Press-fit terminal connection structure

Abstract

In this press-fit terminal connection structure, a press-fit terminal 10 is configured such that a first press-fit part 11 which is press-fitted into a first through-hole 21 formed in a first substrate 20 and a second press-fit part 15 which is press-fitted into a second through-hole 31 formed in a second substrate 30 are aligned, and that the protruding direction of the first press-fit part 11 and the protruding direction of the second press-fit part 15 intersect with each other. At least one of the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 has an opening edge formed in an elongated hole shape, and a short-length-direction dimension allowing the first press-fit part 11 or the second press-fit part 15 to be press-fitted thereinto.

Description

Press-fit Terminal Connection Structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection structure of press-fit terminals.

[0002] Conventionally, a press-fit terminal that is press-fitted into a through-hole formed in a substrate and electrically connected to a conductive portion formed on the inner wall of the through-hole is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-26052 discloses a press-fit terminal for connecting between terminal holes of two printed circuit boards arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. This press-fit terminal includes two press-fit portions formed side by side in the vertical direction, and by one operation of inserting the press-fit terminal from a terminal hole on one side arranged to overlap with each other toward a terminal hole on the other side, each press-fit portion can be press-fitted into the terminal hole of each printed circuit board.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-26052

[0004] In a configuration where one press-fit terminal having two press-fit portions as described above is press-fitted into two overlapping through-holes in one operation, if there is a misalignment between the two through-holes, the press-fit portion cannot be properly inserted into the second through-hole, and when the terminal is inserted obliquely or forcedly, the press-fit terminal or the through-hole may be distorted, and the connection reliability may be impaired due to excessive deformation.

[0005] This disclosure relates to a press-fit terminal connection structure for electrically connecting a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate by a press-fit terminal, wherein the press-fit terminal is provided side by side with an elastically deformable first press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a first through-hole formed in the first substrate and an elastically deformable second press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a second through-hole formed in the second substrate at a position overlapping with the first through-hole, and the extension direction of the first press-fit portion and the extension direction of the second press-fit portion intersect, and at least one of the first through-hole and the second through-hole has an elongated opening edge and its dimension in the short direction is such that the first press-fit portion or the second press-fit portion can be press-fitted into it.

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a connection structure for press-fit terminals that offers high connection reliability even when there are tolerances in the hole diameters or misalignments of the through-holes of the two substrates.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a press-fit terminal according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the press-fit terminal. Figure 3 is a side view of the press-fit terminal. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the state in which the first substrate and the second substrate are electrically connected by the press-fit terminal. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the state in which the first press-fit portion is inserted into the second through-hole. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the second through-hole (section II in Figure 5) in which the first press-fit portion is inserted into the second through-hole. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the first through-hole (section II-II in Figure 5). Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the state in which the first substrate and the second substrate are electrically connected by the press-fit terminal. Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the second through-hole (section III-III in Figure 7) in which the second press-fit portion is inserted into the second through-hole. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the first through-hole (section IV-IV in Figure 7) in which the first press-fit portion is inserted into the first through-hole. Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the second through-hole with the second press-fit portion inserted into the second through-hole when there is a misalignment in the Y direction. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the first through-hole with the first press-fit portion inserted into the first through-hole when there is a misalignment in the Y direction. Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of the second through-hole with the second press-fit portion inserted into the second through-hole when there is a misalignment in the Z direction. Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the first through-hole with the first press-fit portion inserted into the first through-hole when there is a misalignment in the Z direction. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a press-fit terminal of another embodiment. Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of the second through-hole with the second press-fit portion inserted into the second through-hole of another embodiment. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the first through-hole with the first press-fit portion inserted into the first through-hole of another embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Disclosure] First, embodiments of the Disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] (1) The present disclosure relates to a press-fit terminal connection structure for electrically connecting a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate by a press-fit terminal, wherein the press-fit terminal is provided side by side with an elastically deformable first press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a first through-hole formed in the first substrate and an elastically deformable second press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a second through-hole formed in the second substrate at a position overlapping with the first through-hole, and the extension direction of the first press-fit portion and the extension direction of the second press-fit portion intersect, and at least one of the first through-hole and the second through-hole has an elongated opening edge and its dimension in the short direction is such that the first press-fit portion or the second press-fit portion can be press-fitted into it.

[0010] According to the above configuration, even if a relative misalignment occurs between the first and second through-holes, this misalignment can be absorbed in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole. Therefore, excessive deformation of the press-fit terminal or through-hole due to diagonal or forced insertion of the terminal is suppressed, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0011] (2) The first through-hole has an elongated opening edge, and its dimension in the shorter direction is such that the first press-fit portion can be press-fitted into it. The second through-hole also has an elongated opening edge, and its dimension in the shorter direction is such that the second press-fit portion can be press-fitted into it. The first through-hole and the second through-hole may intersect at the same angle as the intersection angle of the first press-fit portion and the second press-fit portion.

[0012] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to absorb misalignment in both the extension direction of the first through-hole and the extension direction of the second through-hole, thereby further improving connection reliability.

[0013] (3) At least one of the elongated through-holes, the first through-hole and the second through-hole, may have the elongated opening edges facing each other arranged in parallel. With this configuration, positional misalignment can be absorbed more easily compared to a configuration in which the opening edges are elliptical.

[0014] (4) The first press-fit portion and the second press-fit portion are such that one protrudes in a direction along the plate surface of the tab-shaped press-fit terminal, and the other protrudes in a direction intersecting the plate surface, and the protrusion direction of the first press-fit portion and the protrusion direction of the second press-fit portion may intersect perpendicularly.

[0015] According to the above configuration, two press-fit sections can be formed simultaneously in a single press operation. This means that the cycle time required for manufacturing press-fit terminals can be reduced, thereby suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0016] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the press-fit terminal connection structure of the Disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. However, the Disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the Claims as shown in the Claims.

[0017] The press-fit terminal 10 of this embodiment is for electrically connecting a first substrate 20 and a second substrate 30 that are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other. It is formed in an elongated tab shape by press-forming a metal plate material with excellent conductivity, such as a copper alloy. In the following description, the X direction in Figure 1 is considered the front or tip side, and the direction opposite to the X direction is considered the rear or base side. Also, the Y direction in Figure 1 is considered the right side, and the direction opposite to the Y direction is considered the left side. Furthermore, the Z direction in Figure 1 is considered the front side, and the direction opposite to the Z direction is considered the back side. The vertical direction is based on Figure 1. The first substrate 20 and the second substrate 30 described above are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, with the second substrate 30 positioned above the first substrate 20 (see Figure 4).

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the press-fit terminal 10 has a shape in which a first press-fit portion 11 connected to the first substrate 20 and a second press-fit portion 15 connected to the second substrate 30 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction, coaxially) of the press-fit terminal 10. Specifically, the press-fit terminal 10 includes a first press-fit portion 11 located at the tip end (lower in Figure 1) in the insertion direction and press-fitted into the first through-hole 21 of the first substrate 20, and a second press-fit portion 15 located at the base end (upper in Figure 1) of the first press-fit portion 11 and press-fitted into the second through-hole 31 of the second substrate 30. The tip end (lower in Figure 1) of the first press-fit portion 11 is provided with a tapered tip portion 19 to guide the press-fit terminal 10 into the through-hole.

[0019] The first press-fit portion 11 is a so-called needle-eye type. Specifically, the first press-fit portion 11 is composed of two first elastic pieces 12 that extend along the plate surface (X-Y plane) of the tab-shaped press-fit terminal 10 and protrude in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and extend in the front-to-back direction (X direction), and an eye hole 13 that extends elongated in the front-to-back direction between the two first elastic pieces 12 and opens in the front-to-back direction (Z direction). The first press-fit portion 11 (first elastic piece 12) is elastically deformable in the Y direction and is press-fitted into the first through-hole 21, making it electrically connectable to a conductive part formed in the first through-hole 21.

[0020] On the other hand, the second press-fit portion 15 is of the so-called action pin type. Specifically, the second press-fit portion 15 is divided into left and right halves by a slit 16 extending in the front-to-back direction (X direction) at the center of the tab-shaped press-fit terminal 10 in the width direction (Y direction), with the right portion of the slit 16 protruding to the front side and the left portion protruding to the back side. In other words, the second press-fit portion 15 is composed of two second elastic pieces 17 that intersect the plate surface (X-Y plane) of the press-fit terminal 10 and protrude in a direction (Z direction) that intersects the longitudinal direction. The second press-fit portion 15 (second elastic piece 17) is elastically deformable in the Z direction and is press-fitted into the second through-hole 31, allowing it to be electrically connected to the conductive part formed inside the second through-hole 31.

[0021] Thus, the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 are configured such that their two elastic pieces 12 and 17 protrude in directions perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first press-fit portion 11 (first elastic piece 12) protrudes in the Y direction, and the second press-fit portion 15 (second elastic piece 17) protrudes in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the width dimensions (protrusion dimensions, the distance between the most protruding parts) of the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 in their respective protrusion directions are approximately the same. Furthermore, the distance between the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 is the same as the distance between the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 30. Note that the width dimensions of the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 in their respective protrusion directions do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0022] The press-fit terminal 10 of this embodiment described above can form the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 simultaneously in a single press-work operation. Specifically, the needle-eye type first press-fit portion 11 can be formed by punching out the central part of the wide portion of an elongated tab-shaped plate, which has a relatively large plate width dimension in a predetermined portion, in the plate width direction, to form an elongated eye-hole 13 that extends longitudinally in the Z direction.

[0023] On the other hand, the action pin type second press-fit portion 15 can be formed by forming a slit 16 extending in the longitudinal direction in the center of the width direction of an elongated tab-shaped plate, and by press-working both sides of the slit 16 in the width direction in the Z direction so that they protrude in opposite directions (front and back).

[0024] In other words, since both the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 are formed by pressing from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the elongated tab-shaped plate (the Z-direction), the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15, which have different protrusion directions (intersecting perpendicularly), can be formed simultaneously in a single press-work operation.

[0025] As described above, such press-fit terminals 10 are press-fitted from one direction into the through-holes 21 and 31 of the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 30, which are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first through-hole 21 of the first substrate 20 is rectangular in shape, elongated in the Z direction, as shown in Figure 6B. The dimension of the short side of the first through-hole 21 (dimension in the Y direction) is set to a dimension that allows the first press-fit portion 11 of the press-fit terminal 10 to be press-fitted, that is, slightly smaller than the protrusion dimension of the first press-fit portion 11. The dimension of the long side of the first through-hole 21 (dimension in the Z direction) is set to be larger than the protrusion dimension of the first press-fit portion 11 of the press-fit terminal 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the second through-hole 31 of the second substrate 30 is rectangular in shape, elongated in the Y direction, as shown in Figure 6A. The dimension of the short side of the second through-hole 31 (dimension in the Z direction) is set to a dimension that allows the second press-fit portion 15 of the press-fit terminal 10 to be press-fitted, that is, slightly smaller than the protrusion dimension of the second press-fit portion 15. The dimension of the long side of the second through-hole 31 (dimension in the Y direction) is larger than the protrusion dimension of the second press-fit portion 15 of the press-fit terminal 10, that is, larger than the protrusion dimension of the first press-fit portion 11.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 are of the same size, and the opposing long sides and short sides of each through-hole 21 and 31 are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, when the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 30 are positioned in their proper locations, the centers of the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 are coaxially aligned, and their short sides and long sides intersect perpendicularly to each other (see Figure 6A).

[0029] When electrically connecting the first substrate 20 and the second substrate 30 using the press-fit terminal 10 of this embodiment described above, first, with the plate surface of the press-fit terminal 10 oriented in the X-Y direction, the tip portion 19 is brought close to the second through-hole 31 from above the second substrate 30, and the first press-fit portion 11 is inserted into the second through-hole 31 and passed through the second through-hole 31 (see Figure 5). At this time, since the second through-hole 31 is oriented with its long side extending in the Y direction, the first press-fit portion 11 can pass through the second through-hole 31 without contacting the inner surface of the second through-hole 31 (see Figure 6A).

[0030] Then, the press-fit terminal 10 is advanced, and the first press-fit portion 11 is pressed into the first through-hole 21 (see Figure 7). At this time, since the first through-hole 21 is oriented so that its short side extends in the Y direction, the first press-fit portion 11, which protrudes in the Y direction, comes into elastic contact with the inner surface of the long side of the first through-hole 21 (see Figure 8B). In other words, it is electrically connected to the conductive part inside the first through-hole 21.

[0031] Furthermore, as the first press-fit portion 11 is press-fitted into the first through-hole 21, the second press-fit portion 15 reaches the second through-hole 31 and is press-fitted into the second through-hole 31. At this time, since the second through-hole 31 is oriented so that its short side extends in the Z direction, the second press-fit portion 15, which protrudes in the Z direction, comes into elastic contact with the inner surface of the long side of the second through-hole 31 (see Figure 8A). In other words, it is electrically connected to the conductive part inside the second through-hole 31.

[0032] Furthermore, even if there is a relative misalignment from the normal position between the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 at this time, the misalignment in the Y direction is absorbed by the long side of the second through-hole 31 (see Figures 9A and 9B), and the misalignment in the Z direction is absorbed by the long side of the first through-hole 21 (see Figures 10A and 10B), thus preventing the press-fit terminal 10 from becoming twisted.

[0033] As described above, according to the press-fit terminal 10 of this embodiment, the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 protrude in directions that intersect perpendicularly with each other, and the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 are rectangular in shape so that the respective press-fit portions 11 and 15 can be press-fitted in the direction of their short sides, and their respective short sides intersect perpendicularly. Therefore, even if a relative misalignment occurs between the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31, that misalignment can be absorbed in the direction of the long side.

[0034] Next, the effects will be explained. This embodiment is a connection structure for a press-fit terminal 10 that electrically connects a first substrate 20 and a second substrate 30 arranged opposite to the first substrate 20. The press-fit terminal 10 is provided with an elastically deformable first press-fit portion 11 that is press-fitted into a first through-hole 21 formed in the first substrate 20, and an elastically deformable second press-fit portion 15 that is press-fitted into a second through-hole 31 formed in the second substrate 30 at a position overlapping with the first through-hole 21. The extension direction of the first press-fit portion 11 and the extension direction of the second press-fit portion 15 intersect. The opening edges of the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 are elongated, and their dimensions in the shorter direction are such that the first press-fit portion 11 or the second press-fit portion 15 can be press-fitted into them.

[0035] According to the above configuration, even if a relative misalignment occurs between the first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31, this misalignment can be absorbed in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole. Therefore, excessive deformation of the press-fit terminal 10 or through-hole due to diagonal or forced insertion of the terminal is suppressed, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0036] Furthermore, the opening edge of the first through-hole 21 is elongated, and its dimension in the shorter direction is such that the first press-fit portion 11 can be press-fitted into it. The opening edge of the second through-hole 31 is also elongated, and its dimension in the shorter direction is such that the second press-fit portion 15 can be press-fitted into it. The first through-hole 21 and the second through-hole 31 intersect at the same angle as the intersection angle of the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15.

[0037] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to absorb misalignment in both directions, in the extension direction of the first through-hole 21 and the extension direction of the second through-hole 31, thereby further improving connection reliability.

[0038] Further, the opening edges of the elongated hole-shaped first through hole 21 and second through hole 31 are arranged such that the long-side opening edges arranged opposite to each other are parallel.

[0039] According to the above configuration, it is possible to more easily absorb misalignment as compared with a configuration in which the opening edge is elliptical.

[0040] Further, one of the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 has a shape that protrudes in a direction along the plate surface of the press-fit terminal 10 formed in a tab shape, and the other has a shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the plate surface, and the protruding directions of the first press-fit portion 11 and the second press-fit portion 15 intersect perpendicularly.

[0041] According to such a configuration, the two press-fit portions 11 and 15 can be simultaneously formed by a single press process. That is, the cycle time required for manufacturing the press-fit terminal 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0042] <Other Embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the description and drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope.

[0043] (1) The two press-fit portions of the press-fit terminal are not limited to a combination of a needle-eye type and an action-pin type, and either one of the types may be used. In that case, for example, by twisting the press-fit terminal 40 between the first press-fit portion 41 and the second press-fit portion 42 both formed in a needle-eye type, the protruding directions of the press-fit portions 41 and 42 can be formed in different directions (see FIG. 11).

[0044] (2) The through hole may not be rectangular, but may be an elongated hole shape in which the opening edge on the short side is semi-circular. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the through holes 51 and 61 may be elliptical (without a parallel portion). When formed in an elliptical shape, the press-fit portions 11 and 15 are easily guided to the central portion in the long direction of the through holes 51 and 61.

[0045] (3) The protrusion directions of the through-holes and press-fit sections may intersect at angles other than perpendicular.

[0046] (4) Either the first through-hole or the second through-hole may be elongated and the other rounded.

[0047] 10, 40: Press-fit terminals 11, 41: First press-fit section 12: First elastic piece 13: Eyehole 15, 45: Second press-fit section 16: Slit 17: Second elastic piece 19: Tip section 20: First substrate 21, 51: First through-hole 30: Second substrate 31, 61: Second through-hole

Claims

1. A press-fit terminal connection structure for electrically connecting a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate using a press-fit terminal, wherein the press-fit terminal is provided side by side with an elastically deformable first press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a first through-hole formed in the first substrate and an elastically deformable second press-fit portion that is press-fitted into a second through-hole formed in the second substrate at a position overlapping with the first through-hole, and the extension direction of the first press-fit portion and the extension direction of the second press-fit portion intersect, and at least one of the first through-hole and the second through-hole has an elongated opening edge, and its dimension in the short direction is such that the first press-fit portion or the second press-fit portion can be press-fitted into it.

2. The connection structure for a press-fit terminal according to claim 1, wherein the opening edge of the first through-hole is elongated and its dimension in the short direction is such that the first press-fit portion can be press-fitted, the opening edge of the second through-hole is elongated and its dimension in the short direction is such that the second press-fit portion can be press-fitted, and the first through-hole and the second through-hole intersect at the same angle as the intersection angle of the first press-fit portion and the second press-fit portion.

3. The connection structure for a press-fit terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the elongated through-holes, the elongated opening edges of the first through-hole and the second through-hole, are arranged in parallel.

4. The connection structure for a press-fit terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one of the first press-fit portion and the second press-fit portion is shaped to protrude in a direction along the plate surface of the tab-shaped press-fit terminal, and the other is shaped to protrude in a direction intersecting the plate surface, and the protrusion direction of the first press-fit portion and the protrusion direction of the second press-fit portion intersect perpendicularly.

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