Male terminal and terminal pair provided with same

Abstract

The present invention suppresses minute sliding wear while making it possible to readily ensure contact pressure required for a contact point.　A male terminal (2) has: a bottom wall (21) that extends in the front-rear direction which is a direction of connecting to and separating from a female terminal (3); an upper wall (22) that is continuous with a front end (21A) of the bottom wall (21); a left wall (24) that is continuous with the left-side edge of the upper wall (22); and a right wall (23) that is continuous with the right-side edge of the upper wall (22). The bottom wall (21) and the upper wall (22) are coupled by an elastic piece (30) that is formed so as to be bent in a U-shape by being inverted rearward from the front end (21A) of the bottom wall (21). A pair of contact points (35L, 35R, 135R, 235R) with the female terminal (3) are respectively disposed on the left wall (24) and the right wall (23).

Description

Male terminal and terminal pair including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a male terminal for connecting an electric circuit and a terminal pair including the same.

[0002] Conventionally, terminal pairs for connecting electrical circuits are composed of male and female terminals, and their surfaces are generally plated for purposes such as protecting the underlying metal.

[0003] On the other hand, when a terminal pair is in use, repeated slight relative movements between the contacts of the connected male and female terminals can cause fretting wear, which can wear away the plating layer and produce insulating wear powder, potentially reducing the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal pair.

[0004] Therefore, technologies for suppressing deterioration in the reliability of terminal pairs due to fretting wear and maintaining the reliability of electrical connections have been developed. For example, a terminal connection structure is known that includes a first terminal having a first electrical connection portion and a second terminal having a second electrical connection portion electrically connected thereto, the first electrical connection portion having an elastically deformable elastic contact portion, a first cylindrical portion disposed on the outer periphery of the elastic contact portion, and an opening provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion that opens the elastic contact portion to the outside, and the second electrical connection portion having a second cylindrical portion into which the first cylindrical portion can be inserted, and a contacted portion that protrudes toward the inside of the second cylindrical portion and is inserted into the opening to come into contact with the elastic contact portion (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-192337

[0006] In order to suppress the above-described micro-sliding wear of the terminal pair, it is necessary to provide a structure that absorbs the micro-sliding that occurs when a force that moves the female terminal and male terminal relative to each other with a small amplitude is applied (i.e., a structure that allows one terminal to easily follow the movement of the other terminal).

[0007] In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the first terminal is provided with a resilient contact portion that is resiliently deformable as a structure for absorbing micro-sliding. The resilient contact portion is formed by folding back a portion of a member that is continuous with the bottom wall and extends in the longitudinal direction toward the bottom wall.

[0008] However, in the elastic contact portion of the above-mentioned conventional technology, the force of the contacted portion coming into contact with the elastic contact portion acts in the bending direction of the elastic contact portion (i.e., the direction in which the elastic contact portion elastically deforms), so if prioritizing the absorption of micro-sliding, the contact pressure of the contacted portion relative to the elastic contact portion is likely to be limited. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, if an attempt is made to ensure a larger contact pressure, it may be difficult to suppress the relative movement of the contact points (i.e., the contacted portion relative to the elastic contact portion) due to small amplitudes (i.e., to absorb micro-sliding).

[0009] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to provide a male terminal and a terminal pair equipped with the same that can easily ensure the contact pressure required for the contact point while easily following the relative movement of the female terminal, thereby suppressing micro-sliding wear.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a male terminal (2) that is electrically connected to a female terminal (3), and that has a bottom wall (21) that extends in the front-to-back direction, which is the direction of connection and separation from the female terminal, an upper wall (22) that is connected to the front end (21A) of the bottom wall, a left wall (24) that is connected to the left edge of the upper wall, and a right wall (23) that is connected to the right edge of the upper wall, and the bottom wall and the upper wall are connected by an elastic piece (30) that is formed so as to be inverted rearward from the front end of the bottom wall and bent into a U-shape, and a pair of contacts (35L, 35R, 135R, 235R) with the female terminal are respectively arranged on the left wall and the right wall.

[0011] According to this aspect, the contact pressure required for the contact point can be easily ensured, and the contact can easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal, thereby suppressing fretting wear.

[0012] In the above aspect, the pair of contacts may be disposed at positions facing each other on the left wall and the right wall, respectively.

[0013] According to this aspect, the displacement of the elastic piece that follows the relative movement of the female terminal is not hindered, and the contact pressure required for the contact point can be more stably ensured.

[0014] In the above aspect, the contacts (35L, 35R) may be formed on flat surfaces of the left wall and the right wall.

[0015] According to this aspect, contact points can be formed on the right wall and the left wall with a simple structure.

[0016] In the above aspect, the contacts (135R) may be formed as protrusions that protrude outward on the left wall and the right wall.

[0017] According to this aspect, contact points can be formed on the right wall and the left wall with a simple structure.

[0018] In the above aspect, the contacts (235R) may be formed as recesses in the outer surfaces of the left and right walls.

[0019] According to this aspect, the contact point (for example, the protruding portion) of the female terminal can be easily guided to the contact point of the male terminal formed as a recess.

[0020] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the housing further includes at least one restricting piece (27L, 27R) extending from the bottom wall and restricting displacement of the top wall.

[0021] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal while suppressing excessive displacement of the upper wall.

[0022] In the above aspect, the device may further have at least one regulated piece (26L, 26R) whose displacement is regulated by the regulating piece, and the regulated piece may extend from at least one of the left edge and the right edge of the top wall toward the bottom wall, rearward of the left wall and the right wall.

[0023] According to this aspect, it is possible to more stably suppress excessive displacement of the upper wall while easily following the relative movement of the female terminal.

[0024] In the above aspect, the regulated piece may have a through hole (38L, 38R) formed therein, penetrating in the left-right direction, and the tip of the regulating piece may be inserted into the through hole.

[0025] According to this aspect, with a simple configuration, it is possible to easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal while suppressing excessive displacement of the upper wall.

[0026] In the above aspect, the device may further have a pair of front walls (25L, 25R) extending from the front ends of the left wall and the right wall, respectively, and the pair of front walls may be positioned in front of the elastic piece formed to be bent into a U-shape.

[0027] According to this aspect, the elastic piece is protected by the pair of front walls, and therefore the elastic piece can be stably deformed in response to the relative movement of the female terminal.

[0028] In the above aspect, the pair of front walls may each extend in a direction that brings their front ends closer to each other.

[0029] According to this aspect, the resilient piece can be easily connected to the female terminal while being protected by the pair of front walls.

[0030] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a terminal pair (1) having the male terminal and the female terminal electrically connected to the male terminal.

[0031] According to this aspect, the configuration allows the necessary contact pressure for the contact point of the male terminal to be easily ensured, while easily following the relative movement of the female terminal, thereby suppressing fretting wear.

[0032] In the above aspect, the female terminal has a top wall (64), a bottom wall (61), a left wall (62), and a right wall (63), and a pair of contacts (36L, 36R, 136L) with the male terminal are preferably arranged on the right wall and the left wall of the female terminal, respectively.

[0033] According to this aspect, the configuration allows the necessary contact pressure between the contact points to be easily ensured, and by easily following the relative movement of the female terminal, fretting wear can be suppressed.

[0034] In the above-described aspect, the left wall and the right wall of the female terminal each have a pair of slits (71L, 72L) extending parallel to the front-to-rear direction, and have flat elastic pieces (75L, 75R) formed between the pair of slits, and the pair of contact points with the male terminal are preferably arranged on the flat elastic pieces formed on the left wall and the right wall of the female terminal, respectively.

[0035] According to this aspect, the contact pressure required for the contact point of the female terminal can be more easily ensured.

[0036] According to the above aspect, the contact pressure required for the contact point can be easily ensured, and the contact can easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal, thereby suppressing fretting wear.

[0037] 3A perspective view showing the terminal pair before connectionA perspective view showing the terminal pair after connectionA perspective view showing the front part of the male terminalA side view showing the front part of the male terminalA cross-sectional view of the male terminal shown in FIG. 3A cross-sectional view of the male terminal shown in FIG. 3A enlarged view showing the periphery of the contact points of the female terminalA front view of the female terminalA cross-sectional view showing the terminal pair in a connected stateA perspective cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the contact points of the terminal pair in a connected stateAn explanatory diagram showing the operation of the terminal pair during slight slidingA perspective view showing a first modified example of the terminal pair shown in FIG. 1A perspective view showing a second modified example of the terminal pair shown in FIG. 1A cross-sectional view showing a modified elastic piece in the male terminal shown in FIG. 3A cross-sectional view showing a modified bottom structure of the male terminal shown in FIG. 3A cross-sectional view of the male terminal shown in FIG. 3A

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A terminal pair and a male terminal and a female terminal that constitute the terminal pair according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminal pair 1 includes a male terminal 2 and a female terminal 3 that are electrically connectable to each other. Figure 1 shows the terminal pair 1 before connection, with the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3 in a state in which they are electrically disconnected from each other (hereinafter referred to as the "disconnected state"). Figure 2 shows the terminal pair 1 after connection, with the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3 in a state in which they are electrically connected to each other (hereinafter referred to as the "connected state").

[0040] 1 (i.e., the direction in which the male terminal 2 is connected to the female terminal 3) is defined as the forward direction, and the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions are defined based on this forward direction. On the other hand, for the female terminal 3, the front-rear and left-right directions are defined as the male terminal 2 (i.e., the direction in which the male terminal 2 is connected to the male terminal 2). The front-rear and left-right directions of the female terminal 3 are opposite to the front-rear and left-right directions in the description of the male terminal 2. However, the directions (i.e., the arrangement) of the male terminals 2 and female terminals 3 when actually used are not limited to the directions defined here for convenience.

[0041] The male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3 are each integrally formed by performing known processes such as punching and bending on a plate made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal or alloy material such as copper or brass). The surfaces of the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3 are plated to form a plating layer (not shown) of a predetermined thickness (e.g., several μm to several tens of μm). The plating layer is formed of, for example, a metal or alloy such as tin or nickel.

[0042] The male terminal 2 includes a front portion 11, a rear portion 12, and an intermediate portion 13 connecting the front and rear portions.

[0043] 3 and 4 , the front portion 11 of the male terminal 2 has a bottom wall 21, an upper wall 22 connected to a front end 21A of the bottom wall 21, a right wall 23 connected to the right edge of the upper wall 22, a left wall 24 connected to the left edge of the upper wall 22, and a pair of front walls 25R, 25L connected to the right wall 23 and the left wall 24, respectively. The front portion 11 also has a pair of restricted pieces 26R, 26L (see also FIG. 5 ) connected to the left and right edges of the upper wall 22, respectively, and a pair of restricting pieces 27R, 27L connected to the left and right edges of the bottom wall 21, respectively. The outer shape of the front portion 11 is generally rectangular when viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed from the front).

[0044] The bottom wall 21 extends in the front-rear direction (i.e., the direction of connection to and separation from the female terminal 3). The front end 21A of the bottom wall 21 and the front end 22B of the top wall 22 are connected by an elastic piece 30. The elastic piece 30 is formed by bending inverted upward and rearward from the front end 21A of the bottom wall 21 into a U-shape. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 , the elastic piece 30 has a substantially U-shape (or a substantially C-shape) in side view. The left-right width of the elastic piece 30 is set smaller than the left-right widths of the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 22. By adjusting the left-right width of the elastic piece 30, the amount of deformation of the elastic piece 30 (i.e., the amount of displacement of the contacts 35L, 35R that easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal 3) can be adjusted.

[0045] In the male terminal 2, the bottom wall 21, top wall 22, right wall 23, and left wall 24 are each flat in the area forward of the slits 37R and 37L (here, the area where the contacts 35L and 35R may be provided). That is, the cross section of the male terminal 2 in this area (a cross section cut perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction) has a substantially rectangular outer shape (see FIG. 16 ). However, at least a portion of the bottom wall 21, top wall 22, right wall 23, and left wall 24 in this area may be curved in cross section. For example, the top wall 22, right wall 23, and left wall 24 may each be a plate-like shape that is curved convexly outward.

[0046] The top wall 22 is provided above the bottom wall 21 and extends in the front-to-rear direction substantially parallel to the bottom wall 21. A left wall 24 and a right wall 23 are connected to the left and right side edges of the front portion of the top wall 22. A notch 22A of a predetermined width is formed in the rear portion of the top wall 22.

[0047] The right wall 23 extends from the right edge of the top wall 22 toward the bottom wall 21. The lower portion of the right wall 23 is bent inward (i.e., toward the left wall 24) in an L-shape, thereby forming an extension 33R (see FIG. 1 ). The extension 33R extends parallel to the bottom wall 21. A small gap is formed between the lower surface of the extension 33R and the upper surface of the bottom wall 21. However, the lower surface of the extension 33R may be in contact (or sliding contact) with the upper surface of the bottom wall 21. The extension 33R prevents excessive rattling (i.e., downward displacement) of the right wall 23 relative to the bottom wall 21.

[0048] A contact point 35R with the female terminal 3 is provided on the right wall 23. In this embodiment, the contact point 35R is formed on a flat surface of the right wall 23. More precisely, when the terminal pair 1 is in a connected state (see FIG. 2 ), the position on the surface of the right wall 23 where the left contact point 36L of the female terminal 3 comes into contact can be the contact point 35R.

[0049] The front portion of the right wall 23 is separated from the right edge of the upper wall 22, and its front end 23A is positioned forward beyond the elastic piece 30. In other words, the right side of the elastic piece 30 is protected by the right wall 23. This makes it possible to avoid problems such as the right side of the elastic piece 30 coming into contact with the female terminal 3 and being damaged when the male terminal 2 is connected to the female terminal 3.

[0050] The left wall 24 is formed generally symmetrically with the right wall 23. The left wall 24 extends from the left edge of the top wall 22 toward the bottom wall 21. The lower portion of the left wall 24 is bent inward (i.e., toward the right wall 23) in an L-shape, thereby forming an extension 33L (see FIG. 5 ). The extension 33L extends parallel to the bottom wall 21. A small gap is formed between the lower surface of the extension 33L and the upper surface of the bottom wall 21. However, the lower surface of the extension 33L may be in contact (or sliding contact) with the upper surface of the bottom wall 21. The extension 33L prevents excessive rattling (i.e., downward displacement) of the left wall 24 relative to the bottom wall 21. The edge of the extension 33L is positioned to face (or abut) the extension 33R with a small gap between them.

[0051] A contact point 35L (see FIG. 10 ) with the female terminal 3 is provided on the left wall 24. In this embodiment, the contact point 35L is formed on the flat surface of the left wall 24, similar to the contact point 35R on the right wall 23. Therefore, when the terminal pair 1 is in a connected state, the position on the surface of the left wall 24 where the right contact point 36R (see FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the female terminal 3 comes into contact can be the contact point 35L.

[0052] The front portion of the left wall 24, like the front portion of the right wall 23, is separated from the left edge of the top wall 22, and its front end 24A is located forward beyond the elastic piece 30. In other words, the left side of the elastic piece 30 is protected by the left wall 24. This makes it possible to avoid problems such as the left side of the elastic piece 30 coming into contact with the female terminal 3 and being damaged when the male terminal 2 is connected to the female terminal 3.

[0053] The front walls 25R, 25L are formed symmetrically to each other. The pair of front walls 25R, 25L extend forward from the front ends of the right wall 23 and the left wall 24, respectively, and are positioned in front of the elastic piece 30 (see FIG. 3). In other words, the front of the elastic piece 30 is protected by the front walls 25R, 25L. This prevents problems such as damage to the elastic piece 30 due to contact with the female terminal 3 when the male terminal 2 is connected to the female terminal 3.

[0054] Furthermore, the front walls 25R, 25L each extend in a direction that brings their front ends closer together, thereby forming an inclined surface (front face) that slopes forward and inward. These inclined surfaces guide the connection of the male terminal 2 to the female terminal 3. This allows a worker (including a work robot, etc.) to easily connect the male terminal 2 to the female terminal 3. Furthermore, the front walls 25R, 25L each taper toward their front ends, narrowing vertically. This facilitates connection of the male terminal 2 to the female terminal 3. In particular, because the male terminal 2 is formed by bending a plate material, the front walls 25R, 25L and their surrounding areas can be easily deformed inward (i.e., toward each other). This configuration ensures the necessary contact pressure between the contacts of the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3, as described below, while reducing the mating force when connecting the male terminal 2 to the female terminal 3.

[0055] The configuration of the front walls 25R, 25L of the male terminal 2 can be employed independently of other components (e.g., the elastic piece 30, the contacts 35L, 35R) of the male terminal 2. For example, in a configuration in which the male terminal has a bottom wall extending in the front-to-rear direction, which is the direction of connection to and separation from the female terminal, a top wall disposed opposite the bottom wall, a left wall disposed on the left edge of the top wall, a right wall disposed on the right edge of the top wall, and a pair of front walls extending from the front ends of the left and right walls, respectively, the same configuration as the front walls 25R, 25L described above can be employed for the pair of front walls.

[0056] The regulated pieces 26R, 26L are formed symmetrically to each other and are disposed rearward of the right wall 23 and the left wall 24, respectively. Convex slits 37R, 37L are formed between the right wall 23, the left wall 24 and the regulated pieces 26R, 26L, extending upward from the lower edges.

[0057] 6, the upper portions of the regulated pieces 26R, 26L are bent downward and inward from the left and right edges of the upper wall 22. The lower portions of the regulated pieces 26R, 26L, which are continuous with the upper portions, are generally flat and extend downward toward the bottom wall 21. A predetermined gap is formed between the tip of the regulated pieces 26R, 26L and the upper surface of the bottom wall 21.

[0058] The regulated pieces 26R, 26L each have a through-hole 38R, 38L that penetrates them in the left-right direction (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The through-holes 38R, 38L have a horizontally elongated rectangular shape in a side view. The positions of the regulated pieces 26R, 26L in the front-rear direction overlap with the positions of the notches 22A of the upper wall 22.

[0059] The restricting pieces 27R, 27L are formed symmetrically to each other. The restricting pieces 27R, 27L are disposed at positions corresponding to the restricted pieces 26R, 26L in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , the restricting pieces 27R, 27L extend upward from the corresponding right and left edges of the bottom wall 21.

[0060] The upper portions of the restricting pieces 27R, 27L are bent inward to form insertion portions 41R, 41L. The insertion portions 41R, 41L extend horizontally (i.e., left-right), with their tips inserted into the through-holes 38R, 38L of the corresponding restricted pieces 26R, 26L. The tips of the insertion portions 41R, 41L have a substantially rectangular cross section in side view (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0061] Furthermore, in the initial state (i.e., when no vibration or the like is occurring in the terminal pair 1), the outer peripheral surfaces of the insertion portions 41R and 41L are secured with a predetermined clearance relative to the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 38R and 38L, respectively. That is, in the initial state, the outer peripheral surfaces of the insertion portions 41R and 41L are not in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 38R and 38L, respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 , the sizes of the front-to-rear gaps G1 and G2 between the insertion portion 41L and the through hole 38L (and the same applies to the insertion portion 41R and the through hole 38R) are set equal. Similarly, the sizes of the up-to-down gaps G3 and G4 between the insertion portion 41L and the through hole 38L (and the same applies to the insertion portion 41R and the through hole 38R) are set equal. However, the clearance between the outer peripheral surfaces of the insertion portions 41R and 41L and the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 38R and 38L does not necessarily need to be secured over the entire circumference. That is, in the initial state, a part of the outer circumferential surface (for example, the lower surface) of the insertion portions 41R, 41L may be in contact with a part of the inner circumferential surface (for example, the lower surface) of the corresponding through-holes 38R, 38L.

[0062] The gaps G1 and G2 in the front-to-rear direction are preferably set larger than the gaps G3 and G4 in the up-to-down direction, so that the male terminal 2 can more easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal 3, particularly in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the direction of connection and separation with respect to the male terminal 2), while suppressing excessive displacement of the upper wall 22.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear side 12 of the male terminal 2 has a bottom wall 51, a right wall 52 connected to the right edge of the bottom wall 21, an upper wall 53 connected to the upper edge of the right wall 52, and a left wall 54 connected to the left edge of the bottom wall 51.

[0064] A lead portion 56 is formed at the rear portion of the bottom wall 51. For example, the male terminal 2 is fixed to a substrate (not shown), and the lead portion 56 is electrically connected to the substrate. However, the lead portion 56 may be omitted from the male terminal 2, and an electric wire may be connected to the rear portion 12.

[0065] The upper wall 53 extends from the right wall 52 toward the left wall 54, is bent downward while abutting against the inner surface of the upper end of the left wall 54, extends toward the bottom wall 51, and is then bent again to the right and extends toward the right wall 52. As a result, the upper wall 53 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0066] The intermediate portion 13 of the male terminal 2 is disposed so as to connect the bottom wall 21 of the front portion 11 and the bottom wall 51 of the rear portion 12. The intermediate portion 13 is generally flat, and its left-right width is set to be larger than the left-right widths of the front portion 11 and the rear portion 12.

[0067] 1 and 2, the female terminal 3 has a bottom wall 61, a left wall 62 connected to the left edge of the bottom wall 61, a right wall 63 (see FIG. 8) connected to the right edge of the bottom wall 61, and an upper wall 64 connected to the left wall 62 and the right wall 63. The outer shape of the female terminal 3 is generally rectangular when viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed from the front). Similarly, the inner shape of the female terminal 3 is rectangular, and the size of the inner shape is set to fit the outer size of the male terminal 2 (i.e., so that the male terminal 2 can be fitted thereto).

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the left wall 62 of the female terminal 3 is formed with a pair of slits 71L, 72L extending parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The slits 71L, 72L have a horizontally elongated, generally rectangular shape in side view. The slits 71L, 72L are spaced apart in the vertical direction, thereby forming a flat elastic piece 75L extending in the front-to-rear direction between the slits 71L, 72L. The elastic piece 75L also has a horizontally elongated, generally rectangular shape in side view, similar to the slits 71L, 72L.

[0069] The left contact 36L of the female terminal 3 is located at the center of the elastic piece 75L in the front-to-rear direction. The thickness of the elastic piece 75L is set smaller than the thickness of other parts, including the left wall 62, by press working. The outer surface of the elastic piece 75L is located more inward than the outer surfaces of other parts, including the left wall 62. By reducing the thickness of the elastic piece 75L in this way, it is possible to prevent the elastic piece 75L from significantly protruding from the outer shape of the terminal pair 1 when the contact 36L abuts against the contact 35R and is displaced outward. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree to which the thickness of the elastic piece 75L is reduced, it is possible to easily adjust the contact pressure of the contact 36L of the female terminal 3 against the contact 35R of the male terminal 2.

[0070] To form the contact 36L, first, the thickness of the processing target portion where the elastic piece 75L and slits 71L and 72L are to be formed is reduced to the desired thickness by press working. Then, the portion of the processing target portion corresponding to the contact 36L is pressed to protrude in a substantially hemispherical shape. As a result, the contact 36L is formed as a convex portion protruding inward from the elastic piece 75L. Then, the portions of the processing target portion corresponding to the slits 71L and 72L are punched out.

[0071] The right wall 63 of the female terminal 3 is formed to be generally symmetrical to the left wall 62. Although not shown, the right wall 63 is formed with a pair of slits similar to the slits 71L, 72L of the left wall 62, and a flat elastic piece 75R and a contact 36R (see FIG. 10 ) are formed between the slits.

[0072] 8, the contact 36R on the right wall 63 is positioned symmetrically to the contact 36L on the left side. The contact 36R is also positioned at the center of the elastic piece 75R in the front-to-rear direction. The configurations of the elastic piece 75R and the contact 36R are the same as those of the elastic piece 75L and the contact 36L on the left wall 62, except for the symmetrical positioning.

[0073] The upper wall 64 of the female terminal 3 includes a left half 81 that is continuous with the upper edge of the left wall 62 and extends toward the right wall 63, and a right half 82 that is continuous with the upper edge of the right wall 63 and extends toward the left wall 62 (see FIG. 7 ). The left half 81 and the right half 82 are connected by a generally inverted triangular protrusion 81A and a generally inverted triangular groove 82A that fits into the protrusion 81A, with their edges abutting each other at the center in the left-right direction.

[0074] In the terminal pair 1 having the above-described configuration, an operator can move the female terminal 3 forward from the disconnected state shown in Fig. 1, as shown in Fig. 2, and fit the front portion 11 of the male terminal 2 into the female terminal 3. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the male terminal 2 is inserted into the female terminal 3 to the correct position, the contacts 36L, 36R of the female terminal 3 come into contact with the corresponding contacts 35R, 35L of the male terminal 2 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0075] 10, in this connected state, the elastic pieces 75L, 75R of the female terminal 3 are elastically deformed so as to bend convexly outward, thereby ensuring an appropriate contact pressure between the contacts 36L, 36R of the female terminal 3 and the contacts 35R, 35L of the male terminal 2.

[0076] When the terminal pair 1 is in use, an external force may act on the terminal pair 1 in the above-described connected state due to some factor (for example, relative movement between a member constituting the circuit on the male terminal 2 side and a member constituting the circuit on the female terminal 3 side). Generally, when such an external force acts repeatedly on the terminal pair, fretting wear may occur.

[0077] In contrast, in the terminal pair 1 according to this embodiment, the male terminal 2 can easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal 3 .

[0078] For example, as shown in FIG. 11A , when the female terminal 3 moves forward relative to the male terminal 2 (see the arrow in FIG. 11A ), the elastic piece 30 of the male terminal 2 elastically deforms to displace slightly rearward (see the initial elastic piece 30 indicated by the two-dot chain line and the deformed elastic piece 30 indicated by the solid line in FIG. 11A ). As a result, the contact 35L (similar to the contact 35R) of the male terminal 2 moves rearward to follow the forward movement of the contact 36R (similar to the contact 36L) of the female terminal 3. In other words, the relative movement between the contact 36R of the female terminal 3 and the contact 35L of the male terminal 2 is suppressed. The shape and size (e.g., width in the left-right direction) of the elastic piece 30 are configured to appropriately elastically deform the elastic piece 30 in response to an external force that causes relative movement of the female terminal 3 with respect to the male terminal 2.

[0079] 11(B), when the female terminal 3 moves rearward relative to the male terminal 2 (see the arrow in FIG. 11(B)), the elastic piece 30 of the male terminal 2 elastically deforms so as to be displaced slightly forward (see the initial elastic piece 30 shown by the two-dot chain line and the elastic piece 30 after deformation shown by the solid line in FIG. 11(B)). As a result, the contact 35L (similar to the contact 35R) of the male terminal 2 moves forward to follow the rearward movement of the contact 36R (similar to the contact 36L) of the female terminal 3.

[0080] 11(A) and 11(B), the terminal pair 1 can absorb the resulting slight sliding even when a force that moves the female terminal 3 and the male terminal 2 relative to each other with a small amplitude is applied. The operation of the terminal pair 1 shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B) is performed within a range in which the displacement of the regulated piece 26L is limited by the regulating piece 27L (the same applies to the regulated piece 26R and the regulating piece 27R). This allows the male terminal 2 to easily follow the relative movement of the female terminal 3 while suppressing excessive displacement of the upper wall 22. The terminal pair 1 can also be configured such that one of the combinations of the regulated piece 26L and the regulating piece 27L and the combination of the regulated piece 26R and the regulating piece 27R is omitted.

[0081] Thus, terminal pair 1 and the male terminal 2 and female terminal 3 that make it up are configured to easily ensure the necessary contact pressure at contact points 35L, 35R, 36L, and 36R, while easily following the relative movement of female terminal 3, thereby suppressing fretting wear. In particular, terminal pair 1 (or male terminal 2) has the advantage of easily following the relative movement of female terminal 3 in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the direction of connection and separation with respect to male terminal 2). This configuration of terminal pair 1 (or male terminal 2) is particularly suitable for use with terminal pairs (or male terminals) in which a plating layer that generates insulating wear powder due to fretting wear is provided at least on the contact points.

[0082] It should be noted that various modifications are possible to the configuration of the terminal pair 1 as shown in Fig. 1 above. For example, as in a first modification of the terminal pair 1 shown in Fig. 12, the right contact 135R of the male terminal 2 (and the same for the left contact) can be made to protrude in a substantially hemispherical shape from the surface of the right wall 23. In this way, the contact 135R is formed as a convex portion that protrudes outward from the right wall 23. In this case, the contact 135R can be formed by press working, similar to the contacts 36L and 36R described above.

[0083] On the other hand, the left contact 136L of the female terminal 3 (similar to the right contact) can be formed on the flat surface of the elastic piece 75L of the left wall 62, similar to the contacts 35R and 35L described above. The other configurations of the first modified example of the terminal pair 1 shown in Figure 12 are the same as those of the terminal pair 1 shown in Figure 1 and the like.

[0084] Furthermore, as in the second modified example of the terminal pair 1 shown in FIG. 13 , the right contact 235R of the male terminal 2 (and the left contact as well) may be formed as a recess in the surface (i.e., outer surface) of the right wall 23. This allows the contact 36L of the female terminal 3 (and the right contact 36R as well) to be easily guided toward the recessed contact 235R of the male terminal 2. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the size of the recess, it is possible to appropriately limit the range of movement of the contacts 36L and 36R after the male terminal 2 and the female terminal 3 are connected. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the depth of the recess, it is possible to avoid excessive contact pressure between the contact 235R of the male terminal 2 and the contact 36L of the female terminal 3.

[0085] Next, a modified example of the elastic piece 30 in the male terminal 2 shown in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 should be compared with the cross-sectional view of the male terminal 2 shown in Fig. 5.

[0086] In the modified example shown in Fig. 14, the elastic piece 30 has a generally U-shape in side view (or cross section), similar to the elastic piece 30 shown in Fig. 5. However, whereas the elastic piece 30 shown in Fig. 5 has an arc-like shape (i.e., curved) overall, the elastic piece 30 of the modified example has a straight portion 30A that is generally linear. In other words, the shape of the elastic piece 30 of the modified example is such that the bottom portion (corresponding to the straight portion 30A) of the generally U-shaped portion is generally linear, and both ends of the bottom portion are curved to connect to the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 22, respectively.

[0087] The shape of the elastic piece 30 is not limited to that shown in Figures 5 and 14, and various shapes can be adopted as long as the structure absorbs slight sliding in the terminal pair 1 (i.e., a structure that easily follows the movement of the female terminal 3).

[0088] Next, a modified example of the bottom structure of the male terminal 2 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] In the above-described male terminal 2, as shown in Fig. 1, the extension portion 33R formed on the lower part of the right wall 23 extends parallel to the bottom wall 21 on the upper surface side of the bottom wall 21. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the extension portion 33L formed on the lower part of the left wall 24 extends parallel to the bottom wall 21 on the upper surface side of the bottom wall 21. In the above-described male terminal 2, the extension portions 33R and 33L are located above the bottom wall 21.

[0090] On the other hand, in the modified example shown in FIG. 15 , the extension portion 33L formed on the lower part of the left wall 24 extends parallel to the bottom wall 21 on the lower surface side of the bottom wall 21. A small gap is formed between the upper surface of the extension portion 33L and the lower surface of the bottom wall 21. However, the upper surface of the extension portion 33L may be in contact (or sliding contact) with the lower surface of the bottom wall 21. Furthermore, although not shown, the extension portion 33R formed on the lower part of the right wall 23 extends parallel to the bottom wall 21 on the lower surface side of the bottom wall 21, similar to the extension portion 33L. In the modified example shown in FIG. 15 , the bottom wall 21 is located above the extension portions 33R and 33L.

[0091] In the male terminal 2 described above, contacts 35R and 35L (see FIG. 10 ) with the female terminal 3 are provided on the right wall 23 and the left wall 24, respectively. However, in a modification shown in FIG. 15 , such contacts may be provided on the top wall 22 and / or on the extensions 33R and 33L that essentially constitute the bottom wall. In this case, contacts 36R and 36L of the corresponding female terminal 3 would be provided on the bottom wall 61 and the top wall 64, respectively (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15 ). In the modification shown in FIG. 15 , even when contacts are provided on the top and bottom of the male terminal 2, the contacts are provided only on the top wall 22 of the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 22 that are connected to the elastic piece 30. Therefore, the same operation as that of the terminal pair 1 shown in FIG. 11 described above is achieved (i.e., the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 30 is not hindered).

[0092] While the present invention has been described above based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the terminal pair 1 and the male terminal 2 and female terminal 3 constituting it shown in the above embodiments are not necessarily all essential, and at least those skilled in the art can select appropriate components without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0093] 1: Terminal pair 2: Male terminal 3: Female terminal 11: Front part 12: Rear part 13: Intermediate part 21: Bottom wall 21A: Front end 22: Top wall 22B: Front end 23: Right wall 23A: Front end 24: Left wall 24A: Front end 25L, 25R: Front wall 26L, 26R: Regulated piece 27L, 27R: Regulating piece 30: Elastic piece 33L, 33R: Extension 35L, 35R: Contact 36L, 36R: Contact 37L, 37R: Slit 38L, 38R: Through hole 41L, 41R: Insertion part 51: Bottom wall 52: Right wall 53 :Top wall 54 :Left wall 56 :Lead part 61 :Bottom wall 62: Left wall 63: Right wall 64: Upper wall 71L, 72L: Slit 75L, 75R: Elastic piece 81: Left half body 82: Right half body 87: Electric wire 135R: Contact 136L: Contact 235R: Contact G1-G4: Gaps

Claims

1. A male terminal electrically connected to a female terminal, comprising: a bottom wall extending in a front-to-rear direction which is the direction of connection to and separation from the female terminal; a top wall connected to the front end of the bottom wall; a left wall connected to the left edge of the top wall; and a right wall connected to the right edge of the top wall, the bottom wall and the top wall being connected by an elastic piece which is formed so as to be inverted rearward from the front end of the bottom wall and bent into a U-shape, and a pair of contacts with the female terminal are disposed on the left wall and the right wall, respectively.

2. The male terminal according to claim 1, wherein said pair of contacts are disposed at positions opposing each other on said left wall and said right wall, respectively.

3. The male terminal of claim 1, wherein each of said contacts is formed on a flat surface on said left wall and said right wall.

4. The male terminal of claim 1, wherein each of said contacts is formed as an outwardly projecting protrusion on said left and right walls.

5. The male terminal of claim 1, wherein each of said contacts is formed as a recess in an exterior surface of said left and right walls.

6. The male terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one restricting piece extending from said bottom wall for restricting displacement of said top wall.

7. A male terminal as described in claim 6, further comprising at least one regulated piece whose displacement is regulated by said regulating piece, said regulated piece extending from at least one of the left side edge and the right side edge of said top wall toward said bottom wall, rearward of said left wall and said right wall.

8. A male terminal as set forth in claim 7, wherein a through hole penetrating in the left-right direction is formed in the regulated piece, and a tip of the regulating piece is inserted into the through hole.

9. A male terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a pair of front walls extending from front ends of the left wall and the right wall, respectively, the pair of front walls being positioned in front of the elastic piece formed to be bent into a U-shape.

10. The male terminal according to claim 9, wherein said pair of front walls each extend in a direction such that their front ends approach each other.

11. A terminal pair comprising: the male terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and the female terminal electrically connected to the male terminal.

12. The terminal pair according to claim 11, wherein the female terminal has a top wall, a bottom wall, a left wall, and a right wall, and a pair of contacts with the male terminal are disposed on the right wall and the left wall of the female terminal, respectively.

13. A terminal pair as described in claim 12, wherein the left wall and the right wall of the female terminal are each formed with a pair of slits extending parallel to the front-to-rear direction and have a flat elastic piece formed between the pair of slits, and the pair of contact points with the male terminal are respectively disposed on the flat elastic pieces formed on the left wall and the right wall of the female terminal.

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