Tab terminal, electrical connection member with tab terminal, and glass plate structure with tab terminal

Abstract

To suppress peeling off of a fixing member provided on an electrical connection member.SOLUTION: A tab terminal 100 for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object includes a base portion 110 fixed to the first connection object, a connection piece portion 120 connected to the second connection object, and at least two or more connecting portions 130 for electrically connecting the base portion and the connection piece portion, and the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion 130a extending from one end of the base portion and a second connecting portion 130b extending from the other end of the base portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed by overlapping and joining the tip portions extending toward the center of the base portion so as to get close to each other, and bending at least one tip portion upward as the connection piece portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tab terminal, an electrical connection member with a tab terminal, and a glass plate structure with a tab terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Automotive window glass, such as a rear window, is equipped with electrical components such as a defogger that removes condensation from the glass and an antenna for receiving AM, FM, and TV broadcasts. The electrical components have contact members fixed to the rear window, and metal tab terminals are fixed to the contact members via conductive fasteners. Lead wires that connect to electrical components in the vehicle body are connected to the tab terminals.

[0003] The electrical connection member for fixing the tab terminal may be, for example, lead-free solder, conductive rubber, conductive adhesive, conductive double-sided tape, adhesive-backed metal leaf spring, etc. Here, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a window assembly for a vehicle in which a leaf spring-shaped tab terminal is provided on one end side of a plate-shaped connector main body, and the connector main body is adhered to a substrate of the window glass via an adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-133398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The tab terminal is fixed to the contact member by the aforementioned electrical connection member. However, there is a risk that the tab terminal may be detached from the contact member due to the application of an external force to the tab terminal, for example, when the lead wire is pulled during maintenance and inspection of the electrical component.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a new tab terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a tab terminal for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object, the tab terminal comprising: a base portion fixed to the first connection object; a connection piece portion connected to the second connection object; and a connecting portion connecting the base portion and the connection piece portion, the connecting portion having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion extending from different outer edges of the base portion in directions approaching each other and connecting to the connection piece portion.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the connecting piece is connected to different outer edges of the base via the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and therefore, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece, the external force is dispersed to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, thereby preventing the tab terminal from peeling off from the first connection object.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an electrical connection member with a tab terminal that includes a tab terminal that electrically connects a first connection object and a second connection object, the electrical connection member comprising: the aforementioned tab terminal whose connection piece portion is connected to the second connection object; and an electrical connection member that is fixed to a base portion of the tab terminal.

[0010] According to the second aspect, peeling of the tab terminal, that is, peeling of the electrical connection member fixed to the base portion can be suppressed.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a glass plate structure with a tab terminal in which a tab terminal that electrically connects a first connection object and a second connection object is provided on a glass plate, the glass plate comprising: the tab terminal described above, whose connection piece portion is connected to the second connection object; an electrical connection member fixed to a base portion of the tab terminal; and the first connection object that is provided on at least one surface of the glass plate, wherein the electrical connection member is disposed between the tab terminal and the first connection object, and the tab terminal is connected to the first connection object via the electrical connection member and fixed to the glass plate.

[0012] According to the third aspect, it is possible to provide a glass plate structure with tab terminals in which the tab terminals are less likely to peel off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, peeling of the tab terminal can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tab terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of an electrical connection member with a tab using a tab terminal according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A to 3C are perspective views of modified examples of the tab terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A is a perspective view of a tab terminal according to a second embodiment, and 4B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A is a perspective view of a tab terminal according to a third embodiment, and 5B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A is a perspective view of a tab terminal according to a fourth embodiment, 6B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal according to the fourth embodiment, and 6C is a plan view of the modified example of the tab terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a front view of a glass plate structure with tabs provided with tab terminals according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A is a perspective view of the tab terminal of Comparative Example 1, and 8B is a perspective view of the tab terminal of Comparative Example 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems of the present invention.

[0016] In the following description, terms indicating directions such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the method or manner of use. Terms such as "first" and "nth" (n is an integer) following "first" in this specification and claims are used as identifying terms to distinguish different elements and do not indicate a particular order or superiority or inferiority.

[0017] The terms used in the following description are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Elements according to an aspect described in the specification and claims are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates that they are singular or plural.

[0018] The term "and / or" is intended to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. For example, "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B." "A," "B," and "both A and B" all individually satisfy "A or B."

[0019] The terms "includes," "including," "having," and / or "comprising" used in this specification and claims are intended to specify the presence of features, operations, elements, or steps, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, steps, and / or groups thereof.

[0020] All embodiments and optional embodiments included in this disclosure may be combined with each other to form new embodiments, and all technical features and optional technical features included in this disclosure may be combined with each other to form new technical features.

[0021] A "tab terminal" according to the present disclosure is a component made of or containing a metal piece that electrically connects multiple connection objects. Tab terminals may include those composed solely of a metal piece, or those composed of a metal piece and other functional components. Examples of functional components include, but are not limited to, a fastening member for fixing the tab terminal to a predetermined installation location, an electrical connection member for electrically connecting the tab terminal to the connection object, a coating material or coating layer for partially insulating the tab terminal, and any combination thereof. Among these, conductive functional components (fastening members, electrical connection members) may include, but are not limited to, lead-free solder, conductive rubber, conductive adhesive, conductive double-sided tape, adhesive-backed metal leaf springs, etc.

[0022] Tab terminals may be formed, for example, from conductive metals such as copper, copper alloys, iron, iron alloys such as SUS, and aluminum, or from materials having a coating of highly conductive metals such as tin and nickel plated on these conductive metals. Tab terminals may be formed by press-forming (punching, bending) these metal materials, or by plating after press-forming. Tab terminals may be formed, for example, as a single component made of a single metal piece, or as a composite component made of two or more metal pieces.

[0023] The "connection object" to which the tab terminal is electrically connected includes at least a "first connection object" and a "second connection object." The "first connection object" and the "second connection object" may each be an "electrical component." The electrical component may be, for example, an automotive electrical component. In this case, the first connection object may be, for example, a defogger or an antenna installed on a vehicle window glass, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the "contact member" of the electrical component may be a contact connection portion provided on a circuit board (such as a rigid board, a glass board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible printed circuit board). The "first connection object" used in this disclosure (the specification and claims) is a comprehensive term specifically referring to the aforementioned electrical component, the circuit board provided on the electrical component, the contact member, contact connection portion, or conductive layer on the circuit board, etc. Furthermore, the second connection object may be, for example, a lead wire directly or indirectly connected to an electrical component of an automobile, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the electrical component is turned on / off via an operating unit of the electrical component, and a signal or current is sent to the electrical component via the lead wire. Examples of the lead wire include, but are not limited to, a wire having a conductor and an insulating coating, or a wire having a conductor, an insulating coating, and an electrical connector at the tip of the conductor.

[0024] In the following embodiment, an example will be described in which the tab terminal 100 is a tab terminal for an automobile part, the first object to be connected is a contact member 11 (contact connection portion) of a circuit board provided in a defogger (not shown) of a rear window 10 of an automobile, and the second object to be connected is a lead wire (not shown) connected to an electrical part (see FIG. 2). Of course, it should be noted that these are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and the embodiments, and that the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.

[0025] First embodiment (Figs. 1 and 2)

[0026] The configurations of the tab terminal 100 and the electrical connection member with tab terminal 160 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the tab terminal 100 according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the electrical connection member with tab terminal 160 using the tab terminal 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] <Configuration of this embodiment> 1, the tab terminal 100 includes a base portion 110, a connecting piece portion 120, a linking portion 130, and a coupling portion 140. The tab terminal 100 is formed as a single component having the base portion 110, the connecting piece portion 120, the linking portion 130, and the coupling portion 140 by molding a single metal piece.

[0028] The base portion 110 is formed in a flat plate shape and has a first surface 110A and a second surface 110B. The first surface 110A is the front surface, and the second surface 110B is a fixing surface that is located on the side of the rear glass 10 as an installation object and the contact member 11 as a first connecting member. The shape of the base portion 110 is exemplified as a rectangle, but is not limited to this and may be other shapes such as a square, a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0029] The connection piece 120 is a portion for connecting a lead wire. The lead wire can be connected to the connection piece 120 by fixing the conductor of the lead wire to the connection piece 120. The lead wire can also be provided with a connector at its tip, and can be connected to the connection piece 120 by inserting and fitting the connection piece 120 into an electrical connector.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting piece 120 is formed as a protrusion by bending the tip of the first connecting portion 130a of the connecting portion 130 upward relative to the second surface 110B of the base portion 110. This connecting piece 120 is an example. The connecting piece 120 may be formed by bending the tip of the second connecting portion 130b upward, or by bending the tip of the first connecting portion 130a and the tip of the second connecting portion 130b upward and overlapping their plate surfaces and joining them by welding, adhesive, or the like. That is, the connecting piece 120 may be formed by bending the tip of at least one of the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b upward. Furthermore, the connecting piece 120 may be a separate component from the base portion 110 and held in place by crimping at the joining portion 140 described below.

[0031] The connecting portion 130 electrically connects the base portion 110 and the connection piece portion 120 and also has the function of suppressing peeling of the tab terminal 100. The connecting portion 130 includes a first connecting portion 130a and a second connecting portion 130b extending from the outer edge of the base portion 110 along the first surface 110A of the base portion 110. More specifically, the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b each have a folded portion 130c folded back from the short sides 110a, 110b of the base portion 110 toward the first surface 110A of the base portion 110, and strip portions 130d extending from the folded portions 130c in directions approaching each other.

[0032] The folded portion 130c is folded back so that the plates overlap each other, in other words, it has a two-ply structure. For example, the strip portion 130d can be configured so that its width is ½ or less and 1 / 10 or more of the width of the short sides 110a, 110b of the base portion 110. The strip portion 130d extends from the folded portion 130c while overlapping the first surface 110A of the base portion 110. Therefore, like the folded portion 130c, the strip portion 130d and the base portion 110 form a two-ply structure. By including the folded portion 130c and the strip portion 130d, the connecting portion 130 reinforces the rigidity of the base portion 110 and prevents the second surface 110B from peeling off from the object to be attached.

[0033] Although the connecting portion 130 is illustrated as a pair, i.e., a combination of a first connecting portion 130a and a second connecting portion 130b, the number of connecting portions 130 is not limited thereto. For example, two or more connecting portions 130 may be formed extending from each of the short sides 110a, 110b of the base portion 110. However, if one or more connecting portions 130 extend from the short sides 110a, 110b, and the plate width is the same, the short sides 110a, 110b become longer, resulting in a larger tab terminal 100 and requiring a larger installation area and space. On the other hand, if only one connecting portion 130 extends from the short sides 110a, 110b, this is preferable because it allows the tab terminal 100 to be smaller in size and requires less installation area and space.

[0034] The joining portion 140 is a portion that joins the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the joining portion 140 is provided on the tip side of the second connecting portion 130b and is configured to engage with the lower end of the connecting piece portion 120 that rises from the first connecting portion 130a. More specifically, the joining portion 140 is formed as an arm-shaped protrusion that protrudes on both sides of the plate width at the tip of the second connecting portion 130b, and the protrusion holds the connecting piece portion 120 by surrounding the lower end of the connecting piece portion 120 from the left and right. The joining portion 140 shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited to such a joining structure. For example, the joining structure may be obtained by welding or bonding the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b to each other.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the tab terminal 100 can be configured to include an electrical connection member 150 on the second surface 110B of the base portion 110. A configuration in which the tab terminal 100 includes the electrical connection member 150 is an electrical connection member 160 with a tab terminal. The electrical connection member 150 may include, for example, but is not limited to, conductive rubber, conductive adhesive, conductive double-sided tape, an adhesive-backed metal leaf spring, or a combination thereof. The electrical connection member 160 with a tab terminal is fixed to an electrical component (in this embodiment, a contact member 11 of a circuit board of a defogger) as a first connection object via the electrical connection member 150. An example of the electrical component is a circuit board, and more specifically, any of a rigid board, a glass board, a printed circuit board, and a flexible printed circuit board can be used.

[0036] <Effects of this embodiment> An external force may act on the tab terminal 100 in an installed state. For example, the lead wire connected to the connection piece portion 120 may be pulled during maintenance and inspection of the electrical components of the automobile, or the interior material of the automobile may hit the connection piece portion 120 when the interior material is being installed. Alternatively, vibrations caused by driving or the like may be transmitted to the electrical connection member 150 from the rear window 10 or the lead wire. As a result, an external force acts on the tab terminal 100, which causes the electrical connection member 150 to peel off from the first connection object (the contact member (contact connection portion) of the electrical component), and there is a risk that the tab terminal 100 will peel off from the first connection object.

[0037] The tab terminal is fixed to the first connection object via a fixing member (such as double-sided tape or adhesive) of the electrical connection member, and the fixing member bears the stress when a peel force acts on its surface. However, in consideration of ease of manufacture, many conventional tab terminals have a configuration in which the connecting piece extends in a cantilevered manner from one point on the outer edge of the base, and in such tab terminals, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece, the peel stress is concentrated at one point on the outer edge of the base connected to the connecting piece, making it easy for peeling to occur, in which the base peels off from that point.

[0038] Furthermore, when the electrical connection member is made of conductive rubber, a metal spring, or the like, it has resilience (repulsive force) in the direction in which the tab terminal peels off, making it difficult to prevent peeling.

[0039] Therefore, even if an external force that peels off the tab terminal 100 acts on the connection piece portion 120, the connection piece portion 120 is connected to the outer edge of the base portion 110 via the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b, and therefore the external force is distributed to the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b, thereby making it possible to suppress peeling, in which the tab terminal 100 peels off from the outer edge side of the base portion 110.

[0040] With this configuration, it has been found that the following first to fourth behaviors occur from when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 120 until the electrical connection member 150 peels off. First behavior: An external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 120. Second behavior: In response to an external force applied to the connecting piece portion 120, the connecting portion 130 deforms in a wavy manner. Third behavior: After the connecting portion 130 is sufficiently deformed, the base portion 110 deforms into a U-shape. Fourth behavior: As the base portion 110 deforms, the electrical connection member 150 peels off.

[0041] The tab terminal 100 that exhibits such behavior does not undergo peel separation from the time an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 120 until the base portion 110 is deformed via the second and third behaviors described above, by providing the two linking portions 130. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 120, the external force is distributed to the two linking portions 130, making it possible to suppress peel separation from the end of the fixing member of the electrical connection member 150.

[0042] Furthermore, the coupling portion 130 is arranged along the first surface 110A with the first coupling portion 130a and the second coupling portion 130b overlapping (in surface contact with) the first surface 110A of the base portion 110. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 120, the external force distributed to the first coupling portion 130a and the second coupling portion 130b does not act in a direction perpendicular to the fixing surface of the tab terminal 100 (the second surface 110B of the base portion 110), so peeling of the electrical connection member 150 can be further suppressed.

[0043] Furthermore, to prevent peeling, it is desirable to increase the rigidity of the base portion of the tab terminal. This is because a weak base portion easily bends and deforms due to the action of external forces, making it more susceptible to peeling. However, while increasing the rigidity of the base portion, for example, increases peel strength, it also makes it difficult to process the base portion to conform to the curved surface of the installation object. In particular, when attaching the tab terminal 100 to an automobile window glass, it must be attached to a circuit board such as a curved defogger. Furthermore, because the shape and thickness of the connection piece portion 120 are standardized, it is difficult to change the desired thickness and size.

[0044] To address these issues, the tab terminal 100 can reinforce the rigidity of the base portion 110 by providing two connecting portions 130 without increasing the plate thickness of the base portion 110. In particular, the tab terminal 100 of this embodiment can be manufactured into a desired shape having the base portion 110, the connecting piece portion 120, the connecting portion 130, and the joining portion 140 simply by bending a conductive metal plate using a progressive press. This makes it possible to improve the peel strength of the tab terminal 100 while suppressing the manufacturing cost of the tab terminal 100. Furthermore, even for tab terminals 100 having connecting piece portions 120 whose thickness, size, etc. are standardized, by configuring them to have two or more connecting portions 130, it becomes possible to easily strengthen the peel strength and suppress peeling.

[0045] <Modification of this embodiment> The tab terminal 100 is not limited to the aspect shown in Fig. 1. Modifications of the tab terminal 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 3A to 3C are perspective views of tab terminals according to modifications of the first embodiment.

[0046] 3A, the shape of the base portion 111 of the tab terminal 101 may be square instead of rectangular. Even if the base portion 111 is square, when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 121, the external force can be distributed to the first coupling portion 131a and the second coupling portion 131b, so peeling of the electrical connection member 150 of the tab terminal 101 can be suppressed.

[0047] Second Modification: As shown in FIG. 3B , the tab terminal 102 may have a rectangular base portion 112, with a first connecting portion 132a and a second connecting portion 132b extending from the center of a pair of long sides 112a, 112b of the base portion 112. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 122, the external force can be distributed to the first connecting portion 132a and the second connecting portion 132b, thereby preventing peeling of the tab terminal 102. In this case, the first connecting portion 132a and the second connecting portion 132b are configured to straddle the short side direction of the base portion 112, thereby reducing their lengths, thereby preventing peeling while miniaturizing the tab terminal 102 in the short direction. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 231 is short, it is less likely to deform even when subjected to an external force.

[0048] 3C, similar to the tab terminal 102, the tab terminal 103 has a rectangular base portion 113, a first coupling portion 133a and a second coupling portion 133b extending from the center of a pair of long sides 113a, 113b, and further has a configuration in which the tip side of the connecting piece portion 123 is bent at a desired angle. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 122, the external force is distributed to the first coupling portion 132a and the second coupling portion 132b, making it possible to suppress peeling of the tab terminal 102, and further making it possible to reduce the height (size) of the tab terminal 103, thereby saving the installation space.

[0049] Second embodiment (Figure 4)

[0050] The configurations of a tab terminal and an electrical connecting member with a tab terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the tab terminal according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal.

[0051] The tab terminal 200 differs from the tab terminal 100 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the connecting portion 230. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b have a U-shaped folded portion 230c that folds back away from the first surface 210A of the base portion 210, and a strip portion 230d that extends from the upper end of the U-shaped folded portion 230c. Therefore, the connecting portion 230 is disposed apart from the first surface 210A of the base portion 210. The first connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b are connected by a connecting portion 240 provided on the first connecting portion 230a. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b have a connecting piece portion 220 at their tip portions. The connecting piece portion 220 has a two-layer structure.

[0052] In this manner, by configuring the first connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b to be spaced apart from the base portion 210 at a constant interval, when pressing and fixing the tab terminal 200 to the first connection object via the electrical connection member 150, a jig can be inserted between the base portion 210 and the connecting portion 230, and the entire first surface 210A of the base portion 210 can be pressed with the jig. This makes it possible to uniformly increase the pressing force on the base portion 210, thereby increasing the fixing force between the base portion 210 and the electrical connection member 150 (see FIG. 2) and the fixing force between the electrical connection member 150 and the first connection object. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 220, the force is distributed to the first connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b, making it possible to further suppress peeling of the tab terminal 200.

[0053] <Modification> As shown in Fig. 4B, the tab terminal 201 may be configured such that the first connecting portion 231a and the second connecting portion 231b extend from the center of each of the long sides 211a, 211b of the base portion 211. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 221, the external force is distributed to the first connecting portion 231a and the second connecting portion 231b, thereby preventing peeling of the tab terminal 201. In particular, by configuring the first connecting portion 231a and the second connecting portion 231b to straddle the short side direction of the base portion 212, their lengths are shortened, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the tab terminal 102 in the short direction while preventing peeling. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 231 is short, it is less likely to deform even when subjected to an external force.

[0054] Third embodiment (Figure 5)

[0055] The configurations of the tab terminal and the electrical connecting member with the tab terminal according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the tab terminal according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal according to the same embodiment.

[0056] The tab terminal 300 differs from the tab terminal 100 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the connecting portion 330. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first connecting portion 330a and the second connecting portion 330b have different lengths. Specifically, the length of the strip portion 330d extending from the folded portion 330c is longer in the first connecting portion 330a than in the second connecting portion 330b. Therefore, the coupling portion 340 is not located in the center of the base portion 310 but is located closer to one outer edge 310b. This arrangement is merely an example, and the coupling portion 340 may be located closer to the other outer edge 310a of the base portion 310.

[0057] In the connecting portion 330, the first connecting portion 330a and the second connecting portion 330b have different lengths, so that the joining portion 340 is disposed biased toward either one outer edge 310a or the other outer edge 310b of the base portion 310. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied to the connecting piece portion 320, the external force is distributed to the first connecting portion 330a and the second connecting portion 330b, and peeling of the tab terminal 300 can be suppressed.

[0058] 5B, in tab terminal 301, first connecting portion 331a and second connecting portion 331b have U-shaped folded portion 331c folded back away from first surface 311A ​​of base portion 311, and strip portion 331d extending from the upper end of U-shaped folded portion 331c. Therefore, connecting portion 331 is disposed apart from first surface 311A ​​of base portion 311. Because first connecting portion 331a and second connecting portion 331b have different lengths, joining portion 341 is not positioned in the center of base portion 311 but is positioned closer to one outer edge 311b.

[0059] With this configuration, when the tab terminal 301 is pressed against the first connection object via the electrical connection member 150 to be fixed, a jig can be inserted between the base portion 311 and the coupling portion 331, and the entire first surface 311A ​​of the base portion 311 can be pressed with the jig. This makes it possible to uniformly increase the pressing force on the base portion 311 and to enhance the fixing force between the base portion 311 and the electrical connection member 150 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 321, the external force is distributed to the first coupling portion 331a and the second coupling portion 331b, making it possible to further suppress peeling of the tab terminal 301.

[0060] Fourth embodiment (Figure 6)

[0061] The configuration of the tab terminal according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the tab terminal according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a modified example of the tab terminal according to the same embodiment, and Fig. 6C is a plan view of the same modified example.

[0062] The tab terminal 400 is different from the tab terminal 200 of the second embodiment in the configuration of the base portion 210. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6A, the base portion 410 has slits 410a1 on both sides of the base end (U-shaped folded portion 430c) of the first connecting portion 430a connected to the outer edge 410a. The base portion 410 also has slits 410b1 on both sides of the base end (U-shaped folded portion 430c) of the second connecting portion 430b connected to the outer edge 410b. The slits 410a1 and 410b1 are formed as recesses extending from the outer edges 410a and 410b toward the center of the base portion 410. Protrusions 410a2 and 410b2 of base 410 are formed outside slits 410a1 and 410b1, and the back surfaces of protrusions 410a2 and 410b2 are both fixed to the first connection object with an electrical connection member. First connecting portion 430a and second connecting portion 430b are connected by a joining portion 440 provided on first connecting portion 430a. First connecting portion 430a and second connecting portion 430b each have a connecting piece 420 at their tip, and connecting piece 420 has a double-layer structure.

[0063] By providing slits 410a1 and 410b1, when an external force is applied to connecting piece portion 420, the external force is dispersed to first connecting portion 430a and second connecting portion 430b, and slits 410a1 provided on both sides of the base end can insulate the peeling force from directly acting from the base end of first connecting portion 430a along the entire length of outer edge 410a of base portion 410. Similarly, slits 410b1 provided on both sides of the base end can insulate the peeling force from directly acting from the base end of second connecting portion 430b along the entire length of outer edge 410b of base portion 410. This reduces the effect of the peeling force on protruding piece 410a2 adjacent to slit 410a1 and protruding piece 410b2 adjacent to slit 410b1, or in other words, delays the peeling force from acting on protruding piece 410a2 and protruding piece 410b2. This makes it possible to prevent the tab terminal 400 from peeling off.

[0064] <Modification> As shown in Fig. 6B, tab terminal 401 is configured so that first connecting portion 431a and second connecting portion 431b are connected to base portion 411 at positions that are deeper into the center of base portion 411 than outer edges 411a and 411b of base portion 411. In this manner, by providing recesses 411a1 and 411b1 in outer edges 411a and 411b of base portion 411 and configuring base ends of first connecting portion 431a and second connecting portion 431b to these recesses, as shown in Fig. 6C, outward protrusion of first connecting portion 431a and second connecting portion 431b is suppressed, and tab terminal 401 can be made smaller. Therefore, the installation area of ​​tab terminal 401 can be reduced. Furthermore, protruding pieces 411a2 and 411b2 are provided on both sides of the recesses 411a1 and 411b1, and their back surfaces are both fixed to the first connection object by the fixing member of the electrical connection member 150. This reduces the peeling force acting on the protruding pieces 411a2 and 411b2, in other words, delays the peeling force acting on the protruding pieces 411a2 and 411b2. This prevents the tab terminal 401 from peeling off.

[0065] The tab terminals 400, 401 of this embodiment are examples in which the base portion 210 of the tab terminal 200 of the second embodiment is modified, but are also applicable to the tab terminal 100 of the first embodiment and the tab terminal 300 of the third embodiment.

[0066] Glass structure with tab terminals (Figure 7)

[0067] The configuration of a glass plate structure with tabs provided with tab terminals 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a front view of the glass plate structure with tabs provided with tab terminals according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] 7, the glass plate structure 1 with a tab terminal includes a tab terminal 100, an electrical connection member 150, and a rear glass 10. More specifically, the tab terminal 100 is electrically connected to a contact member 11 via the electrical connection member 150, and a defogger circuit board having the contact member 11 is installed on the rear glass 10, thereby forming the glass plate structure 1 with a tab terminal.

[0069] A circuit board is installed on the surface of the rear window 10 facing the passenger compartment, and the tab terminal 100 is attached to a contact member 11. The material of the contact member 11 is not particularly limited, but may be any conductive metal such as gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, copper, iron, palladium, chromium, or stainless steel. Similarly, the material of the tab terminal 100 is not particularly limited, but may be any conductive metal such as gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, copper, iron, palladium, chromium, or stainless steel.

[0070] In the glass plate structure 1 with tab terminals, the electrical connection member 150 is disposed between the tab terminal 100 and the contact member 11. One surface of the electrical connection member 150 is adhered to the contact member 11 with an adhesive or the like, and the other surface is adhered to the tab terminal 100 with an adhesive or the like. In this way, the tab terminal 100 is connected to the contact member 11 via the electrical connection member 150 and fixed to the rear glass 10.

[0071] The rear glass 10 is an example of an installation object, but the installation object of the tab terminal 100 is not limited thereto and may be other glass plates. The other glass plates are not particularly limited, but are preferably automotive glass plates. An electric heating wire may be provided on an automotive glass plate for a defroster, defogger, or the like. A conductive layer is usually provided on the glass plate provided with the electric heating wire as a contact member 11 to which the electric heating wire is gathered and connected. The tab terminal 100 is connected to the conductive layer via an electrical connection member 150, so that an electric current flows through the electric heating wire via the tab terminal 100, the electrical connection member 150, and the conductive layer.

[0072] In this embodiment, the connection piece portion 120 of the tab terminal 100 is configured to be connected, via the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b, to the outer edge of the base portion 110 fixed to the electrical connection member 150. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the connection piece portion 120, the force is distributed to the first connecting portion 130a and the second connecting portion 130b, making it possible to prevent the tab terminal 100 from peeling off.

[0073] Moreover, the tab terminal 100 is configured so that the thin plate-like base portion 110 can be attached to the rear glass 10 on which the contact member 11 is provided via the electrical connection member 150. Therefore, the base portion 110 can follow the curved shape of the curved rear glass 10 via the electrical connection member 150, so even when the tab terminal 100 is attached to the curved rear glass 10 via the electrical connection member 150, peeling can be suppressed.

[0074] In the above description of the glass plate structure 1 with tab terminal, an example in which the tab terminal 100 according to the first embodiment is used has been described, but the same applies to cases in which the tab terminals of other embodiments are used, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The tab terminal 100 of this embodiment can also be used for electrical connection via the electrical connection member 150 to sensors such as antennas, camera heaters, wiper heaters, backlights, and rain sensors on a glass plate, which have conductive connection parts on the glass plate, as well as to solar cells and the like. [Example]

[0075] Next, the tab terminal according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, although the present embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0076] In order to verify the effect of preventing peeling of the fastening member of the tab terminals 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 201, 300, and 301 of each embodiment, Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were prepared as samples of the tab terminals 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 201, 300, and 301, as described below. The electrical connection member used had a cylindrical conductive rubber with a diameter of 3 mm at the center and double-sided tape surrounding it in the shape of a square frame, and the fastening member of the double-sided tape was an acrylic adhesive with a fastening strength (peel strength) of 3.2 N / cm (180° peel adhesive strength).

[0077] In Example 1, the tab terminal 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 20 mm length x 15 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0078] In Example 2, a tab terminal 101 of a modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3A was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.5 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° with respect to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 14 mm × 14 mm, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0079] In Example 3, a tab terminal 102 of another modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3B was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 15 mm length × 20 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0080] In Example 4, a tab terminal 103 of another modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3C was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 15° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 15 mm length × 20 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0081] In Example 5, the tab terminal 200 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4A was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.4 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 20 mm length × 15 mm width, and the peel force and conformability to a curved surface were confirmed.

[0082] In Example 6, the tab terminal 200 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4A was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 20 mm length × 15 mm width, and the peel force and conformability to a curved surface were confirmed.

[0083] In Example 7, a tab terminal 201 of a modified example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4B was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 90° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 15 mm length × 20 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0084] In Example 8, the tab terminal 300 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5A was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 15° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 22 mm length × 20 mm width, and the peel force and conformability to a curved surface were confirmed.

[0085] In Example 9, a tab terminal 301 of a modified example of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5B was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 6 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 15° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 22 mm length × 20 mm width, and the peel force and conformability to a curved surface were confirmed.

[0086] In Comparative Example 1, a tab terminal 30 having a connecting portion 33 with a connecting piece portion 32 in a cantilever shape at only one end of a base portion 31 shown in FIG. 8A was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.5 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 12 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 17 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 180° relative to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 20 mm length × 15 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0087] In Comparative Example 2, a tab terminal 20 having a connecting portion 23 with a connecting piece portion 22 in a cantilever shape at only one end of a base portion 21 as shown in FIG. 8B was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.5 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 8 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 4 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 45° to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 14 mm length × 14 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0088] In Comparative Example 3, a tab terminal 20 having a connecting portion 23 with a connecting piece portion 22 at only one end of a base portion 21 as shown in FIG. 8B was used, and the material was copper, the thickness of the base portion was 0.8 mm, the length of the connecting portion was 8 mm, the width of the connecting portion was 4 mm, the orientation of the male terminal was 45° to the horizontal direction, and the size of the double-sided tape used was 14 mm length × 14 mm width, and the peel force and ability to follow a curved surface were confirmed.

[0089] To evaluate the peel strength of the tab terminals with electrical connection members attached to glass plates using the tab terminals of the aforementioned Examples and Comparative Examples, a sponge was placed on the top surface of the base, and pressure was applied to the base with a U-shaped presser, avoiding the male terminal (connection piece) and the connecting portion. The pressure was applied under a load of 1.5 MPa (660 N for the 22x20 mm diameter and 450 N for the 15x20 mm diameter). The pressure was applied using a Fuji Controls air press (QCP-2-60-003), a press controller (CP-2 type) and air press combination. A ram-shank-mounted load cell (003, rated capacity 3 kN) was attached to the tip of the press to apply pressure. Tensile tests were then performed in the perpendicular and parallel directions, and the peel load (N) was measured.

[0090] Furthermore, as an evaluation test for the tab terminals, the adhesive strength was measured using each of the tab terminals of the above-mentioned examples and comparative examples when the curvature of the concave curved surface of the glass plate that served as the opposing curved surface was R630 and R900, and the ability to follow the curved surface was confirmed.

[0091] The results of the evaluation test for each tab terminal of each of these Examples and Comparative Examples are shown in the following Table 1. The evaluation results for the ability to follow curved surfaces in Table 1 are indicated by "◎", "◯", and "×" as follows. ◎: Follows the curvature R630 and exhibits the same adhesive strength as a flat surface. ○: Follows the curvature R900 and shows the same adhesive strength as a flat surface. ×: Does not follow curvature R900.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] The evaluation results of the above examples and comparative examples showed that, compared to the comparative examples in which the connecting portion was provided only on one end of the base portion, the examples all achieved high peel strength in both directions perpendicular to and parallel to the fixing surface. This indicates that providing the connecting portions that electrically connect the connecting piece portion of the tab terminal and the base portion in opposing positions extending from both ends of the base portion provides high peel strength, thereby suppressing peeling. However, while Example 5 exhibited a lower peel strength in the perpendicular direction than Comparative Example 1, it exhibited a high peel strength in the parallel direction and good conformability to curved surfaces, making it preferable for installation on curved glass plates, such as the rear windshield of an automobile.

[0094] In particular, it was found that Example 3 had a higher peel strength in both the direction perpendicular to and parallel to the fixing surface than Example 1. This shows that by providing the connecting portion so as to straddle the short side direction of the base portion, the length of the connecting portion becomes shorter than when the connecting portion is provided so as to straddle the long side direction of the base portion, and therefore peel separation of the fixing member is more easily suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, comparing the evaluation test results of Examples 1 and 6, which had the same base portion configuration, with those of Examples 3 and 7, it was found that Examples 1 and 3, which correspond to the first embodiment, achieved higher peel strengths in both directions perpendicular to and parallel to the fixing surface than Examples 6 and 7, which correspond to the second embodiment. This finding suggests that a configuration in which the connecting portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the base, as in Examples 1 and 3, prevents the stress distributed in the connecting portion from acting perpendicular to the adhesive surface, more effectively suppressing peeling of the fixing member than a configuration in which the connecting portion is spaced apart from the upper surface of the base, as in Examples 6 and 7. In particular, Examples 1 and 3 exhibited higher peel strengths per unit area than Examples 6 and 7, respectively, and therefore were less susceptible to peeling even with a smaller fixing area, making them effective for miniaturizing tab terminals. For example, when installing on a glass plate such as the rear windshield of an automobile, it is preferable to minimize the glass surface area. In this respect, Examples 1 and 3, which enable a smaller installation area for the tab terminal, are particularly effective when the mounting surface is a glass plate.

[0096] On the other hand, it was found that Examples 1, 5, and 6 had better ability to follow curved surfaces than Examples 2, 3, and 4. This shows that by providing the connecting portion so as to straddle the long side direction of the base portion, the length of the connecting portion becomes longer than when the connecting portion is provided so as to straddle the short side direction of the base portion, and therefore the ability to follow curved surfaces against the curved surface is improved.

[0097] Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] For example, a term that appears at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader or equivalent meaning can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configurations and operations of the tab terminal, the electrical connection member with tab terminal, and the glass plate structure with tab terminal are not limited to those described in the embodiments and examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible. For example, in addition to the automotive applications exemplified in the embodiments, tab terminals can be used in vehicles, aircraft, ships, construction machinery, home appliances, building materials such as window glass, building equipment, industrial equipment, consumer equipment, and the like. Furthermore, the object to which the tab terminal is to be installed can be a glass plate or a resin plate such as a transparent resin plate that is provided therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Glass plate structure with tab terminals 10 Rear glass (glass plate) 11 Contact point member (first connection object) 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 201, 300, 301, 400, 401 Tab terminals 110, 111, 112, 113, 210, 211, 310, 311, 410, 411 Base 110A, 210A, 311A ​​First surface 110B Second Side 110a, 112a, 113a, 210a, 211a, 310a, 311a, 410a, 411a (one side of the base) 110b, 112b, 113b, 210b, 211b, 310b, 311b, 410b, 411b (other side of base) 120, 121, 122, 123, 220, 221, 320, 321, 420, 421 Connection piece 130, 131, 132, 133, 230, 231, 330, 331, 430, 431 Connection part 130a, 131a, 132a, 133a, 230a, 231a, 330a, 331a, 430a, 431a First connecting portion 130b, 131b, 132b, 133b, 230b, 231b, 330b, 331b, 430b, 431b Second connecting portion 130c, 230c, 330c Folded section 130d, 230d, 330d strip section 140, 340, 341 joint 150 Electrical connection parts 160 Electrical connection member with tab terminal 410a1, 410b1 slit section 410a2, 410b2 Projecting piece 411a1, 411b1 recess

Claims

1. In a tab terminal for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object, a base portion fixed to the first connection object; a connection piece portion to be connected to the second connection object; a connecting portion connecting the base portion and the connecting piece portion, The connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion extending from different outer edges of the base portion in directions approaching each other and connected to the connecting piece portion. Tab terminal.

2. the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged in surface contact with a first surface of the base portion; The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

3. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each have a U-shaped folded portion that is bent so as to be spaced apart from the first surface of the base portion, and a strip portion that connects the U-shaped folded portion and the connecting piece portion. The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

4. The base portion is rectangular, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed to connect to the short side of the outer edge of the base portion. The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

5. The base portion is rectangular, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed to connect to the long side of the outer edge of the base portion. The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

6. the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have a connecting portion that is connected to each other at a central position of the base portion; The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

7. the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed to have different lengths, and have a connecting portion that is connected to the first connecting portion at a position closer to the outer edge than the center of the base portion; The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

8. the base portion has slits adjacent to the base ends of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

9. the base portion has a recessed portion recessed toward the center of the base portion at an outer edge connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have base ends connected to the base portion inside the recess. The tab terminal according to claim 1 .

10. An electrical connecting member with a tab terminal, which includes a tab terminal that electrically connects a first connection object and a second connection object, The tab terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a connection piece portion is connected to the second connection object; an electrical connection member fixed to the base portion of the tab terminal, Electrical connection member with tab terminal

11. The electrical connection member is at least one of conductive rubber, conductive adhesive, conductive double-sided tape, and adhesive-backed metal leaf spring. The electrical connection member with tab terminal according to claim 10.

12. In a glass plate structure with a tab terminal, a tab terminal for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object is provided on the glass plate, The tab terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a connection piece portion is connected to the second connection object; an electrical connection member fixed to a base portion of the tab terminal; The first connection object is provided on at least one surface of the glass plate, the electrical connection member is disposed between the tab terminal and the first connection object, The tab terminal is connected to the first connection object via the electrical connection member and fixed to the glass plate. Glass plate structure with tab terminals.

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