JP7722225B2 - Electric circuit device, terminal, and method for manufacturing the electric circuit device - Google Patents

Description

The disclosure herein relates to an electrical circuit device, a terminal, and a method for manufacturing an electrical circuit device.

Patent Document 1 describes a terminal connection structure in which the board connection portion of a terminal fitting is inserted into a through hole. The board connection portion has a pair of branched portions that branch out to the left and right. The branched portions make electrical conductive contact with the plating layer on the inner periphery of the through hole.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-172833

The shape of Patent Document 1 posed the risk of the branching portion becoming separated from the plating layer.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electric circuit device, a terminal, and a method for manufacturing an electric circuit device in which the outer arm is prevented from separating from the conductive member.

An electric circuit device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a substrate (20) having a through-hole (22) penetrating in a thickness direction (Z) and having a conductive member (23) provided on an inner wall (22A);
a terminal (70) having a tip portion (40) located on one end side of the through hole, a shaft portion (50) on the other end side, and a deformable portion (30) located between the tip portion and the shaft portion and deformable in a cross direction (X) that crosses the thickness direction,
The deformable portion is
A first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) are arranged in a cross direction,
The first pair of arms includes a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) that contacts the conductive member and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) that is spaced apart from the first outer arm in the cross direction;
The second pair of arms includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) that contacts the conductive member and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that is spaced apart from the second outer arm in the cross direction;
the first inner arm and the second inner arm are in contact with or continuous with each other, so that the first inner arm and the second inner arm are bridged between the first outer arm and the second outer arm ,
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
The widths of the first outer arm and the second outer arm in the cross direction gradually increase with increasing distance from the outermost portion in the thickness direction .

This prevents the first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) and the second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) from moving away from the conductive member (23) in the cross direction (X).

A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
The device comprises a tip portion (40), a stem portion (50), and a deformable portion (30) located between the tip portion and the stem portion and deformable in a transverse direction (X) intersecting a thickness direction (Z) extending between the tip portion and the stem portion;
The deformable portion is
A first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) are arranged in a cross direction,
the first arm pair includes a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) positioned on the outer side in the intersecting direction, and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) having a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first outer arm in the intersecting direction;
the second pair of arms includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second outer arm in the intersecting direction and is provided at a position where it presses against the first inner arm;
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
The widths of the first outer arm and the second outer arm in the cross direction gradually increase with increasing distance from the outermost portion in the thickness direction .

As a result, the first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) and the second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) act as beams in the crossing direction between the first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) and the second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A).

A method for manufacturing an electric circuit device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a substrate (20) having a through-hole (22) penetrating in a thickness direction (Z) and having a conductive member (23) provided on an inner wall (22A);
a terminal (70) having a deformable portion (30) provided with a first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) arranged in a cross direction (X) crossing the thickness direction;
the first arm pair includes a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) positioned on the outer side in the intersecting direction, and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) having a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first outer arm in the intersecting direction;
the second pair of arms includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second outer arm in the intersecting direction and is provided at a position where it presses against the first inner arm;
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
A method for manufacturing an electric circuit device, wherein widths of the first outer arm and the second outer arm in the crossing direction gradually increase with increasing distance from an outermost position in the thickness direction,
an insertion step of inserting a tip of a terminal from a surface opening (24A) of the through hole along the thickness direction ;
an internal arrangement step of positioning the first arm pair and the second arm pair in the through hole so that they are aligned in the intersecting direction ;
a buckling step of buckling the first arm pair and the second arm pair to expand in the cross direction so that the deformable portion contacts the conductive member ,
The buckling process is
an outer arm process of moving the first outer arm and the second outer arm away from each other in the cross direction to bring the first outer arm and the second outer arm into contact with the conductive member;
The method includes an inner arm step of pressing the first inner arm and the second inner arm against each other by bringing the first inner arm and the second inner arm closer to each other in the cross direction.

This prevents the first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) and the second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) from moving away from the conductive member (23) in the cross direction (X).

Note that the reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the corresponding relationship to the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electric circuit device. FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal arrangement step. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an external arrangement step. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a buckling process. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a terminal according to a second embodiment. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating thicknesses of components in a deformable section according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric circuit device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric circuit device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric circuit device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric circuit device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a shoulder portion of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a shoulder portion of a terminal according to a sixth embodiment.

Below, several embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the remaining parts of the configuration.

In addition to combinations of parts that are explicitly stated as being possible in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments, embodiments and variations, and variations even if not explicitly stated, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

(First embodiment)
An electric circuit device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The electric circuit device 10 is applied to, for example, a vehicle control device. The electric circuit device 10 includes a substrate 20 and a terminal 70. When describing the components included in the electric circuit device 10, the thickness direction of the substrate 20 may be referred to as the Z direction. Two directions perpendicular to the thickness direction of the substrate 20 may be referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. The X direction is the direction of the maximum width of a through hole 22, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the maximum width corresponds to any diameter direction of the circular through hole 22. The X direction corresponds to the intersecting direction.

<Substrate>
The substrate 20 is an insulating base material 21 on which electronic components, patterns, etc. are mounted. The substrate 20 has a flat shape with a small thickness in the Z direction. The substrate 20 has a front surface 20A and a back surface 20B that are spaced apart in the Z direction by the thickness of the substrate 20. The front surface 20A and the back surface 20B each extend along an XY plane that is perpendicular to the Z direction.

A through-hole 22 is formed in the substrate 20, penetrating in the Z direction. The through-hole 22 has openings 24A and 24B formed on the front surface 20A and back surface 20B. The opening 24A formed on the front surface 20A may be referred to as the front surface opening 24A. The opening 24B formed on the back surface 20B may be referred to as the back surface opening 24B. The through-hole 22 has a substantially perfect circular shape in the XY plane. A conductive member 23 is provided on the inner wall 22A of the through-hole 22, the edge of the front surface opening 24A, and the edge of the back surface opening 24B. The conductive member 23 is also referred to as through-hole plating. The main component metal constituting the plating may include, for example, at least one of Sn, Cu, Ni, Pd, and Ag.

The conductive member 23 is integrally formed with the inner wall 22A, the edge of the front opening 24A, and the edge of the back opening 24B. For ease of explanation, the portion of the conductive member 23 provided on the inner wall 22A may be referred to as the conductive inner wall 23A. An elastic force is applied to the conductive inner wall 23A by the terminal 70.

<Terminal>
The terminal 70 is a conductive terminal that is inserted into the through hole 22. The terminal 70 serves to electrically connect electronic components provided on the substrate 20 to external devices. The terminal 70 includes a base material and a coating that covers the base material. The base material is formed from, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The base material is formed by punching a metal plate of copper or a copper alloy in the plate thickness direction.

The terminal 70 comprises a deformable section 30, a tip section 40, a shaft section 50, and a shoulder section 60. The deformable section 30 can also be considered a section with a beam running diagonally between a pair of branch sections branching into left and right sections, as shown in Patent Document 1. The tip section 40 is provided on the back surface opening 24B side of one end of the deformable section 30 in the Z direction. The shaft section 50 is provided on the front surface opening 24A side of the other end of the deformable section 30 in the Z direction. A shoulder section 60 is integrally formed on the shaft section 50. In the Z direction, the deformable section 30, tip section 40, and shaft section 50 are aligned in the order of tip section 40, deformable section 30, and shaft section 50 from the back surface 20B toward the front surface 20A. The shoulder section 60 is integrally connected to the shaft section 50 using a common material.

The tip portion 40 is exposed from the rear surface opening 24B of the through hole 22 and extends in the Z direction. In the X direction, the width of the tip portion 40 gradually narrows as it moves away from the deformable portion 30. The shank portion 50 is exposed from the front surface opening 24A of the through hole 22 and extends in the Z direction. A shoulder portion 60 is integrally formed on the shank portion 50. The shoulder portion 60 is a portion where a first jig 80 acts to apply a load to the deformable portion 30 toward the tip portion 40. The first jig 80 will be described later.

<Transformable section>
The deformable portion 30 includes at least a first arm pair 31A (32A, 33A) and a second arm pair 35A (36A, 37A). The deformable portion 30 includes at least a branch portion 34C. The deformable portion 30 includes another first arm pair 31B (32B, 33B) and another second arm pair 35B (36B, 37B). The deformable portion 30 includes another branch portion 34F. The other first arm pair 31B and the other second arm pair 35B are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the first arm pair 31A and the second arm pair 35A in the thickness direction. The other branch portion 34F is arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the branch portion 34C in the thickness direction. A first branch portion 34C is provided at the end of the shaft portion 50 on the deformable portion 30 side. Hereinafter, the first branch portion 34C may be referred to as the upper branch portion 34C.

The upper branch portion 34C branches into two arms moving away from the shaft portion 50 in the Z direction. One of the arms branching from the shaft portion 50 may be referred to as the first branch portion 34A. The other arm branching from the shaft portion 50 may be referred to as the second branch portion 34B. The upper branch portion 34C can also be said to comprise the first branch portion 34A and the second branch portion 34B. The upper branch portion 34C, the first branch portion 34A, and the second branch portion 34B can also be referred to as upper branch pieces.

The first branch 34A has an end on the shaft 50 side and an end opposite this end. The shaft 50 is provided at the end on the shaft 50 side. The first first arm pair 31A is provided at the end opposite the end on the shaft 50 side. The second branch 34B has an end on the shaft 50 side and an end opposite this end. The shaft 50 is provided at the end on the shaft 50 side. The first second arm pair 35A is provided at the end opposite the end on the shaft 50 side. Hereinafter, the first first arm pair 31A may be referred to as the first upper arm pair 31A. The first second arm pair 35A may be referred to as the second upper arm pair 35A.

<First upper arm pair>
The first upper arm pair 31A branches into two arms moving away from the first branch 34A in the Z direction. One of the arms branching from the first branch 34A may be referred to as the first upper outer arm 32A. The other arm branching from the first branch 34A may be referred to as the first upper inner arm 33A. The first upper arm pair 31A can also be said to include the first upper outer arm 32A and the first upper inner arm 33A. The distance in the X direction between the first upper outer arm 32A and the first upper inner arm 33A gradually increases as the arm moves away from the shaft 50.

<Second upper arm pair>
The second upper arm pair 35A branches into two arms moving away from the second branch 34B in the Z direction. One of the arms branching from the second branch 34B may be referred to as the second upper outer arm 36A. The other arm branching from the second branch 34B may be referred to as the second upper inner arm 37A. The second upper arm pair 35A can also be said to include the second upper outer arm 36A and the second upper inner arm 37A. The distance in the X direction between the second upper outer arm 36A and the second upper inner arm 37A gradually increases as the arm moves away from the shaft 50.

<First upper arm pair and second upper arm pair>
The first upper arm pair 31A and the second upper arm pair 35A are aligned in the X direction. More specifically, the arms of the first upper arm pair 31A and the second upper arm pair 35A are aligned in the X direction in the following order: first upper outer arm 32A, first upper inner arm 33A, second upper inner arm 37A, and second upper outer arm 36A. The distance in the X direction between the first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A gradually decreases with increasing distance from the shaft 50. The first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A have an end facing the shaft 50 and an end opposite this end. The end of the first upper inner arm 33A facing away from the shaft 50 and the end of the second upper inner arm 37A facing away from the shaft 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A are continuous in the X direction using a common material. As a result, the first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A are bridged between the first branch portion 34A and the second branch portion 34B. The first upper inner arm 33A has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first upper outer arm 32A. The second upper inner arm 37A has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second upper outer arm 36A.

<First lower arm pair>
The first lower arm pair 31B is provided at the tip of the first upper arm pair 31A so as to be symmetrical to the first upper arm pair 31A in the Z direction. The first lower arm pair 31B is symmetrical to the first upper arm pair 31A in the Z direction with respect to a dashed line connecting a first boundary 38A and a third boundary 38C (described below). Note that the first lower arm pair 31B refers to the second first arm pair 31B. The first upper outer arm 32A and the first lower outer arm 32B are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first upper inner arm 33A and the first lower inner arm 33B are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first upper outer arm 32A and the first lower outer arm 32B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material. The first upper inner arm 33A and the first lower inner arm 33B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material.

Note that the first lower outer arm 32B refers to the outer arm of the first lower arm pair 31B. The first lower inner arm 33B refers to the inner arm of the first lower arm pair 31B. It can also be said that the first lower arm pair 31B comprises the first lower outer arm 32B and the first lower inner arm 33B. The distance in the X direction between the first lower outer arm 32B and the first lower inner arm 33B gradually decreases as it moves away from the shaft portion 50.

<Second lower arm pair>
The second lower arm pair 35B is provided at the tip of the second upper arm pair 35A so as to be symmetrical to the second upper arm pair 35A in the Z direction. The second lower arm pair 35B is symmetrical to the second upper arm pair 35A in the Z direction with respect to a dashed line connecting a second boundary 38B and a fourth boundary 38D (described below). Note that the second lower arm pair 35B refers to the second second arm pair 35B. The second upper outer arm 36A and the second lower outer arm 36B are integrally connected by a continuous material. The second upper inner arm 37A and the second lower inner arm 37B are integrally connected by a continuous material. The second upper outer arm 36A and the second lower outer arm 36B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material. The second upper inner arm 37A and the second lower inner arm 37B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material.

Note that the second lower outer arm 36B refers to the outer arm of the second lower arm pair 35B. The second lower inner arm 37B refers to the inner arm of the second lower arm pair 35B. It can also be said that the second lower arm pair 35B comprises the second lower outer arm 36B and the second lower inner arm 37B. The distance in the X direction between the second lower outer arm 36B and the second lower inner arm 37B gradually decreases as they move away from the shaft portion 50.

<First pair of lower arms and second pair of lower arms>
The first pair of lower arms 31B and the second pair of lower arms 35B are aligned in the X direction. More specifically, the arms of the first pair of lower arms 31B and the second pair of lower arms 35B are aligned in the X direction in the following order: first lower outer arm 32B, first lower inner arm 33B, second lower inner arm 37B, and second lower outer arm 36B. The distance in the X direction between the first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B gradually increases with increasing distance from the shaft portion 50.

The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B have an end on the shaft 50 side and an end opposite this end. The end of the first lower inner arm 33B on the shaft 50 side and the end of the second lower inner arm 37B on the shaft 50 side are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B are continuous in the X direction by a common material. The end of the first lower inner arm 33B opposite the shaft 50, the end of the first lower outer arm 32B opposite the shaft 50, and the end of the first lower inner arm 33B opposite the shaft 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The end of the second lower inner arm 37B opposite the shaft 50 and the end of the second lower outer arm 36B opposite the shaft 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B are bridged between the third branch 34D and the fourth branch 34E. The first lower inner arm 33B has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first lower outer arm 32B. The second lower inner arm 37B has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second lower outer arm 36B.

The third branch 34D is one of the arms of the lower branch 34F, which is the second branch 34F. The fourth branch 34E is another arm of the lower branch 34F. The lower branch 34F can also be said to have the third branch 34D and the fourth branch 34E that branch into two. The lower branch 34F, the third branch 34D, and the fourth branch 34E can also be called the lower branch piece.

<Lower branch>
A lower branch portion 34F is provided at the end of the first lower arm pair 31B and the second lower arm pair 35B opposite the shaft portion 50 so as to be symmetrical to the upper branch portion 34C in the Z direction. A third branch portion 34D is provided at the end of the first lower arm pair 31B opposite the shaft portion 50. A fourth branch portion 34E is provided at the end of the second lower arm pair 35B opposite the shaft portion 50. The distance in the X direction between the third branch portion 34D and the fourth branch portion 34E gradually decreases as the distance from the shaft portion 50 increases.

The end of the third branch 34D opposite the shank 50 and the end of the fourth branch 34E opposite the shank 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The tip 40 is provided at the location where the end of the third branch 34D opposite the shank 50 and the end of the fourth branch 34E opposite the shank 50 are integrated by a continuous material. The tip 40 extends in the Z direction away from the end of the lower branch 34F opposite the shank 50.

<Pantograph structure>
The deformable section 30 has a first branch 34A, a first upper inner arm 33A, a second upper inner arm 37A, and a second branch 34B. These constitute a first pantograph structure A. The deformable section 30 has a first upper outer arm 32A, a first lower outer arm 32B, a first lower inner arm 33B, and a first upper inner arm 33A. These constitute a second pantograph structure B. The deformable section 30 has a first lower inner arm 33B, a third branch 34D, a fourth branch 34E, and a second lower inner arm 37B. These constitute a third pantograph structure C. The deformable section 30 has a second upper inner arm 37A, a second lower inner arm 37B, a second lower outer arm 36B, and a second upper outer arm 36A. These constitute a fourth pantograph structure D. The deformable section 30 has a first branch 34A, a first upper outer arm 32A, a first lower outer arm 32B, a third branch 34D, a fourth branch 34E, a second lower outer arm 36B, a second upper outer arm 36A, and a second branch 34B. These constitute a fifth pantograph structure E. In the drawings, the first pantograph structure A is indicated as As, the second pantograph structure B is indicated as Bs, the third pantograph structure C is indicated as Cs, the fourth pantograph structure D is indicated as Ds, and the fifth pantograph structure E is indicated as Es.

The first lower inner arm 33B and the second upper inner arm 37A extend continuously diagonally with respect to the intersecting direction to form the first support portions 33B, 37A. The first upper inner arm 33A and the second lower inner arm 37B extend continuously diagonally with respect to the intersecting direction to form the second support portions 33A, 37B. The first support portions 33B, 37A span between the third branch portion 34D and the second branch portion 34B. The second support portions 33A, 37B span between the first branch portion 34A and the fourth branch portion 34E. The first support portions 33B, 37A and the second support portions 33A, 37B intersect inside the fifth pantograph structure E.

The first support portions 33B, 37A and the second support portions 33A, 37B function as beams of the fifth pantograph structure E. Specifically, the first support portions 33B, 37A function as beams that resist the force acting on the second branch portion 34B and the third branch portion 34D to move the second branch portion 34B and the third branch portion 34D closer to each other along the transverse direction X. The second support portions 33A, 37B function as beams that resist the force acting on the first branch portion 34A and the fourth branch portion 34E to move the first branch portion 34A and the fourth branch portion 34E closer to each other along the transverse direction X.

Furthermore, the elements constituting the first pantograph structure A surround the first gap I. The elements constituting the second pantograph structure B surround the second gap II. The elements constituting the third pantograph structure C surround the third gap III. The elements constituting the fourth pantograph structure D surround the fourth gap IV. In the Z direction, a portion of the second gap II overlaps with the first gap I, thereby providing an overlapping area. In the Z direction, the remainder of the second gap II does not overlap with the first gap I, thereby providing a non-overlapping area. In the Z direction, a portion of the second gap II overlaps with the fourth gap IV, thereby providing an overlapping area. In the Z direction, the remainder of the second gap II does not overlap with the fourth gap IV, thereby providing a non-overlapping area. The first gap I and the second gap II provide an overlapping area on the inside in the X direction and a non-overlapping area on the outside. The second gap II includes overlapping and non-overlapping areas with the first gap I and the fourth gap IV.

In the Z direction, a portion of the third void III overlaps with the first void I, thereby providing an overlapping area. In the Z direction, the remainder of the third void III does not overlap with the first void I, thereby providing a non-overlapping area. In the Z direction, a portion of the third void III overlaps with the fourth void IV, thereby providing an overlapping area. In the Z direction, the remainder of the third void III does not overlap with the fourth void IV, thereby providing a non-overlapping area. The third void III includes overlapping and non-overlapping areas with the first void I and the fourth void IV.

The first border 38A, which is the boundary between the first upper outer arm 32A and the first lower outer arm 32B, and the second border 38B, which is the boundary between the second upper outer arm 36A and the second lower outer arm 36B, are each located at the outermost positions in the X direction. The X-direction width of the first upper outer arm 32A gradually narrows toward the first border 38A. The X-direction width of the first lower outer arm 32B gradually narrows toward the first border 1. The X-direction width of the second upper outer arm 36A gradually narrows toward the second border 2. The X-direction width of the second lower outer arm 36B gradually narrows toward the second border 2. The X-direction widths of the first border 38A and the second border 38B are narrowest in the deformable section 30.

In other words, the X-direction width of the first outer arms 32A, 32B gradually increases with increasing distance from the first boundary 38A. The X-direction width of the second outer arms 36A, 36B gradually increases with increasing distance from the second boundary 38B. The X-direction width of the end of the first outer arms 32A, 32B opposite the first boundary 38A and the X-direction width of the end of the second outer arms 36A, 36B opposite the second boundary 38B are widest in the deformable section 30. The first upper outer arm 32A and the first lower outer arm 32B may be collectively referred to as the first outer arms 32A, 32B. The second upper outer arm 36A and the second lower outer arm 36B may be collectively referred to as the second outer arms 36A, 36B.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the distance L1 from the third border 38C, which is the boundary between the first upper inner arm 33A and the first lower inner arm 33B, to the outer contour of the first border 38A is shorter than the distance L2 from the third border 38C to the outer contour of the dividing line of the first upper arm pair 31A. The distance L1 from the third border 38C to the outer contour of the first border 38A is shorter than the distance L3 from the third border 38C to the outer contour of the dividing line of the first lower arm pair 31B. Note that black dots are marked on the third border 38C, the outer contour of the first border 38A, the outer contour of the dividing line of the first upper arm pair 31A, and the outer contour of the dividing line of the first lower arm pair 31B. The distances between the black dots correspond to distances L1, L2, and L3.

The distance L4 from the fourth border 38D, which is the boundary between the second upper inner arm 37A and the second lower inner arm 37B, to the outer contour of the second border 38B is shorter than the distance L5 from the fourth border 38D to the outer contour of the dividing line of the second upper arm pair 35A. The distance L4 from the fourth border 38D to the outer contour of the second border 38B is shorter than the distance L6 from the fourth border 38D to the outer contour of the dividing line of the second lower arm pair 35B. Black dots are marked on the fourth border 38D, the outer contour of the second border 38B, the outer contour of the dividing line of the second upper arm pair 35A, and the outer contour of the dividing line of the second lower arm pair 35B. The distances between the black dots correspond to the distances L4, L5, and L6. The third border 38C and the fourth border 38D may also be coincident.

The length between the outer contour of the first boundary portion 38A and the outer contour of the second boundary portion 38B corresponds to the width of the deformable portion 30 in the X direction. The first boundary portion 38A and the second boundary portion 38B each correspond to the outermost portions of the fifth pantograph structure E located furthest outward in the X direction.

<Terminals and through-holes>
In the electric circuit device 10, a terminal 70 is positioned in a through hole 22. A tip portion 40 is exposed from a rear surface opening 24B of the through hole 22. A deformable portion 30 is provided inside the through hole 22. A shaft portion 50 is exposed from a front surface opening 24A of the through hole 22. The X-direction width L7 of the deformable portion 30 of the electric circuit device 10 is plastically deformed to be larger than the X-direction width L8 of the deformable portion 30 before being inserted into the through hole 22 shown in FIG. 3 . The Z-direction thickness of the deformable portion 30 of the electric circuit device 10 is plastically deformed to be smaller than the Z-direction thickness of the deformable portion 30 before being inserted into the through hole 22.

The fifth pantograph structure E of the electric circuit device 10 has been plastically deformed so that its width in the X direction is larger than the width in the X direction of the fifth pantograph structure E before it was inserted into the through-hole 22. The fifth pantograph structure E of the electric circuit device 10 has been plastically deformed so that its thickness in the Z direction is smaller than the thickness in the Z direction of the fifth pantograph structure E before it was inserted into the through-hole 22.

The X-direction widths of the first pantograph structure A and the third pantograph structure C of the electric circuit device 10 have been plastically deformed to be larger than the X-direction widths of the first pantograph structure A and the third pantograph structure C before they were inserted into the through-holes 22. The Z-direction thicknesses of the first pantograph structure A and the third pantograph structure C of the electric circuit device 10 have been plastically deformed to be smaller than the Z-direction thicknesses of the first pantograph structure A and the third pantograph structure C before they were inserted into the through-holes 22.

The X-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the fourth pantograph structure D of the electric circuit device 10 have been plastically deformed to be greater than the X-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the fourth pantograph structure D, respectively, before they were inserted into the through-holes 22. The Z-direction thicknesses of the second pantograph structure B and the fourth pantograph structure D of the electric circuit device 10 have been plastically deformed to be smaller than the Z-direction thicknesses of the second pantograph structure B and the fourth pantograph structure D, respectively, before they were inserted into the through-holes 22.

The outer periphery of the first upper outer arm 32A and the outer periphery of the first lower outer arm 32B are in continuous contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the side of the first outer arms 32A and 32B over a predetermined length in the Z direction. The first outer arms 32A and 32B are in continuous contact with a predetermined range of the conductive inner wall 23A that faces the first upper outer arm 32A and first lower outer arm 32B in the X direction. The elasticity of the deformable section 30 allows the first outer arms 32A and 32B to be pressed stably against the conductive inner wall 23A for an extended period of time.

The outer periphery of the second upper outer arm 36A and the outer periphery of the second lower outer arm 36B are in continuous contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the second outer arm 36A, 36B side over a predetermined length in the Z direction. The second outer arms 36A, 36B are in continuous contact with a predetermined range of the conductive inner wall 23A that faces the second upper outer arm 36A and second lower outer arm 36B in the X direction. The elasticity of the deformable section 30 allows the second outer arms 36A, 36B to be stably pressed against the conductive inner wall 23A for an extended period of time.

The first upper inner arm 33A, the second lower inner arm 37B, the second lower inner arm 33B, and the second upper inner arm 37A form an X-shaped continuum. This X-shaped continuum spans between the first outer arms 32A, 32B and the second outer arms 36A, 36B. The X-shaped continuum functions as a beam that resists the pressure force in the X direction acting on the first outer arm 32A and the second outer arm 32B. This maintains contact between the deformable portion 30 and the conductive inner wall 23A.

<Method of manufacturing an electric circuit device>
The electric circuit device 10 is manufactured through a number of steps including a preparation step, an insertion step, an internal placement step, an external placement step, and a buckling step.

<Preparation process>
In the preparation step, the substrate 20, the terminal 70, the first jig 80, and the second jig 90 are prepared. The first jig 80 and the second jig 90 are jigs for applying a load between the shoulder portion 60 and the tip portion 40 in a direction that crushes the deformable portion 30. For example, the first jig 80 is a jig that applies a load to the shoulder portion 60 in a direction from the shaft portion 50 toward the tip portion 40. For example, the second jig 90 is a jig against which the tip portion 40 is abutted. Note that either the first jig 80 or the second jig 90 may be movable.

The second jig 90 is formed with a groove 91 into which the tip 40 fits. The second jig 90 is positioned so that the groove 91 is provided on the side of the board 20. The board 20 is positioned above the second jig 90 so that the through-hole 22 overlaps the groove 91 in the Z direction. The terminal 70 is positioned above the board 20 so that the terminal 70 overlaps the through-hole 22 in the Z direction. The first jig 80 is positioned on the side of the shoulder 60 opposite the deformable portion 30. The first jig 80 applies a load to the shoulder 60 and also holds the terminal 70.

<Insertion process, internal placement process, external placement process>
In the insertion process, the tip portion 40 is inserted into the through-hole 22 from the front opening 24A toward the rear opening 24B, as shown in FIG. 4 . Next, in the internal placement process, the tip portion 40 is further passed through the interior of the through-hole 22 toward the rear opening 24B, as shown in FIG. 5 . In the internal placement process, once the lower branch portion 34F, the lower arm pair 31B, 35B, and the upper arm pair 31A, 35A pass through the front opening 24A, the tip portion 40 protrudes from the rear opening 24B, and the second pantograph structure B and the third pantograph structure C are aligned in the X direction inside the through-hole 22. Note that the upper arm pair 31A, 35A collectively refers to the first upper arm pair 31A and the second upper arm pair 35A. The lower arm pair 31B, 35B collectively refers to the first lower arm pair 31B and the second lower arm pair 35B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in the external placement process, the upper branch portion 34C is further passed through the front surface opening 24A. In the external placement process, the tip portion 40 protruding from the rear surface opening 24B is abutted against the groove portion 91 of the second jig 90. This prevents wear between the terminal 70 and the conductive inner wall 23A during the process of inserting the terminal 70 into the through hole 22. It also prevents metal pieces from peeling off from the terminal 70 or the conductive inner wall 23A. The internal placement process and external placement process may be performed simultaneously or in reverse order.

<Buckling process>
After the external placement step, as shown in Fig. 7 , in the buckling step, the tip portion 40 is further abutted against the groove portion 91 to apply a load to the deformable portion 30 so that the deformable portion 30 buckles to the extent that it comes into contact with the conductive inner wall 23A. When the deformable portion 30 buckles, the thickness in the Z direction of the fifth pantograph structure E after buckling becomes smaller than the thickness in the Z direction of the fifth pantograph structure E before buckling. The width in the X direction of the fifth pantograph structure E after buckling becomes larger than the width in the X direction of the fifth pantograph structure E before buckling.

The Z-direction thicknesses of the first pantograph structure A and the fourth pantograph structure D after buckling are smaller than the Z-direction thicknesses of the first pantograph structure A and the fourth pantograph structure D before buckling. The X-direction widths of the first pantograph structure A and the fourth pantograph structure D after buckling are larger than the X-direction widths of the first pantograph structure A and the fourth pantograph structure D before buckling. The Z-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the third pantograph structure C after buckling are smaller than the Z-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the third pantograph structure C before buckling. The X-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the third pantograph structure C after buckling are larger than the X-direction widths of the second pantograph structure B and the third pantograph structure C before buckling.

As a result of the deformable section 30 buckling as described above, the first outer arms 32A, 32B come into contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the first outer arm 32A, 32B side. The second outer arms 36A, 36B come into contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the second outer arm 36A, 36B side. The buckling process can also be considered to include an outer arm process in which the first outer arms 32A, 32B and the second outer arms 36A, 36B are separated in the X direction, causing the first outer arms 32A, 32B and the second outer arms 36A, 36B to contact the conductive inner wall 23A, respectively. Note that, hereinafter, the first upper inner arm 33A and the first lower inner arm 33B may be collectively referred to as the first inner arms 33A, 33B. The second upper inner arm 37A and the second lower inner arm 37B may be collectively referred to as the second inner arms 37A, 37B.

As a result of the deformable section 30 buckling as described above, the first inner arms 33A, 33B and the second inner arms 37A, 37B approach each other in the X direction and press against each other. The buckling process can also be said to include an inner arm process in which the first inner arms 33A, 33B and the second inner arms 37A, 37B approach each other in the X direction and press against each other. The order of the inner arm process and the outer arm process is not limited. The inner arm process and the outer arm process may be performed simultaneously.

In the buckling process, when a load is applied to the deformable portion 30, the deformable portion 30 deforms through plastic deformation and elastic deformation. The load is applied until the deformable portion 30 contacts the conductive inner wall 23A. The inner arms 33A, 33B, 37A, and 37B form a beam with a component extending in the X direction. The beam functions to resist the inward return of the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B and maintain the amount of elastic deformation. In the buckling process, a load is applied to the deformable portion 30 until a residual amount of elastic deformation remains. The remaining elastic deformation causes the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B to contact the conductive inner wall 23A. The load is removed from the deformable portion 30 when the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B are in contact with the conductive inner wall 23A.

After the load is removed, the beams resist the inward return of the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B, maintaining the amount of elastic deformation. Even when the load is removed from the deformable section 30, the inner arms 33A, 33B, 37A, and 37B act as beams in the X direction, so the terminal 70 resists movement in the Z direction. As a result, the elastic force of the deformable section 30 continues to act stably on the conductive inner wall 23A for a long period of time. The reaction force generated from the conductive inner wall 23A on the first outer arm 32A, 32B side is equal to the reaction force generated from the conductive inner wall 23A on the second outer arm 36A, 36B side. The two reaction forces act in opposite directions and cancel each other out.

<Action and effect>
As described above, the elasticity of the deformable portion 30 presses the first outer arms 32A, 32B against the conductive inner wall 23A on the first outer arm 32A, 32B side. The elasticity of the deformable portion 30 presses the second outer arms 36A, 36B against the conductive inner wall 23A on the second outer arm 36A, 36B side. The first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A are connected in the X direction by a common material. The first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A are bridged between the first branch portion 34A and the second branch portion 34B. The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B are connected in the X direction by a common material. The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B are bridged between the third branch portion 34D and the fourth branch portion 34E. Hereinafter, the first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A may be collectively referred to as the upper inner arms 33A and 37A. The first lower inner arm 33B and the second lower inner arm 37B may be collectively referred to as the lower inner arms 33B and 37B.

The upper inner arms 33A, 37A and the lower inner arms 33B, 37B function as beams that resist the pressure in the X direction acting on the first outer arms 32A, 32B and second outer arms 36A, 36B. This maintains contact between the first outer arms 32A, 32B and second outer arms 36A, 36B and the conductive inner wall 23A. This prevents the first outer arms 32A, 32B and second outer arms 36A, 36B from moving away from the conductive inner wall 23A in the X direction. This prevents poor electrical connection between the terminal 70 and the board 20.

As explained above, the first upper outer arm 32A and the first lower outer arm 32B are in continuous contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the first outer arm 32A, 32B side over a predetermined length along the Z direction. The second upper outer arm 36A and the second lower outer arm 36B are in continuous contact with the conductive inner wall 23A on the second outer arm 36A, 36B side over a predetermined length along the Z direction. This prevents the contact area between the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, 36B and the conductive inner wall 23A from becoming smaller.

As explained above, the X-direction width of the first outer arms 32A, 32B gradually increases with increasing distance from the first boundary 38A. The X-direction width of the second outer arms 36A, 36B gradually increases with increasing distance from the second boundary 38B. This prevents a sudden increase in electrical resistance at the boundary. Furthermore, the load applied to the shoulder 60 in the Z direction during manufacturing makes the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, 36B more likely to buckle.

As described above, the first lower arm pair 31B is provided at the end of the first upper arm pair 31A opposite the shaft portion 50 so as to be symmetrical with the first upper arm pair 31A in the Z direction. The second lower arm pair 35B is provided at the end of the second upper arm pair 35A opposite the shaft portion 50 so as to be symmetrical with the second upper arm pair 35A in the Z direction. The first support portions 33B and 37A are bridged between the third branch portion 34D and the second branch portion 34B. The second support portions 33A and 37B are bridged between the first branch portion 34A and the fourth branch portion 34E. This makes it easier for the deformable portion 30 to buckle due to a load during manufacturing. As a result, the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B are more likely to come into contact with the conductive inner wall 23A. This prevents the contact area of the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B with the conductive inner wall 23A from decreasing.

As explained above, the second gap II includes overlapping and non-overlapping areas with the first gap I and the fourth gap IV. The third gap III includes overlapping and non-overlapping areas with the first gap I and the fourth gap IV. This makes it easier for the outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B to buckle due to the load applied to the shoulder portion 60 in the Z direction during manufacturing. The outer arms 32A, 32B, 36A, and 36B are also easier to contact with the conductive inner wall 23A.

As explained above, in the external placement process, the tip portion 40 abuts against the groove portion 91. In the buckling process, with the tip portion 40 abutting against the groove portion 91, an additional load is applied to the shoulder portion 60, allowing the deformable portion 30 to buckle without tilting the shaft portion 50. This defines the direction in which the deformable portion 30 buckles. This prevents the contact between the deformable portion 30 and the conductive inner wall 23A from becoming unstable.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the terminal 70, the first inner arms 33A, 33B and the second inner arms 37A, 37B are spaced apart in the X direction. The terminal 70 of the second embodiment includes a gap 230. The end of the first upper inner arm 33A opposite the shaft 50 and the end of the first lower inner arm 33B facing the shaft 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The first upper inner arm 33A and the first lower inner arm 33B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material. The end of the second upper inner arm 37A opposite the shaft 50 and the end of the second lower inner arm 37B facing the shaft 50 are integrally connected by a continuous material. The second upper inner arm 37A and the second lower inner arm 37B are continuous in the Z direction by a common material.

As shown in FIG. 9 , in the deformable section 30, the first boundary 38A, the second boundary 38B, the third boundary 38C, and the fourth boundary 38D each have a minimum X-direction width. The X-direction width of the first upper outer arm 32A gradually narrows from the first branch 34A toward the first boundary 38A. The X-direction width of the first upper inner arm 33A gradually narrows from the first branch 34A toward the third boundary 38C. The X-direction width of the second upper outer arm 36A gradually narrows from the second branch 34B toward the second boundary 38B. The X-direction width of the second upper inner arm 37A gradually narrows from the first branch 34A toward the fourth boundary 38D.

The X-direction width of the first lower outer arm 32B gradually narrows from the third branch 34D toward the first boundary 38A. The X-direction width of the first lower inner arm 33B gradually narrows from the third branch 34D toward the third boundary 38C. The X-direction width of the second lower outer arm 36B gradually narrows from the fourth branch 34E toward the second boundary 38B. The X-direction width of the second lower inner arm 37B gradually narrows from the fourth branch 34E toward the fourth boundary 38D.

In the electric circuit device 10 of the second embodiment, the X-shaped continuum does not have to be formed. In the electric circuit device 10 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 10, the first inner arms 33A, 37A and the second inner arms 37A, 37B are in contact with each other. The first inner arms 33A, 37A and the second inner arms 37A, 37B function as beams that resist the pressure force in the X direction acting on the first outer arms 32A, 32B and the second outer arms 36A, 36B. The electric circuit device 10 of the second embodiment is also manufactured using the same manufacturing method as the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
In the terminal 70 of the third embodiment, the upper arm pair 31A, 35A and the lower arm pair 31B, 35B do not have to be arranged symmetrically in the Z direction. As shown in Fig. 11 , in the third embodiment, the deformable section 30 of the terminal 70 has only the upper branch portion 34C, the first upper arm pair 31A, and the second upper arm pair 35A. In the third embodiment, the first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A are connected in the X direction by a common material.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, in the electric circuit device 10 of the third embodiment, the first upper inner arm 33A and the second upper inner arm 37A function as beams that resist the pressure force in the X direction acting on the first upper outer arm 32A and the second upper outer arm 26A. In the manufacturing process of the electric circuit device 210 of the third embodiment, the second jig 390 used does not need to be provided with the groove 91. A first protrusion 392 that fits into the groove formed by the first upper outer arm 32A and the first upper inner arm 33A, and a second protrusion 393 that fits into the groove formed by the second upper outer arm 36A and the second upper inner arm 37A are formed in the portion of the second jig 390 on the terminal 270 side.

The manufacturing method for the electric circuit device 10 of the third embodiment involves multiple steps, including a preparation step, an insertion step, an internal placement step, an external placement step, and a buckling step. In the insertion step, the upper arm pair 31A, 35A is inserted into the through-hole 22 from the front opening 24A toward the rear opening 24B. Next, in the internal placement step, the upper arm pair 31A, 35A is further passed through the interior of the through-hole 22 toward the rear opening 24B. In the internal placement step, once the upper branch portion 34C passes through the front opening 24A, the first pantograph structure A is placed inside the through-hole 22. Next, in the external placement step, the groove formed by the upper arm pair 31A, 35A is abutted against the first protrusion 392 and second protrusion 393 of the second jig 390 inside the through-hole 22. Note that the second jig 390 may be previously installed in the through-hole 22 during the preparation step. The second jig 390 may be inserted into the through-hole from the outside during the external placement process.

Next, in the buckling process, the groove formed by the pair of upper arms 31A and 35A is further abutted against the first protrusion 392 and the second protrusion 393, applying a load to the deformable portion 30 so that the deformable portion 30 buckles to the extent that it contacts the conductive inner wall 23A. This causes the width of the first pantograph structure A in the X direction to change to a width wider than the width of the first pantograph structure A before insertion into the through-hole 22. The outer arms 32A and 36A contact the conductive inner wall 23A. Then, with the outer arms 32A and 36A still in contact with the conductive inner wall 23A, the load is removed from the deformable portion 30. Even after the load is removed from the deformable portion 30, the inner arms 33A and 37A continue to function as beams in the X direction. This allows the terminal 70 to resist movement in the Z direction. As a result, in the electric circuit device 210 of the third embodiment, the elastic force of the deformable portion 30 continues to act stably on the conductive inner wall 23A for a long period of time.

Fourth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 13 , in the fourth embodiment, the electric circuit device 10 includes a resin fixing portion 493 for fixing the terminal 70 in place, in addition to the terminal 70 and the substrate 20. The fixing portion 493 fixes the terminal 70 and also includes a positioning portion 494 that determines the position of the terminal 70 in the X direction. The positioning portion 494 is a portion that protrudes toward the substrate 20 in the Z direction. The substrate 20 further includes a positioning hole 425 through which the positioning portion 494 passes. The positioning hole 425 is a through-hole that penetrates the front surface 20A and the back surface 20B. FIG. 14 shows the connection between the terminal 70 and the substrate 20. In the fourth embodiment, the terminal 70 is inserted into the through hole 22, and the positioning portion 494 is inserted into the positioning hole 425. This configuration suppresses fluctuations in the relative position of the terminal 70 and the conductive inner wall 23A in the X direction.

In the fourth embodiment, the method for manufacturing the electric circuit device 10 includes a positioning step before the external placement step. The positioning step is a step of inserting the positioning portion 494 into the positioning hole 425. By performing the positioning step before the external placement step, the tip portion 40 is securely fixed in the groove portion 91. As a result, tilting of the terminal 70 during the buckling step is suppressed. Poor contact between the deformable portion 30 and the conductive inner wall 23A after buckling is suppressed.

Fifth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 15 , in the terminal 70 of the fifth embodiment, the angle between the portion of the shoulder 560 opposite the deformable portion 30 and the shank 50 is less than 90 degrees. This can also be said to mean that the shoulder 560 is tilted in the opposite direction to the load. When the angle between the portion of the shoulder 560 opposite the deformable portion 30 and the shank 50 is less than 90 degrees, the shoulder 560 bends toward the tip 40 when a load is applied to the shoulder 560 from the first jig 80. This causes the angle between the portion of the shoulder 560 opposite the deformable portion 30 and the shank 50 to approach 90 degrees. In this case, the first jig 80 is more likely to come into contact with the area near the boundary between the shoulder 560 and the shank 50. This increases the contact area between the first jig 80 and the shoulder 460. This can prevent the load applied to the shoulder 560 from being lost during manufacturing.

Sixth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 16 , the terminal 70 of the sixth embodiment includes a notch. The notch is provided at the connecting portion of the shank 50 where the shoulder 660 connects to the side opposite the deformable portion 30 to avoid interference with the first jig 80. The notch is formed by punching the terminal 570 from a metal plate and then punching the shank 50. This ensures that the curved surface connecting the shank 50 and the shoulder 660 is removed. Furthermore, during manufacturing, the corner of the first jig 80 can be positioned in the notch. Even in this case, the contact area between the first jig 80 and the shoulder 660 is increased. This prevents the load on the shoulder 660 from being lost during manufacturing.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and forms including only one element, more, or less are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

20...Substrate, 22...Through hole, 22A...Inner wall, 23...Conductive member, 24A...Surface opening, 30...Deformable portion, 31A...First upper arm pair, 31B...First lower arm pair, 32A...First upper outer arm, 32B...First lower outer arm, 33A...First upper inner arm, 33B...First lower inner arm, 35A...Second upper arm pair, 35B...Second lower arm pair, 36A...Second upper outer arm, 36B...Second lower outer arm 37A...second upper inner arm, 37B...second lower inner arm, 38A...first boundary, 38B...second boundary, 40...tip, 50...shaft, 60...shoulder, 70...terminal, 80...first jig, 425...positioning hole, 493...fixing portion, 494...positioning portion, 560...shoulder, 660...shoulder, I...first gap, II...second gap, III...third gap, IV...fourth gap, X...cross direction, Z...thickness direction

Claims (9)

a substrate (20) having a through-hole (22) penetrating in a thickness direction (Z) and having a conductive member (23) provided on an inner wall (22A);
a terminal (70) having a tip portion (40) located on one end side of the through hole, a shaft portion (50) on the other end side, and a deformable portion (30) located between the tip portion and the shaft portion and deformable in a cross direction (X) that crosses the thickness direction,
The deformable portion is
a first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) aligned in the crossing direction;
The first arm pair has a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) that contacts the conductive member and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) that is spaced apart from the first outer arm in the crossing direction,
the second pair of arms includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) that contacts the conductive member and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that is spaced apart from the second outer arm in the crossing direction;
the first inner arm and the second inner arm are in contact with or continuous with each other, so that the first inner arm and the second inner arm are bridged between the first outer arm and the second outer arm ,
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
The widths of the first outer arm and the second outer arm in the cross direction gradually increase with increasing distance from the outermost position in the thickness direction . The electric circuit device according to claim 1, wherein the first outer arm and the second outer arm are in continuous contact with the conductive member over a predetermined area in the thickness direction. Further provided is a fixing portion (493) for fixing the terminal,
The fixing portion has a positioning portion (494) that protrudes in the thickness direction and defines the position of the terminal in the cross direction,
3. The electric circuit device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes a positioning hole (425) into which the positioning portion is inserted. The device comprises a tip portion (40), a stem portion (50), and a deformable portion (30) located between the tip portion and the stem portion and deformable in a transverse direction (X) that intersects with a thickness direction (Z) extending between the tip portion and the stem portion,
The deformable portion is
a first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) aligned in the crossing direction;
the first arm pair includes a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) having a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first outer arm in the intersecting direction,
the second arm pair includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second outer arm in the intersecting direction and is provided at a position where it presses against the first inner arm,
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
The widths of the first outer arm and the second outer arm in the cross direction gradually increase as the distance from the outermost portion increases in the thickness direction . The first arm pair includes a first upper arm (32A, 33A) and a first lower arm (32B, 33B),
the second pair of arms includes a second upper arm (36A, 37A) and a second lower arm (36B, 37B);
the first upper arm and the first lower arm are disposed symmetrically in the thickness direction,
the second upper arm and the second lower arm are disposed symmetrically in the thickness direction,
The terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the first upper arm, the first lower arm, the second upper arm, and the second lower arm form an intersecting beam. 6. The terminal of claim 4 or 5, wherein, in the thickness direction, the gap (II) between the first inner arm and the first outer arm and the gap (III) between the second inner arm and the second outer arm include overlapping and non-overlapping ranges with respect to the gap (I, IV) between the first inner arm and the second inner arm. The terminal according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , further comprising a shoulder portion (60; 560; 660) on which a jig (80) is applied to apply a load in the thickness direction from the shaft portion toward the tip portion. 8. The terminal according to claim 7 , wherein the shoulder is inclined in a direction opposite to the load, or the shaft has a notch for avoiding interference with the jig. a substrate (20) having a through-hole (22) penetrating in a thickness direction (Z) and having a conductive member (23) provided on an inner wall (22A);
a terminal (70) having a deformable portion (30) provided with a first pair of arms (31A, 31B; 31A) and a second pair of arms (35A, 35B; 35A) aligned in a cross direction (X) crossing the thickness direction,
the first arm pair includes a first outer arm (32A, 32B; 32A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a first inner arm (33A, 33B; 33A) having a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the first outer arm in the intersecting direction,
the second arm pair includes a second outer arm (36A, 36B; 36A) positioned on the outside in the intersecting direction, and a second inner arm (37A, 37B; 37A) that has a degree of freedom to deform in a direction away from the second outer arm in the intersecting direction and is provided at a position where it presses against the first inner arm,
the width in the crossing direction of the outermost portions (38A, 38B) of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are located outermost in the crossing direction is narrower than the width in the crossing direction of the portions of the first outer arm and the second outer arm that are connected to the outermost portions,
a width of each of the first outer arms and the second outer arms in the crossing direction gradually increasing with increasing distance from the outermost position in the thickness direction,
an insertion step of inserting a tip of the terminal from a surface opening (24A) of the through hole along the thickness direction ;
an internal arrangement step of positioning the first arm pair and the second arm pair in the through hole so as to be aligned in the intersecting direction ;
a buckling step of buckling the first arm pair and the second arm pair to expand in the intersecting direction so that the deformable portion contacts the conductive member ,
The buckling step includes:
an outer arm process of bringing the first outer arm and the second outer arm into contact with the conductive member by moving the first outer arm and the second outer arm away from each other in the intersecting direction;
A manufacturing method for an electric circuit device, comprising an inner arm process of pressing the first inner arm and the second inner arm against each other by bringing the first inner arm and the second inner arm closer to each other in the intersecting direction.