Terminal

Abstract

A terminal 3 is fitted to a counterpart terminal 2 and mounted on a substrate 30. The terminal 3 includes: a frame part 4 having a first plate thickness surface 41 positioned on the front side in a fitting direction and facing the counterpart terminal 2, a second plate thickness surface 42 positioned at the back side in the fitting direction and provided opposite to the first plate thickness surface 41, and a side surface 43 provided across the first plate thickness surface 41 and the second plate thickness surface 42 and having a surface area larger than each of a surface area of the first plate thickness surface 41 and a surface area of the second plate thickness surface 42; a pair of spring pieces 5 provided continuously to a lower first opposite side 421 of the second plate thickness surface 42 and extending in a meandering manner toward the substrate 30 in the fitting direction; a pair of substrate connection parts 7 electrically connected to the substrate 30; and a pair of contact pieces 6 provided continuously to a lower second opposite side 422 of the second plate thickness surface 42 and electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 2.

Description

Terminals

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Terminals formed by stamping and bending a single metal plate are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a frame body and a pair of floating parts that movably support the frame body. The pair of floating parts enable the connector of Patent Document 1 to follow a mating plug that is offset in the X-axis direction.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a terminal including a first receptacle elastic portion and a second receptacle elastic portion, which allow the terminal to follow a mating plug terminal offset in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0005] JP 2024-086559 A International Publication No. 2023 / 167073

[0006] The connector of Patent Document 1 cannot follow a mating plug that is offset in the Y-axis direction due to a restricting portion that restricts movement of the frame portion. In the terminal of Patent Document 2, the first and second contacts that contact the plug terminal, as well as the first receptacle spring portion, are formed by bending a metal plate. In the terminal of Patent Document 2, the surface of the metal plate faces the plug terminal in the insertion / removal direction, which increases the area occupied on the board.

[0007] The present disclosure describes a terminal that can be miniaturized while still conforming to an offset mating terminal.

[0008] A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure is to be mated with a mating terminal and mounted on a board. The terminal includes: a first thickness surface located in front in a mating direction with the mating terminal and facing the mating terminal; a second thickness surface located in the rear in the mating direction and provided opposite the first thickness surface; a frame portion extending across the first and second thickness surfaces and having side surfaces with surface areas larger than the surface areas of the first and second thickness surfaces; a pair of spring pieces provided contiguous with first opposite sides on the second thickness surface and extending in a serpentine manner toward the board in the mating direction; a pair of board connection portions provided contiguous with the pair of spring pieces and electrically connected to the board; and a pair of contact pieces provided on the second thickness surface contiguous with a second opposite side different from the first opposite sides and electrically connected to the mating terminal.

[0009] The pair of spring pieces may have an upper connecting portion that is continuous with the first opposite sides and extends toward the substrate along the mating direction, an inclined portion that is continuous with the upper connecting portion and extends at an angle toward the substrate, a first plate portion that is continuous with the inclined portion and extends along the first opposite sides, a folded portion that is continuous with the first plate portion and extends toward the substrate along the mating direction, a second plate portion that is continuous with the folded portion and extends along the first opposite sides, and a lower connecting portion that is continuous with the second plate portion and extends along the second opposite sides.

[0010] The inclined portion may be inclined relative to the upper connecting portion and extend outward from the frame portion toward the substrate.

[0011] The folded portion may have a recess formed therein.

[0012] The frame may include a guide portion that is inclined toward the pair of contact pieces.

[0013] The guide portion may be provided on a part of the first plate thickness surface.

[0014] The guide portion may be provided continuously with the first plate thickness surface and protrude in a direction away from the board along the fitting direction.

[0015] The pair of contact pieces may have protrusions that protrude from surfaces that face each other and contact the mating terminal so as to sandwich the mating terminal therebetween, and that protrude toward each other.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a terminal that can follow an offset mating terminal and can be made smaller.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a terminal. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing the terminal from another direction. FIG. 3(a) is a front view showing the terminal. FIG. 3(b) is a rear view showing the terminal. FIG. 4(a) is a right side view showing the terminal. FIG. 4(b) is a left side view showing the terminal. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view showing the terminal. FIG. 5(b) is a bottom view showing the terminal. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 8 is a view showing a terminal before bending. FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view showing a terminal according to a modified example. FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view showing a terminal according to a modified example from another direction. FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view showing a terminal according to another modified example. FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of a terminal according to another modified example.

[0018] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0019] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector 1 according to an embodiment. The connector 1 includes a mating terminal 2 (plug terminal) mounted on a substrate 20, and a terminal 3 (receptacle terminal) mated with the mating terminal 2 and mounted on the substrate 30. The mating of the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 electrically connects the electric circuit of the substrate 30 to the electric circuit of the substrate 20. The substrates 20 and 30 are, for example, but not limited to, printed circuit boards.

[0020] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the figure correspond to a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the following explanation, the mating direction of the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 is referred to as the "Z-axis direction," and the in-plane directions of the board 20 or the board 30 are referred to as the "X-axis direction" and "Y-axis direction." In addition, the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as the rightward direction, the negative direction of the X-axis is referred to as the leftward direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is referred to as the forward direction, the negative direction of the Y-axis is referred to as the backward direction, the positive direction of the Z-axis is referred to as the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is referred to as the downward direction.

[0021] The mating terminal 2 is made of an elastic conductive material. For example, the mating terminal 2 may be formed by bending a single sheet of metal material (metal piece) punched out of a metal plate. The mating terminal 2 includes a board connecting portion 21, a contact portion 22, and a support portion 23.

[0022] The board connection portion 21 is a plate-like portion that is electrically connected to the board 20. The shape of the board connection portion 21 is not limited. For example, the board connection portion 21 may extend along the board 20 and be mounted on the board 20. The contact portion 22 is a plate-like portion that contacts the terminal 3. The support portion 23 is a plate-like portion that is provided contiguous with the board connection portion 21 and protrudes in a direction away from the board 20. The support portion 23 connects the board connection portion 21 and the contact portion 22.

[0023] The terminal 3 will be described with reference to Figures 2(a), 2(b), 3(a), 3(b), 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b). Figure 2(a) is a perspective view showing the terminal 3. Figure 2(b) is a perspective view showing the terminal 3 from another direction. Figure 3(a) is a front view showing the terminal 3. Figure 3(b) is a rear view showing the terminal 3. Figure 4(a) is a right side view showing the terminal 3. Figure 4(b) is a left side view showing the terminal 3. Figure 5(a) is a plan view showing the terminal 3. Figure 5(b) is a bottom view showing the terminal 3.

[0024] The terminal 3 is made of an elastic conductive material. For example, the terminal 3 may be formed by performing a bending process or the like on a sheet of metal material (metal piece) punched out of a metal plate. The terminal 3 includes a frame portion 4, a pair of spring pieces 5, a pair of contact pieces 6, and a pair of board connection portions 7.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the frame portion 4 is a generally rectangular cylindrical portion provided on the upper portion of the terminal 3. The frame portion 4 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the mating direction. The frame portion 4 has an opening H that penetrates along the mating direction. The contact portion 22 of the mating terminal 2 is inserted into the opening H. The frame portion 4 has a first plate thickness surface 41 (upper edge), a second plate thickness surface 42 (lower edge), side surfaces 43, and a guide portion 44.

[0026] The first thickness surface 41 is a rectangular frame-shaped surface (edge) located on the near side in the mating direction and facing the mating terminal 2. The first thickness surface 41 has an upper first pair of sides 411 and an upper second pair of sides 412 different from the upper first pair of sides 411. The upper first pair of sides 411 are a pair of sides that extend along the X-axis direction and face each other in the Y-axis direction. The upper second pair of sides 412 are a pair of sides that extend along the Y-axis direction and face each other in the X-axis direction.

[0027] The second thickness surface 42 is a rectangular frame-shaped surface (edge) located at the back in the fitting direction and provided opposite the first thickness surface 41. The second thickness surface 42 has a lower first pair of sides 421 (first pair of sides) and a lower second pair of sides 422 (second pair of sides) different from the lower first pair of sides 421 (first pair of sides). The lower first pair of sides 421 is a pair of sides that extend along the X-axis direction and face each other in the Y-axis direction. The lower second pair of sides 422 is a pair of sides that extend along the Y-axis direction and face each other in the X-axis direction.

[0028] The side surfaces 43 are provided along the fitting direction across the first plate thickness surface 41 and the second plate thickness surface 42. The side surfaces 43 have a pair of surfaces along the X-axis direction and a pair of surfaces along the Y-axis direction. The side surfaces 43 correspond to the surfaces of the metal plate that forms the frame portion 4. The first plate thickness surface 41 and the second plate thickness surface 42 correspond to the edges, end faces, or thicknesses of the metal plate that forms the frame portion 4. The surface area of ​​the side surfaces 43 is larger than the surface area of ​​the first plate thickness surface 41 and the surface area of ​​the second plate thickness surface 42.

[0029] 5A, the guide portions 44 are inclined toward a pair of contact pieces 6, which will be described later. The guide portions 44 may be provided on a part of the first thickness surface 41. For example, a pair of guide portions 44 may be provided by performing a crushing process, a cutting process, or the like so that a part of the upper first opposite side 411 of the first thickness surface 41 is inclined. The guide portions 44 may be inclined surfaces that are inclined downward in the mating direction relative to the first thickness surface 41. When the guide portions 44 come into contact with the contact portions 22 of the mating terminal 2 during mating, the guide portions 44 guide the contact portions 22 into the opening H.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2B , 3A , and 3B , the pair of spring pieces 5 are provided continuously with the lower first pair of sides 421 of the second thickness surface 42 and are strip-shaped portions that extend in a serpentine manner toward the board 30 in the mating direction. At least a portion of the pair of spring pieces 5 may face each other in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. The pair of spring pieces 5 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the terminal 3. At least a portion of the pair of spring pieces 5 may extend in a serpentine manner in the direction along the lower first pair of sides 421 and the direction along the lower second pair of sides 422. As an example of the serpentine manner, the pair of spring pieces 5 may extend in a crank-like manner. For example, the pair of spring pieces 5 may extend in a crank-like manner along at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The pair of spring pieces 5 have an upper connecting portion 51 , an inclined portion 52 , a first plate portion 53 , a folded portion 54 (spring portion), a second plate portion 55 , and a lower connecting portion 56 .

[0032] The upper connecting portion 51 is a plate-like portion that is continuous with the lower first opposite side 421 of the second plate thickness surface 42 and extends toward the substrate 30 along the fitting direction. A joint J is formed in the upper connecting portion 51 of the spring piece 5. The joint J is the joint between both ends (both end faces) of the bent metal piece. Details of the joint J will be described with reference to FIG. 3( a). A recess 511 recessed to the left (negative direction of the X-axis) and a protrusion 512 protruding to the left are formed in a portion of the upper connecting portion 51. The recess 511 is part of a first end E1 of the metal piece 200, which will be described later, and the protrusion 512 is part of a second end E2 of the metal piece 200. The recess 511 and the protrusion 512 fit together to form the joint J. The joint J may be formed by joining the recess 511 and the protrusion 512 by crushing or welding.

[0033] The inclined portions 52 are plate-shaped portions that are provided continuously with the upper connecting portions 51, are inclined relative to the upper connecting portions 51, and extend at an angle outward from the frame portion 4 and toward the substrate 30. For example, the inclined portions 52 extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the upper connecting portions 51. The inclined portions 52 of the pair of spring pieces 5 extend from the upper connecting portions 51 in such a manner as to widen in directions away from each other (see FIG. 4A).

[0034] The first plate portion 53 is a plate-like portion that is provided continuous with the inclined portion 52 and extends along the lower first opposite side 421 of the second thickness surface 42. The first plate portion 53 may have a substantially L-shape with one end continuous with the inclined portion 52 and the other end extending along the lower first opposite side 421.

[0035] The folded portion 54 is a plate-like portion that is provided continuously with the first plate portion 53 and extends toward the board 30 along the fitting direction.

[0036] A recess 57 may be formed in the folded portion 54. The recess 57 may be U-shaped or U-shaped. For example, the recess 57 may be formed by performing processing (e.g., crushing) to reduce the thickness of part or all of the inner surface of the folded portion 54. The recess 57 may be formed over at least a part of the first plate portion 53 and the second plate portion 55. The recess 57 may be a groove.

[0037] The second plate portion 55 is a plate-like portion that is provided continuously with the folded portion 54 and extends along the lower first opposite side 421 of the second thickness surface 42 .

[0038] The first plate portion 53 and the second plate portion 55 are connected by a folded portion 54. The first plate portion 53, the second plate portion 55, and the folded portion 54 give the spring piece 5 a generally U-shaped portion (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The folded portions 54 of the pair of spring pieces 5 are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the terminal 3. When the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 are mated, the central axis of the mating terminal 2 and the central axis of the terminal 3 may not be coaxial, and the mating terminal 2 may be offset relative to the terminal 3 in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0039] 2A, 3A, and 3B, a case will be described in which the mating terminal 2 is offset relative to the terminal 3 in the positive direction (rightward) of the X axis. In this case, the contact portion 22 of the mating terminal 2 contacts the frame portion 4 and / or contact piece 6 located to the right. This causes the frame portion 4 to receive a force in the rightward direction. At this time, the first plate portion 53 of one of the pair of spring pieces 5, located in the positive direction (forward) of the Y axis, displaces away from the second plate portion 55 along the Z axis, with the folded portion 54 as a fulcrum. In other words, the approximately U-shape of one spring piece 5 elastically deforms so that its interior angle widens. The first plate portion 53 of the other spring piece 5, located in the negative direction (rearward) of the Y axis, displaces toward the second plate portion 55 along the Z axis, with the folded portion 54 as a fulcrum. In other words, the approximately U-shape of the other spring piece 5 elastically deforms so that its interior angle narrows. At this time, bending stress is generated in each folded portion 54 of the pair of spring pieces 5 due to the displacement of the first plate portion 53, causing the folded portion 54 to elastically deform. As a result, the frame portion 4 and the contact piece 6 are displaced while tilting to the right, so that they can follow the mating terminal 2 that is offset to the right.

[0040] 2A, 4A, and 4B, a case will be described in which the mating terminal 2 is offset relative to the terminal 3 in the positive direction (forward) of the Y axis. In this case, the contact portion 22 comes into contact with the guide portion 44 located in the forward direction. As a result, the frame portion 4 receives a force in the forward direction. At this time, the first plate portion 53 of one of the spring pieces 5 located in the forward direction is displaced forward away from the second plate portion 55, with the folded portion 54 as a fulcrum. The first plate portion 53 of the other spring piece 5 located in the negative direction (rearward) of the Y axis is also displaced forward in the same manner as the first plate portion 53 of the one spring piece 5. In other words, the approximate U-shape of the pair of spring pieces 5 elastically deforms such that the two straight portions of the U-shape are displaced relative to each other, with the curved portion of the U-shape as a fulcrum. At this time, a torsional stress around the Z axis is generated in each folded portion 54 of the pair of spring pieces 5 due to the displacement of the first plate portion 53, and the folded portion 54 is deformed. As a result, the frame portion 4 and the contact piece 6 are displaced forward, and can follow the mating terminal 2 that is offset forward.

[0041] When the mating terminal 2 is offset relative to the terminal 3 in the positive direction of the X axis (to the right) and the positive direction of the Y axis (to the forward direction), the bending stress and torsional stress described above occur in the folded portion 54, causing the frame portion 4 and the contact piece 6 to displace to the right and forward to follow the mating terminal 2.

[0042] Even if the mating terminal 2 is offset in the negative direction of the X axis (to the left) and the negative direction of the Y axis (to the rear) relative to the terminal 3, the frame 4 and the contact piece 6 are displaced in the same manner as described above. In this way, the terminal 3 follows the mating terminal 2 that is offset relative to the terminal 3.

[0043] The lower connecting portion 56 is a plate-like portion that is provided continuous with the second plate portion 55 and extends along the lower second opposite side 422 of the second thickness surface 42. The lower connecting portion 56 may have a substantially L-shape, with one end continuous with the second plate portion 55 and the other end extending along the lower second opposite side 422.

[0044] As described above, the upper connecting portion 51, the inclined portion 52, the first plate portion 53, the folded portion 54, the second plate portion 55, and the lower connecting portion 56 are connected in this order in the pair of spring pieces 5. The pair of spring pieces 5 connects the frame portion 4 and a pair of board connection portions 7 described below.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2B , 4A , and 4B , the pair of contact pieces 6 are provided contiguous with the lower second opposite sides 422 of the second thickness surface 42 and are electrically connected to the mating terminal 2. The pair of contact pieces 6 protrude from the lower second opposite sides 422 of the second thickness surface 42 toward the substrate 30 while facing each other in the X-axis direction. The pair of contact pieces 6 approach each other toward the inside of the terminal 3 or toward the central axis of the terminal 3. For example, the pair of contact pieces 6 may have a generally S-shaped configuration, approaching each other from the base end to the tip and then moving away from each other. The pair of contact pieces 6 elastically deform to sandwich and contact the contact portion 22 of the mating terminal 2. The pair of contact pieces 6 have a contact surface 61, which faces each other in the X-axis direction and contacts the mating terminal 2 while sandwiching it, and a back surface 62, which is the surface opposite the contact surface 61.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5A , the pair of contact pieces 6 may have protrusions 63 (projections) protruding from the contact surface 61. The protrusions 63 protrude toward each other in the X-axis direction (or toward the central axis of the terminal 3). The protrusions 63 have flat surfaces along the Y-axis direction. As a result, the protrusions 63 sandwich the contact portion 22 of the mating terminal 2 and make line or surface contact with the contact portion 22. This increases the contact area between the protrusions 63 and the contact portion 22. As a result, resistance when current is passed through the protrusions 63 can be reduced, and heat generation at the contact portion between the protrusions 63 and the contact portion 22 can be suppressed. The protrusions 63 may be formed by applying pressure to the back surface 62 to form recesses 64 and then performing processing (e.g., bead processing) to protrude the contact surface 61.

[0047] 2(b), 3(a), and 3(b), the pair of board connection portions 7 are plate-shaped portions provided on the lower part of the terminal 3. The pair of board connection portions 7 are provided continuous with the lower connecting portions 56 of the pair of spring pieces 5, and are electrically connected to the board 30. The pair of board connection portions 7 may extend along the board 30 and be mounted on the board 30. For example, the pair of board connection portions 7 may extend toward each other in the X-axis direction.

[0048] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 5(a). The pair of contact pieces 6 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the terminal 3. Figure 6 shows the thickness of the pair of contact pieces 6 and the pair of board connection portions 7 in cross section. For example, in the pair of contact pieces 6, the thickness changes from the back surface 62 to the contact surface 61 at the locations where the recessed portion 64 and the protruding portion 63 are formed.

[0049] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 5(a). Figure 7 shows an example of a cross-section of the terminal 3 as viewed from the arrangement direction of the pair of contact pieces 6. The first plate portions 53 of the pair of contact pieces 6 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The second plate portions 55 of the pair of contact pieces 6 face each other in the Y-axis direction. Figure 7 shows the thicknesses of the side surface 43, upper connecting portion 51, inclined portion 52, first plate portion 53, and second plate portion 55 in cross section.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the terminal 3 before bending. The metal piece 200 illustrated in FIG. 8 corresponds to a developed view of the terminal 3. For example, an elastic metal plate is punched into the shape of the metal piece 200 illustrated in FIG. 8 . The metal piece 200 is bent along the dashed lines illustrated in FIG. 8 by bending. In particular, by bending along the dashed lines on the side surface 43, the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the metal piece 200 face each other to form the frame portion 4 (see FIG. 3A ). As described above, the recess 511 and the protrusion 512 fit together, positioning the first end E1 and the second end E2. This prevents vertical misalignment of the frame portion 4 during manufacturing of the terminal 3, and the first plate thickness surface 41 is formed parallel to the substrate 30.

[0051] For example, the pair of contact pieces 6 may be formed by bending the side surfaces 43 as gripping margins (pressing portions). The inclined portions 52 may be formed by bending the side surfaces 43 and the upper connecting portions 51 as gripping margins.

[0052] As described above, the terminal 3 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is fitted into the mating terminal 2 and mounted on the substrate 30 . The terminal 3 comprises a frame portion 4 having a first thickness surface 41 located at the front in the mating direction with the mating terminal 2 and facing the mating terminal 2, a second thickness surface 42 located at the back in the mating direction and provided opposite the first thickness surface 41, and a side surface 43 provided across the first thickness surface 41 and the second thickness surface 42 and having a surface area larger than the surface area of ​​the first thickness surface 41 and the surface area of ​​the second thickness surface 42, a pair of spring pieces 5 provided continuous with a first opposite side (lower first opposite side 421) on the second thickness surface 42 and extending in a serpentine manner toward the board 30 in the mating direction, a pair of board connection portions 7 provided continuous with the pair of spring pieces 5 and electrically connected to the board 30, and a pair of contact pieces 6 provided continuous with a second opposite side (lower second opposite side 422) on the second thickness surface 42 that is different from the first opposite side and is electrically connected to the mating terminal 2.

[0053] In the terminal 3 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first thickness surface 41, which has a smaller surface area than the side surface 43, is positioned toward the mating terminal 2 in the mating direction. Because the edge of the plate forming the terminal 3 faces the mating terminal 2, the projected area of ​​the terminal 3 on the board 30 can be reduced when viewed from the mating direction. This means that the terminal 3 can be made more compact. Furthermore, a pair of spring pieces 5 extend in a serpentine pattern from the first opposite side of the second thickness surface 42 toward the board 30. When the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 are mated, the mating terminal 2 may be offset (misaligned) in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction (Z-axis direction) (at least one of the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction). The serpentine pair of spring pieces 5 enables contact between the pair of contact pieces 6 and the mating terminal 2 while suppressing offset of the mating terminal 2. As a result, the terminal 3 can conform to the offset mating terminal 2 and be made more compact.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the terminal 3 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the metal piece (e.g., metal piece 200) forming the terminal 3 can be increased compared to conventional terminals due to miniaturization. For example, in the conventional terminal exemplified in Patent Document 2, the surface of the plate corresponding to the frame faces the plug terminal (Z-axis direction). In conventional terminals, when bending a portion that contacts the plug terminal, it is necessary to secure gripping margins (pressing portions) on the surface of the plate in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In bending a metal plate, as the thickness of the metal plate increases, the outer bending radius at the bending portion increases, and the area occupied by the bending portion on the metal plate also increases. As a result, the area of ​​the gripping margin, which must be flat, decreases. Therefore, increasing the plate thickness requires increasing the area of ​​the metal plate forming the terminal to secure a gripping margin area sufficient for bending. As a result, increasing the plate thickness of conventional terminals increases the projected area of ​​the terminal on the board when viewed from the mating direction.

[0055] In contrast, in the terminal 3 of the present disclosure, the first thickness surface 41 faces the mating terminal 2, so the gripping margin when forming the contact piece 6 is formed along the mating direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, with the terminal 3 of the present disclosure, even if the thickness is increased, there is no need to ensure gripping margins in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. As a result, the terminal 3 of the present disclosure can be made thicker than conventional terminals without increasing the projected area when viewed from the mating direction. Increasing the thickness reduces electrical resistance, so temperature rise (or heat generation) of the terminal 3 can be suppressed even when a large current is passed through it. In other words, the terminal 3 of the present disclosure can be configured to be compact and have an increased current capacity.

[0056] The pair of spring pieces 5 have upper connecting portions 51 that are continuous with the first opposite sides and extend toward the board 30 in the mating direction, inclined portions 52 that are continuous with the upper connecting portions 51 and extend at an angle toward the board 30, first plate portions 53 that are continuous with the inclined portions 52 and extend along the first opposite sides, folded portions 54 that are continuous with the first plate portions 53 and extend toward the board 30 in the mating direction, second plate portions 55 that are continuous with the folded portions 54 and extend along the first opposite sides, and lower connecting portions 56 that are continuous with the second plate portions 55 and extend along the second opposite sides. When the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 are mated, the terminals 3 can accommodate any offset of the mating terminal 2 by generating stress mainly in the folded portions 54.

[0057] The inclined portion 52 is inclined relative to the upper connecting portion 51 and extends outward from the frame portion 4 and toward the board 30. When the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 are mated, even if the frame portion 4 is displaced significantly in response to the offset of the mating terminal 2, interference with other components arranged adjacent to the terminal 3 on the board 30 can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the inclined portion 52 extends outward from the frame portion 4, stress in the mating direction associated with contact during mating can be alleviated. As a result, the stress on the folded portion 54 is reduced, and cracks in the solder applied to connect the terminal 3 to the mounting portion of the board 30 can be prevented.

[0058] A recess 57 is formed in the folded portion 54. The recess 57 reduces the thickness of the folded portion 54. This increases the amount of deformation of the folded portion 54 in response to the bending stress and torsional stress described above. In other words, the ability to follow the offset mating terminal 2 is improved. This allows the folded portion 54 to more flexibly follow the offset mating terminal 2.

[0059] The frame 4 has guide portions 44 that are inclined toward the pair of contact pieces 6. When the terminal 3 and the mating terminal 2 are mated, the guide portions 44 come into contact with the mating terminal 2, thereby guiding the mating terminal 2 to the pair of contact pieces 6. This ensures that the mating terminal 2 and the pair of contact pieces 6 come into contact with each other.

[0060] The guide portion 44 is provided on a part of the first thickness surface 41. In this case, contact between the mating terminal 2 and the pair of contact pieces 6 can be ensured without affecting the miniaturization of the terminal 3.

[0061] The pair of contact pieces 6 have protrusions 63 that protrude from the surfaces that face each other and contact the mating terminal 2 so as to sandwich the mating terminal 2 therebetween, and protrude toward each other. The protrusions 63 narrow the gap between the pair of contact pieces 6. This improves the contact stability between the mating terminal 2 and the pair of contact pieces 6.

[0062] The present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0063] 9A is a perspective view of a terminal 3A according to a modified example. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the terminal 3A according to the modified example, viewed from another direction. Terminal 3A differs from terminal 3 in that it includes a guide portion 44A instead of guide portion 44. Terminal 3A also differs from terminal 3 in that it includes a recess 57A with a different shape and a pair of board connection portions 7A instead of recess 57 and a pair of board connection portions 7.

[0064] The guide portion 44A is provided contiguous with the first thickness surface 41 and protrudes in a direction away from the board 30 along the mating direction. For example, the guide portion 44A protrudes from the upper second opposite side 412 of the first thickness surface 41 toward the mating terminal 2. The guide portion 44A is formed so as to be folded back toward the central axis of the terminal 3A. The upper end of the guide portion 44A in the mating direction is the folded back portion. The guide portion 44A has a substantially U-shape.

[0065] The recess 57A is provided in a generally U-shape across the entire area of ​​the folded portion 54 connecting the first plate portion 53 and the second plate portion 55. The formation area of ​​the recess 57A may be larger than the formation area of ​​the recess 57. In this case, the amount of displacement of the folded portion 54 can be increased.

[0066] The pair of board connection portions 7A are provided continuously with the lower coupling portion 56 without being bent. The pair of board connection portions 7A may extend toward the board 30 along the fitting direction and be inserted into holes that penetrate the board 30 for mounting.

[0067] As described above, in the terminal 3A, the guide portion 44A is provided contiguous with the first thickness surface 41 and protrudes in the mating direction away from the board 30. In this case, the guide portion contacts the mating terminal early during mating. This allows for more stable guidance of the mating terminal and ensures reliable contact between the mating terminal and the pair of contact pieces.

[0068] Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view showing a terminal 3B according to another modified example. Fig. 10(b) is a plan view of the terminal 3B according to another modified example. The terminal 3B differs from the terminal 3 in that, instead of the joint J and the protrusion 63, the terminal 3B includes a joint J1 and a protrusion 63B having different shapes.

[0069] 10A, the frame 4 has a protrusion 45B that is continuous with the second end E2 of the metal piece forming the terminal 3B and protrudes toward the upper connecting portion 51 of the spring piece 5. The upper connecting portion 51 of the spring piece 5 has a recess 511B that is continuous with the first end E1 and is carved out in a concave shape toward the inclined portion 52. The recess 511B is positioned to correspond to the protrusion 45. The protrusion 45B and the recess 511B fit together along the Z-axis direction, and a crushing process is performed across them to form a joint J1. Due to the crushing process, the protrusion 45B is crushed and deformed in the space surrounded by the recess 511B, expanding and adhering to the inner edge of the recess 511B. In addition to the protrusion 45B and the recess 511B being in close contact with each other, the two are fitted together along the Z-axis direction, so that the joint J1 is unlikely to break even if an external force is applied to the frame 4 in a direction that opens the annular frame 4 (particularly in the left-right direction). As a result, deformation of the frame 4 can be effectively prevented.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10B , the pair of contact pieces 6 have protrusions 63B protruding from the contact surface 61 toward each other (toward the central axis of the terminal 3B). The surfaces of the protrusions 63B are entirely curved. The surfaces of the protrusions 63B refer to the locations that contact the contact portions 22 of the mating terminal 2. The pair of protrusions 63B sandwich the contact portions 22 of the mating terminal 2 and make point contact with the contact portions 22. In other words, the curved protrusions 63B can reduce the contact area with the contact portions 22 compared to flat protrusions 63B. This prevents the contact portions 22 inserted between the pair of protrusions 63B from being worn away by friction with the protrusions 63B. As a result, the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 3B and the mating terminal 2 can be further improved.

[0071] [Notes] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows: [1] A terminal to be fitted with a mating terminal and mounted on a board, comprising: a first thickness surface located at the front in a mating direction with the mating terminal and facing the mating terminal, a second thickness surface located at the back in the mating direction and provided opposite the first thickness surface, and a frame portion provided across the first thickness surface and the second thickness surface, the frame portion having a side surface with a surface area larger than that of the first thickness surface and the second thickness surface, a pair of spring pieces provided contiguous with a first opposite side on the second thickness surface and extending in a serpentine manner toward the board in the mating direction, a pair of board connection portions provided contiguous with the pair of spring pieces and electrically connected to the board, and a pair of contact pieces provided on the second thickness surface contiguous with a second opposite side different from the first opposite sides and electrically connected to the mating terminal. [2] The pair of spring pieces includes an upper connecting portion that is continuous with the first pair of sides and extends toward the board along the mating direction, an inclined portion that is continuous with the upper connecting portion and extends at an angle toward the board, a first plate portion that is continuous with the inclined portion and extends along the first pair of sides, a folded portion that is continuous with the first plate portion and extends toward the board along the mating direction, a second plate portion that is continuous with the folded portion and extends along the first pair of sides, and a lower connecting portion that is continuous with the second plate portion and extends along the second pair of sides. [3] The terminal according to [2], wherein the inclined portion is inclined with respect to the upper connecting portion and extends outward from the frame portion toward the board. [4] The terminal according to [2] or [3], wherein a recess is formed in the folded portion. [5] The terminal according to any one of [2] to [3], wherein the frame portion includes a guide portion that is inclined toward the pair of contact pieces. [6] The terminal according to [5], wherein the guide portion is provided on a part of the first plate thickness surface. [7] The terminal according to [5], wherein the guide portion is provided contiguous with the first plate thickness surface and protrudes in a direction away from the board along the fitting direction.[8] The terminal according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the pair of contact pieces have convex portions that protrude from surfaces that face each other and contact the mating terminal so as to sandwich the mating terminal and that protrude toward each other. [9] The terminal according to [8], wherein the surfaces of the convex portions are configured solely with curved surfaces.

[10] The terminal according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the frame portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the spring piece, the spring piece has a recess that fits into the protruding portion, and the terminal further has a joint portion that is crushed across the protruding portion and the recess.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...connector, 2...mating terminal, 3, 3A...terminal, 4...frame portion, 5...spring piece, 6...contact piece, 7, 7A...board connection portion, 20...board, 21...board connection portion, 22...contact portion, 23...support portion, 30...board, 41...first plate thickness surface, 42...second plate thickness surface, 43...side surface, 44, 44A...guide portion, 45, 45B...protrusion portion, 51...upper connecting portion, 52...inclined portion, 53...first plate portion , 54...folded portion, 55...second plate portion, 56...lower connecting portion, 57, 57A...recess, 61...contact surface, 62...back surface, 63...convex portion, 200...metal piece, 411...upper first opposite side, 412...upper second opposite side, 421...lower first opposite side, 422...lower second opposite side, 511, 511B...depression, 512...protrusion, E1...first end, E2...second end, H...opening, J, J1...joint.

Claims

1. A terminal to be fitted with a mating terminal and mounted on a board, comprising: a first thickness surface located in the front in the mating direction with the mating terminal and facing the mating terminal; a second thickness surface located in the back in the mating direction and provided opposite the first thickness surface; and a frame portion provided across the first thickness surface and the second thickness surface, having side surfaces with surface areas larger than the surface areas of the first thickness surface and the second thickness surface; a pair of spring pieces provided contiguous with a first opposite side on the second thickness surface and extending in a serpentine manner towards the board in the mating direction; a pair of board connection portions provided contiguous with the pair of spring pieces and electrically connected to the board; and a pair of contact pieces provided on the second thickness surface contiguous with a second opposite side different from the first opposite sides and electrically connected to the mating terminal.

2. The terminal described in claim 1, wherein the pair of spring pieces have an upper connecting portion that is continuous with the first opposite sides and extends toward the board along the fitting direction, an inclined portion that is continuous with the upper connecting portion and extends at an angle toward the board, a first plate portion that is continuous with the inclined portion and extends along the first opposite sides, a folded portion that is continuous with the first plate portion and extends toward the board along the fitting direction, a second plate portion that is continuous with the folded portion and extends along the first opposite sides, and a lower connecting portion that is continuous with the second plate portion and extends along the second opposite sides.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein said inclined portion is inclined relative to said upper connecting portion and extends outward from said frame portion toward said substrate.

4. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the folded portion has a recess formed therein.

5. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein said frame portion has guide portions inclined toward said pair of contact pieces.

6. The terminal according to claim 5, wherein the guide portion is provided on a part of the first plate thickness surface.

7. The terminal according to claim 5, wherein the guide portion is provided contiguous with the first plate thickness surface and protrudes in a direction away from the board along the mating direction.

8. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the pair of contact pieces have protrusions that protrude from surfaces that face each other and contact the mating terminal so as to sandwich the mating terminal therebetween and that protrude toward each other.

9. The terminal according to claim 8, wherein the surface of the convex portion is composed solely of a curved surface.

10. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the spring piece, the spring piece has a recess that fits into the protruding portion, and the terminal further has a crushed joint that spans the protruding portion and the recess.

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