JP2004207077A - Ground terminal fixing structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a number of parts used for connecting a ground terminal to a vehicle body, and to simplify connection processes, improving workability. <P>SOLUTION: The ground terminal fixing structure performs ground connection by connecting the ground terminal 20 connected to a cable of a wire harness provided in a vehicle, to the vehicle body. An engagement hole Pa is provided in the vehicle body P, and a flexible strip 22 is vertically arranged from each of both end parts of a substrate part 21 of the ground terminal 20. The tip of the flexible strip 22 is folded toward outside and back side to form an engaging blade part 23. The tip of the flexible strip 22 of the ground terminal 20 is inserted into the engagement hole Pa of the vehicle body P until the flexible strip 22 is flexibly restored and the engaging blade part 23 is latched by the rear surface side of the fringe of the engagement hole Pa, allowing ground connection and lock fixing of the ground terminal 20 and the vehicle body P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fixing structure of a ground terminal, and more particularly, to improving workability when mounting a ground terminal connected to a wire harness of an automobile to a vehicle body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various suitable means have been proposed for grounding a vehicle wire harness to a vehicle body via a ground terminal.
For example, in the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-268183, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a busbar 2 processed into a required shape is accommodated in a case 1 and connected to an electric wire W. The grounding terminal 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 2a to make electrical contact with the bus bar 2, and the ground bolt 6 protruding from the vehicle body 5 is brought into electrical contact with the bus bar 2 through the bolt insertion portion 2b. Through the bolt hole 3a of the ground terminal 3. Thus, the ground terminal 3 of the terminal of the electric wire W is connected to the vehicle body 5 via the bus bar 2 and the ground bolt 6.
[0003]
Further, in the structure disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-61960, as shown in FIG. 11, a harness protector 7 provided outside the wire harness W / H is provided with a plug-in engagement portion 7b and a connector portion 7a. A plate-shaped bracket 8 is provided to accommodate and lock the ground terminal 9 connected to the terminal of the electric wire W branched from the wire harness W / H in the connector portion 7a, and to engage the insertion engagement portion 7b from the vehicle body 5. A protruding ground engaging portion 8a formed on a part of the plate-shaped bracket 8 is inserted into the connector portion 7a from below. In this way, the ground terminal 9 of the terminal of the electric wire W is connected to the vehicle body 5 via the plate-shaped bracket.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-268183
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-61960 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the structure shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B), the case 1, the bus bar 2 and the earth bolt 6 are required to electrically connect the earth terminal 3 to the vehicle body 5, so that the number of parts increases and the cost increases. In addition, after the ground terminal 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 2a, an operation of further inserting the earth bolt 6 into the bolt insertion portion 2b must be performed, and further improvement in workability is desired.
[0007]
Further, in the structure shown in FIG. 11, the harness protector 7 and the plate-shaped bracket 8 are required to electrically connect the ground terminal 9 to the vehicle body 5, so that the number of parts is increased and the cost is increased. 7, there is a problem that this structure cannot be set unless it is near the wire harness W / H. Further, after inserting and locking the ground terminal 9 into the connector portion 7a of the harness protector 7, it is necessary to further insert the plate-like bracket 8 into the insertion engagement portion 7b, and further improvement in workability is desired. It is.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to reduce the number of parts when connecting a ground terminal to a vehicle body, and to simplify the connection work to improve workability.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention firstly connects a ground terminal connected to an electric wire of a wire harness arranged in an automobile to a vehicle body to perform an earth connection.
The vehicle body is provided with a hole to be engaged, while the ground terminal has a flexible piece suspended from both ends of the substrate portion, and the distal end of the flexible piece is folded outward and upward to lock the blade. Department and
The distal end of the flexible piece of the ground terminal is inserted into the engaged hole of the vehicle body, the flexible piece elastically returns, and the locking wing is locked on the back side of the periphery of the engaged hole. This provides a ground terminal fixing structure characterized in that the ground terminal is connected to the vehicle body with the ground and locked.
[0010]
With the above configuration, the flexible piece of the ground terminal connected to the electric wire of the wire harness is simply inserted into the engaged hole of the vehicle body, and the flexible piece is automatically elastically restored, and the locking wing is moved. Since it is locked to the vehicle body and the electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal and the vehicle body can be made with one touch, the workability can be greatly improved. Further, since components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
[0011]
Secondly, the present invention is to connect a ground terminal connected to an electric wire of a wire harness routed to an automobile to a vehicle body to perform an earth connection.
While the engaged hole is drilled in the vehicle body, the ground terminal is formed in a reverse Ω shape in cross section with a curved portion provided in the substrate portion,
The bent portion of the grounding terminal is inserted into the engaged hole of the vehicle body while being bent, and the bent portion is elastically restored to be locked on the back side of the periphery of the engaged hole, thereby allowing the grounding. A ground terminal fixing structure characterized in that the terminal and the vehicle body are connected to ground and locked.
[0012]
With the above configuration, simply inserting the curved portion of the ground terminal connected to the electric wire of the wire harness into the engaged hole of the vehicle body allows the bent curved portion to elastically return to the engaged hole of the vehicle body. , And electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal and the vehicle body can be made with one touch, so that workability can be greatly improved. Further, since components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
[0013]
Thirdly, the present invention is to connect a ground terminal connected to a wire of a wire harness routed to a vehicle to a vehicle body to perform a ground connection.
By cutting out a substantially I-shaped slit in the vehicle body, a pair of door-shaped flexible pieces are formed,
The ground terminal is provided with protrusions on one or both surfaces of a plate-like substrate portion,
By inserting the ground terminal into the slit of the vehicle body and press-fitting the flexible piece while bending the flexible piece, the projection of the ground terminal is locked to an end of the flexible piece, and the ground terminal and the vehicle body are And a ground terminal and a lock terminal.
[0014]
With this configuration, simply inserting a plate-like ground terminal connected to the electric wire of the wire harness into the slit of the vehicle body allows the ground terminal to be sandwiched between the pair of flexible pieces and the protrusion to be flexible. Since it is locked to one end and the electrical connection and fixation between the ground terminal and the vehicle body are made with one touch, the workability can be greatly improved. Further, since components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
[0015]
Fourth, the present invention is to connect a ground terminal connected to an electric wire of a wire harness routed to an automobile to a vehicle body to perform an earth connection.
An engaged hole is formed in the vehicle body, and the engaged hole has a pair of cutouts facing the circular hole. Hang the bent locking piece,
By inserting the locking piece of the ground terminal into the notch of the vehicle body and rotating the ground terminal, the locking piece is locked on the back side of the peripheral edge of the engaged hole where there is no notch. In addition, the present invention provides a ground terminal fixing structure, wherein the ground terminal and the vehicle body are grounded and locked.
[0016]
With the above configuration, the ground terminal connected to the electric wire of the wire harness is simply inserted into the cutout portion of the engaged hole of the vehicle body and rotated, so that the locking piece of the ground terminal is moved to the periphery of the engaged hole. The workability of electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal and the vehicle body can be greatly improved. Further, since components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 show a first embodiment.
A ground terminal 20 is connected to a terminal of an electric wire W branched from a wire harness arranged in an automobile.
The grounding terminal 20 has a flexible piece 22 suspended from both ends of a plate-shaped substrate portion 21, and a lower end of the flexible piece 22 is folded outward and upward to form a locking blade 23. A barrel portion 24 is provided at the rear end of the substrate portion 21, and conduction between the core wire of the electric wire W and the ground terminal 20 is achieved by caulking the electric wire W with the barrel portion 24. Further, the distance between the flexible pieces 22 on both sides of the substrate portion 21 is W1, and the width of the flexible piece 22 is L1.
The vehicle body panel P is provided with a square-shaped engaged hole Pa. The length of one side of the engaged hole Pa is W2, and the length of the other orthogonal side is L2.
Note that the magnitude relation between the above-mentioned various quantities is W1 ≧ W2, and L1 and L2 are substantially equal.
[0018]
Next, a procedure for connecting the ground terminal 20 to the vehicle body panel P will be described.
When the distal end side of the flexible piece 22 of the ground terminal 20 is inserted into the engaged hole Pa of the vehicle body panel P, the peripheral edge of the engaged hole Pa presses the locking blade 23 inward, thereby When the flexible piece 22 is elastically returned, the upper end of the locking wing portion 23 is locked to the rear side of the periphery of the engaged hole Pa and is locked and fixed. At this time, the board portion 21 comes into contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body panel P.
[0019]
According to the above-described structure, simply inserting the flexible piece 22 of the ground terminal 20 into the engaged hole Pa of the vehicle body panel P automatically locks the locking wing 23 to the vehicle body panel P, and Electrical connection and fixation with the vehicle body panel P can be performed with a single touch, greatly improving workability. In addition, since separate components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
[0020]
3 and 4 show a second embodiment.
A ground terminal 30 is connected to a terminal of an electric wire W branched from a wire harness arranged in an automobile.
The ground terminal 30 is formed by bending a metal plate into an inverted Ω shape in cross section. The bent portion 32 is bent downward in a substantially rhombic shape from the substrate portion 31. A stopper portion 33 coplanar with the portion 31. The curved portion 32 includes a crest 32b that extends right and left from the tip 32a, and a valley 32c that is a connection point between the substrate 31 and the stopper 33, and a distance L1 between the left and right crests 32b. Is larger than the width L2 of the square shaped hole Pa formed in the vehicle body panel P. A barrel portion 34 is provided at the rear end of the substrate portion 31, and conduction between the core wire of the wire W and the ground terminal 30 is achieved by caulking the wire W with the barrel portion 34. The width of the metal plate of the curved portion 32 is W1, the width of a side orthogonal to the side of the width L2 of the engaged hole Pa is W2, and W1 and W2 are substantially equal in size.
[0021]
Next, a procedure for connecting the ground terminal 30 to the vehicle body panel P will be described.
When the distal end 32a side of the curved portion 32 of the ground terminal 30 is inserted into the engaged hole Pa of the vehicle body panel P, the periphery of the engaged hole Pa presses the curved portion 32 inward, so that the left and right sides of the curved portion 32 The bent portion 32c of the ground terminal 30 is engaged with the bent portion 32b by elastically returning when the peripheral edge of the engaged hole Pa passes through the peak portion 32b. Locked and locked by the periphery of the mating hole Pa.
[0022]
According to the above structure, the bent portion 32 of the ground terminal 30 is automatically locked simply by inserting it into the engaged hole Pa of the vehicle body panel P, and the electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal 30 and the vehicle body panel P are established. It can be done with one touch, greatly improving workability. In addition, since separate components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of components can be reduced and cost can be reduced.
Note that the cross-sectional shape of the curved portion 32 is not limited to a substantially rhombic shape, and may be a substantially C shape or the like.
[0023]
5 and 6 show a third embodiment.
The ground terminal 40 is connected to the terminal of the electric wire W branched from the wire harness arranged in the automobile.
The ground terminal 40 has a projection 42 bulging to one surface side at a central portion of a plate-shaped substrate portion 41. A barrel portion 43 is provided at the rear end of the substrate portion 41, and conduction between the core wire of the wire W and the ground terminal 40 is achieved by caulking the wire W with the barrel portion 43.
A pair of door-like flexible pieces Pa ′ and Pb ′ are formed in the vehicle body panel P ′ by cutting out a substantially I-shaped slit S.
[0024]
Next, a procedure for connecting the ground terminal 40 to the vehicle body panel P 'will be described.
When the board portion 41 of the ground terminal 40 is pushed into the slit S of the vehicle body panel P ′ from the tip side and inserted, the opposing flexible pieces Pa ′ and Pb ′ bend to the rear side like a door, and the protrusion 42 of the ground terminal 40 is enabled. The flexible piece Pa 'is locked and fixed to the end of the piece Pa'.
[0025]
According to the above structure, the ground terminal 40 is sandwiched between the pair of flexible pieces Pa ′ and Pb ′ and the protrusion 43 is formed by simply pressing the ground terminal 40 into the slit S of the vehicle body panel P ′. It is locked at the end, and the electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal 40 and the vehicle body panel P 'can be made with one touch, so that the workability is greatly improved. In addition, since separate parts such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the number of parts is reduced and cost is reduced.
The projections 42 may be expanded by press working, or the projections may be attached to the substrate by welding or the like.
[0026]
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a modification of the third embodiment.
The ground terminal 40 'of this modified example has a projection 42' bulging partially on one surface side of a plate-shaped substrate portion 41 'and a projection 44' bulging on the other surface side. 44 'are provided side by side at the center of the substrate section 41'. That is, the projections 42 ′ and 44 ′ are projected from both sides of the substrate portion 41 ′. A barrel portion 43 'is provided at the rear end of the substrate portion 41', and conduction between the core wire of the wire W and the ground terminal 40 'is achieved by caulking the wire W with the barrel portion 43'.
The other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment, and the description is omitted.
[0027]
8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment.
The ground terminal 50 is connected to the terminal of the electric wire W branched from the wire harness arranged in the automobile.
The grounding terminal 50 has a vertically extending L-shaped locking piece 52 having a vertical portion 52b and a flange portion 52a bent outward from both ends of a plate-shaped substrate portion 51. A barrel portion 53 is provided at the rear end of the substrate portion 51, and conduction between the core wire of the wire W and the ground terminal 50 is achieved by caulking the wire W with the barrel portion 53. The distance between the vertical portions 52b on both sides of the substrate 51 is L3, the distance between the tips of the flanges 52a is L4, and the total length of the substrate 51 in the longitudinal direction is L5.
The vehicle body panel P "has a pair of notches Pb" opposed to the circular engagement hole Pa ". The inner diameter of the engagement hole Pa" is W4, and the opposite notch Pb ". Is defined as W3.
Note that the magnitude relation between the above-mentioned various quantities is L5> W3, L4> W4, L4 and W3 are almost equal in size, and L3 and W4 are almost equal in magnitude.
[0028]
Next, a procedure for connecting the ground terminal 50 to the vehicle body panel P ″ will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 9A, a pair of locking pieces 52 of the ground terminal 50 are made to penetrate through a pair of notches Pb "of the vehicle body panel P". Then, by rotating the ground terminal 50, as shown in FIG. 9B, the flange 52a of the locking piece 52 locks the notch Pb "of the engaged hole Pa" on the rear side of the inner peripheral edge. Then, the ground terminal 50 is fixed so as not to come off.
[0029]
According to the above structure, the flange 52a of the locking piece 52 of the ground terminal 50 is inserted into the notch Pb "of the hole Pa" of the vehicle body panel P "by simply inserting and rotating the ground terminal 50. It is locked to the periphery of Pa ", and the workability of electrical connection and fixing between the ground terminal 50 and the vehicle body panel P" is greatly improved. In addition, since separate components such as a case and a bus bar are not required, the components are not required. The points are reduced and the cost is reduced.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the ground terminal connected to the electric wire of the wire harness can be connected to the vehicle body with one-touch, and the workability can be greatly improved, and the parts can be greatly improved. The number of points is also reduced, and costs can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection structure of a ground terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view after connection.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a connection structure of a ground terminal according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view after connection.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a connection structure of a ground terminal according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view after connection.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a modified example of the ground terminal of the third embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a top view.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a connection structure of a ground terminal according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view after connection.
10A is a perspective view showing a conventional example, and FIG. 10B is a sectional view.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
20, 30, 40, 50 Ground terminal 21 Board part 22 Flexible piece 23 Locking wing part 31 Board part 32 Curved part 42 Projection 52 Locking piece 52a Flange part P Body panel Pa Engagement holes Pa ', Pb' Possible Flexible piece Pb "Notch S Slit

Claims (4)

The earth terminal connected to the electric wire of the wiring harness arranged in the automobile is connected to the vehicle body to perform the earth connection,
The vehicle body is provided with a hole to be engaged, while the ground terminal has a flexible piece suspended from both ends of the substrate portion, and the distal end of the flexible piece is folded outward and upward to lock the blade. Department and
The distal end of the flexible piece of the ground terminal is inserted into the engaged hole of the vehicle body, the flexible piece elastically returns, and the locking wing is locked on the back side of the periphery of the engaged hole. A ground terminal fixing structure, wherein the ground terminal is connected to the vehicle body by grounding and the vehicle body is locked and fixed. The earth terminal connected to the electric wire of the wiring harness arranged in the automobile is connected to the vehicle body to perform the earth connection,
While the engaged hole is drilled in the vehicle body, the ground terminal is formed in a reverse Ω shape in cross section with a curved portion provided in the substrate portion,
The bent portion of the grounding terminal is inserted into the engaged hole of the vehicle body while being bent, and the bent portion is elastically restored to be locked on the back side of the periphery of the engaged hole, thereby allowing the grounding. A ground terminal fixing structure, wherein the terminal and the vehicle body are connected to ground and locked. The earth terminal connected to the electric wire of the wiring harness arranged in the automobile is connected to the vehicle body to perform the earth connection,
By cutting out a substantially I-shaped slit in the vehicle body, a pair of door-shaped flexible pieces are formed, and the ground terminal is provided with a projection on one or both surfaces of a plate-shaped substrate portion,
By inserting the ground terminal into the slit of the vehicle body and press-fitting the flexible piece while bending the flexible piece, the projection of the ground terminal is locked to an end of the flexible piece, and the ground terminal and the vehicle body are The earth terminal is fixed to the earth terminal and is locked. The earth terminal connected to the electric wire of the wiring harness arranged in the automobile is connected to the vehicle body to perform the earth connection,
An engaged hole is formed in the vehicle body, and the engaged hole has a pair of cutouts facing the circular hole. Hang the bent locking piece,
By inserting the locking piece of the ground terminal into the notch of the vehicle body and rotating the ground terminal, the locking piece is locked on the back side of the peripheral edge of the engaged hole where there is no notch. And a grounding connection between the grounding terminal and the vehicle body and a lock fixing.

Images