Terminal

Abstract

A plug terminal (1A) comprises: a flat plate-shaped base section (11); a flat plate-shaped blade section (12) that extends continuously from the base section (11) in a first direction along the widest surface (11a) of the base section (11); a flat plate-shaped first protruding section (13) that is continuous with an end of the base section (11) in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and along the widest surface (11a), and that extends in a third direction intersecting the second direction when viewed in the first direction; a flat plate-shaped second protruding section (14) that is continuous with an end of the base section (11) in a fourth direction along the widest surface (11a) and opposite to the second direction, and that extends in a fifth direction intersecting the fourth direction when viewed in the first direction; a plate-shaped first substrate facing section (15) that extends continuously from the first protruding section (13) in a sixth direction opposite to the first direction, and that faces a first substrate (3) at an end in the sixth direction; and a plate-shaped second substrate facing section (16) that extends continuously from the second protruding section (14) in the sixth direction and faces the first substrate (3) at an end in the sixth direction.

Description

Terminals

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal formed by bending a single metal plate. This terminal has a blade-shaped terminal body (blade portion) that mates with a mating terminal. The end of the terminal is provided with a leg that is inserted into a hole formed in a circuit board and two auxiliary legs that are bent and extend along the circuit board to contact the surface of the circuit board. The blade portion is supported on the circuit board by the leg and the two auxiliary legs.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 56-46981

[0004] In the terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when an external force is applied to a blade portion erected on a circuit board, a bending moment occurs at the portion where the blade portion and the circuit board are connected. Because the direction of the generated bending moment coincides with the extension direction of the auxiliary leg, even a small bending moment is easily transmitted to the auxiliary leg. Therefore, even if the generated bending moment is small, the bending angle of the auxiliary leg may change, causing the blade portion to tilt relative to the circuit board. If the terminal is mated with a mating terminal in a state where the blade portion is tilted, this may result in buckling (deformation) of the blade portion.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal that can reduce the inclination of the blade portion relative to the circuit board.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the terminal of the present invention is a plug terminal formed by bending a conductive plate-like member and mounted on a circuit board, and comprises: a flat base; a flat blade portion extending continuously from the base in a first direction along the widest surface of the base; a flat first protruding portion continuing from an end of the base in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and along the widest surface, and extending in a third direction that intersects with the second direction as viewed in the first direction; a flat second protruding portion continuing from an end of the base in a fourth direction that is opposite to the second direction and along the widest surface, and extending in a fifth direction that intersects with the fourth direction as viewed in the first direction; a plate-like first board facing portion extending continuously from the first protruding portion in a sixth direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, with an end in the sixth direction facing the circuit board; and a plate-like second board facing portion extending continuously from the second protruding portion in the sixth direction, with an end in the sixth direction facing the circuit board.

[0007] According to the present invention, the inclination of the blade portion relative to the circuit board can be reduced.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a plug terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a plug terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the plug terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a four-sided view of the plug terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how the plug terminal of FIG. 1 and the receptacle terminal of FIG. 5 are mated. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plug terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plug terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plug terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following embodiments, the terms "have," "include," or "contain" also mean "consist of" or "consist of."

[0010] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, two terminals that can be connected to each other to transmit signals between boards will be described. One of the two terminals is a plug terminal (terminal) 1A shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the other is a receptacle terminal 2 shown in Figure 5.

[0011] [Plug Terminal] First, the plug terminal 1A will be described. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the plug terminal 1A is mounted on a first substrate 3 serving as a circuit board. The plug terminal 1A is connected to an electrode 3b on a main surface 3a of the first substrate 3. In Figures 1, 2, and 4, the first substrate 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0012] In this embodiment, the plug terminal 1A will be described with reference to a three-axis Cartesian coordinate system consisting of the X1 axis, the Y1 axis, and the Z1 axis. Here, the X1 axis and the Y1 axis are defined as in-plane directions of the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3. The Z1 axis is defined as the normal direction to the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3.

[0013] In this embodiment, the +Z1 direction is defined as the first direction, the +X1 direction as the second direction, the -Y1 direction as the third direction, the -X1 direction as the fourth direction, the +Y1 direction as the fifth direction, and the -Z1 direction as the sixth direction.

[0014] The plug terminal 1A is connected to a receptacle terminal 2 (see Figure 5) mounted on a second board 4 described later, and is used for power connection, electrical signal transmission, or grounding between the first board 3 and the second board 4.

[0015] The plug terminal 1A is made of a conductive plate-like member, such as a metal, such as a copper alloy. Examples of copper alloys include beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, and titanium copper.

[0016] The plug terminal 1A is formed by punching and bending an elastic metal plate. Specifically, the metal plate is punched into the shape shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the in-plane directions of the metal plate are the α-axis and β-axis, and the thickness direction of the metal plate is the γ-axis. This metal plate has a shape that is axisymmetric with respect to a center line CL that is parallel to the β-axis. After punching, the metal plate is bent at the two-dot chain line by bending to form the plug terminal 1A shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. The thickness of the metal plate is, for example, about 0.5 to 1 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0017] 1 to 4, the plug terminal 1A includes a base portion 11, a blade portion 12, a first protruding portion 13, a second protruding portion 14, a first substrate facing portion 15, and a second substrate facing portion 16.

[0018] [Base] The base 11 is a rectangular, flat portion that serves as the base of the plug terminal 1A and to which other components are connected. The base 11 has a widest surface 11a that is perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. In Figure 1, the X1-axis direction and the Z1-axis direction are directions along the widest surface 11a.

[0019] [Blade Portion] The blade portion 12 is a flat portion extending continuously from the base portion 11 in a first direction (+Z1 direction) along the widest surface 11a of the base portion 11. The widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12 is continuous with the widest surface 11a of the base portion 11. As will be described later, the blade portion 12 contacts the receptacle terminal 2 (see Figures 5 and 6). The tip 12b located at the +Z1 end of the blade portion 12 is tapered, which makes it easier for the blade portion 12 to mate with the receptacle terminal 2.

[0020] [First protrusion] The first protrusion 13 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is continuous with the end of the base 11 in the second direction (+X1 direction). When viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction), the first protrusion 13 extends in a third direction (-Y1 direction) that intersects with the second direction (+X1 direction). As shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction), the first protrusion 13 protrudes in the third direction (-Y1 direction) relative to the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12.

[0021] Here, for example, "looking in the first direction (+Z1 direction)" means viewing an object along a direction from an observation point that is a start point of the first direction (+Z1 direction) to an end point of the first direction (+Z1 direction). Specifically, in the arrow representing the first direction (+Z1 direction) in FIG. 4, the intention is to view the first protrusion 13 along a direction toward the tip of the arrow from an observation point that is the start point of the arrow (the end opposite to the tip of the arrow).

[0022] [Second protrusion] The second protrusion 14 is a flat portion that continues from the end of the base 11 in the fourth direction (-X1 direction). The second protrusion 14 extends in a fifth direction (+Y1 direction) that intersects with the fourth direction (-X1 direction) when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). As shown in FIG. 4 , the second protrusion 14 protrudes in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) relative to the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12 when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction).

[0023] In this embodiment, the third direction (-Y1 direction) and the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) are opposite to each other. That is, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction).

[0024] [First substrate facing portion] The first substrate facing portion 15 is a plate-shaped portion that extends continuously in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction) from the first protruding portion 13. The first substrate facing portion 15 faces the first substrate 3 at an end portion in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction).

[0025] The first substrate facing portion 15 includes a first member 15a that is continuous with the first protruding portion 13 and extends in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a first bent portion 15b that is formed by bending at least a portion of the first member 15a around an axis along the third direction (-Y1 direction), and a first extending portion 15c that is continuous with the first bent portion 15b and faces the first substrate 3. The first extending portion 15c extends in the fourth direction (-X1 direction) by bending the first bent portion 15b around an axis along the third direction (-Y1 direction). The first member 15a has first leg portions 15a1 on both sides of the first bent portion 15b along the third direction (-Y1 direction) that protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the first extending portion 15c.

[0026] [Second substrate facing portion] The second substrate facing portion 16 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction) continuously from the second protruding portion 14. The second substrate facing portion 16 faces the first substrate 3 at an end portion in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction).

[0027] The second substrate facing portion 16 includes a second member 16a that is continuous with the second protruding portion 14 and extends in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a second bent portion 16b that is formed by bending at least a portion of the second member 16a around an axis along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), and a second extending portion 16c that is continuous with the second bent portion 16b and faces the first substrate 3. The second extending portion 16c extends in the second direction (+X direction) because the second bent portion 16b is bent around an axis along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction). The second member 16a includes second leg portions 16a1 on both sides of the second bent portion 16b along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) that protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the second extending portion 16c.

[0028] The plug terminal 1A is desirably mounted so that the blade portion 12 is not inclined relative to the first substrate 3. The plug terminal 1A is mounted on the first substrate 3 by soldering the first extending portion 15c and the first leg portion 15a1 of the first substrate facing portion 15 and the second extending portion 16c and the second leg portion 16a1 of the second substrate facing portion 16 to the electrode 3b formed on the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3. At this time, the solder wraps around to the surfaces of the first bent portion 15b and the second bent portion 16b facing the electrode 3b, forming a so-called back fillet between this surface and the electrode 3b. At least one of the first leg portion 15a1 and the second leg portion 16a1 does not have to be soldered to the electrode 3b.

[0029] In the present embodiment, first leg 15a1 protrudes further toward first substrate 3 than first extending portion 15c, and second leg 16a1 protrudes further toward first substrate 3 than second extending portion 16c. Therefore, first leg 15a1 and second leg 16a1 are connected to first substrate 3, while gaps are formed between first extending portion 15c and second extending portion 16c and electrode 3b of first substrate 3. In other words, blade portion 12 is supported on first substrate 3 by first leg 15a1 and second leg 16a1. During soldering, even if a difference in the cooling rate of the solder occurs between the back fillet at the first extending portion 15c and the first bent portion 15b and the back fillet at the second extending portion 16c and the second bent portion 16b, the plug terminal 1A is supported by the first leg portion 15a1 and the second leg portion 16a1 on the first substrate 3, so that the inclination of the plug terminal 1A due to the difference in the cooling rate of the back fillet does not occur. As a result, the inclination of the blade portion 12 in the Y1-axis direction with respect to the main surface 3a can be reduced.

[0030] 3 , the first substrate facing portion 15 and the second substrate facing portion 16 are bent at locations that will become the first bent portion 15b and the second bent portion 16b, respectively. This forms the first extending portion 15c and the second extending portion 16c. At this time, due to variations in the bending accuracy, the first extending portion 15c and the second extending portion 16c may be misaligned with respect to a plane that is horizontal to the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3. However, because gaps are formed between the first extending portion 15c and the second extending portion 16c and the first substrate 3, and the blade portion 12 is supported on the first substrate 3 by the first leg portion 15a1 and the second leg portion 16a1, the plug terminal 1A can be mounted on the first substrate 3 with the blade portion 12 oriented perpendicular to the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3.

[0031] [Slits] Furthermore, in the plug terminal 1A, a first slit 30A is formed between the first protrusion 13 and the first substrate facing portion 15, extending from the end closer to the base 11 in the third direction (-Y1 direction). A second slit 30B is formed between the second protrusion 14 and the second substrate facing portion 16, extending from the end closer to the base 11 in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction). The first slit 30A and the second slit 30B create elasticity between the first protrusion 13 and the first substrate facing portion 15, and between the second protrusion 14 and the second substrate facing portion 16, facilitating deformation between the two. This makes it difficult for external force applied to the blade portion 12 to be transmitted to the portion connected to the first substrate 3, preventing cracks from occurring in the solder between the plug terminal 1A and the electrode 3b.

[0032] [Receptacle Terminal] Next, a description will be given of the receptacle terminal 2. The receptacle terminal 2 is fitted with the plug terminal 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5 , the receptacle terminal 2 is mounted on the second substrate 4. The receptacle terminal 2 is connected to an electrode 4b formed on the main surface 4a of the second substrate 4. In FIG. 5 , the second substrate 4 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In this embodiment, the receptacle terminal 2 will be described with reference to a three-axis Cartesian coordinate system consisting of the X2 axis, the Y2 axis, and the Z2 axis. Here, the X2 axis and the Y2 axis are defined as axes in the in-plane direction of the main surface 4a of the second substrate 4. The Z2 axis is also defined as an axis normal to the main surface 4a of the second substrate 4.

[0034] As described above, the receptacle terminal 2 is connected to the plug terminal 1A (see Figures 1 and 2) mounted on the first board 3, and is used for power connection, electrical signal transmission, or grounding between the first board 3 and the second board 4.

[0035] The receptacle terminal 2 is made of a conductive metal plate, similar to the plug terminal 1A. The material of the receptacle terminal 2 does not need to be the same as that of the plug terminal 1A, but it is preferable that they are the same material from the viewpoint of electrical conductivity.

[0036] The receptacle terminal 2 is formed by punching and bending a resilient metal plate. Specifically, the receptacle terminal 2 is formed by punching a resilient metal plate into the shape shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5 , the receptacle terminal 2 includes a board connecting portion 21 , linking portions 22 and 23 , and contact portions 24 and 25 .

[0038] The substrate connection portion 21 is a plate-like portion that is connected to the electrode 4b formed on the main surface 4a of the second substrate 4 by soldering.

[0039] The connecting portion 22 is a plate-shaped portion of both ends of the substrate connecting portion 21 in the X2 axis direction that extends from the +X2 end in the +Z2 direction, i.e., extends in a direction away from the second substrate 4. The connecting portion 23 is a plate-shaped portion of both ends of the substrate connecting portion 21 in the X2 axis direction that extends from the −X2 end in the +Z2 direction.

[0040] The contact portion 24 includes contact points 24a and 24b. The contact point 24a is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the -X2 direction from the -Y2 end of the connecting portion 22 and further extends in the +Z2 direction. The contact point 24b is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the +X2 direction from the -Y2 end of the connecting portion 23 and further extends in the +Z2 direction. The contact points 24a and 24b are arranged side by side and closely spaced in the X2 axis direction.

[0041] The contact portion 25 includes contact points 25a and 25b. The contact point 25a is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the −X2 direction from the +Y2 end of the connecting portion 22 and then in the +Z2 direction. The contact point 25b is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the +X2 direction from the +Y2 end of the connecting portion 23 and then in the +Z2 direction. The contact points 25a and 25b are arranged side by side and closely spaced in the X2 axis direction.

[0042] The contact portions 24a and 25a are arranged close to each other in the Y2-axis direction, and the contact portions 24b and 25b are arranged close to each other in the Y2-axis direction. As a result, the contact portions 24 and 25 are arranged opposite each other in the Y2-axis direction and sandwich the blade portion 12 as described below. The distance between the contact portions 24 and 25 decreases as they move in the +Z2 direction, and the position where the distance is shortest is the contact position. Beyond the contact position, the +Z2 end of the contact portion 24 and the +Z2 end of the contact portion 25 extend in directions away from each other to make it easier to receive the blade portion 12 between them.

[0043] [Mating Operation] Next, a description will be given of the mating operation of the plug terminal 1A and the receptacle terminal 2 according to the present embodiment 1. When mated, the plug terminal 1A mounted on the first substrate 3 and the receptacle terminal 2 mounted on the second substrate 4 are oriented such that the +Z1 direction and the +Z2 direction are opposite to each other, as shown in FIG.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the blade portion 12 of the plug terminal 1A is inserted between the contact portion 24 and the contact portion 25 of the receptacle terminal 2, thereby connecting the plug terminal 1A and the receptacle terminal 2.

[0045] When the blade portion 12 enters between the contact portions 24 and 25, the contact portions 24 and 25 are pressed by the blade portion 12 and elastically deform, widening the gap between the contact portions 24 and 25. The blade portion 12 enters deeper beyond the contact point where the gap between the contact portions 24 and 25 is shortest. As a result, the blade portion 12 is sandwiched between the contact portions 24 and 25.

[0046] This electrically connects the electrical circuit of the first board 3 and the electrical circuit of the second board 4 via the plug terminal 1A and the receptacle terminal 2, making it possible to connect a power source, transmit electrical signals, or ground between the first board 3 and the second board 4.

[0047] The plug terminal 1A is connected to the first board 3 at a first substrate facing portion 15 extending in a third direction (-Y1 direction) and a fifth direction (+Y1 direction) that intersect with the widest surface 12a of the flat blade portion 12, and at a second substrate facing portion 16 extending in the third direction (-Y1 direction) and a fifth direction (+Y1 direction) that also intersect with the widest surface 12a of the flat blade portion 12. Specifically, the plug terminal 1A is connected to the first board 3 via a first extension portion 15c extending in the -X1 direction and a second extension portion 16c extending in the +X1 direction. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to blade portion 12 in a direction intersecting widest surface 12a (i.e., the +Y1 direction and the -Y1 direction), plug terminal 1A is connected to first substrate 3 via first extension portion 15c and second extension portion 16c, which extend in the -X1 direction and the +X1 direction, respectively, which are perpendicular to the direction of the external force, and therefore bending moment due to the external force is unlikely to occur in first bent portion 15b and second bent portion 16b. As a result, the inclination of blade portion 12 in the Y1 axis direction relative to first substrate 3 can be reduced.

[0048] The plug terminal 1A has a structure in which the first leg 15a1 at both ends along the third direction and the second leg 16a1 at both ends along the fifth direction are connected to the first substrate 3, making it less susceptible to deformation due to bending moments around the X1 axis direction.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 7 , a plug terminal 1B according to this embodiment is the same as the plug terminal 1A according to the first embodiment in that it includes a base portion 11, a blade portion 12, a first protruding portion 13, a second protruding portion 14, a first substrate facing portion 15, and a second substrate facing portion 16.

[0050] The first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in the third and fifth directions relative to the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12 when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). In this embodiment, the third and fifth directions are the same, the +Y1 direction, and in the plug terminal 1B, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 both protrude in the +Y1 direction relative to the widest surface 12a when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). Because the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in the same direction, the dimension of the plug terminal 1B along the Y1 axis direction can be made smaller than that of the plug terminal 1A.

[0051] The first substrate facing portion 15 has a first member 15a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a first bent portion 15b formed by bending the first member 15a around an axis along the third direction (+Y1 direction), and a first extending portion 15c continuing from the first bent portion 15b and facing the first substrate 3. The second substrate facing portion 16 has a second member 16a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a second bent portion 16b formed by bending the second member 16a around an axis along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), and a second extending portion 16c continuing from the second bent portion 16b and facing the first substrate 3.

[0052] In plug terminal 1B, first member 15a does not have first leg 15a1, and second member 16a does not have second leg 16a1. Furthermore, unlike plug terminal 1A, plug terminal 1B does not have first slit 30A or second slit 30B. However, in plug terminal 1B, the axial direction in which first bent portion 15b is bent and the axial direction in which second bent portion 16b is bent intersect with the direction in which a bending moment occurs when blade portion 12 tilts. This prevents the bending angle of first substrate facing portion 15 and second substrate facing portion 16 from changing due to the bending moment. As a result, tilting of blade portion 12 relative to first substrate 3 due to an external force applied to blade portion 12 can be prevented.

[0053] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 8, a plug terminal 1C according to this embodiment is the same as the plug terminals 1A and 1B according to the first and second embodiments in that it includes a base portion 11, a blade portion 12, a first protruding portion 13, a second protruding portion 14, a first substrate facing portion 15, and a second substrate facing portion 16.

[0054] In this embodiment, the third direction is the -Y1 direction, and the fifth direction is the +Y1 direction. In the plug terminal 1C, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in the third direction (-Y1 direction) and the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) relative to the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12 when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). In other words, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction).

[0055] The first substrate facing portion 15 has a first member 15a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a first bent portion 15b formed by bending the first member 15a around an axis along the third direction (-Y1 direction), and a first extending portion 15c continuing from the first bent portion 15b and facing the first substrate 3. The second substrate facing portion 16 has a second member 16a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a second bent portion 16b formed by bending the second member 16a around the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), and a second extending portion 16c continuing from the second bent portion 16b and facing the first substrate 3.

[0056] In the plug terminal 1C, the first member 15a does not have a first leg 15a1, and the second member 16a does not have a second leg 16a1. Furthermore, unlike the plug terminal 1A, the plug terminal 1C does not have a first slit 30A or a second slit 30B. However, in the plug terminal 1C, the axial direction in which the first member 15a and the first extension 15c are bent and the axial direction in which the second member 16a and the second extension 16c are bent intersect with the direction in which the bending moment occurs when the blade portion 12 tilts. Therefore, this bending moment can be prevented from changing the bending angle between the first member 15a and the first extension 15c in the first substrate facing portion 15 and the bending angle between the second member 16a and the second extension 16c in the second substrate facing portion 16. As a result, tilting of the blade portion 12 relative to the first substrate 3 due to an external force applied to the blade portion 12 can be prevented.

[0057] The first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction), so that the first extension 15c and the second extension 16c do not interfere with each other even if they are extended in the X1 axis direction. Therefore, the first extension 15c and the second extension 16c of the plug terminal 1C can be made longer than those of the plug terminal 1B. This allows the position of the plug terminal 1C on the first substrate 3 to be stabilized.

[0058] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, a plug terminal 1D according to this embodiment is the same as the plug terminals 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the first, second, and third embodiments in that it includes a base portion 11, a blade portion 12, a first protruding portion 13, a second protruding portion 14, a first substrate facing portion 15, and a second substrate facing portion 16.

[0059] In this embodiment, the third direction is the -Y1 direction, and the fifth direction is the +Y1 direction. In the plug terminal 1D, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude from the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12 when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). The first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction).

[0060] The first substrate facing portion 15 has a first member 15a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a first bent portion 15b formed by bending at least a portion of the first member 15a around an axis along the third direction (-Y1 direction), and a first extending portion 15c continuous with the first bent portion 15b and facing the first substrate 3. The second substrate facing portion 16 has a second member 16a extending in the sixth direction (-Z1 direction), a second bent portion 16b formed by bending at least a portion of the second member 16a around the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), and a second extending portion 16c continuous with the second bent portion 16b and facing the first substrate 3. The first member 15a has first leg portions 15a1 on both sides of a first extending portion 15c along the third direction (-Y1 direction) that protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the first extending portion 15c. The second member 16a also has second leg portions 16a1 on both sides of a second extending portion 16c in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) that protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the second extending portion 16c.

[0061] In the plug terminal 1D, a first slit 30C is formed between the first protruding portion 13 and the first substrate facing portion 15, extending in the third direction (-Y1 direction) from the end portion closer to the base 11. A second slit 30D is formed between the second protruding portion 14 and the second substrate facing portion 16, extending in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) from the end portion closer to the base 11. The first slit 30C and the second slit 30D are larger than the first slit 30A and the second slit 30B. This makes it easier for the first protruding portion 13 to be displaced relative to the first substrate facing portion 15, and makes it easier for the second protruding portion 14 to be displaced relative to the second substrate facing portion 16. This makes it harder for an external force applied to the blade portion 12 to be transmitted to the first substrate facing portion 15 and the second substrate facing portion 16, which are connected to the first substrate 3.

[0062] In plug terminal 1D, base 11 is formed with a notch 31 extending in a first direction (+Z1 direction) from the end portion facing first substrate 3. Due to this notch 31, even if a rotational force about an axis along the +Z1 direction is applied to blade portion 12, for example, base 11 can deform to absorb the rotational force and make it difficult for the rotational force to be transmitted to the portion connected to first substrate 3.

[0063] [Summary] (1) As described above in detail, plug terminals 1A to 1D according to the present embodiment are connected to first substrate 3 at first substrate facing portion 15, which extends in the third direction (-Y1 or +Y1 direction), a direction intersecting widest surface 12a of flat blade portion 12, and second substrate facing portion 16, which extends in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), intersecting widest surface 12a of flat blade portion 12. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to blade portion 12 in a direction intersecting widest surface 12a, plug terminal 1A is connected to first substrate 3 at surfaces extending in the third direction and the fifth direction (Y1-axis direction), and deformation due to a bending moment generated by the external force is suppressed. As a result, the inclination of blade portion 12 relative to first substrate 3 can be reduced.

[0064] In plug terminals 1A to 1D, first substrate facing portion 15 and second substrate facing portion 16 extend in a direction perpendicular to widest surface 12a of blade portion 12, but this is not limited thereto. First substrate facing portion 15 and second substrate facing portion 16 may extend in any direction intersecting widest surface 12a of blade portion 12.

[0065] (2) In plug terminals 1A to 1D, at least a portion of first substrate facing portion 15 is connected to first substrate 3, and at least a portion of second substrate facing portion 16 is connected to first substrate 3. As described above, at least a portion of first substrate facing portion 15 extending in the third direction (-Y1 or +Y1 direction), which is a direction intersecting with widest surface 12a of flat blade portion 12, and at least a portion of second substrate facing portion 16 extending in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), which also intersects with widest surface 12a of flat blade portion 12, are connected to first substrate 3. In this manner, plug terminals 1A to 1D can be stably mounted on first substrate 3.

[0066] (3) In each of the plug terminals 1A to 1D, the first substrate facing portion 15 includes a first member 15a extending in the sixth direction (−Z1 direction), a first bent portion 15b formed by bending at least a portion of the first member 15a around an axis along the third direction (−Y1 or +Y1 direction), and a first extending portion 15c continuous with the first bent portion 15b and facing the first substrate 3. The second substrate facing portion 16 includes a second member 16a extending in the sixth direction (−Z1 direction), a second bent portion 16b formed by bending at least a portion of the second member 16a around an axis along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), and a second extending portion 16c continuous with the second bent portion 16b and facing the first substrate 3. This allows the area where the first substrate 3 and the plug terminals 1A to 1D are connected to be increased, thereby stabilizing the posture of the plug terminals 1A to 1D.

[0067] (4) The first member 15a has first leg portions 15a1 on both sides of the first bent portion 15b along the third direction (-Y1 direction), which protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the first extending portion 15c. The second member 16a has second leg portions 16a1 on both sides of the second bent portion 16b along the fifth direction (+Y1 direction), which protrude further toward the first substrate 3 than the second extending portion 16c. In this way, the plug terminal 1A can be mounted on the first substrate 3 with the blade portion 12 oriented perpendicular to the main surface 3a of the first substrate 3, regardless of the processing accuracy of the bending of the first extending portion 15c and the second extending portion 16c.

[0068] (5) When viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction), the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude beyond the widest surface 12a of the blade portion 12. In this way, the blade portion 12 can be supported by the portion extending in a direction intersecting the widest surface 12a. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the blade portion 12 in a direction intersecting the widest surface 12a, the portion extending in the direction intersecting the widest surface 12a can be prevented from being deformed by the external force.

[0069] (6) In the plug terminals 1A, 1C, and 1D, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 14 protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction). This makes the shape when viewed in the first direction (+Z1 direction) rotationally symmetric, and provides a structural strength that is strong against rotational forces around an axis along the first direction (+Z1 direction).

[0070] (7) First slits 30A and 30C are formed between the first protruding portion 13 and the first substrate facing portion 15, extending in the third direction (-Y1 direction) from the end portion closer to the base 11, and second slits 30B and 30D are formed between the second protruding portion 14 and the second substrate facing portion 16, extending in the fifth direction (+Y1 direction) from the end portion closer to the base 11. This makes it possible to change the relative position of the first protruding portion 13 with respect to the first substrate facing portion 15 and the relative position of the second protruding portion 14 with respect to the second substrate facing portion 16, and makes it difficult for an external force applied to the blade portion 12 to be transmitted to the portion connected to the first substrate 3.

[0071] (8) According to the plug terminal 1D of the fourth embodiment, the base 11 is formed with a notch 31 extending in the first direction (+Z1 direction) from the end portion facing the first board 3. This allows the base 11 to be deformable in the rotational direction around the axis along the first direction (+Z1 direction), making it possible to make it difficult for an external force applied to the blade portion 12 to be transmitted to the portion connected to the first board 3.

[0072] This invention allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain this invention and do not limit the scope of this invention. That is, the scope of this invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

[0073] In addition, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-114735 filed on July 18, 2024, and the specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-114735 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] The present invention can be applied to terminals that are mounted on circuit boards and connect the circuit boards together.

[0075] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Plug terminal (terminal), 2 Receptacle terminal, 3 First board (circuit board), 3a Main surface, 3b Electrode, 4 Second board, 4a Main surface, 4b Electrode, 11 Base, 11a Widest surface, 12 Blade part, 12a Widest surface, 12b Tip, 13 First protrusion, 14 Second protrusion, 15 First substrate facing part, 15a First member, 15a1 First leg part, 15b First bent part, 15c First extending part, 16 Second board facing part, 16a Second member, 16a1 Second leg part, 16b Second bent part, 16c Second extending part, 21 Board connecting part, 22, 23 Connecting part, 24 Contact part, 24a, 24b Contact portion, 25 Contact portion, 25a, 25b Contact portion, 30A, 30C: first slit, 30B, 30D: second slit, 31: notch

Claims

1. A plug terminal constructed by bending a conductive plate-like member and mounted on a circuit board, comprising: a flat base; a flat blade portion extending continuously from the base in a first direction along the widest surface of the base; a flat first protrusion continuing from an end of the base in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and along the widest surface, and extending in a third direction that intersects with the second direction as viewed in the first direction; a flat second protrusion continuing from an end of the base in a fourth direction that is opposite to the second direction and along the widest surface, and extending in a fifth direction that intersects with the fourth direction as viewed in the first direction; a plate-like first board-facing portion extending continuously from the first protrusion in a sixth direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, with an end in the sixth direction facing the circuit board; and a plate-like second board-facing portion extending continuously from the second protrusion in the sixth direction, with an end in the sixth direction facing the circuit board.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first substrate facing portion is connected to the circuit board, and at least a portion of the second substrate facing portion is connected to the circuit board.

3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate facing portion comprises: a first member continuous with the first protruding portion and extending in the sixth direction; a first bent portion formed by bending at least a portion of the first member around an axis along the third direction; and a first extending portion continuous with the first bent portion and facing the circuit board; and the second substrate facing portion comprises: a second member continuous with the second protruding portion and extending in the sixth direction; a second bent portion formed by bending at least a portion of the second member around an axis along the fifth direction; and a second extending portion continuous with the second bent portion and facing the circuit board.

4. A terminal as described in claim 3, wherein the first member has first leg portions on both sides of the first bent portion along the third direction that protrude further toward the circuit board than the first extending portion, and the second member has second leg portions on both sides of the second bent portion along the fifth direction that protrude further toward the circuit board than the second extending portion.

5. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion protrude beyond the widest surface of the blade portion when viewed in the first direction.

6. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion protrude in opposite directions when viewed in the first direction.

7. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein a first slit is formed between the first protruding portion and the first substrate-facing portion, extending from the end closer to the base in the third direction, and a second slit is formed between the second protruding portion and the second substrate-facing portion, extending from the end closer to the base in the fifth direction.

8. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a notch formed therein that extends in the first direction from an end portion facing the circuit board.

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