JP7601722B2 - Connection structure of electric wire and terminal - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal.

A conventional connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal is known that includes an electric wire and a terminal that is electrically connected to the electric wire (see Patent Document 1). In this connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal, an elastic connection piece is formed in the terminal as a deformable plate that has an electric wire insertion hole that is folded back from a folded portion that serves as a fixed end of the base plate toward the base plate.

A pair of elastic connection pieces are provided, inclined toward each other from the folded portion in a mountain-like shape. When pressure is applied to the peaks of the mountain-like shape, the free ends of the pair of elastic connection pieces opposite the folded portion are deformed in a direction away from the folded portion.

In this type of connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal, the electric wire is inserted through the electric wire insertion hole of the pair of elastic connection pieces from the folded-back side toward the free end side. In this state, by applying pressure to the peaks of the mountain shape, the pair of elastic connection pieces are deformed, and the electric wire comes into contact with the base plate and the pair of elastic connection pieces, electrically connecting the electric wire to the terminal.

JP 2020-9600 A

In a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electric wire is inserted into the multiple insertion holes of the deformable plate, and pressure is applied to the top of the deformable plate to deform the plate and electrically connect the electric wire and the terminal. As a result, in a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the work of inserting the electric wire into the multiple insertion holes and the work of deforming the deformable plate are performed separately, which requires a large number of steps and reduces ease of assembly.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional technology. The object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal that can improve assembly.

The connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to this embodiment includes an electric wire and a terminal electrically connected to the electric wire, the terminal having a base plate, a deformable plate that is integral with the base plate via a fixed end and has at least one apex and is deformable in a direction such that the free end is separated from the fixed end, and a plurality of insertion holes that are provided through the deformable plate between the fixed end and the apex and between the apex and the free end of the deformable plate, the electric wire is electrically connected to a relay terminal that is inserted through the plurality of insertion holes from the fixed end side to the free end side, comes into contact with the deformable plate due to deformation of the deformable plate, and has an electrical connection portion that is electrically connected to the terminal, and the free end side of the deformable plate is provided with a deformation portion that abuts against the electrical connection portion that has been inserted through the plurality of insertion holes and deforms the deformable plate so as to separate the free end from the fixed end.

It is preferable that the terminal is accommodated in a housing into which the relay terminal is inserted, and that the housing is provided with a locking lance that engages with the relay terminal and maintains the position of the relay terminal relative to the housing when the deformation plate is deformed.

It is preferable that a detection member is attached to the housing so that the detection member can be attached when the deformation plate is deformed and the deformation plate and the electrical connection portion are electrically connected.

It is preferable that a bent portion is provided between adjacent insertion holes of the deformable plate, the bent portion being bent so as to have an apex protruding toward the electrical connection portion, and the apex of the bent portion is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate.

It is preferable that the edges of the multiple insertion holes that come into contact with the electrical connection parts have curved surfaces.

It is preferable that the edge of the plurality of insertion holes facing the top of the bent portion across the electrical connection portion is provided with a curved surface portion, and that the curved surface portion is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate.

It is preferable that the detection member is provided with a holding portion that comes into contact with the deformed deformation plate and holds the deformed state of the deformation plate.

It is preferable that the free end side of the deformation plate contacts the electrical connection portion while the electrical connection portion is passing over it.

The terminal is accommodated in a housing into which the relay terminal is inserted, and the housing is provided with a recess formed to be spaced apart from the electrical connection portion, and the free end side of the deformable plate is provided with a first bent portion bent to have an apex that protrudes toward the electrical connection portion, and a second bent portion is disposed on the fixed end side of the first bent portion, is continuous with the first bent portion, and is bent to have an apex that protrudes toward the opposite side to the apex of the first bent portion, and the apex of the first bent portion is preferably brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate, and the apex of the second bent portion is preferably accommodated in the recess by deformation of the deformable plate.

The present invention provides a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal that can improve assembly.

3 is a side view of the deformation plate of the electric wire-terminal connection structure according to the first embodiment before deformation. FIG. 4 is a side view of the wire-terminal connection structure according to the first embodiment after the deformation plate has been deformed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a first embodiment; 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electric wire-terminal connection structure according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the terminal is accommodated in the housing. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 7 . FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 9 . 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electric wire-terminal connection structure according to the second embodiment when the relay terminal is in a partially inserted state. FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 13 . 13 is a cross-sectional view of the electric wire-terminal connection structure according to the third embodiment when the relay terminal is in a partially inserted state. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal according to a fourth embodiment. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of the electric wire-terminal connection structure according to the fourth embodiment when a relay terminal is being inserted. FIG. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 16 .

The connection structure between the electric wire and the terminal according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings have been exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

The electric wire and terminal connection structure 1 according to this embodiment includes an electric wire 3 and a terminal 5 electrically connected to the electric wire 3.

The terminal 5 also has a base plate 7 and a deformable plate 15 that is integral with the base plate 7 via a fixed end 9, has at least one apex 11, and is deformable in a direction such that the free end 13 moves away from the fixed end 9. The terminal 5 also has a plurality of insertion holes 17 that penetrate the deformable plate 15 between the fixed end 9 and the apex 11 of the deformable plate 15 and between the apex 11 and the free end 13.

The electric wire 3 is also electrically connected to a relay terminal 21 having an electrical connection portion 19 that is inserted through a plurality of insertion holes 17 from the fixed end 9 side toward the free end 13 side, comes into contact with the deformable plate 15 due to deformation of the deformable plate 15, and is electrically connected to the terminal 5.

The deforming plate 15 has a deforming portion 23 on the free end 13 side that abuts against an electrical connection portion 19 inserted through a plurality of insertion holes 17 and deforms the deforming plate 15 so as to separate the free end 13 from the fixed end 9.

The electric wire-terminal connection structure 1 according to this embodiment also includes a housing 25 in which the terminal 5 is housed and the relay terminal 21 is inserted. The housing 25 is provided with a locking lance 27 that engages with the relay terminal 21 and maintains the position of the relay terminal 21 relative to the housing 25 when the deformable plate 15 is deformed.

Furthermore, a detection member 29 is attached to the housing 25, which can be assembled when the deformation plate 15 is deformed and the deformation plate 15 and the electrical connection portion 19 are electrically connected.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the connection structure 1 between an electric wire and a terminal includes an electric wire 3, a relay terminal 21, a terminal 5, a housing 25, and a detection member 29.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the electric wire 3 is a coated electric wire having a core wire made of a conductive material and an insulating coating covering the outer circumference of the core wire. The core wire may be a stranded wire in which multiple strands are twisted together, or a single wire. One end of the electric wire 3 is electrically connected to, for example, an appliance or a power source. The other end of such an electric wire 3 is subjected to terminal processing in which a predetermined length of the insulating coating is stripped off to expose the core wire. A relay terminal 21 is electrically connected to the core wire of the electric wire 3.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the relay terminal 21 is made of a conductive material and includes a wire connection portion 31 and an electrical connection portion 19. The wire connection portion 31 includes a coating crimping portion 33 and a core wire crimping portion 35.

The insulation crimping portion 33 is made of a pair of crimping pieces and crimps the insulating coating of the electric wire 3 at the end of the electric wire 3. By crimping the insulation crimping portion 33 to the insulating coating of the electric wire 3, the relay terminal 21 is fixed to the electric wire 3.

The core wire crimping portion 35 is made of a pair of crimping pieces provided between the electrical connection portion 19 and the covering crimping portion 33, and is used to crimp the core wire exposed from the insulating covering of the electric wire 3 at the end portion of the electric wire 3. By crimping the core wire crimping portion 35 to the core wire of the electric wire 3, the relay terminal 21 is electrically connected to the electric wire 3.

The electrical connection part 19 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the electric wire connection part 31, and is a male connection part that is extended in a rod shape along the length of the electric wire 3. This electrical connection part 19 is arranged with respect to the terminal 5 by inserting it through a plurality of insertion holes 17 from the fixed end 9 side of the deformation plate 15 toward the free end 13 side, and is electrically connected to the terminal 5 by coming into contact with the deformed deformation plate 15.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the terminal 5 is made of a conductive material and includes a base plate 7, a deformation plate 15, a plurality of insertion holes 17, and a deformation portion 23. In this embodiment, the terminal 5 is a joint terminal that electrically connects a plurality of electric wires 3.

The base plate 7 is formed in a rectangular shape, with its short sides arranged along the length direction of the electric wires 3 and its long sides arranged along the arrangement direction of the electric wires 3. In this base plate 7, slits 8 are formed along the insertion direction of the electrical connection parts 19 of the relay terminals 21 into the multiple insertion holes 17, opening toward one long side and bottoming near the center. A plurality of these slits 8 are arranged along the long side of the base plate 7. The intervals between the arrangement of the plurality of slits 8 are set so that the electrical connection parts 19 do not interfere with the slits 8 when the electrical connection parts 19 of the relay terminals 21 are inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17. In addition, the intervals between the plurality of slits 8 are set so that when one deformation plate 15 deforms, the adjacent deformation plates 15 are prevented from deforming in conjunction with each other. On one long side of the base plate 7 on which such slits 8 are provided, a plurality of deformation plates 15 are formed of a single member that is continuous with each other via a fixed end 9.

Each of the multiple deformable plates 15 has a first inclined plate 37 and a second inclined plate 39.

The first inclined plate 37 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the base plate 7 via the fixed end 9. This first inclined plate 37 connects the fixed end 9 and the top 11 so that it slopes upward from the fixed end 9 toward the top 11.

The second inclined plate 39 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the first inclined plate 37 via the top 11. This second inclined plate 39 connects the top 11 and the free end 13 so that it slopes downward from the top 11 toward the free end 13 in a symmetrical shape to the first inclined plate 37.

With the base plate 7 fixed, this type of deformable plate 15 is deformed so as to increase the angle of the apex 11 formed between the first inclined plate 37 and the second inclined plate 39 by pressing the free end 13 side in a direction away from the fixed end 9. The deformation of the deformable plate 15 may be plastic deformation in which the deformed state is maintained, or elastic deformation in which the free end 13 returns to its original position toward the fixed end 9 side by releasing the pressure on the free end 13 side. Such a deformable plate 15 is provided with multiple insertion holes 17.

The multiple insertion holes 17 are formed in the deformation plate 15, one each penetrating the first inclined plate 37 and the second inclined plate 39, and are provided in pairs throughout the deformation plate 15. The width of the insertion hole 17 is set to be equal to the diameter of the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 so that the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 can be inserted. The shape of the insertion hole 17 is formed in an elliptical shape extending in the length direction of the first inclined plate 37 and the second inclined plate 39 so that the deformation plate 15 can be deformed when the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 is inserted. Note that if the width of the deformation plate 15 is sufficient to maintain the rigidity of the deformation plate 15, the insertion hole 17 may be formed in a perfect circle larger than the diameter of the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21.

These multiple insertion holes 17 are provided in the first inclined plate 37 and the second inclined plate 39 so as to coincide when viewed from the insertion direction of the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 before the deformation plate 15 is deformed. The electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 is inserted and positioned in these multiple insertion holes 17 from the fixed end 9 side to the free end 13 side of the deformation plate 15.

In this state, when the deformable plate 15 is deformed so that the free end 13 is separated from the fixed end 9, the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 come into contact with the electrical connection portion 19, and the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 are electrically connected via the relay terminal 21. Such deformation of the deformable plate 15 is performed by the deformation portion 23 provided on the free end 13 side.

The deformation portion 23 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the deformation plate 15 via the free end 13. This deformation portion 23 is bent from the free end 13 toward the top 11. Such a deformation portion 23 abuts against the tip of the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 that has been inserted through the multiple insertion holes 17. When the electrical connection portion 19 is continued to be inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17 with this deformation portion 23 and the electrical connection portion 19 in abutment, the deformation portion 23 is pressed in a direction away from the fixed end 9.

When the electrical connection portion 19 presses the deformation portion 23, the deformation plate 15 deforms so that the free end 13 moves away from the fixed end 9. This deformation of the deformation plate 15 brings the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 into contact with the electrical connection portion 19, and the wires 3 and terminals 5 are electrically connected via the relay terminals 21. By providing the deformation portion 23 on the deformation plate 15 in this way, the insertion of the electrical connection portion 19 into the multiple insertion holes 17 and the deformation of the deformation plate 15 can be performed simultaneously, improving assembly.

Here, when the deformation plate 15 is deformed, it is preferable that the electrical contact points between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 are three points. In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the electrical contact points between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 are three points: the contact point between the electrical connection portion 19 and the deformation portion 23, and the contact point between the electrical connection portion 19 and the edge portion on the top 11 side of the multiple (here, two) insertion holes 17, 17. By contacting the edge portion on the top 11 side of the insertion holes 17, 17 with the electrical connection portion 19 in this way, the edge portion on the base plate 7 side of the insertion holes 17, 17 and the electrical connection portion 19 are separated. By separating the edge portion on the base plate 7 side of the insertion holes 17, 17 from the electrical connection portion 19 in this way, when the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the insertion holes 17, 17, the electrical connection portion 19 does not get caught on the edge portion on the base plate 7 side. This improves ease of insertion of the electrical connection portion 19 into the insertion hole 17.

Such terminals 5 are housed in a housing 25.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 25 is made of an insulating material and is formed into a case shape capable of accommodating the terminal 5 and multiple relay terminals 21. The housing 25 includes a terminal accommodating portion 41 and multiple relay accommodating portions 43.

The terminal accommodating section 41 has a plurality of deformable plates 15 of the terminals 5 arranged therein, and one side (here, the upper side) is open. A plurality of locking projections 42 that respectively engage with the bottoms of the plurality of slits 8 are protruding from the bottom wall of the housing 25 located on the terminal accommodating section 41 side. The locking projections 42 are the remaining parts of the partition wall 46 located at the bottom of the engagement groove 48 when the engagement groove 48 is formed in the partition wall 46. The locking projections 42 engage with the bottom of the slit 8, thereby restricting the movement of the terminals 5 toward the terminal accommodating section 41 side within the housing 25. In such a terminal accommodating section 41, a deformation space is provided that allows deformation of the deformable plate 15 when the locking projections 42 and the slit 8 are engaged.

Engagement grooves 44 are formed on both side walls of the terminal accommodating portion 41, and are formed to be the same thickness as the base plate 7 of the terminal 5. The engagement grooves 44 engage with the base plate 7 to restrict movement of the terminal 5 in the height direction of the housing 25 (thickness direction of the base plate 7) within the housing 25. In addition, the bottom of the engagement groove 44 on the terminal accommodating portion 41 side comes into contact with the end face of the base plate 7 on the terminal accommodating portion 41 side, restricting movement of the terminal 5 toward the terminal accommodating portion 41 side within the housing 25.

The multiple relay accommodating sections 43 are formed in a rectangular tube shape with openings on the terminal accommodating section 41 side and on the side opposite the terminal accommodating section 41 in the longitudinal direction so as to communicate with the terminal accommodating section 41. The multiple relay accommodating sections 43 are divided into adjacent relay accommodating sections 43 by partition walls 46. The relay terminals 21 are inserted into the multiple relay accommodating sections 43 from the opening on the side opposite the terminal accommodating section 41.

The partition walls 46 that divide the multiple relay accommodating sections 43 and the side walls of the housing 25 each have an engagement groove 48 formed to the same thickness as the base plate 7 of the terminal 5. The engagement grooves 48 on the side walls of the housing 25 are connected to the engagement grooves 44 of the terminal accommodating sections 41. By engaging with the base plate 7, the engagement grooves 48 restrict movement of the terminals 5 in the height direction of the housing 25 (thickness direction of the base plate 7) within the housing 25. The engagement grooves 48 are open on the side where the relay terminals 21 are inserted.

In such a housing 25, the multiple deformed plates 15 are placed in the openings of the multiple relay housings 43, and the base plate 7 is placed in the opening of the engagement groove 48. The terminal 5 is inserted toward the terminal housing 41 and accommodated in the housing 25. Here, a press-in protrusion 10 is protruding from both sides of the base plate 7 of the terminal 5. With the base plate 7 inserted into the engagement groove 48, the press-in protrusion 10 is pressed into the inner surface of the engagement groove 48 on both side walls of the housing 25. By pressing the press-in protrusion 10 into the engagement groove 48, the movement of the terminal 5 toward the multiple relay housings 43 within the housing 25 is restricted, and the terminal 5 is prevented from falling off the housing 25. In addition, by pressing the press-in protrusion 10 into the engagement groove 48, the movement of the terminal 5 in the width direction of the housing 25 within the housing 25 is restricted.

With the terminal 5 accommodated in the housing 25, the relay terminal 21 is inserted into the relay accommodation portion 43 through the opening. By inserting the relay terminal 21, the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17 of the deformation plate 15 and abuts against the deformation portion 23, deforming the deformation plate 15, and electrically connecting the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 via the relay terminal 21.

At this time, the relay terminal 21 is engaged with a locking lance 27 provided flexibly within the relay housing 43, preventing it from coming out of the relay housing 43 and maintaining its position relative to the housing 25. Therefore, even if the deformation plate 15 elastically deforms, the deformation state of the deformation plate 15 can be maintained, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 can be maintained. A detection member 29 is attached to such a housing 25.

When the relay terminal 21 is engaged with the locking lance 27, as described above, there are three electrical contact points with the electrical connection portion 19: the deformation portion 23 and the edge of the insertion holes 17, 17 on the apex 11 side. At these electrical contact points, a tensile force is applied to the wire 3, the locking lance 27 is bent, the electrical connection portion 19 moves in a direction that removes it from the insertion hole 17, and the angle of the apex 11 is set so that the contact at the contact points is maintained even if the deformation plate 15 is restored.

In detail, the angle formed by the first inclined plate 37 and the second inclined plate 39 of the top 11 is set to be larger than the minimum angle at which the electrical connection portion 19 contacts the edge of the insertion hole 17, 17 on the top 11 side when the relay terminal 21 is engaged with the locking lance 27. By setting the angle of the top 11 in this way, even if the electrical connection portion 19 moves in a direction to come out of the insertion hole 17 and the angle of the top 11 becomes narrow, the deformation portion 23 relative to the electrical connection portion 19 can maintain contact with the edge of the insertion hole 17, 17 on the top 11 side. Therefore, the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 can be maintained. Note that by setting the electrical contact points to three points as described above, electrical connection reliability and ease of insertion can be achieved at the same time, which is preferable, but the electrical contact points are not limited to the three points as described above, and may be two or less, or four or more.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection member 29 is made of an insulating material and is formed in a shape that can close an opening on one side of the housing 25. The detection member 29 is attached to the housing 25 via a plurality of locking portions 45 formed between the detection member 29 and the housing 25. A detection portion 47 is provided on the surface of the detection member 29 that faces the housing 25.

The detection parts 47 are arranged on the surface of the detection member 29 facing the housing 25 at positions corresponding to the tops 11 of the deformation plates 15 of the terminal 5. The detection parts 47 are protruding from the surface of the detection member 29 facing the housing 25 toward the housing 25 as a single member that is continuous with the detection member 29.

When the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is insufficient, i.e., when the contact between the electrical connection portion 19 and the deformation plate 15 is insufficient, this type of detection portion 47 abuts against the top portion 11 of the deformation plate 15. When this detection portion 47 abuts against the top portion 11, the multiple locking portions 45 cannot engage, and the detection member 29 cannot be assembled to the housing 25.

On the other hand, when the deformation plate 15 is completely deformed, i.e., when the electrical connection portion 19 and the deformation plate 15 are in sufficient contact with each other, the detection portion 47 does not come into contact with the top portion 11 of the deformation plate 15. This allows the engagement of the multiple locking portions 45, and allows the detection member 29 to be assembled to the housing 25.

In this way, the detection member 29 can detect the deformation state of the deformation plate 15 and the contact state between the electrical connection portion 19 and the deformation plate 15 depending on whether or not it can be assembled to the housing 25. By assembling such a detection member 29 to the housing 25, the reliability of the electrical connection between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 can be maintained. Note that, when the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25, the detection portion 47 may be abutted against the top portion 11 of the deformation plate 15 to maintain the deformation state of the deformation plate 15.

In assembling such an electric wire and terminal connection structure 1, first, the terminal 5 is accommodated in the housing 25. Next, the relay terminal 21 is inserted into the relay accommodation portion 43 of the housing 25, and the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17 of the deformation plate 15. Next, the insertion of the relay terminal 21 is continued, and the tip of the electrical connection portion 19 is brought into contact with the deformation portion 23, deforming the deformation plate 15, and electrically connecting the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 via the relay terminal 21. Then, the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25, and the electrical connection state between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 is confirmed depending on whether the detection member 29 can be assembled or not.

In this type of connection structure 1 between an electric wire and a terminal, a relay terminal 21 having an electrical connection portion 19 that is electrically connected to the terminal 5 is electrically connected to the electric wire 3. A deformation portion 23 is provided on the free end 13 side of the deformation plate 15, which abuts against the electrical connection portion 19 that passes through the multiple insertion holes 17 and deforms the deformation plate 15 so as to separate the free end 13 from the fixed end 9.

As a result, the insertion of the electrical connection portion 19 into the multiple insertion holes 17 and the deformation of the deformation plate 15 can be performed simultaneously, reducing the number of labor hours required. Therefore, this type of connection structure 1 for connecting an electric wire and a terminal can be easily assembled.

In addition, by electrically connecting the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 via the relay terminal 21, it is not necessary to insert the electric wire 3 through multiple insertion holes 17. Therefore, electric wires 3 of various sizes can be electrically connected to the terminal 5 without changing the shape of the insertion hole 17.

The housing 25 is also provided with a locking lance 27 that engages with the relay terminal 21 and maintains the position of the relay terminal 21 relative to the housing 25 when the deformable plate 15 is in a deformed state. This allows the deformation state of the deformable plate 15 caused by the relay terminal 21 to be stably maintained, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 to be maintained.

Furthermore, a detection member 29 is attached to the housing 25, which can be attached when the deformation plate 15 is deformed and the deformation plate 15 and the electrical connection portion 19 are electrically connected. Therefore, the electrical connection state between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 can be detected depending on whether the detection member 29 can be attached to the housing 25.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The connection structure 101 between an electric wire and a terminal according to this embodiment has a bent portion 105 between adjacent insertion holes 17, 17 of the deformable plate 15, which is bent so as to have an apex 103 that protrudes toward the electrical connection portion 19. The apex 103 of the bent portion 105 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15.

In addition, the edges that come into contact with the electrical connection parts 19 of the multiple insertion holes 17 are provided with curved parts 107.

Furthermore, a curved surface portion 107 formed by a curved surface is provided on the edge portion facing the apex 103 of the bent portion 105 across the electrical connection portion 19 of the multiple insertion holes 17. The curved surface portion 107 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15.

The same symbols are used for the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and explanations of the configurations and functions are omitted with reference to the first embodiment, but since the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, the effects obtained are the same.

As shown in Figures 6 to 12, the terminal 5 is made of a conductive material and includes a base plate 109, a deformation plate 15, a plurality of insertion holes 17, and a deformation portion 23. In this embodiment, the terminal 5 is a joint terminal that electrically connects a plurality of electric wires 3.

The base plate 109 is formed in a rectangular shape, with its short sides aligned along the length of the electric wires 3 and its long sides aligned along the arrangement direction of the multiple electric wires 3. Both sides of the base plate 109 in the length direction are engaged with the engagement grooves 44 of the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the housing 25. The engagement between the base plate 109 and the engagement grooves 44 restricts the movement of the terminals 5 in the height direction, front-rear direction, and left-right direction within the housing 25. The base plate 109 may be press-fitted into the engagement grooves 44. The base plate 109 is formed of a single member with multiple deformable plates 15 continuing through the fixed ends 9.

Each of the multiple deformable plates 15 has a first inclined plate 37, a second inclined plate 39, and a bent portion 105. The bent portion 105 is disposed between adjacent insertion holes 17, 17, and includes a third inclined plate 111, a fourth inclined plate 113, and a top portion 103.

The third inclined plate 111 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the first inclined plate 37 via the top 115. The third inclined plate 111 is inclined symmetrically with the first inclined plate 37 so that it slopes downward from the top 115 toward the free end 13 by bending the third inclined plate 111 toward the electrical connection portion 19 at the top 115.

The fourth inclined plate 113 is formed of a single member that is continuous with the second inclined plate 39 via the top 117. The fourth inclined plate 113 is inclined symmetrically with the second inclined plate 39 so that it slopes downward from the top 117 toward the fixed end 9 by bending the fourth inclined plate 113 toward the electrical connection portion 19 at the top 117.

The top 103 connects the third inclined plate 111 and the fourth inclined plate 113 on the side opposite the top 115 of the third inclined plate 111 and the top 117 of the fourth inclined plate 113. The top 103 protrudes toward the electrical connection portion 19 by bending the third inclined plate 111 and the fourth inclined plate 113 toward the electrical connection portion 19. The surface of the top 103 on the electrical connection portion 19 side is formed in a curved shape. The top 103 is disposed between adjacent insertion holes 17, 17.

The terminal 5 having the deformation plate 15 with such a bent portion 105 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the housing 25 by engaging the base plate 109 with the engagement groove 44. When the relay terminal 21 is inserted into the housing 25, the terminal 5 accommodated in the housing 25 has the electrical connection portion 19 of the relay terminal 21 inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17. The tip of the electrical connection portion 19 that has passed through the multiple insertion holes 17 abuts against the deformation portion 23. When the electrical connection portion 19 and the deformation portion 23 are in abutment with each other, continuing to insert the electrical connection portion 19 into the multiple insertion holes 17 presses the deformation portion 23 in a direction away from the fixed end 9.

When the electrical connection portion 19 presses the deformation portion 23, the deformation plate 15 deforms so that the free end 13 moves away from the fixed end 9. The deformation of the deformation plate 15 causes the top 103 of the bent portion 105 to come into contact with the electrical connection portion 19. In addition, the deformation of the deformation plate 15 causes the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 that face the top 103 of the bent portion 105 across the electrical connection portion 19 to come into contact with the electrical connection portion 19. The contact between the top 103 of the bent portion 105 and the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 and the electrical connection portion 19 electrically connects the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 via the relay terminal 21.

In such a terminal 5, when the deformed plate 15 is deformed, the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 have four electrical contact points. In detail, the electrical connection portion 19 is contacted at four points: the deformed portion 23, the edge portion facing the top 103 of the bent portion 105 of the multiple (here, two) insertion holes 17, 17, and the top 103 of the bent portion 105. By providing the bent portion 105 that contacts the electrical connection portion 19 on the deformed plate 15 in this way, the electrical contact points between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 can be increased, and the electrical connection reliability between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 can be improved. In addition, by making the top 103 of the bent portion 105 the contact point, the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 come into contact with each other, and an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material can be prevented. In addition, by forming the top 103 of the bent portion 105 into a curved shape, scratches and generation of wear powder due to contact with the electrical connection portion 19 can be suppressed. In addition, the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 that face the apex 103 of the bent portion 105 are in contact with the electrical connection portions 19, sandwiching the electrical connection portions 19. Therefore, when the deformable plate 15 is deformed, the electrical connection portions 19 can be sandwiched between the edges of the multiple insertion holes 17 and the apex 103 of the bent portion 105, maintaining the reliability of the electrical connection.

Here, the edge that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 of the insertion hole 17 may have exposed base material, which may cause an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material. In addition, if the edge that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 of the insertion hole 17 is sharp, it may cause scratches or the generation of wear powder when the edge of the insertion hole 17 comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19. Therefore, the edge that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 of the insertion hole 17 is provided with a curved surface portion 107.

The curved surface portion 107 is provided at the edge of the insertion hole 17 at a portion that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 when the deformable plate 15 is deformed (here, the portion facing the apex 103 of the bent portion 105 across the electrical connection portion 19). The curved surface portion 107 is formed into a curved shape by forming the portion that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 of the insertion hole 17 into a flange shape and bending the flange-shaped portion. By making the portion that comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 of the insertion hole 17 into the curved surface portion 107 in this way, the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 come into contact with each other, and it is possible to prevent an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material. In addition, when the edge of the insertion hole 17 comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19, it is possible to suppress scratches and the generation of wear powder.

The bending direction of the curved surface portion 107 is set so that the flange-shaped end is positioned to avoid interference with the electrical connection portion 19 when the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17. In detail, the curved surface portion 107 is bent toward the bent portion 105 side, and the end is bent so as to be away from the electrical connection portion 19. By performing the bending process in this manner, when the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17, the end of the curved surface portion 107 does not interfere with the electrical connection portion 19, and the electrical connection portion 19 can be stably inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17.

After the relay terminal 21 is inserted into the housing 25 that houses such a terminal 5, the detection member 29 is attached. The detection member 29 is provided so that the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the housing 25 can be opened and closed via a hinge 119.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, if the relay terminal 21 is not fully inserted into the housing 25, the locking lance 27 does not engage with the relay terminal 21. When the locking lance 27 is not engaged with the relay terminal 21, the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is insufficient, and the height of the tops 115, 117 of the deformation plate 15 in the terminal accommodating portion 41 is high. When the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25 with the tops 115, 117 of the deformation plate 15 being high, the detection portion 47 abuts against the tops 115, 117 (only the top 117 in this case). When the detection portion 47 abuts against the top 117, the multiple locking portions 45 cannot be engaged, and the detection member 29 cannot be assembled to the housing 25. Therefore, it can be detected that the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is insufficient and the electrical connection between the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 is insufficient.

As shown in Figures 7 to 9, when the relay terminal 21 is sufficiently inserted into the housing 25, the locking lance 27 engages with the relay terminal 21. When the locking lance 27 is engaged with the relay terminal 21, the deformation plate 15 is sufficiently deformed, and the height of the tops 115, 117 of the deformation plate 15 in the terminal accommodating portion 41 is low. When the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25 with the tops 115, 117 of the deformation plate 15 in the low state, the detection portion 47 does not abut the tops 115, 117. When the detection portion 47 does not abut the tops 115, 117, the multiple locking portions 45 can engage, and the detection member 29 can be assembled to the housing 25. Therefore, it can be detected that the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is sufficient, and the electrical connection between the wire 3 and the terminal 5 is sufficient. In addition, when the detection member 29 is attached to the housing 25, the detection portion 47 may be brought into contact with the tops 115, 117 of the deformation plate 15 to maintain the deformation state of the deformation plate 15.

In this type of connection structure 101 between an electric wire and a terminal, a bent portion 105 is provided between adjacent insertion holes 17, 17 of the deformable plate 15, which is bent so as to have an apex 103 that protrudes toward the electrical connection portion 19. The apex 103 of the bent portion 105 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15.

This makes it possible to increase the number of electrical contact points between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21, improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21. In addition, by making the contact point the top 103 of the bent portion 105, the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 comes into contact with each other, preventing an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material.

In addition, the edges that come into contact with the electrical connection parts 19 of the multiple insertion holes 17 are provided with curved surfaces 107. This allows the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminals 5 and relay terminals 21 to come into contact with each other, preventing an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material. In addition, when the edges of the insertion holes 17 come into contact with the electrical connection parts 19, scratches and the generation of wear powder can be suppressed.

Furthermore, a curved surface portion 107 formed by a curved surface is provided on the edge portion facing the apex 103 of the bent portion 105 across the electrical connection portion 19 of the multiple insertion holes 17. The curved surface portion 107 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15. Therefore, when the deformable plate 15 is deformed, the electrical connection portion 19 can be sandwiched between the curved surface portion 107 of the multiple insertion holes 17 and the apex 103 of the bent portion 105, and the reliability of the electrical connection can be maintained.

Third Embodiment
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electric wire and terminal connection structure 201 according to this embodiment is provided with a holding portion 203 on the detection member 29 that abuts against the deformed deformation plate 15 and holds the deformed state of the deformation plate 15.

The same symbols are used for configurations that are the same as those in other embodiments, and explanations of the configurations and functions are omitted with reference to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as in other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the detection member 29 is provided with a holding portion 203 that protrudes from the detection portion 47 toward the terminal accommodating portion 41. The holding portion 203 is provided with an abutment surface 205 that is inclined so as to have the same inclination as the first inclined plate 37 when the deformation plate 15 is deformed. When the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25, the abutment surface 205 of the holding portion 203 abuts against the first inclined plate 37 of the deformed deformation plate 15 from the fixed end 9 side. This abutment between the holding portion 203 and the first inclined plate 37 prevents the deformed deformation plate 15 from restoring toward the fixed end 9 side, and the deformed state of the deformed plate 15 can be maintained. Therefore, the deformed state of the deformed plate 15 can be stably maintained, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is insufficient, the tip of the holding portion 203 comes into contact with the top 115 of the deformation plate 15 when the detection member 29 is assembled to the housing 25. When the holding portion 203 comes into contact with the top 115, the multiple locking portions 45 (see FIG. 12) cannot be engaged, and the detection member 29 cannot be assembled to the housing 25. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the deformation of the deformation plate 15 is insufficient and that the electrical connection between the wire 3 and the terminal 5 is insufficient. The detection member 29 is not connected to the housing 25 via a hinge 119 (see FIG. 9), but the detection member 29 may be connected to the housing 25 via a hinge 119.

In this type of connection structure 201 between an electric wire and a terminal, the detection member 29 is provided with a holding portion 203 that abuts against the deformed deformation plate 15 and holds the deformed state of the deformation plate 15. This allows the deformed state of the deformation plate 15 to be stably held, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 can be maintained.

Fourth Embodiment
The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the connection structure 301 between the electric wire and the terminal in this embodiment, the free end 13 side of the deformation plate 15 comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 in a state in which the electrical connection portion 19 has passed over it.

The housing 25 is provided with a recess 303 formed to be spaced apart from the electrical connection portion 19. Furthermore, a first bent portion 307 is provided on the free end 13 side of the deformation plate 15, which is bent to have a peak 305 protruding toward the electrical connection portion 19. Furthermore, a second bent portion 311 is provided on the free end 13 side of the deformation plate 15, which is disposed on the fixed end 9 side from the first bent portion 307, is continuous with the first bent portion 307, and is bent to have a peak 309 protruding toward the opposite side from the peak 305 of the first bent portion 307. The peak 305 of the first bent portion 307 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformation plate 15. The peak 309 of the second bent portion 311 is accommodated in the recess 303 due to the deformation of the deformation plate 15.

Note that the same symbols are used for configurations that are the same as those in other embodiments, and explanations of the configurations and functions are omitted with reference to the other embodiments, but since the configuration is the same as in other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the housing 25 has a recess 303 formed so as to be spaced apart from the electrical connection portion 19. The recess 303 has an inclined surface 313 that slopes downward from the fixed end 9 side to the free end 13 side of the deformable plate 15. The terminal 5 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 41 having the recess 303.

The terminal 5 has a first bent portion 307 and a second bent portion 311 on the free end 13 side. The first bent portion 307 is formed by bending the tip side of the deformation portion 23 so as to have a peak 305 that protrudes toward the electrical connection portion 19. The surface of the peak 305 of the first bent portion 307 on the electrical connection portion 19 side is formed in a curved shape. The second bent portion 311 is provided between the deformation portion 23, which is closer to the fixed end 9 side than the first bent portion 307, and the second inclined plate 39, and is continuous with the first bent portion 307. The second bent portion 311 is formed by bending between the deformation portion 23 and the second inclined plate 39 so as to have a peak 309 that protrudes toward the recess 303 side, which is the opposite side to the peak 305 of the first bent portion 307.

When the electrical connection portion 19 is inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17 of the terminal 5 having such a first bent portion 307 and a second bent portion 311, the deformation portion 23 and the electrical connection portion 19 come into contact with each other. The abutment of the deformation portion 23 and the electrical connection portion 19 causes the deformation plate 15 to deform so that the free end 13 moves away from the fixed end 9. When the electrical connection portion 19 continues to be inserted into the multiple insertion holes 17, the electrical connection portion 19 climbs over the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307. When the electrical connection portion 19 climbs over the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307, the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307 comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19. By bringing the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307 into contact with the electrical connection portion 19, the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 comes into contact with each other, and an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material can be prevented. In addition, by forming the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307 into a curved shape, it is possible to suppress scratches and the generation of wear powder due to contact with the electrical connection portion 19.

On the other hand, when the electrical connection portion 19 passes over the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307, the deformation of the deformable plate 15 causes the apex 309 of the second bent portion 311 to slide against the inclined surface 313 and be accommodated in the recess 303. When the apex 309 of the second bent portion 311 is accommodated in the recess 303, the electrical connection portion 19 comes into contact with three points: the apex 103 of the bent portion 105, the curved surface portion 107 of the insertion hole 17 of the first inclined plate 37, and the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307. This contact electrically connects the electric wire 3 and the terminal 5 via the relay terminal 21. The deformed state of the deformable plate 15 is maintained by the engagement of the locking lance 27 with the relay terminal 21.

In this way, the electrical connection portion 19 overcomes the free end 13 side of the deformed plate 15, thereby reducing the deformation force of the deformed plate 15 due to the abutment between the deformed portion 23 and the electrical connection portion 19, and reducing the insertion force of the relay terminal 21. In addition, by deforming the deformed plate 15 so that the apex 309 of the second bent portion 311 is accommodated in the recess 303, the deformation force of the deformed plate 15 can be further reduced, and the insertion force of the relay terminal 21 can be further reduced. Note that the housing 25 may not be provided with the recess 303, and the electrical connection portion 19 may overcome the free end 13 side of the deformed plate 15. In this case, when the electrical connection portion 19 overcomes the free end 13 side, the electrical connection portion 19 comes into contact with four points: the apex 103 of the bent portion 105, the curved surface portion 107 of the multiple (here, two) insertion holes 17, and the apex 305 of the first bent portion 307. Although the detection member 29 is not connected to the housing 25 via a hinge 119 (see FIG. 9), the detection member 29 may be connected to the housing 25 via a hinge 119.

In this type of connection structure 301 between an electric wire and a terminal, the free end 13 side of the deforming plate 15 comes into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 with the electrical connection portion 19 climbing over it. This reduces the deformation force of the deforming plate 15 caused by the contact between the deforming portion 23 and the electrical connection portion 19, and reduces the insertion force of the relay terminal 21.

The top 305 of the first bent portion 307 is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion 19 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15. The top 309 of the second bent portion 311 is accommodated in the recess 303 due to the deformation of the deformable plate 15. This further reduces the deformation force of the deformable plate 15, and further reduces the insertion force of the relay terminal 21. In addition, by bringing the top 305 of the first bent portion 307 into contact with the electrical connection portion 19, the plating applied to the surfaces of the terminal 5 and the relay terminal 21 come into contact with each other, preventing an increase in resistance due to oxidation of the base material.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

For example, in the connection structure between the electric wire and the terminal according to this embodiment, the terminal is a joint terminal, but this is not limited to this. For example, the terminal may be a connection terminal in which a base plate is provided with an electric wire connection part to which the electric wire is electrically connected, or a relay terminal in which a base plate is provided with an electrical connection part to which a mating terminal is connected.

Although the number of insertion holes is two, this is not limited to this. For example, the deformable plate may be provided with multiple inclined plates with multiple apexes, and each of the multiple inclined plates may be provided with an insertion hole, or three or more insertion holes may be provided.

1, 101, 201, 301 Connection structure between electric wire and terminal 3 Electric wire 5 Terminal 7, 109 Base plate 9 Fixed end 11, 115, 117 Top 13 Free end 15 Deformable plate 17 Insertion hole 19 Electrical connection portion 21 Relay terminal 23 Deformable portion 25 Housing 27 Locking lance 29 Detection member 103 Top of bent portion 105 Bent portion 107 Curved surface portion 203 Holding portion 303 Recess 305 Top of first bent portion 307 First bent portion 309 Top of second bent portion 311 Second bent portion

Claims (9)

Electric wires and
a terminal electrically connected to the electric wire;
Equipped with
The terminal has a base plate, a deformable plate that is integral with the base plate via a fixed end, has at least one apex, and is deformable such that a free end of the deformable plate is deformable in a direction away from the fixed end, and a plurality of insertion holes that are provided through the deformable plate between the fixed end and the apex and between the apex and the free end of the deformable plate,
a relay terminal having an electrical connection portion that is inserted through the insertion holes from the fixed end side toward the free end side and that comes into contact with the deformation plate due to deformation of the deformation plate and is electrically connected to the terminal,
A connection structure between an electric wire and a terminal, in which a deformation portion is provided on the free end side of the deformable plate, which abuts against the electrical connection portion inserted through the multiple insertion holes and deforms the deformable plate so as to move the free end away from the fixed end. a housing in which the terminals are accommodated and into which the relay terminals are inserted,
2. The electric wire and terminal connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a locking lance that engages with the intermediate terminal and maintains the position of the intermediate terminal relative to the housing when the deformable plate is in a deformed state. The electric wire and terminal connection structure according to claim 2, wherein a detection member is attached to the housing so that the detection member can be attached when the deformation plate is deformed and the deformation plate and the electrical connection portion are electrically connected. a bent portion bent to have an apex protruding toward the electrical connection portion is provided between adjacent insertion holes of the deformable plate,
4. The connection structure for an electric wire and a terminal according to claim 1, wherein the top of the bent portion is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate. The electric wire and terminal connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the edges of the plurality of insertion holes that come into contact with the electrical connection parts are provided with curved surfaces. a curved surface portion formed by a curved surface is provided on an edge portion of the plurality of insertion holes that faces the apex of the bent portion across the electrical connection portion,
5. The connection structure for connecting an electric wire and a terminal according to claim 4, wherein the curved surface portion is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate. The connection structure of an electric wire and a terminal according to claim 3, wherein the detection member is provided with a holding portion that abuts against the deformed deformation plate and holds the deformed state of the deformation plate. The connection structure for an electric wire and a terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the free end side of the deformation plate is in contact with the electrical connection part in a state where the electrical connection part has passed over the free end side of the deformation plate. a housing in which the terminals are accommodated and into which the relay terminals are inserted,
The housing is provided with a recess formed to be spaced apart from the electrical connection portion,
a first bent portion bent to have an apex protruding toward the electrical connection portion, and a second bent portion bent to have an apex protruding toward an opposite side to the apex of the first bent portion, the second bent portion being disposed closer to the fixed end than the first bent portion and continuing from the first bent portion;
an apex of the first bent portion is brought into contact with the electrical connection portion by deformation of the deformable plate;
The connection structure for connecting an electric wire and a terminal according to claim 8 , wherein an apex of the second bent portion is accommodated in the recess by deformation of the deformable plate.

Images