connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector mounted on a vehicle, one including a terminal and a housing that holds the terminal is known. This type of terminal has a plate-shaped first connection portion, a connecting portion that protrudes from an edge of the first connection portion in a direction intersecting the first connection portion, and a second connection portion that protrudes from the connecting portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above connector, improvement in heat dissipation is desired. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal and a connector capable of improving heat dissipation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The terminal of the present disclosure includes a plate-shaped first connection portion extending in a first direction, a connecting portion extending from a first edge of the first connection portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second connection portion protruding from the connecting portion in the second direction. The connecting portion has a plate-shaped main body portion extending from the first edge in the second direction, and a first protruding piece protruding from a first side edge in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction of the main body portion in a fourth direction intersecting both the second direction and the third direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the terminal and connector of the present disclosure, the effect of improving heat dissipation can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The terminal of the present disclosure includes a plate-shaped first connection portion extending in a first direction, a connection portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction from a first edge of the first connection portion, and a second connection portion protruding from the connection portion in the second direction. The connection portion has a plate-shaped main body portion extending in the second direction from the first edge, and a first protruding piece protruding in a fourth direction intersecting both the second direction and a third direction from a first side edge in the third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction of the main body portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, a first protruding piece is provided on the connecting part that connects the first connecting part and the second connecting part. By providing this first protruding piece, the surface area of the terminal can be increased. As a result, the heat dissipation performance of the terminal can be improved. Further, the first protruding piece is formed to protrude in a fourth direction that intersects both the second direction, which is the length direction of the main body part, and the third direction, which is the width direction of the main body part. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the connecting part in the third direction, which is the width direction of the main body part. In this way, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation performance of the terminal while suppressing the increase in the size of the connecting part in the third direction.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the first connecting part may have a bolt fastening part. According to this configuration, the first connecting part and the mating terminal can be connected to each other by bolt fastening.

[0011] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the connecting part may have a second protruding piece that protrudes in the fourth direction from the second side edge in the third opposite direction, which is the opposite direction of the third direction of the main body part.

[0012] According to this configuration, a first protruding piece and a second protruding piece are provided on each of the first side edge and the second side edge of the main body part. By providing these two protruding pieces, that is, the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece, the surface area of the terminal can be suitably increased. As a result, the heat dissipation performance of the terminal can be suitably improved.

[0013] [4] In the above [3], the first connecting part protrudes from the edge in the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction of the second direction of the main body part, in the first direction, and the fourth direction may coincide with the first direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, the first connection portion protrudes from the main body portion of the connecting portion in the first direction, and the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece protrude from the main body portion of the connecting portion in the first direction. Therefore, the first connection portion, the first protruding piece, and the second protruding piece are all formed so as to protrude in the same direction. Accordingly, it is possible to preferably suppress the increase in the size of the terminal body in a direction other than the first direction.

[0015] [5] In the above [4], the first protruding piece may have a first protruding portion formed by being bent from the first side edge in the first direction, and the second protruding piece may have a second protruding portion formed by being bent from the second side edge in the first direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the main body portion, the first protruding portion, and the second protruding portion can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the main body portion, the first protruding portion, and the second protruding portion are each configured by separate parts, the structure of the terminal can be simplified.

[0017] [6] In the above [5], the first protruding piece may have a first bent portion bent from an end portion in the first direction of the first protruding portion in a third opposite direction, and the second protruding piece may have a second bent portion bent from an end portion in the first direction of the second protruding portion in the third direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the first bent portion is provided on the first protruding piece, and the second bent portion is provided on the second protruding piece. By providing these first bent portion and second bent portion, the surface area of the terminal can be preferably increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the terminal can be preferably improved.

[0019] [7] In any one of the above [1] to [6], the first protruding piece may extend in the second direction, and the first protruding piece may be provided only at an intermediate position of the main body portion in the second direction.

[0020] According to this configuration, the first protruding piece is provided only at the intermediate position of the main body portion in the second direction which is the length direction of the main body portion. Thereby, it is possible to preferably suppress the first protruding piece from interfering with other portions of the terminal, for example, the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0021] [8] In the above [7], the dimension of the main body portion along the second direction is set to be larger than the dimension of the first connection portion along the first direction, and the dimension of the first protruding piece along the second direction may be set to be larger than the dimension of the first connection portion along the first direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, since the first protruding piece can be formed long along the second direction, the surface area of the terminal can be preferably increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the terminal can be preferably improved.

[0023] [9] In any one of the above [1] to [8], the first connection portion is formed in a polygonal planar shape when viewed from the second direction, the first connection portion has a first side, a second side, and a connection side extending between the first side and the second side, and the main body portion may be formed by being bent from the connection side toward the second direction.

[0024] According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the main body portion and the first connection portion can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the main body portion and the first connection portion are each constituted by separate parts, the structure of the terminal can be simplified.

[0025]

[10] In the above [9], the first connection portion has a first holding piece formed by being bent from the first side toward the second direction and a second holding piece formed by being bent from the second side toward the second direction, the second connection portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the second connection portion may be formed integrally with the main body portion.

[0026] According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the first connection part, the first holding piece, and the second holding piece can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the first connection part, the first holding piece, and the second holding piece are each constituted by separate parts, the structure of the terminal can be simplified.

[0027]

[11] The connector of the present disclosure includes the terminal according to any one of [1] to

[10] above and a housing that holds the terminal. According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the terminal of [1] above can be obtained.

[0028] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the terminals and connectors of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different in each drawing. In this specification, "orthogonal", "horizontal", and "right angle" include not only the cases of strict orthogonality, horizontality, and right angle, but also the cases that are generally orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle within the scope of the effects of the present embodiment. In this specification, "equal" includes not only the case of being exactly equal, but also the case where there are some differences between the comparison objects due to the influence of dimensional tolerances and the like. The "tubular shape" used in the description of this specification includes not only those in which the peripheral wall is continuously formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, but also those in which a plurality of parts are combined to form a tubular shape, and those having a notch or the like in a part of the circumferential direction such as a C-shaped or U-shaped one. Note that the "tubular shape" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes having pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "opposite" means that surfaces or members are in a position facing each other, and includes not only the case where they are exactly in a facing position, but also the case where they are partially in a facing position. Also, in this specification, "opposite" includes both the case where a member different from the two parts is interposed between the two parts and the case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. Also, the terms such as "first", "second", and "third" in this specification are merely used to distinguish objects and do not rank the objects. In some drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are illustrated. In some drawings, a first direction X1 that is one direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis and a first opposite direction X2 that is the opposite direction of the first direction X1 are illustrated. In some drawings, a second direction Y1 that is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis and a second opposite direction Y2 that is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1 are illustrated. In some drawings, a third direction Z1 that is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis and a third opposite direction Z2 that is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1 are illustrated. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0029] (Overall configuration of connector 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 includes one or more (two in this embodiment) terminals 20 and a housing 60 that holds the terminals 20. The connector 10 includes a nut 70 and a nut cover 80. The connector 10 is used to electrically connect, for example, electrical devices for vehicles. Examples of electrical devices for vehicles include a battery, an inverter, and a motor. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the posture of the connector 10 during use.

[0030] (Configuration of Terminal 20) The two terminals 20 are arranged side by side, for example, along the X-axis direction. The two terminals 20 have, for example, the same structure as each other. Here, the terminal 20 provided on the X1 side in the first direction among the two terminals 20 will be described. Each terminal 20 is made of metal. As the material of each terminal 20, for example, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel (SUS) can be used. Each terminal 20 is integrally formed with the housing 60 by insert molding, for example. For example, the housing 60 is formed by insert molding with the two terminals 20 as insert parts.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, each terminal 20 has a plate-shaped first connection portion 30 extending in the first direction X1, a connection portion 40 extending in the second direction Y1 from the first edge of the first connection portion 30, and a second connection portion 50 protruding in the second direction Y1 from the connection portion 40. The connection portion 40 connects the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50. Each terminal 20 is, for example, a single component in which the first connection portion 30, the connection portion 40, and the second connection portion 50 are continuously formed integrally. Each terminal 20 is configured, for example, by bending or combining metal plates. Each terminal 20 of the present embodiment is configured by pressing or bending a single metal plate.

[0032] The first connecting portion 30 protrudes from the edge of the connecting portion 40 in the first direction X1 from the edge in the second opposite direction Y2. The first connecting portion 30 is formed by being bent from the edge of the connecting portion 40 in the first direction X1 from the edge in the second opposite direction Y2. In the present embodiment, the first connecting portion 30 is bent at a right angle from the edge of the connecting portion 40 in the first direction X1 from the edge in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0033] The first connecting portion 30 is formed in a flat plate shape. The first connecting portion 30 has a length direction extending along the X-axis. The first connecting portion 30 has a thickness direction extending along the Y-axis. The first connecting portion 30 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis.

[0034] The first connecting portion 30 has a bolt fastening portion 30X to which a bolt (not shown) can be fastened. The bolt fastening portion 30X penetrates the first connecting portion 30 in the thickness direction (here, the Y-axis direction). The bolt fastening portion 30X is provided, for example, at the central portion of the first connecting portion 30 in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction.

[0035] The first connecting portion 30 is formed, for example, in a polygonal shape in a plan shape seen from the second direction Y1. The outer edge of the first connecting portion 30 has a first side 31, a second side 32, a third side 33, and a fourth side 34. The outer edge of the first connecting portion 30 has a connecting side 35 provided between the first side 31 and the second side 32. The connecting side 35 is connected to the edge of the connecting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2. The connecting side 35 extends, for example, along the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The first side 31 extends in a first diagonal direction intersecting both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction from the end portion of the connecting side 35 in the third direction Z1. The second side 32 extends in a second diagonal direction intersecting both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction from the end portion of the connecting side 35 in the third opposite direction Z2. The second diagonal direction is, for example, a direction orthogonal to the first diagonal direction. The third side 33 extends from the first side 31 in the second diagonal direction. The third side 33 is longer than the second side 32. The fourth side 34 extends from the second side 32 in the first diagonal direction. The fourth side 34 is longer than the first side 31.

[0037] The connecting side 35 extends, for example, between the first side 31 and the second side 32. The connecting side 35 extends horizontally along the Z-axis direction that intersects both the first diagonal direction and the second diagonal direction. The connecting side 35 is formed, for example, in a shape like chamfering the corner of the first side 31 and the second side 32. For this reason, each of the first side 31 and the second side 32 is shorter than each of the third side 33 and the fourth side 34.

[0038] The first connecting portion 30 has, for example, a holding piece 36 that protrudes from the first side 31 toward the second direction Y1, and a holding piece 37 that protrudes from the second side 32 toward the second direction Y1. The holding piece 36 protrudes from the middle position of the first side 31 toward the second direction Y1. The holding piece 36 is formed by being bent from the first side 31 toward the second direction Y1. The holding piece 37 protrudes from the middle position of the second side 32 toward the second direction Y1. The holding piece 37 is formed by being bent from the second side 32 toward the second direction Y1. The holding piece 36 and the holding piece 37 have the same structure as each other.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the holding pieces 36, 37 is formed in a plate shape. Each of the holding pieces 36, 37 extends along the second direction Y1. Each of the holding pieces 36, 37 has a constricted portion 38. The constricted portion 38 is provided at the middle position in the length direction (here, the Y-axis direction) of the holding pieces 36, 37. The constricted portion 38 is formed thinner than other portions of the holding pieces 36, 37. Although illustration is omitted, each of the holding pieces 36, 37 is embedded in the housing 60 shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 40 has a plate-shaped main body portion 41 that extends in the second direction Y1 from a first edge that is the edge of the first connecting portion 30 in the first opposite direction X2, and protruding pieces 42, 43 that protrude from the side edges of the main body portion 41.

[0041] The main body portion 41 extends horizontally, for example, along the second direction Y1. The main body portion 41 is formed in a flat plate shape. The main body portion 41 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The main body portion 41 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The main body portion 41 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis. The dimension of the main body portion 41 in the length direction, that is, along the Y-axis direction, is larger than, for example, the dimension of the first connection portion 30 in the length direction, that is, along the X-axis direction. The dimension of the main body portion 41 along the Y-axis direction is about 3 to 6 times larger than the dimension of the first connection portion 30 along the X-axis direction. The dimension of the main body portion 41 along the Z-axis direction is smaller than, for example, the dimension of the first connection portion 30 along the Z-axis direction. The plate thickness of the main body portion 41, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the X-axis direction, is equal to, for example, the plate thickness of the first connection portion 30, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the Y-axis direction.

[0042] The protruding piece 42 protrudes from the first side edge in the third direction Z1 of the main body portion 41. The protruding piece 43 protrudes from the second side edge in the third opposite direction Z2 of the main body portion 41. The protruding piece 42 and the protruding piece 43 face each other in the Z-axis direction. Each of the protruding pieces 42, 43 is integrally formed continuously with the main body portion 41.

[0043] Each of the protruding pieces 42, 43 is provided, for example, only at the middle position of the main body portion 41 in the length direction of the main body portion 41 (here, the Y-axis direction). Each of the protruding pieces 42, 43 is provided, for example, at a position offset toward the end side in the second direction Y1 in the length direction of the main body portion 41. Each of the protruding pieces 42, 43 extends along the length direction of the main body portion 41. The dimension of each of the protruding pieces 42, 43 along the Y-axis direction is formed to be about 0.3 to 0.6 times the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the Y-axis direction. The dimension of the protruding pieces 42, 43 along the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the first connection portion 30 along the X-axis direction.

[0044] The protruding piece 42 has a protruding portion 42A that protrudes from the first side edge in the third direction Z1 of the main body portion 41 toward the first direction X1, and a bent portion 42B that is bent from the protruding tip of the protruding portion 42A toward the protruding piece 43.

[0045] The protruding portion 42A is formed by being bent from the first side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1. The protruding portion 42A of the present embodiment is bent at a right angle from the first side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1. The protruding portion 42A protrudes, for example, in the same direction as the first connecting portion 30 from the main body portion 41. The protruding portion 42A is formed in a flat plate shape. The plate thickness of the protruding portion 42A, that is, the dimension of the protruding portion 42A along the Z-axis direction, is equal to the plate thickness of the main body portion 41, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the X-axis direction.

[0046] The bent portion 42B is formed by being bent from the end portion of the protruding portion 42A in the first direction X1 in the third opposite direction Z2. The bent portion 42B of the present embodiment is bent at a right angle from the end portion of the protruding portion 42A in the first direction X1 in the third opposite direction Z2. The bent portion 42B faces the main body portion 41 in the X-axis direction. The bent portion 42B is formed in a flat plate shape. The plate thickness of the bent portion 42B, that is, the dimension of the bent portion 42B along the X-axis direction, is equal to the plate thickness of the main body portion 41, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the X-axis direction.

[0047] The protruding piece 43 has a protruding portion 43A that protrudes from the second side edge of the main body portion 41 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the first direction X1, and a bent portion 43B that is bent from the protruding tip of the protruding portion 43A toward the protruding piece 42.

[0048] The protruding portion 43A is formed by being bent from the second side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1. The protruding portion 43A of the present embodiment is bent at a right angle from the second side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1. The protruding portion 43A protrudes, for example, in the same direction as the first connecting portion 30 from the main body portion 41. The protruding portion 43A protrudes, for example, in the same direction as the protruding portion 42A from the main body portion 41. The protruding portion 43A faces the protruding portion 42A in the Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 43A is formed in a flat plate shape. The plate thickness of the protruding portion 43A, that is, the dimension of the protruding portion 43A along the Z-axis direction, is equal to the plate thickness of the main body portion 41, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the X-axis direction.

[0049] The bent portion 43B is formed by being bent from the end portion of the protruding portion 43A in the first direction X1 toward the third direction Z1. The bent portion 43B of the present embodiment is bent at a right angle from the end portion of the protruding portion 43A in the first direction X1 toward the third direction Z1. The bent portion 43B faces the main body portion 41 in the X-axis direction. The bent portion 43B is formed in a flat plate shape. The plate thickness of the bent portion 43B, that is, the dimension of the bent portion 43B along the X-axis direction, is equal to the plate thickness of the main body portion 41, that is, the dimension of the main body portion 41 along the X-axis direction.

[0050] The protruding tip surface of the bent portion 43B, that is, the end surface of the bent portion 43B in the third direction Z1, faces the protruding tip surface of the bent portion 42B, that is, the end surface of the bent portion 42B in the third opposite direction Z2. The protruding tip surface of the bent portion 43B is provided apart from the protruding tip surface of the bent portion 42B in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] The connecting portion 40 of the present embodiment has a space 45 surrounded by the main body portion 41, the protruding pieces 42, and the protruding piece 43. The space 45 opens in the second direction Y1 and also opens in the second opposite direction Y2. The space 45 opens in the first direction X1 through the gap between the protruding tip surface of the bent portion 42B and the protruding tip surface of the bent portion 43B.

[0052] The end portion of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 is formed in a tapered shape. The end portion of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 protrudes in the second direction Y1 more than the protruding pieces 42, 43. The end portion of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 is formed such that the dimension along the Z-axis direction becomes smaller as it approaches the edge of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 from the protruding pieces 42, 43.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, a part of the side surface of the main body portion 41 in the Z-axis direction, that is, a part of the side surface of the main body portion 41, is a cut surface 46. The cut surface 46 is provided between the protruding pieces 42, 43 and the first connecting portion 30 in the length direction of the main body portion 41 (here, the Y-axis direction). The cut surface 46 extends, for example, along the Y-axis direction. The cut surface 46 has, for example, a different surface roughness from the portion other than the cut surface 46 of the side surface of the main body portion 41.

[0054] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, in an intermediate process of manufacturing the terminal 20, for example, a structure in which a plurality of terminals 20 are connected to each other by a strip-shaped carrier 90 is formed. The structure shown in FIG. 5 is formed, for example, by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape by pressing. In this structure, the first connection portion 30 and the protruding pieces 42, 43, etc. are in a deployed state. The carrier 90 is connected to a part of the side surface of the main body portion 41 at the connection portion 40 of each terminal 20.

[0055] The terminal 20 is formed by bending the portion indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 5 and cutting off the carrier 90. For this reason, a part of the side surface of the main body portion 41 becomes a cut surface 46 exposed by cutting off the carrier 90. That is, the cut surface 46 shown in FIG. 3 is a cut trace where the carrier 90 is cut.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the second connection portion 50 protrudes from the end portion of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 toward the second direction Y1. The second connection portion 50 extends along the second direction Y1. The second connection portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The second connection portion 50 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second connection portion 50 can be, for example, about 2 mm to 4 mm. The second connection portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape by rounding a metal plate, for example.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 20 has a positioning portion 51 provided on the outer surface of the second connection portion 50. The positioning portion 51 protrudes from the outer surface of the second connection portion 50 toward the first direction X1, for example. The positioning portion 51 is formed in a shape in which a part of the second connection portion 50 is cut up, for example. The positioning portion 51 is used for positioning the mold when insert molding the terminal 20.

[0058] (Configuration of the housing 60) As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 60 has a base portion 61, a holding portion 62, a holding portion 63, and a fixing portion 64. The housing 60 is, for example, a single component in which the base portion 61, the holding portions 62 and 63, and the fixing portion 64 are continuously formed integrally. The housing 60 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 61 is formed in a columnar shape. The base portion 61 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, an oblong cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a prismatic shape. The base portion 61 of the present embodiment is formed in an oblong cylindrical shape.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the base portion 61 extends in the Y-axis direction. The base portion 61 holds a part of the terminal 20 inside. The base portion 61 encloses the intermediate portion of each of the two terminals 20. The base portion 61 encloses a part of the connecting portion 40 of each terminal 20. The base portion 61 encloses the projecting pieces 42 and 43 of each terminal 20. The base portion 61 fills, for example, the space 45 of each connecting portion 40. Here, the space 45 of each connecting portion 40 serves as a passage for resin during insert molding, for example. The base portion 61 covers the projecting pieces 42 and 43 from the inside of the space 45 and also covers the projecting pieces 42 and 43 from the outside of the space 45. In other words, the projecting pieces 42 and 43 are embedded in the housing 60.

[0061] The holding portion 62 projects from the end portion of the base portion 61 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The holding portion 62 holds the first connecting portion 30 of each terminal 20. The end face of the holding portion 62 in the second opposite direction Y2 is in contact with the end face of the first connecting portion 30 in the second direction Y1. The holding portion 62 is formed so as to expose the end face of the first connecting portion 30 in the second opposite direction Y2 to the outside. The holding portion 62 is formed so as to embed, for example, the holding pieces 36 and 37 of each terminal 20 shown in FIG. 3. The holding portion 62 is formed so as to fill, for example, the constricted portion 38 of each holding piece 36 and 37 shown in FIG. 3. Thereby, it is possible to preferably prevent the terminal 20 from coming out of the housing 60.

[0062] The holding part 62, for example, encloses the end part of the main body part 41 in the second opposite direction Y2. The holding part 62 may be formed so as to expose a part of the main body part 41 to the outside. The holding part 62 has one or more nut accommodating parts 66 in which the nuts 70 are accommodated. The holding part 62 of the present embodiment has two nut accommodating parts 66. The two nut accommodating parts 66 are provided corresponding to the first connection parts 30 of the two terminals 20. The two nut accommodating parts 66 are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction. Each nut accommodating part 66 is provided at the end part of the holding part 62 in the second opposite direction Y2. Each nut accommodating part 66 opens in the second opposite direction Y2. The opening of each nut accommodating part 66 in the second opposite direction Y2 is blocked by the first connection part 30. Inside each nut accommodating part 66, a nut 70 is accommodated. Here, the nut 70 has a through hole 71 that penetrates the nut 70 in the Y-axis direction. The nut 70 is formed in an annular shape by having the through hole 71. The through hole 71 is provided so as to overlap with the bolt fastening part 30X of the first connection part 30 in the Y-axis direction when the nut 70 is accommodated in the nut accommodating part 66. Then, with a mating terminal (not shown) overlapped with the first connection part 30, a bolt (not shown) penetrates through the bolt fastening part 30X, and the bolt is screwed into the nut 70, whereby the first connection part 30 and the mating terminal are bolt-fastened.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the nut cover 80 is attached to the holding part 62 of the housing 60. The nut cover 80 is attached to the holding part 62 so as to block the opening of the nut accommodating part 66. By attaching the nut cover 80 to the holding part 62, it is possible to prevent the nut 70 from falling out of the nut accommodating part 66.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the holding portion 63 protrudes from the end portion of the base portion 61 in the second direction Y1 toward the second direction Y1. The holding portion 63 holds the second connection portions 50 of the respective terminals 20. The holding portion 63 includes, for example, the end portion of the second connection portion 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The holding portion 63 includes, for example, the end portion of the connecting portion 40 in the second direction Y1. The holding portion 63 is formed so as to embed, for example, from the end portion of the connecting portion 40 in the second direction Y1 to the end portion of the second connection portion 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The holding portion 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The holding portion 63 has one or more (two in this embodiment) recesses 67 into which a female terminal of a mating connector (not shown) can be fitted.

[0065] Each recess 67 is formed so as to be recessed from the end surface of the holding portion 63 in the second direction Y1 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The second connection portions 50 of the respective terminals 20 are accommodated inside each recess 67. Each recess 67 is formed so as to expose the outer peripheral surface of the second connection portion 50.

[0066] The holding portion 63 has a protruding portion 68 that protrudes from the bottom surface of each recess 67 toward the second direction Y1. The protruding portion 68 is formed so as to fill the internal space of the second connection portion 50 having a cylindrical shape. The protruding portion 68 is formed so as to expose the outer peripheral surface of the second connection portion 50. The protruding portion 68 has a tip portion 69 that protrudes in the second direction Y1 more than the end portion of the second connection portion 50 in the second direction Y1. The tip portion 69 covers the end surface of the second connection portion 50 in the second direction Y1. Since such a tip portion 69 is provided, even when a user's finger or the like enters the inside of the recess 67, it is possible to preferably prevent the finger or the like from coming into contact with the second connection portion 50 of the terminal 20. The internal space of the second connection portion 50 having a cylindrical shape serves as a passage for the resin when forming the tip portion 69 during insert molding.

[0067] When a female terminal of a mating connector (not shown) is inserted into each recess 67, the outer peripheral surface of the second connection portion 50 exposed from the recess 67 and the protruding portion 68 comes into contact with the female terminal. Thereby, the terminal 20 and the female terminal of the mating connector are electrically connected to each other.

[0068] The fixing part 64 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base part 61. The fixing part 64 protrudes, for example, in the X-axis direction from the outer peripheral surface of the base part 61. As shown in FIG. 6, a fastening hole 64X is provided in the fixing part 64. A metal collar 81 is inserted into the fastening hole 64X. The collar 81 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. A fixing bolt (not shown) is inserted into the hole of the collar 81. The fixing part 64 is fixed to the outer surface of the case of an electric device (not shown) by fastening the bolt inserted into the hole of the collar 81.

[0069] Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1) The terminal 20 includes a plate-shaped first connection part 30 extending in the first direction X1, a connection part 40 extending in a second direction Y1 intersecting the first direction X1 from the first edge of the first connection part 30, and a second connection part 50 protruding from the connection part 40 in the second direction Y1. The connection part 40 has a plate-shaped main body part 41 extending in the second direction Y1 from the first edge of the first connection part 30. The connection part 40 has a protruding piece 42 protruding in a fourth direction (here, the first direction X1) intersecting both the second direction Y1 and the third direction Z1 from the first side edge in the third direction Z1 intersecting both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1 of the main body part 41.

[0070] According to this configuration, the protruding piece 42 is provided on the connection part 40 that connects the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50. By providing the protruding piece 42, the surface area of the terminal 20 can be increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the terminal 20 can be improved. Also, by providing the protruding piece 42, the volume of the terminal 20 can be increased. Thereby, the heat capacity of the terminal 20 can be increased. Furthermore, the protruding piece 42 is formed to protrude in the first direction X1 intersecting both the Y-axis direction which is the length direction of the main body part 41 and the Z-axis direction which is the width direction of the main body part 41. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the connection part 40 in the Z-axis direction which is the width direction of the main body part 41. In this way, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation property of the terminal 20 while suppressing the increase in the size of the connection part 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0071] (2) The first connection part 30 has a bolt fastening part 30X. According to this configuration, the first connection part 30 and a mating terminal (not shown) can be connected to each other by bolt fastening. (3) Projection pieces 42 and 43 are provided on the first side edge and the second side edge of the main body part 41 respectively. By providing these two projection pieces 42 and 43, the surface area of the terminal 20 can be suitably increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the terminal 20 can be suitably improved.

[0072] (4) The first connection part 30 protrudes from the main body part 41 of the connecting part 40 in the first direction X1, and the projection pieces 42 and 43 are formed so as to protrude from the main body part 41 in the first direction X1. Therefore, the first connection part 30, the projection piece 42, and the projection piece 43 are all formed so as to protrude in the same direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably suppress the size of the terminal 20 from increasing in a direction other than the first direction X1.

[0073] (5) The protruding part 42A of the projection piece 42 is formed by being bent from the first side edge of the main body part 41 in the first direction X1. The protruding part 43A of the projection piece 43 is formed by being bent from the second side edge of the main body part 41 in the first direction X1. According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the main body part 41, the protruding part 42A, and the protruding part 43A can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the main body part 41, the protruding part 42A, and the protruding part 43A are each constituted by separate parts, the structure of the terminal 20 can be simplified.

[0074] (6) The projection piece 42 has a bent part 42B that is bent from the end in the first direction X1 of the protruding part 42A toward the third opposite direction Z2. The projection piece 43 has a bent part 43B that is bent from the end in the first direction X1 of the protruding part 43A toward the third direction Z1. According to this configuration, the bent part 42B is provided on the projection piece 42, and the bent part 43B is provided on the projection piece 43. By providing these bent parts 42B and 43B, the surface area of the terminal 20 can be suitably increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation property of the terminal 20 can be suitably improved.

[0075] (7) The tabs 42 and 43 are provided only at the intermediate position of the main body portion 41 in the Y-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 41. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress the interference between the tabs 42 and 43 and other portions of the terminal 20, such as the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50.

[0076] (8) The dimensions of the tabs 42 and 43 along the second direction Y1 are set to be larger than the dimensions of the first connection portion 30 along the first direction X1. According to this configuration, since the tabs 42 and 43 can be formed long along the second direction Y1, the surface area of the terminal 20 can be suitably increased. Thereby, the heat dissipation performance of the terminal 20 can be suitably improved.

[0077] (9) The main body portion 41 of the connecting portion 40 is formed by being bent from the connecting side 35 of the first connection portion 30 toward the second direction Y1. According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the main body portion 41 and the first connection portion 30 can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the main body portion 41 and the first connection portion 30 are each composed of separate parts, the structure of the terminal 20 can be simplified.

[0078] (10) The first connection portion 30 has a holding piece 36 formed by being bent from the first side 31 toward the second direction Y1 and a holding piece 37 formed by being bent from the second side 32 toward the second direction Y1. According to this configuration, by performing bending processing or the like on a single metal plate material, the first connection portion 30, the holding piece 36, and the holding piece 37 can be formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the first connection portion 30, the holding piece 36, and the holding piece 37 are each composed of separate parts, the structure of the terminal 20 can be simplified.

[0079] (Other embodiments) The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0080] · The structure of the terminal 20 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed. · The structure of the protruding pieces 42 and 43 in the connecting portion 40 can be appropriately changed. · As shown in FIG. 8, the protruding piece 42 may be changed to a structure having only the protruding portion 42A. That is, the bent portion 42B (see FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 42 may be omitted. Similarly, the protruding piece 43 may be changed to a structure having only the protruding portion 43A. That is, the bent portion 43B (see FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 43 may be omitted.

[0081] · In the above embodiment, the protruding portion 42A of the protruding piece 42 is formed to protrude from the first side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1, but the protruding direction of the protruding portion 42A is not limited to this. For example, if the protruding direction of the protruding portion 42A is a fourth direction that intersects both the second direction Y1 which is the length direction of the main body portion 41 and the third direction Z1 which is the width direction of the main body portion 41, a direction other than the first direction X1 may be used. For example, the protruding portion 42A may be formed to protrude from the first side edge of the main body portion 41 in the first opposite direction X2. For example, the protruding portion 42A may be formed to protrude from the first side edge of the main body portion 41 in a first diagonal direction that intersects all of the first direction X1, the second direction Y1, and the third direction Z1. Note that the protruding portion 43A of the protruding piece 43 can be similarly changed.

[0082] · In the above embodiment, two protruding pieces 42 and 43 are provided in the connecting portion 40, but the number of the protruding pieces 42 and 43 is not particularly limited. For example, only one protruding piece 42 may be provided in the connecting portion 40.

[0083] · In the connecting portion 40 of the above embodiment, the plate thicknesses of the main body portion 41, the protruding piece 42, and the protruding piece 43 may be formed to be different from each other. · In the connecting portion 40 of the above embodiment, the main body portion 41, the protruding piece 42, and the protruding piece 43 may be configured as separate parts.

[0084] ·In the above-described embodiment, the dimension in the length direction of the main body portion 41 of the connecting portion 40 is set to be more than twice the dimension in the length direction of the first connecting portion 30, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the dimension in the length direction of the main body portion 41 may be set to be approximately the same as the dimension in the length direction of the first connecting portion 30.

[0085] ·The formation positions and numbers of the holding pieces 36 and 37 in the terminal 20 of the above-described embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the holding pieces 36 and 37 may be provided on the third side 33 or the fourth side 34.

[0086] ·The positioning portion 51 in the terminal 20 of the above-described embodiment may be omitted. ·The structure of the second connecting portion 50 can be appropriately changed. For example, the second connecting portion 50 may be formed in a flat tab shape.

[0087] ·The structure of the housing 60 in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed. ·The disclosed embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10 Connector 20 Terminal 30 First Connecting Portion 30X Bolt Fastening Portion 31 First Side 32 Second Side 33 Third Side 34 Fourth Side 35 Connecting Side 36 Holding Piece (First Holding Piece) 37 Holding Piece (Second Holding Piece) 38 Constricted Portion 40 Connecting Portion 41 Main Body Portion 42 Protruding Piece (First Protruding Piece) 42A Protrusion (First Protrusion) 42B Bending portion (first bending portion) 43 Tab (second tab) 43A Protrusion (second protrusion) 43B Bending portion (second bending portion) 45 Space 46 Cutting plane 50 Second connection portion 51 Positioning portion 60 Housing 61 Base portion 62, 63 Holding portions 64 Fixing portion 64X Fastening hole 66 Nut housing portion 67 Concave portion 68 Protrusion 69 Tip portion 70 Nut 71 Through hole 80 Nut cover 81 Collar 90 Carrier X1 First direction (fourth direction) X2 First opposite direction Y1 Second direction Y2 Second opposite direction Z1 Third direction Z2 Third opposite direction

Claims

1. A plate-shaped first connection portion extending in a first direction; a coupling portion extending from a first end edge of the first connection portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second connection portion protruding from the coupling portion in the second direction, The connecting portion of the terminal has a plate-shaped main body extending from the first end edge in the second direction, and a first projection protruding from a first side edge of the main body in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction toward a fourth direction that intersects both the second direction and the third direction.

2. The terminal of claim 1 , wherein the first connection portion comprises a bolted portion.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion has a second projection that projects toward the fourth direction from a second side edge of the main body in a third opposite direction that is opposite to the third direction.

4. The first connection portion protrudes in the first direction from an end edge of the main body in a second opposite direction that is opposite to the second direction, The terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the fourth direction coincides with the first direction.

5. The first protruding piece has a first protruding portion formed by bending the first side edge in the first direction, The terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the second projecting piece has a second protruding portion formed by bending the second side edge in the first direction.

6. The first protruding piece has a first bent portion bent from an end of the first protruding portion in the first direction toward the third opposite direction, The terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the second projecting piece has a second bent portion bent from an end of the second protruding portion in the first direction toward the third direction.

7. The first protrusion extends in the second direction, The terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion is provided only at a middle position of the main body in the second direction.

8. a dimension of the main body portion along the second direction is set to be larger than a dimension of the first connection portion along the first direction, The terminal according to claim 7 , wherein a dimension of the first protruding piece along the second direction is set to be larger than a dimension of the first connecting portion along the first direction.

9. the first connection portion has a polygonal planar shape as viewed from the second direction, the first connection portion has a first side, a second side, and a connection side extending between the first side and the second side, The terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the main body portion is formed by bending the connection side in the second direction.

10. The first connection portion is a first holding piece formed by bending the first side toward the second direction; a second holding piece formed by bending the second side in the second direction, The second connection portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, The terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the second connection portion is integrally formed with the body portion.

11. A terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a housing for holding the terminals.

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