Connection terminal, wire with terminal using the same, and inspection method

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector with improved visibility of the core wire placement, a wire with the connector using the same, and an inspection method. [Solution] The connection terminal 1 comprises a base plate 9 extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 3, and a core wire crimping portion 23 that is crimped to the core wire 5 of the electric wire placed on the base plate. The surface of the base plate facing the electric wire is provided with an allowable section 31 that allows the position of the tip 29 of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion. The allowable section is provided with a pattern 35 formed by a plurality of recesses 37, 39. The shape of the recesses in plan view is substantially polygonal. The plurality of recesses form a plurality of rows of recesses arranged in the width direction of the base plate. Two adjacent rows of recesses in the longitudinal direction of the base plate are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and at least some of the arrangement positions of the plurality of recesses adjacent in the width direction of the base plate overlap in whole or in part with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base plate. The electric wire with terminal comprises a connection terminal and an electric wire, and the inspection method includes an electric wire position confirmation step of confirming the arrangement position of the core wire within the allowable section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection terminal, an electric wire with a terminal using the same, and an inspection method. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a connection terminal including a bottom plate extending in the length direction of an electric wire, and a wire barrel serving as a core crimping part that is crimped to a core of the electric wire arranged on the bottom plate (see Patent Document 1). In such a connection terminal, if the core exposed from the wire barrel is long, for example, the exposed core may interfere with peripheral members, leading to a decrease in electrical connection reliability. On the other hand, if no core is exposed from the wire barrel, the contact area between the wire barrel and the core may be insufficient, which may also reduce electrical connection reliability.

[0003] Therefore, in the connection terminal of Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a mark indicating a boundary of an allowable section that allows the arrangement position of the tip of the core exposed from the wire barrel is provided on a surface of the bottom plate facing the electric wire. The mark is formed as a hole, a groove, or a protrusion extending along the width direction of the bottom plate. In such a connection terminal, when an operator visually checks the terminal, if the tip of the core exposed from the wire barrel does not reach the mark, the product is determined as acceptable. On the other hand, if the tip of the core exposed from the wire barrel exceeds the mark, the product is determined as unacceptable. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-218189 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in connection terminals like the one described in Patent Document 1 above, the position of the tip of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion within the permissible section is determined by a boundary line mark formed by a hole, groove, or projection indicating the boundary of the permissible section. However, in order to clearly define the boundary of the permissible section, ribs or notches may be added, making the terminal structure complex. In particular, when both the core wire and the terminal are silver in color, the three-dimensional shape of the core wire can make it difficult to visually confirm its position. Furthermore, even if the tip of the core wire is located within the permissible section, it is difficult to specifically determine the position of the entire core wire.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a connection terminal that improves the visibility of the arrangement position of the core wire, a wire with a terminal using the same, and an inspection method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A connection terminal according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a base plate extending in the longitudinal direction of an electric wire, and a core wire crimping portion that is crimped to the core wire of the electric wire placed on the base plate. The surface of the base plate facing the electric wire is provided with an allowable section that allows for the position of the tip of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion, and the allowable section is provided with a pattern formed by a plurality of recesses. The shape of the recesses in plan view is substantially polygonal, and the plurality of recesses form a plurality of rows of recesses arranged in the width direction of the base plate. Two adjacent rows of recesses in the longitudinal direction of the base plate are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and at least some of the arrangement positions of a plurality of adjacent recesses in the width direction of the base plate overlap in whole or in part with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

[0008] An electric wire with a terminal according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a connecting terminal, a core wire crimped to a core wire crimping portion, and an electric wire having an insulating covering portion that covers the core wire, wherein the tip of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion is positioned within an allowable section of the connecting terminal.

[0009] An inspection method according to an aspect of the present invention is an inspection method for a wire with terminals, comprising a wire position confirmation step of confirming the arrangement position of the core wires within an allowable section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection terminal with improved visibility of the core wire arrangement position, a wire with a terminal using the same, and an inspection method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the connection terminal according to this embodiment when it is attached to an electric wire. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the connection terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the connection terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement and numbering of the recesses in the connection terminals according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged plan view of the main parts when a conventional connection terminal is attached to an electric wire. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged plan view of the main parts when a conventional connection terminal is attached to an electric wire. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged plan view of the main parts when a conventional connection terminal is attached to an electric wire. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged plan view of the main part when the connection terminal according to this embodiment is provided on an electric wire. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the connection terminal according to the present embodiment, the electric wire with terminal using the same, and the inspection method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0013] (Connection Terminal) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connection terminal 1 according to the present embodiment is electrically connected to a terminal portion of an electric wire 3. The electric wire 3 is a covered electric wire in which the outer periphery of a plurality of core wires 5 is covered with an insulating insulator covering portion 7. For example, one end of the electric wire 3 is electrically connected to a power source, a device, or the like. The other end of the electric wire 3 is subjected to terminal treatment in which the insulator covering portion 7 is stripped by a predetermined length and a part of the core wires 5 is exposed to the outside. The connection terminal 1 is connected to the other end of the electric wire 3.

[0014] Such a connection terminal 1 is, for example, housed in a housing (not shown) that can be fitted with a mating connector (not shown). A mating terminal (not shown) having a box-shaped electrical connection portion is housed in the mating connector. The housing accommodating the connection terminal 1 is fitted with the mating connector, whereby the connection terminal 1 and the mating terminal are electrically connected to each other.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connection terminal 1 is formed, for example, by subjecting a single plate material made of a conductive material to pressing or bending. The connection terminal 1 has a bottom plate 9 extending along the length direction of the electric wire 3, and includes an electrical connection portion 11 and an electric wire connection portion 13. The electrical connection portion 11 includes a terminal portion 15 and a box portion 17.

[0016] The terminal portion 15 extends in a tab shape toward the insertion direction so as to be insertable into the box-shaped electrical connection portion of a mating terminal. When the terminal portion 15 is inserted into the box-shaped electrical connection portion of the mating terminal, it comes into contact with, for example, a contact portion (not shown) provided in the electrical connection portion. The contact between the terminal portion 15 and the contact portion electrically connects the connection terminal 1 and the mating terminal. Note that the terminal portion 15 is not limited to a tab-shaped male terminal, and may be a box-shaped female terminal.

[0017] The box portion 17 is formed as a single member continuous with the terminal portion 15. The box portion 17 is formed into a rectangular box shape by a bottom plate 9, a pair of side plates formed as a single member continuous with the bottom plate 9, and an upper plate formed as a single member continuous with one of the side plates. The upper plate of the box portion 17 is provided with an engagement hole 19 that can engage with a locking lance (not shown) provided elastically deformably on a housing.

[0018] The wire connection portion 13 is formed as a single member continuous with the electrical connection portion 11 via the bottom plate 9. The wire connection portion 13 includes a coating fixing portion 21 and a core wire crimping portion 23.

[0019] The coating fixing portion 21 has a pair of crimping pieces 25, 25 each formed as a single member continuous with the bottom plate 9 from both widthwise sides of the bottom plate 9. In the coating fixing portion 21, the insulator coating portion 7 of the electric wire 3 is placed on the bottom plate 9 at the terminal end of the electric wire 3 that has undergone terminal treatment. In the coating fixing portion 21, the pair of crimping pieces 25, 25 are crimped onto the outer periphery of the insulator coating portion 7 of the electric wire 3 by a jig (not shown) or the like. By crimping the coating fixing portion 21 onto the insulator coating portion 7, the connection terminal 1 is fixed to the terminal end of the electric wire 3. Note that serrations (not shown) that bite into the outer periphery of the insulator coating portion 7 may be formed on the inner surface of the coating fixing portion 21 to enhance the fixation to the electric wire 3.

[0020] The core wire crimping section 23 is positioned between the electrical connection section 11 and the insulation fixing section 21 in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9. The core wire crimping section 23 has a pair of crimping pieces 27, 27 formed from a single member continuous with the base plate 9 on both sides in the width direction of the base plate 9. The core wire 5 of the electric wire 3 is placed on the base plate 9 at the terminal end of the electric wire 3 that has undergone termination processing. The pair of crimping pieces 27, 27 are crimped onto the outer circumference of the core wire 5 of the electric wire 3 using a jig (not shown) or the like. By crimping the core wire crimping section 23 onto the core wire 5, the connection terminal 1 is electrically connected to the terminal end of the electric wire 3.

[0021] To ensure sufficient contact area between the core wire crimping portion 23 and the core wire 5, the core wire 5 of the electric wire 3 is positioned so that it is exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23 toward the electrical connection portion 11. If the exposed core wire 5 is long, it may interfere with the housing, for example, potentially reducing the reliability of the electrical connection. Therefore, an allowable section 31 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 9 facing the electric wire 3 to allow for the position of the tip 29 of the core wire 5.

[0022] The permissible section 31 is set along the length of the bottom plate 9 on the inner surface of the bottom plate 9 facing the electric wire 3, with the boundary on the core wire crimping section 23 side being the lower limit L1 and the boundary on the electrical connection section 11 side being the upper limit L2. Specifically, the lower limit L1 of the permissible section 31 is located at a predetermined distance from the end face of the core wire crimping section 23 toward the electrical connection section 11. On the other hand, the upper limit L2 of the permissible section 31 is located at a predetermined distance from the lower limit L1 toward the electrical connection section 11.

[0023] Furthermore, if the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31, it passes the test. On the other hand, if the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is not exposed towards the electrical connection part 11 from the lower limit L1 of the allowable section 31 within the allowable section 31, it fails the test. Also, if the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, or overlaps with the upper limit L2, it fails the test.

[0024] Conventionally, when the size of the electric wire 3 and the connector terminal 1 decreased, it was difficult for workers to visually determine whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 was located within the allowable section 31. Therefore, a pattern 35 is provided in the allowable section 31 of the connector terminal 1. Based on the pattern 35, workers can evaluate whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31 and confirm the overall position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31.

[0025] The pattern 35 is formed by multiple recesses 37. Because the pattern 35 is formed by multiple recesses 37, a sense of depth can be obtained compared to when the pattern 35 is formed by protrusions, and even if the connection terminal 1 and the core wire 5 are the same color, the boundary of the position of the core wire 5 becomes easier to recognize. In addition, the recesses 37 are easier to process than protrusions, which can improve productivity.

[0026] The plan view shape of the recess 37 is approximately polygonal. Because the plan view shape of the recess 37 is approximately polygonal, it becomes easier to identify it as an elliptical core line when analyzing the image, compared to cases where the shape is approximately circular or elliptical.

[0027] The multiple recesses 37 form multiple rows of recesses 37 arranged in the width direction of the base plate 9. Two adjacent rows of recesses 37 in the length direction of the base plate 9 are arranged alternately in the length direction of the base plate 9. In addition, at least some of the multiple recesses 37 adjacent in the width direction of the base plate 9 overlap in all or part of their arrangement positions in the length direction of the base plate 9. By arranging the multiple recesses 37 in this way, the number of rows of multiple recesses 37 arranged in the length direction of the base plate 9 can be increased, and more recesses 37 can be placed in the allowable section 31. As a result, the space between adjacent recesses 37 in the width direction or length direction of the base plate 9 is reduced, and the visibility of the core wire arrangement position can be improved.

[0028] The plan view shape of the recess 37 may be approximately triangular. As shown in Figure 3, the multiple recesses 37 form multiple rows (6 rows in this case) of recesses 37 arranged in the width direction of the base plate 9. Alternatively, the multiple recesses 37 may form multiple rows (9 rows in this case) of recesses 37 arranged in the length direction of the base plate 9. In other words, multiple rows of recesses 37 may be arranged in the length direction of the base plate 9, and multiple rows of recesses 37 may be arranged in the width direction of the base plate 9.

[0029] When multiple recesses 37 are formed in 6 columns along the length of the base plate 9 and 9 rows along the width of the base plate 9, it is preferable to number the columns of the recesses 37 from left to right as X1 to X6, and the rows of the recesses 37 from top to bottom as Y1 to Y9, as shown in Figure 4. By numbering the columns and rows of the recesses 37 in this way, the position of the recesses 37 becomes easier to identify, and the visibility of the core wire placement position can be improved.

[0030] In Figure 4, the recesses 37 located in columns X1 and X2 are positioned at (column X2, row Y1), (column X1, row Y2), (column X2, row Y3), (column X1, row Y4), (column X2, row Y5), (column X1, row Y6), (column X2, row Y7), (column X1, row Y8), and (column X2, row Y9), and are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9. In other words, the recesses 37 in two adjacent columns in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9. Furthermore, the multiple recesses 37 located in column X1 and the multiple recesses 37 located in column X2 have overlapping positions in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9. In other words, at least some of the multiple recesses 37 adjacent in the width direction of the base plate 9 have overlapping positions in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9.

[0031] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the recesses 37 located in rows Y1 and Y2 are positioned at (column X1, row Y2), (column X2, row Y1), (column X3, row Y2), (column X4, row Y1), (column X5, row Y2), and (column X6, row Y1), and are arranged alternately in the width direction of the base plate 9. In other words, the recesses 37 of two adjacent rows in the width direction of the base plate 9 may be arranged alternately in the width direction of the base plate 9.

[0032] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the recesses 37 located in rows X1, X3, and X5 are roughly triangular in shape, each having a corner protruding to the right. On the other hand, the recesses 37 located in rows X2, X4, and X6 are roughly triangular in shape, each having a corner protruding to the left. In other words, the multiple recesses 37 may be arranged alternately in the length and width directions of the base plate 9, with roughly triangular recesses 37 having a corner protruding to one side in the length direction of the base plate 9 and roughly triangular recesses 37 having a corner protruding to the other side in the length direction of the base plate 9. By arranging the multiple recesses 37 in this way, more recesses 37 can be placed in the allowable section 31. As a result, the space between adjacent recesses 37 in the width or length direction of the base plate 9 is reduced, improving the visibility of the core wire placement position.

[0033] Furthermore, a recess 37 may be provided further towards the electrical connection part 11 than the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31. By providing a recess 37 at a position beyond the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, it is possible to determine how far the tip 29 of the core wire 5 extends beyond the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31. In this way, if the position of the core wire 5 beyond the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31 can be determined, not only within the allowable section 31 but also beyond the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, the crimping position of the electric wire 3 can be corrected in cases such as when the insulator coating 7 of the electric wire 3 is not sufficiently stripped before crimping.

[0034] As shown in Figure 13, the pattern 35 may be formed by a plurality of recesses 39. That is, the plan view shape of the recesses 39 may be approximately rectangular. The plurality of recesses 39 form multiple rows (6 rows in this case) of recesses 39 arranged in the width direction of the base plate 9. Furthermore, two adjacent rows of recesses 39 in the length direction of the base plate 9 are arranged alternately in the length direction of the base plate 9. In addition, the arrangement positions of multiple adjacent recesses 39 in the width direction of the base plate 9 overlap completely in the length direction of the base plate 9. By arranging the plurality of recesses 39 in this way, more recesses 39 can be placed in the allowable section 31. As a result, the space between adjacent recesses 39 in the width direction or length direction of the base plate 9 is reduced, and the visibility of the core wire arrangement position can be improved.

[0035] When a connection terminal 1, which has a pattern 35 formed by multiple recesses 37 and 39 located in the allowable section 31, is installed on an electric wire 3, the multiple recesses 37 and 39 are located on the back side of the core wire 5 that is exposed from the core wire crimping section 23 toward the electrical connection section 11. Based on the positions of the recesses 37 and 39, the worker can evaluate whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31 and confirm the overall position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31.

[0036] The width of the recess 37 may be set smaller than the diameter of the core wire 5. By setting the width of the recess 37 smaller than the diameter of the core wire 5, many recesses 37 can be placed on the back side of the core wire 5, improving visibility. Alternatively, the width of the recess 37 may be set larger than the diameter of the core wire 5. By setting the width of the recess 37 larger than the diameter of the core wire 5, the difference between the recess 37 and the core wire 5 becomes clearer, improving visibility. In addition, the widths of multiple recesses 37 may be made different. By making the widths of multiple recesses 37 different, the pattern 35 can be made to stand out. Furthermore, the depths of multiple recesses 37 may be made different. By making the depths of multiple recesses 37 different, the perspective of each recess 37 is different, making the pattern 35 stand out.

[0037] As described above, the connection terminal 1 according to this embodiment comprises a base plate 9 extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 3, and a core wire crimping portion 23 that is crimped to the core wire 5 of the electric wire 3 placed on the base plate 9. On the surface of the base plate 9 facing the electric wire 3, there is an allowable section 31 that allows for the placement of the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23, and the allowable section 31 is provided with a pattern 35 formed by a plurality of recesses 37, 39. The plan view shape of the recesses 37, 39 is substantially polygonal, and the plurality of recesses 37, 39 form a plurality of rows of recesses 37, 39 arranged in the width direction of the base plate 9. Two adjacent rows of recesses 37, 39 in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9, and at least some of the arrangement positions of the plurality of adjacent recesses 37, 39 in the width direction of the base plate 9 overlap in whole or in part with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base plate 9. Therefore, the connection terminal 1 according to this embodiment can provide a connection terminal that improves the visibility of the arrangement position of the core wire.

[0038] (Wire with terminals) As shown in Figure 1, the wire with terminals according to this embodiment comprises a connection terminal 1, a core wire 5 crimped to a core wire crimping portion 23, and a wire 3 having an insulating covering portion 7 that covers the core wire 5. The tip 29 of the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23 is positioned within the allowable section 31 of the connection terminal 1. As described above, the allowable section 31 is provided with a pattern 35 formed by a plurality of recesses 37, 39. In the allowable section 31, the recesses 37, 39 are positioned on the back side of the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23 toward the electrical connection portion 11. Based on the positions of the recesses 37, 39, the worker can evaluate whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is positioned within the allowable section 31 and confirm the position of the entire core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. Therefore, the wire with terminals according to this embodiment can provide a wire with terminals that improves the visibility of the core wire's position.

[0039] (Inspection method for wires with terminals) The inspection method according to this embodiment is an inspection method for a wire with a terminal using a connection terminal 1. The inspection method for a wire with a terminal includes a wire position confirmation step of confirming the arrangement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. In the wire position confirmation step, the number of recesses 37, 39 that are not hidden by the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23 may be confirmed and evaluated. The method for confirming the number of recesses 37, 39 is not particularly limited and may be confirmed by visual inspection, or by manually or automatically analyzing images taken with a camera or the like.

[0040] Furthermore, in the wire position verification process, the number of recesses 37, 39 not hidden by the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping portion 23 may be checked row by row, and this number may be evaluated as the number of confirmed recesses 37, 39. For example, if the maximum number of columns of recesses 37 per row is n, and the number of confirmed recesses 37, 39 in any row is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the value of "n-1", it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31, and the wire passes. On the other hand, if the number of confirmed recesses 37 is n in all rows, it means that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is not exposed toward the electrical connection portion 11 from the lower limit L1 of the allowable section 31, and the wire fails. Furthermore, if the number of confirmed recesses 37, 39 in any row is 0, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, and the wire fails.

[0041] As described above, the inspection method according to this embodiment is an inspection method for a wire with terminals, and includes a wire position confirmation step to confirm the placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. Based on the positions of the recesses 37 and 39, the worker can evaluate whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31 and confirm the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. Therefore, the inspection method according to this embodiment can provide an inspection method that improves the visibility of the placement position of the core wire. [Examples]

[0042] The embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0043] (Evaluation method) For Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a wire with a terminal using the connection terminal shown in Figure 3 was used, and the wire position confirmation process was performed by analyzing images captured by a camera. Since the connection terminal has multiple recesses 37 formed in 6 rows in the length direction of the base plate 9 and 9 rows in the width direction of the base plate 9, as shown in Figure 4, the rows of recesses 37 were numbered X1 to X6 from left to right, and the rows of recesses 37 were numbered Y1 to Y9 from top to bottom.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the maximum number of rows of recesses 37 provided within the allowable section 31 of the connection terminal is 3. If the number of recesses 37 confirmed in any row is greater than 0 and 2 or less, i.e., 1 or 2, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31, and the connection is accepted. On the other hand, if the number of recesses 37 confirmed in all rows is 3, it means that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is not exposed toward the electrical connection part 11 from the lower limit L1 of the allowable section 31, and the connection is rejected. Furthermore, if the number of recesses 37 confirmed in any row is 0, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, and the connection is rejected. In this way, by checking the number of recesses 37 in each row, it was evaluated whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 was located within the allowable section 31. In addition, by checking the position of the recesses 37 that are not hidden by the core wire 5 exposed from the core wire crimping part 23, it was also confirmed whether the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31 could be specifically determined.

[0045] (Example 1) Table 1 shows the results of the wire position verification process performed on the terminal-equipped wire shown in Figure 5. In the table, "○" indicates the location of the recess 37 that is not hidden by the core wire 5, in both columns and rows. On the other hand, "×" indicates the location of the recess 37 that is completely or partially hidden by the core wire 5, in both columns and rows. In other words, "×" and "○" in the table indicate whether or not the recess 37 is hidden by the core wire 5. Furthermore, "-" indicates the location where the recess 37 does not exist, in both columns and rows. The same applies to Tables 2 to 4 below.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] As shown in Table 1, the recesses 37 at the positions indicated by "×", namely (X6 column, Y3 row), (X5 column, Y4 row), (X6 column, Y5 row), (X5 column, Y6 row), and (X6 column, Y7 row), are all or partly hidden by the core wire 5. Furthermore, the number of confirmed recesses 37 in Y3 to Y7 rows was 2. Therefore, based on the above evaluation method, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31, and thus it passed. In addition, the specific placement position of the entire core wire 5 within the allowable section 31 was determined.

[0048] (Comparative Example 1) Table 2 shows the results of the wire position verification process performed on the wire with terminals shown in Figure 6.

[0049] [Table 2]

[0050] As shown in Table 2, there were no positions marked with "×". In other words, there were no recesses 37 that were completely or partially hidden by the core wire 5. Furthermore, the number of confirmed recesses 37 was 3 in all rows from Y1 to Y9. Therefore, based on the above evaluation method, it was determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 was not exposed toward the electrical connection part 11 from the lower limit L1 of the allowable section 31, and thus it was deemed unacceptable. In addition, since the core wire 5 was not placed within the allowable section 31, it was not possible to determine the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31.

[0051] (Comparative Example 2) Table 3 shows the results of the wire position verification process performed on the wire with terminals shown in Figure 7.

[0052] [Table 3]

[0053] As shown in Table 3, the recesses 37 at the positions indicated by "×" are partially or completely hidden by the core wire 5. Furthermore, the number of confirmed recesses 37 in rows Y2 to Y5 was 0. Therefore, based on the above evaluation method, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, and thus it is deemed unacceptable. However, the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31 was specifically determined.

[0054] (Example 2) Table 4 shows the results of the wire position verification process performed on the wire with terminals shown in Figure 8.

[0055] [Table 4]

[0056] As shown in Table 4, the recess 37 at the position indicated by "×", i.e., (X6 column, Y3 row), is partially hidden by the core wire 5. In Y3 row, the number of confirmed recesses 37 was 2. Therefore, using the above evaluation method, it can be determined that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31, and thus it passed. Furthermore, the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31 could be specifically determined. The recesses 37 located at (X5 column, Y2 row), (X6 column, Y3 row), and (X5 column, Y4 row) are arranged alternately in the length direction of the base plate 9. These three recesses 37, which are adjacent in the width direction of the base plate 9, have overlapping placement positions in the length direction of the base plate 9. Therefore, the placement position of the tip 29 of the core wire 5 located in Y3 row could be determined. In other words, the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31 could be specifically determined.

[0057] (Comparative Example 3) In the wire with terminals shown in Figure 9, the position of the core wire 5 is the same as in the wire with terminals of Example 2, and the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31. However, the pattern 35 provided in the allowable section 31 is formed by multiple recesses 103. The plan view shape of the recesses 103 is approximately rectangular, but the multiple recesses 103 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the base plate 9 do not overlap with their position relative to the length direction of the base plate 9. Therefore, a lot of space is created between the multiple recesses 103, and the recesses 103 are not hidden by the tip 29 of the core wire 5, so even by analyzing the image, it was not possible to determine the position of the tip 29 of the core wire 5. In other words, it was not possible to specifically determine the position of the entire core wire 5 within the allowable section 31.

[0058] Thus, in the terminal-equipped wire of Example 2, by arranging more recesses 37 in the allowable section 31, the space between adjacent recesses 37 in the width or length direction of the base plate 9 can be reduced, thereby improving the visibility of the placement position of the core wire 5 compared to the terminal-equipped wire of Comparative Example 3.

[0059] (Comparative Example 4) The terminal-equipped wire shown in Figure 10 is deemed unacceptable because the position of the core wire 5 is the same as that of the terminal-equipped wire in Comparative Example 2, and the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31. However, since the same results as in Table 3 are obtained, it is possible to specifically determine the overall position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. Furthermore, because a recess 37 is provided on the electrical connection part 11 side of the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31, it was possible to confirm that the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31 at the position in row Y3 on the electrical connection part 11 side. In other words, it was possible to specifically determine the position of the core wire 5 not only within the allowable section 31 but also beyond the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31.

[0060] (Comparative Example 5) The terminal-equipped wire shown in Figure 11 is deemed unacceptable because the position of the core wire 5 is the same as that of the terminal-equipped wire in Comparative Example 2, and the tip 29 of the core wire 5 exceeds the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31. On the other hand, the pattern 35 provided in the allowable section 31 extends along the width direction of the base plate 9 and is formed by multiple horizontal grooves 105 provided in the length direction of the base plate 9. Furthermore, the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31 is formed by horizontal grooves 101 in a groove-like manner across the entire width direction of the base plate 9. Therefore, even by analyzing the image, it was difficult to determine the exact position of the tip 29 of the core wire 5 in the width direction of the base plate 9. In other words, it was not possible to specifically determine the overall position of the core wire 5 in the allowable section 31.

[0061] (Comparative Example 6) In the terminal-equipped wire shown in Figure 12, the position of the core wire 5 is the same as in the terminal-equipped wire of Embodiment 1, and the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31. However, the pattern 35 provided in the allowable section 31 extends along the length direction of the base plate 9 and is formed by multiple vertical grooves 107 provided in the width direction of the base plate 9. Furthermore, a horizontal groove 101 is formed in a groove-like manner across the entire width direction of the base plate 9 at the upper limit L2 of the allowable section 31. Therefore, even by analyzing the image, it was difficult to determine the exact position of the tip 29 of the core wire 5 along the length direction of the base plate 9. In other words, it was not possible to specifically determine the overall position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31.

[0062] As described above, the inspection method according to this embodiment is an inspection method for a wire with a terminal, and includes a wire position confirmation step for confirming the placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. In the wire position confirmation step, the worker can evaluate whether the tip 29 of the core wire 5 is located within the allowable section 31 based on the position of the recess 37, and confirm the overall placement position of the core wire 5 within the allowable section 31. Therefore, the inspection method according to this embodiment can provide an inspection method that improves the visibility of the placement position of the core wire.

[0063] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Connection terminal 3 electric wire 5-core wire 7. Insulator coating 9 Bottom plate 23 Core wire crimping section 29 Tip 31 Permitted section 35 patterns 37,39 recess

Claims

1. A base plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, A core wire crimping section that is crimped to the core wire of the electric wire arranged on the bottom plate, Equipped with, On the surface of the base plate facing the electric wire, there is a tolerance section that allows for the placement of the tip of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion. The allowable section is provided with a pattern formed by a plurality of recesses. The shape of the recess in plan view is substantially polygonal, The multiple recesses form multiple rows of recesses arranged in the width direction of the bottom plate, The recesses in two adjacent rows along the length of the base plate are arranged alternately along the length of the base plate. A connection terminal wherein at least some of the multiple recesses adjacent to each other in the width direction of the base plate overlap in whole or in part in their arrangement positions with respect to the length direction of the base plate.

2. The shape of the recess in plan view is approximately triangular, The multiple recesses form multiple rows of recesses arranged in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate, The connection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the recesses in two adjacent rows in the width direction of the base plate are arranged alternately in the width direction of the base plate.

3. The connection terminal according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of recesses are arranged alternately in the length and width directions of the base plate, with substantially triangular recesses having a corner protruding from one side in the longitudinal direction of the base plate and substantially triangular recesses having a corner protruding from the other side in the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

4. A connection terminal according to claim 1 or 2, The electric wire comprises the core wire crimped to the core wire crimping portion, and the electric wire having an insulating covering portion that covers the core wire, A wire with a terminal, wherein the tip of the core wire exposed from the core wire crimping portion is positioned within the allowable section of the connection terminal.

5. A method for inspecting a wire with terminals according to claim 4, An inspection method comprising a wire position confirmation step of confirming the arrangement position of the core wire within the allowable section.

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