Electronic component and connection device for electronic component

Abstract

This electronic component (100) has a base (7), and a plate-shaped connection terminal (8) held by the base (7). The connection terminal (8) has an end portion (85) that is exposed from the base (7), a pair of extending portions (83) that extend from the base (7) toward the end portion (85), and a pair of protruding portions (84) that protrude toward each other from the pair of extending portions (83). The pair of protruding portions (84) are disposed so as to clamp a counterpart terminal which is inserted into an opening (OP) surrounded by the end portion (85), the pair of extending portions (83), and the base (7).

Description

Electronic Component and Connection Device for Electronic Component

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic component and a connection device for an electronic component.

[0002] Conventionally, a switch having a fixed terminal (connection terminal) with a bifurcated tip is known (see Patent Document 1). This connection terminal is configured to sandwich a connected terminal (mating terminal).

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-187155

[0004] However, this connection terminal may have its bifurcated tip opened when connected to the mating terminal due to positional displacement of the mating terminal, failing to sandwich the mating terminal and leading to a risk of degraded contact reliability.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a connection terminal with higher contact reliability.

[0006] An electronic component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic component including a base and a plate-shaped connection terminal held by the base, wherein the connection terminal has an end portion exposed from the base, a pair of extending portions extending from the base toward the end portion, and a pair of protruding portions protruding toward each other from the pair of extending portions, and the pair of protruding portions are arranged to clamp a mating terminal inserted into an opening surrounded by the end portion, the pair of extending portions and the base.

[0007] The above-described electronic component can improve the connection reliability between the connection terminal and the mating terminal.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an electronic component and a connection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a three-view drawing illustrating a configuration example of the electronic component and the connection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic component. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base and a connection terminal constituting the electronic component. FIG. 6 is a front view of the base and the connection terminal constituting the electronic component. FIG. 7 is a left side view of the base and the connection terminal constituting the electronic component. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a movable contact member and a connection terminal constituting the electronic component, and a fixed connection member constituting the connection device. FIG. 10 is a top view of the connection terminal constituting the electronic component and the fixed connection member constituting the connection device.

[0009] Hereinafter, an electronic component 100 and a connecting device 200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200. Specifically, the upper part of Figure 1 (upper left and upper right) is an exploded perspective view of the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200, and the lower part of Figure 1 (lower left and lower right) is an assembled perspective view of the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200. Also, the left part of Figure 1 (upper left and lower left) shows the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200 viewed from the upper right front, and the right part of Figure 1 (upper right and lower right) shows the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200 viewed from the upper left rear. Figure 2 is a three-view drawing (rear view, top view, and right side view) of the electronic component 100 and the connecting device 200. Specifically, the two rear views in the upper left of Figure 2 are a rear view of the connection device 200 alone and a rear view of the electronic component 100 fitted into the connection device 200. Also, the two top views in the lower left of Figure 2 are a top view of the connection device 200 alone and a top view of the electronic component 100 fitted into the connection device 200. Furthermore, the two right side views in the upper right of Figure 2 are a right side view of the connection device 200 alone and a right side view of the electronic component 100 fitted into the connection device 200.

[0010] In Figure 1, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In Figure 1, the X1 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the front side of the electronic component 100, and the X2 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the rear side of the electronic component 100. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the left side of the electronic component 100, and the Y2 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the right side of the electronic component 100. Also, the Z1 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the top side of the electronic component 100, and the Z2 side of the electronic component 100 corresponds to the bottom side of the electronic component 100. The same applies to other components in other figures.

[0011] The electronic component 100 is a component that constitutes a part of a predetermined conductive path. In the illustrated example, the electronic component 100 is a component that includes a case member 1 and is configured to be connected to a connection device 200. Specifically, the electronic component 100 is a switch SW for switching the conduction and interruption (on / off) of the predetermined conductive path. However, the electronic component 100 may be attached to the connection device 200 so that the predetermined conductive path can always be kept conductive.

[0012] The connecting device 200 is a device that constitutes a part of a predetermined conductive path. In the illustrated example, the connecting device 200 includes a holding member 201 and a fixed connecting member 202. The predetermined conductive path includes a portion made up of electronic components 100 and a portion made up of the connecting device 200.

[0013] The retaining member 201 is a member for holding the electronic component 100, and a fitting recess 201R into which the electronic component 100 is fitted is formed in the center. In the illustrated example, the electronic component 100 is fitted into the fitting recess 201R with the back surface of the case member 1, the cover member 3 and the operating member 4 exposed.

[0014] The fixed connecting member 202 is a conductive member that constitutes a part of a predetermined conductive path, and is configured to extend from the bottom surface BF of the fitting recess 201R toward the X2 side. The electronic component 100 has a mounting opening 1H through which the fixed connecting member 202 is inserted.

[0015] A recess 203 is formed on the bottom surface BF of the fitting recess 201R so as to be recessed toward X1. The recess 203 is configured so as to fit into a substantially cylindrical projection 1P formed on the case member 1 of the electronic component 100.

[0016] In the illustrated example, as shown in the upper left view of Figure 1, the protrusion 1P includes a first protrusion 1PA and a second protrusion 1PB, and the mounting opening 1H includes a first mounting opening 1HA and a second mounting opening 1HB. The fixing connection member 202 includes a first fixing connection member 202A and a second fixing connection member 202B, as shown in the upper right view of Figure 1, and the recess 203 includes a first recess 203A and a second recess 203B, as shown in the upper left view of Figure 2. The first protrusion 1PA is fitted into the first recess 203A, and the second protrusion 1PB is fitted into the second recess 203B. The first fixing connection member 202A is inserted through the first mounting opening 1HA, and the second fixing connection member 202B is inserted through the second mounting opening 1HB.

[0017] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the electronic component 100 as a switch SW will be described. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic component 100 as a switch SW. The electronic component 100 includes a case member 1, a sealing member 2, a cover member 3, an operating member 4, a movable contact member 5, a return spring 6, a base 7, and a connection terminal 8.

[0018] The case member 1 is a component that constitutes the housing of the electronic component 100. In the illustrated example, the case member 1 includes a first case member 1A and a second case member 1B. The first case member 1A has a protruding portion 1P and a mounting opening 1H. The upper surface of the first case member 1A is provided with a substantially circular through hole through which the cover member 3 and the operating member 4 are inserted. The second case member 1B has a bottom plate portion 1C and a main body portion 1M.

[0019] The sealing member 2 is a member that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the case member 1 through the mounting opening 1H. In the illustrated example, the sealing member 2 is a roughly rectangular tubular member made of rubber and has a size that allows it to surround both the first mounting opening 1HA and the second mounting opening 1HB. The sealing member 2 is positioned and compressed between the front surface of the first case member 1A and the bottom surface BF (see Figure 1) of the holding member 201 of the connecting device 200. In Figure 3, a dot pattern is added to the sealing member 2 for clarity. The same applies to other figures in which the sealing member 2 is shown.

[0020] The cover member 3 is a component that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the case member 1 through the gap between the substantially circular through-hole of the case member 1 and the operating member 4. In the illustrated example, the cover member 3 is a substantially cylindrical component made of rubber and is positioned around the operating member 4.

[0021] The operating member 4 is a member positioned to be movable (reciprocating) along the direction of the operating axis AX (Z-axis direction). In the illustrated example, the operating member 4 includes a substantially covered cylindrical operating part 4P that receives the operating force, and a base 4M that holds the movable contact member 5. The operating part 4P is configured to extend from the base 4M toward the Z1 side.

[0022] The movable contact member 5 is a conductive member that constitutes the movable contact MC. In the illustrated example, the movable contact member 5 is a clip configured to be able to clamp the fixed contact FC in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and is arranged to move (reciprocate) together with the operating member 4 along the direction of the operating axis AX (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the movable contact member 5 is arranged such that the movable contact MC contacts the fixed contact FC when the operating part 4P of the operating member 4 is pressed and moves toward the Z2 side. In other words, the movable contact member 5 is arranged so that the movable contact MC does not contact the fixed contact FC unless the operating part 4P of the operating member 4 is pressed.

[0023] The return spring 6 is a component that biases the operating member 4 and the movable contact member 5 toward the Z1 side along the direction of the operating axis AX (Z-axis direction). In the illustrated example, the return spring 6 is compressed between the movable contact member 5 and the base 7 when the operating part 4P of the operating member 4 is pressed down. Then, when the force pressing down the operating part 4P is removed, the return spring 6 pushes the operating member 4 and the movable contact member 5 toward the Z1 side by its restoring force.

[0024] The base 7 is a component for holding the connection terminal 8. In the illustrated example, the base 7 is a component made of synthetic resin, housed inside the case component 1, and positioned to support the Z2 side end of the return spring 6.

[0025] The connection terminal 8 is a conductive member that constitutes part of a predetermined conductive path. In the illustrated example, the connection terminal 8 is a plate-shaped metal member that constitutes the fixed contact FC, and includes a first connection terminal 8A and a second connection terminal 8B. The first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B are electrically connected to each other via the movable contact member 5 when the fixed contact FC and the movable contact MC come into contact.

[0026] Next, the base 7 and connection terminal 8 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base 7 and connection terminal 8, Figure 5 is a front view of the base 7 and connection terminal 8, and Figure 6 is a left side view of the base 7 and connection terminal 8. Specifically, the upper figures in Figures 4 to 6 show the connection terminal 8 partially embedded in the base 7, and the lower figures in Figures 4 to 6 show the connection terminal 8 alone. In other words, the base 7 is not shown in the lower figures in Figures 4 to 6.

[0027] The combination of the base 7 and the connecting terminals 8 is formed, for example, by insert molding. That is, the base 7 is configured to embed a portion of each of the first connecting terminal 8A and the second connecting terminal 8B. In the upper diagrams of Figures 4 to 6, a dot pattern is applied to the base 7 for clarity of explanation.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the base 7 has a shaft portion 7C, a base portion 7M, and a separation wall portion 7W. The shaft portion 7C is a columnar portion for supporting (guiding) the lower end of the return spring 6 and is configured to extend from the base portion 7M toward Z1. The base portion 7M is a portion for holding the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B at a predetermined distance apart. The separation wall portion 7W is a portion positioned to separate the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B so that their respective exposed portions do not come into contact with each other.

[0029] The connection terminal 8 is a conductive member that constitutes a part of a predetermined conductive path, and has a contact portion 81, a connecting portion 82, an extending portion 83, a protruding portion 84, and an end portion 85. Specifically, the first connection terminal 8A has a first contact portion 81A, a first connecting portion 82A, a first extending portion 83A, a first protruding portion 84A, and a first end portion 85A, and the second connection terminal 8B has a second contact portion 81B, a second connecting portion 82B, a second extending portion 83B, a second protruding portion 84B, and a second end portion 85B. In the lower diagrams of Figures 4 to 6, dot patterns are applied to the contact portion 81 and the extending portion 83 for clarity of explanation. Specifically, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the portion exposed from the base 7, and a fine dot pattern is applied to the portion embedded in the base 7.

[0030] Furthermore, the extension portion 83 includes a left extension portion 83L and a right extension portion 83R, and the projection portion 84 includes a left projection portion 84L and a right projection portion 84R. Specifically, the first extension portion 83A includes a first left extension portion 83AL and a first right extension portion 83AR, and the second extension portion 83B includes a second left extension portion 83BL and a second right extension portion 83BR. Furthermore, the first projection portion 84A includes a first left projection portion 84AL and a first right projection portion 84AR, and the second projection portion 84B includes a second left projection portion 84BL and a second right projection portion 84BR.

[0031] The contact portion 81 is a part that constitutes the fixed contact FC, and the portion of the movable contact member 5 that contacts the movable contact MC is configured to be exposed from the base 7.

[0032] The connecting portion 82 is a part for connecting the contact portion 81 and the extending portion 83, and is partially embedded in the base 7 so that the first connecting portion 82A and the second connecting portion 82B do not come into contact with each other.

[0033] The extension portion 83 is configured such that a portion of one end (root) is embedded in the base 7M of the base 7, and the remaining portion is exposed from the base 7 and extends toward Z2. The other end of the extension portion 83 is connected by an end 85. In the illustrated example, a portion of one end (root) of the first left extension portion 83AL and the first right extension portion 83AR is embedded in the base 7M of the base 7, and the other ends of the first left extension portion 83AL and the first right extension portion 83AR are connected by a first end 85A. The base 7 and the connection terminal 8 are configured to form an opening OP (see upper diagram in Figure 4) surrounded by the lower surface of the base 7M of the base 7, the left extension portion 83L, the right extension portion 83R, and the end 85. Specifically, the base 7 and the first connecting terminal 8A are configured to form a first opening OPA (see upper diagram in Figure 4) surrounded by the lower surface of the base 7M of the base 7, the first left extension 83AL, the first right extension 83AR, and the first end 85A. In this way, since the first opening OPA is formed in conjunction with the lower surface of the base 7M of the base 7, the first connecting terminal 8A can utilize the spring properties of the roots of the first left extension 83AL and the first right extension 83AR. Similarly, the base 7 and the second connecting terminal 8B are configured to form a second opening OPB (see upper diagram in Figure 4) surrounded by the lower surface of the base 7M of the base 7, the second left extension 83BL, the second right extension 83BR, and the second end 85B. As described above, since the second opening OPB is formed in conjunction with the lower surface of the base portion 7M of the base 7, the second connection terminal 8B can utilize the spring properties of the root portions of the second left extension portion 83BL and the second right extension portion 83BR, respectively. In the illustrated example, the first connection terminal 8A is configured such that one end (root portion) of the first left extension portion 83AL and one end (root portion) of the first right extension portion 83AR are connected within the base 7 by the first connecting portion 82A. However, the connecting portion of the first connecting portion 82A that connects one end (root portion) of the first left extension portion 83AL and one end (root portion) of the first right extension portion 83AR (the portion embedded in the base 7 and extending in the Y-axis direction) may be separated (cut). The same applies to the second connection terminal 8B.

[0034] Furthermore, the extended portion 83 has a bent portion BD. In the illustrated example, the bent portion BD includes a first bent portion BD1 bent along a first bending axis BX1 extending along the X-axis direction, and a second bent portion BD2 bent along a second bending axis BX2 extending along the X-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6, the extended portion 83 is bent by an angle α toward the X1 side at the first bent portion BD1, and bent by an angle β toward the Z2 side at the second bent portion BD2. The extended portion 83 is configured such that the distance between the front surface of the connecting portion 82 (the surface on the X1 side) and the front surface of the end portion 85 (the surface on the X1 side) in the X-axis direction is distance DS1. That is, the first bent portion BD1 and the second bent portion BD2 are located at positions separated by a distance DS1 in the X-axis direction. Note that angle α may be acute, right, or obtuse. The same applies to angle β. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the extended portion 83 is bent towards X1 at the first bending portion BD1, but it may also be bent towards X2. Also, in the illustrated example, the extended portion 83 is bent towards Z2 at the second bending portion BD2, but it may also be bent towards Z1. In addition, the portion of the extended portion 83 other than the bending portion BD is formed to extend straight, but it may also be formed to extend in a curved (arc-shaped) manner.

[0035] The protruding portion 84 is configured to extend from the portion between the first bent portion BD1 and the second bent portion BD2 in the extended portion 83 toward the center of the opening OP. In the illustrated example, the upper edge of the opening OP is embedded in the base 7, but the upper edge may be exposed from the base 7.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the positional relationship between the case member 1 and the connection terminal 8 will be explained. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component 100 as a switch SW. Specifically, Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the electronic component 100 in a virtual plane parallel to the XZ plane passing through the center of the second right extension portion 83BR of the second connection terminal 8B.

[0037] The base 4M of the operating member 4, the movable contact member 5, the return spring 6 (not visible in Figure 7), the base 7, and the connection terminal 8 are housed in a housing section SP formed inside the first case member 1A. The housing section SP is then sealed by the bottom plate 1C of the second case member 1B, with the main body 1M of the second case member 1B fitted into an opening OP1 formed on the lower surface of the first case member 1A.

[0038] Furthermore, the case member 1 has a restricting portion RP that restricts the deformation of the extended portion 83 of the connection terminal 8. In the illustrated example, the restricting portion RP includes a first restricting portion RP1, a second restricting portion RP2, and a third restricting portion RP3. The first restricting portion RP1 is configured to restrict the movement of the pair of extended portions 83 toward the X2 side when the fixed connection member 202 is inserted into the mounting opening 1H and comes into contact with the protruding portion 84. The second restricting portion RP2 is configured to restrict the movement of the end portion 85 toward the X2 side when the fixed connection member 202 is inserted into the mounting opening 1H and comes into contact with the protruding portion 84. The third restricting portion RP3 is configured to restrict the movement of the end portion 85 toward the X1 side when the fixed connection member 202 is pulled out of the mounting opening 1H and moves away from the protruding portion 84. Furthermore, the first restricting section RP1 and the second restricting section RP2 are provided on the main body 1M of the second case member 1B, and the third restricting section RP3 is provided on the inner wall of the housing section SP of the first case member 1A. The first restricting section RP1 and the second restricting section RP2 are provided at positions separated from each other by a distance DS2 in the X-axis direction. The distance DS2 corresponds to the distance DS1 between the first bending section BD1 and the second bending section BD2 in the X-axis direction (see Figure 6).

[0039] Next, referring to Figure 8, a predetermined conductive path formed by the fixed connecting member 202 of the connecting device 200 and the movable contact member 5 and connection terminal 8 of the electronic component 100 will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the movable contact member 5, connection terminal 8, and fixed connecting member 202. Specifically, Figure 8 shows the state of the movable contact member 5, connection terminal 8, and fixed connecting member 202 when the operating part 4P of the unshown operating member 4 is not being operated (not being pushed down). In this state, when the operating part 4P is pushed down towards Z2, the movable contact member 5 is pushed down together with the operating member 4 as shown by the block arrow, and the fixed contact FC provided on the connection terminal 8 and the movable contact MC provided on the movable contact member 5 come into contact and conduct electricity. Also, the return spring 6 is compressed by the pushing down of the movable contact member 5.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the first movable contact MC1 of the movable contact member 5 contacts the first contact portion 81A (first fixed contact FC1) of the first connection terminal 8A, and the second movable contact MC2 of the movable contact member 5 contacts the second contact portion 81B (second fixed contact FC2) of the second connection terminal 8B. Specifically, the first movable contact MC1 includes the first front movable contact MC11 and the first rear movable contact MC12, and the second movable contact MC2 includes the second front movable contact MC21 and the second rear movable contact MC22. The first front movable contact MC11 contacts the front surface of the first contact portion 81A (first fixed contact FC1), and the first rear movable contact MC12 contacts the rear surface of the first contact portion 81A (first fixed contact FC1). In other words, the first contact portion 81A (first fixed contact FC1) is sandwiched between the first front movable contact MC11 and the first rear movable contact MC12. Similarly, the second front movable contact MC21 contacts the front surface of the second contact portion 81B (second fixed contact FC2), and the second rear movable contact MC22 contacts the rear surface of the second contact portion 81B (second fixed contact FC2). In other words, the second contact portion 81B (second fixed contact FC2) is sandwiched between the second front movable contact MC21 and the second rear movable contact MC22.

[0041] As a result, the current flows through the first fixed connecting member 202A, the first connecting terminal 8A, the movable contact member 5, the second connecting terminal 8B, and the second fixed connecting member 202B. Alternatively, the current flows through the second fixed connecting member 202B, the second connecting terminal 8B, the movable contact member 5, the first connecting terminal 8A, and the first fixed connecting member 202A.

[0042] Furthermore, when the operation of the operating member 4 to the operating section 4P is released (the downward force is removed), the stored force of the return spring 6 is released, and the movable contact member 5 is pushed up in the opposite direction to the block arrow together with the operating member 4. Then, the movable contact MC provided on the movable contact member 5 separates from the fixed contact FC provided on the connection terminal 8. As a result, the current is interrupted, and the first fixed connection member 202A, the first connection terminal 8A, the movable contact member 5, the second connection terminal 8B, and the second fixed connection member 202B become non-conductive. Alternatively, the second fixed connection member 202B, the second connection terminal 8B, the movable contact member 5, the first connection terminal 8A, and the first fixed connection member 202A become non-conductive.

[0043] Next, referring to Figure 9, the movement of the connection terminal 8 when the fixed connection member 202 of the connection device 200 is inserted into the opening OP of the connection terminal 8 of the electronic component 100 will be explained. Figure 9 is a top view of the connection terminal 8 and the fixed connection member 202. Specifically, the upper and middle views of Figure 9 show the state when the central axis TX of the connection terminal 8 and the longitudinal axis LX of the fixed connection member 202 do not coincide, and the lower view of Figure 9 shows the state when the central axis TX and the longitudinal axis LX coincide. Furthermore, the upper view of Figure 9 shows the state before the connection terminal 8 and the fixed connection member 202 come into contact, and the middle and lower views of Figure 9 show the state when the connection terminal 8 and the main body MP of the fixed connection member 202 are in contact. The fixed connection member 202 is formed so that its tip TP is tapered to facilitate entry into the opening OP, and its main body MP is formed to be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped so that it is easily gripped by the protruding portion 84. In the illustrated example, the central axis TX of the connection terminal 8 is an axis that extends along the X-axis direction and passes through the center of the opening OP, and includes the first central axis TX1 of the first connection terminal 8A and the second central axis TX2 of the second connection terminal 8B. Also, the longitudinal axis LX of the fixed connection member 202 is an axis that extends along the X-axis direction and passes through the center of the fixed connection member 202, and includes the first longitudinal axis LX1 of the first fixed connection member 202A and the second longitudinal axis LX2 of the second fixed connection member 202B.

[0044] When the first central axis TX1 and the first longitudinal axis LX1 do not coincide with each other, the first connection terminal 8A deforms as shown in the middle diagram of Figure 9. Specifically, the left protruding portion 84L moves diagonally rearward to the right following the movement of the right protruding portion 84R pushed diagonally rearward to the right by the fixed connection member 202, and deforms such that the fixed connection member 202 can be held between the left protruding portion 84L and the right protruding portion 84R. Therefore, even when the first central axis TX1 and the first longitudinal axis LX1 do not coincide with each other, the first connection terminal 8A can hold the first fixed connection member 202A by the pair of first protruding portions 84A. Specifically, the first extending portion 83A of the first connection terminal 8A deforms such that the left side surface of the first fixed connection member 202A is in contact with the first left protruding portion 84AL at the first contact point CP1, and the right side surface of the first fixed connection member 202A is in contact with the first right protruding portion 84AR at the second contact point CP2. At this time, the distance DS1 between the first contact point CP1 and the first central axis TX1 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the distance DS2 between the second contact point CP2 and the first central axis TX1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] Similarly, when the second central axis TX2 and the second longitudinal axis LX2 do not coincide with each other, the second connection terminal 8B deforms as shown in the middle diagram of Figure 9. Therefore, even when the second central axis TX2 and the second longitudinal axis LX2 do not coincide with each other, the second connection terminal 8B can hold the second fixed connection member 202B by the pair of second protruding portions 84B. Specifically, the second extending portion 83B of the second connection terminal 8B deforms such that the left side surface of the second fixed connection member 202B is in contact with the second left protruding portion 84BL at the third contact point CP3, and the right side surface of the second fixed connection member 202B is in contact with the second right protruding portion 84BR at the fourth contact point CP4. At this time, the distance DS3 between the third contact point CP3 and the second central axis TX2 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the distance DS4 between the fourth contact point CP4 and the second central axis TX2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0046] On the other hand, when the first central axis TX1 and the first longitudinal axis LX1 coincide with each other, the first connection terminal 8A deforms as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 9. Therefore, even when the first central axis TX1 and the first longitudinal axis LX1 coincide with each other, the first connection terminal 8A can clamp the first fixed connection member 202A by the pair of first protruding portions 84A. Specifically, the first extending portion 83A of the first connection terminal 8A deforms such that the left side surface of the first fixed connection member 202A is in contact with the first left protruding portion 84AL at the first contact point CP11, and the right side surface of the first fixed connection member 202A is in contact with the first right protruding portion 84AR at the second contact point CP12. At this time, the distance DS11 between the first contact point CP11 and the first central axis TX1 in the Y-axis direction is substantially the same as the distance DS12 between the second contact point CP12 and the first central axis TX1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] Similarly, when the second central axis TX2 and the second longitudinal axis LX2 coincide with each other, the second connection terminal 8B deforms as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 9. Therefore, even when the second central axis TX2 and the second longitudinal axis LX2 coincide with each other, the second connection terminal 8B can clamp the second fixed connection member 202B by the pair of second protruding portions 84B. Specifically, the second extending portion 83B of the second connection terminal 8B deforms such that the left side surface of the second fixed connection member 202B is in contact with the second left protruding portion 84BL at the third contact point CP13, and the right side surface of the second fixed connection member 202B is in contact with the second right protruding portion 84BR at the fourth contact point CP14. At this time, the distance DS13 between the third contact point CP13 and the second central axis TX2 in the Y-axis direction is substantially the same as the distance DS14 between the fourth contact point CP14 and the second central axis TX2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] In this way, the connection terminal 8 can properly receive the fixed connection member 202 by deforming in accordance with the position of the fixed connection member 202 regardless of whether the central axis TX and the longitudinal axis LX coincide with each other. Therefore, the connection terminal 8 can absorb positional misalignment between the central axis TX and the longitudinal axis LX caused by manufacturing tolerances and the like.

[0049] As described above, the electronic component 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 4, has a base 7 and a plate-shaped connecting terminal 8 held on the base 7. The connecting terminal 8 has an end portion 85 exposed from the base 7, a pair of extended portions 83 extending from the base 7 toward the end portion 85, and a pair of protruding portions 84 projecting toward each other from the pair of extended portions 83. The pair of protruding portions 84 are arranged to sandwich a mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202, see Figure 8) that is inserted into an opening OP surrounded by the end portion 85, the pair of extended portions 83, and the base 7.

[0050] This configuration has the effect of improving the reliability of the connection between the connection terminal 8 and the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202). Even if there is a misalignment between the central axis TX of the connection terminal 8 and the longitudinal axis LX of the fixed connecting member 202, as shown in the upper and middle diagrams of Figure 9, the connection terminal 8 can deform so that the left protruding portion 84L follows the right protruding portion 84R which is pushed diagonally backward to the right by the fixed connecting member 202, because the tips of the pair of extended portions 83 are connected by the end portion 85.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the pair of extended portions 83 may be bent in the opposite direction (from X2 to X1) to the direction of insertion of the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202) (from X1 to X2).

[0052] This configuration has the effect of positioning the part of the fixed connecting member 202 that contacts the connection terminal 8 as close as possible to the base of the fixed connecting member 202 (as close to X1 as possible). Therefore, this configuration allows the connection terminal 8 to contact the main body MP of the fixed connecting member 202 rather than the tapered tip TP, which further improves the reliability of the connection between the connection terminal 8 and the fixed connecting member 202.

[0053] Furthermore, the pair of extended portions 83 may have a first bent portion BD1 and a second bent portion BD2, as shown in Figure 6. The first bent portion BD1 and the second bent portion BD2 may be provided at different positions in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) of the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202). In the example shown in Figure 6, the first bent portion BD1 and the second bent portion BD2 are provided at positions separated by a distance DS1 in the X-axis direction.

[0054] This configuration has the effect of allowing the shape of the connection terminal 8 to be flexibly determined to match the shape of the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202). Specifically, this configuration has the effect of allowing the position of the pair of protrusions 84, or the size of the opening OP, to be flexibly set. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect of reducing the dimensions of the connection terminal 8 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. In addition, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to manufacture the electronic component 100 because the connection terminal 8 can be manufactured by bending.

[0055] Furthermore, the pair of extensions 83 may be partially embedded in the base 7. That is, the pair of extensions 83 may be configured such that their root portions protruding from the base 7 are spaced apart, and they are bent between the root portion and the tip portion to stand upright on the X1 side.

[0056] This configuration, as shown in the central view of Figure 9, has the effect of improving the followability of the connection terminal 8 to the fixed connection member 202 when the fixed connection member 202 is inserted into the opening OP while there is a misalignment between the central axis TX of the connection terminal 8 and the longitudinal axis LX of the fixed connection member 202. This is because the twist (springiness) of the base of the extended portion 83 can be utilized.

[0057] Furthermore, the electronic component 100 may have a case member 1 that holds the base 7, as shown in Figure 7. The case member 1 (first case member 1A and second case member 1B) may be provided with a mounting opening 1H into which a mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202) is inserted, a first restricting portion RP1 that restricts the movement (towards X2) of a pair of extended portions 83 of the connecting terminal 8 when the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202) is inserted, and a second restricting portion RP2 that restricts the movement (towards X2) of the end portion 85 of the connecting terminal 8 when the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202) is inserted. The first restricting portion RP1 and the second restricting portion RP2 may be provided at different positions in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) of the mating terminal (fixed connecting member 202). In the example shown in Figure 7, the first restricting portion RP1 and the second restricting portion RP2 are provided at positions separated by a distance DS2 in the X-axis direction.

[0058] This configuration has the effect of further improving the reliability of the connection between the connection terminal 8 and the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202), even when there is a misalignment between the central axis TX of the connection terminal 8 and the longitudinal axis LX of the fixed connection member 202. This is because the restricting portion RP can suppress deformation of the connection terminal 8 other than deformation that improves the conformability of the connection terminal 8 to the fixed connection member 202.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the case member 1 may include a first case member 1A and a second case member 1B. The first case member 1A may be provided with a mounting opening 1H, a base 7, a connection terminal 8, and a housing section SP that accommodates at least a part of the second case member 1B. The second case member 1B may be provided with a first regulating section RP1 and a second regulating section RP2.

[0060] This configuration has the effect of allowing the connection terminal 8 and the restricting portion RP to be precisely aligned simply by fitting the second case member 1B into the housing portion SP of the first case member 1A. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of improving the ease of assembly of the electronic component 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the base 7 may hold two connection terminals 8 (a first connection terminal 8A and a second connection terminal 8B), as shown in the upper diagrams of Figures 4 to 6. In this case, the base 7 may be provided with a separation wall portion 7W that separates the two connection terminals 8 (the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B).

[0062] This configuration has the effect of more reliably suppressing contact between the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B due to deformation of the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B when the fixed connection member 202 is inserted. Furthermore, this configuration separates the space in which the first connection terminal 8A and the first fixed connection member 202A make contact from the space in which the second connection terminal 8B and the second fixed connection member 202B make contact. This prevents the movement of foreign matter between the two spaces, thereby improving the dustproof and waterproof properties of the electronic component 100.

[0063] Furthermore, a sealing member 2 may be attached around the mounting opening 1H, as shown in Figure 7. The housing section SP may be sealed by the second case member 1B.

[0064] This configuration has the effect of further improving the reliability of the connection between the connection terminal 8 and the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202) because it can suppress the entry of foreign matter into the case member 1. In addition, this configuration has the effect of improving the waterproofness of the electronic component 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the inner wall of the first case member 1A may be provided with a third restricting portion RP3 (see Figure 7) that restricts the movement (towards X1) of the end portion 85 of the connection terminal 8 when the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202) is removed.

[0066] This configuration has the effect of suppressing deformation of the connection terminal 8 when the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202) is removed. In addition, since the third restricting portion RP3 is configured not to protrude inward from the first case member 1A, it has the effect of suppressing interference with the fitting of the connection terminal 8 and other components such as the second case member 1B into the housing portion SP.

[0067] Furthermore, at least a portion of the second case member 1B (main body portion 1M), the base 7, and the connection terminal 8 may be housed in the housing portion SP of the first case member 1A through the opening OP1 formed in the first case member 1A, as shown in Figure 7.

[0068] This configuration has the effect of improving the ease of assembly of the electronic component 100. This is because all the components to be housed in the housing SP can be fitted into the housing SP through the opening OP1.

[0069] Furthermore, the electronic component 100 may be a switch SW having a first movable contact MC1, a first fixed contact FC1, a second movable contact MC2, a second fixed contact FC2, and an operating member 4 (see Figure 3), as shown in Figure 8. The connection terminal 8 may include a first connection terminal 8A that includes a first fixed contact FC1 that can contact the first movable contact MC1, and a second connection terminal 8B that includes a second fixed contact FC2 that can contact the second movable contact MC2. The base 7 may hold the first connection terminal 8A and the second connection terminal 8B, as shown in the upper part of Figure 4.

[0070] This configuration has the effect of improving the reliability of the connection between the switch SW's connection terminal 8 and the mating terminal (fixed connection member 202).

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the connection device 200 for the electronic component 100 may have a mating terminal (fixed connection member 202) to which the electronic component 100 is connected, and a holding member 201 for holding the electronic component 100.

[0072] This configuration has the effect of improving the reliability of the connection between the connection terminal 8 of the electronic component 100 and the fixed connection member 202 of the connection device 200.

[0073] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0074] For example, in the embodiment described above, the electronic component 100 is a normally open type switch in which a fixed contact FC provided on the connection terminal 8 and a movable contact MC provided on the movable contact member 5 are non-conductive when not in operation and conductive when in operation. However, the electronic component 100 may also be a normally closed type switch that conducts when not in operation and switches to non-conductive when in operation, or it may be an encoder that outputs a code using a fixed contact and a movable contact that form a code pattern. Furthermore, the electronic component 100 may switch the circuit by human operation (manual operation), or it may switch the circuit by operation caused by a change in the position of a target member such as a mechanical element, rather than by human operation (manual operation).

[0075] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-066494, filed on 14 April 2025, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] 1...Case member 1A...First case member 1B...Second case member 1C...Bottom plate 1H...Mounting opening 1HA...First mounting opening 1M...Main body 1P...Protruding part 1PA...First protruding part 1PB...Second protruding part 2...Sealing member 3...Cover member 4...Operating member 4M...Base 4P...Operating part 5...Movable contact member 6...Return spring 7...Base 7C...Shaft part 7M...Base 7W...Separation wall part 8...Connection terminal 8A...First connection terminal 8B...Second connection terminal 81...Contact part 81A...First contact part 81B...Second contact part 82...Connecting part 82A...First connecting part 82B...Second connecting part 83...Extending part 83A...First extending part 83AL...First left extending part 83AR...First right extending part 83B...Second extension part 83BL...Second left extension part 83BR...Second right extension part 83L...Left extension part 83R...Right extension part 84...Protrusion part 84A...First protrusion part 84AL...First left protrusion part 84AR...First right protrusion part 84B...Second protrusion part 84BL...Second left protrusion part 84BR... Second right protrusion 84L... Left protrusion 84R... Right protrusion 85... End 85A... First end 85B... Second end 100... Electronic component 200... Connecting device 201... Holding member 202... Fixed connecting member 202A... First fixed connecting member 202B... Second fixed connecting member 203... Recessed part 203A...First recess 203B...Second recess AX...Operation shaft BD...Bending part BD1...First bending section BD2...Second bending section BF...Bottom surface BX1...First bending axis BX2...Second bending axis CP1, CP11...First contact point CP2, CP12...Second contact point CP3, CP13...Third contact point CP4,CP14...4th contact point FC...Fixed contact FC1...1st fixed contact FC2...2nd fixed contact LX...Longitudinal axis LX1...1st longitudinal axis LX2...2nd longitudinal axis MC...Movable contact MC1...1st movable contact MC11...1st front movable contact MC12...1st rear movable contact MC2...2nd movable contact MC21...2nd front movable contact MC22...2nd rear movable contact MP...Main body OP...Opening OP1...Opening OPA...1st opening OPB...2nd opening RP...Restricting part RP1...1st restricting part RP2...2nd restricting part RP3...3rd restricting part SP...Housing part SW...Switch TP...Tip part TX...Center axis TX1...1st center axis TX2...2nd center axis

Claims

1. An electronic component comprising a base and a plate-shaped connecting terminal held on the base, wherein the connecting terminal has an end portion exposed from the base, a pair of extended portions extending from the base toward the end portion, and a pair of protruding portions projecting toward each other from the pair of extended portions, and the pair of protruding portions are arranged to clamp a mating terminal that is inserted into an opening surrounded by the end portion, the pair of extended portions, and the base.

2. The pair of extending portions are bent in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the mating terminal, as described in claim 1.

3. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the pair of extended portions have a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion are provided at different positions in the insertion direction of the mating terminal.

4. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the pair of extending portions are partially embedded in the base.

5. The electronic component according to claim 1, comprising a case member for holding the base, wherein the case member is provided with a mounting opening into which the mating terminal is inserted, a first restricting portion for restricting the movement of the pair of extended portions of the connecting terminal when the mating terminal is inserted, and a second restricting portion for restricting the movement of the end portion of the connecting terminal when the mating terminal is inserted, wherein the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion are provided at different positions in the insertion direction of the mating terminal.

6. The electronic component according to claim 5, wherein the case member includes a first case member and a second case member, the first case member is provided with the mounting opening, the base, the connection terminals, and a housing portion for housing at least a part of the second case member, and the second case member is provided with the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion.

7. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the base holds two of the connection terminals and is provided with a separation wall separating the two connection terminals.

8. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein a sealing member is attached around the mounting opening, and the housing is sealed by the second case member.

9. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the inner wall of the first case member is provided with a third restricting portion that restricts the movement of the end of the connecting terminal when the mating terminal is removed.

10. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the second case member, the base, and the connection terminal are housed in the housing portion of the first case member through an opening formed in the first case member.

11. The electronic component is a switch having a first movable contact, a first fixed contact, a second movable contact, a second fixed contact, and an operating member, wherein the connection terminal includes a first connection terminal including the first fixed contact that can contact the first movable contact, and a second connection terminal including the second fixed contact that can contact the second movable contact, and the base holds the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, as described in claim 1.

12. An electronic component connection device comprising a mating terminal to which an electronic component described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is connected, and a holding member for holding the electronic component.

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