阅读说明：本技术 端子 (Terminal with a terminal body ) 是由 武田拓也 于 2021-06-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种端子。端子插入于在对象端子的内部形成的第1触点和第2触点之间,包括多个第1凸部和第2凸部。端子形成为具有与第1触点接触的第1面和与第2触点接触的第2面的形状。第1凸部设于第1面,并且沿着端子相对于对象端子插入的插入方向呈线状延伸,同时沿着与插入方向正交的正交方向突出。第2凸部设于第2面,并且沿正交方向突出。在该端子与对象端子的连接完成的状态下,第1凸部和第2凸部设于与第1触点和第2触点接触的位置。(The present invention relates to a terminal. The terminal is inserted between the 1 st contact and the 2 nd contact formed inside the target terminal, and includes a plurality of 1 st convex parts and 2 nd convex parts. The terminal is formed in a shape having a1 st surface contacting the 1 st contact and a2 nd surface contacting the 2 nd contact. The 1 st projection is provided on the 1 st surface, linearly extends along an insertion direction in which the terminal is inserted into the mating terminal, and projects along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. The 2 nd convex part is provided on the 2 nd surface and protrudes in the orthogonal direction. In a state where the connection of the terminal to the counterpart terminal is completed, the 1 st and 2 nd convex portions are provided at positions contacting the 1 st and 2 nd contacts.)

1. A terminal is inserted between a1 st contact and a2 nd contact formed inside an object terminal, wherein,

the terminal is formed in a shape having a1 st face contacting the 1 st contact and a2 nd face contacting the 2 nd contact,

the terminal includes:

a plurality of 1 st projections provided on the 1 st surface, linearly extending along an insertion direction in which the terminal is inserted into the target terminal, and projecting along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the insertion direction; and

a2 nd convex portion provided on the 2 nd surface and protruding in the orthogonal direction,

in a state where the connection of the terminal to the counterpart terminal is completed, the 1 st projection is provided at a position contacting the 1 st contact, and the 2 nd projection is provided at a position contacting the 2 nd contact.

2. A terminal according to claim 1,

the 2 nd projection is formed in one on the 2 nd surface and linearly extends along the insertion direction.

3. A terminal according to claim 1 or 2,

the terminal includes a plurality of 3 rd protruding portions, the 3 rd protruding portions being provided on the 2 nd surface and being provided at positions closer to a tip end of the terminal in the insertion direction than positions where the 2 nd protruding portions are provided, and the 3 rd protruding portions linearly extending in the insertion direction and protruding in the orthogonal direction.

4. A terminal according to claim 3,

the 3 rd convex portion is provided adjacent to the 2 nd convex portion in the insertion direction.

5. A terminal according to claim 3,

the 3 rd convex portion is formed to have a height in the orthogonal direction in which it protrudes equal to a height of the 2 nd convex portion.

6. A terminal according to claim 3,

the 3 rd convex portion is formed to have a height in the orthogonal direction in which it protrudes higher than a height of the 2 nd convex portion.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a terminal.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a plug-type contact (terminal) that is inserted between two contacts formed inside a socket-type contact. The terminal has a generally prismatic shape with an upper surface that contacts one of the two contacts inside the receptacle contact and a lower surface that contacts the other contact. Convex portions are formed on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the terminal, and the convex portions extend linearly along an insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the socket contact.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kokai publication Hei-5-17944

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the terminal described in patent document 1, in a state where the terminal is inserted into the receptacle contact, the convex portion of the upper surface and the convex portion of the lower surface of the terminal are brought into contact with two contacts inside the receptacle contact, respectively. Therefore, the terminal described in patent document 1 is in line contact with the upper surface and the lower surface of the counterpart terminal. Thus, although the terminal described in patent document 1 can reduce the insertion force of the terminal with respect to the target terminal, there is a problem that the posture of the terminal with respect to the target terminal is unstable, such as the terminal being inclined in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the target terminal.

The present invention has been made under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal capable of reducing an insertion force of the terminal with respect to a target terminal and stabilizing a posture of the terminal with respect to the target terminal in a state where the terminal is in contact with the target terminal.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a terminal of the present invention is inserted between a1 st contact and a2 nd contact formed inside a counterpart terminal, wherein the terminal is formed in a shape having a1 st surface contacting the 1 st contact and a2 nd surface contacting the 2 nd contact, the terminal including: a plurality of 1 st projections provided on the 1 st surface, linearly extending along an insertion direction in which the terminal is inserted into the target terminal, and projecting along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the insertion direction; and a2 nd convex portion provided on the 2 nd surface and protruding in the orthogonal direction, wherein the 1 st convex portion is provided at a position contacting the 1 st contact and the 2 nd convex portion is provided at a position contacting the 2 nd contact in a state where the connection of the terminal to the mating terminal is completed.

The 2 nd projection may be formed in one on the 2 nd surface and linearly extend along the insertion direction.

The terminal may include a plurality of 3 rd protruding portions, the 3 rd protruding portions being provided on the 2 nd surface and being provided at positions closer to a tip end of the terminal in the insertion direction than positions where the 2 nd protruding portions are provided, and the 3 rd protruding portions may protrude in the orthogonal direction while linearly extending in the insertion direction.

The 3 rd projecting portion may be adjacent to the 2 nd projecting portion in the insertion direction.

The 3 rd convex portion may be formed to have a height in the orthogonal direction in which it protrudes equal to a height of the 2 nd convex portion.

The 3 rd convex portion may be formed to have a height in the orthogonal direction in which it protrudes higher than a height of the 2 nd convex portion.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The terminal of the present invention can reduce the insertion force of the terminal with respect to the target terminal, and stabilize the posture of the terminal with respect to the target terminal in a state where the terminal is in contact with the target terminal.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal and a mating terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a plan view of a terminal and a mating terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a sectional view a-a of fig. 2A.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector unit in which a terminal and a mating terminal of embodiment 1 of the present invention are housed.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view C-C of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a terminal and a connector housing according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view (No. 1) of a terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view (No. 1) of the terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom surface side.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the terminal and the counterpart terminal of embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom surface side.

Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view E-E of fig. 9.

Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the elastic plate of the mating terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view B-B of fig. 2A.

Fig. 12A is a sectional view (No. 1) for explaining a method of connecting the terminal of embodiment 1 of the present invention to a counterpart terminal.

Fig. 12B is a sectional view F-F of fig. 12A.

Fig. 12C is a sectional view (No. 2) for explaining a method of connecting the terminal of embodiment 1 of the present invention to a mating terminal.

Fig. 12D is a sectional view G-G of fig. 12C.

Fig. 12E is a sectional view (No. 3) for explaining a method of connecting the terminal of embodiment 1 of the present invention to a mating terminal.

Fig. 12F is a cross-sectional view H-H of fig. 12E.

Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view for explaining an effect of the terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the terminal of comparative example 1.

Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the mating terminal of comparative example 2.

Fig. 14B is a perspective view of the elastic plate of comparative example 2.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the terminal according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom surface side.

Fig. 16A is a perspective view (No. 2) of a terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the terminal of modification 1.

Fig. 17A is a perspective view (No. 2) of the terminal according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom surface side.

Fig. 17B is a perspective view of the terminal of modification 2 viewed from the bottom surface side.

Description of the reference numerals

1. A connector unit; 10. the 1 st convex part; 20. a2 nd convex part; 30. a 3 rd convex part; 100. 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, terminals; 101. an insertion portion; 101-1, item 1; 101-2, 2 nd surface; 102. a pressed-in portion; 102a, a connecting rod cutting part; 102b, 102c, a locking part; 103. a mounting portion; 103a, 1 st curved portion; 103b, 2 nd curved portion; 103c, a tip portion; 200. 200A, an object terminal; 210. 210A, an elastic plate; 211R, 1 st card section; 211L, 2 nd card section; 212. an arcuate portion; 213. a pressure head; 220. a main body portion; 221. a1 st wall part; 222. a2 nd wall portion; 222a, 224a, notches; 223. a 3 rd wall part; 224. a 4 th wall part; 225-1, 225-2, an extension setting part; 225-3, a rotation stop protrusion; 230. a crimping part; 300. a connector; 301. 401, a connector housing; 302. a terminal press-in hole; 303. a fitting hole; 400. an object connector; 500. a substrate; 501. a conductive portion; c1, contact 1; c2, contact No. 2; d1, insertion direction; d2, orthogonal direction; E. an electric wire; h2, H3, height; a1, a2, arrow.

Detailed Description

Embodiment 1.

Hereinafter, a terminal 100 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For easy understanding, XYZ coordinates orthogonal to each other are set and appropriately referred to. As shown in fig. 1, 2A, and 2B, the X-axis direction of the XYZ coordinates is the same direction as the insertion direction D1 of the terminal 100 with respect to the target terminal 200. The Z-axis direction is the same direction as the orthogonal direction D2, and the orthogonal direction D2 is orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 and is a direction in which the 1 st projection 10 and the like of the terminal 100 described later protrude. The Y-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the terminal 100 is housed in a connector housing 301 of a connector 300 as a male connector, and the target terminal 200 is housed in a connector housing 401 of a target connector 400 as a female connector. The connector 300 and the mating connector 400 are fitted to each other to constitute the connector unit 1. The connector unit 1 is, for example, an in-vehicle connector that is mounted on an automobile and used as one of automobile components.

The connector housing 301 is a substantially box-shaped member formed with a fitting hole 303 that opens in the + X direction, for example, and is made of an insulating material such as resin. The connector housing 301 is fixed to the surface of the substrate 500. The mating hole 303 of the connector housing 301 is inserted with the mating connector 400. Further, a plurality of terminal press-in holes 302 are formed in the connector housing 301. The terminal press-in hole 302 is a hole into which the terminal 100 is pressed, and an inner surface forming the terminal press-in hole 302 supports the terminal 100. The terminal press-in hole 302 is formed to penetrate the connector housing 301 in the X-axis direction. The opening on the + X side of the terminal press-in hole 302 is an entrance into which the terminal 100 is inserted, and a taper for facilitating insertion of the terminal 100 is formed at the edge of the opening. The shape of the connector housing 301 is an example used for explaining the shape of the terminal 100, and is not limited thereto.

The terminal 100 is constituted by a male terminal. The terminal 100 is inserted between the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd contact C2 formed inside the object terminal 200. In addition, in embodiment mode 1, the terminal 100 is an SMT (Surface Mount Technology) terminal having one end connected to the conductive portion 501 of the substrate 500. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the terminal 100 includes a pressed portion 102, a mounting portion 103 protruding from the pressed portion 102 toward the-X side, and an insertion portion 101 protruding from the pressed portion 102 toward the + X side. As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the terminal 100 includes the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd projections 10, 20, and 30 in addition to the press-fitted portion 102, the fitting portion 103, and the insertion portion 101.

The press-in portion 102 is a portion disposed in a terminal press-in hole 302 of a connector housing 301 of the connector 300. The pressed portion 102 is formed with a connecting rod cutting portion 102a and locking portions 102b and 102 c.

The connecting bar cut portion 102a is a portion formed by cutting a connecting bar, which is a connecting portion of a terminal group in which the plurality of terminals 100 are connected. The coupling rod cut-off portion 102a is formed to protrude in both the + Y direction and the-Y direction.

The locking portions 102b and 102c are provided on the-X side of the connecting rod cutting portion 102 a. The locking portion 102b is locked to the inner surface forming the terminal press-in hole 302 by being engaged with the inner surface. The locking portion 102b is formed on an end surface of the terminal 100 and includes a plurality of projections. The locking portion 102c is formed on the-Z-side surface of the terminal 100. The locking portion 102c is formed by partially protruding the surface on the-Z side by pressing the surface on the opposite side, i.e., the + Z side, with a pressing machine, for example.

The mounting portion 103 is formed with a1 st bent portion 103a and a2 nd bent portion 103 b. The vicinity of the tip end portion 103c on the-X side of the mounting portion 103 is a portion mounted to the conductive portion 501 of the substrate 500. The mounting portion 103 is formed in the following shape: the first bending portion 103a is bent in a direction toward the substrate 500 with the 1 st bending portion 103a as a base point, and is bent again with the 2 nd bending portion 103b as a base point to extend along the surface of the substrate 500.

In a state where the terminal 100 is housed in the connector housing 301, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the insertion portion 101 is formed to protrude from the terminal press-in hole 302 into the fitting hole 303. The insertion portion 101 is a portion that contacts the counterpart terminal 200.

As described above, the terminal 100 including the insertion portion 101 and the like is formed by punching out a conductive plate material such as copper or a copper alloy and bending the punched material. As a result, as shown in fig. 7 and 8, the terminal 100 has a shape having a1 st surface 101-1, which is a surface on the + Z side, and a2 nd surface 101-2, which is a surface on the-Z side, and an end surface, which is a cut surface at the time of punching. In embodiment 1, a conductive plate material forming the terminal 100 is plated. Therefore, the 1 st surface 101-1 and the 2 nd surface 101-2 are formed by plated surfaces. The cut surface at the time of punching, that is, the end surface, is constituted by a cut surface which is not plated.

The 1 st projection 10 is provided on the 1 st surface 101-1, which is the + Z side surface of the insertion portion 101. The 1 st projection 10 linearly extends in the insertion direction D1, and projects in the orthogonal direction D2, which is a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1, specifically, in the + Z direction. The 1 st projection 10 is provided in plurality. Specifically, in embodiment 1, four first protrusions 10 are provided. However, it is not limited thereto. The 1 st projection 10 may be provided with two or three or five or more. The 1 st projections 10 are formed to have the same height, respectively.

The 2 nd projection 20 is provided on the 2 nd surface 101-2 which is the surface on the-Z side of the insertion portion 101. The 2 nd convex portion 20 linearly extends in the insertion direction D1, and protrudes in the orthogonal direction D2, which is a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1, specifically, in the-Z direction. Unlike the 1 st projection 10 provided with a plurality of the 2 nd projections 20, one 2 nd surface 101-2 is formed. As shown in fig. 2B and 3, in a state where the connection of the terminal 100 and the counterpart terminal 200 is completed, the 2 nd convex portion 20 is provided at a position contacting the 2 nd contact point C2. At this time, the 1 st projection 10 also comes into contact with the 1 st contact C1. That is, in a state where the connection of the terminal 100 and the counterpart terminal 200 is completed, the 2 nd convex portion 20 is provided at a position where it contacts the counterpart terminal 200 together with the 1 st convex portion 10.

As shown in fig. 8, the 3 rd projecting portion 30 is provided on the 2 nd surface 101-2 and is provided at a position closer to the tip (closer to the + X side) in the insertion direction D1 of the terminal 100 than the position where the 2 nd projecting portion 20 is provided. The 3 rd convex portion 30 linearly extends in the insertion direction D1, and protrudes in the orthogonal direction D2, which is a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1, specifically, in the-Z direction. The 3 rd convex part 30 is provided in plural. Specifically, in embodiment 1, four 3 rd protruding portions 30 are provided. However, it is not limited thereto. The 3 rd protruding part 30 may be provided with two or three, or may be provided with five or more. The 3 rd projecting portion 30 is adjacent to the 2 nd projecting portion 20 in the insertion direction D1 without a gap or the like. Further, the height H3 of the 3 rd convex portion 30 in the Z-axis direction of the projection thereof is formed to be equal to the height H2 of the 2 nd convex portion 20 (H3 ≈ H2). The plurality of 3 rd protruding portions 30 are formed to have the same height H3.

As shown in fig. 9, the counterpart terminal 200 is composed of a female terminal to which the terminal 100 as a male terminal is connected. The target terminal 200 is formed by bending a conductive plate material such as copper or a copper alloy. The end of the electric wire E is fixed to the female terminal. The object terminal 200 includes an elastic plate 210, a body 220, and a crimp part 230.

The elastic plate 210 is a plate-like member with which the terminal 100 is in contact. The elastic plate 210 is housed inside the main body 220. In embodiment 1, the elastic plate 210 is formed independently of the main body 220 by forming the elastic plate 210 from a plate-like member having a different conductivity from the main body 220. However, it is not limited thereto. The elastic plate 210 may be formed of a single conductive plate-like member and may be formed integrally with the main body 220. As shown in fig. 9, 10A, and 10B, the elastic plate 210 has a pair of a1 st locking portion 211R and a2 nd locking portion 211L protruding from a side end surface on the-Y side and a side end surface on the + Y side. The elastic plate 210 includes an arch portion 212 formed to protrude in the + Z direction, in addition to the 1 st locking portion 211R and the 2 nd locking portion 211L. The elastic plate 210 is formed by the arch portion 212 to be able to flex in the Z-axis direction. The apex of the dome-shaped portion 212 constitutes the 2 nd contact point C2. In addition, in the elastic plate 210 of embodiment 1, the indenter protruding in the + Z direction is not formed on the surface on the + Z side, and the surface on the + Z side is configured as a smooth surface without a protrusion. In addition, as shown in fig. 11, the 2 nd convex portion 20 of the terminal 100 is in contact with the surface of the + Z side of the elastic plate 210.

As shown in fig. 9, 10A, and 10B, the body 220 is a cylindrical member capable of receiving the terminal 100 to be connected of the mating terminal 200. The main body 220 is formed together with the pressure-bonding section 230 by bending a single sheet of conductive plate-like member. The body 220 has a substantially rectangular tubular shape having a top wall on the + Z side, i.e., a1 st wall 221, a side wall on the-Y side, i.e., a2 nd wall 222, a bottom wall on the-Z side, i.e., a 3 rd wall 223, and a side wall on the + Y side, i.e., a 4 th wall 224.

The 1 st wall portion 221 is a plate-like ceiling wall substantially parallel to the XY plane. A1 st contact C1 that contacts terminal 100 is provided on the lower surface of 1 st wall part 221 on the-Z side. Further, as shown in fig. 11, the plurality of 1 st projections 10 are in contact with the-Z-side lower surface of the 1 st wall portion 221. The lower surface of the 1 st wall 221 on the-Z side is formed as a substantially flat surface.

As shown in fig. 9, 10A, and 10B, the 2 nd wall portion 222 is a plate-shaped side wall extending from the 1 st wall portion 221 and bent at a right angle substantially parallel to the XZ plane. A notch 222a is cut in the 2 nd wall portion 222, and the 1 st locking portion 211R formed in the elastic plate 210 is locked in the notch 222 a.

The 3 rd wall portion 223 is a plate-shaped bottom wall extending from the 2 nd wall portion 222 and bent at a right angle, which is substantially parallel to the XY plane. The elastic plate 210 is disposed on the surface of the 3 rd wall 223 on the + Z side.

The 4 th wall portion 224 is a plate-shaped side wall extending from the 3 rd wall portion 223 and bent at a right angle, which is substantially parallel to the XZ plane. Thereby, the 4 th wall portion 224 faces the 2 nd wall portion 222 as a side wall. A notch 224a for locking the 2 nd locking portion 211L of the elastic plate 210 is cut in the 4 th wall portion 224.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, extension portions 225-1, 225-2 and a rotation stop portion 225-3 are formed extending from the 4 th wall portion 224.

The extension portions 225-1 and 225-2 extend from the 4 th wall portion 224 and are bent at right angles. The extension portions 225-1 and 225-2 are disposed on the surface of the 1 st wall 221 on the + Z side and overlap the 1 st wall 221. The extension portions 225-1, 225-2 are formed to increase the rigidity of the main body portion 220.

The rotation preventing portion 225-3 is formed to protrude from the 4 th wall portion 224 in the + Z direction. The rotation stop portion 225-3 is a stabilizer formed to prevent an operator from mistaking the orientation of the mating terminal 200 when the mating terminal 200 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber of the connector housing 401. Specifically, the terminal 100 is formed to prevent the operator from inserting the terminal 100 in a state rotated by 90 ° about the insertion direction D1 (X-axis direction) or inserting the mating terminal 200 in a state of being reversed in the vertical direction. Further, the rotation stop portion 225-3 also serves to prevent the entire subject terminal 200 from rotating about the X-axis direction with respect to the terminal accommodating chamber in which the subject terminal 200 is accommodated, after the subject terminal 200 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber.

The crimping part 230 is a part connected to the electric wire E. The crimping portion 230 has a conductor caulking portion and a clad fixing portion.

The conductor caulking portion is crimped to the conductive core wire of the electric wire E by caulking and electrically connected to the core wire.

The cover fixing portion is crimped to an end of the insulating cover of the electric wire E by caulking, thereby preventing the electric wire E from being pulled out of the terminal 100.

Next, a method of connecting the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 to the mating terminal 200 will be described with reference to fig. 12A to 12F.

First, as shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the worker inserts the terminal 100 between the 1 st wall portion 221 and the elastic plate 210 of the objective terminal 200 in the insertion direction D1.

When the operator inserts the terminal 100 between the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd contact C2, the 1 st projection 10 of the terminal 100 reaches the 1 st contact C1 located on the-Z-side lower surface of the 1 st wall portion 221 as shown in fig. 12C and 12D. Further, the 3 rd projecting portion 30 of the terminal 100 also reaches the 2 nd contact point C2 located on the top of the elastic plate 210. The 1 st projection 10 and the 3 rd projection 30 are provided in plural while extending linearly in the insertion direction D1. Therefore, the operator can insert the terminal 100 between the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd contact C2 without a large insertion force.

When the terminal 100 is further moved in the insertion direction D1, as shown in fig. 12E and 12F, the 2 nd convex portion 20 of the terminal 100 reaches the 2 nd contact C2. At this time, the 3 rd convex portion 30 is separated from the 2 nd contact C2 and moves to a position not contacting the 2 nd contact C2. Since the 2 nd convex portion 20 is provided adjacent to the 3 rd convex portion 30 in the insertion direction D1, there is no gap between the 2 nd convex portion 20 and the 3 rd convex portion 30. Further, since the height H2 of the 2 nd protrusion 20 is equal to the height H3 of the 3 rd protrusion 30, there is no step between the 2 nd protrusion 20 and the 3 rd protrusion 30. Thus, the 2 nd contact C2 does not have to go over a gap or a step, and the operator can insert the terminal 100 between the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd contact C2 without a large insertion force. Further, since the 1 st projection 10 and the 2 nd projection 20 are provided in plural while linearly extending in the insertion direction D1, the operator can insert the terminal 100 between the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd contact C2 without a large insertion force as compared with, for example, comparative examples 1 and 2 described later. In addition, the 1 st protrusion 10 is brought into contact with the 1 st contact C1 and the 2 nd protrusion 20 is brought into contact with the 2 nd contact C2, so that both the 1 st protrusion 10 and the 2 nd protrusion 20 are brought into contact with the counterpart terminal 200. This completes the connection between the terminal 100 and the mating terminal 200, and the terminal 100 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 200.

As described above, as shown in fig. 7, the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 includes the plurality of 1 st convex portions 10 extending linearly in the insertion direction D1 and protruding in the orthogonal direction D2. As shown in fig. 13A, a plurality of 1 st projections 10 are provided, and these plurality of 1 st projections 10 are in contact with the-Z-side lower surface of the 1 st wall 221. Thus, the terminal 100 is not inclined with respect to the lower surface of the 1 st wall portion 221 on the-Z side. As a result, the posture of the terminal 100 with respect to the target terminal 200 can be stabilized in a state where the terminal 100 is in contact with the target terminal 200.

For example, the terminal 100A of comparative example 1 shown in fig. 13B includes one 1 st projecting portion 10 linearly extending in the X-axis direction and projecting in the orthogonal direction D2. In this case, one 1 st projection 10 is in line contact with the-Z-side lower surface of the 1 st wall part 221. Thus, the terminal 100A may be inclined with respect to the lower surface of the 1 st wall part 221 on the-Z side with the apex portion of the 1 st convex part 10 as a base point as indicated by arrows a1 and a 2. As a result, in a state where the terminal 100A is in contact with the target terminal 200, the posture of the terminal 100A with respect to the target terminal 200 may be unstable.

In contrast, since terminal 100 of embodiment 1 shown in fig. 13A includes a plurality of 1 st projections 10, the plurality of 1 st projections 10 are in contact with the lower surface of 1 st wall 221 on the-Z side at a plurality of points. Therefore, the terminal 100 is not inclined with respect to the lower surface of the 1 st wall portion 221 on the-Z side. As a result, the posture of the terminal 100 with respect to the target terminal 200 can be stabilized in a state where the terminal 100 is in contact with the target terminal 200. Further, since the posture of the terminal 100 with respect to the subject terminal 200 is stable, the terminal 100 can be inserted into the subject terminal 200 in a stable posture. Further, since the 1 st projecting portion 10 is provided in plural numbers while linearly extending in the insertion direction D1, the contact pressure between the lower surface of the 1 st wall portion 221 on the-Z side and the terminal 100 can be dispersed to plural locations, and therefore the insertion force required for inserting the terminal 100 into the target terminal 200 can be reduced. Further, in embodiment 1, the insertion efficiency and the insertion performance of the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 can be improved.

The terminal 100 includes a plurality of 1 st projections 10. Therefore, plating residues that may be generated as the terminal 100 is inserted into the counterpart terminal 200 may enter the valley portion between the 1 st protrusions 10. This prevents the terminal 100 from being difficult to insert into the mating terminal 200 due to the generation of plating residues or prevents an increase in insertion force required for insertion.

As shown in fig. 8, the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 includes the 2 nd projecting portion 20 that extends linearly in the insertion direction D1 and projects in the orthogonal direction D2. The 2 nd protrusion 20 is formed with one instead of a plurality. Therefore, the 2 nd projection 20 can function as a pressure head for improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 100 and the mating terminal 200 by having its apex portion be a contact point with the mating terminal 200. Thus, as shown in fig. 10B, the terminal 100 can omit the indenter formed by pressing from the-Z-side surface from the elastic plate 210.

For example, in the elastic plate 210A of the normal comparative example 2 shown in fig. 14A and 14B, the indenter 213 is provided near the apex portion of the arch portion 212. The indenter 213 is formed by pressing the back surface of the elastic plate 210A in the + Z direction. In comparative example 2, the indenter 213 is formed in the elastic plate 210A, whereby the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 100 and the mating terminal 200A can be improved. However, since the indents 213 protrude from the surface of the elastic plate 210A, the indents 213 hinder the insertion of the terminal 100 when the terminal 100 is inserted into the counterpart terminal 200A. Thus, comparative example 2 has a problem that a high insertion force is required when inserting the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200A.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 8, the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 includes the 2 nd convex portion 20 functioning as a indenter instead of the case where the indenter is formed in the target terminal 200. Therefore, as shown in fig. 10B, the indenter can be omitted from the elastic plate 210. By omitting the indenter, the insertion force required for inserting the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 can be reduced in embodiment 1. Further, since the 2 nd projecting portion 20 of the terminal 100 functions as a crimp, in embodiment 1, even if the crimp 213 is not formed as in comparative example 2, it is possible to reduce the insertion force required for inserting the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 while maintaining the electrical connection reliability between the terminal 100 and the mating terminal 200.

As shown in fig. 8, the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 includes the 3 rd projecting portion 30 that extends linearly in the insertion direction D1 and projects in the orthogonal direction D2. The 3 rd projecting portion 30 is provided at a position closer to the + X side tip (closer to the-X side of the tip) in the insertion direction D1 of the terminal 100. Therefore, as shown in fig. 12C and 12D, in embodiment 1, the insertion force required for inserting the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 at the stage before the 2 nd projecting portion 20 reaches the 2 nd contact point C2 can be reduced.

The 3 rd projecting portion 30 of embodiment 1 is adjacent to the 2 nd projecting portion 20 in the insertion direction D1. Therefore, there is no gap between the 2 nd convex portion 20 and the 3 rd convex portion 30. Thus, the 2 nd contact C2 does not pass through the gap when the terminal 100 is inserted into the mating terminal 200. As a result, the insertion force required to insert the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 can be reduced.

In embodiment 1, the height H3 of the 3 rd convex portion 30 is equal to the height H2 of the 2 nd convex portion 20. Therefore, there is no step between the 2 nd projection 20 and the 3 rd projection 30. Thus, the 2 nd contact C2 does not have to go over the step when the terminal 100 is inserted into the mating terminal 200. As a result, the insertion force required to insert the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 can be reduced.

Embodiment 2.

As shown in fig. 8, the terminal 100 of embodiment 1 includes the 3 rd projecting portion 30 provided on the 2 nd surface 101-2. However, it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the 3 rd projecting portion 30 may not be provided as in the terminal 100B of embodiment 2 shown in fig. 15. In this case, as shown in fig. 15, in the terminal 100B of embodiment 2, the 2 nd convex portion 20 may be extended to the vicinity of the tip of the terminal 100B.

Since the terminal 100B of embodiment 2 does not include the 3 rd protruding portion 30, the process of forming the 3 rd protruding portion 30 can be omitted in the process of manufacturing the terminal 100B, and the complication of the die process of the terminal 100B can be suppressed. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the terminal 100B can be suppressed. Further, the terminal 100B can have the same effects as those of the terminal 100 according to embodiment 1, while suppressing the manufacturing cost thereof.

In addition, since the terminal 100B of embodiment 2 does not include the 3 rd projecting portion 30, a gap between the 2 nd projecting portion 20 and the 3 rd projecting portion 30 is not formed. This can further reduce the insertion force required to insert the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200.

Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments 1 and 2.

For example, in the terminal 100 of embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 16A, the 1 st projection 10 is formed by partially cutting the 1 st surface 101-1 or by providing a plurality of grooves on the 1 st surface 101-1. Thus, the 1 st projection 10 has a vertex formed at a height equal to the 1 st surface 101-1 in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, in the terminal 100B of embodiment 2 shown in fig. 15, as shown in fig. 16A and 16B, the apex of the 1 st projection 10 is formed to have the same height as the 1 st surface 101-1 in the Z-axis direction. However, it is not limited thereto. Like the terminal 100C of modification 1 shown in fig. 16B, the 1 st projection 10 may be formed to protrude from the 1 st surface 101-1.

In addition, in the terminal 100 of embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 17A, the 2 nd and 3 rd protruding portions 20 and 30 are formed by partially cutting the 2 nd surface 101-2 or by providing a plurality of grooves on the 2 nd surface 101-2. Thus, the 2 nd and 3 rd convex portions 20 and 30 have the apexes formed to have the same height as the 2 nd surface 101-2 in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, in the terminal 100B of embodiment 2, as shown in fig. 15, the peak of the 2 nd projection 20 is formed to have the same height as the 2 nd surface 101-2 in the Z-axis direction. However, it is not limited thereto. Like the terminal 100D of modification 2 shown in fig. 17B, the 2 nd and 3 rd convex portions 20 and 30 may be formed to protrude from the 2 nd surface 101-2.

In the terminal 100 of embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 8, the height H3 of the 3 rd convex portion 30 is equal to the height H2 of the 2 nd convex portion 20. However, it is not limited thereto. The height H3 of the 3 rd convex portion 30 may be higher than the height H2 of the 2 nd convex portion 20 (H3 > H2). In this case, when the terminal 100 is inserted into the mating terminal 200, the 2 nd contact C2 moves so as to descend from the 3 rd protruding portion 30 to the 2 nd protruding portion 20. Therefore, as in embodiment 1 in which the height H3 of the 3 rd protruding portion 30 is equal to the height H2 of the 2 nd protruding portion 20, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the insertion force required for inserting the terminal 100 into the mating terminal 200 is large.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. The above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.