Female terminal
The female terminal design with concentric double cylindrical bands and elastic contact pieces addresses the challenge of high electrical resistance and insertion force by maintaining thickness, achieving reduced resistance and stable contact.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YAZAKI CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing female terminals in electrical systems face challenges in reducing electrical resistance while maintaining low terminal insertion force and formability, especially with increasing current demands in automotive applications.
A female terminal design featuring an inner and outer band portion formed in a concentric double cylindrical shape with alternating elastic contact pieces, allowing for reduced electrical resistance without increasing terminal insertion force by maintaining the same thickness.
The design effectively reduces electrical resistance and maintains stable contact without impairing terminal insertion performance or formability, addressing the challenges of thicker terminals in high-current applications.
Smart Images
Figure 2026085618000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a female terminal.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as a female terminal used in an electrical system such as an automobile, a spring-integrated female terminal is known in which a plate-shaped metal plate that has been punched or the like is bent to form a cylindrical base (belt portion), and a plurality of elastic contact pieces project from the base (belt portion) formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged in a circular shape (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0003] Such a female terminal 501 includes, as shown in FIG. 22, a terminal connection portion 510 that is electrically connected to a male terminal 502, and an electrical connection portion 550 that extends rearward in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion 510 and to which a conduction member (not shown) is electrically connected.
[0004] The terminal connection portion of 510 has a strip portion 521 formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 525 that project from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the strip portion 521 and are capable of elastic deformation. The electrical connection portion 550 has a bolt insertion hole 553 formed in a flat connection plate 551, and a conduction member such as a bus bar or a LA terminal is bolted thereto.
[0005] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, when the cylindrical male terminal 502 is inserted into the female terminal 501 from the tip opening of the terminal connection portion 510, the plurality of elastic contact pieces 525 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal 502 and are lifted. That is, the male terminal 502 is inserted while receiving a reaction force (contact load) from the plurality of elastic contact pieces 525.
[0006] Therefore, when the male terminal 502 is inserted into the female terminal 501 up to the insertion completion position, the contact load of each of the elastic contact pieces 525 arranged in a circular shape reduces the contact resistance to enable stable contact between the terminals.
[0007] Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a demand for higher currents in connectors due to the adoption of 48V power supplies in automobiles, and for increasing the capacity of batteries and shortening charging times in vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. When increasing the current of terminals used in such connectors, it is necessary to reduce the electrical resistance to reduce the temperature rise of the terminals due to the voltage. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-187168 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-78373 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2021-515378 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] However, the female terminal 501 is formed from a single metal plate. Therefore, the thicker the terminal plate, the lower the electrical resistance and the less the temperature rise of the terminal due to voltage. On the other hand, the thicker the terminal plate, the greater the reaction force of the elastic contact piece 525, which increases the terminal insertion force and worsens the terminal insertion performance. In addition, as the thickness of the female terminal 501 increases, the formability of the elastic contact piece 525 when the metal plate is pressed deteriorates. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a female terminal that can reduce electrical resistance without increasing the terminal insertion force. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the female terminal according to the present invention is characterized by the following: A terminal connection portion having an inner band portion and an outer band portion formed integrally in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion and the outer band portion, wherein the plurality of elastic contact pieces contact a male terminal, An electrical connection portion is provided, which extends from the inner band portion and the outer band portion, respectively, toward the rear in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion, and to which a conductive member is connected. A female terminal equipped with a female terminal. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] The female terminal according to the present invention has the effect of reducing electrical resistance without increasing the terminal insertion force.
[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by referring to the attached drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main part of a connector equipped with a female terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the female terminal shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the female terminal shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view of the female terminal shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view of the VV section in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view of the section VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an unfolded perspective view illustrating the bending process of the female terminal shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front view of the female terminal shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear view of the female terminal shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a developed perspective view of the female terminal shown in Figure 9. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a developed perspective view for explaining the intermediate state of bending of the female terminal shown in Figure 9. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an overall perspective view of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a front view of the female terminal shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a rear view of the female terminal shown in Figure 14. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along the arrow XVII-XVII in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a sectional view taken along the arrow XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a developed perspective view of the female terminal shown in Figure 14. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a developed perspective view for explaining the intermediate state of bending of the female terminal shown in Figure 14. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal shown in Figure 14, (a) is a sectional view corresponding to the XVIII-XVIII section of Figure 17, and (b) is a front view. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an overall perspective view of a conventional female terminal. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female terminal shown in Figure 22.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0014] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures.
[0015] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main part of a connector equipped with a female terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the female terminal 1 shown in Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are a front view and a rear view of the female terminal 1 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VV arrow in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI arrow in Figure 5.
[0016] A connector equipped with a female terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a female terminal 1 housed in a housing (not shown), an LA terminal 3 which is a conductive member connected to the end of an electric wire 5, and a bolt 7 and nut 8 for fastening the LA terminal 3 to the electrical connection portion 50 of the female terminal 1. A cylindrical male terminal 2 is fitted into the terminal connection portion 10 of the female terminal 1. The male terminal 2 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is connected to the end of an electric wire or electrical equipment (not shown).
[0017] For the sake of explanation, the "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are defined below as shown in Figure 1. These "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction coincides with the mating direction of the female terminal 1 and the male terminal 2. The side facing the mating direction from the perspective of the female terminal 1 (the side approaching the male terminal 2) is called the "front side," and the side facing the unmating direction from the perspective of the female terminal 1 (the side moving away from the male terminal 2) is called the "rear side."
[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the female terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a terminal connection portion 10 that is electrically connected to the male terminal 2, and an electrical connection portion 50 that extends rearward in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion 10 and to which the conductive member LA terminal 3 is electrically connected.
[0019] The female terminal 1 is a one-piece molded product formed by bending a metal plate 100 (see Figure 7), which is made of a plate-shaped member made of a copper alloy or the like and has been press-stamped in an unfolded shape. The surface of the female terminal 1 is plated with gold, silver, tin, or the like.
[0020] The terminal connection portion 10 has an inner band portion 20 and an outer band portion 30 which are integrally formed in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate 100, which will be described later, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d that protrude from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion 20, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d that protrude from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the outer band portion 30.
[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, 6, the inner band portion 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 21 and 23. The axis of the inner band portion 20 extends in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10.
[0022] Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d are integrally formed on the inner band portion 20, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. As shown in Figure 3, the elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d formed on the split portion 21 and the elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b formed on the split portion 23 all have the same outer shape and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner band portion 20.
[0023] The protruding tips of the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d from the inner band portion 20 have a gradually decreasing width as they extend forward in the protruding direction (to the left in Figure 5), and an introduction portion 27 is formed at the edge of the protruding tip, which is bent in the direction of the expanding diameter of the inner band portion 20.
[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, 6, the outer band portion 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 31 and 33, and is positioned to contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner band portion 20. The axis of the outer band portion 30 extends in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10, and the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are configured as a concentric double cylinder.
[0025] Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are integrally formed on the outer band portion 30, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. As shown in Figure 3, the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d formed on the split portion 31 and the elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b formed on the split portion 33 all have the same outer shape and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer band portion 30.
[0026] The protruding tips of the elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d from the outer band portion 30 have a gradually decreasing width as they extend forward in the protruding direction (to the left in Figure 5), and an introduction portion 37 is formed at the edge of the protruding tip, which is bent in the direction of the expanding diameter of the outer band portion 30.
[0027] Furthermore, the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d of the inner band portion 20 and the elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d of the outer band portion 30 are arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the terminal connection portion 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. In addition, the protruding length, width, and thickness dimensions of the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and 35a to 35d are all equal.
[0028] Furthermore, the elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d each protrude in a cantilevered manner forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10 from the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30, respectively, and are capable of elastic bending deformation in the radial direction of the terminal connection portion 10. The elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d each have a tapered shape that is inclined in the radial direction of the terminal connection portion 10 as they protrude forward from the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30.
[0029] Furthermore, the opposing distances between elastic contact pieces 25d and 25b, 35d and 35b, 25c and 25a, and 35c and 35a, which are facing each other radially in the terminal connection portion 10, are all formed to be equal. Moreover, the opposing distances between these elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d are smallest at the bent base of the introduction portions 27 and 37, and are smaller than the outer diameter of the male terminal 2. At the protruding tip, due to the formation of the introduction portions 27 and 37, the opposing distances are larger than the outer diameter of the male terminal 2.
[0030] Therefore, when the male terminal 2 is inserted into the female terminal 1 from the introduction portions 27 and 37, the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and 35a to 35d are pressed against the outer circumference of the male terminal 2 and expand in diameter. Then, the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and 35a to 35d are pressed against the outer surface of the male terminal 2 by elastic force and come into contact, thereby electrically connecting the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 1.
[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the electrical connection part 50 is integrally formed by folding and stacking four connection plate portions 51a to 51d of the metal plate 100, which will be described later, and has a bolt insertion hole 53 through which a bolt 7 is inserted. The electrical connection part 50 and the LA terminal 3 are screwed together by screwing a nut 8 onto the bolt 7 that is inserted through the insertion hole 4 of the LA terminal 3 and the bolt insertion hole 53.
[0032] Next, we will explain the procedure for manufacturing the female terminal 1 configured in this way by bending it. Figure 7 is an unfolded perspective view of the female terminal 1 shown in Figure 2, with the folded area indicated by dashed lines. Figure 8 is an unfolded perspective view illustrating the folding process of the female terminal 1 shown in Figure 7.
[0033] First, a metal plate 100, which is formed by press-punching a plate-shaped member made of a copper alloy or the like in an unfolded shape, is integrally formed with rectangular connecting plate portions 51a to 51d arranged in a row in the left-right direction, connecting portions 43a to 43c extending forward (to the left in Figure 7) from the side edges of each connecting plate portion 51a to 51d, and half-split portions 31, 21, 23, and 33 extending forward from each connecting portion 43a to 43c.
[0034] Each of the connecting plate sections 51a to 51d has a circular opening 53a to 53d formed in its center, which defines a bolt insertion hole 53. Elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d extending approximately parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 31, and elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b extending approximately parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 33. These split portions 31 and 33 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex upward. In addition, an introduction portion 37 is formed at the protruding tip of the elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d.
[0035] Elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d extending approximately parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 21, and elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b extending approximately parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 23. These split portions 21 and 23 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex downwards. In addition, an introduction portion 27 is formed at the protruding tip of the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d.
[0036] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the folding points between connecting plate portion 51a and connecting plate portion 51b, and between connecting plate portion 51c and connecting plate portion 51d are folded so that they form a mountain fold. Also, the folding point between connecting plate portion 51b and connecting plate portion 51c is folded so that it forms a valley fold.
[0037] Then, when the connecting plate portions 51a to 51d are folded so that four layers are stacked on top of each other, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are integrally formed into a concentric double cylindrical shape, and the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the terminal connection portion 10, thereby completing the bending process of the female terminal 1.
[0038] Next, the operation of the female terminal 1 according to this first embodiment will be explained. In the female terminal 1 of this first embodiment, the terminal connection portion 10 is configured such that the outer band portion 30, which has elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d protruding from multiple locations in the circumferential direction, is arranged to contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner band portion 20, which has elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d protruding from multiple locations in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the electrical connection portion 50 is integrally formed by folding and stacking four connection plate portions 51a to 51d.
[0039] Therefore, according to the female terminal 1 of this first embodiment, by overlapping the outer band portion 30 and the inner band portion 20 in a concentric double cylindrical shape, and by folding the connection plate portions 51a to 51d to form a four-layer integral, the effective cross-sectional area at the connection portion with the LA terminal 3 can be increased without increasing the thickness of the plate, thereby reducing electrical resistance.
[0040] Furthermore, the electrical connection part 50 has a screw hole 53 for screw fastening the LA terminal 3, and the electrical connection part 50 and the LA terminal 3 are screw fastened together by screwing a nut 8 onto a bolt 7. Thus, the connection plate parts 51a to 51d, which are folded and integrally formed into four layers, can be reliably made contact with each other by being screw fastened together and tightly in contact.
[0041] Therefore, the elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d do not experience increased terminal insertion force due to increased plate thickness, and terminal insertion performance is not impaired. Furthermore, since the plate thickness of the female terminal 1 is not increased, the formability of the elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d is not impaired when the metal plate 100 is press-formed. According to the female terminal 1 of the first embodiment described above, electrical resistance can be reduced without increasing the terminal insertion force.
[0042] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the female terminal 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 10 and 11 are a front view and a rear view of the female terminal 1A shown in Figure 9. Note that components of the female terminal 1A similar to those of the female terminal 1 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0043] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the female terminal 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a terminal connection portion 10 that is electrically connected to the male terminal 2, and an electrical connection portion 50 that extends rearward in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion 10 and to which the conductive member LA terminal 3 is electrically connected.
[0044] The terminal connection portion 10 has an inner band portion 20 and an outer band portion 30 which are integrally formed in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate 100, a plurality of elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion 20, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the outer band portion 30.
[0045] As shown in Figure 10, the inner band portion 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 21 and 23. Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d are integrally formed on the inner band portion 20, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. The elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d formed on the split portion 21 and the elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b formed on the split portion 23 all have the same outer shape and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner band portion 20.
[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the outer band portion 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 31 and 33, and is positioned to contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner band portion 20. The axis of the outer band portion 30 extends in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10, and the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are configured as a concentric double cylinder.
[0047] Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are integrally formed on the outer band portion 30, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. The elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d of the inner band portion 20 and the elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d of the outer band portion 30 are arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the terminal connection portion 10.
[0048] As shown in Figure 11, the electrical connection section 50 is formed by folding and stacking four connection plate sections 51a to 51d of the metal plate 100A, which will be described later, and has a bolt insertion hole 53 through which a bolt 7 is inserted.
[0049] Next, we will explain the procedure for manufacturing the female terminal 1A configured in this way by bending it. Figure 12 is an unfolded perspective view of the female terminal 1A shown in Figure 9, with the folded area indicated by dashed lines. Figure 13 is an unfolded perspective view illustrating the folding process of the female terminal 1A shown in Figure 9.
[0050] First, a metal plate 100A, formed by press-punching a plate-shaped member made of a copper alloy or the like in an unfolded shape, is integrally formed with rectangular connecting plate portions 51a to 51d arranged in two rows, front and back, left and right, connecting portions 43a and 43d extending rearward (to the right in Figure 12) from the rear edges of the connecting plate portions 51a and 51d, connecting portions 43b and 43c extending forward (to the left in Figure 12) from the front edges of the connecting plate portions 51b and 51c, half-split portions 31 and 33 extending rearward from the connecting portions 43a and 43d, and half-split portions 21 and 23 extending forward from the connecting portions 43b and 43c.
[0051] Each of the connecting plate sections 51a to 51d has a circular opening 53a to 53d in its center, which defines a bolt insertion hole 53. A slit 55 is also formed between the connecting plate section 51a and the connecting plate section 51d.
[0052] Elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d extending substantially parallel to the rear are integrally formed on the split portion 31, and elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b extending substantially parallel to the rear are integrally formed on the split portion 33. These split portions 31 and 33 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex downwards.
[0053] Elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d extending substantially parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 21, and elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b extending substantially parallel to the front are integrally formed on the split portion 23. These split portions 21 and 23 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex upwards.
[0054] Next, the connecting plate portion 51b and the connecting plate portion 51c are bent at a right angle so as to rise upward relative to the connecting plate portion 51a and the connecting plate portion 51d. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the connecting plate portion 51b and the connecting plate portion 51c are folded in the direction in which the slit 55 opens in a fan shape and are overlapped.
[0055] Then, the connecting plate portion 51a and the connecting plate portion 51d are folded so that they overlap the connecting plate portion 51b and the connecting plate portion 51c, respectively, resulting in a four-layer fold. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are integrally formed into a concentric double cylindrical shape, and the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the terminal connection portion 10, completing the folding process of the female terminal 1A.
[0056] Therefore, according to the female terminal 1A of this second embodiment, similar to the female terminal 1 of the first embodiment, the outer band portion 30 and the inner band portion 20 are superimposed in a concentric double cylindrical shape, and the connecting plate portions 51a to 51d are folded and integrally formed into four layers, thereby increasing the effective cross-sectional area at the connection portion with the LA terminal 3 without increasing the plate thickness and reducing electrical resistance.
[0057] Therefore, the elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d do not experience increased terminal insertion force due to increased plate thickness, and terminal insertion performance is not impaired. Furthermore, since the plate thickness of the female terminal 1A is not increased, the formability of the elastic contact pieces 25a-25d and 35a-35d is not impaired when the metal plate 100A is press-formed. According to the female terminal 1A of the second embodiment described above, electrical resistance can be reduced without increasing the terminal insertion force.
[0058] (Third embodiment) Figure 14 is an overall perspective view of the female terminal 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15 and 16 are a front view and a rear view of the female terminal shown in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in Figure 16. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. Note that components of the female terminal 1B that are the same as those of the female terminal 1 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0059] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the female terminal 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a terminal connection portion 10B that is electrically connected to the male terminal 2, and an electrical connection portion 50 that extends rearward in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion 10B and to which the conductive member LA terminal 3 is electrically connected.
[0060] The terminal connection portion 10B comprises an inner band portion 20 and an outer band portion 30 which are integrally formed in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate 100B described later, a plurality of elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion 20, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the outer band portion 30.
[0061] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, 18, the inner band portion 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 21 and 23. Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d are integrally formed on the inner band portion 20, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. The elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d formed on the split portion 21 and the elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b formed on the split portion 23 all have the same outer shape.
[0062] Furthermore, the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d constitute a spring group 26 formed in the split portion 23, consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b, and a spring group 28 formed in the split portion 21, consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d. The spring groups 26 and 28 are arranged circumferentially offset at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10B in the opposing split portions 23 and 21.
[0063] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, 18, the outer band portion 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of bent semi-cylindrical split portions 31 and 33. The axis of the outer band portion 30, which is positioned to contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner band portion 20, extends in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10B. The inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are configured as a concentric double cylinder.
[0064] Multiple (four in this embodiment) elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are integrally formed on the outer band portion 30, extending forward in the direction of the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10. The elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d formed on the split portion 31 and the elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b formed on the split portion 33 all have the same outer shape.
[0065] Furthermore, the elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d constitute a spring group 36 formed in the split portion 33, consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b, and a spring group 38 formed in the split portion 31, consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d. The spring groups 36 and 38 are arranged circumferentially offset at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10B in the opposing split portions 33 and 31.
[0066] Then, as shown in Figures 15 and 18, the spring groups 26 and 28 of the inner band portion 20 and the spring groups 36 and 38 of the outer band portion 30 are arranged such that the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the terminal connection portion 10B.
[0067] That is, multiple pairs (two pairs in this embodiment) of spring groups 26, 28 and spring groups 36, 38 are arranged in pairs at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10B in the opposing split portions 21, 31 and 23, 33.
[0068] Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, in the female terminal 1B of this third embodiment, the elastic contact pieces 25a, 25b, elastic contact pieces 25c, 25d, elastic contact pieces 35a, 35b, and elastic contact pieces 35c, 35d, which are arranged adjacent to the split portions 21, 31 and 23, 33 respectively, are spaced closer together than the elastic contact pieces 25a, 25b, elastic contact pieces 25c, 25, elastic contact pieces 35a, 35b, and elastic contact pieces 35c, 35d in the female terminal 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.
[0069] For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the pressing forces P1 and P2 of the male terminal 2 are inserted into the terminal connection portion 10 of the female terminal 1 of the first embodiment and act on the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d, the force P3 transmitted from the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d to the split portion 31 is small because the distance between the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d is wide. Also, the position where the transmitted force P3 acts is closer to the center of the split portion 31, which is less prone to deformation. Therefore, the split portion 31 of the female terminal 1 in the first embodiment is difficult to deform, and the reaction force during insertion is almost entirely received by the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d, which may increase the spring reaction force.
[0070] In contrast, as shown in Figure 15, when the pressing forces P1 and P2 of the male terminal 2 are inserted into the terminal connection portion 10B of the female terminal 1B of the third embodiment and act on the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d, the force P3 transmitted from the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d to the split portion 31 becomes large because the distance between the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d is narrow. Furthermore, the position where the transmitted force P3 acts is closer to the easily deformable end of the split portion 31. Therefore, the split portion 31 in the female terminal 1B of the third embodiment is easily deformed, and the reaction force during insertion is received not only by the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d but also by the split portion 31, thereby reducing the spring reaction force.
[0071] Next, we will explain the procedure for manufacturing the female terminal 1B configured in this way by bending it. Figure 19 is an unfolded perspective view of the female terminal 1B shown in Figure 14, with the folded area indicated by dashed lines. Figure 20 is an unfolded perspective view illustrating the folding process of the female terminal 1B shown in Figure 19.
[0072] First, a metal plate 100B made of a copper alloy or the like is press-punched in an unfolded shape, and as shown in Figure 19, it is integrally formed with rectangular connecting plate portions 51a to 51d arranged in a row in the left-right direction, connecting portions 43a to 43c extending forward (to the left in Figure 19) from the side edges of each connecting plate portion 51a to 51d, and half-split portions 31, 21, 23, and 33 extending forward from each connecting portion 43a to 43c.
[0073] A spring group 38 consisting of elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d extending substantially parallel to the front is integrally formed in the split portion 31, and a spring group 36 consisting of elastic contact pieces 35a and 35b extending substantially parallel to the front is integrally formed in the split portion 33. These split portions 31 and 33 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex upward. Furthermore, the spring groups 36 and 38 are formed offset circumferentially from the split portions 33 and 31, respectively.
[0074] A spring group 28 consisting of elastic contact pieces 25c and 25d extending substantially parallel to the front is integrally formed in the split portion 21, and a spring group 26 consisting of elastic contact pieces 25a and 25b extending substantially parallel to the front is integrally formed in the split portion 23. These split portions 21 and 23 have a semicircular cross-sectional shape that is convex downwards. Furthermore, the spring groups 26 and 28 are formed offset circumferentially from the split portions 23 and 21, respectively.
[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 20, the folds between connecting plate portion 51a and connecting plate portion 51b, and between connecting plate portion 51c and connecting plate portion 51d are folded so that they form mountain folds. Also, the fold between connecting plate portion 51b and connecting plate portion 51c is folded so that it forms a valley fold.
[0076] Then, when the connecting plate portions 51a to 51d are folded so that four layers are stacked on top of each other, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the inner band portion 20 and the outer band portion 30 are integrally formed into a concentric double cylindrical shape, and the spring groups 26, 28 and 36, 38 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the terminal connecting portion 10B, and the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and 35a to 35d are arranged at equal intervals, completing the bending process of the female terminal 1B.
[0077] Next, the operation of the female terminal 1B according to this third embodiment will be explained. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the operation when the male terminal 2 is inserted into the female terminal 1B shown in Figure 14, where (a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XVIII-XVIII section in Figure 17, and (b) is a front view.
[0078] In the female terminal 1B of this third embodiment, elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d are arranged in pairs such that two pairs of spring groups 26, 28 and spring groups 36, 38, each consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces 25a, 25b, 25c, 25, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, are positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis O of the terminal connection portion 10B in the opposing split portions 21, 31 and split portions 23, 33.
[0079] As shown in Figure 15, the adjacent elastic contact pieces 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 35a, 35b, and 35c, 35d are spaced close together, and the force P3 transmitted from these elastic contact pieces 25a-25c and 35a-35d to the split portions 21, 23 and 31, 33 is large. Furthermore, the position where the transmitted force P3 acts is near the easily deformable ends of the split portions 21, 23 and 31, 33. In other words, the split portions 21, 23 and 31, 33 of the female terminal 1B in the third embodiment are each easily deformed.
[0080] For example, as shown in Figure 21(a), when the male terminal 2 is inserted into the terminal connection portion 10B of the female terminal 1B, an axial misalignment occurs in the direction of arrow X1. As a result, a force acts on the right end of the split portion 21 and the split portion 31 in the figure to open them in the direction of arrow X1, causing the left end of the easily deformable split portion 21 and the split portion 31 in the figure to be displaced in the direction of arrow X2.
[0081] As a result, as shown in Figure 21(b), the elastic contact pieces 35c and 35d do not undergo excessive elastic bending deformation radially outward of the terminal connection portion 10B, and the elastic contact pieces 25c and 25 can properly contact the outer surface of the male terminal 2.
[0082] Therefore, according to the female terminal 1B of this third embodiment, even if axial misalignment occurs when the male terminal 2 is inserted into the female terminal 1B, the spring reaction force of the elastic contact pieces 25a to 25d and elastic contact pieces 35a to 35d does not increase, thus not increasing the contact resistance, and stable contact between terminals becomes possible, thus improving terminal insertion performance.
[0083] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.
[0084] Here, the features of the female terminal embodiments according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [4]. [1] A terminal connection portion (10, 10B) having an inner band portion (20) and an outer band portion (30) integrally formed in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending metal plates (100, 100A, 100B), and a plurality of elastic contact pieces (25a~25d, 35a~35d) protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion (20) and the outer band portion (30), wherein the plurality of elastic contact pieces (25a~25d, 35a~35d) are in contact with the male terminal (2), Electrical connection portion (50) extends from the inner band portion (20) and the outer band portion (30) respectively toward the rear in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion (10, 10B) and to which a conductive member (LA terminal 3) is connected, Female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) equipped with these features.
[0085] In the female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) of the configuration described in [1] above, the terminal connection portion (10) is configured such that the outer band portion (30), which has elastic contact pieces (35a to 35d) protruding from multiple locations in the circumferential direction, is arranged to contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner band portion (20), which has elastic contact pieces (25a to 25d) protruding from multiple locations in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by overlapping the outer band portion (30) and the inner band portion (20) in a concentric double-tube shape, the effective cross-sectional area of the terminal connection portion (10) can be increased without increasing its thickness, thereby reducing electrical resistance.
[0086] [2] The inner band portion (20) and the outer band portion (30) are each formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of semi-cylindrical half-split portions (21, 23, 31, 33), The plurality of elastic contact pieces (25a-25d, 35a-35d) are arranged such that pairs of spring groups (26, 28, 36, 38), each consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d), are positioned in pairs at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis (O) of the terminal connection portion (10B) in the opposing halves (21, 23, 31, 33). The female terminal (1B) described in [1] above.
[0087] In the female terminal (1B) of the configuration described in [2] above, the adjacent elastic contact pieces (25a, 25b), elastic contact pieces (25c, 25d), elastic contact pieces (35a, 35b), and elastic contact pieces (35c, 35d) are spaced close together, and the force (P3) transmitted from these elastic contact pieces (25a~25c) and elastic contact pieces (35a~35d) to the split portions (21, 23) and split portions (31, 33) is large. Furthermore, the position where the transmitted force (P3) acts is closer to the easily deformable ends of the split portions (21, 23) and split portions (31, 33). In other words, the split portions (21, 23) and split portions (31, 33) are each easily deformed. Therefore, even if misalignment occurs when the male terminal (2) is inserted into the female terminal (1B), the spring reaction force of the elastic contact pieces (25a~25d) and elastic contact pieces (35a~35d) does not increase, thus preventing increased contact resistance and enabling stable terminal-to-terminal contact, thereby improving terminal insertion performance.
[0088] [3] The electrical connection part (50) is formed by folding the metal plates (100, 100A, 100B) and stacking them in a single unit. The female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) as described in [1] above.
[0089] With the female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) in the configuration described in [3] above, the connection plate portions (51a to 51d) of the metal plates (100, 100A, 100B) are folded and integrally formed into four layers, thereby increasing the effective cross-sectional area at the connection portion with the conductive member (LA terminal 3) without increasing the thickness of the plates, and thus reducing electrical resistance.
[0090] [4] The electrical connection portion (50) has a screw hole (53) for screw fastening the conductive member (LA terminal 3), The female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) as described in [3] above.
[0091] According to the female terminals (1, 1A, 1B) of the configuration described in [4] above, The electrical connection part (50) and the conductive member (LA terminal 3) are fastened together by screwing a nut (8) onto a bolt (7). Thus, the connection plate parts (51a to 51d), which are folded and formed into a single unit in four layers, can be reliably made contact with each other by being fastened together with screws and tightly in contact. [Explanation of symbols]
[0092] 1...Female terminal 2…Male terminal 3…LA terminal (conductive component) 10…Terminal connection section 20...Inner band 30…Outer band 25a~25d...Elastic contact pieces 35a~35d...Elastic contact piece 50…Electrical connection part
Claims
1. A terminal connection portion having an inner band portion and an outer band portion formed integrally in a concentric double cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces protruding from a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the inner band portion and the outer band portion, wherein the plurality of elastic contact pieces contact a male terminal, An electrical connection portion is provided, which extends from the inner band portion and the outer band portion, respectively, toward the rear in the connection direction of the terminal connection portion, and to which a conductive member is connected. A female terminal equipped with a female terminal.
2. The inner band portion and the outer band portion are each formed into a cylindrical shape by combining a pair of semi-cylindrical halves. The plurality of elastic contact pieces are arranged such that a plurality of spring groups, each consisting of two adjacent elastic contact pieces, are positioned in pairs at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the terminal connection portion in the opposing halves. The female terminal according to claim 1.
3. The electrical connection part is formed by folding the metal plate and stacking four of them together as a single unit. The female terminal according to claim 1.
4. The electrical connection portion has a screw hole for screw fastening the conductive member. The female terminal according to claim 3.