JP2020161350A - Flexible terminal, manufacturing method of them, and electrical component - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a flexible terminal or the like, in which a connection work to a connection object is easily performed even if a degree of freedom of a position relationship of both the connection objects is high, and there is a restriction in an operation space for connecting it to the connection object.SOLUTION: A flexible terminal 1a comprises: a flexible member 11 structured by a bundle of a plurality of conductive wires; and a pair of connection members 12a and 13a made of a conductive material and having cylindrical inner spaces S1 and S2. The flexible terminal 1a is formed by integrally connecting the flexible member 11 with the connection members 12a and 13a, while being collapsed in a state both end parts of the flexible member 11 is inserted into each of the inner spaces S1 and S2, and at least one of the pair of connection members 12a and 13a includes: a connection part 121 integrally connected to the end part of the flexible member 11; and extension parts 122a and 132a which are extended to the side opposite to the flexible member 11 from the connection part 121, collapsed in a non-existence state of the flexible member 11, and has a plate shape with a thickness dimension smaller than that of the connection part 121.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a flexible terminal, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electric component.

As a member for connecting an electric device or the like to transmit electric power, for example, a flexible terminal having a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires is used. The flexible terminal connects two objects to be connected, such as an electric device, via connecting members made of a conductor material provided at both ends of the flexible member, so that it can withstand severe vibration such as an earthquake. Even in the usage mode in which the flexible member constituting the flexible terminal can effectively absorb the vibration, or the difference in thermal expansion is large and the amount of deformation is large, the flexible member is thermally expanded and contracted. It is a member that can effectively absorb the dimensional fluctuation due to.

In such a flexible terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, after inserting the end portion of the flexible member 91 over the entire length of the internal space of the connecting members 92 and 93 having a tubular internal space, the connecting member By crushing 92 and 93, the connecting members 92 and 93 are integrated at both ends of the flexible member 91, respectively. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a structure provided with a notch for communicating the inside and outside of the connecting member in order to make it easy to confirm that the flexible member is inserted over the entire length of the internal space of the connecting member. There is. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a flexible terminal having a configuration in which a part of the connecting member is bent and bites into the flexible member as a flexible terminal in which the connecting member is difficult to separate from the flexible member. .. Further, in Patent Document 3, the SUS material pipe can be compressed into a flat shape in a state where a flexible member made of a braided wire or an aggregate stranded wire of a Ni wire material is arranged in the SUS material pipe. Flexible terminals are described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-153561 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-222301 JP-A-2002-222685

Since all of the flexible terminals described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires, with respect to two connection objects connected via the flexible terminals, Even if external forces such as pulling, compression, and twisting act to cause deformation that causes the positional relationship between the two objects to be connected to shift, the flexible member bends and effectively absorbs such deformation while effectively absorbing such deformation. Since the electrical or thermal connection between these connection objects can be continuously maintained, the degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between the two connection objects connected via the flexible terminal is high. However, since both ends of the flexible terminal described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 contain the flexible member over the entire length of the crushed connecting member, the thickness of both ends of the flexible terminal is the thickness of the flexible member. It becomes thicker because it is the total thickness of the thickness and the thickness of the connecting member, and in addition, when two connection objects are electrically or thermally connected via the flexible terminal, it is provided in the connecting member of the flexible terminal. After inserting a bolt or the like in a state where the through hole is aligned with the through hole of the connection object overlapped on the connecting member, the nut is screwed into the bolt from the side opposite to the bolt insertion side and tightened. However, when the space for performing such work (particularly the space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal 1a) is narrow, the flexible terminal connection work may not be possible. Therefore, there has been a demand for a flexible terminal capable of connecting an object to be connected even when there is a limitation in the space for connecting the flexible terminal.

An object of the present invention is to provide a work space (particularly a work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal 1a) for connecting to a connection object with a high degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between connection objects such as electric devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible terminal for easily connecting objects to be connected to each other, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electric component even when there are restrictions.

The present inventors have provided a plate-shaped extending portion having a thickness smaller than that of the connecting portion, which extends from the connecting portion integrally connected to the end portion of the flexible member to the side opposite to the flexible member. , We found that the work space required to attach the flexible terminal (particularly the work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal 1a) for connecting the objects to be connected such as electrical equipment becomes smaller, and based on this knowledge. The present invention has been completed.

That is, the gist structure of the present invention is as follows.
(1) A flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires and a pair of connecting members made of a conductor material and having a tubular internal space are provided, and both ends of the flexible member are the above 1. A flexible terminal formed by integrally connecting the flexible member and the connecting member by being crushed while being inserted into the internal space of each of the pair of connecting members, and at least one of the pair of connecting members. Is integrally connected to the end of the flexible member, extends from the connection to the side opposite to the flexible member, is crushed in the absence of the flexible member, and is crushed from the connection. A flexible terminal characterized by having a plate-shaped extending portion having a small thickness dimension.
(2) The flexible terminal according to (1) above, wherein the bundle of the conducting wires constitutes a braided wire or a stranded wire.
(3) The flexible terminal according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the connecting portion has a locking portion that is crimp-fixed to an end portion of the flexible member.
(4) The flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein a connecting hole for connecting another member is formed in the extended portion.
(5) The flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein a conductor plate is connected to the end of the extended portion.
(6) The flexible terminal according to (5) above, wherein the connection between the extension portion and the conductor plate is a welded connection.
(7) The flexible terminal according to (5) or (6) above, wherein a connecting hole for connecting another member is formed in the conductor plate.
(8) The flexible terminal according to any one of (5) to (7) above, wherein the conductor plate is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel.
(9) The flexible terminal according to any one of (5) to (8) above, wherein the surface of the conductor plate is plated.
(10) The flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the lead wire is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel.
(11) The flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the connecting member is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel.
(12) The flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein at least one surface of the lead wire and the connecting member is plated.
(13) An electric component having a flexible terminal according to any one of (1) to (12) above.
(14) A step of inserting both ends of a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires into the tubular internal space of a pair of connecting members, and a state in which the ends of the flexible member are inserted. The step of crushing the connecting portion of the connecting member to integrally connect the flexible member and the connecting member, and the extending portion extending from the connecting portion to the side opposite to the flexible member are formed of the flexible member. A method for manufacturing a flexible terminal, which comprises a step of crushing in a non-existent state and forming a plate having a thickness dimension smaller than that of the connection portion.
(15) The method for manufacturing a flexible terminal according to (14) above, further comprising a step of connecting a conductor plate to the end of the extended portion.

According to the present invention, by providing a plate-shaped extending portion having a thickness smaller than that of the connecting portion, which extends from the connecting portion integrally connected to the end portion of the flexible member to the side opposite to the flexible member. , There is a high degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between the objects to be connected, and the work space for connecting the flexible terminals to the objects to be connected in order to connect the objects to be connected (particularly the work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminals). It is possible to provide a flexible terminal that can be easily connected to an object to be connected such as an electric device, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electric component even when there are restrictions on the above.

An example of the configuration of the flexible terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view when cut along the AA'line. An example of the configuration of the flexible terminal according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view when cut along the BB'line. is there. An example of the configuration of the flexible terminal according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross section when cut along the CC'line. It is a figure. An example of the configuration of the flexible terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view when cut along the DD'line. (A) to (d) are modified examples of the flexible terminal shown in FIG. 4, and are views showing a state when conductor plates having various different shapes are connected to the end portion of the extension portion. An example of the configuration of the flexible terminal according to the prior art is shown, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view when cut along the EE'line.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

<Flexible terminal>
The flexible terminal of the present embodiment is composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires, and is composed of, for example, a flexible member capable of absorbing at least torsional deformation and compressive deformation and a conductor material, and has a pair having a tubular internal space. Both ends of the flexible member are crushed while being inserted into the internal spaces of the pair of connecting members to integrally connect the flexible member and the connecting member. At least one of the pair of connecting members is a flexible terminal that is integrally connected to an end portion of the flexible member and extends from the connecting portion to a side opposite to the flexible member. It has a plate-shaped extending portion that is crushed in the absence of the flexible member and has a thickness dimension smaller than that of the connecting portion.

The flexible terminal according to the present embodiment has a flexible member having the above-described configuration, and extends from a connecting portion integrally connected to the end portion of the flexible member to the side opposite to the flexible member, and from the connecting portion. By providing a plate-shaped extension with a small thickness, there is a high degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between the objects to be connected, and a work space for connecting flexible terminals for connecting the objects to be connected (especially). Even when there are restrictions on the work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal), the work of connecting to an object to be connected such as an electric device can be easily performed.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the flexible terminal of the present invention will be described in detail.

<First Embodiment of Flexible Terminal>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the flexible terminal 1a according to the present embodiment. The flexible terminal 1a according to the present embodiment includes a flexible member 11 and a pair of connecting members 12a and 13a, and at least one of the pair of connecting members 12a and 13a is attached to both ends of the flexible member 11. It has connecting portions 121 and 131 that are integrally connected to each other, and plate-shaped extending portions 122a and 132a that are smaller in thickness than the connecting portions 121 and 131, respectively.

(Flexible member)
The flexible member 11 is a member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires, and is capable of absorbing at least torsional deformation and compressive deformation. By using such a flexible member 11 for connecting two connection objects (not shown), a force such as pulling, compression, or twisting acts between the two connection objects to connect the two. Even if deformation occurs so that the positional relationship between the objects is deviated, the flexible member 11 of the flexible terminal 1a is bent, and while effectively absorbing such deformation, the electrical or heat of these connected objects is connected. Connection can be maintained continuously. Further, even when it is used in an environment where vibration is particularly intense or when it is used for connection between connected objects having a large difference in thermal expansion, it is possible to absorb dimensional fluctuations due to vibration, thermal expansion, and thermal contraction. ..

Here, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible member 11 is preferably rectangular. As a result, the flexible member 11 is easily bent, so that it is possible to easily absorb the torsional deformation and the compression deformation. Further, since heat dissipation from the flexible member 11 is promoted, it is possible to reduce the adverse effect of heat on the electric device, particularly when the object to be connected is an electric device. On the other hand, when the flexible member 11 is used for a heat transfer component and heat dissipation from the flexible member 11 is not desirable, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible member 11 may be substantially circular from the viewpoint of preventing heat loss. Good.

Further, it is more preferable that the cross section of the conducting wire constituting the flexible member 11 is substantially circular. As a result, the flexible member 11 can be easily bent in all directions, so that the degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between the terminals can be further increased, and the flexible member 11 can easily absorb torsional deformation and compressive deformation. be able to.

Further, the bundle of the conducting wires constituting the flexible member 11 preferably constitutes a braided wire or a stranded wire. As a result, the flexible member 11 is configured to facilitate deformation in three-dimensional directions in the length direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction to further enhance the flexibility and easily absorb the deformation, and to reduce the disconnection of the lead wire. can do.

The material of the conducting wire constituting the flexible member 11 is determined according to the magnitude of the conductivity and thermal conductivity required for the flexible member 11 and the flexibility. Among them, from the viewpoint of obtaining particularly high conductivity and thermal conductivity and high flexibility, the conducting wire is preferably made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel. Here, it is preferable that the surface of the conducting wire is plated with, for example, tin, silver or nickel from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. The surface of the lead wire may not be plated.

(Connecting member)
Connecting members 12a, 13a are both made of conductive material, a member having an internal space _S 1, _{S 2} cylindrical. These connecting members 12a, 13a is a part of each of the internal space S _1, S _2, the flexible member 11 at both ends are collapsed in a state of being inserted in, thereby connecting the flexible member 11 member 12a and 13a are integrally connected. By providing such connecting members 12a and 13a, when twisting deformation or compressive deformation is applied to the flexible terminal 1a, the deformation can be absorbed by the entire flexible member 11.

At least one of the pair of connecting members 12a and 13a extends from the connecting portions 121 and 131 integrally connected to the end of the flexible member 11 and the connecting portions 121 and 131 to the opposite side of the flexible member 11. It has extending portions 122a and 132a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, both of the pair of connecting members (connecting members 12a and 13a) may have connecting portions 121 and 131 and extending portions 122a and 132a. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, only one of the pair of connecting members (connecting member 12a) has a connecting portion 121 and an extending portion 122a, and the other connecting member 19 is a flexible member. A conventional connecting member that is connected to the end of the flexible member by a tightening force or the like by a fastening member such as a bolt with the end of 11 completely inserted and does not have an extension may be used.

The connecting portions 121 and 131 are portions of the connecting members 12a and 13a that are crushed with both ends of the flexible member 11 inserted. It is preferable that the connecting portions 121 and 131 have locking portions 123, 124, 133 and 134 which are crimp-fixed to the end portion of the flexible member 11. As a result, the flexible member 11 is locked to the connecting members 12a and 13a, so that even if a force in the tensile direction is applied to the flexible terminal 1a, it is difficult to separate the connecting members 12a and 13a from the flexible member 11. Can be done.

Extending portions 122a, 132a is a connecting member 12a, of the 13a, the internal space _S 1, _{S 2} in the absence of the flexible member 11 therein is a portion that has been crushed. Here, the extending portion 122a has a plate shape having a thickness dimension t ₂ smaller than the thickness dimension t ₁ of the connecting portion 121. Further, the extending portion 132a forms a 'small thickness _{t 2} than the' plate-like thickness _{t 1} of the connecting portion 131. In this way, by having the extending portions 122a and 132a having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the connecting portions 121 and 131, the volume occupied by the terminal mounting portion becomes smaller, so this flexible terminal 1a is used. When connecting the flexible terminals 1a to each other, there is a limitation in the work space for connecting (attaching) the flexible terminal 1a to the connection object (particularly, the work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal 1a). However, the flexible terminal 1a can be connected to the object to be connected.

Here, the thickness _t 1, _{t 1} of the connection portion 121 and 131 'may each flexible member 11 is to the average thickness of the connecting portions 121 and 131 in the portion inserted. Further, the extending portion 122a, the thickness of 132a dimension _t 2, _{t 2} ', the minimum thickness of the portion internal space _S 1 in the absence of the flexible member 11 inside respectively, _{S 2} are crushed Can be a value.

It is preferable that the extending portions 122a and 132a are formed with connecting holes 125 and 135 for connecting the objects to be connected. At this time, by providing similar holes in the terminals (not shown) on the connection object side to which the flexible terminal 1a is attached, fastening members (bolts, rivets) capable of inserting these holes and the connecting holes 125 and 135 can be inserted. Etc.) can be used, so that the flexible terminal 1a can be more firmly fixed to the object to be connected (electrical equipment or the like). Here, a plurality of connecting holes 125 and 135 are provided in at least one of the extending portions 122a and 132a in order to prevent the terminals of the object to be connected from rotating in contact with the extending portions 122a and 132a. It is preferable to have.

The shapes of the ends of the extending portions 122a and 132a are not particularly limited, and the end faces may be substantially aligned, for example, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the extending portions 122b and 132b may be formed by extending one side of the cylinders in contact with each other by crushing the connecting members 12b and 13b having a tubular internal space. ..

The materials of the connecting members 12a and 13a are determined according to the magnitude of conductivity and thermal conductivity required for the connecting members 12a and 13a and the mechanical strength. Among them, the connecting members 12a and 13a are preferably made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel from the viewpoint of obtaining particularly high conductivity and thermal conductivity and high mechanical strength. Here, the surfaces of the connecting members 12a and 13a may be plated with, for example, tin, silver or nickel. The surfaces of the connecting members 12a and 13a may not be plated.

<Second Embodiment of Flexible Terminal>
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the flexible terminal 1c according to the present embodiment. The flexible terminal 1c according to the present embodiment includes a flexible member 11 and connecting members 12c and 13c, and at least one of the connecting members 12c and 13c, and in FIG. 4, both connecting members 12c and 13c can be used. Connection portions 121 and 131 integrally connected to the end portions of the flexible member 11, plate-shaped extension portions 122c and 132c having a thickness smaller than that of the connection portions 121 and 131, and end portions of the extension portions 122c and 132c. It has conductor plates 14c, 15c, which are connected to. Here, the flexible member 11 and the connecting members 12c and 13c can be made in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

(Conductor plate)
The conductor plates 14c and 15c are members connected to the ends of the extending portions 122c and 132c of the connecting members 12c and 13c, respectively. In this way, by connecting the conductor plates 14c and 15c to the extending portions 122a and 132a, respectively, it is possible to manufacture the conductor plates 14c and 15c by a member separate from the connecting members 12c and 13c. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the shape and thickness of the conductor plates 14c and 15c can be increased.

The thickness dimension t ₃ of the conductor plate 14c is smaller than the thickness dimension t ₁ of the connecting portion 121, like the extending portion 122c. The thickness dimension _{t 3} of the conductor plate 15c 'is similar to the extended portion 132c, the thickness _{t 1} of the connection portion 131' is smaller than. As a result, the flexible terminal 1c can be connected to the object to be connected even when the work space for connecting the flexible terminal 1c to the object to be connected is restricted. The connecting member 12c, because 13c thick regardless of the thickness t _3, t 3 _'it is possible to determine, respectively, the desired mechanical properties in the connection portion to the connection object of the flexible terminal 1c Can have. Incidentally, the conductive plate 14c, 15c of the thickness _t 3, _{t 3} ', the extending portion 122c, may be the same as the thickness dimension of 132c, also extending portion 122c, and the thickness of 132c It may be different.

The connection between the conductor plate 14c and the extension portion 122c and the connection between the conductor plate 15c and the extension portion 132c include welding, friction stir welding, etc., but welding connection is preferable from the viewpoint of connection strength. Welded portions 161 and 162 are formed at these connecting portions. In the flexible terminal 1c according to the present embodiment, since the extending portions 122c and 132c formed by crushing have a plate shape, the conductor plates 14c and 15c can be easily welded and connected to the end portions. ..

It is preferable that the conductor plates 14c and 15c are formed with connecting holes 141 and 151 for connecting the objects to be connected. At this time, by providing similar holes in the terminals on the side of the object to be connected, it is possible to fix them using a member (rivet or the like) penetrating these holes and the connecting holes 141 and 151. The flexible terminal 1c can be more firmly fixed to the object to be connected. Here, a plurality of connecting holes 141 and 151 are provided in at least one of the conductor plates 14c and 15c in order to prevent the terminals of the object to be connected from rotating in contact with the conductor plates 14c and 15c. Is preferable.

The materials of the conductor plates 14c and 15c are determined according to the magnitude of conductivity and thermal conductivity required for the conductor plates 14c and 15c and the mechanical strength. Among them, the conductor plates 14c and 15c are preferably made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel from the viewpoint of obtaining particularly high conductivity and thermal conductivity and high mechanical strength. Here, the surfaces of the conductor plates 14c and 15c may be plated with, for example, tin, silver or nickel. The surfaces of the conductor plates 14c and 15c may not be plated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the conductor plates 14c and 15c may be configured to extend in the same direction as the extending portions 122c and 132c, but are not limited thereto. Since the flexible terminal 1c according to the present embodiment can be manufactured by connecting the conductor plates 14c and 15c and the extending portions 122c and 132c after molding the conductor plates 14c and 15c, the conductor plate 14c , 15c can also be given a complex shape.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, a conductor plate 15d extending in a direction different from that of the extension portion 132d may be formed on a plane substantially the same as the end portion of the extension portion 132d. .. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a connecting hole 151, which is a portion to be fixed to the object to be connected, is formed on a plate surface extending stepwise from the end of the extending portion 132e, and extends. The conductor plate 15e may be bent so as to have a positional relationship substantially parallel to the setting portion 132e. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the conductor plate is provided so that the connecting hole 151, which is a portion to be fixed to the object to be connected, is provided on the width end surface side orthogonal to the plate surface of the extending portion 132f. 15f may be bent. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), the conductor plate 15 g may have a more complicated shape.

As described above, the flexible terminal according to the present embodiment has a high degree of freedom regarding the positional relationship between the connection objects, and thus can be used for a wide range of connection objects.

<Electrical parts>
The electric component according to this embodiment has the above-mentioned flexible terminal. Such electric components are not particularly limited. Since the above-mentioned flexible terminal can absorb vibrations between objects to be connected and also absorb dimensional fluctuations due to thermal expansion and contraction, electrical parts that easily generate vibrations and heat is likely to be generated. It can also be preferably used for electrical parts.

<Heat transfer parts>
Further, the flexible terminal according to the present embodiment can also be used for a heat transfer component. The heat transfer component is not particularly limited. Since the above-mentioned flexible terminal can conduct heat from one connection object to the other connection object, the heat from one connection object heats the other connection object or one connection. The heat from the object can be released to the other connected object for cooling.

<Manufacturing method of flexible terminals>
The method for manufacturing a flexible terminal according to the present embodiment includes a step of inserting both ends of a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires into a tubular internal space of a pair of connecting members, respectively. The step of crushing the connecting portion of the connecting member with the end portion of the flexible member inserted to integrally connect the flexible member and the connecting member, and extending from the connecting portion to the side opposite to the flexible member. The extension portion is crushed in the absence of the flexible member to form a plate having a thickness smaller than that of the connecting portion.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the method for manufacturing a flexible terminal of the present invention will be described in detail.

(Insert flexible member into connecting member)
In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires and a pair of connecting members having a tubular internal space are used, and both ends of the flexible member are tubular of the connecting member. Insert each into the internal space of.

The flexible member is partially inserted into the tubular internal space of the connecting member so that a portion in which the flexible member is not inserted is formed. As a result, the extended portion can be formed by crushing the portion where the flexible member is not inserted.

As the flexible member and the connecting member used in the present embodiment, those made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel are preferably used. Further, as the flexible member and the connecting member, those plated with tin, silver or nickel may be used. It should be noted that unplated flexible members and connecting members may be used, and after connecting the unplated flexible members and connecting members as described later, they are collectively plated. It may be processed.

(Connection between flexible member and connecting member)
Next, the connecting portion of the connecting member with the end portion of the flexible member inserted is crushed, and the flexible member and the connecting member are integrally connected. As a result, the portion of the connecting member into which the end of the flexible member is inserted becomes the connecting portion, and the flexible member and the connecting member are fixed by crushing.

The means for crushing the connecting portion of the connecting member is not particularly limited, and known means can be used.

After connecting the flexible member and the connecting member, it is preferable that the connecting portion into which the end portion of the flexible member is inserted is further caulked. By caulking, the flexible member is locked to the connecting member to form a locking portion, so that the flexible member and the connecting member can be more firmly fixed.

(Formation of extension)
The extending portion extending from the connecting portion to the side opposite to the flexible member is crushed in the absence of the flexible member to form a plate having a thickness smaller than that of the connecting portion. As a result, the portion of the connecting member where the flexible member does not exist becomes an extended portion, and a plate-shaped portion thinner than the connecting portion is formed by crushing. By connecting this part to the object to be connected, the connection work space of the flexible terminals for connecting the objects to be connected (particularly the work space in the thickness direction of the flexible terminal 1a) is restricted. Also, the flexible terminal can be connected to an object to be connected such as an electric device.

(Conductor plate connection)
In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, it is preferable to further have a step of connecting the conductor plate to the end portion of the extended portion to be formed. As a result, the separately molded conductor plate can be used for connection with the connection object, so that the degree of freedom in shape and thickness of the connection portion with the connection object can be increased.

Welding connection is preferable as a means for connecting the conductor plate to the extending portion. As the welding, electron beam welding, argon welding, and friction stir welding are preferable, and among them, electron beam welding is more preferable.

As described above, by the method of manufacturing the flexible terminal according to the present embodiment, it is possible to absorb the torsional deformation and the compression deformation, the degree of freedom in the positional relationship between the terminals is high, and the space for connecting the terminals is high. It is possible to obtain a flexible terminal capable of connecting a connection object such as an electric device even when there are restrictions on the above.

1a to 1c Flexible terminal 11 Flexible member 12a to 12c, 13a to 13g, 19 Connection member 14c, 15c to 15g Conductor plate 121, 131 Connection part 122a to 122c, 132a to 132g Extension part 123, 124, 133, 134 Locking part 125, 135 Connecting hole of extension part 141, 151 Connecting hole of conductor plate 191 Connecting hole of connecting member 161, 162 Welded part

Claims (15)

A flexible member consisting of a bundle of multiple conductors,
It is made of a conductor material and has a pair of connecting members having a tubular internal space.
A flexible terminal formed by crushing both ends of the flexible member in a state of being inserted into the internal space of each of the pair of connecting members and integrally connecting the flexible member and the connecting member. hand,
At least one of the pair of connecting members
A connecting portion integrally connected to the end of the flexible member,
Having a plate-shaped extending portion extending from the connecting portion to the side opposite to the flexible member and being crushed in the absence of the flexible member to form a plate-like thickness dimension smaller than that of the connecting portion. A characteristic flexible terminal. The flexible terminal according to claim 1, wherein the bundle of the conducting wires constitutes a braided wire or a stranded wire. The flexible terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion has a locking portion that is crimp-fixed to an end portion of the flexible member. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a connecting hole for connecting another member is formed in the extended portion. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a conductor plate is connected to the end of the extended portion. The flexible terminal according to claim 5, wherein the connection between the extension portion and the conductor plate is a welded connection. The flexible terminal according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a connecting hole for connecting another member is formed in the conductor plate. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the conductor plate is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the surface of the conductor plate is plated. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lead wire is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting member is made of copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum or nickel. The flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one surface of the lead wire and the connecting member is plated. An electric component having a flexible terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A process of inserting both ends of a flexible member composed of a bundle of a plurality of conducting wires into the tubular internal space of a pair of connecting members, respectively.
A step of crushing the connecting portion of the connecting member with the end portion of the flexible member inserted to integrally connect the flexible member and the connecting member.
A step of crushing an extension portion extending from the connection portion to the side opposite to the flexible member in the absence of the flexible member to form a plate having a thickness smaller than that of the connection portion.
A method for manufacturing a flexible terminal, which comprises. The method for manufacturing a flexible terminal according to claim 14, further comprising a step of connecting a conductor plate to the end of the extended portion.

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