JP2011165321A - Female terminal fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a female terminal fitting surely preventing infiltration of water into a connector housing, and securing an enough contact load with a counterpart male terminal fitting. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal connecting part 2 and a wire connecting part 3 are formed in nearly a cylindrical shape, a notched part 21 for housing an elastic piece 4 further at a rear end side of a terminal insertion hole 20, and the elastic piece 4 is structured of a pair of elastic piece members extended in an axis direction of the terminal connecting part 2 and butted to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a female terminal fitting in which an electric wire is connected to one end and a mating male terminal is connected to the other end.

  Conventionally, what was described in patent document 1 is proposed as a female terminal metal fitting. As shown in FIG. 25, this female terminal fitting 100 is provided in a waterproof connector 101, and has a terminal connection portion 100b in which a terminal insertion port 100a into which a mating male terminal is inserted is formed at the distal end side. The terminal connection part 100b is provided with a wire connection part 100c connected to the electric wire 102.

  The waterproof connector 101 includes a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 104 for accommodating a plurality of female terminal fittings 100 in a connector housing 103 made of a synthetic resin material, and each terminal fitting 100 is joined by crimping to the tip of an electric wire 102. In this state, it can be inserted from the rear end of the connector housing 103. An integral mat seal (rubber plug) 105 made of an elastic material is inserted into a through hole (not shown) at the rear end of the connector housing 103. The mat seal 105 includes a housing seal portion 105 a that protrudes to the outer peripheral side, and is held by a seal set portion (rubber plug holder) 106 that is attached to the rear end of the connector housing 103. The mat seal 105 is provided with a plurality of through holes 107 through which the electric wires 102 are inserted at positions facing the terminal housing chamber 104 of the connector housing 103. A lip (not shown) that can be elastically adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 102 is provided around the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 107, and the electric wire 102 and the connector housing 103 are provided by a mat seal 105 having the lip. The water is stopped between.

  In the above configuration, the mat seal 105 is first inserted into the through hole at the rear end of the connector housing 103, and the mat seal 105 is held by being attached to the seal set portion 106 at the rear end of the connector housing 103. At this time, in the mat seal 105, the housing seal portion 105a is accommodated in a groove portion (not shown) at the rear end of the connector housing 103, and the seal set portion 106 is pressed against the rear end of the housing seal portion 105a. It is held in an elastically compressed state. Next, after the distal end of the electric wire 102 is inserted into the terminal fitting 100 and crimped, the terminal fitting 100 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 104 from the rear end side of the connector housing 103, and extends in the rear of the terminal fitting 100. And the inside of the through hole 107 of the mat seal 105 is inserted. Next, the male terminal fitting (not shown) of the mating connector housing is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 104 of the connector housing 103 from the distal end side and is fitted to the female terminal fitting 100, so that the electric wire 102 and the mating terminal fitting are fitted. Electric wires are electrically connected. When the waterproof connector 101 is assembled in this manner, the mat seal 105 is inserted into the through hole at the rear end of the connector housing 103, and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 102 inserted through the through hole 107 of the mat seal 105 is elastically formed by a lip. Since they are in close contact, water or the like can be prevented from entering the connector housing 103. Further, the mating connector housing also stops water between the electric wire and the connector housing by a mat seal (not shown).

JP 2000-208200 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional female terminal fitting 100, as shown in FIG. 26, since the sectional shape of the terminal fitting 100 is square, the female terminal fitting 100 is connected to the terminal accommodating chamber from the rear end side of the connector housing 103. When inserted into the through-hole 107 of the mat seal 105 by being inserted into the mat 104, the lip on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 107 is damaged by the female terminal fitting 100 and the waterproof property is lowered. Further, when the female terminal fitting 100 is downsized, the member that maintains the mating state with the mating male terminal is reduced, so that sufficient contact load with the mating male terminal is ensured. There was also a problem that was difficult.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a female terminal fitting that can more reliably prevent water from entering the connector housing and can sufficiently ensure a contact load with the mating male terminal. With the goal.

  Invention of Claim 1 is provided in the terminal connection part which processed the plate-shaped member into the shape of a cylinder, and the terminal connection part in which the terminal insertion slot into which the other type male terminal is inserted in the tip side was formed, A female terminal fitting having an electric wire connecting portion to be connected to an electric wire, and having an elastic piece inside the terminal connecting portion, wherein the terminal connecting portion abuts the end surface of the plate-like member. The elastic piece is formed of a pair of elastic piece members extending in the axial direction of the terminal connecting portion on each of both edge portions of the plate-like member.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the female terminal fitting according to the first aspect, wherein the elastic piece is formed by folding the pair of elastic piece members provided integrally with the terminal connecting portion along the axial direction. Each contact portion is bent so as to be formed, and a contact portion electrically connected to the male terminal is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 1, since the terminal connection portion and the wire connection portion constituting the female terminal fitting are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, when the female terminal fitting is inserted through the mat seal of the connector housing, It is possible to prevent the lip on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole from being damaged by the female terminal fitting. Thereby, since the water intrusion into the connector housing can be prevented more reliably, the waterproof property can be improved. In addition, a predetermined spring force can be obtained by elastically deforming the elastic piece extending toward the rear end side in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting, and a pair of elastic piece members that are abutted with each other as an elastic piece are provided. Therefore, a larger spring force can be obtained as compared with only one elastic piece member. Therefore, even when the female terminal fitting is downsized, a sufficient contact load with the mating male terminal by the elastic piece can be ensured.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, a pair of elastic piece members provided integrally with the terminal connecting portion using a plate-like metal material as the material of the female terminal fitting Are bent so that the creases are formed along the axial direction, thereby forming an elastic piece and forming the terminal connection portion into a substantially cylindrical shape. Thereby, the spring force of each elastic piece member can be enlarged. Therefore, even when the female terminal fitting is further miniaturized, a sufficient contact load with the mating male terminal by the elastic piece can be ensured.

It is a perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. It is a front view which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is a development view of the metal material which shows a 1st embodiment of the present invention and constitutes a terminal connection part. FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a state in which a male terminal is inserted in FIG. 5. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. It is a front view which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. It is a development view of the metal material which shows a 2nd embodiment of the present invention and constitutes a terminal connection part. FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a male terminal is inserted in FIG. 11. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. It is a front view which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. It is a development view of the metal material which shows a 3rd embodiment of the present invention and constitutes a terminal connection part. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the third embodiment of the present invention and taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a male terminal is inserted in FIG. 17. It is a perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. It is a front view which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention and shows a female terminal metal fitting. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention and follows the XXI-XXI line of FIG. It is a development view of the metal material which shows a 4th embodiment of the present invention and constitutes a terminal connection part. It is sectional drawing which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention and follows the XXI-XXI line | wire of FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a state in which a male terminal is inserted in FIG. 23. It is a disassembled perspective view of the waterproof connector provided with the conventional female terminal metal fitting. It is a front view which shows the conventional female terminal metal fitting.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a female terminal fitting, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the female terminal fitting, and FIG. 3 is a line III-III in FIG. 4 is a developed view of a metal material constituting the terminal connecting portion, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a state in which a male terminal is inserted in FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the female terminal fitting 1 of the present embodiment is integrally formed by subjecting a plate-like metal material (plate-like member) 2 a to press working or cold forging. A terminal connecting portion 2 is provided, and a wire connecting portion 3 connected to the electric wire 30 is provided on the rear end side of the terminal connecting portion 2.

  The terminal connection portion 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a terminal insertion port 20 into which the mating male terminal 50 is inserted is formed on the front end side, and a notch portion 21 is formed on the rear end side from the terminal insertion port 20. Is formed. The terminal connection portion 2 includes an elastic piece 4 that protrudes inside the terminal connection portion 2 and a pair of indent portions 22 and 22 that are disposed so as to oppose the distal end portion of the elastic piece 4. The counterpart male terminal 50 is held by the elastic piece 4 and the pair of indent portions 22, 22. The indent portions 22 and 22 protrude inward by denting the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 2.

  Further, the female terminal fitting 1 is formed so that left and right portions are symmetrical with respect to the center line L in FIG. 2, and the elastic piece 4 is a pair of left and right folded portions folded inside the terminal connection portion 2. 41 and 41 and elastic arm portions 42 and 42 extending from the folded portions 41 and 41 toward the rear end side in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1.

  Each elastic arm portion 42 is bent at a right angle from an elastic portion 42a suspended along the center line L in FIG. 2 and a lower end of the elastic portion 42a so that a fold 4b is formed along the axial direction. And a contact portion 42b extending in a direction approaching each other, and the cross section is formed in an L shape. The end portions 42c of the contact portions 42b are abutted with each other, and the contact protrusions 4c projecting in a hemispherical shape on the lower surface of the rear end portion 42d of each contact portion 42b are formed on the mating male terminal 50. Abut.

  In the above configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of elastic piece members 4 a and 4 a are formed on both edges 2 c of the metal material 2 a in a state where one end is continuous with the metal material 2 a. Next, the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are bent so that the fold line 4b is formed along the axial direction, thereby forming the elastic piece 4 including the folded portions 41 and 41 and the elastic arm portions 42 and 42. In addition, a pair of indent portions 22 and 22 are formed.

  Next, the metal material 2a is bent into a cylindrical shape by pressing or cold forging, the end surfaces 2b, 2b of the metal material 2a are butted against each other, and the ends of the elastic piece members 4a, 4a in the short direction The parts 42c and 42c are abutted with each other. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal connection portion 2 is integrally molded, and the cutout portion 21 is formed at the location where the elastic piece members 4 a and 4 a existed. Therefore, the elastic piece 4 does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 2.

  Next, the electric wire 30 is inserted from the rear end of the electric wire connecting portion 3 and the electric wire connecting portion 3 is caulked, whereby the electric wire 30 is joined to the electric wire connecting portion 3 while being inserted into the electric wire connecting portion 3.

  After the female terminal fitting 1 is assembled in this way, when the mating male terminal 50 is inserted into the terminal connection portion 2 through the terminal insertion port 20, as shown in FIG. The elastic arm portions 42, 42 of the inner elastic piece 4 are urged by the spring force in the direction of the central axis of the terminal connecting portion 2, respectively, and the pair of indent portions 22, 22 are male terminals 50 from below in FIG. 2 and the elastic arm portions 42 and 42 are in pressure contact with the male terminal 50 from above in FIG. 2, so that the female terminal fitting 1 and the mating male terminal 50 are joined together for electrical connection. Done.

  As described above, according to the female terminal fitting 1 of the first embodiment, the terminal connecting portion 2 and the wire connecting portion 3 constituting the female terminal fitting 1 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, as in the conventional case. Since it is not square, when the female terminal fitting 1 is inserted through the mat seal of the connector housing (not shown), it is possible to prevent the female terminal fitting 1 from damaging the lip on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole. Thereby, since the water intrusion into the connector housing can be prevented more reliably, the waterproof property can be improved.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the elastic piece 4 extending in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1 can be elastically deformed to obtain a predetermined spring force, and a pair of elastic members that are abutted with each other as the elastic piece 4. Since the piece members 4a and 4a are provided, a larger spring force can be obtained as compared with only one elastic piece member. Thereby, even if it is a case where the female terminal metal fitting 1 is reduced in size, the contact load with the other party male terminal 50 by the elastic piece 4 can fully be ensured.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the metal member 2a is used as the material of the female terminal fitting 1, and the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a provided integrally with the terminal connecting portion 2 is formed so that the crease 4b extends along the axial direction. The elastic piece 4 is formed by bending each so as to be formed, and the terminal connecting portion 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the notch portion 21 is formed at a place where the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a existed. And the elastic piece 4 is accommodated in the notch 21. Thereby, the spring force of each elastic piece member can be enlarged. Therefore, even when the female terminal fitting is further miniaturized, a sufficient contact load with the mating male terminal 50 by the elastic piece can be ensured. Moreover, the material of the part of the notch part 21 can be effectively utilized as the elastic piece 4, and the yield of the metal material 2a can be improved.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, the male terminal 50 of the other party can be supported by the elastic piece 4 and a pair of indent parts 22 and 22, and it can hold | maintain reliably, and the female terminal metal fitting 1 and the male terminal of the other party can be held. 50 can be obtained in a stable state.

Second Embodiment
7 to 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a female terminal fitting, FIG. 8 is a front view showing the female terminal fitting, and FIG. 9 is a line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a developed view of the metal material constituting the terminal connecting portion, FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is a state in which the male terminal is inserted in FIG. FIG. 7 to 12, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, the female terminal fitting 1 </ b> A of the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right folded portions 41 and 41 in which the elastic piece 4 is folded inside the terminal connecting portion 2, and each folded portion. 41, 41, and arm portions 43, 43 extending toward the rear end side in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1. Each arm portion 43 is folded by an elastic portion 43a extending in a direction approaching each other, and the elastic portion 43a. The eye 4b is bent at a right angle so as to be formed along the axial direction, and includes an abutting portion 43b extending upward along the center line L in FIG. 8, and has a substantially L-shaped cross section. . The opposing surfaces 43c of each contact portion 43b are abutted against each other, and as shown in FIG. 12, the contact protrusion 43e projecting in a hemispherical shape on the lower surface of the rear end portion 43d of each contact portion 43b Abuts on the side male terminal 50.

  In the above configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are formed on the metal material 2a in such a state that one end is continuous with the metal material 2a. Next, the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are bent so that the fold line 4b is formed along the axial direction, thereby forming the elastic piece 4 including the folded portions 41 and 41 and the arm portions 43 and 43. At the same time, a pair of indent portions 22 and 22 are formed.

  Next, the metal material 2a is bent into a cylindrical shape by pressing or cold forging, so that the end surfaces 2b, 2b of the metal material 2a are butted against each other, and the opposing surfaces 43c of each arm portion 43 are butted against each other. . Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the terminal connection portion 2 is integrally molded, and the cutout portion 21 is formed at the location where the elastic piece members 4 a and 4 a existed. Since the elastic piece 4 is accommodated, the elastic piece 4 does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 2.

  According to the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

<Third Embodiment>
13 to 18 show a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a female terminal fitting, FIG. 14 is a front view showing the female terminal fitting, and FIG. 15 is a line XV-XV in FIG. 16 is a developed view of the metal material constituting the terminal connecting portion, FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14, and FIG. 18 is a state in which the male terminal is inserted in FIG. FIG. In FIGS. 13 to 18, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 18, the female terminal fitting 1 </ b> B of the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right folded portions 41 and 41 in which the elastic piece 4 is folded inside the terminal connection portion 2, and each folded portion. The elastic arm portions 44, 44 that hang from the 41, 41 along the center line L of FIG. 14 and extend to the rear end side in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1, and the rear ends of the elastic arm portions 44, 44 It is comprised from the contact part 45,45 bent at right angle so that the crease | fold 4b may be formed along an axial direction from a part, and it extends in the direction which mutually approaches, The edge part 45a of the contact part 45,45 45a are abutted against each other.

  In the above configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 16, a pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are formed on the metal material 2a in a state where one end is continuous with the metal material 2a. Next, by folding the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a so that the crease 4b is formed along the axial direction, the folded portions 41 and 41, the elastic arm portions 44 and 44, and the contact portions 45 and 45, respectively. And the pair of indents 22 and 22 are formed.

  Next, the metal material 2a is bent into a cylindrical shape by pressing or cold forging, the end surfaces 2b, 2b of the metal material 2a are butted against each other, and the end portions 45a, 45a of the contact portions 45, 45 are abutted against each other. Match each other. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the terminal connection portion 2 is integrally molded, and the cutout portion 21 is formed at the location where the elastic piece members 4 a and 4 a existed. The elastic piece 4 is housed in

  According to the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, since the elastic arm portions 44, 44 extending in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1 are arranged on both the left and right sides in FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. The other male terminal 50 can be guided by the arms 44 and 44. Moreover, since the sliding contact surface 44a inside each elastic arm part 44 and the sliding contact surface 45b of each contact part 45 are the same plating process surface as the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire connection part 3, the said sliding contact surfaces 44a and 45b. Thus, the mating male terminal 50 can move smoothly while sliding.

<Fourth embodiment>
19 to 24 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a female terminal fitting, FIG. 20 is a front view showing the female terminal fitting, and FIG. 21 is an XXI-XXI line in FIG. FIG. 22 is a developed view of a metal material constituting the terminal connecting portion. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 20, and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male terminal is inserted into FIG.

In FIGS. 19 to 24, the same components as those shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 to 24, the female terminal fitting 1 </ b> C of the present embodiment is illustrated by a pair of left and right folded portions 41, 41 folded inside the terminal connection portion 2, and the folded portions 41, 41. The elastic arm portions 44, 44 that hang down along the center line L 20 and extend toward the rear end side in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1, and the folds 4 b from the rear end portions of the elastic arm portions 44, 44. Are formed at right angles so as to be formed along the axial direction, and are formed of contact portions 46, 46 that extend in directions toward each other and protrude toward the front end side in the axial direction. The end portions 46a and 46a of 46 are abutted with each other.

  In the above configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 22, a pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are formed on the metal material 2a in a state where one end is continuous with the metal material 2a, and a pair of indent portions 22 and 22 are formed. . Next, the pair of elastic piece members 4a and 4a are bent so that the crease 4b is formed along the axial direction, respectively, and thereby the folded portions 41 and 41, the elastic arm portions 44 and 44, and the contact portions 46 and 46, respectively. The elastic piece 4 made of is formed.

  Next, the metal material 2a is bent into a cylindrical shape, the end surfaces 2b and 2b are butted against each other, and the end portions 46a and 46a of the contact portions 46 and 46 are butted against each other. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the terminal connection portion 2 is integrally molded, and the cutout portion 21 is formed at the location where the elastic piece members 4 a and 4 a existed. Therefore, the elastic piece 4 does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 2.

  According to the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, since the elastic arm portions 44, 44 extending in the axial direction of the female terminal fitting 1 are arranged on both the left and right sides in FIG. 20, as shown in FIG. The other male terminal 50 can be guided by the arms 44 and 44. Moreover, since the sliding contact surface 44a inside each elastic arm portion 44 and the sliding contact surface 46b of the contact portion 46 are the same plating surface as the outer peripheral surface of the wire connecting portion 3, the sliding contact surfaces 44a and 46b The mating male terminal 50 can move smoothly while sliding.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Female terminal metal fitting 2 Terminal connection part 3 Electric wire connection part 4 Elastic piece 4a Elastic piece member 20 Terminal insertion port 21 Notch part 30 Electric wire 41 Folding part 42-44 Elastic arm part 42b, 43b, 45, 46 Contact part

Claims (2)

A plate connection member is processed into a cylindrical shape, and a terminal connection portion in which a terminal insertion port for inserting a male terminal on the other end is formed on the tip side, and a wire connection provided in the terminal connection portion and connected to an electric wire A female terminal fitting having an elastic piece inside the terminal connection portion,
The terminal connecting portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by abutting the end faces of the plate-like member,
A female terminal fitting, wherein the elastic piece is composed of a pair of elastic piece members extending in the axial direction of the terminal connecting portion on each of both edge portions of the plate-like member. The female terminal fitting according to claim 1,
The elastic pieces are formed by bending the pair of elastic piece members provided integrally with the terminal connecting portion so that folds are formed along the axial direction, and electrically connecting to the male terminal. A female terminal fitting provided with a contact portion.

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