JP2018018688A - Terminal and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal capable of attaining downsizing of a connector by collectively and easily fitting multiple terminals to a housing of the connector and setting an interval of arranging the multiple terminals in the connector small, the terminal being connected to a mating terminal having the same shape.SOLUTION: An electric connection part 22 is electrically connected to the other conductor. A contact part 23 is electrically connected in contact with a mating terminal. An elastic deformation part 24 is at least partially elastically deformed, thereby allowing relative displacement of the contact part 23 to the electric connection part 22. The electric connection part 22, the elastic deformation part 24 and the contact part 23 are integrally provided while being arranged in series in this order. A route from the electric connection part 22 through the elastic deformation part 24 to the contact part 23 is disposed along the same plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape, and a connector including the terminal.

  The terminals disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known as terminals connected to counterpart terminals having the same shape, that is, as so-called hermaphroditic terminals.

  The terminal (for example, contactor 10) disclosed by patent document 1 is comprised as a terminal which can be connected with the other party terminal which has the same shape. And this terminal has a base part (12), a 1st contact part (20), a 2nd contact part (30), a connection part (16), a 1st arm part (24), a 2nd arm part ( 34), a first contact portion (26), and a second contact portion (36).

  The first contact portion (20) is provided so as to extend from the base portion (12) in an approaching direction, which is a direction in which the terminals are connected to each other. The second contact portion (30) is integrally connected to the first contact portion (20) via the connecting portion (16), and is provided so as to extend in parallel with the first contact portion (20). . The first contact portion (20), the second contact portion (30), and the connecting portion (16) are provided so as to form a substantially U shape when the terminal is viewed from the approaching direction. The first arm portion (24) extends in the approaching direction from the distal end portion of the first contact portion (20) and is positioned on the same plane as the first contact portion (20) ( 26). The second arm portion (34) extends in the approaching direction from the distal end portion of the second contact portion (30) at a position diagonally opposed to the first arm portion (24), and the second contact portion (30 ) And a second contact portion (36) located on substantially the same plane.

  The terminal (for example, contact 14) disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured as a terminal that can be connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape. The terminal includes a base portion (16), a first portion (20), a second portion (22), and a leg portion (18).

  The base part (16), the first part (20), the second part (22), and the leg part (18) are all formed as a plate-like part and provided integrally. The first portion (20) and the second portion (22) are parallel to each other along the direction perpendicular to the surface of the base portion (16) spreading in a plate shape from each of both ends of the base portion (16). It is provided so as to extend in a cantilever manner. The leg portion (18) is provided as a portion that is mounted on the panel member (12) via a solder-containing paste. The leg portion (18) has a base portion along a surface perpendicular to any of the surfaces in which each of the base portion (16), the first portion (20), and the second portion (22) spreads in a plate shape. (16) is provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner toward the opposite side of the first part (20) and the second part (22).

Japanese Patent No. 4138303 Japanese Patent No. 495329

  In many cases, a plurality of terminals disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are arranged in a predetermined direction in a single connector. When a connector in which a plurality of terminals as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are arranged in a predetermined direction is manufactured, the plurality of terminals are connectors from the viewpoint of greatly improving the manufacturing efficiency of the connector. It is desirable to be attached so as to be inserted into the housing at once. In this case, a so-called hoop material, which is a molded body in which a plurality of terminals are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, is created, and in the state of the hoop material, the plurality of terminals are connected to the connector housing. It is attached so as to be inserted in a lump.

  In producing the hoop material as described above, first, a flat plate-like member is used as a material, and the material is subjected to a punching process by pressing. By this press working, a press-molded body, which is a press-develop-shaped molded body that is provided side by side with a belt-like carrier in a state where a plurality of terminals become flat, is created. Next, a bending process is performed on each of the plurality of terminals that are provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier in the press-formed body. Thereby, the hoop material in a state in which the plurality of terminals are provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier is formed.

  However, in the terminal of Patent Document 1, the first contact part (20) is configured such that the first arm part (24) provided with the first contact part (26) extends from the tip part, The second contact portion (30) is configured such that the second arm portion (34) provided with the second contact portion (36) extends from the tip portion. The first contact portion (20), the second contact portion (30), and the connecting portion (16) are integrally provided so as to form a substantially U shape when viewed from the approaching direction, Furthermore, the 1st contact part (20) is integrally provided in the base part (12).

  Due to the above structure, when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of terminals of Patent Document 1 are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, a press-molded body that is a material for creating the hoop material is created. Then, the part used as each terminal will be in the state extended greatly along the strip | belt-shaped carrier. Specifically, for example, the portion that becomes each terminal and is flatly developed in a press-deployed shape, the base (12) and the first arm ( 24) is an integrated first contact portion (20), a connecting portion (16), and a second arm portion (34) is an integrated second contact portion (30) along the belt-shaped carrier. The shape is greatly expanded.

  Because of the above, when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of terminals of Patent Document 1 are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, a state in which the distance between terminals arranged along the carrier is greatly widened and Become. Therefore, in the case of the terminals of Patent Document 1, if a plurality of terminals are attached to the connector housing in a hoop material in a lump, the intervals between the plurality of terminals in the connector will be greatly separated. There's a problem. And in the case of the terminal of patent document 1, it is necessary to isolate | separate each terminal from a hoop material, if it is going to set the space | interval in which a some terminal is arranged small in a connector. In this case, there is a problem that a plurality of terminals cannot be easily attached to the connector housing in a lump.

  Moreover, in the terminal of patent document 2, the 1st part (20) and the 2nd part (22) are provided so that it cantilevered from each of the both ends of a base (16). The leg portion (18) is provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the base portion (16) at a position between the first portion (20) and the second portion (22).

  Due to the structure described above, when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of terminals of Patent Document 2 are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, a press-molded body is created as a material for creating the hoop material. Then, the part used as each terminal will be in the state extended greatly along the strip | belt-shaped carrier. Specifically, for example, the portion that becomes each terminal and is a flatly developed press-deployed shape includes the first portion (20) and the leg portion with the leg portion (18) integrated with the carrier. The base part (16) in which (18) is integrated and the second part (22) are shaped so as to expand widely along the belt-like carrier.

  Because of the above, when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of terminals in Patent Document 2 are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, a state in which the distance between terminals arranged along the carrier is greatly widened and Become. Therefore, in the case of the terminal of Patent Document 2, when a plurality of terminals are collectively attached to the connector housing in the state of a hoop material, the interval in which the plurality of terminals are arranged in the connector is greatly separated. There's a problem. And in the case of the terminal of patent document 2, it is necessary to isolate | separate each terminal from a hoop material if it is going to set the space | interval in which a some terminal is arranged small in a connector. In this case, there is a problem that a plurality of terminals cannot be easily attached to the connector housing in a lump.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape, and a plurality of terminals can be easily attached to a connector housing in a lump. It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal capable of reducing the size of the connector by setting a small interval between a plurality of terminals in the connector. Furthermore, it aims at providing a connector provided with the terminal.

(1) A terminal according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape, and is electrically connected to another conductor. An electrical connection portion configured to be in contact with a terminal on the other side, and a contact portion configured to be electrically connected to the counterpart terminal, and at least part of the electrical connection portion is elastically deformed so that the electrical connection portion is And an elastically deformable portion configured to allow relative displacement of the contact portion. The electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are integrally provided in a state in which the electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are arranged in series in the order, and the electrical connection The path from the part to the contact part through the elastic deformation part is arranged along the same plane.

  The terminal having the above-described configuration is used as a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape as itself. That is, the terminal having the above-described configuration is used as a so-called hermaphroditic terminal. And the terminal of said structure is integrally provided in the state in which the electrical connection part, the elastic deformation part, and the contact part were arranged in series in this order, and also passed from the electrical connection part to the contact part through the elastic deformation part. Are configured to be arranged along the same plane. Therefore, the electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are provided integrally in this order along the same plane in a single stroke.

  Because of the above structure, when creating a hoop material in which the above terminals are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, when creating a press-molded body that is a material for creating the hoop material, each terminal The part which becomes becomes the state extended elongate. Specifically, for example, the flattened portion of the press-deployed shape that becomes each terminal is a direction that intersects the direction in which the carrier extends in a band shape, with the electrical connection portion being integrated with the carrier. The electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are elongated and linearly extended (for example, in the orthogonal direction).

  Because of the above, when creating a hoop material in which the terminals having the above-described configuration are provided integrally with a band-shaped carrier, the interval between the terminals arranged along the carrier can be set small. it can. Therefore, in the case of the above-described terminals, when the plurality of terminals are attached so as to be collectively inserted into the housing of the connector in the state of the hoop material, the interval at which the plurality of terminals are arranged in the connector can be set small. . That is, according to the above terminals, the plurality of terminals can be easily attached to the housing of the connector collectively, and the interval at which the plurality of terminals are arranged in the connector can be set small. And since the space | interval in which a some terminal is located in a connector can be set small, size reduction of a connector can be achieved.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, the terminal is connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape, and a plurality of terminals can be easily attached to the connector housing in a batch and Thus, it is possible to provide a terminal capable of reducing the size of the connector by setting the interval between the terminals to be small.

(2) The electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion each have a plate thickness direction, the plate thickness direction of the electrical connection portion, the plate thickness direction of the elastic deformation portion, and the contact The plate thickness direction of the part may be a direction extending in parallel to the same plane.

  According to this structure, each plate | board thickness direction of an electrical-connection part, an elastic deformation part, and a contact part is extended in parallel with respect to the same plane. For this reason, when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of hermaphroditic terminals are integrally arranged with respect to the band-shaped carrier, the interval between the terminals arranged along the carrier can be efficiently set small.

(3) The terminal further includes a support portion configured to be supported with respect to the housing by fitting a part of the housing of the connector, the electrical connection portion, the support portion, and the elastic deformation portion. And the contact portion is integrally provided in a state in which the electrical connection portion, the support portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are arranged in series in this order, and passes through the support portion from the electrical connection portion. Furthermore, the path which leads to the said contact part through the said elastic deformation part may be comprised so that it may be arrange | positioned along the same plane.

  According to this configuration, since the terminal is supported by the housing by fitting a part of the housing into the support portion, the terminal can be firmly held in a stable state with respect to the housing of the connector. According to this configuration, the electrical connection portion, the support portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are integrally provided in this order along the same plane in a single stroke. For this reason, even when creating a hoop material in which a plurality of terminals that are hermaphrodite and can be held firmly in the housing of the connector are integrally arranged with respect to the belt-like carrier, they are arranged along the carrier. An interval between terminals can be set small.

(4) The support portion may be configured to be in contact with and electrically connected to the support portion of the counterpart terminal.

  According to this configuration, when the male and female terminals are connected to each other, the contact portion of the terminal contacts and electrically connects to the counterpart terminal, and the support portion of the terminal is the support portion of the counterpart terminal. To be electrically connected. That is, when the terminal is connected to the counterpart terminal, the terminal is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal at both the contact portion and the support portion. For this reason, the terminals can be brought into firm contact with each other in a more stable state, and a more stable electrical connection state can be realized.

(5) A connector according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object is a connector including a plurality of the terminals according to an aspect of the present invention described above, and holds the plurality of terminals. The housing is further provided, and the plurality of terminals are held by the housing in a state where the same planes are parallel to each other.

  According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the terminal according to an aspect of the present invention described above can be obtained. That is, according to this configuration, the terminal is connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape, and a plurality of terminals can be easily attached to the connector housing in a lump, and It is possible to provide a connector including terminals that can be miniaturized by setting the interval at which the terminals are arranged small.

  According to the present invention, a terminal connected to a mating terminal having the same shape, and a plurality of terminals can be easily attached to a connector housing at a time, and a plurality of terminals are connected to the connector. It is possible to provide a terminal capable of reducing the size of the connector by setting a small interval between the lines. In addition, according to the present invention, a connector provided with the terminals can be further provided.

1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a connector, (A) is a top view, (B) is a front view, (C) is a bottom view. It is a figure which shows a connector, (A) is a rear view, (B) is the side view seen from the X1 line arrow direction of FIG. 2 (B). It is a perspective view showing the state where a plurality of terminals concerning one embodiment of the present invention were arranged. It is a perspective view which shows a terminal. It is a figure which shows a terminal, (A) is a top view, (B) is a front view, (C) is a bottom view. It is a figure which shows a terminal, Comprising: (A) is a side view, (B) is a rear view. It is a perspective view which shows a connector in the state containing a partial cross section. It is sectional drawing of a connector, Comprising: It is a figure shown by the cross section seen from the X2-X2 arrow direction of FIG. 3 (A). It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the connector was connected with respect to the other party connector, Comprising: It is a perspective view shown in the state containing a partial cross section. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the connector was connected with respect to the other party connector. It is a top view which shows the press molding which is a press expansion-shaped molded object in which the part used as a some terminal was provided along with the carrier integrally. It is a perspective view which shows the hoop material which is a molded object of the state in which the several terminal was integrally provided with respect to the carrier. It is a perspective view which shows the hoop material and the housing of a connector, Comprising: It is a figure for demonstrating the state by which a hoop material is attached with respect to the housing of a connector. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the hoop material was attached to the housing of the connector. It is a perspective view which shows the state from which the carrier was removed from the hoop material attached to the housing of the connector. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the connector which concerns on a 1st modification is connected with respect to the other party connector. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state by which the terminal of the connector which concerns on a 1st modification was connected with respect to the other party terminal. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state which the terminal which concerns on a 2nd modification was connected with respect to the other party terminal. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state by which the terminal which concerns on a 3rd modification was connected with respect to the other party terminal.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention can be widely applied regarding the terminal provided with the other terminal which has the same shape, and a connector provided with the terminal.

[connector]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connector 1, FIG. 2A is a plan view of the connector 1, FIG. 2B is a front view of the connector 1, and FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the connector 1. FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the connector 1, FIG. 3A is a rear view of the connector 1, and FIG. 3B is a view of the connector 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. 2B. It is a side view.

  The connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is provided as a connector that is electrically and mechanically connected to a substrate (not shown), for example. The connector 1 is provided as a connector that is electrically and mechanically connected to a mating connector having the same shape, for example. That is, the connector 1 is provided as a connector that can be electrically and mechanically connected between the male and female connectors 1 having the same shape. For this reason, the board | substrate and another board | substrate are electrically connected by connecting the connector 1 connected to the board | substrate, and the other party connector 1 connected to the other board | substrate.

  The connector 1 includes a plurality of terminals 11, a housing 12, and a pair of reinforcing tabs 13. The housing 12 is made of an insulating resin material. The plurality of terminals 11 are formed of a conductive metal material. The pair of reinforcing tabs 13 are made of, for example, a metal material.

  The housing 12 holds a plurality of terminals 11. The plurality of terminals 11 are held by the housing 12 in a state of being arranged in a line along the width direction of the housing 12. Note that the width direction of the housing 12, which is the direction in which the plurality of terminals 11 are arranged side by side in the housing 12, is indicated by double-ended arrows X3 in FIGS. 2 (B) and 3 (A). The width direction of the housing 12 is the same as the width direction of the connector 1. The details of the configuration of the terminal 11 and the housing 12 will be described later.

  The pair of reinforcing tabs 13 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the connector 1, and are fixed to the end portions on both sides in the width direction of the housing 12. Each reinforcing tab 13 is fixed to the housing 12 by being fitted into tab fitting grooves 21 provided at both ends in the width direction of the housing 12. Each reinforcing tab 13 is fixed to the housing 12 and is provided as a member fixed to a substrate (not shown). Each reinforcing tab 13 is provided with a substrate fixing portion 13 a exposed from the housing 12 on the bottom surface side of the housing 12 in a state where the reinforcing tabs 13 are fixed to the housing 12. The board fixing portion 13a is mechanically fixed to the board, for example, by soldering. Thereby, the connector 1 is more firmly fixed to the substrate.

[Terminal]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of terminals 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged. FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which a plurality of terminals 11 are arranged in the connector 1 and illustration of elements other than the terminals 11 in the connector 1 is omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the terminal 11. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the terminal 11, FIG. 6A is a plan view of the terminal 11, FIG. 6B is a front view of the terminal 11, and FIG. It is a terminal 11 bottom view. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the terminal 11, FIG. 7A is a side view of the terminal 11, and FIG. 7B is a rear view of the terminal 11.

  The terminal 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 is configured as a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape. That is, the terminal 11 is configured as a terminal that can be electrically connected between the male and female terminals 11 having the same shape.

  The terminal 11 includes an electrical connection portion 22, a contact portion 23, an elastic deformation portion 24, a support portion 25, and the like, and is formed of an integral metal material having conductivity. The terminal 11 is made of a flat plate-shaped metal member as a material, and the plate-shaped metal member is subjected to punching processing by press working, and further, the material subjected to the punching processing is bent. It is formed by being applied. For this reason, the terminal 11 is integrally provided with the electrical connection portion 22, the contact portion 23, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the support portion 25. The terminal 11 is formed as a member obtained by bending a plate-shaped material having a predetermined shape that is elongated and flat. For this reason, the terminal 11 is provided as a member having a longitudinal direction that is a direction extending while being bent a plurality of times from one end to the other end.

  Further, as described above, the terminal 11 is punched into a flat plate-like metal member to form a plate-like material that is elongated and flat, and is further bent into the elongated plate-like material. It is formed by being applied. For this reason, the terminal 11 has a plate thickness direction corresponding to the plate thickness direction of the flat plate-shaped metal member that is the material. The terminal 11 is provided as a plate-shaped member having a predetermined shape that is elongated while being bent a plurality of times, and each portion of the terminal 11 has a thickness direction. In FIG. 7A, the thickness direction of some portions of the terminal 11 is indicated by double-ended arrows X4 in the vicinity of each portion.

  In the present embodiment, the electrical connection portion 22 is provided at a portion on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11, which is a direction in which the terminal 11 extends while being bent a plurality of times. And the electrical connection part 22 is provided as a part comprised so that it might be electrically connected with respect to another conductor. In the present embodiment, the electrical connection portion 22 is provided as a portion that is electrically connected to a conductive circuit pattern that is a conductor on the surface of a substrate (not shown) to which the connector 1 is connected. The terminal 11 is mechanically fixed to the substrate by being soldered to the surface of the substrate at the electrical connection portion 22 and is electrically connected to the conductive circuit pattern of the substrate.

  In the present embodiment, the contact portion 23 is provided at a portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11, which is a direction extending elongated while being bent a plurality of times. That is, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 23 is provided at the end portion opposite to the end portion where the electrical connection portion 22 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. Further, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 23 is provided as a portion bent in an arc shape along the longitudinal direction at the other end portion side in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11.

  Moreover, the contact part 23 is provided as a part comprised so that it might contact and electrically connect with the other party's terminal. When the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11 having the same shape as the terminal 11, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 comes into contact with the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. In this way, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 is in contact with and in contact with the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11, so that the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11. .

  In the present embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 24 is a portion disposed between the electrical connection portion 22 and the contact portion 23 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11, and includes a support portion 25 and a contact portion 23 described later. It is provided as a part arrange | positioned between. The elastic deformation portion 24 is provided as a portion configured to allow relative displacement of the contact portion 23 with respect to the electrical connection portion 22 by elastically deforming at least a part thereof.

  More specifically, the elastic deformation portion 24 includes a base portion 24a, a bent portion 24b, and an arm portion 24c. The base portion 24a and the arm portion 24c are provided as portions that extend linearly along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11, respectively. The bent portion 24 b is provided as a portion bent in an arc shape along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11.

  Further, the bent portion 24 b is disposed between the base portion 24 a and the arm portion 24 b in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. The base portion 24a is provided on the side of the electrical connection portion 22 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11 with respect to the bent portion 24b, and is provided as a portion that is adjacent to and supports a support portion 25 described later in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. . The arm portion 24 c is provided on the contact portion 23 side in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11 with respect to the bent portion 24 b, and is provided as a continuous portion adjacent to the contact portion 23 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. In the present embodiment, an example in which the angle formed by the direction in which the base portion 24a extends from the bent portion 24b and the direction in which the arm portion 24c extends from the bent portion 24b across the bent portion 24b is smaller than 90 degrees is illustrated. .

  When the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 contacts the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. At this time, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 is urged toward the direction away from the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 by the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. Thus, in the terminal 11, the bent portion 24b and the arm portion 24c are elastically deformed with respect to the base portion 24a, the arm portion 24c is bent, and the relative displacement of the contact portion 23 with respect to the electrical connection portion 22 is allowed. That is, in the terminal 11, the arm portion 24 c bends in a direction in which the contact portion 23 is separated from the support portion 25, and the contact portion 23 is relatively displaced with respect to the electrical contact portion 22. In a state where the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11, in the terminal 11, the elastic deformation portion 24 is elastically deformed and the contact portion 23 is relatively displaced with respect to the electric contact portion 22. Maintained. For this reason, in the state where the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 is urged by the urging force of the elastic deformation portion 24. The state of being pressed against and in contact with is maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the support portion 25 is provided as a portion disposed between the electrical connection portion 22 and the elastic deformation portion 24 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. And the support part 25 is provided as a part comprised so that it might be supported with respect to the housing 12 when a part of housing 12 of the connector 1 fits.

  More specifically, the support part 25 includes a pair of columnar parts (25a, 25b) and a bridging part 25c. Each of the pair of columnar portions (25a, 25b) is provided as a portion extending linearly parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. That is, the columnar portion 25a and the columnar portion 25b are provided so as to extend in parallel to each other. The bridging portion 25c is disposed between the pair of columnar portions (25a, 25b), and is provided as a portion that is integrally connected so as to bridge the pair of columnar portions (25a, 25b).

  Further, the columnar part 25 a is disposed between the electrical connection part 22 and the bridging part 25 c in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. The columnar portion 25a is continuous at one end thereof via a portion bent and formed in an arc shape over approximately 90 degrees with respect to the electrical connection portion 22. Further, the columnar portion 25a is continuous at the other end via a portion bent and formed in an arc shape over approximately 90 degrees with respect to the bridging portion 25c.

  The columnar portion 25 b is disposed between the bridging portion 25 c and the base portion 24 a of the elastic deformation portion 24 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. The columnar portion 25b is continuous at one end thereof via a portion bent and formed in an arc shape over approximately 90 degrees with respect to the bridging portion 25c. Further, the columnar portion 25b is continuous at the other end portion via a portion bent and formed in an arc shape over approximately 90 degrees with respect to the base portion 24a.

  When the terminal 11 is attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1, it is inserted so that a part of the housing 12 is fitted between the pair of columnar portions (25a, 25b) in the support portion 25. Then, a part of the housing 12 is fitted between the pair of columnar portions (25 a, 25 b) in the support portion 25, whereby the support portion 25 is supported by the housing 12, whereby the terminal 11 is held by the housing 12. Is done. Further, the columnar portion 25a is provided with a pair of press-fitting portions (25d, 25d) in the midway portion extending linearly. When the terminal 11 is attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1, the pair of press-fitting portions (25 d, 25 d) are fitted into the grooves provided in the housing 12, so that the columnar portion 25 b is fitted. Press-fitted into the housing 12. A part of the housing 12 is fitted between the pair of columnar portions (25a, 25b), and the columnar portion 25b is press-fitted into the housing 12 by the pair of press-fit portions (25d, 25d), whereby the terminal 11 is inserted. Further, it is firmly held by the housing 12.

  Moreover, the support part 25 is comprised so that it may contact and electrically connect with respect to the support part of the other party's terminal. When the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11 having the same shape as the terminal 11, the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 contacts the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. More specifically, the columnar portion 25 b in the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 contacts the columnar portion 25 b in the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. And the terminal 11 is electrically connected also in the support parts 25 with respect to the other terminal 11 because it will be in the state which columnar part 25b contacted.

  The terminal 11 includes the electrical connection portion 22, the support portion 25, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 configured as described above. For this reason, in the terminal 11, the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are in the order of the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23. Along with the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11, the terminals 11 are integrally provided in a line. Further, the terminal 11 is configured such that a path from the electrical connection portion 22 through the support portion 25 to the contact portion 23 via the elastic deformation portion 24 is arranged along the same plane. That is, the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are integrally provided in this order in a single stroke along the same plane. The same plane as described above corresponds to a plane parallel to the plane in which the drawing of FIG.

  Note that, due to the above configuration, the terminal 11 is configured in the same manner even when the support portion 25 is not included. That is, in the terminal 11, the electrical connection part 22, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are in the order of the electrical connection part 22, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. It is provided in one piece in a line in series. And in the terminal 11, the path | route from the electrical connection part 22 to the contact part 23 via the elastic deformation part 24 is comprised along the same plane.

  Further, as described above, the terminal 11 having the above-described configuration is provided as a plate-like member having a predetermined shape that is elongated while being bent a plurality of times, and each portion of the terminal 11 has a plate thickness direction. (See FIG. 7A). For this reason, the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 each have a plate | board thickness direction. And the plate | board thickness direction of the electrical connection part 22, the plate | board thickness direction of the support part 25, the plate | board thickness direction of the elastic deformation part 24, and the plate | board thickness direction of the contact part 23 are the directions extended in parallel with respect to the above-mentioned same plane. Configured as

  The support portion 25 extends while being bent along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. For this reason, the plate | board thickness direction of the support part 25 changes along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. FIG. However, the plate thickness direction of the support portion 25 is a direction extending in parallel to the same plane as described above. Similarly, the plate thickness direction of the elastic deformation portion 24 that extends while bending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11 changes along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. The direction extends in parallel to the same plane. Similarly, the plate thickness direction of the contact portion 23 extending while being bent along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11 changes along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 11. The direction extends in parallel to the same plane.

[housing]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connector 1 in a state including a partial cross section. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 and is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction of arrows X2-X2 in FIG. The housing 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 8, and 9 is configured to hold a plurality of terminals 11. The housing 12 includes a main body portion 26, a contact accommodating portion 27, and the like, and is formed of an integral resin material having insulating properties.

  The main body portion 26 is provided as a portion to which a plurality of terminals 11 are attached in a state where they are aligned along the width direction of the housing 12 (the direction indicated by the double-ended arrow X3 in FIGS. 2B and 3A). Yes. The main body 26 has a plate-like portion, and a plurality of grooves 28 are provided on the front side of the plate-like portion, and a plurality of grooves 29 are provided on the back side of the plate-like portion. It has been.

  Each of the plurality of grooves 28 provided on the front side of the main body portion 26 is configured as a groove into which the columnar portion 25b of each terminal 11 is fitted. The plurality of grooves 28 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the housing 12, and each is provided so as to extend along the height direction of the housing 12. The plurality of grooves 28 are provided so as to extend in parallel with each other along the height direction of the housing 12. The height direction of the housing 12 is indicated by a double-ended arrow X5 in FIGS. The height direction of the housing 12 is the same as the height direction of the connector 1. When the columnar portion 25 b of each terminal 11 is fitted into each groove 28, the columnar portion 25 b is fitted into the groove 28 so as to be inserted along the height direction of the housing 12.

  Each of the plurality of grooves 29 provided on the back side of the main body portion 26 is configured as a groove into which the columnar portion 25a of each terminal 11 is fitted. The plurality of grooves 29 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the housing 12, and are provided so as to extend along the height direction of the housing 12. The plurality of grooves 29 are provided so as to extend in parallel with each other along the height direction of the housing 12. When the columnar portion 25 a of each terminal 11 is fitted into each groove 29, the columnar portion 25 a is fitted into the groove 29 so as to be inserted along the height direction of the housing 12.

  Each of the plurality of grooves 29 is provided with a slit-shaped opening 29 a having a small size in the width direction at a portion opening outward on the back side of the main body 26. The opening 29a is opened so as to be elongated along the direction in which the groove 29 extends. That is, the opening 29 a is opened so as to extend along the height direction of the housing 12. In addition, each opening 29 a is inserted into the groove 29 such that the columnar portion 25 a of each terminal 11 is inserted along the height direction of the housing 12. Is provided as an opening for passing through. In each terminal 11, the electrical connection portion 22 is formed so that the dimension in the width direction is smaller than the columnar portion 25a. In each groove 29, the slit-shaped opening 29 a having a small dimension in the width direction is provided, so that the columnar portion 25 a of each terminal 11 is more firmly held with respect to the main body portion 26.

  Further, in the main body portion 26, a portion between the groove 28 and the groove 29 is configured as a terminal fitting portion 30 that is fitted into the support portion 25 of the terminal 11. A plurality of terminal fitting portions 30 are provided. Each terminal fitting portion 30 corresponds to each groove 28 and is provided corresponding to each groove 29. For this reason, the plurality of terminal fitting portions 30 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the housing 12, and each is provided so as to extend along the height direction of the housing 12.

  When the terminal 11 is attached to the housing 12, the terminal 11 is attached to the main body portion 26 at the support portion 25. At this time, the columnar portion 25 a is inserted into the groove 29 and fitted along the height direction of the housing 12, and when the columnar portion 25 b is inserted into the groove 28 and fitted, the terminal fitting is performed with respect to the support portion 25. Part 30 fits. Thereby, a pair of columnar part (25a, 25b) of the support part 25 is engage | inserted by a pair of groove | channel (28, 29) of the both sides of the terminal fitting part 30, and also a pair of columnar part (25a) of the support part 25 is provided. 25b), the support portion 25 is supported with respect to the housing 12 with the terminal fitting portion 30 sandwiched therebetween. The terminal 11 is held by the housing 12 by the support portion 25 being supported by the housing 12.

  The contact accommodating portion 27 is provided as a portion that is disposed so that a portion including the contact portions 23 of the plurality of terminals 11 is accommodated in a state of being aligned along the width direction of the housing 12. The contact accommodating portion 27 is provided on the front side of the main body portion 26 and is provided integrally with the main body portion 26.

  The contact accommodating portion 27 is provided as a portion that forms a substantially box-like shape together with a part of the main body portion 26. A substantially box-shaped portion formed by the contact accommodating portion 27 together with a part of the main body portion 26 opens at an opening 27 a toward one side in the height direction of the housing 12. The opening 27 a is open to the outside in a cross-sectional shape extending in a rectangular shape along the width direction of the housing 12. When each terminal 11 is attached to the housing 12, a part of the contact portion 23, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the columnar portion 25 a in each terminal 11 is inserted into the contact accommodating portion 27 from the opening 27 a. In a state where each terminal 11 is attached to the housing 12, a part of the contact portion 23, the elastically deformable portion 24, and the columnar portion 25 a of each terminal 11 is accommodated inside the contact accommodating portion 27.

  In the connector 1, as described above, in a state where each of the plurality of terminals 11 is attached to the housing 12, the contact portion 23 of each terminal 11 is accommodated inside the contact accommodating portion 27 of the housing 12. For this reason, in the connector 1, none of the plurality of terminals 11 is exposed in a state of protruding from the housing 12 to the outside. Accordingly, for example, even when the connectors 1 come into contact with each other when a plurality of connectors 1 are conveyed, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 of the connector 1 is prevented from being deformed or damaged by an external force. Will be.

  In addition, a plurality of partition walls 27 b that protrude short toward the inside of the contact housing portion 27 are provided side by side along the width direction of the housing 12 on the inner wall of the contact housing portion 27. Each partition wall 27 b is provided so as to extend along the height direction of the housing 12 in a wall portion parallel to the main body portion 26 in the contact accommodating portion 27, and is a wall portion perpendicular to the main body portion 26 in the contact accommodating portion 27. Is provided so as to extend along the front-rear direction of the housing 12. The front-rear direction of the housing 12 is indicated by a double-ended arrow X6 in FIG. The front-rear direction of the housing 12 is the same direction as the front-rear direction of the connector 1.

  In addition, a plurality of concave portions 27 c partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 27 b are provided inside the contact accommodating portion 27. For this reason, inside the contact accommodating portion 27, the plurality of concave portions 27 c are provided side by side along the width direction of the housing 12. The contact portion 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24 of each terminal 11 are disposed in each recess 27c. By providing the plurality of recesses 27 c and the plurality of partition walls 27 b, it is reliably prevented that the plurality of terminals 11 come into contact with each other inside the contact accommodating portion 27.

  In the housing 12, the recesses 27 c are provided at positions corresponding to the grooves 28, the terminal fitting portions 30, and the grooves 29 in the front-rear direction of the housing 12. For this reason, in the housing 12, the corresponding concave portions 27 c, the respective grooves 28, the respective terminal fitting portions 30, and the respective grooves 29 are planes parallel to the front-rear direction and the height direction of the housing 12 and are in the same plane. Are arranged along. The same plane as described above corresponds to a plane parallel to the plane in which the drawing of FIG. 9 is illustrated.

  Due to the above configuration, the housing 12 is provided with a plurality of combinations of the concave portions 27 c, the grooves 28, the terminal fitting portions 30, and the grooves 29 arranged along the same plane. And the said same plane where each of the combination of each recessed part 27c, each groove | channel 28, each terminal fitting part 30, and each groove | channel 29 is arrange | positioned becomes mutually parallel.

  In the connector 1, as described above, the recesses 27 c, the grooves 28, the terminal fitting portions 30, and the grooves 29 are arranged along the same plane. Further, in the connector 1, each terminal 11 is configured such that a route from the electrical connection portion 22 through the support portion 25 to the contact portion 23 through the elastic deformation portion 24 is arranged along the same plane. ing. And in the connector 1, each terminal 11 provided so that it may extend along the same plane is each recessed part 27c, each groove | channel 28, and each terminal fitting part which were arrange | positioned with respect to the housing 12 along the same plane. 30 and the region defined by each groove 29 are attached. For this reason, in the connector 1, the plurality of terminals 11 are held by the housing 12 with the same planes on which the terminals 11 are arranged being parallel to each other.

[Connector connection and terminal connection]
Next, the form in which the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 1 of the same shape is described. In addition, a configuration in which the terminal 11 is connected to the mating terminal 11 having the same shape as the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 will be described.

  The connector 1 is connected to a mating connector 1 connected to another board (not shown) while being connected to the board (not shown). The connector 1 is electrically connected to the board by soldering the electrical connection portions 22 of the plurality of terminals 11 to the conductive circuit pattern of the board. Further, the connector 1 is mechanically connected to the substrate by soldering the electrical connection portions 22 of the plurality of terminals 11 and the substrate fixing portions 13a of the pair of reinforcing tabs 13 to the substrate. Yes. The mating connector 1 is also connected to another board in the same manner.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 1, and is a perspective view showing a state including a partial cross-section. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 1.

  When the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 1, the connector 1 has an end of the body portion 26 to which the plurality of terminals 11 in the housing 12 are attached. It is inserted into the opening 27a. At this time, similarly, in the mating connector 1, the end portion of the main body portion 26 to which the plurality of terminals 11 in the housing 12 are attached is inserted into the opening 27 a of the housing 12 of the connector 1. . The main body 26 of the connector 1 is inserted into the opening 27 a of the mating connector 1 along the height direction of the connector 1 and the height direction of the mating connector 1. Therefore, the fitting direction between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 is parallel to the height direction of the connector 1 and the height direction of the mating connector 1.

  In the following description, since the two connectors 1 to be connected are both male and female, the connection form of the connector 1 will be described from the viewpoint of connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1. And the description from the opposite viewpoint which replaced the relationship between the connector 1 and the connector 1 of the other party becomes the same overlapping description, and therefore will be omitted as appropriate.

  When the end portion of the main body portion 26 of the connector 1 is inserted into the opening 27a of the mating connector 1, the support portion 25 of each terminal 11 into which each terminal fitting portion 30 is fitted in the connector 1 becomes the mating connector. 1 is inserted between the contact portion 23 and the arm portion 24c of each terminal 11 and the columnar portion 25b. At this time, the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 of the connector 1 contacts the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1. The contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 is urged toward the direction away from the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 by the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 of the connector 1. . As a result, at the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1, the arm portion 24 c bends relative to the base portion 24 a due to elastic deformation, and the contact portion 23 is displaced relative to the electrical contact portion 22.

  By the above, the columnar part 25a of the support part 25 of the terminal 11 of the connector 1 and the contact part 23 of the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 are electrically connected. Even when the end portion of the main body portion 26 of the connector 1 is inserted to the back side of the opening 27a of the mating connector 1 and the connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 is completed, the electrical connection described above is performed. The state will be maintained. At this time, the electrical connection between the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 of the connector 1 and the columnar portion 25a of the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 is also maintained. Thereby, the plurality of terminals 11 of the connector 1 and the plurality of terminals 11 of the mating connector 1 are electrically connected to each other.

  Further, when the connecting operation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 is performed, the terminal 11 of the connector 1 and the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 are connected to each other between the columnar portions 25b of the support portion 25. It comes into contact with sliding on the surface. That is, when the end portion of the main body portion 26 of the connector 1 is inserted toward the back side of the opening 27a of the mating connector 1, the terminal 11 of the connector 1 and the terminal 11 of the mating connector 1 are columnar portions. 25b comes into contact with each other while sliding, and is electrically connected. Even when the connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 is completed, the electrical connection state is maintained.

  Therefore, the plurality of terminals 11 of the connector 1 and the plurality of terminals 11 of the mating connector 1 are electrically connected between the contact portion 23 and the columnar portion 25a of the support portion 25, and Electrical connection is also made between the columnar portions 25b.

[Method of manufacturing terminals and connectors]
Next, the manufacturing method of the terminal 11 and the connector 1 is demonstrated. The plurality of terminals 11 are made of a flat plate-shaped metal member as a raw material. The plate-shaped metal member is punched by pressing, and is further bent with respect to the material subjected to the punching processing. It is formed by processing. The pair of reinforcing tabs 13 are formed by subjecting a flat plate-shaped metal member to punching and bending by pressing. The housing 12 is formed by integrally molding a resin material as a raw material. The connector 1 is manufactured by attaching a plurality of terminals 11 and a pair of reinforcing tabs 13 to the housing 12.

  Here, regarding the manufacturing method of the terminal 11 and the connector 1 described above, the process of manufacturing the terminal 11 and the process of attaching the terminal 11 to the housing 12 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a press-molded body 31 which is a press-deployed-shaped molded body in which portions to be a plurality of terminals 11 are provided integrally with the carrier 32. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those of the terminals 11 are given to the portions to be the terminals 11. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those of the electrical connection portion 22 and the contact portion 23 are also given to the portions that become the electrical connection portion 22 and the contact portion 23, respectively.

  In the manufacturing process of the terminal 11, a flat plate-like metal member is used as a material, and the plate-like metal member is punched by pressing. By this punching process, a press-formed body 31 shown in FIG. 12 is formed. In the formation of the press-molded body 31, the portions to be the plurality of terminals 11 provided in the connector 1 are integrally formed. In the press-formed body 31, the portions to be the plurality of terminals 11 are provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier 32, for example, on the side of the portions to be the electrical connection portions 22 in the portions to be the terminals 11. It is in a state.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a hoop material 33 that is a molded body in which a plurality of terminals 11 are provided integrally with the carrier 32. When the press-molded body 31 shown in FIG. 12 is formed, the bending process is then performed on the portions to be the plurality of terminals 11 in the press-molded body 31. When the press-formed body 31 is bent, a hoop material 33 shown in FIG. 13 is formed. By forming the hoop material 33, a plurality of terminals 11 in a state of being provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier 32 are formed.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the hoop material 33 and the housing 12 of the connector 1, for explaining a state in which the hoop material 33 is attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1. The hoop material 33 is attached to the housing 12 along the direction indicated by the arrow X7 in FIG. That is, the hoop material 33 is attached to the housing 12 so as to be slid and fitted along the height direction of the housing 12. As a result, the plurality of terminals 11 are attached to the housing 12 so as to be collectively inserted in the state of the hoop material 33.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hoop material 33 is attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1. By attaching the plurality of terminals 11 in the state of the hoop material 33 so as to be collectively inserted into the housing 12, each terminal fitting portion of the housing 12 is attached to the support portion 25 of each terminal 11 of the hoop material 33. It will be in the state which 30 was inserted. Then, the columnar portion 25 a and the columnar portion 25 b of each terminal 11 of the hoop material 33 are fitted into the grooves 29 and 28 of the housing 12, respectively. Furthermore, the contact portions 23 and the elastic deformation portions 24 of the plurality of terminals 11 of the hoop material 33 are accommodated inside the contact accommodating portion 27 of the housing 12.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the carrier 32 is removed from the hoop material 33 attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1. When the hoop material 33 is attached to the housing 12, the carrier 32 is then cut and removed from the hoop material 33 as shown in FIG. At this time, the hoop material 33 is cut between the portion of the carrier 32 that is integrally connected to the electrical connection portion 22 of each terminal 11 and the electrical connection portion 22. As described above, the carrier 32 is removed from the hoop material 33 attached to the housing 12, so that the plurality of terminals 11 separated from each other are held in the housing 12. The connector 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by further attaching a pair of reinforcing tabs 13 to the housing 12 holding the plurality of terminals 11. Thereby, the manufacture of the connector 1 is completed.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
The terminal 11 of this embodiment is used as a terminal connected to the counterpart terminal 11 having the same shape as itself. That is, the terminal 11 of the present embodiment is used as a so-called hermaphroditic terminal 11. The terminal 11 of the present embodiment is provided integrally with the electrical connection portion 22, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 arranged in series in this order, and further from the electrical connection portion 22 to the elastic deformation portion. The path leading to the contact portion 23 via 24 is configured to be arranged along the same plane. Therefore, the electrical connection part 22, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are integrally provided in this order along the same plane in a single stroke.

  Due to the above structure, when forming the hoop material 33 in a state where the terminals 11 of the present embodiment are provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier 32, a press-molded body that is a material for producing the hoop material 33 is formed. When 31 is created, the portions to be the terminals 11 are elongated. Specifically, for example, the flattened press-deployed portion that is the portion of each terminal 11 is a direction in which the carrier 32 extends in a band shape with the electrical connection portion 22 being integrated with the carrier 32 (see FIG. 12, the electrical connection portion 22, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 are elongated and linear along a direction (a direction orthogonal in the present embodiment) intersecting with a direction indicated by a double-ended arrow X <b> 8. It will be in the extended state.

  For this reason, when creating the hoop material 33 in a state where the terminals 11 of the present embodiment are provided integrally with the band-shaped carrier 32, the interval between the terminals 11 aligned along the carrier 32 is determined. Can be set small. Therefore, in the case of the terminal 11 of the present embodiment, when the plurality of terminals 11 are attached so as to be collectively inserted into the housing 12 of the connector 1 in the state of the hoop material 33, the plurality of terminals 11 are connected to the connector 1. The line-up interval can be set small. That is, according to the terminal 11 of the present embodiment, the plurality of terminals 11 can be easily attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1 collectively, and the interval at which the plurality of terminals 11 are arranged in the connector 1 can be set small. it can. And since the space | interval which the several terminal 11 arranges in the connector 1 can be set small, size reduction of the connector 1 can be achieved.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the terminal 11 is connected to the counterpart terminal 11 having the same shape, and the plurality of terminals 11 can be easily attached to the housing 12 of the connector 1 collectively. In addition, it is possible to provide the terminal 11 that can reduce the size of the connector 1 by setting a small interval between the plurality of terminals 11 in the connector 1. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the connector 1 provided with such a terminal 11 can be provided.

  Moreover, according to the terminal 11 of this embodiment, each plate | board thickness direction of the electrical connection part 22, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 is extended in parallel with respect to the same plane. For this reason, when creating the hoop material 33 in which a plurality of male and female terminals 11 are integrally arranged with respect to the band-shaped carrier 32, the interval between the terminals 11 arranged along the carrier 32 is set efficiently and small. can do.

  Further, according to the terminal 11 of the present embodiment, since the terminal 11 is supported by the housing 12 by fitting a part of the housing 12 into the support portion 25, the terminal 11 is firmly and firmly supported with respect to the housing 12. Can be held. And according to the terminal 11 of this embodiment, the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are integrally provided along with the same plane along the same plane in this order. ing. For this reason, even when creating a hoop material 33 in which a plurality of terminals 11 that are hermaphroditic and can be held firmly in the housing 12 of the connector 1 are aligned with the strip-shaped carrier 32, The interval between the terminals 11 arranged along the carrier 32 can be set small.

  Further, according to the terminal 11 of the present embodiment, when the male and female terminals 11 are connected to each other, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 contacts and is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11, and the terminal 11 The support portion 25 is in contact with and electrically connected to the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 11. That is, when the terminal 11 is connected to the counterpart terminal 11, the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 11 at both the contact portion 23 and the support portion 25. For this reason, the terminals 11 can be more firmly brought into contact with each other in a more stable state, and a more stable electrical connection state can be realized.

[Modification]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

(1) FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connector 40 according to the first modification is connected to the mating connector 40. In the following description of the connector 40 of the first modified example, only the configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described. And about the element comprised similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by quoting the description of the element demonstrated in the above-mentioned embodiment by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol in drawing. .

  The connector 40 includes a plurality of terminals 41 and a housing 42 that holds the plurality of terminals 41. The terminal 41 is configured in the same manner as the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment, and includes the electrical connection portion 22, the contact portion 23, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the support portion 25. The housing 42 is configured in the same manner as the housing 12 of the above-described embodiment, and includes the main body portion 26 and the contact accommodating portion 27. However, the housing 42 is different from the housing 12 of the above-described embodiment in that the main body portion 26 and the contact accommodating portion 27 are not provided so as to be integrally continuous at the edge portions at both ends in the width direction of the housing 42. ing. In the housing 42, the main body portion 26 and the contact accommodating portion 27 are provided so as to be integrated continuously at an edge portion of one end portion in the height direction of the housing 42.

  Further, the connector 40 is different from the connector 1 described above in the connection form with respect to the mating connector 40. The connector 40 and the mating connector 40 are connected such that part of the contact accommodating portion 27 is fitted into each other. More specifically, when the connector 40 is connected to the mating connector 40, the end of the contact accommodating portion 27 of the housing 42 of the connector 40 is connected to the contact accommodating portion 27 of the housing 42 of the mating connector 40. And the main body 26. At this time, similarly, the end portion of the contact accommodating portion 27 of the housing 42 of the mating connector 40 is fitted between the contact accommodating portion 27 and the main body portion 26 of the housing 42 of the connector 40.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the terminal 41 of the connector 40 according to the first modification is connected to the counterpart terminal 41. The terminal 41 is different from the above-described terminal 11 in the form of connection with the counterpart terminal 41. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the connector 40 and the mating connector 40 are connected, the terminal 41 and the mating terminal 41 are electrically connected at the contact portion 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24. Is done.

  More specifically, when the terminal 41 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 41, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 41 is between the arm portion 24c and the columnar portion 25b of the counterpart terminal 41. Inserted and electrically connected to the arm portion 24c of the counterpart terminal 41. At this time, similarly, the contact part 23 of the counterpart terminal 41 is inserted between the arm part 24 c of the terminal 41 and the columnar part 25 b and is electrically connected to the arm part 24 c of the terminal 41. The

  As in the first modification, a form in which the connector 40 and the mating connector 40 are connected so that a part of the contact accommodating portion 27 is fitted into each other may be implemented. Further, a form in which the terminal 41 and the counterpart terminal 41 are electrically connected at the contact portion 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24 may be implemented.

(2) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the terminal 43 according to the second modification is connected to the counterpart terminal 43. In the following description of the terminal 43 of the second modified example, only the configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described. And about the element comprised similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by quoting the description of the element demonstrated in the above-mentioned embodiment by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol in drawing. .

  The terminal 43 includes an electrical connection portion 22, a contact portion 23, and an elastic deformation portion 24 that are configured in the same manner as the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment. However, the terminal 43 is different from the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment in that the support portion 25 of the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment is not provided and the housing engaging portion 44 is provided.

  In the terminal 43, the housing engagement portion 44 is provided as a portion between the base portion 24 a of the elastic deformation portion 24 and the electrical connection portion 22. The housing engaging portion 44 is provided as a portion that is fitted and engaged with the housing when the terminal 43 is attached to the housing of the connector (not shown). That is, the terminal 43 is configured to be held by the housing by being engaged with and engaged with the housing by the housing engaging portion 44.

  In the terminal 43, the electrical connection portion 22, the housing engagement portion 44, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 are the same as the electrical connection portion 22, the housing engagement portion 44, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23. In order, they are integrally provided in a state of being arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 43. Further, the terminal 43 is configured such that a path from the electrical connection portion 22 through the housing engagement portion 44 to the contact portion 23 via the elastic deformation portion 24 is arranged along the same plane. That is, the electrical connection portion 22, the housing engagement portion 44, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 are integrally provided in this order along a single stroke along the same plane. The same plane as described above corresponds to a plane parallel to the plane in which the drawing of FIG. 19 is illustrated.

  Moreover, a connector (not shown) including a plurality of terminals 43 and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals 43 may be implemented as the connector according to the second modification. In the connector according to the second modified example, as described above, each of the plurality of terminals 43 is held in the housing by being fitted and engaged with the housing by the housing engaging portion 44. .

  Further, when the connector according to the second modification and the connector on the other side of the connector that are of the same shape are connected, the terminal 43 is in contact with the terminal 43 on the other side. 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24 are electrically connected. More specifically, when the terminal 43 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 43, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 43 is connected to the arm portion 24 c of the counterpart terminal 43 and the housing engaging portion 44. It is inserted in between, and is electrically connected to the arm portion 24 c of the counterpart terminal 43. At this time, similarly, the contact portion 23 of the counterpart terminal 43 is inserted between the arm portion 24 c of the terminal 43 and the housing engaging portion 44, and electrically connected to the arm portion 24 c of the terminal 43. Connected.

  As in the second modified example, the terminal 43 may be implemented in which the support portion 25 is not provided and the housing engaging portion 44 is provided. A connector including a plurality of the terminals 43 may be implemented.

(3) FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the terminal 45 according to the third modification is connected to the counterpart terminal 45. In the following description of the terminal 45 of the third modified example, only the configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described. And about the element comprised similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by quoting the description of the element demonstrated in the above-mentioned embodiment by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol in drawing. .

  The terminal 45 includes the electrical connection portion 22, the contact portion 23, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the support portion 25 in the same manner as the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment. However, the terminal 45 is different from the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the contact portion 23 and the configuration of the support portion 25.

  The contact portion 23 of the terminal 45 is formed in a shape different from the contact portion 23 of the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment provided as a portion bent in an arc shape. Specifically, the contact portion 23 of the terminal 45 is provided as a portion that continues to the arm portion 24c and extends linearly in the same direction as the arm portion 24c.

  The support portion 25 of the terminal 45 includes a columnar portion 25a, a columnar portion 25b, and a bridging portion 25c, similarly to the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment. However, the support part 25 of the terminal 45 is different from 11 of the above-described embodiment in that the protruding part 46 is provided on the columnar part 25a. The convex portion 46 is formed as a portion curved in a substantially triangular shape or an arc shape along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 45 in the middle portion of the columnar portion 25 a extending linearly. Further, the convex portion 46 is formed as a portion protruding in a convex shape from the columnar portion 25a toward the opposite side to the columnar portion 25b side by curving in a substantially triangular shape or arc shape in the middle portion of the columnar portion 25a. Yes. Further, the convex portion 46 of the terminal 45 is provided as a portion to which the contact portion 23 of the counterpart terminal 45 is electrically connected.

  Further, the support portion 25 of the terminal 45 is also different from the terminal 11 of the above-described embodiment in that the support portion 25 of the terminal 45 is not configured to be electrically connected to each other at the columnar portions 25b. Is different.

  Further, in the terminal 45, the electrical connection portion 22, the support portion 25 including the convex portion 46, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23 are the electrical connection portion 22, the support portion 25, the elastic deformation portion 24, and the contact portion 23. In this order, they are integrally provided in a state of being arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 45. Further, the terminal 45 is configured such that a path from the electrical connection portion 22 through the support portion 25 to the contact portion 23 via the elastic deformation portion 24 is arranged along the same plane. That is, the electrical connection part 22, the support part 25, the elastic deformation part 24, and the contact part 23 are integrally provided in this order in a single stroke along the same plane. The same plane as described above corresponds to a plane parallel to the plane in which the drawing of FIG. 20 is illustrated.

  A connector (not shown) including a plurality of terminals 45 and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals 45 may be implemented as the connector according to the third modification.

  Further, when the connector according to the third modification is connected to the connector on the mating side of the connector and having the same shape, the terminal 45 is in contact with the mating terminal 45. 23 and the convex portion 46 are electrically connected. More specifically, when the terminal 45 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 45, the support portion 25 of the terminal 45 is interposed between the columnar portion 25b of the counterpart terminal 45 and the arm portion 24c. The contact portion 23 of the mating terminal 45 is inserted and electrically connected to the convex portion 46 of the terminal 45. At this time, similarly, the support portion 25 of the counterpart terminal 45 is inserted between the columnar portion 25b of the terminal 45 and the arm portion 24c, and the contact portion 23 of the terminal 45 is connected to the counterpart terminal 45. It is electrically connected to the convex portion 46.

  As in the third modification, the contact portion 23 is provided as a portion extending linearly in the same direction as a part of the elastic deformation portion 24, and a convex portion electrically connected to the contact portion 23 in the support portion 25. The terminal 45 in the form in which the portion 46 is provided may be implemented. A connector including a plurality of the terminals 45 may be implemented.

(4) The present invention is not limited to the modification examples described above, and various modification examples may be implemented. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the electrical connection portion of the terminal is electrically connected to the conductor on the surface of the substrate has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. A form in which the electrical connection portion of the terminal is electrically connected to a conductor configured as a form other than the conductor on the surface of the substrate may be implemented. For example, the form by which the electrical connection part of a terminal is electrically connected to the electric wire as another conductor via soldering may be implemented.

  Further, the direction in which the plurality of terminals in the state of the hoop material are attached to the housing is not limited to the form exemplified in the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented with various changes. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a hoop material is formed by forming a press-molded body and then bending the press-molded body has been described, but this need not be the case. . For example, when punching is performed on a plate-shaped metal member, a form in which a bent portion is also formed and a hoop material is created may be implemented.

  The present invention can be widely applied to a terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape and a connector including the terminal.

11 Terminal 22 Board connection part 23 Contact part 24 Elastic deformation part

Claims (5)

A terminal connected to a counterpart terminal having the same shape,
An electrical connection configured to be electrically connected to other conductors;
A contact portion configured to be in contact with and electrically connected to the other terminal;
An elastically deformable portion configured to allow relative displacement of the contact portion with respect to the electrical connecting portion by elastically deforming at least a portion;
With
The electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are integrally provided in a state in which the electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are arranged in series in the order,
A terminal, wherein a path from the electrical connection portion to the contact portion through the elastic deformation portion is arranged along the same plane. The terminal according to claim 1,
The electrical connection portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion each have a plate thickness direction,
The terminal according to claim 1, wherein a plate thickness direction of the electrical connection portion, a plate thickness direction of the elastic deformation portion, and a plate thickness direction of the contact portion are directions extending in parallel to the same plane. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
A support portion configured to be supported with respect to the housing by fitting a part of the housing of the connector;
The electrical connection portion, the support portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion are integrated in the order of the electrical connection portion, the support portion, the elastic deformation portion, and the contact portion in series. Provided,
The terminal configured to be arranged along the same plane from the electrical connection portion to the contact portion through the support portion and further through the elastic deformation portion. The terminal according to claim 3, wherein
The said support part is comprised so that it may contact and electrically connect with respect to the said support part of the other party terminal, The terminal characterized by the above-mentioned. A connector comprising a plurality of terminals according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A housing for holding a plurality of the terminals;
The connector is characterized in that the plurality of terminals are held by the housing in a state where the same planes are parallel to each other.

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