Crimp terminal fittings
The terminal fitting addresses the challenge of maintaining wire connection reliability by using offset pressure contact portions to incline the wire axis, reducing axial movement and simplifying the design without enlarging the connector.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing pressure contact terminal fittings face challenges in maintaining the reliability of the connection between a covered electric wire and the terminal fitting, particularly when the wire is pulled in the axial direction, while also requiring a simple configuration to avoid increasing the size of the connector.
The terminal fitting incorporates first and second pressure contact portions that cut the wire coating in intersecting directions, with these portions spaced apart axially and offset in the width direction, allowing the wire axis to be inclined relative to the terminal fitting, thereby reducing axial movement through decomposed tensile forces.
This configuration effectively suppresses axial movement of the wire relative to the terminal fitting with a simple design, ensuring connection reliability without increasing the connector's size.
Smart Images

Figure 2026115108000001_ABST
Abstract
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 plurality of pressure contact blades. The plurality of pressure contact blades in this terminal are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the covered electric wire to be connected.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In a pressure contact terminal fitting in which a covered electric wire is connected by being press-fitted, when the covered electric wire is pulled in the axial direction of the covered electric wire, in order to ensure the reliability of the connection, it is desired to suppress the movement of the covered electric wire in the axial direction with respect to the pressure contact terminal fitting. From the viewpoints of simplifying the shape of the pressure contact terminal fitting and suppressing the increase in size of the connector including the pressure contact terminal fitting, it is desired to suppress the movement of the covered electric wire in the axial direction of the covered electric wire with respect to the terminal fitting with a simple configuration.
[0005] The pressure contact terminal fitting of the present disclosure is completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing the movement of the covered electric wire in the axial direction with respect to the pressure contact terminal fitting with a simple configuration.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The pressure contact terminal fitting of the present disclosure is a first pressure contact portion that cuts the covering of the covered electric wire in a process of sliding the covered electric wire in a crossing direction crossing the axial direction of the covered electric wire, The system includes a second pressure contact portion that cuts the coating during the process of sliding the coated wire in the intersecting direction, The first and second contact portions are arranged to be spaced apart in the axial direction. The first completed crimping portion, which the crimped insulated wire contacts in the first crimping portion, and the second completed crimping portion, which the crimped insulated wire contacts in the second crimping portion, are misaligned in the width direction intersecting the axial direction and the intersecting direction. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to this disclosure, axial movement of the insulated wire relative to the crimp terminal fitting can be suppressed with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the crimp terminal fitting of Example 1 with an insulated wire attached, 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 left at an angle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the crimp terminal fitting seen from above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the crimp terminal fitting, seen from below. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view of the main part, showing an enlarged view of the pressure-welding cylinder section. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear view of the crimp terminal fitting, seen from the rear. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view of the crimp terminal fitting with an insulated wire attached, viewed from the rear. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view from the rear left, showing a crimp terminal fitting with an insulated wire attached housed in a housing. [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 device comprises a first pressure contact section that cuts the coating of the insulated wire in the process of sliding the insulated wire in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insulated wire, and a second pressure contact section that cuts the coating in the process of sliding the insulated wire in the direction intersecting, wherein the first pressure contact section and the second pressure contact section are spaced apart in the axial direction, and the first pressure contact completion section that the insulated wire that has been pressure contacted at the first pressure contact section makes contact with, and the second pressure contact completion section that the insulated wire that has been pressure contacted at the second pressure contact section makes contact with, are offset in the width direction that intersects the axial direction and the direction intersecting.
[0010] According to the configuration of this disclosure, the axis of the insulated wire between the first and second pressure-contact portions is inclined obliquely with respect to the axis of the insulated wire outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting. When an axial tensile force acts on the insulated wire outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting, the direction of the tensile force vector acting on the inclined region between the first and second pressure-contact portions of the insulated wire is oblique to the direction of the tensile force vector acting on the insulated wire outside the terminal fitting. Now, consider the case where the tensile force acting on the inclined region between the first and second pressure-contact portions of the insulated wire is decomposed into an axial force and a widthwise force of the insulated wire extending outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting. The component force obtained by decomposing the tensile force acting on the region between the first and second pressure-contact portions of the insulated wire in the axial direction of the insulated wire extending outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting is smaller than the tensile force acting on the insulated wire outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting. Furthermore, the tensile force acting on the region between the first and second pressure-contact sections of the insulated wire, when decomposed in the width direction, acts on the edge of the first (second) pressure-contact section, thereby increasing the frictional force between the first (second) pressure-contact section and the conductor. As a result, the insulated wire becomes less prone to axial displacement relative to the pressure-contact terminal fitting. Therefore, axial movement of the insulated wire relative to the pressure-contact terminal fitting can be suppressed with a simple configuration.
[0011] (2) In (1), the first press-fit portion has a pair of first press-fit blades that are opposite to the width direction and extend in the intersecting direction, the second press-fit portion has a pair of second press-fit blades that are opposite to the width direction and extend in the intersecting direction, a pair of first cutting edges which are the cutting base points of the pair of first press-fit blades are located at the opening of the first press-fit portion, a pair of second cutting edges which are the cutting base points of the pair of second press-fit blades are located at the opening of the second press-fit portion, and it is preferable that the pair of first cutting edges and the pair of second cutting edges are located at the same position in an axial view viewed from the axial direction. With this configuration, press-fitting can be started with the axis of the insulated wire in a straight line. This allows the insulation to be cut without bias in the width direction. In addition, it is possible to easily start press-fitting the insulated wire into the first and second press-fit portions.
[0012] In (3)(2), when the line connecting the pair of first cutting edges in the axial view is defined as the virtual inter-cutting edge line, and the line extending from the midpoint of the pair of first cutting edges in a direction perpendicular to the virtual inter-cutting edge line in the axial view is defined as the inter-cutting edge centerline, it is preferable that a pair of first guide portions are formed in the region of the opening of the first pressure-welding portion that is on the opening end side of the pair of first cutting edges, and a pair of second guide portions are formed in the region of the opening of the second pressure-welding portion that is on the opening end side of the pair of second cutting edges, and that a pair of second guide portions are formed that is on the inter-cutting edge centerline in the axial view, and that the pair of first guide portions and the pair of second guide portions coincide in the axial view. With this configuration, the axis of the insulated wire can be positioned on the inter-cutting edge centerline in the axial view. When press-fitting the insulated wire into the first and second pressure-fitting sections, the insulated wire is guided by the first and second guide sections, allowing it to be easily led between the pair of first cutting edges and the pair of second cutting edges.
[0013] (4)(3) It is preferable that the first and second pressure contact portions have a point-symmetrical shape when viewed parallel to the center line between the blades. With this configuration, the pressure contact state of the conductor at the first pressure contact portion and the pressure contact state of the conductor at the second pressure contact portion are similar in a point-symmetrical positional relationship, making it easier to stabilize the electrical connection between the conductor and the pressure contact terminal fitting.
[0014] In (5)(4), it is preferable that, among the pair of first and second pressure-welding blades, one of the first and second pressure-welding blades that are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship has a separation-side inclined portion that, in an axial view, is inclined to move away from the center line between the blades in the width direction as it moves from the first and second cutting edges toward the first and second pressure-welding completion portions. With this configuration, in the first cutting edge connected to the separation-side inclined portion of one of the first pressure-welding blades, the angle between the first guide portion connected to one of the first pressure-welding blades and the separation-side inclined portion becomes smaller compared to the case where the region extending from the first cutting edge toward the first pressure-welding completion portion is parallel to the center line between the blades in an axial view. For this reason, the portion of one of the first pressure-welding blades including the first cutting edge becomes pointed. Furthermore, the second cutting edge connected to the sloping portion on the separation side of one of the second pressure-welding blades is the same as the first cutting edge of one of the first pressure-welding blades. As a result, the first cutting edge connected to the sloping portion on the separation side of one of the first pressure-welding blades, and the second cutting edge connected to the sloping portion on the separation side of one of the second pressure-welding blades, become more efficient at cutting the coating.
[0015] (6) In (5), it is preferable that the separated-side inclined portion has a curved shape that is concave in the axial direction view. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the separated-side inclined portion is linear, the angle formed by the first guide portion continuous with one of the first pressure-contact blades and the separated-side inclined portion becomes smaller. For this reason, the portion including the first blade tip of one of the first pressure-contact blades becomes a sharper form. Also, the same applies to the second blade tip continuous with the separated-side inclined portion of one of the second pressure-contact blades. Thereby, the first blade tip continuous with the separated-side inclined portion of one of the first pressure-contact blades and the second blade tip continuous with the separated-side inclined portion of one of the second pressure-contact blades become more likely to cut the coating.
[0016] (7) In (5) or (6), among the pair of first pressure-contact blades and the pair of second pressure-contact blades, the other first pressure-contact blade and the other second pressure-contact blade in a point-symmetrical positional relationship preferably have an approaching-side inclined portion that is inclined so as to approach the blade center line from the first blade tip and the second blade tip along the blade center line in the axial direction view. According to this configuration, the first portion that has passed through the first blade tip of the coated electric wire is displaced in the width direction so as to approach the separated-side inclined portion by sliding contact with the approaching-side inclined portion of the other first pressure-contact blade in the process of moving toward the first pressure-contact completion portion. The second portion that has passed through the second blade tip of the coated electric wire is displaced in the width direction so as to approach the separated-side inclined portion by sliding contact with the approaching-side inclined portion of the other second pressure-contact blade in the process of moving toward the second pressure-contact completion portion. Thereby, in the process of the pressure contact progressing, the first portion and the second portion are separated from each other in the width direction, and the axis of the coated electric wire between the first pressure-contact portion and the second pressure-contact portion of the coated electric wire can be made oblique with respect to the axis of the coated electric wire outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting of the coated electric wire.
[0017] (8)(7), it is preferable that the approaching-side inclined portion is curved in a concave shape when viewed in the axial direction. According to this configuration, the opposing interval in the width direction between the separating-side inclined portion and the approaching-side inclined portion is wider than the opposing intervals of the pair of first cutting edges and the pair of second cutting edges. Therefore, the conductor passing through the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge is not strongly pressed against the separating-side inclined portion and the approaching-side inclined portion, and the crimping process can proceed smoothly.
[0018] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] [Example 1] The crimping terminal fitting 10 of Example 1 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In Example 1, regarding the front-rear direction, the F direction in each figure is defined as the front, regarding the up-down direction, the H direction is defined as the up, and regarding the left-right direction, the R direction is defined as the right. The width direction is used synonymously with the left-right direction.
[0019] The crimping terminal fitting 10 of Example 1 is configured to be housed in a terminal housing chamber 61 formed in a housing 60 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 1, a coated electric wire 50 is connected to the crimping terminal fitting 10 so as to be electrically conductive by crimping. The coated electric wire 50 is a member in a well-known form in which a conductor 51 is surrounded by a coating 52 made of an insulating synthetic resin. The conductor 51 is, for example, a single-core wire made of one metal wire. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the coating 52 is a circle concentric with the conductor 51.
[0020] The crimp terminal fitting 10 is a single component formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the crimp terminal fitting 10 includes a rectangular tube portion 12 for connecting a mating terminal (not shown) and a crimp cylinder portion 13 for crimping the insulated wire 50. The rectangular tube portion 12 constitutes the front region of the crimp terminal fitting 10. The crimp cylinder portion 13 is rectangular in shape and extends backward from the rear end of the rectangular tube portion 12. The crimp cylinder portion 13 constitutes the rear region of the crimp terminal fitting 10. The crimp cylinder portion 13 has a first crimp portion 13A and a second crimp portion 13B.
[0021] The first and second pressure-welding portions 13A and 13B are formed in a groove shape that recesses forward from the rear end of the pressure-welding cylinder portion 13. The upper and lower surfaces of the first and second pressure-welding portions 13A and 13B are embossed (see Figure 2). As a result, the thickness of the first and second pressure-welding portions 13A and 13B is reduced inward in the left-right direction. The first pressure-welding portion 13A is formed in the upper wall of the wall portion forming the pressure-welding cylinder portion 13 and penetrates the upper wall in the vertical direction. The second pressure-welding portion 13B is formed in the lower wall portion forming the pressure-welding cylinder portion 13 and penetrates the lower wall in the vertical direction. The first and second pressure-welding portions 13A and 13B are formed spaced apart in the vertical direction. The insulated electric wire 50, with its axis A oriented vertically, is slid forward and pushed into the first and second pressure contact portions 13A and 13B (see Figure 7).
[0022] [Configuration of the first pressure-welded section] As shown in Figure 3, the first pressure-welding portion 13A includes a first pressure-welding completion portion 13C, a pair of first pressure-welding blades 13D, a pair of first cutting edges 13E, a pair of first guide portions 13F, a separation-side inclined portion 13G, and an approach-side inclined portion 13H.
[0023] The first crimped portion 13C is located at the front end of the groove-shaped first crimped portion 13A. The first crimped portion 13C is the portion that the crimped insulated wire 50 makes contact with the first crimped portion 13A.
[0024] The left edge and right edge of the groove-shaped first pressure contact portion 13A, both extending in the front-rear direction, function as a pair of first pressure contact blades 13D. The pair of first pressure contact blades 13D are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction (width direction) and extend in the sliding direction (front-rear direction) of the insulated wire 50.
[0025] The pair of first cutting edges 13E are the rear end portions of the pair of first pressure-welding blades 13D. In other words, the pair of first cutting edges 13E are located at the opening of the first pressure-welding section 13A. The pair of first cutting edges 13E are the cutting base points of the pair of first pressure-welding blades 13D. Here, in a plan view, the straight line connecting the pair of first cutting edges 13E is defined as the virtual inter-blade line Vs1, and the straight line extending from the midpoint of the pair of first cutting edges 13E in a direction perpendicular to the virtual inter-blade line Vs1 is defined as the inter-blade center line C1 (first inter-blade center line C1) (see Figure 5). Note that the plan view referred to here is the same as the view from the direction of axis A of the insulated wire 50 when the insulated wire 50 is press-fitted into the first pressure-welding section 13A and the second pressure-welding section 13B (i.e., axial view).
[0026] The pair of first guide portions 13F are positioned in a region of the first pressure contact portion 13A closer to the open end than the pair of first cutting edges 13E in a plan view (axial view). The pair of first guide portions 13F are inclined to extend backward in the left-right direction, with one connected to each first cutting edge 13E. In a plan view, the pair of first guide portions 13F have a symmetrical shape. The pair of first guide portions 13F are symmetrical with respect to the inter-cutting edge centerline C1 (see Figure 5).
[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the separation-side inclined portion 13G is formed as part of the first pressure-welding blade 13D. In a plan view (axial view), the separation-side inclined portion 13G is formed to be inclined so that it moves away from the center line C1 in the width direction as it moves from the first cutting edge 13E towards the first pressure-welding completion portion 13C along the center line C1 between the blades. In a plan view (axial view), the separation-side inclined portion 13G has a curved shape that is concave in the width direction away from the center line C1 between the blades to the left.
[0028] The approaching inclined portion 13H is formed as part of the right first pressure contact blade 13D, which is opposite the left first pressure contact blade 13D on which the separating inclined portion 13G is provided, in the width direction. In a plan view (axial view), the approaching inclined portion 13H is formed to be inclined so as it approaches the inter-blade centerline C1 from the first cutting edge 13E toward the first pressure contact completion portion 13C, it moves toward the left in the width direction toward the inter-blade centerline C1. In a plan view (axial view), the approaching inclined portion 13H has a curved shape that is concave in the width direction toward the right of the inter-blade centerline C1.
[0029] [Configuration of the second pressure-welded section] As shown in Figure 4, the second pressure-welding section 13B includes a second pressure-welding completion section 13J, a pair of second pressure-welding blades 13K, a pair of second cutting edges 13L, a pair of second guide sections 13M, a separation-side inclined section 13N, and an approach-side inclined section 13P.
[0030] The second crimped portion 13J is located at the front end of the groove-shaped second crimped portion 13B. The second crimped portion 13J is the portion that the insulated wire 50, which has been crimped in the second crimped portion 13B, comes into contact with. The first crimped portion 13C and the second crimped portion 13J are misaligned in the left-right direction (width direction) which intersects with the front-back direction (crossing direction) in which the insulated wire 50 slides (see Figure 5).
[0031] The left edge and right edge of the groove-shaped second pressure contact portion 13B, both extending in the front-rear direction, function as a pair of second pressure contact blades 13K. The pair of second pressure contact blades 13K are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction (width direction) and extend in the sliding direction (front-rear direction and intersecting direction) of the insulated wire 50.
[0032] The pair of second cutting edges 13L are the rear end portions of the pair of second pressure welding blades 13K. In other words, the pair of second cutting edges 13L are located at the opening of the second pressure welding portion 13B and are the cutting base points of the pair of second pressure welding blades 13K. Here, in a plan view (axial view), the straight line connecting the pair of second cutting edges 13L is defined as the virtual inter-edge line Vs2, and the straight line extending from the midpoint of the pair of first cutting edges 13E in a direction perpendicular to the virtual inter-edge line Vs2 is defined as the inter-edge center line C2 (second inter-edge center line C2) (see Figure 5). In a plan view (axial view), the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L are located at the same position (see Figure 5). In a plan view (axial view), for example, the inter-edge center line C1 and the inter-edge center line C2 coincide.
[0033] The pair of second guide portions 13M are positioned in a region of the second pressure contact portion 13B that is closer to the open end than the pair of second cutting edges 13L in a plan view (axial view). The pair of second guide portions 13M are inclined to extend backward in the left-right direction, with one connected to each second cutting edge 13L. In a plan view, the pair of second guide portions 13M have a symmetrical shape. The pair of second guide portions 13M are symmetrical with respect to the inter-blade centerline C2 (see Figure 5). In a plan view (axial view), the pair of first guide portions 13F and the pair of second guide portions 13M coincide (see Figure 5). That is, the pair of first guide portions 13F and the pair of second guide portions 13M overlap in the axial direction (vertical direction).
[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the separation-side inclined portion 13N is formed as part of the second pressure welding blade 13K. In a plan view (axial view), the separation-side inclined portion 13N is formed to be inclined so that it moves further to the right in the width direction from the inter-blade centerline C2 (inter-blade centerline C1) as it moves from the second cutting edge 13L towards the second pressure welding completion portion 13J along the inter-blade centerline C1. In a plan view (axial view), the separation-side inclined portion 13N has a curved shape that is concave in the width direction, moving away from the inter-blade centerline C2 (inter-blade centerline C1) to the right.
[0035] The approaching inclined portion 13P is formed as part of the left second pressure welding blade 13K, which is opposite in the width direction to the right second pressure welding blade 13K, on which the separating inclined portion 13N is provided. In a plan view (axial view), the approaching inclined portion 13P is formed to be inclined so as it approaches the inter-blade centerline C2 (inter-blade centerline C1) in a width direction to the right from the second cutting edge 13L toward the second pressure welding completion portion 13J along the inter-blade centerline C1. In a plan view (axial view), the approaching inclined portion 13P has a curved shape that is concave in a direction away from the inter-blade centerline C2 (inter-blade centerline C1) toward the left in the width direction.
[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the first and second pressure-welding portions 13A and 13B formed in this manner are point-symmetric with respect to the center point Cp of the pressure-welding cylinder portion 13 when viewed parallel to the center line C1 (center line C2) between the blades. Furthermore, the first pressure-welding blade 13D, which is a component of the first pressure-welding portion 13A, and the second pressure-welding blade 13K, which is a component of the second pressure-welding portion 13B, are point-symmetric with respect to the center point Cp of the pressure-welding cylinder portion 13 when viewed parallel to the center line C1 (center line C2) between the blades. In addition, of the pair of first pressure-welding blades 13D and the pair of second pressure-welding blades 13K, the left (one) first pressure-welding blade 13D and the right (one) second pressure-welding blade 13K, which are in a point-symmetric positional relationship, each have a separating-side inclined portion 13G, 13N. Furthermore, of the pair of first pressure welding blades 13D and the pair of second pressure welding blades 13K, the right-side (other) first pressure welding blade 13D and the left-side (other) second pressure welding blade 13K, which are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship, each have approach-side inclined portions 13H and 13P.
[0037] [An example of the process for crimping insulated wires] Next, the process of press-fitting the insulated wire 50 to the crimp terminal fitting 10 will be described. First, the insulated wire 50 is positioned so that its axis A is oriented vertically relative to the crimp terminal fitting 10, which is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction (see Figure 5). At this time, the axis A of the insulated wire 50 is in a straight line. Then, the insulated wire 50 is brought close to the crimp cylinder portion 13 from the rear. When press-fitting the insulated wire 50 into the first crimp portion 13A and the second crimp portion 13B, a pressing jig (not shown) is used. The first crimp portion 13A and the second crimp portion 13B are arranged spaced apart in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the insulated wire 50.
[0038] During the press-fitting process, the insulated wire 50 is first guided by a pair of first guide sections 13F and a pair of second guide sections 13M so that the position of its axis A in the left-right direction coincides with the position of the inter-blade centerline C1 (inter-blade centerline C2). This positions the axis A of the insulated wire 50 at an intermediate position between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L in the left-right direction. The insulated wire 50 then begins press-fitting against the first press-fit section 13A and the second press-fit section 13B while its axis A is extended in a straight line in the vertical direction.
[0039] From this state, the insulated wire 50 is pushed forward, moving forward between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and between the pair of second cutting edges 13L. The outer diameter of the insulation 52 is larger than the distance between the opposing pairs of first cutting edges 13E and between the opposing pairs of second cutting edges 13L. Therefore, as the insulated wire 50 passes forward between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and between the pair of second cutting edges 13L, the insulation 52 is pressed against the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L and cut by them. The conductor 51 at the portion of the insulation 52 that has been cut in a slit shape is exposed. In this way, the first pressure contact portion 13A and the second pressure contact portion 13B cut the insulation 52 of the insulated wire 50 in the process of sliding the insulated wire 50 in a forward direction (crossing direction) that intersects the axial direction of the insulated wire 50.
[0040] Having passed forward between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L, the conductor 51 moves forward across the pair of first pressure contact blades 13D and the pair of second pressure contact blades 13K. First, the conductor 51 moves forward between the separating-side inclined portion 13G and the approaching-side inclined portion 13H of the pair of first pressure contact blades 13D, and between the separating-side inclined portion 13N and the approaching-side inclined portion 13P of the pair of second pressure contact blades 13K. In the left-right direction, the distance between the separating-side inclined portion 13N and the approaching-side inclined portion 13P is slightly greater than the distance between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the distance between the pair of second cutting edges 13L. Therefore, the frictional force generated between the conductor 51 and the separation-side inclined portion 13N and the approach-side inclined portion 13P is smaller than the frictional force generated between the conductor 51 and the pair of first cutting edges 13E, and between the conductor 51 and the pair of second cutting edges 13L. As a result, the conductor 51 can move smoothly forward between the separation-side inclined portion 13N and the approach-side inclined portion 13P.
[0041] Then, the conductor 51 moves forward to the left between the separation-side inclined portion 13G and the approach-side inclined portion 13H of the pair of first crimping blades 13D. In parallel with this, the conductor 51 moves forward to the right between the separation-side inclined portion 13N and the approach-side inclined portion 13P of the pair of second crimping blades 13K. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the axis A of the portion of the insulated wire 50 located below the first crimping portion 13A and above the second crimping portion 13B is tilted so as to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the rear. At this time, the axis A of the portion of the insulated wire 50 located below the first crimping portion 13A and above the second crimping portion 13B is defined as the tilt axis At. The axis A of the portion of the insulated wire 50 that extends outside the crimping terminal fitting 10 is defined as the external axis Ae.
[0042] Then, while maintaining the inclined axis At of the portion of the insulated wire 50 located below the first crimping portion 13A and above the second crimping portion 13B in an inclined state with respect to the external axis Ae extending in the vertical direction, it moves forward between the pair of first crimping blades 13D and the pair of second crimping blades 13K. When the conductor 51 reaches the first crimping completion portion 13C and the second crimping completion portion 13J, the press-fitting of the insulated wire 50 into the crimping cylinder portion 13 is completed.
[0043] In the insulated wire 50 after press-fitting into the crimping cylinder 13, the external axis Ae of the portion located above and below the crimping cylinder 13 extends in the vertical direction. In the insulated wire 50 after press-fitting into the crimping cylinder 13, the inclined axis At of the portion located inside the crimping cylinder 13 is tilted so as to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the rear. That is, by press-fitting the vertically extending insulated wire 50 into the crimping cylinder 13, the portion of the insulated wire 50 located between the upper and lower walls of the crimping cylinder 13 bends so as to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the rear. As a result, when the insulated wire 50 is pulled upward in the direction of axis A (inclined axis At), the bent conductor 51 acts to catch on the first crimping blade 13D on the right side of the first crimping portion 13A. When the insulated wire 50 is pulled downward in the direction of axis A (inclined axis At), the bent conductor 51 acts to catch on the second insulated blade 13K on the left side of the second insulated contact portion 13B. This prevents the insulated wire 50 from moving or falling off relative to the insulated terminal fitting 10 in the direction of axis A (inclined axis At).
[0044] Furthermore, as the conductor 51 moves forward between the separating-side inclined sections 13G, 13N and the approaching-side inclined sections 13H, 13P, the cut surface of the insulation 52 located above the first contact section 13A is gradually pressed against the upper surface of the first contact section 13A from above. At the same time, the cut surface of the insulation 52 located below the second contact section 13B is gradually pressed against the lower surface of the second contact section 13B from below. As a result, the frictional force between the upper surface of the first contact section 13A and the cut surface of the insulation 52 located above the first contact section 13A, and between the lower surface of the second contact section 13B and the cut surface of the insulation 52 located below the second contact section 13B, increases. Therefore, this frictional force is expected to have the effect of suppressing the backward movement of the insulated wire 50 between the first contact section 13A and the second contact section 13B.
[0045] The crimp terminal fitting 10 of this disclosure includes a first crimp portion 13A that cuts the coating 52 of the insulated wire 50 in the process of sliding the insulated wire 50 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insulated wire 50, and a second crimp portion 13B that cuts the coating 52 in the process of sliding the insulated wire 50 in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The first crimp portion 13A and the second crimp portion 13B are spaced apart in the axial direction of the insulated wire 50. The first crimp completion portion 13C, which the crimped insulated wire 50 contacts at the first crimp portion 13A, and the second crimp completion portion 13J, which the crimped insulated wire 50 contacts at the second crimp portion 13B, are offset in the width direction intersecting the axial direction and the intersecting direction.
[0046] In this configuration, the axis A of the insulated wire 50 between the first contact portion 13A and the second contact portion 13B is inclined obliquely with respect to the axis A of the insulated wire 50 outside the contact terminal fitting 10. When an axial tensile force acts on the insulated wire 50 outside the contact terminal fitting 10, the direction of the tensile force vector acting on the region of the insulated wire 50 between the first contact portion 13A and the second contact portion 13B is oblique to the direction of the tensile force vector acting on the insulated wire 50 outside the contact terminal fitting 10. Now, let's consider the case where the tensile force acting on the inclined region of the insulated wire 50 between the first contact portion 13A and the second contact portion 13B is decomposed into an axial force and a widthwise force of the insulated wire 50 extending outside the contact terminal fitting 10. The tensile force acting on the region of the insulated wire 50 between the first and second pressure-contact portions 13A and 13B is decomposed in the axial direction of the insulated wire 50 extending outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting 10, and the resulting component force is smaller than the tensile force acting on the insulated wire 50 outside the pressure-contact terminal fitting 10. Furthermore, the tensile force acting on the inclined region of the insulated wire 50 between the first and second pressure-contact portions 13A and 13B is decomposed in the width direction, and the resulting component force acts on the edge of the first pressure-contact portion 13A (second pressure-contact portion 13B), increasing the frictional force between the first pressure-contact portion 13A (second pressure-contact portion 13B) and the conductor 51. As a result, the insulated wire 50 is less likely to shift axially relative to the pressure-contact terminal fitting 10. Therefore, axial movement of the insulated wire 50 relative to the pressure-contact terminal fitting 10 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.
[0047] The groove-shaped first and second pressure contact portions 13A and 13B allow the insulated wire 50, which is press-fitted into the first and second pressure contact portions 13A and 13B, to be tilted between the first and second pressure contact portions 13A and 13B with respect to the axis A direction of the portion of the insulated wire 50 that is located outside the pressure contact terminal fitting 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a complex structure in the pressure contact terminal fitting 10 to suppress the axial movement of the insulated wire 50 relative to the pressure contact terminal fitting 10. Furthermore, even if the pressure contact terminal fitting 10 does not have an insulation barrel for crimping the insulated wire 50, it is possible to suppress the axial movement of the insulated wire 50 relative to the pressure contact terminal fitting 10. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a structure in the housing 60 that holds the pressure contact terminal fitting 10 to restrict the movement of the insulated wire 50, it is possible to ensure connection reliability while suppressing the increase in the size of the connector.
[0048] The first crimping section 13A has a pair of first crimping blades 13D that face each other in the left-right direction (width direction) and extend in the front-rear direction (crossing direction). The second crimping section 13B has a pair of second crimping blades 13K that face each other in the left-right direction (width direction) and extend in the front-rear direction (crossing direction). A pair of first cutting edges 13E, which are the cutting base points of the pair of first crimping blades 13D, are located at the opening of the first crimping section 13A. A pair of second cutting edges 13L, which are the cutting base points of the pair of second crimping blades 13K, are located at the opening of the second crimping section 13B. In an axial view parallel to the axis A of the insulated wire 50, the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L are positioned at the same location. With this configuration, crimping can be started with the axis A of the insulated wire 50 in a straight line. This ensures that the insulation 52 is cut without bias in the width direction. Furthermore, the insulated wire 50 can be easily pressed into the first and second pressure contact portions 13A and 13B.
[0049] In an axial view, the straight line connecting the pair of first cutting edges 13E is defined as the virtual inter-edge line Vs1. In an axial view, the straight line extending from the midpoint of the pair of first cutting edges 13E in a direction perpendicular to the virtual inter-edge line Vs1 is defined as the inter-edge center line C1. At this time, in the region of the opening of the first pressure-contact portion 13A that is closer to the opening end than the pair of first cutting edges 13E, a pair of first guide portions 13F are formed that are symmetrical with respect to the inter-edge center line C1 in an axial view. In the region of the opening of the second pressure-contact portion 13B that is closer to the opening end than the pair of second cutting edges 13L, a pair of second guide portions 13M are formed that are symmetrical with respect to the inter-edge center line C1 in an axial view. In an axial view, the pair of first guide portions 13F and the pair of second guide portions 13M coincide. With this configuration, in an axial view, the axis A of the insulated wire 50 can be positioned on the inter-edge center lines C1, C2. When the insulated wire 50 is pressed into the first crimping portion 13A and the second crimping portion 13B, the insulated wire 50 is guided by the first guide portion 13F and the second guide portion 13M, which allows the insulated wire 40 to be easily guided between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the pair of second cutting edges 13L.
[0050] The first contact portion 13A and the second contact portion 13B are point-symmetrical when viewed parallel to the centerlines C1 and C2 between the blades. With this configuration, the contact state of the conductor 51 at the first contact portion 13A and the contact state of the conductor 51 at the second contact portion 13B are similar in their point-symmetrical positional relationship, making it easier to stabilize the electrical connection between the conductor 51 and the contact terminal fitting 10.
[0051] Of the pair of first pressure welding blades 13D and the pair of second pressure welding blades 13K, each of the first pressure welding blade 13D and the second pressure welding blade 13K, which are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship, has a separation-side inclined portion 13G, 13N. The separation-side inclined portion 13G is inclined so as viewed in the axial direction, it moves away from the inter-blade centerline C1 to the left (width direction) as it moves from the first cutting edge 13E towards the first pressure welding completion portion 13C. The separation-side inclined portion 13N is inclined so as it moves away from the inter-blade centerline C1 to the right (width direction) as it moves from the second cutting edge 13L towards the second pressure welding completion portion 13J as it moves along the inter-blade centerline C1. In this configuration, the first cutting edge 13E connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13G of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D has a smaller angle between the first guide portion 13F connected to one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D and the separation-side inclined portion 13G compared to the case where the region extending from the first cutting edge 13E towards the first pressure-welding completion portion 13C is parallel to the inter-blade centerline C1 when viewed in the axial direction. As a result, the portion of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D including the first cutting edge 13E has a pointed shape. Similarly, the second cutting edge 13L connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13N of one of the second pressure-welding blades 13K is the same as the first cutting edge 13E of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D. As a result, the first cutting edge 13E connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13G of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D, and the second cutting edge 13L connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13N of one of the second pressure-welding blades 13K, become more efficient at cutting the coating 52.
[0052] The separation-side inclined portions 13G and 13N have a curved shape that is concave when viewed in the axial direction. With this configuration, the angle between the first guide portion 13F connected to one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D and the separation-side inclined portion 13G, and the angle between the second guide portion 13M connected to one of the second pressure-welding blades 13K and the separation-side inclined portion 13N are smaller compared to when the separation-side inclined portions 13G and 13N are straight. As a result, the portion of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D including the first cutting edge 13E becomes sharper. Similarly, the second cutting edge 13L connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13N of one of the second pressure-welding blades 13K is the same as the first cutting edge 13E of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D. As a result, the first cutting edge 13E connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13G of one of the first pressure-welding blades 13D, and the second cutting edge 13L connected to the separation-side inclined portion 13N of one of the second pressure-welding blades 13K, become more efficient at cutting the coating 52.
[0053] Of the pair of first pressure welding blades 13D and the pair of second pressure welding blades 13K, each of the other first pressure welding blade 13D and the other second pressure welding blade 13K, which are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship, has approach-side inclined portions 13H and 13P. The approach-side inclined portion 13H is inclined so as viewed in the axial direction, it approaches the inter-blade centerline C1 from the first cutting edge 13E towards the first pressure welding completion portion 13C. The approach-side inclined portion 13P is inclined so as viewed in the axial direction, it approaches the inter-blade centerline C2 as it approaches the inter-blade centerline C1 from the second cutting edge 13L towards the second pressure welding completion portion 13J.
[0054] In this configuration, the first portion of the insulated wire 50 that has passed the first cutting edge 13E is displaced to the left (width direction) as it moves toward the first crimping completion portion 13C by sliding against the approaching side inclined portion 13H of the other first crimping blade 13D, thereby approaching the separation side inclined portion 13G. The second portion of the insulated wire 50 that has passed the second cutting edge 13L, which is different from the first portion, is displaced to the right (width direction) as it moves toward the second crimping completion portion 13J by sliding against the approaching side inclined portion 13P of the other second crimping blade 13K, thereby approaching the separation side inclined portion 13N. As a result, during the crimping process, the first and second portions of the insulated wire 50 separate in the width direction, and the axis A of the insulated wire 50 between the first crimping portion 13A and the second crimping portion 13B can be made oblique to the axis A of the insulated wire 50 outside the crimping terminal fitting 10.
[0055] The approaching inclined portions 13H and 13P have a curved shape that is concave when viewed in the axial direction. With this configuration, the distance between the moving inclined portions 13G and 13N and the approaching inclined portions 13H and 13P in the width direction is wider than the distance between the pair of first cutting edges 13E and the distance between the pair of second cutting edges 13L. Therefore, the conductor 51 that has passed through the first cutting edges 13E and the second cutting edges 13L is not strongly pressed against the moving inclined portions 13G and 13N and the approaching inclined portions 13H and 13P, and the pressing process can proceed smoothly.
[0056] [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. In an axial view, the pair of first cutting edges and the pair of second cutting edges may be positioned at different locations from each other. The pair of first guide sections may be asymmetrical in shape with respect to the center line between the blades. The pair of second guide sections may be asymmetrical in shape with respect to the center line between the blades. The first and second pressure-welding portions may have an asymmetrical shape when viewed parallel to the center line between the blades. The inter-cutting centerlines for a pair of first cutting edges and the inter-cutting centerlines for a pair of second cutting edges do not necessarily have to coincide when viewed in the axial direction. The sloping portion on the separated side may be straight, or it may be curved and convex toward the center line between the blades. The region of the first pressure-welding blade extending from the first cutting edge to the first pressure-welding completion portion may be parallel to the inter-cutting centerline. For example, the first pressure-welding portion may be a groove that extends in a straight line inclined with respect to the inter-cutting centerline relating to the pair of first cutting edges, from the pair of first cutting edges to the first pressure-welding completion portion in an axial view. The region of the second pressure-welding blade extending from the second cutting edge to the second pressure-welding completion portion may be parallel to the inter-cutting centerline. For example, the second pressure-welding portion may be a groove that extends in a straight line inclined with respect to the inter-cutting centerline relating to the pair of second cutting edges, from the pair of second cutting edges to the second pressure-welding completion portion when viewed in the axial direction. The approaching inclined portion may be straight or curved, convex toward the center line between the blades. [Explanation of symbols]
[0057] 10: Crimp terminal fittings 12: Square tube part 13: Pressure-welded cylinder section 13A: First pressure-welded section 13B: Second pressure-welded section 13C: 1st pressure welding completed part 13D: First pressure welding blade 13E: First cutting edge 13F: 1st Guide Department 13G, 13N: Remote side inclined part 13H, 13P: Approach side slope 13J: 2nd pressure welding completed part 13K: Second pressure welding blade 13L: Second cutting edge 13M: Second guide section 50: Insulated wire 51: Conductor 52: Covering 60: Housing 61: Terminal housing room A: Axis line Ae: External axis At: inclined axis C1, C2: Center line between blades Cp: center point Vs1, Vs2: Virtual blade distance
Claims
1. A first pressure contact portion that cuts the coating of the insulated wire in the process of sliding the insulated wire in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the insulated wire, The device comprises a second pressure contact section that cuts the coating during the process of sliding the coated wire in the intersecting direction, The first and second contact portions are arranged to be spaced apart in the axial direction. A crimp terminal fitting in which the first crimp-connected portion, into which the crimp-connected insulated wire makes contact, and the second crimp-connected portion, into which the crimp-connected insulated wire makes contact, are offset in a width direction that intersects the axial direction and the intersecting direction.
2. The first pressure contact portion has a pair of first pressure contact blades that are opposite to each other in the width direction and extend in the intersecting direction, The second pressure contact portion has a pair of second pressure contact blades that are opposite to each other in the width direction and extend in the intersecting direction, A pair of first cutting edges, which are the cutting base points of the pair of first cutting blades, are located in the opening of the first pressure-welding portion. A pair of second cutting edges, which are the cutting base points of the pair of second cutting blades, are located in the opening of the second pressure contact portion. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 1, wherein, in an axial view taken from the axial direction, the pair of first cutting edges and the pair of second cutting edges are arranged at the same position.
3. In the axial view, the straight line connecting the pair of first cutting edges is defined as the virtual cutting edge line. In the axial view, when the straight line extending from the midpoint of the pair of first cutting edges in a direction perpendicular to the virtual cutting edge line is defined as the cutting edge centerline, In the opening of the first pressure contact portion, a pair of first guide portions are formed in the region closer to the opening end than the pair of first cutting edges, which are symmetrical with respect to the center line between the cutting edges when viewed in the axial direction. In the opening of the second pressure contact portion, a pair of second guide portions are formed in the region closer to the opening end than the pair of second cutting edges, which are symmetrical with respect to the center line between the cutting edges when viewed in the axial direction. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 2, wherein in the axial view, the pair of first guide portions and the pair of second guide portions coincide.
4. The pressure-fitting terminal fitting according to claim 3, wherein the first pressure-fitting portion and the second pressure-fitting portion have a point-symmetrical shape when viewed parallel to the center line between the blades.
5. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 4, wherein, among the pair of first crimp blades and the pair of second crimp blades, one of the first crimp blades and the other of the second crimp blades that are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship have a separation-side inclined portion that, in an axial view, is inclined along the inter-blade centerline such that it moves further away in the width direction from the inter-blade centerline from the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge toward the first crimp completion portion and the second crimp completion portion.
6. The press-fit terminal fitting according to claim 5, wherein the separating side inclined portion has a curved shape that is recessed when viewed in the axial direction.
7. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the pair of first crimp blades and the other of the pair of second crimp blades, which are in a point-symmetrical positional relationship, have approaching inclined portions that, in an axial view, are inclined along the inter-blade centerline such that they approach the inter-blade centerline as they move from the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge toward the first crimp completion portion and the second crimp completion portion.
8. The crimp terminal fitting according to claim 7, wherein the approaching inclined portion has a curved shape that is concave when viewed in the axial direction.