Crimp terminal fittings

Abstract

Ensure contact load. [Solution] The crimp terminal fitting 10 comprises a terminal body 11 having a pair of crimp blades 15 that extend cantilevered from a base 14, and a pressurizing member 30 which is a separate component from the terminal body 11. A crimp groove 16 is formed between the pair of crimp blades 15 into which an electric wire 50, in which a conductor 51 is surrounded by an insulating coating 52, is pushed. The pair of crimp blades 15 include a pair of blade portions 18 that cut open the insulating coating 52 in the process of pushing the electric wire 50 into the crimp groove 16, and a pair of contact portions 19 that contact the conductor 51 exposed by cutting open the insulating coating 52 by sandwiching it. The pressurizing member 30 has a pressing portion 39 that presses the crimp blades 15 in the process of relative displacement with respect to the terminal body 11, causing the pair of contact portions 19 to move closer to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure contact terminal fitting.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal having a pair of pressure contact blades. The pressure contact blades have a pair of pressure contact portions and a pair of blade portions. A pressure contact groove is formed between the pair of blade portions and the pair of pressure contact portions. By pushing an electric wire into the pressure contact groove, the electric wire and the terminal are connected in a conductive manner. In the process of pushing the electric wire into the pressure contact groove, the insulating coating of the electric wire is cut open by the pair of blade portions, and the conductor core wire is sandwiched between the pressure contact portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the conductor core wire is composed of a plurality of strands twisted together, when it is sandwiched between a pair of pressure contact portions, it is deformed so as to escape in the length direction of the pressure contact groove. As a result, there is a concern that the contact load (contact pressure) between the pressure contact blade and the conductor core wire may be insufficient, leading to poor contact.

[0005] The pressure contact terminal fitting of the present disclosure is completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to ensure the contact load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The pressure contact terminal fitting of the present disclosure has a terminal body having a pair of pressure contact blades extending in a cantilevered form from a base portion, and a pressurizing member which is a component separate from the terminal body, Between the pair of pressure-fitting blades, a pressure-fitting groove is formed into which an electric wire, in which the conductor is surrounded by an insulating coating, is pressed. The pair of pressure-fitting blades are A pair of blades that cut open the insulating coating in the process of pushing the electric wire into the pressure contact groove, It includes a pair of contact portions that contact the conductor, which is exposed when the insulating coating is cut open, by sandwiching it between them, The pressurizing member has a pressing portion that presses the contact blades during the process of relative displacement of the pressurizing member with respect to the terminal body, causing the pair of contact portions to move closer to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a contact load can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the crimp terminal fitting of Embodiment 1, with the pressurizing member held in a temporary locking position, viewed from the rear left at an oblique angle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the crimp terminal fitting, seen from the rear right at an angle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the wires crimped onto the terminal body. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the state in which an electric wire is pressed between a pair of pressure-welding blades. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which an electric wire is pressed between a pair of crimping blades. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the state after the pressure member has been slid from the state shown in Figure 4 to complete the crimping of the electric wires. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state after the pressure member has been slid from the state shown in Figure 5 to complete the crimping of the electric wires. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a back cross-sectional view of the crimp terminal fitting, seen from the rear. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the pressure-welded area, seen from a diagonal rearward angle. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the pressurizing member, seen from the rear at an oblique angle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments, in a manner that does not create a contradiction, is also included as a form for carrying out the invention. The crimp terminal fittings disclosed herein are (1) The terminal comprises a terminal body having a pair of crimping blades that extend in a cantilever shape from a base, and a pressurizing member which is a separate component from the terminal body, wherein a crimping groove is formed between the pair of crimping blades into which an electric wire having a conductor surrounded by an insulating coating is pushed, the pair of crimping blades include a pair of blade portions that cut open the insulating coating in the process of pushing the electric wire into the crimping groove, and a pair of contact portions that contact the conductor exposed by cutting open the insulating coating so as to sandwich it, and the pressurizing member has a pressing portion that presses the crimping blades in the process of relative displacement of the pressurizing member with respect to the terminal body, causing the pair of contact portions to move closer to each other.

[0010] According to the configuration of this disclosure, when the pressure member is displaced relative to the terminal body with the electric wire pressed into the pressure groove, the pressing part presses against the pressure blade, causing the pair of contact parts to come into contact with the conductor in a way that applies pressure while displacing relative to each other so as to move closer together. The direction in which the pair of contact parts displace relative to each other when applying pressure to the conductor is intersecting the extension direction of the pressure blade, so that a contact load can be secured between the conductor and the pressure blade.

[0011] (2) In (1), it is preferable that the contact portion includes a displacement prevention portion that restricts displacement of the conductor toward the base portion side. When the pressing portion presses the pressure contact blade, the pressure contact blades tilt so that the pair of pressure contact blades approach each other with the base portion as a fulcrum. Therefore, the distance between the pair of contact portions becomes narrower at a portion farther from the base portion. Therefore, there is a concern that the conductor may be displaced so as to escape toward the base portion side. As a countermeasure, by forming a displacement prevention portion on the pair of contact portions, displacement of the conductor toward the base portion side is prevented. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the contact load caused by the conductor being separated from the contact portion. Further, it is possible to suppress cutting of the fine metal wire caused by the conductor slidingly contacting the contact portion, and to suppress a decrease in the contact pressure load caused by the cutting of the fine metal wire.

[0012] (3) In (2), it is preferable that the region including the displacement prevention portion among the pair of contact portions has an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the conductor. According to this configuration, compared with a non-arc-shaped contact portion, a wider contact area between the conductor and the contact portion can be ensured, and thus, the contact resistance between the conductor and the pressure contact blade can be reduced.

[0013] (4) In (2) or (3), it is preferable that the maximum opposing interval of the pair of contact portions in a state where the conductor is not pushed into the pressure contact groove is larger than the outer diameter of the conductor. According to this configuration, when the electric wire pushed into the pressure contact groove reaches the pressure contact position sandwiched between the pair of contact portions, the sliding resistance between the conductor and the pressure contact blade disappears, so that it can be detected that the electric wire has reached the predetermined pressure contact position.

[0014] (5) In (1) to (3), it is preferable that the terminal body and the pressing member have a temporary locking portion that holds the pressing member in a temporary locking position where the pressing blade is not deformed with respect to the terminal body so that the pair of contact portions approach each other. According to this configuration, in the state before the electric wire is pressed against the terminal body, by assembling the pressing member to the terminal body at the temporary locking position, the clamping member and the terminal body can be integrated. Thereby, compared with the case where the pressing member is assembled to the terminal body after the electric wire is pressed against the terminal body, the tact time in the pressing process can be shortened.

[0015] (6) In (5), it is preferable that the temporary locking portion formed on the pressing member also has a function as the pressing portion. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the temporary locking portion and the pressing portion are separate parts, the shape of the pressing member can be simplified.

[0016] (7) In (5), it is preferable that the pressing member has an expansion restricting portion that restricts the expansion deformation of the pair of pressing blades when the conductor passes through the pair of blade portions. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to cut the insulating coating with the pair of blade portions.

[0017] (8) In (7), it is preferable that the expansion restricting portion has a reinforcing portion that restricts the deformation of the expansion restricting portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the pair of pressing blades from expanding and deforming in the process of pushing the conductor into the pressure contact groove.

[0018] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] [Example 1] An example of the crimp terminal fitting 10 of Embodiment 1, embodying the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included. In Embodiment 1, the front-to-back direction is defined as the F direction in Figures 1 to 7, 9, and 10. The up-and-down direction is defined as the H direction in Figures 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. The left-to-right direction is defined as the R direction in Figures 1 to 10. The left-to-right direction and the width direction are used synonymously.

[0019] The crimp terminal fitting 10 of this embodiment 1 comprises a terminal body 11 and a pressurizing member 30, which is a separate component from the terminal body 11. The crimp terminal fitting 10 is housed in a terminal housing chamber 61 formed in a housing 60. An electric wire 50 is electrically connected to the crimp terminal fitting 10 by crimp contact. The electric wire 50 is a well-known type of component in which a conductor 51 is surrounded by an insulating coating 52 made of insulating synthetic resin. The conductor 51 is, for example, made of a stranded wire formed by twisting together a plurality of thin metal wires 53. The conductor 51 may also be a single-core wire made of a single metal wire. In a cross-section obtained by cutting the conductor 51 perpendicular to the axis of the electric wire 50, the conductor 51 has a shape in which a plurality of thin metal wires 53 are inscribed in a single virtual perfect circle (not shown). The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the insulating coating 52 is a circle concentric with the conductor 51.

[0020] The terminal body 11 is a single component formed by bending a plate made of copper alloy. The terminal body 11 has a rectangular tube portion 12 for connecting to a mating terminal (not shown) and a pair of symmetrical pressure contact portions 13 for press-fitting the electric wire 50. The rectangular tube portion 12 constitutes the front end region of the terminal body 11. The pair of pressure contact portions 13 constitute the rear end region of the terminal body 11.

[0021] Each crimping section 13 has a base 14 and a pair of symmetrical crimping blades 15 that extend cantilevered rearward from the base 14. A crimping groove 16 is formed between the pair of crimping blades 15, opening at the rear edge of the terminal body 11. The electric wire 50 (conductor 51) is pushed into the crimping groove 16 from the rear of the terminal body 11. On the inner edges of the pair of crimping blades 15 that face each other, a pair of tapered sections 17, a pair of blade sections 18, a pair of contact sections 19, and a pair of opposing edge sections 21 are formed. On the outer edges of the pair of crimping blades 15 that do not face each other, a pair of guide sections 22, a pair of temporary locking sections 23, a pair of gradient sections 24, a pair of pressure receiving sections 25, and a pair of stoppers 26 are formed.

[0022] The pair of tapered sections 17 are formed at the rear ends (extended ends) of the pair of crimping blades 15. In a plan view of the crimping terminal fitting 10 viewed from above, the pair of tapered sections 17 have a symmetrical shape. In a plan view, the pair of tapered sections 17 are inclined in a direction that gradually narrows the distance between them in the left-right direction toward the front (towards the base 14). The tapered sections 17 are parts used to align the center of the electric wire 50 (conductor 51) with the center of the crimping section 13 in the left-right direction when the electric wire 50 is pressed into the crimping groove 16 during the process of crimping the electric wire 50 with the crimping section 13.

[0023] The pair of blade portions 18 are positioned adjacent to the front of the tapered portion 17. The pair of blade portions 18 are portions that extend forward from the front end of the tapered portion 17. The pair of blade portions 18 have a symmetrical shape in plan view. The region on the inner edge of the pair of crimping blades 15 in which the blade portions 18 are formed functions as a cutting edge for cutting open the insulating coating 52 during the process of crimping the electric wire 50 to the crimping portion 13. The pair of blade portions 18 are, for example, in a straight line parallel to each other. The distance between the opposing blade portions 18 is set to a dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the insulating coating 52 and slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the conductor 51.

[0024] The pair of contact portions 19 are positioned adjacent to the front of the blade portion 18. The pair of contact portions are parts that extend forward from the front end of the blade portion 18. The pair of contact portions 19 have a symmetrical shape in plan view. The plan view shape of the contact portion 19 at the inner edge of the crimping blade 15 is a recessed arc shape that follows the outer surface of the conductor 51. The contact portion 19 is the part that contacts the conductor 51 that is exposed when the insulating coating 52 is cut open. When the electric wire 50 is not crimped to the crimping portion 13, the maximum opposing distance between the pair of contact portions 19 in the left-right direction is greater than the outer diameter of the conductor 51. The opposing distance between the pair of contact portions 19 is minimum, for example, at the rear end and front end of the contact portion 19. Note that the opposing distance between the pair of contact portions 19 only needs to be minimum at the front end of the contact portion 19. The minimum opposing distance between the pair of contact portions 19 is equal to the distance between the pair of blade portions 18. Therefore, the distance between the contact portions 19, excluding the rear and front ends, is greater than the distance between the blade portions 18. The front end region of the contact portion 19, where the distance between the contact portions gradually narrows toward the front (base portion 14), functions as a displacement prevention portion 20.

[0025] The pair of opposing edges 21 are positioned adjacent to the front of the contact portion 19. The pair of opposing edges 21 are the portions that extend forward from the front end of the contact portion 19. In plan view, the pair of opposing edges 21 have a symmetrical shape. The regions of the pair of opposing edges 21, excluding the tip, are parallel to each other. The front end of each opposing edge 21 is in the shape of a quarter-circle arc. The front ends of the pair of opposing edges 21 are connected in a semicircular shape, forming the foremost end of the pressure contact groove 16. The distance between the opposing edges of the pair of opposing edges 21, excluding the front ends, is smaller than the outer diameter of the conductor 51, and is equal to, for example, the distance between the opposing blades 18 and the distance between the opposing ends of the pair of contact portions 19.

[0026] The pair of guide portions 22 are formed at the rear ends of the pair of pressure blades 15. In plan view, the pair of guide portions 22 have a symmetrical shape and are inclined such that the lateral separation dimension gradually increases toward the front (towards the base portion 14).

[0027] The pair of temporary locking portions 23 are formed in front of the front ends of the pair of guide portions 22. The pair of temporary locking portions 23 are recessed portions on the outer edges of the pressure contact portion 13. In plan view, the pair of temporary locking portions 23 have a symmetrical shape. The plan view shape of the temporary locking portion 23 is, for example, a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the front-to-back direction. In the front-to-back direction, the formation area of ​​the pair of temporary locking portions 23 is within the formation area of ​​the pair of blade portions 18.

[0028] The pair of sloping portions 24 are positioned adjacent to the front of the pair of contact portions 19. The pair of sloping portions 24 are portions that extend forward from the front end of the temporary locking portion 23. In plan view, the pair of sloping portions 24 have, for example, a symmetrical shape. In plan view, the pair of sloping portions 24 are inclined in such a way that the lateral separation dimension gradually increases toward the front (towards the base portion 14). In the front-rear direction, the formation region of the pair of sloping portions 24 is, for example, the same region as the rear end of the pair of contact portions 19.

[0029] The pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 are positioned adjacent to the front of the pair of gradient portions 24. The pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 are portions that extend forward from the front end of the gradient portion 24. The pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 have a symmetrical shape in plan view. The pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 are in a straight line parallel to each other. The lateral separation dimension of the pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 is greater than the lateral separation dimension of the pair of temporary locking portions 23. In the front-rear direction, the formation area of ​​the pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 is, for example, within the formation area of ​​the pair of contact portions 19. In the front-rear direction, the pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 are formed in the same area as, for example, the central part of the pair of contact portions 19. In the front-rear direction, the front ends of the pair of pressure-receiving portions 25 are formed in an area that overlaps with the pair of displacement prevention portions 20 in the lateral direction.

[0030] The pair of stoppers 26 are positioned adjacent to the front ends of the pair of pressure-receiving portions 25. In plan view, the pair of stoppers 26 have a symmetrical shape. In plan view, the pair of stoppers 26 are inclined such that the lateral separation dimension gradually increases toward the front (towards the base portion 14). In plan view, the angle between the stopper 26 and the pressure-receiving portion 25 is smaller than the angle between the temporary locking portion 23 and the gradient portion 24. In the front-rear direction, the pair of stoppers 26 are formed in a region that overlaps with the pair of displacement prevention portions 20 in the lateral direction.

[0031] The pressurizing member 30 is a single component formed by bending or other processes on a plate material that has higher rigidity than the terminal body 11. Stainless steel or the like is used as the material for the pressurizing member 30. The pressurizing member 30 has an upper plate portion 31, a lower plate portion 32, a left plate portion 33, and a right plate portion 34, and as a whole it has a rectangular tubular shape. The vertical distance between the upper plate portion 31 and the lower plate portion 32 is set to be the same as, or slightly larger than, the vertical dimension of the pair of upper and lower pressure contact portions 13. The horizontal distance between the left plate portion 33 and the right plate portion 34 is set to be the same as, or slightly larger than, the horizontal dimension of the pressure contact portion 13.

[0032] The upper plate portion 31 and the lower plate portion 32 each have a notch 35 that opens to the rear edge of the pressurizing member 30. In plan view, the opening shape of the notch 35 is symmetrical and consists of a rectangular portion 36 and a semicircular portion 37. The rectangular portion 36 is a space that opens to the rear edge of the pressurizing member 30 at its rear end. The semicircular portion 37 is positioned adjacent to the front end of the rectangular portion 36. The left-right opening dimensions of the rectangular portion 36 and the semicircular portion 37 are the same and are set to be larger than the outer diameter of the electric wire 50 (insulating coating 52).

[0033] A pair of symmetrical pressing portions 39 are formed on the left and right side edges 38 of the notch 35 in the upper plate portion 31. The pressing portions 39 of the upper plate portion 31 are parts of the upper plate portion 31 that have been bent so that they protrude downward from the upper plate portion 31. Similarly, a pair of symmetrical pressing portions 39 are formed on the left and right side edges 38 of the notch 35 in the lower plate portion 32. The pressing portions 39 of the lower plate portion 32 are parts of the lower plate portion 32 that have been bent so that they protrude upward from the lower plate portion 32.

[0034] In a side view of the pressurizing member 30, the left plate portion 33 is a single, elongated rectangular plate in the front-to-back direction. The portion of the left plate portion 33 in the front-to-back direction that is the same as the notch portion 35 functions as a left-side expansion restricting portion 40 to restrict the expansion deformation of the pair of pressure blades 15 in the left-to-right direction. A left-side reinforcing portion 41 is formed in the vertical center of the left plate portion 33, recessed in a groove-like shape toward the inside (right side) of the pressurizing member 30. The left-side reinforcing portion 41 extends elongated in the front-to-back direction and is formed along the entire length of the left plate portion 33. Due to its groove-like recess in the inside of the pressurizing member 30, the left-side reinforcing portion 41 forms a protruding ridge on the inner surface of the left plate portion 33 that protrudes toward the inside of the pressurizing member 30. The left-side reinforcing portion 41 functions to increase the bending rigidity of the left-side expansion restricting portion 40 in the left-to-right direction.

[0035] In a side view, the right-side plate portion 34 has an elongated rectangle shape in the front-to-back direction. The right-side plate portion 34 is composed of an upper plate portion 42 extending downward from the right edge of the upper plate portion 31 and a lower plate portion 43 extending upward from the right edge of the lower plate portion 32. The upper plate portion 42 is formed along the entire length of the right-side plate portion 34. The lower plate portion 43 is composed of a first plate portion 44, a second plate portion 45, and a third plate portion 46.

[0036] The first plate portion 44 is directly connected to the lower plate portion 32 and is perpendicular to the lower plate portion 32. The first plate portion 44 is an elongated rectangle in the front-to-back direction and is formed over the entire length of the right plate portion 34. The second plate portion 45 is a portion that extends diagonally upward from the upper edge of the first plate portion 44 in front of the front end of the pressing portion 39. The second plate portion 45 is an elongated rectangle in the front-to-back direction. The upper edge of the second plate portion 45 is at the same height as, for example, the lower edge of the upper plate portion 42. The third plate portion 46 is a portion that extends upward from the upper edge of the second plate portion 45. The third plate portion 46 is an elongated rectangle in the front-to-back direction. The third plate portion 46 is parallel to the upper plate portion 42 and the first plate portion 44 and is positioned to overlap the inner surface of the upper plate portion 42. Since the rear end of the third plate portion 46 is located in front of the front end of the pressing portion 39, the third plate portion 46 and the pressing portion 39 do not interfere with each other.

[0037] The portion of the right-side plate portion 34 that is the same as the notch portion 35 in the front-rear direction functions as a right-side expansion restricting portion 47 to restrict the expansion deformation of the pair of pressure blades 15 in the left-right direction. In a rear view of the pressurizing member 30 viewed from the rear, the lower plate portion 43 has a configuration in which the second plate portion 45 is diagonally connected to the first plate portion 44 and the third plate portion 46. Furthermore, the upper plate portion 42 and the third plate portion 46 are overlapping from left to right. Due to these two configurations, the region of the lower plate portion 43 between the front end of the pressing portion 39 and the front end of the notch portion 35 functions as a right-side reinforcing portion 48 to increase the left-right bending rigidity of the right-side expansion restricting portion 47.

[0038] Next, the process of crimping the electric wire 50 onto the crimp terminal fitting 10 will be described. First, the pressurizing member 30 is assembled to the terminal body 11 and held in a temporary locking position. The temporary locking position is a position in which the pressurizing member 30 does not deform the pair of crimping blades 15 in such a way that the pair of contact portions 19 approach each other. When assembling the pressurizing member 30, the pressurizing member 30 is fitted onto the pair of crimping portions 13 from the rear of the terminal body 11.

[0039] During the process of assembling the pressurizing member 30 to the terminal body 11, a pair of pressing portions 39 slide against a pair of guide portions 22. Since the guide portions 22 are inclined such that the lateral separation dimension increases towards the front, as the pressing portions 39 pass through the guide portions 22, the pair of pressure contact blades 15 elastically deform so that the distance between them narrows. After passing through the guide portions 22, the pair of pressing portions 39 move forward while sliding along the outer edges of the pressure contact blades 15, maintaining the narrowed distance between them.

[0040] The assembly of the pressurizing member 30 to the terminal body 11 is completed when the pair of pressing portions 39 reach the pair of temporary locking portions 23. Since the temporary locking portions 23 have a concave shape on the outer edge of the contact blade 15, the pair of contact blades 15 elastically return to their opposing positions to increase their distance from each other. As the pair of pressing portions 39 fit into the pair of temporary locking portions 23, the pressurizing member 30 is held in the temporary locking position with respect to the terminal body 11 restricted or suppressed from relative displacement in the front-rear direction. When the pressurizing member 30 is held in the temporary locking position, the rectangular tubular pressurizing member 30 surrounds most of the area of ​​the pair of contact portions 13, excluding the front end, from above, below, left, and right.

[0041] When the pressurizing member 30 is assembled in a temporary locking position, in a plan view, the pair of tapered portions 17, the pair of blade portions 18, and the pair of contact portions 19 of the contact portion 13 are located within the opening area of ​​the notch 35 of the pressurizing member 30. In this state, the electric wire 50 is pressed against the contact portion 13.

[0042] The electric wire 50 is press-fitted between two pairs of upper and lower pressure blades 15 with its axis oriented vertically. During the press-fitting process, the outer surface of the electric wire 50 is first pressed against the two pairs of upper and lower tapered portions 17, thereby positioning the axis of the electric wire 50 at an intermediate position between the pair of pressure blades 15 in the left-right direction.

[0043] From this state, the electric wire 50 is pushed forward and passed between the two pairs of blades 18. Since the outer diameter of the insulating coating 52 is larger than the distance between the opposing blades 18, as the electric wire 50 passes between the pair of blades 18, a force acts from the electric wire 50 on the two pairs of crimping blades 15 in a direction that widens the distance between the opposing blades 18. Here, the left-side expansion restricting portion 40 and the right-side expansion restricting portion 47 formed on the pressurizing member 30 are positioned to sandwich the two pairs of crimping blades 15 from the left and right, so the expansion deformation of the two pairs of crimping blades 15 is suppressed, and the distance between the opposing blades 18 is kept smaller than the outer diameter of the insulating coating 52. As a result, as the electric wire 50 passes between the pair of blades 18, the insulating coating 52 is pressed against the cutting edge of the crimping blades 15 and cut by the two pairs of blades 18. The insulating coating 52 is cut in a slit shape, exposing the conductor 51.

[0044] The conductor 51, having passed between the blades 18, enters the region between the two pairs of contacts 19. When the conductor 51 reaches the press-fit position where the distance between the two pairs of contacts 19 is maximum, the press-fitting of the electric wire 50 toward the base 14 is completed. Since the maximum distance between the two pairs of contacts 19 in the left-right direction is greater than the outer diameter of the conductor 51, the conductor 51 is either not in contact with the contacts 19 or lightly touching them. In other words, when the electric wire 50 transitions from a state where it slides against the two pairs of blades 18 and cuts open the insulating coating 52 to a state where the conductor 51 is positioned between the two pairs of contacts 19, the sliding resistance between the conductor 51 and the press-fit blades 15 is reduced dramatically.

[0045] When the conductor 51 is in the pressure-contact position, if a forward pressing force is applied to the electric wire 50, the conductor 51 comes into contact with the two pairs of displacement prevention portions 20, which are the front end regions of the contact portion 19. This contact restricts the conductor 51 from shifting forward (towards the opposing edge portion 21), so that the conductor 51 is held within the range of the formation region of the pair of contact portions 19 in the front-rear direction.

[0046] After the conductor 51 is held in the press-fit position, the pressurizing member 30, which is held in the temporary locking position, is slid forward toward the base 14. That is, the pressurizing member 30 is displaced forward relative to the terminal body 11. During the sliding of the pressurizing member 30, the two pairs of pressing parts 39 disengage from the temporary locking part 23 and come into sliding contact with the two pairs of inclined parts 24. Since the two pairs of inclined parts 24 are inclined such that the lateral separation dimension increases toward the front, as the sliding of the two pairs of pressing parts 39 progresses, the two pairs of press-fitting blades 15 elastically deform so that their opposing distance from each other narrows.

[0047] The two pairs of pressing parts 39, having passed through the gradient section 24, slide against the two pairs of pressure-receiving parts 25 and stop sliding when they come into contact with the stopper 26. In this state, the two pairs of pressing parts 39 are located within the formation area of ​​the two pairs of contact parts 19 in the front-rear direction. The two pairs of pressing parts 39 press the two pairs of pressure-receiving parts 25 inward from both the left and right sides, keeping the two pairs of pressure contact blades 15 close together. As the two pairs of pressure contact blades 15 move closer together, the distance between the two pairs of contact parts 19 narrows, so that the two pairs of contact parts 19 make contact with the conductor 51 in a conductive manner while being pressed against it from both the left and right sides.

[0048] The two pairs of pressure-welding blades 15 deform to an oblique position, with the front end of each blade acting as a pivot point, thereby narrowing the distance between them. As a result, the distance between the two pairs of pressure-welding blades 15 becomes narrower at the rear end than at the front end. Consequently, the conductor 51 attempts to displace towards the base 14 (forward), where the distance between the blades is wider, but is kept in contact with the contact portion 19 by the displacement prevention portion 20 formed on the contact portion 19.

[0049] When the conductor 51 is held in a pressurized position by two pairs of contact parts 19, sliding between the conductor 51 and the contact parts 19 in the front-rear direction is suppressed, so there is no risk of the metal wires 53 constituting the conductor 51 being cut by the contact parts 19. Even if the metal wires 53 are cut, the number of cuts will be less than when the conductor 51 and the contact parts 19 are in sliding contact. Therefore, the reduction in contact load caused by the cutting of the metal wires 53 is prevented or suppressed.

[0050] The contact area between the outer surface of the conductor 51 and the two pairs of contact portions 19 forms an arc shape in plan view. That is, the distance between the two pairs of contact portions 19 narrows towards the front and also towards the rear. Therefore, even if the conductor 51 deforms to extend in the front-rear direction due to being pressed between the two pairs of contact portions 19, the metal wires 53 constituting the outer surface of the conductor 51 remain in contact with the contact portions 19, and the contact area between the conductor 51 and the crimping blade 15 (contact portion 19) remains large. Furthermore, the position on the outer edge of the crimping blade 15 where the two pairs of pressing portions 39 press (pressure receiving portion 25) corresponds to the position of the pair of contact portions 19 in the front-rear direction, so the pressing force by the pressing portions 39 acts as a direct pressing force on the conductor 51. As a result, the electric wire 50 is pressed against the crimping terminal fitting 10 (crimping portion 13) under a large contact pressure load.

[0051] The crimp terminal fitting 10 of this embodiment 1 comprises a terminal body 11 and a pressurizing member 30, which is a separate component from the terminal body 11. The terminal body 11 has a pair of crimping blades 15 that extend in a cantilevered manner from a base portion 14. A crimping groove 16 into which the electric wire 50 is pressed is formed between the pair of crimping blades 15. The electric wire 50 has a configuration in which a conductor 51 is surrounded by an insulating coating 52. The pair of crimping blades 15 include a pair of blade portions 18 and a pair of contact portions 19. In the process of being pressed into the crimping groove 16, the pair of blade portions 18 cut open the insulating coating 52. The pair of contact portions 19 contact the conductor 51 that is exposed as a result of the insulating coating 52 being cut open, sandwiching it between them. The pressurizing member 30 has a pressing portion 39. In the process of the pressurizing member 30 being displaced relative to the terminal body 11, the pressing portion 39 presses the crimping blades 15, displacing the pair of contact portions 19 so that they move closer to each other.

[0052] With this configuration, when the electric wire 50 is pushed into the pressure groove 16 and the pressure member 30 is displaced relative to the terminal body 11, the pressing part 39 presses against the pressure blade 15, causing the pair of contact parts 19 to come into contact with the conductor 51 while displacing relative to each other to apply pressure. The direction in which the pair of contact parts 19 displace relative to each other when applying pressure to the conductor 51 is intersecting the extension direction of the pressure blade 15, thus ensuring a contact load between the conductor 51 and the pressure blade 15.

[0053] For example, as a means of increasing the contact load, one might consider in conventional terminals to push the electric wire into a crimping groove with a narrowed groove width. However, when an electric wire is pushed into a crimping groove with a narrow groove width, there is a risk that not only the insulation coating but also the outer circumference of the conductor core wire will be cut by the blade of the crimping groove. If the outer circumference of the conductor core wire is cut, the contact load between the conductor core wire and the crimping blade will be insufficient. In contrast, in this embodiment 1, the direction in which the pair of contact parts 19 displace relative to each other when pressing the conductor 51 is intersected with the extension direction of the crimping blade 15, so the thin metal wire 53 of the conductor 51 is less likely to be cut by the contact parts 19. Therefore, it is easier to secure a contact load between the conductor 51 and the crimping blade 15.

[0054] The contact portion 19 includes a displacement prevention portion 20 that restricts the conductor 51 from shifting toward the base portion 14. With this configuration, when the pressing portion 39 presses the contact blade 15, the contact blade 15 tilts so that the pair of contact blades 15 move closer to each other with the base portion 14 as the pivot point, so the distance between the pair of contact portions 19 becomes narrower the further away from the base portion 14 is. Therefore, there is a concern that the conductor 51 may be displaced to escape toward the base portion 14. To counter this, the displacement prevention portion 20 is formed on the pair of contact portions 19 to prevent the conductor 51 from shifting toward the base portion 14. This suppresses the reduction in contact load caused by the conductor 51 separating from the contact portion 19. In addition, it suppresses the cutting of the metal wire 53 caused by the conductor 51 sliding against the contact portion 19, and thus suppresses the reduction in contact load caused by the cutting of the metal wire 53.

[0055] The region of the pair of contact portions 19 that includes the misalignment prevention portion 20 is arc-shaped along the outer surface of the conductor 51. With this configuration, a wider contact area can be secured between the conductor 51 and the contact portion 19 compared to a non-arc-shaped contact portion, and consequently, the contact resistance between the conductor 51 and the pressure contact blade 15 can be reduced.

[0056] When the conductor 51 is not pressed into the pressure contact groove 16, the maximum distance between the pair of contact portions 19 is greater than the outer diameter of the conductor 51. With this configuration, when the electric wire 50 pressed into the pressure contact groove 16 reaches the pressure contact position sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 19, the sliding resistance between the conductor 51 and the pressure contact blade 15 disappears, making it possible to detect that the electric wire 50 has reached the predetermined pressure contact position.

[0057] The terminal body 11 has a temporary locking portion 23, and the pressurizing member 30 has a pressing portion 39. The pressing portion 39 and the temporary locking portion 23 hold the pressurizing member 30 in a temporary locking position relative to the terminal body 11 such that a pair of contact portions 19 are close to each other, without deforming the contact blades 15. With this configuration, the clamping member and the terminal body 11 can be integrated by assembling the pressurizing member 30 in a temporary locking position relative to the terminal body 11 before the electric wire 50 is pressed against the terminal body 11. This shortens the cycle time in the contact process compared to assembling the pressurizing member 30 to the terminal body 11 after the electric wire 50 has been pressed against the terminal body 11.

[0058] The temporary locking portion of the pressurizing member 30 also functions as the pressing portion 39. This configuration allows for a simpler shape of the pressurizing member 30 compared to cases where the temporary locking portion and the pressing portion 39 are separate parts.

[0059] The pressurizing member 30 has a right-side expansion restricting portion 47 and a left-side expansion restricting portion 40 that restrict the expansion deformation of the pair of pressure contact blades 15 when the conductor 51 passes through the pair of blade portions 18. With this configuration, the insulating coating 52 is made easier to cut open by the pair of blade portions 18.

[0060] The right-side expansion restricting portion 47 has a right-side reinforcing portion 48 that restricts the deformation of the right-side expansion restricting portion 47. The left-side expansion restricting portion 40 has a left-side reinforcing portion 41 that restricts the deformation of the left-side expansion restricting portion 40. With this configuration, it becomes easier to suppress the expansion deformation of the pair of pressure blades 15 during the process of pressing the conductor 51 into the pressure contact groove 16.

[0061] [Other examples] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, but is shown in the claims. The present invention includes the meaning of equivalents of the claims and all modifications within the claims, and also includes the following embodiments. The pressing portion may be configured to press only one of the pair of contact blades. The misalignment prevention portion may be formed on only one of the pair of contact portions. The contact area does not necessarily need to be equipped with a displacement prevention mechanism. The shape of the contact area may be other than an arc shape. The maximum distance between a pair of contact points when the conductor is not pressed into the pressure-fitting groove may be the same as the outer diameter of the conductor, or it may be smaller than the outer diameter of the conductor. The temporary locking portion of the pressurizing member may be formed in a location separate from the pressing portion. The left-side and right-side expansion restricting sections may be configured without reinforcing sections. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10... Crimp terminal fittings 11…Terminal body 12...Square tube part 13...Pressure-welded section 14...Base 15...Pressure welding blade 16...Pressure welding groove 17...Tapered section 18...Blade part 19... Contact area 20... Positional displacement prevention part 21… Opposing edge 22…Guiding part 23... Temporary locking part 24... Sloping section 25...Pressure receiving section 26... Stopper 30…Pressurizing member 31…Upper plate section 32…Lower plate part 33...Left side plate part 34...Right side plate part 35... Notch 36…Rectangular part 37... Semicircular section 38…Both left and right edges 39...Pressing part (temporary locking part) 40... Left side widening restriction section (widening restriction section) 41…Left side reinforcement section (reinforcement section) 42...Upper plate part 43…Lower plate part 44…First plate part 45…Second plate part 46...Third plate part 47...Right side expansion restriction part (expansion restriction part) 48...Right side reinforcement part (reinforcement part) 50...Electric wire 51...Conductor 52...Insulating coating 53...Thin metal wire 60… Housing 61…Terminal housing room

Claims

1. A terminal body having a pair of pressure contact blades that extend in a cantilevered manner from the base, The terminal body is equipped with a pressurizing member, which is a separate component from the terminal body, Between the pair of pressure-fitting blades, a pressure-fitting groove is formed into which an electric wire, in which the conductor is surrounded by an insulating coating, is pressed. The pair of pressure contact blades are A pair of blades that cut open the insulating coating in the process of pushing the electric wire into the pressure contact groove, It includes a pair of contact portions that contact the conductor, which is exposed when the insulating coating is cut open, by sandwiching it between them, The pressurizing member is a pressure-fitting terminal fitting having a pressing portion that presses the pressure-fitting blades during the process in which the pressurizing member is displaced relative to the terminal body, causing the pair of contact portions to move closer to each other.

2. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion includes a displacement prevention portion that restricts the conductor from shifting toward the base portion.

3. The press-fit terminal fitting according to claim 2, wherein the region of the pair of contact portions that includes the displacement prevention portion has an arc shape along the outer surface of the conductor.

4. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the maximum distance between the pair of contact portions when the conductor is not pressed into the crimp groove is greater than the outer diameter of the conductor.

5. The crimping terminal fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal body and the pressurizing member have a temporary locking portion that holds the pressurizing member in a temporary locking position relative to the terminal body so as not to deform the crimping blades so that the pair of contact portions approach each other.

6. The press-fit terminal fitting according to claim 5, wherein the temporary locking portion formed on the pressurizing member also functions as the pressing portion.

7. The pressurizing member has an expansion restricting portion that restricts the pair of pressure contact blades from expanding when the conductor passes through the pair of blade portions, as described in claim 5.

8. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 7, wherein the expansion restricting portion has a reinforcing portion that restricts deformation of the expansion restricting portion.

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