Terminal holder and terminal

Abstract

The present invention provides a terminal holder and terminals that can simplify the structure. [Solution] The terminal holder 10 includes a terminal housing section 15 that accommodates the terminal 3 with its upper surface exposed. The terminal holder 10 includes a temporary positioning mechanism 20 that temporarily positions the terminal 3 in the terminal housing section 15 when it is in the insertion position. The terminal holder 10 also includes a locking mechanism 28 that locks the terminal 3 in the terminal housing section 15 when the terminal 3, which has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20, is pushed in and accommodated in the terminal housing section 15. The terminal 3 is fixed in the terminal housing section 15 by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the locking mechanism 28.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal holder and a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a protector including a wire housing portion for housing a wire and a terminal housing portion for housing a terminal attached to an end portion of a branch wire of the wire is well-known. The terminal housing portion has a main body portion having an opening shape for housing a terminal and a lid portion for opening and closing the opening of the main body portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the case of Patent Document 1, the terminal housed in the terminal housing portion is sandwiched and held between the main body portion and the lid portion of the terminal housing portion. Therefore, in the case of Patent Document 1, a lid portion is required to hold the terminal housed in the terminal housing portion, which has hindered the simplification of the structure.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal holder and a terminal capable of simplifying the structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A terminal holder that solves the above problem is provided in a case for housing an electric wire with a terminal attached to its tip, and the terminal is fixed to a connecting mating partner via a fastening member, and comprises a terminal housing portion that houses the terminal with its upper surface exposed, a temporary positioning mechanism that temporarily positions the terminal in the terminal housing portion when it is in the insertion position during the process of housing the terminal in the terminal housing portion, and a locking mechanism that locks the terminal in the terminal housing portion when the terminal that has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism is pushed in and housed in the terminal housing portion, and the terminal is fixed in the terminal housing portion by the temporary positioning mechanism and the locking mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure can simplify the structure of the terminal holder. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a terminal holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal holder. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminals before they are attached to the terminal housing. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are step diagrams illustrating the procedure for attaching terminals to the terminal housing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the terminals before they are attached to the terminal housing. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an overview of how the terminals are inserted into the terminal housing. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are step diagrams illustrating the procedure for attaching terminals to the terminal housing. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the operation diagram of the temporary positioning mechanism and the locking mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the engagement between the terminal slit and the wall of the terminal housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The terminal holder of the present disclosure is provided in a case for housing an electric wire to which a terminal is attached at its tip, and the terminal is fixed to a mating partner via a fastening member, comprising: a terminal housing portion for housing the terminal with its upper surface exposed; a temporary positioning mechanism for temporarily positioning the terminal in the terminal housing portion while it is in the process of housing the terminal in the terminal housing portion; and a locking mechanism for locking the terminal in the terminal housing portion when the terminal that has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism is pushed in and housed in the terminal housing portion, wherein the terminal is fixed to the terminal housing portion by the temporary positioning mechanism and the locking mechanism.

[0010] With this configuration, a temporary positioning mechanism and a locking mechanism for fixing the terminal to the terminal housing are provided between the terminal and the terminal housing, making it possible to fix the terminal to the terminal housing without using a lid. Therefore, there is no need to provide a lid for the terminal housing of the terminal holder. Thus, the structure of the terminal holder can be simplified.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the temporary positioning mechanism has a structure that includes a projection formed on one of the terminal and the terminal housing, and a recess formed on the other of the terminal and the terminal housing so as to engage with the projection. With this configuration, the terminal can be temporarily positioned in the insertion position into the terminal housing by a simple configuration and operation of engaging the projection formed on one of the terminal and the terminal housing with the recess formed on the other. Furthermore, when the terminal is fully housed in the terminal housing, the structure allows the projection to be deeply inserted into the recess so as to firmly fix the terminal to the terminal housing.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the temporary positioning mechanism has a structure that includes a support portion formed in the terminal housing portion and which positions and supports the terminal in the insertion position, and a restricting portion formed in the terminal housing portion and which restricts the movement of the terminal by sandwiching a part of the terminal between itself and the support portion. With this configuration, by placing the terminal on the support portion of the terminal housing portion and sandwiching it between itself and the restricting portion of the terminal housing portion, it is possible to temporarily position the terminal in the terminal housing portion in a stable insertion position. Furthermore, when the terminal is fully housed in the terminal housing portion, the structure that sandwiches the terminal between the support portion and the restricting portion makes it possible to firmly fix the terminal in the terminal housing portion.

[0013] [4] In the above [3], the temporary positioning mechanism has a contact portion formed on the terminal so as to abut against the restricting portion, and a pair of terminal protrusions formed on both sides of the contact portion on the terminal, which are positioned on the support portion when the terminal is inserted into the terminal housing portion in the insertion position, and multiple sets of the support portion and the terminal protrusions are provided. With this configuration, the terminal is locally supported with respect to the terminal housing portion, so there is no need to allocate a large space for providing the temporary positioning mechanism.

[0014] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the temporary positioning mechanism includes a plurality of mechanisms with different structures. With this configuration, by using a plurality of temporary positioning mechanisms with different structures, the terminal can be firmly fixed to the terminal housing by these temporary positioning mechanisms and the locking mechanism. Furthermore, when the terminal is fixed to the mating surface by the fastening member, it is less likely that the terminal will move in the lifting direction. Moreover, even if a load is applied in the tightening direction to the fastening member, the stress is distributed by the plurality of mechanisms, so the terminal holder is less likely to be damaged.

[0015] [6] In any one of the above [1] to [5], the terminal holder includes a guiding mechanism that guides the terminal in the insertion posture to the temporary positioning mechanism when the terminal is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to smoothly accommodate the terminal in the terminal accommodating portion by the guiding mechanism. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the assembling workability of the terminal holder.

[0016] [7] In any one of the above [1] to [6], a wall portion is formed in the terminal accommodating portion of the terminal holder so as to engage with the slit of the terminal in order to make it difficult for the terminal to move after being fixed to the terminal accommodating portion. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to regulate the movement of the terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion by the wall portion. Therefore, when the terminal is fixed to the connection partner by the fastening member, it is further suppressed that the terminal moves in the lifting direction, and it is also suppressed that the load in the tightening direction of the fastening member locally occurs on the terminal and the terminal holder.

[0017] [8] In any one of the above [1] to [7], the portion temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism is the tip of the terminal, and the portion locked by the locking mechanism is around the crimping portion having the crimping portion to which the electric wire is fixed in the terminal. According to this configuration, the balance of the fixing position of the terminal is improved, which further contributes to firmly fixing the terminal to the terminal accommodating portion.

[0018] [9] The terminal of the present disclosure is configured to be attached to the tip of an electric wire and to be accommodated in a terminal accommodating portion provided in a case that accommodates the electric wire with its upper surface exposed. When taking an insertion posture in the process of being accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion, it is temporarily positioned in the terminal accommodating portion, and when being fixed to the terminal accommodating portion when being accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion, and a portion that is pushed in after temporary positioning and is locked in the terminal accommodating portion when being accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion, and a portion that is fixed to the terminal accommodating portion. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to obtain the same operational effects as in the above [1].

[0019] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims. In each drawing, some parts of the structure may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from those of actual parts.

[0020] (Connector 1) Figure 1 shows a part of connector 1. Connector 1 comprises a wire member 4 with a terminal 3 attached to the end of a wire 2, and a case 5 that houses the wire member 4. Connector 1 is used, for example, in a battery wiring module of a battery mounted in a vehicle. Note that connector 1 may have multiple wire members 4 or only one wire member 4.

[0021] Connector 1 is a bolt-type connector in which terminal 3 is fixed to the mating part 6 via a fastening member 7 (in this example, a bolt). In this case, terminal 3 has a hole 9 formed in the mating part 6 for inserting a fastening shaft 8 formed therein. Connector 1 is fixed to the mating part 6 by fastening the fastening member 7 to the fastening shaft 8 inserted into the hole 9 of terminal 3.

[0022] (Case 5) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the case 5 has a wire housing section 11 for housing the wire member 4 and a removable cover 12 that covers the wire housing section 11. In this example, only a portion of the case 5 (wire housing section 11 and cover 12) is shown. The cover 12 is fixed to the case 5, for example, by engaging a plurality of elastic pieces 13 (only one shown) formed on the cover 12 with each of a plurality of protrusions 14 (only one shown) on the case 5.

[0023] (Terminal holder 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector 1 includes a terminal holder 10 provided on a part of the case 5. The terminal holder 10 has a terminal housing portion 15 that accommodates the terminal 3 with its upper surface exposed. The terminal housing portion 15 is formed integrally with the wire housing portion 11 of the case 5. The wire housing portion 11 and the terminal housing portion 15 are provided so that their respective housing spaces are in communication with each other. The terminal housing portion 15 is formed in such a shape that both sides are open in the direction perpendicular to the planar direction of the case 5 (the XY plane direction in Figure 1) (the Z axis direction in Figure 1). The terminal housing portion 15 may be formed integrally with the case 5, or it may be a separate component attached and fixed to the case 5.

[0024] (Terminal 3) As shown in Figure 3, the terminal 3 has a terminal body 17 with a hole 9 formed therein, and a crimping portion 18 to which the end of the electric wire 2 is fixed by crimping. The terminal body 17 is formed, for example, in an annular shape when viewed from above. The crimping portion 18 is positioned at a predetermined offset in the direction intersecting the axis L1 (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3) with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 passing through the center of the terminal 3.

[0025] (Temporary positioning mechanism 20) As shown in Figures 4 and 5(a) to 5(c), the terminal holder 10 includes a temporary positioning mechanism 20 that temporarily positions the terminal 3 in the terminal housing 15 when it is in an insertion position (for example, the position shown in Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b), etc.) during the process of housing the terminal 3 in the terminal housing 15. The temporary positioning mechanism 20 has a structure (in this example, a first temporary positioning mechanism 20a) that includes, for example, a projection 21 formed on one of the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15, and a recess 22 formed on the other of the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15 so as to engage with the projection 21. In this example, the projection 21 is formed on the terminal housing 15. Specifically, the projection 21 is positioned on the inner surface of the terminal housing 15 and is formed in a shape that protrudes into the interior of the terminal housing 15. In this example, the recess 22 is formed on the terminal 3 and is formed in the shape of a through hole.

[0026] The temporary positioning mechanism 20 has a structure (in this example, a second temporary positioning mechanism 20b) that includes a support portion 23 and a restricting portion 24 formed in the terminal housing portion 15. The support portion 23 has a bottom portion 23a that protrudes from the inner surface of the terminal housing portion 15 for placing a part of the terminal 3, and a front wall portion 23b of the terminal housing portion 15 that intersects with the bottom portion 23a. As a result, the support portion 23 positions and supports the terminal 3 in the insertion position. The support portion 23 is arranged on the inner surface of the terminal housing portion 15 and is formed in pairs so as to face each other.

[0027] The restricting portion 24 is, for example, an upper wall formed in the terminal housing portion 15. The restricting portion 24 restricts the upward movement of the terminal 3 by sandwiching a part of the terminal 3 between itself and the support portion 23. The restricting portion 24 is positioned at the open end of the terminal housing portion 15 and is formed in pairs opposite to the protrusion 21 located between the pair of support portions 23.

[0028] Terminal 3 has a contact portion 25 that abuts against the restricting portion 24, and a pair of terminal protrusions 26 formed on both sides of the contact portion 25. Thus, the temporary positioning mechanism 20 (in this example, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b) has a contact portion 25 formed on the terminal 3 so as to abut against the restricting portion 24, and a pair of terminal protrusions 26 that are placed on the support portion 23 (in this example, the bottom portion 23a) when the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 15 in the insertion position. The contact portion 25 is, for example, the tip of the terminal 3. The terminal protrusions 26 are, for example, the corners (lateral projections at the tip) on both sides of the terminal tip. Multiple sets (in this example, two sets) of the support portion 23 and terminal protrusions 26 are provided.

[0029] As described above, the temporary positioning mechanism 20 in this example includes a first temporary positioning mechanism 20a having a protrusion 21 and a recess 22, and a second temporary positioning mechanism 20b having a support portion 23, a regulating portion 24, a contact portion 25, and a terminal protrusion 26. Thus, the temporary positioning mechanism 20 in this example includes multiple mechanisms with different structures, such as the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a and the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b.

[0030] (Locking mechanism 28) As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the terminal holder 10 includes a locking mechanism 28 that locks the terminal 3 housed in the terminal housing 15 into the terminal housing 15. The locking mechanism 28 has a locking portion 29 formed in the terminal housing 15 and an engaging piece 30 formed on the terminal 3 so as to engage with the locking portion 29. The locking portion 29 is elastically deformable and has a claw at its tip. The engaging piece 30 is formed so that a part of the edge of the terminal 3 is bent approximately 90 degrees toward the claw of the locking portion 29.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the locking mechanism 28 locks the terminal 3 in the terminal housing 15 when the terminal 3, which has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20, is pushed in and housed in the terminal housing 15. In this example, the terminal 3 is locked in the terminal housing 15 by the locking mechanism 28 when it is pushed in in the pushing direction (arrow A2 direction in Figure 7) which intersects with the insertion direction (arrow A1 direction in Figure 7) and housed in the terminal housing 15.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 5(c), the terminal 3 is fixed to the terminal housing 15 by a portion that is temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and a portion that is locked by the locking mechanism 28. In this way, the terminal 3 housed in the terminal housing 15 is fixed to the terminal housing 15 by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the locking mechanism 28.

[0033] The parts temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 are, for example, the recess 22, contact portion 25, and terminal projection 26 of the terminal 3. Another part temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 is, for example, the tip of the terminal 3. The part locked by the locking mechanism 28 is, for example, the engaging piece 30 of the terminal 3. Another part locked by the locking mechanism 28 is the area around the crimp portion 18 of the terminal 3, where the electric wire 2 is fixed.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the locking mechanism 28 are arranged side by side along the length direction (X-axis direction in Figure 1) of the terminal 3 located at the end of the electric wire 2. The crimping portion 18 and the locking mechanism 28 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the aforementioned length direction (Y-axis direction in Figure 1).

[0035] (Information mechanism 32) As shown in Figure 4, the terminal holder 10 includes a guide mechanism 32 that guides the terminal 3 in the insertion position to the temporary positioning mechanism 20 when the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing 15. The guide mechanism 32 has a guide piece 33 that supports the terminal 3 inserted into the terminal housing 15 in the insertion position. The guide piece 33 is formed, for example, on the inner surface of the terminal housing 15, in a shape that protrudes into the interior of the terminal housing 15. In this example, the guide pieces 33 are formed in pairs, for example, facing each other.

[0036] In this example, the pair of guide pieces 33 support the terminal projection 26 formed on the terminal 3. In this case, the pair of guide pieces 33 are integrally formed with the support portion 23 (in this example, the bottom portion 23a) formed on the same inner surface of the terminal housing portion 15. The guide mechanism 32 in this example supports the terminal 3 housed in the terminal housing portion 15 in an inserted position from below and guides the movement of the terminal housing portion 15 in the depth direction (the +X axis direction in Figure 4).

[0037] (Wall portion 34 of terminal holder 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the terminal holder 10 has a wall portion 34 formed in the terminal housing portion 15 so as to engage with the slit 35 of the terminal 3, in order to make it difficult for the terminal 3 to rotate after it has been fixed in the terminal housing portion 15. The wall portion 34 is adjacent to the lock portion 29 on the inner surface of the terminal housing portion 15. The wall portion 34 is formed in a shape that, for example, protrudes into the space of the terminal housing portion 15 and extends in a direction intersecting the direction of its protrusion (the +X axis direction in Figure 1) (the Z axis direction in Figure 1). The slit 35 is a groove formed between the base end of the crimping portion 18 and the engaging piece 30 of the terminal 3.

[0038] [Effect of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of the terminal holder 10 (terminal 3) in this embodiment will be described. (Installation procedure for terminal 3) As shown in Figures 5(a) and 8(a), when attaching the terminal 3 to the terminal housing 15, the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing 15 with its tip tilted downwards. At this time, the terminal projection 26 at the tip of the terminal 3 is placed on the guide piece 33 of the guide mechanism 32, and the projection 21 of the terminal housing 15 is inserted into the recess 22 of the terminal 3, so that the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing 15 in this insertion position. Note that the insertion position refers to, for example, an oblique position where the tip of the terminal 3 is downwards and the base end of the terminal 3 is facing upwards.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 8(b), after the terminal 3 is housed in the terminal housing 15 in the insertion position, the terminal 3 is slid in the depth direction (direction of arrow B in Figure 5(b)) so that the terminal projection 26 of the terminal 3 slides along the upper surface of the guide piece 33 of the terminal housing 15, thereby inserting the terminal 3 into the terminal housing 15. In this way, the terminal 3 in the insertion position is guided in the depth direction of the terminal housing 15 by the guide mechanism 32.

[0040] When the terminal 3 in the insertion position is inserted to its deepest point, the projection 21 of the terminal housing 15 is fully inserted into the recess 22 of the terminal 3 and comes into contact with the front wall 23b of the support 23, and the contact portion 25 and terminal projection 26 of the terminal 3 are positioned between the support 23 (specifically, the bottom portion 23a) and the restricting portion 24. In other words, the terminal 3 is positioned in the terminal housing 15 by the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a having the projection 21 and recess 22, and the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b having the support portion 23, restricting portion 24, contact portion 25, and terminal projection 26.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5(c) and 8(c), the projection 21 of the terminal housing 15 is fully inserted into the recess 22 of the terminal 3, and the contact portion 25 and terminal projection 26 of the terminal 3 are positioned between the support portion 23 and the restricting portion 24 of the terminal housing 15. Then, the terminal 3 is pushed in from top to bottom (in the direction of arrow A2 in Figure 5(c)). This locks the engaging piece 30 of the terminal 3 into the locking portion 29. As described above, the terminal 3 housed in the terminal housing 15 is fixed to the terminal housing 15 by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the locking portion 29.

[0042] (Features of terminal fixing) As shown in Figure 1 and other figures, in this example, the structure for fixing the terminal 3 to the terminal housing 15 is provided between the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15. Specifically, the terminal 3 is fixed to the terminal housing 15 by a temporary positioning mechanism 20 and a locking mechanism 28 provided between the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15. Therefore, it is possible to fix the terminal 3 to the terminal housing 15 without using a lid to close the terminal housing 15. Consequently, a lid is not required for the terminal housing 15, which contributes to simplifying the structure of the terminal holder 10.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the terminal 3 is fixed to the terminal housing 15 by three mechanisms: the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b, and the locking mechanism 28. In this way, the terminal 3 is fixed in multiple places by these three mechanisms. Therefore, even if the connector 1 does not have a cover, the terminal 3 can be firmly fixed to the terminal housing 15.

[0044] Incidentally, when the terminal 3 is fixed to the connecting partner 6 by the fastening member 7, there is a possibility that a lifting load may be applied to the terminal 3 from the connecting partner 6 or the fastening member 7. However, in this example, the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b, and the locking mechanism 28 restrict movement in the lifting direction, making it possible to prevent the terminal 3 from lifting. Therefore, it is possible to fix the terminal 3 and the connecting partner 6 in a state of good electrical contact.

[0045] Furthermore, when the terminal 3 is fixed to the connecting partner 6 by the fastening member 7, a load may be generated in the tightening direction of the fastening member 7 (direction of arrow C in Figure 9). At this time, the terminal 3 will attempt to rotate around the axis L2. However, in this example, the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b, and the locking mechanism 28 simultaneously restrict the rotational movement of the terminal 3, making it possible to distribute the stress of the load. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15 less susceptible to deformation.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the terminal 3 is in a state where the wall portion 34 of the terminal housing portion 15 is engaged with the slit 35. Therefore, even if a load is applied in the tightening direction of the fastening member 7 (direction of arrow C in Figure 9), the engagement between the wall portion 34 and the slit 35 makes it easier to maintain the position of the terminal 3. Thus, it can be said that this is also highly effective.

[0047] [Effects of the Embodiment] The terminal holder 10 (terminal 3) of the above embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0048] (1) The terminal holder 10 is provided in a case 5 that houses an electric wire 2 with a terminal 3 attached to its tip, and the terminal 3 is fixed to the connecting partner 6 via a fastening member 7. The terminal holder 10 includes a terminal housing section 15 that houses the terminal 3 with its upper surface exposed. The terminal holder 10 includes a temporary positioning mechanism 20 that temporarily positions the terminal 3 in the terminal housing section 15 when it is in the insertion position. The terminal holder 10 includes a locking mechanism 28 that locks the terminal 3 in the terminal housing section 15 when the terminal 3, which has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20, is pushed in and housed in the terminal housing section 15. The terminal 3 is fixed in the terminal housing section 15 by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the locking mechanism 28.

[0049] With this configuration, a temporary positioning mechanism 20 and a locking mechanism 28 for fixing the terminal 3 to the terminal housing 15 are provided between the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15, so that the terminal 3 can be fixed to the terminal housing 15 without using a cover. For this reason, there is no need to provide a cover for the terminal housing 15 of the terminal holder 10. Thus, the structure of the terminal holder 10 can be simplified.

[0050] (2) The temporary positioning mechanism 20 has a structure (in this example, the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a) that includes a projection 21 formed on one of the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15, and a recess 22 formed on the other of the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15 so as to engage with the projection 21. With this configuration, the terminal 3 can be temporarily positioned in the insertion position into the terminal housing 15 by a simple configuration and operation of engaging the projection 21 formed on one of the terminal 3 and the terminal housing 15 with the recess 22 formed on the other. Furthermore, when the terminal 3 is fully housed in the terminal housing 15, the structure allows the projection 21 to be deeply inserted into the recess 22, thereby firmly fixing the terminal 3 to the terminal housing 15.

[0051] (3) The temporary positioning mechanism 20 has a structure (second temporary positioning mechanism 20b) that includes a support portion 23 formed in the terminal housing portion 15 for placing and supporting the terminal 3 in the insertion position, and a restricting portion 24 formed in the terminal housing portion 15 that restricts the movement of the terminal 3 by sandwiching a part of the terminal 3 between itself and the support portion 23. With this configuration, the terminal 3 can be temporarily positioned in the terminal housing portion 15 in a stable insertion position by placing the terminal 3 on the support portion 23 of the terminal housing portion 15 and sandwiching it between itself and the restricting portion 24 of the terminal housing portion 15. Furthermore, when the terminal 3 is fully housed in the terminal housing portion 15, the structure that sandwiches the terminal 3 between the support portion 23 and the restricting portion 24 allows the terminal 3 to be firmly fixed in the terminal housing portion 15.

[0052] (4) The temporary positioning mechanism 20 (in this example, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b) has a contact portion 25 formed on the terminal 3 so as to abut against the restricting portion 24, and a pair of terminal protrusions 26 formed on both sides of the contact portion 25 on the terminal 3, which are placed on the support portion 23 when the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing portion 15 in the insertion position. Multiple sets of the support portion 23 and terminal protrusions 26 are provided. With this configuration, the terminal 3 is locally supported by the terminal housing portion 15, so there is no need to allocate a large space for the temporary positioning mechanism 20 (in this example, the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b).

[0053] (5) The temporary positioning mechanism 20 includes multiple temporary positioning mechanisms with different structures. With this configuration, by using multiple temporary positioning mechanisms 20 with different structures, the terminal 3 can be firmly fixed to the terminal housing 15 by these temporary positioning mechanisms 20 and the locking mechanism 28. Furthermore, when the terminal 3 is fixed to the connecting mating part 6 by the fastening member 7, it is less likely that the terminal 3 will move in the lifting direction. Moreover, even if a load is applied in the tightening direction to the fastening member 7, the stress is distributed by the multiple mechanisms, so it is less likely that the terminal holder 10 will be damaged.

[0054] (6) The terminal holder 10 includes a guide mechanism 32 that guides the terminal 3 in the insertion position to the temporary positioning mechanism 20 when the terminal 3 is inserted into the terminal housing 15. With this configuration, the guide mechanism 32 makes it possible to smoothly house the terminal 3 in the terminal housing 15. Therefore, the efficiency of the assembly workability of the terminal holder 10 can be improved.

[0055] (7) The terminal holder 10 has a terminal housing portion 15 formed to engage with the slit 35 of the terminal 3 in order to make it difficult for the terminal 3 to rotate after it has been fixed in the terminal housing portion 15. With this configuration, the movement of the terminal 3 housed in the terminal housing portion 15 can be restricted by the wall portion 34. As a result, when the terminal 3 is fixed to the connecting mating partner 6 by the fastening member 7, the movement of the terminal 3 in the lifting direction is further suppressed, and the localized generation of the tightening load of the fastening member 7 on the terminal 3 and the terminal housing portion 15 is also suppressed.

[0056] (8) The part temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 is the tip of the terminal 3. The part locked by the locking mechanism 28 is the area around the crimping portion 18 of the terminal 3, which has a crimping portion 18 to which the electric wire 2 is fixed. This configuration improves the balance of the fixed position of the terminal 3, and thus further contributes to firmly fixing the terminal 3 to the terminal housing portion 15.

[0057] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, this embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0058] The first temporary positioning mechanism 20a may have a protrusion 21 formed on the terminal 3 and a recess 22 formed on the terminal housing portion 15. The bottom portion 23a of the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b and the guide piece 33 of the guide mechanism 32 are not limited to being formed as a single unit, but may be formed as separate parts.

[0059] The second temporary positioning mechanism 20b may also have a structure in which a part of the terminal 3 is inserted and fixed. The second temporary positioning mechanism 20b is not limited to a structure that clamps the contact portion 25 and terminal projection 26 of the terminal 3, but may be any structure that clamps and supports a part of the terminal 3.

[0060] The temporary positioning mechanism 20 may have only one of the first temporary positioning mechanism 20a and the second temporary positioning mechanism 20b. The engaging piece 30 of the locking mechanism 28 is not limited to being formed by bending a part of the terminal 3, but may also be a simple plate piece.

[0061] The locking mechanism 28 is not limited to being positioned next to the crimping portion 18 of the terminal 3; for example, it may be formed at the end of the terminal 3 in the width direction (Y direction in Figure 1, etc.). Thus, the position of the locking mechanism 28 can be changed as appropriate.

[0062] Multiple sets of wall portions 34 and slits 35 may be provided. The terminal body 17 of terminal 3 is not limited to annular shape; for example, it may be hook-shaped. The guide mechanism 32 may be omitted from the connector 1.

[0063] Cover 12 may be omitted from connector 1. • In terminal 3, the portion temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism 20 and the portion locked by the locking mechanism 28 may be any part of terminal 3.

[0064] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalence. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or less of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 Connector 2 electric wire 3 terminals 4. Wire components 5 cases 6. Connection Partner 7 Fastening members 8 Fastening shaft 9 Hole 11. Wire housing section 12 Covers 13 Elastic piece 14 protrusions 15 Terminal housing section 17 Terminal body 18 Crimping section 20 Temporary positioning mechanism 20a First temporary positioning mechanism 20b Second temporary positioning mechanism 21 Protrusion 22 recess 23 Support part 23a bottom 23b Front wall 24. Regulatory section (upper wall) 25 Contact part (tip) 26 Terminal protrusion (corner) 28 Locking mechanism 29. Rock Club 30 Engaging pieces 32 Information Mechanism 33 Guide Slip 34 Wall 35 slits L1 axis L2 axis center

Claims

1. A terminal holder provided in a case for housing an electric wire with a terminal attached to its tip, wherein the terminal is fixed to the connecting mating part via a fastening member, A terminal housing section that houses the terminal with the upper surface of the terminal exposed, In the process of housing the terminal in the terminal housing, a temporary positioning mechanism is provided to temporarily position the terminal in the terminal housing when it is in the insertion position, The system includes a locking mechanism that locks the terminal into the terminal housing when the terminal, which has been temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism, is pushed in and housed in the terminal housing, The terminals are fixed to the terminal housing by the temporary positioning mechanism and the locking mechanism, and the terminal holder is provided for this purpose.

2. The aforementioned temporary positioning mechanism is A protrusion formed on one of the terminal and the terminal housing, The terminal holder according to claim 1, having a structure including a recess formed in the terminal and the other terminal housing so as to engage with the projection.

3. The aforementioned temporary positioning mechanism is A support portion is formed in the terminal housing portion and positions and supports the terminal in the insertion position, The terminal holder according to claim 1, having a structure that includes a restricting portion formed in the terminal housing portion and which restricts the movement of the terminal by sandwiching a part of the terminal between itself and the support portion.

4. The aforementioned temporary positioning mechanism is A contact portion formed on the terminal so as to contact the regulating portion, The terminal has a pair of terminal protrusions formed on both sides of the contact portion, which are positioned on the support portion when the terminal is inserted into the terminal housing portion in the insertion position, The terminal holder according to claim 3, wherein multiple sets of the support portion and the terminal projection are provided.

5. The terminal holder according to claim 1, wherein the temporary positioning mechanism includes a plurality of mechanisms with different structures.

6. The terminal holder according to claim 1, further comprising a guide mechanism for guiding the terminal in the insertion position to the temporary positioning mechanism when the terminal is inserted into the terminal housing.

7. The terminal holder according to claim 1, wherein a wall portion is formed in the terminal housing portion so as to engage with the slit of the terminal, in order to make it difficult for the terminal to move after it has been fixed to the terminal housing portion.

8. The portion temporarily positioned by the temporary positioning mechanism is the tip of the terminal. The terminal holder according to claim 1, wherein the portion locked by the locking mechanism is the area around the crimped portion in the terminal having a crimped portion to which the electric wire is fixed.

9. A terminal that is attached to the end of an electric wire and housed in a terminal housing section provided in a case that houses the electric wire, with its upper surface exposed, A portion that is temporarily positioned in the terminal housing when it assumes an insertion position during the process of being housed in the terminal housing, and a portion that is fixed in the terminal housing when it is housed in the terminal housing, A terminal having a portion that, after being pushed in after temporary positioning and housed in the terminal housing, is locked into the terminal housing and fixed to the terminal housing.

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