Terminal holding unit and terminal

Abstract

To satisfactorily connect a terminal and a connection target member even in a case where a positional relation between a terminal holding member and the connection target member varies in a direction which crosses a connection surface.SOLUTION: A terminal holding unit 20 comprises a terminal 50 and a terminal holding member 30 which holds the terminal. The terminal 50 includes a tabular connection part 54 and a slider 56 extending in a direction which crosses the tabular connection part. The terminal holding member 30 includes a terminal set part 40 which is positioned adjacently to a connection target member. The terminal set part 40 includes a guide recess 42 into which the slider is fitted so as to be moved in an extension direction of the slider. The slider is fitted into the guide recess, such that the terminal is supported movably in the extension direction of the slider in a state where the tabular connection part protrudes from the terminal holding member so as to be opposed to the connection target member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal holding unit and a terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a voltage detection unit including a housing and a voltage detection terminal accommodated in the housing. In Patent Document 1, a notch is formed in the housing, and the top and bottom surfaces of the tip of the voltage detection terminal are exposed through the notch. The top surface of the exposed tip of the voltage detection terminal and the bottom surface of a portion of the flange of the conductive plate that is exposed downward are used to fix the tip of the voltage detection terminal and the portion of the flange of the conductive plate by a method such as ultrasonic bonding or welding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-171439 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The positional relationship between the housing and the connection target component may be shifted in a direction intersecting the connection surface of the terminal, which may make it difficult to connect the terminal and the connection target component if the terminal is supported in a fixed position relative to the housing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable a good connection between a terminal and a connection target member even when the positional relationship between the terminal holding member and the connection target member fluctuates in a direction intersecting the connection surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The terminal holding unit of the present disclosure comprises a terminal and a terminal holding member that holds the terminal, the terminal including a plate-shaped connecting portion and a slider extending in a direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion, the terminal holding member including a terminal set portion located next to a member to be connected, the terminal set portion having a guide recess into which the slider is fitted so as to be movably aligned along the extension direction of the slider, and by fitting the slider into the guide recess, the terminal is supported so as to be movably aligned along the extension direction of the slider, with the plate-shaped connecting portion protruding from the terminal holding member so as to face the member to be connected.

[0007] In addition, the terminal of the present disclosure is a terminal held by a terminal holding member, and is a terminal that includes a plate-shaped connecting portion and a slider that extends in a direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion and is movably fitted into a guide recess of the terminal holding portion along the intersecting direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, even if the positional relationship between the terminal holding member and the connection target member fluctuates in a direction intersecting the connection surface, the terminal and the connection target member can be connected satisfactorily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal holding unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the terminal set portion and the terminals. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal set portion and the terminals. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal set portion and the terminals. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the VV cross section of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of setting a terminal in a terminal setting section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for connecting a terminal to a connection target member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The terminal holding unit of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0012] (1) A terminal holding unit comprising: a terminal; and a terminal holding member that holds the terminal; the terminal includes a plate-shaped connecting portion and a slider that extends in a direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion; the terminal holding member includes a terminal set portion located next to a connection target member; the terminal set portion has a guide recess into which the slider is fitted so as to be movable along the extension direction of the slider; and when the slider is fitted into the guide recess, the terminal is supported so as to be movable along the extension direction of the slider with the plate-shaped connecting portion protruding from the terminal holding member so as to face the connection target member.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, even if the positional relationship between the terminal holding member and the connection target member changes in a direction intersecting the plate-shaped connection portion, the terminal can be displaced along the extension direction of the slider while being held by the terminal set portion. Therefore, the position of the terminal can be displaced to match the position of the connection target member, making it easier to bring the plate-shaped connection portion of the terminal into surface contact with the connection target member. In the direction intersecting the slider, the amount of movement of the terminal is restricted within the range in which the slider can move within the guide recess. Therefore, the terminal is less likely to be significantly misaligned with the connection target portion of the connection target member. Therefore, the terminal and the connection target member can be connected well.

[0014] (2) In the terminal holding unit of (1), the slider may include a plate-shaped slider body and a pair of ribs protruding from each of both sides of the slider body to one side in the thickness direction of the slider body, and the slider may be fitted into the guide recess with the other side in the thickness direction of the slider body, the outward surfaces of each of the pair of ribs, and the tip edges of the pair of ribs facing the inner surface of the guide recess.

[0015] In this case, the pair of ribs protruding from both sides of the slider body makes it difficult for the slider to deform. When the slider is fitted into the guide recess, the terminal can be stably guided.

[0016] (3) In the terminal holding unit of (2), the slider has a retaining protrusion that protrudes from the portion of the slider body between the pair of ribs to one side in the thickness direction of the slider body, and the terminal set portion has an elastic retaining piece located in a portion surrounding the guide recess that faces the retaining protrusion, and the elastic retaining piece is a portion that is separated from other portions on both sides in the width direction and extends in the extension direction of the slider, and the elastic retaining piece is elastically deformable in directions toward and away from the retaining protrusion, with the end of the elastic retaining piece on the tip side of the slider as a fixed end, and a protrusion that engages with the retaining protrusion to prevent it from coming off may be formed on the end of the elastic retaining piece on the base end side of the slider.

[0017] In this case, the space between the pair of ribs can be used to place a retaining protrusion, elastic retaining piece, etc. to prevent the slider from coming out, which makes it possible to reduce the size. In addition, the part of the terminal set that does not contribute to guiding the slider can be used as the elastic retaining piece, which also makes it possible to reduce the size.

[0018] (4) In the terminal holding unit of any one of (1) to (3), the terminal set portion may have a rear-side regulating portion that contacts the plate-shaped connecting portion at the opening edge of the guide recess and regulates the movement of the slider toward the tip side.

[0019] This allows the plate-like connecting portion to be used to restrict movement of the slider toward the tip side, making it possible to reduce the size.

[0020] (5) In the terminal holding unit of (4), a reinforcing rib is formed at the portion where the plate-shaped connection portion and the slider are connected to keep the slider bent relative to the plate-shaped connection portion, and the rear-side regulating portion may have a retraction recess that is recessed at the portion corresponding to the reinforcing rib, and a pair of abutment portions on both sides of the retraction recess that contact the plate-shaped connection portion.

[0021] This makes it easier for the reinforcing ribs to keep the slider bent relative to the plate-shaped connecting portion. The pair of contact portions can contact the plate-shaped connecting portion at positions that avoid the reinforcing ribs, making it possible to stabilize the position at which the slider movement toward the tip side is restricted.

[0022] (6) In the terminal holding unit of any one of (1) to (5), the opening edge of the guide recess on the side where the slider is inserted may have a guide surface that gradually slopes outward.

[0023] This makes it easier to fit the slider into the guide recess by guiding the slider along the guide surface.

[0024] (7) A terminal holding unit according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the terminal has a wire connection portion to which an electric wire is connected, the wire connection portion, the plate-shaped connection portion, and the slider are connected in this order, the plate-shaped connection portion has a relay portion located between the wire connection portion and the slider, and an extension portion extending outward from the relay portion, and the extension portion may be connected to the connection target member.

[0025] In this case, the wire connection portion, plate-shaped connection portion, and slider are connected in this order, and the extension portion of the plate-shaped connection portion extends outward to connect to the connection target component. This makes it easy to position the slider close to the connection target component. Even if the slider is tilted with respect to the guide recess, the effect of misalignment of the extension portion can be reduced, making it easy to properly connect the extension portion to the connection target component.

[0026] The terminals of the present disclosure are as follows:

[0027] (8) A terminal held by a terminal holding member, the terminal comprising: a plate-shaped connecting portion; and a slider extending in a transverse direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion and movably fitted into a guide recess of the terminal holding portion along the transverse direction.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, even if the positional relationship between the terminal holding member and the connection target member changes in a direction intersecting the terminal's connection surface, the terminal can be displaced along the extension direction of the slider while being held by the terminal set portion. Therefore, the position of the terminal can be displaced to match the position of the connection target member, making it easier to bring the terminal's connection surface into surface contact with the connection target member. In the direction intersecting the slider, the amount of movement of the terminal is restricted within the range in which the slider can move within the guide recess. Therefore, the terminal is less likely to be significantly misaligned with the connection target portion of the connection target member. Therefore, the terminal and the connection target member can be connected well.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal holding unit of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0030] [Embodiment] The terminal holding unit according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0031] <Overall structure> 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal holding unit 20. The terminal holding unit 20 is a unit including a terminal 50 and a terminal holding member 30 that holds the terminal 50. The terminal 50 is connected to a connection target member 10 while being held by the terminal holding member 30.

[0032] More specifically, the terminal holding member 30 is assembled around one end (here, the upper part) of the connection target member 10.

[0033] Here, the connection target component 10 is an electrical component, such as a battery. For example, the connection target component 10 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A mating terminal 12 is formed on the upper surface of the connection target component 10 as a connection target portion. The mating terminal 12 has a rectangular connection target surface 12f. The connection target surface 12f is located next to one of the sides of the upper surface of the connection target component 10. A terminal 50 is placed on the connection target surface 12f. With the terminal 50 in surface contact with the connection target surface 12f, the terminal and the connection target surface 12f are electrically and mechanically connected. For example, the terminal 50 is connected to the connection target surface 12f by soldering or welding.

[0034] The terminal holding member 30 has a base portion 32, a surrounding wall portion 34, a first outer wall portion 36, and a second outer wall portion 38. The surrounding wall portion 34, the first outer wall portion 36, and the second outer wall portion 38 are portions that protrude toward one main surface of the base portion 32. The space on one main surface of the base portion 32 is partitioned by the surrounding wall portion 34, the first outer wall portion 36, and the second outer wall portion 38, thereby forming a space on one main surface of the base portion 32 that holds the electric wire 18 along a fixed path.

[0035] The terminal holding member 30 may be a part integrally molded from resin. The terminal holding member 30 may be formed from fiber-reinforced resin. Fiber-reinforced resin is a resin whose strength is increased by compounding it with fibers. The fibers may be glass fibers, carbon fibers, or resin fibers.

[0036] The base portion 32 is a flat portion and has an opening 32h in which the upper part of the connection target component 10 can be placed. The opening 32h is formed in a shape that matches the outer peripheral shape of the upper part of the connection target component 10, in this case a rectangular shape. The connection target component 10 can be exposed to the upper side of the base portion 32 through the opening 32h.

[0037] The opening 32h is surrounded by a surrounding wall 34. The surrounding wall 34 has a rectangular frame-like wall shape. In this embodiment, the surrounding wall 34 has a rectangular frame shape that is long in one direction. The upper part of the connection target component 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall 34.

[0038] A terminal set portion 40 into which a terminal 50 can be set is formed at a portion of the outer circumferential position of the surrounding wall portion 34. When the connection target component 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall portion 34, the terminal set portion 40 is located next to the connection target component 10.

[0039] The first outer wall portion is located on the side of the surrounding wall portion where the terminal set portion 40 is located, with a gap therebetween. An elongated space P1 is formed between the surrounding wall portion and the first outer wall portion .

[0040] The second outer wall portion 38 is located outside a portion of the surrounding wall portion 34 that corresponds to one long side of the surrounding wall portion 34, with a gap therebetween. The second outer wall portion 38 extends from one end side of the first outer wall portion 36 in a direction intersecting with the first outer wall portion 36. An elongated space P2 is formed between the surrounding wall portion 34 and the second outer wall portion 38.

[0041] The spaces P1 and P2 are connected in an L-shape. A wire guide space that guides the wire 18 along an L-shaped path is formed by the space P2 and a portion of the space P1 that is closer to the space P2.

[0042] In the space P1, the terminal set part 40 is located at a position near the end far from the space P2. The slider 56 at the tip of the terminal 50 is held by the terminal set part 40. The terminal 50 moves from the terminal set part 40 toward a position in the space P1 near the space P2.

[0043] The electric wire 18 is connected to the base end of the terminal 50 by crimping or the like. The electric wire 18 extending from the terminal 50 is guided along a predetermined path from the space P1 through the space P2.

[0044] A recess 34g is formed in the longitudinal middle of the portion of the surrounding wall 34 that faces the first outer wall 36. In the extension direction of the space P1, the recess 34g is located between the tip and base ends of the terminal 50. A plate-shaped connecting portion 54 is located between the tip and base ends of the terminal 50. The plate-shaped connecting portion 54 passes through the recess 34g from within the space P1 and is positioned on the upper surface of the connection target component 10 fitted into the surrounding wall 34.

[0045] For ease of explanation, the two orthogonal directions parallel to the plate-like connecting portion 54 are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the plate-like connecting portion 54 is defined as the Z direction. The X direction is defined as the direction connecting the tip and base ends of the terminal 50, and the Y direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0046] When connecting the terminal 50 to the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10, the upper part of the connection target component 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall portion 34. In this case, the terminal holding member 30 is kept in a fixed position relative to the connection target component 10 in the X and Y directions. Therefore, when the terminal 50 is kept in a fixed position relative to the terminal holding member 30 in the X and Y directions, the plate-like connecting portion 54 of the terminal 50 can be positioned accurately on the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10 in the X and Y directions.

[0047] However, if only the upper portion of the connection target component 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall portion 34, it is expected that the position of the terminal holding member 30 relative to the connection target component 10 will vary in the Z direction. For example, due to the convenience of the work process, it is expected that it will be difficult to arrange the support part 16 that supports the connection target component 10 and the terminal holding member 30 in a constant positional relationship in the Z direction. For example, if the terminal holding member 30 has multiple sets of surrounding wall portions 34 and terminal set portions 40, it is expected that it will be difficult to accurately align the positions of the multiple connection target components 10 in the Z direction and fit them into the corresponding surrounding wall portions 34.

[0048] In view of such a case, it is preferable that the terminals 50 are held in a state in which they can move to some extent relative to the terminal holding member 30 in the Z direction.

[0049] To summarize the above, it is preferable that the terminals 50 are held in a fixed position relative to the terminal holding member 30 in the X and Y directions, and are held so as to be able to move more in the Z direction than in the X and Y directions. The configuration for achieving the above will be specifically described below.

[0050] <Configuration for holding terminals> Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the terminal set portion 40 and the terminals 50. Figs. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views showing the terminal set portion 40 and the terminals 50. Fig. 5 is a perspective view taken along the VV cross section of Fig. 2.

[0051] The terminal 50 is made of a conductive material and includes a plate-shaped connecting portion 54 and a slider 56. The slider 56 extends in a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the plate-shaped connecting portion 54. The slider 56 is slidably supported, so that the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 can move in the sliding direction of the slider 56.

[0052] More specifically, the terminal 50 includes an electric wire connection portion 52, a plate-shaped connection portion 54, and a slider 56. The electric wire connection portion 52, the plate-shaped connection portion 54, and the slider 56 are connected in series in this order. The terminal 50 is a conductive member made of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, an alloy thereof, or the like. The terminal 50 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. The terminal 50 may be plated.

[0053] The electric wire connection portion 52 is a portion to which the electric wire 18 is connected. For example, the electric wire connection portion 52 is a portion that is crimped to a core wire exposed at the end of the electric wire 18. The electric wire 18 may be connected to the electric wire connection portion 52 by soldering, welding, or the like. The electric wire 18 extends from the electric wire connection portion 52 to the side opposite to the plate-like connection portion 54.

[0054] The plate-shaped connecting portion 54 is formed in a plate shape. The plate-shaped connecting portion 54 extends laterally from the line connecting the electric wire connecting portion 52 and the slider 56, and can be disposed on the connection target component 10.

[0055] More specifically, the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 has a relay portion 54a and an extending portion 54b. The relay portion 54a is an elongated plate-shaped portion located between the electric wire connecting portion 52 and the slider 56. The base portion 32 is penetrated from the front to the back at the portion where the relay portion 54a is located, but this is not essential.

[0056] The extending portion 54b extends outward from the relay portion 54a and is connected to the connection target component 10. More specifically, the extending portion 54b extends from one side of the relay portion 54a in a direction perpendicular to a line connecting the electric wire connection portion 52 and the slider 56. The relay portion 54a and the extending portion 54b are located on the same plane, but this is not essential, and the relay portion 54a and the extending portion 54b may be connected via a step.

[0057] The extending portion 54b has a plate shape in which a narrow portion 54b2 is connected to a rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1. The narrow portion 54b2 is located between the rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1 and the relay portion 54a. The portion of the rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1 that overlaps with the connection target surface 12f is the connection surface.

[0058] When the terminal 50 is set in the terminal set portion 40, the relay portion 54a is located on an extension of the space P1 surrounded by the surrounding wall portion 34 and the first outer wall portion 36. The narrow portion 54b2 passes through a recess 34g formed in the surrounding wall portion 34. The square plate-shaped portion 54b1 extends inward within the surrounding wall portion 34 and is located within the opening 32h in a plan view. The square plate-shaped portion 54b1 is superimposed on the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10 and is connected to the connection target surface 12f.

[0059] By making the rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1 wider than the narrow portion 54b2, the rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1 is connected to the connection target surface 12f with a large contact area. By making the narrow portion 54b2 narrower than the rectangular plate-shaped portion 54b1, even if the terminal 50 moves, it is less likely to interfere with the surrounding wall portion 34, etc.

[0060] The slider 56 extends in a direction intersecting the plate-like connecting portion 54 and is slidably supported by the terminal set portion 40. The sliding movement of the slider 56 allows the plate-like connecting portion 54 to move in its thickness direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the slider 56 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate-like connecting portion 54. Here, perpendicular includes perpendicular within a tolerance range. The perpendicular within the tolerance range may be, for example, in the range of 90±5°.

[0062] More specifically, the slider 56 includes a slider body 57 and a pair of ribs 59 .

[0063] The slider body 57 is formed in a plate shape, more specifically, in a rectangular plate shape. In this embodiment, the slider body 57 is connected to the end of the relay portion 54a on the opposite side to the electric wire connection portion 52. The slider body 57 is connected to the end of the relay portion 54a at a right angle.

[0064] The pair of ribs 59 protrude from each of both sides of the slider body 57 to one side in the thickness direction of the slider body 57. In this embodiment, the pair of ribs 59 protrude on the side opposite to the relay portion 54a, but they may also protrude on the relay portion 54a side. The protruding lengths of the pair of ribs 59 relative to the slider body 57 may be the same.

[0065] Each rib 59 is formed in the shape of an elongated plate. The ribs 59 extend over the entire side edge of the slider body 57. The ribs may also be formed partially on the side edge of the slider body.

[0066] A reinforcing rib 55 is formed at the L-shaped bent portion where the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 and the slider main body 57 are connected. The reinforcing rib 55 is located at the middle portion of the L-shaped bent portion in the extending direction. The reinforcing rib 55 protrudes inward from the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 and the slider main body 57. The reinforcing rib 55 reinforces the slider main body 57 so as to maintain the bent state relative to the plate-shaped connecting portion 54.

[0067] The slider 56 has a retaining protrusion 58. The retaining protrusion 58 is a portion of the slider body 57 that protrudes from a portion between a pair of ribs 59. The retaining protrusion 58 protrudes to one side in the thickness direction of the slider body 57. The retaining protrusion 58 protrudes in the same direction relative to the slider body 57 as the rib 59 protrudes in the same direction relative to the slider body 57.

[0068] The retaining projection 58 may be formed by partially cutting the slider body 57 and pressing a portion adjacent to the cut portion into a protruding shape. For example, a portion of the slider body 57 between a pair of ribs 59 and near the base end is partially cut along the width direction of the slider body 57. The portion adjacent to the cut portion is pressed so as to protrude in the same direction as the protruding direction of the pair of ribs 59, thereby forming the retaining projection 58. A surface 58f1 of the retaining projection 58 on the base end side of the slider body 57 is formed by cutting and extends in a direction perpendicular to the slider body 57. The outer surface of the portion of the retaining projection 58 near the tip of the slider body 57 is formed into a guide curved surface 58f2 whose protruding dimension gradually decreases toward the tip of the slider body 57.

[0069] The terminal set portion 40 has a guide recess 42. The guide recess 42 is a portion into which the slider 56 is fitted so as to be movable along the extension direction of the slider 56. The extension direction of the slider 56 is the direction in which the slider 56 protrudes relative to the plate-like connecting portion 54.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the guide recess 42 is a recess recessed from one main surface side of the base portion 32 in the thickness direction thereof, and more specifically, is a through-hole penetrating through the thickness direction of the base portion 32. The guide recess may be a recess with a bottom.

[0071] When the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 connected to the base end of the slider 56 protrudes from the terminal holding member 30 into the opening 32h and is supported in a state facing the connection target member 10. While maintaining this state, the terminal 50 is supported so as to be movable along the extension direction of the slider 56.

[0072] That is, by fitting the slider 56 into the guide recess 42, the position of the terminal 50 relative to the terminal holding member 30 is restricted in the X and Y directions. In the Z direction, the slider 56 moves along the guide recess 42, allowing the terminal 50 to move.

[0073] More specifically, the guide recess 42 is a recess that can accommodate the slider 56 so that the slider 56 can slide in the Z direction while restricting its position in the X and Y directions. The depth of the guide recess 42 may be equal to or greater than the protruding length of the slider 56.

[0074] Here, the guide recess 42 is formed as a rectangular through-hole that is long in one direction. The longitudinal dimension of the guide recess 42 is set to be the same as the width between the outward surfaces 59f of the pair of ribs 59 or larger by a first additional dimension. The first additional dimension is set within a dimensional range that is allowable as a positional error of the terminal 50 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the guide recess 42. The second additional dimension is smaller than the allowable range of movement of the terminal 50 in the movement direction (Z direction) of the slider 56.

[0075] The dimension in the short-side direction of the guide recess 42 is set to be equal to or larger than the distance between the tip edge portions 59a of the pair of ribs 59 and the surface 57f of the slider body 57 on the opposite side to the protruding direction of the ribs 59 by a second additional dimension. The second additional dimension is set within a dimensional range that is allowable as a positional error of the terminal 50 in the short-side direction (X direction) of the guide recess 42. The second additional dimension is smaller than the allowable range of movement of the terminal 50 in the movement direction (Z direction) of the slider 56.

[0076] When the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, a surface 57f of the slider body 57 opposite the rib 59, outward surfaces 59f of each of the pair of ribs 59, and leading edge portions 59a of each of the pair of ribs 59 face the four inner surfaces of the guide recess 42. In the X direction, the surface 57f and the leading edge portions 59a come into contact with two opposing inner surfaces of the guide recess 42, thereby restricting the position of the slider 56 in the X direction. In the Y direction, the pair of surfaces 59f come into contact with two other opposing inner surfaces of the guide recess 42, thereby restricting the position of the slider 56 in the Y direction.

[0077] The terminal 50 is supported so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the Z direction. The structure for restricting movement in the Z direction will be described.

[0078] The restriction of movement of the slider 56 toward the rear in the fitting direction relative to the guide recess 42 will be described.

[0079] A passing recess 43 is formed in the terminal holding member 30 on a part of the periphery of the opening of the guide recess 42, on the side from which the relay portion 54a extends. The passing recess 43 is formed with a width that allows the relay portion 54a to be disposed. The passing recess 43 is recessed with respect to other parts of the periphery of the opening of the guide recess 42. The relay portion 54a extends from the terminal set portion 40 through the passing recess 43. The rear portion of the passing recess 43 contacts the relay portion 54a of the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 at the opening edge of the guide recess 42, and forms a rear-side restricting portion 44 that restricts movement of the slider 56 rearward in the fitting direction.

[0080] The rear-side restricting portion 44 has a retracting recess 44g and a pair of contact portions 44a. The rear-side restricting portion 44 is a bottom portion located on the rear side of the passing recess 43, and extends along the Y direction. The retracting recess 44g is a portion where an intermediate portion of the rear-side restricting portion 44 in the extending direction is further recessed in the Z direction. When the relay portion 54a is arranged in the passing recess 43, the retracting recess 44g is formed at a position corresponding to the reinforcing rib 55.

[0081] The pair of contact portions 44a are located on both outer sides of the retraction recess 44g in the extension direction of the rear-side restricting portion 44. In the Z direction, the pair of contact portions 44a are located at the same position.

[0082] When the slider 56 moves to the rear side of the guide recess 42 and the relay portion 54a moves to the rear side of the rear-side restriction portion 44, the reinforcing rib 55 enters the retraction recess 44g. At the same time, the portions of the relay portion 54a on the slider 56 side, which are adjacent to the reinforcing rib 55, can come into contact with the pair of abutment portions 44a. This restricts the relay portion 54a from moving further rearward in the Z direction. This restricts the slider 56 from moving rearward in the fitting direction.

[0083] The restriction of movement of the slider 56 toward the front side in the fitting direction relative to the guide recess 42 will be described.

[0084] The terminal set portion 40 has an elastic retaining piece 46 located in a portion surrounding the guide recess 42 that faces the retaining protrusion 58. The elastic retaining piece 46 is formed to be elastically deformable inward and outward of the guide recess 42. When the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, the elastic retaining piece 46 elastically deforms outward to allow the retaining protrusion 58 to move into the guide recess 42. Once the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, the elastic retaining piece 46 elastically returns inward and is able to engage with the retaining protrusion 58. This prevents the slider 56 from coming out of the guide recess 42.

[0085] More specifically, a portion of the terminal set portion 40 around the guide recess 42 and opposite the side from which the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 extends is separated by a pair of slits 45. The pair of slits 45 are located apart in the Y direction on the side opposite the side from which the relay portion 54a extends. Each of the pair of slits 45 extends in the Z direction from the upper opening edge of the guide recess 42.

[0086] As a result, the portion of the portion surrounding the guide recess 42 that faces the retaining projection 58 is separated from the other portions on both sides in the width direction. As a result, an elastic retaining piece 46 that is elongated in the Z direction, which is the extension direction of the slider 56, is formed. The end of the elastic retaining piece 46 on the tip side of the slider 56 is supported by the terminal set portion 40 as a fixed end 46a. The elastic retaining piece 46 can elastically deform in directions toward and away from the retaining projection 58, with the fixed end 46a as the center.

[0087] A recess 41g is formed on the outer side of the elastic retaining piece 46 of the terminal set portion 40. The elastic retaining piece 46 can be elastically deformed by utilizing the space within the recess 41g.

[0088] A protrusion 47 is formed on the tip of the elastic retaining piece 46, which is located on the base end side of the slider 56. The protrusion 47 is engaged with the retaining protrusion 58 to prevent it from coming off. For example, the protrusion 47 protrudes from the tip of the elastic retaining piece 46 toward the retaining protrusion 58. The protrusion 47 has an inclined surface 47f1 whose protruding length gradually decreases toward the tip side of the elastic retaining piece 46. The protrusion 47 has a retaining surface 47f2 facing the base end side of the elastic retaining piece 46.

[0089] When the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, the retaining projection 58 comes into contact with the inclined surface 47f1, thereby pressing the elastic retaining piece 46 outward from the guide recess 42. When the retaining projection 58 moves past the protrusion 47, the elastic retaining piece 46 returns to its original shape, and the retaining surface 47f2 faces the retaining projection 58, preventing the slider 56 from coming out.

[0090] The slider 56 is supported so as to be movable in the Z direction between a position where the relay portion 54a contacts the pair of abutment portions 44a and a position where the retaining surface 47f2 contacts the retaining protrusion 58.

[0091] The terminal set portion 40 may have a guide surface 41f that guides the slider 56 toward the guide recess 42. The guide surface 41f is formed on a part or all of the circumferential edge of the opening edge of the guide recess 42 on the side where the slider 56 is inserted. In this embodiment, the guide surface 41f is located on the outer side of one longitudinal side of the guide recess 42. The guide surface 41f is formed so as to gradually incline outward. When the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, the slider 56 is guided toward the inside of the guide recess 42 when the tip of the slider 56 comes into contact with the guide surface 41f.

[0092] <About the terminal set section installation work> An example of the operation of setting the terminal 50 in the terminal setting section 40 will be described.

[0093] The terminal 50 to which the electric wire 18 is connected is prepared, and the tip of the slider 56 is inserted into the guide recess 42. At this time, the slider 56 is guided into the guide recess 42 by the guide surface 41f. Therefore, the tip of the slider 56 can be easily inserted into the guide recess 42.

[0094] The slider 56 is pushed deeper into the guide recess 42 while the surface 57f of the slider body 57 opposite the rib 59 is in contact with the inner surface of the guide recess 42. As shown in FIG. 6 , the retaining protrusion 58 comes into contact with the protrusion 47 of the elastic retaining piece 46 along the way. At this time, the curved guide surface 58f2 of the retaining protrusion 58 comes into contact with the inclined surface 47f1 of the protrusion 47. Therefore, as the slider 56 is pushed deeper, the protrusion 47 is pushed outward from the guide recess 42, and the elastic retaining piece 46 is easily elastically deformed outward.

[0095] When the slider 56 is pushed further inward, the retaining projection 58 passes over the projection 47 toward the rear. Then, the elastic retaining piece 46 returns to its original shape due to its elastic restoring force. As a result, the surface 59f of the retaining projection 58 and the retaining surface 47f2 of the projection 47 face each other in the Z direction. When the slider 56 attempts to come out of the guide recess 42, the retaining projection 58 and the projection 47 come into contact with each other, preventing the slider 56 from coming out.

[0096] When the slider 56 attempts to move toward the rear of the guide recess 42, the portion of the relay portion 54a of the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 that faces the slider 56 can come into contact with the abutment portions 44a on both sides of the outside of the retraction recess 44g. The portion of the relay portion 54a that comes into contact with the abutment portions 44a forms a plane that is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 56, and therefore can stably come into contact with the abutment portions 44a. The reinforcing rib 55 fits into the retraction recess 44g, and therefore does not easily interfere with the contact between the relay portion 54a and the abutment portions 44a. This stabilizes the restricted position of the slider 56 on the rear side.

[0097] <Example of connecting terminals to connection target components> An example of the operation of connecting the terminal 50 held by the terminal holding member 30 to the connection target member 10 will be described.

[0098] As described above, the terminal 50 held by the terminal holding member 30 is prepared.

[0099] The upper part of the connection target component 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall portion 34, and the upper surface of the connection target component 10 is exposed in the opening 32h. At this time, the connection target surface 12f is arranged next to the terminal set portion 40.

[0100] Since the connection target member 10 is fitted into the surrounding wall portion 34, the position of the connection target member 10 relative to the terminal holding member 30 is restricted within a predetermined range in the X and Y directions.

[0101] Furthermore, as described above, the slider 56 is fitted into the guide recess 42, so that the position of the terminal 50 relative to the terminal holding member 30 is restricted within a predetermined range in the X and Y directions.

[0102] Therefore, if each part is designed so that the extension portion 54b of the terminal 50 is positioned on the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10 using the terminal holding member 30 as a reference, it will be easier to accurately position the extension portion 54b of the terminal 50 on the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10.

[0103] As described above, the position of the connection target member 10 relative to the terminal holding member 30 may fluctuate in the Z direction.

[0104] As shown by the solid line in Figure 7, when the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10 is located near the abutment portion 44a in the Z direction, the slider 56 is positioned at the back side of the guide recess 42, and the extension portion 54b can be placed on the connection target surface 12f and connected to the connection target surface 12f.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 7, in the Z direction, when the connection target surface 12f of the connection target component 10 is located on the front side of the insertion direction of the slider 56 into the guide recess 42, with the slider 56 positioned on the front side of the guide recess 42, the extension portion 54b can be placed on the connection target surface 12f and connected to the connection target surface 12f.

[0106] In either case, the position of the extending portion 54b relative to the connection target surface 12f is maintained within a predetermined range in the X and Y directions, so the extending portion 54b can be positioned so as to overlap the connection target surface 12f as accurately as possible. This increases the contact area between the extending portion 54b and the connection target surface 12f as much as possible, enabling a good connection between them.

[0107] <Effects, etc.> According to the terminal holding member 30 and terminal 50 configured as described above, the terminal 50 includes a slider 56 extending in a direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion 54, and the slider 56 is movably fitted into the guide recess 42 of the terminal holding member 30. Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the terminal holding member 30 and the connection target member 10 changes in the Z direction intersecting the plate-shaped connecting portion 54, the terminal 50 can be displaced along the extending direction of the slider 56 while being held by the terminal set portion 40. Therefore, the position of the terminal 50 can be displaced to match the position of the connection target member 10, making it easier to bring the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 of the terminal 50 into surface contact with the connection target member 10. Furthermore, the position of the terminal 50 is restricted in the X direction and Y direction intersecting the slider 56. Therefore, the terminal 50 is less likely to be significantly misaligned with the connection target surface 12f of the connection target member 10. This allows for a good connection between the terminal 50 and the connection target member 10.

[0108] Furthermore, a pair of ribs 59 protrude from both sides of the slider body 57. This makes it difficult for the slider 56 to deform. The slider 56 is fitted into and guided by the guide recess 42, so the terminal 50 is guided stably.

[0109] The retaining projection 58 of the slider 56 protrudes in the same direction as the rib 59. Furthermore, a resilient retaining piece 46 is formed in a portion of the guide recess 42 that faces the retaining projection 58. Therefore, the space between the pair of ribs 59 can be utilized to arrange the retaining projection 58, the resilient retaining piece 46, and other components for preventing the slider 56 from being removed. This allows the terminal set unit 40 to be more compact than when a retaining structure is formed in a different location. The guide recess 42 guides the slider 56 with the outward surfaces 59f, the leading edges 59a, and the portion facing the surface 57f of the slider body 57 of the pair of ribs 59. Therefore, the portion of the guide recess 42 located between the leading edges 59a of the pair of ribs 59 does not contribute to guiding the slider 56. This portion can be utilized as the resilient retaining piece 46. This allows the terminal set unit 40 to be more compact than when a retaining structure is formed in another location.

[0110] Furthermore, by utilizing the portion of the guide recess 42 that does not contribute to guiding as the elastic retaining piece 46, it is easy to lengthen the elastic retaining piece 46. If the elastic retaining piece 46 can be made longer, the elastic deformation area of ​​the elastic retaining piece 46 can be set longer when setting the slider 56. This makes the elastic retaining piece 46 less likely to be damaged. For example, if the terminal holding member 30 is made of fiber-reinforced resin, the elastic retaining piece 46 is less likely to be elastically deformed. Even in this case, if the elastic retaining piece 46 is long, localized deformation of the elastic retaining piece 46 can be avoided and the elastic retaining piece 46 can be elastically deformed as a whole. This makes it easier to set the terminal 50 and makes the elastic retaining piece 46 less likely to be damaged.

[0111] The terminal set portion 40 also has a rear-side restricting portion 44 that contacts the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 and restricts the rearward movement of the slider 56 in the fitting direction. Since the rearward movement of the slider 56 in the fitting direction can be restricted by using the plate-shaped connecting portion 54, the terminal 50 can be made smaller and simpler than when a separate protrusion or the like is formed on the terminal to restrict rearward movement.

[0112] The rear-side restricting portion 44 also has a retraction recess 44g that is recessed in a portion corresponding to the reinforcing rib 55, and a pair of contact portions 44a located on both sides of the retraction recess 44g. The reinforcing rib 55 makes it easy to keep the slider 56 bent relative to the plate-shaped connecting portion 54. Furthermore, the pair of contact portions 44a can contact the plate-shaped connecting portion 54 at positions that avoid the reinforcing rib 55, so that the position at which the slider 56 is restricted from moving rearward in the fitting direction can be stabilized.

[0113] Furthermore, the wire connection portion 52, the plate-shaped connection portion 54, and the slider 56 are connected in this order, and the extending portion 54b of the plate-shaped connection portion 54 extends outward to connect to the connection target member 10. This makes it easy to position the slider 56 close to the connection target member 10. Even if the slider 56 is tilted with respect to the guide recess 42, the extending portion 54b and the slider 56 are close to each other, so the effect of misalignment of the extending portion 54b can be reduced, and the extending portion 54b can be easily connected well to the connection target surface 12f of the connection target member 10.

[0114] [Variations] The connection target component 10 is not limited to the example described in the embodiment, and may be other terminals, bus bars, or the like.

[0115] It is not essential that the electric wire 18 is connected to the terminal 50. The terminal may be a terminal portion located at the end of a bus bar.

[0116] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Connectable parts 12 Mating terminal 12f Connection surface 16 Support parts 18 Electric wire 20 Terminal holding unit 30 Terminal holding member 32 Base 32h opening 34 Enclosure 34g recess 36 1st outer wall section 38 Second outer wall section 40 Terminal set section 41f Guide surface 41g recess 42 Guide recess 43 Passage recess 44 Rear restriction part 44a Contact part 44g Retractable recess 45 Slit 46 Elastic retaining piece 46a fixed end 47 protrusion 47f1 Slope 47f2 Retaining surface 50 terminals 52 Wire connection 54 Plate-shaped connection part 54a Relay section 54b Extension 54b1 Square plate part 54b2 Narrow area 55 Reinforcing rib 56 Slider 57 Slider body 57f Slider body surface 58 Stopper protrusion 58f1 Surface of retaining protrusion 58f2 Guide curve 59 Ribs 59a Tip edge of rib 59f Outer surface of rib

Claims

1. The terminal and a terminal holding member for holding the terminal; Equipped with The terminal is a plate-shaped connection portion; a slider extending in a direction intersecting the plate-like connecting portion; Including, The terminal holding member is a terminal set portion located next to the connection target member, the terminal set portion has a guide recess into which the slider is fitted so as to be movable along the extending direction of the slider, A terminal holding unit in which the slider is fitted into the guide recess, causing the plate-shaped connection portion to protrude from the terminal holding member so as to face the connection target component, and the terminal is supported so as to be movable along the extension direction of the slider.

2. 2. The terminal holding unit according to claim 1, The slider includes: a plate-shaped slider body; a pair of ribs projecting from each of both sides of the slider body toward one side in the thickness direction of the slider body; Including, A terminal holding unit in which the slider is fitted into the guide recess with the other surface of the slider body in the thickness direction, the outward surfaces of each of the pair of ribs, and the tip edges of the pair of ribs facing the inner surface of the guide recess.

3. 3. The terminal holding unit according to claim 2, The slider includes: a retaining projection projecting from a portion of the slider body between the pair of ribs toward one side in a thickness direction of the slider body; The terminal set portion is a resilient retaining piece located in a portion surrounding the guide recess facing the retaining protrusion, the elastic retaining piece is a portion whose both widthwise sides are separated from other portions and which extends in the extending direction of the slider, the elastic retaining piece is elastically deformable in a direction toward and away from the retaining protrusion, with an end of the elastic retaining piece on the tip side of the slider as a fixed end, The terminal holding unit has a protrusion formed on an end of the elastic retaining piece on the base end side of the slider, the protrusion being adapted to engage with the retaining protrusion.

4. 3. The terminal holding unit according to claim 1, The terminal set portion has a rear-side restricting portion that contacts the plate-shaped connecting portion at an opening edge of the guide recess and restricts movement of the slider toward the tip end side of the terminal holding unit.

5. The terminal holding unit of claim 4, a reinforcing rib for maintaining the slider in a bent state relative to the plate-like connecting portion is formed at a portion where the plate-like connecting portion and the slider are connected; The rear-side restricting portion has a recessed portion that is recessed in a portion corresponding to the reinforcing rib, and a pair of abutment portions that contact the plate-shaped connecting portion on both sides of the recessed portion.

6. The terminal holding unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The terminal holding unit has an opening edge of the guide recess on the side where the slider is inserted, the opening edge having a guide surface that gradually slopes outward.

7. The terminal holding unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the terminal has a wire connection portion to which an electric wire is connected, the electric wire connection portion, the plate-shaped connection portion, and the slider are connected in this order, the plate-shaped connecting portion has a relay portion located between the electric wire connecting portion and the slider, and an extending portion extending outward from the relay portion, The terminal holding unit has an extension portion connected to the connection target member.

8. A terminal held by a terminal holding member, a plate-shaped connection portion; a slider extending in a direction intersecting the plate-like connecting portion and fitted in the guide recess of the terminal holding portion so as to be movable along the intersecting direction; A terminal comprising:

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