JP4207007B2

JP4207007B2 - Terminal fitting

Info

Publication number: JP4207007B2
Application number: JP2005026662A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 豊野呂; 亮太郎石川; 治川瀬; 圭一中村; 豊小林
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-02
Filing date: 2005-02-02
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-02
Also published as: JP2006216315A

Description

本発明は、端子金具に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a terminal fitting.

端子金具として、特許文献１に開示されているものが知られている。これは、前方からタブが進入する角筒部を有し、角筒部内には前後方向に延びた形態であってタブに弾性接触する弾性接触片が収容されているとともに、角筒部を構成する板部のうち弾性接触片を挟んでタブの進入空間とは反対側の板部にランス孔が開口された形態となっている。かかる端子金具は、コネクタハウジングのキャビティ内に挿入され、キャビティの内壁に設けた弾性撓み可能なランスにランス孔を係止させることで抜止め状態に保持されるようになっている。
特開平４−１１５４７５号公報 What is disclosed by patent document 1 is known as a terminal metal fitting. This has a rectangular tube part into which a tab enters from the front, and in the rectangular tube part is a form extending in the front-rear direction, and an elastic contact piece that elastically contacts the tab is housed and constitutes the rectangular tube part The lance hole is opened in the plate part on the opposite side to the entry space of the tab with the elastic contact piece interposed therebetween. Such a terminal fitting is inserted into the cavity of the connector housing, and is held in a retaining state by locking the lance hole to an elastically deflectable lance provided on the inner wall of the cavity.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-115475

この種の端子金具では、角筒部外からランス孔を覗いたときに、弾性接触片の一部が見えるようになっている。そのため、ランス孔から角筒部内に侵入した異物が、弾性接触片を押し動かしてタブの進入空間を狭めるように変位させつつ弾性接触片の撓み支点を塑性変形させ、その結果、弾性接触片とタブとの間の摩擦抵抗が増大することが懸念される。
そこで、この対策として、弾性接触片に、その左右両側縁から幅方向外側へ突出する突起を形成し、その突起を角筒部の側板に形成した係止孔の孔縁に係止させる構造が考えられる。この構造によれば、ランス孔から侵入した異物が弾性接触片を押したときに、突起と係止孔との係止によって弾性接触片のタブ進入空間側への変位が規制される。
しかしながら、従来の端子金具では、弾性接触片の突起を係止する手段として、左右両方の側板に係止孔を開口させていたため、側板の強度が低下し、ひいては、角筒部の強度低下を来たすことが懸念される。 In this type of terminal fitting, a part of the elastic contact piece can be seen when looking into the lance hole from the outside of the rectangular tube portion. Therefore, the foreign matter that has entered the square tube portion from the lance hole plastically deforms the flexible fulcrum of the elastic contact piece while displacing the elastic contact piece so as to push the elastic contact piece and narrow the entry space of the tab. There is a concern that the frictional resistance between the tabs increases.
Therefore, as a countermeasure against this, there is a structure in which the elastic contact piece is formed with protrusions projecting outward in the width direction from the left and right side edges, and the protrusion is locked to the hole edge of the locking hole formed in the side plate of the square tube portion. Conceivable. According to this structure, when the foreign matter that has entered from the lance hole presses the elastic contact piece, the displacement of the elastic contact piece toward the tab entry space is restricted by the engagement between the protrusion and the engagement hole.
However, in the conventional terminal fitting, as the means for locking the protrusion of the elastic contact piece, the locking holes are opened in both the left and right side plates, so the strength of the side plates is reduced, and consequently the strength of the square tube portion is reduced. There is concern about coming.

本発明は上記のような事情に基づいて完成されたものであって、角筒部の強度低下を回避することを目的とする。 The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to avoid a decrease in strength of the rectangular tube portion.

上記の目的を達成するための手段として、請求項１の発明は、金属板材を曲げ加工することにより前後方向に貫通する角筒部が形成され、前記角筒部内には前後方向に延びた形態であってタブに弾性接触する弾性接触片が収容され、前記角筒部の前記弾性接触片を挟んでタブ進入空間と反対側に配された底板にランス孔が開口され、コネクタハウジングのキャビティ内に挿入された状態では、前記キャビティの内壁に設けたランスに前記ランス孔を係止させることで抜止めされるようになっている端子金具において、前記角筒部は、前記底板の左右両側縁から一対の側板を立ち上げ、一方の前記側板の上端縁から天板が前記底板と略平行に延出された形態とされており、前記天板には、その延出端縁から他方の前記側板の内面に沿って下方へ延出する係止板が形成されており、前記係止板の延出端縁に対して前記弾性接触片の側縁部を当接させることで、前記弾性接触片のタブ進入空間側への変位を規制する構成としたところに特徴を有する。 As a means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a form in which a rectangular tube portion penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed by bending a metal plate, and the rectangular tube portion extends in the front-rear direction. An elastic contact piece that elastically contacts the tab is accommodated, and a lance hole is opened in a bottom plate disposed on the opposite side of the tab entry space across the elastic contact piece of the rectangular tube portion, and the inside of the cavity of the connector housing In the terminal fitting that is secured by locking the lance hole to the lance provided on the inner wall of the cavity in the state inserted into the cavity, the square tube portion has left and right side edges of the bottom plate. A pair of side plates is raised from the top edge of one of the side plates, and the top plate extends substantially parallel to the bottom plate. Down along the inner surface of the side plate A locking plate is formed, and the elastic contact piece is displaced toward the tab entry space by bringing the side edge of the elastic contact piece into contact with the extended end edge of the locking plate. It is characterized by the configuration that regulates the above.

請求項２の発明は、請求項１に記載のものにおいて、前記弾性接触片には、その側縁から幅方向外側へ突出する突起が形成され、前記突起を前記係止板の延出端縁に当接させる構成としたところに特徴を有する。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the elastic contact piece is formed with a protrusion that protrudes outward in the width direction from the side edge thereof, and the protrusion is extended to the extending edge of the locking plate. It is characterized in that it is configured to abut on.

請求項３の発明は、請求項１または請求項２に記載のものにおいて、前記弾性接触片が、前記角筒部に対し、幅方向において前記係止板が配されている側とは反対側へ偏心しているところに特徴を有する。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the elastic contact piece is opposite to the side where the locking plate is disposed in the width direction with respect to the rectangular tube portion. It is characterized by being eccentric.

請求項４の発明は、請求項１ないし請求項３のいずれかに記載のものにおいて、前記他方の側板の立ち上がり端縁には、前記天板側へ延出することで前記係止板の上端縁に対して上からの当接を可能とされた押え部が形成されているところに特徴を有する。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the upper end of the locking plate is extended to the top plate side at the rising edge of the other side plate. It is characterized in that a presser portion that can be contacted with the edge from above is formed.

請求項５の発明は、請求項４に記載のものにおいて、前記係止板の上端縁には、上面側を凹ませた形態の凹部が形成されており、前記押え部の少なくとも一部が前記凹部に収容されているところに特徴を有する。 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the upper end edge of the locking plate is formed with a concave portion having a concave upper surface, and at least a part of the presser portion is the It is characterized by being housed in the recess.

＜請求項１及び請求項２の発明＞
弾性接触片のタブ進入空間側への変位を規制する手段として、天板の延出端縁から他方の側板の内面に沿いつつ底板に向かって係止板を延出させ、その係止板の延出端縁に対して弾性接触片の側縁部を当接させるようにしたので、側板に係止孔を開口させる必要がなく、側板の強度低下を回避し、ひいては角筒部の強度低下を回避することができる。 <Invention of Claims 1 and 2>
As a means for restricting the displacement of the elastic contact piece toward the tab entry space, a locking plate is extended from the extended edge of the top plate toward the bottom plate along the inner surface of the other side plate. Since the side edge of the elastic contact piece is brought into contact with the extended end edge, there is no need to open a locking hole in the side plate, avoiding a reduction in the strength of the side plate, and consequently a reduction in the strength of the square tube portion. Can be avoided.

＜請求項３の発明＞
角筒部の内部空間は、係止板が設けられている分だけ角筒部に対して幅方向に偏心しているため、弾性接触片を角筒部と同心の配置にしようとすると、偏心している分だけ弾性接触片の幅を狭める必要があり、その結果、角筒部の内部空間には係止板と反対側にデッドスペースが空くことになる。その点、本発明では、弾性接触片を角筒部に対して係止板とは反対側へ偏心させているので、弾性接触片の幅を広く確保することができるとともに、角筒部の内部空間におけるデッドスペースを極力小さくすることができる。 <Invention of Claim 3>
Since the internal space of the square tube portion is eccentric in the width direction with respect to the square tube portion by the amount of the locking plate, if the elastic contact piece is arranged concentrically with the square tube portion, it is eccentric. As a result, it is necessary to narrow the width of the elastic contact piece, and as a result, a dead space is formed in the inner space of the rectangular tube portion on the side opposite to the locking plate. In that respect, in the present invention, since the elastic contact piece is eccentric to the opposite side of the locking plate with respect to the square tube portion, a wide width of the elastic contact piece can be secured and the inside of the square tube portion can be secured. The dead space in the space can be minimized.

＜請求項４の発明＞
係止板は、押え部によって上方への変位を規制されているので、弾性接触片のタブ進入空間側へ変位を確実に防止することができる。 <Invention of Claim 4>
Since the locking plate is restrained from being displaced upward by the presser portion, it is possible to reliably prevent displacement of the elastic contact piece toward the tab entry space.

＜請求項５の発明＞
押え部の少なくとも一部を凹部内に収容するようにしたので、角筒部の上面における天板の上面と押え部の上面との段差を小さくし、又は段差をなくすことができる。 <Invention of Claim 5>
Since at least a part of the presser portion is accommodated in the recess, the step between the top surface of the top plate and the top surface of the presser portion on the top surface of the square tube portion can be reduced, or the step can be eliminated.

＜実施形態１＞
以下、本発明を具体化した実施形態１を図１乃至図１８を参照して説明する。まず、本実施形態の端子金具Ｔが収容されるコネクタハウジング５０について説明する。コネクタハウジング５０は合成樹脂製であり、その内部には前後方向に貫通する複数のキャビティ５１が形成され、各キャビティ５１内には、その底壁に沿って前方へ片持ち状に延出するとともに、上面（キャビティ５１に臨む面）に抜止め突起５２ａを有するランス５２が形成されている。 <Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the connector housing 50 in which the terminal fitting T of this embodiment is accommodated will be described. The connector housing 50 is made of a synthetic resin, and a plurality of cavities 51 penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in the connector housing 50, and each of the cavities 51 is cantilevered forward along its bottom wall. A lance 52 having a retaining protrusion 52a is formed on the upper surface (the surface facing the cavity 51).

コネクタハウジング５０には、その前端面に沿って仮係止位置と本係止位置との間で上下方向に移動可能な前面板５３が取り付けられている。前面板５３には、各キャビティ５１と対応する複数のタブ挿入口５５と、同じく各キャビティ５１と対応する複数の作業口５６が形成されている。前面板５３が仮係止位置にある状態では、図１５〜図１７に示すように、作業口５６が後述する端子金具Ｔの受け板３５の上端部と対応する位置に配されるようになっており、前面板５３が本係止位置へ下降した状態では、図１２〜図１４に示すように、タブ挿入口５５がキャビティ５１の中央よりやや上方の位置に配されるとともに、作業口５６がランス５２と対応する高さに配されるようになっている。 A front plate 53 is attached to the connector housing 50 so as to be movable in the vertical direction between the temporary locking position and the main locking position along the front end surface. The front plate 53 is formed with a plurality of tab insertion openings 55 corresponding to the cavities 51 and a plurality of work openings 56 corresponding to the cavities 51. In the state where the front plate 53 is in the temporary locking position, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the work port 56 is arranged at a position corresponding to the upper end portion of the receiving plate 35 of the terminal fitting T described later. In the state where the front plate 53 is lowered to the main locking position, the tab insertion port 55 is disposed at a position slightly above the center of the cavity 51 as shown in FIGS. Is arranged at a height corresponding to the lance 52.

次に、端子金具Ｔについて説明する。
端子金具Ｔは、図１０に示すように所定形状に打ち抜いた金属板材Ｔａに曲げ加工、叩き出し加工等を施して成形されたものであり、全体として前後方向に細長く、略前半部分が角筒部１０となっているともとに、略後半部分がオープンバレル状の電線接続部１１となっており、電線接続部１１には電線Ｗの端末部（前端部）が圧着により導通可能に接続されている。 Next, the terminal fitting T will be described.
The terminal fitting T is formed by bending or punching a metal plate material Ta punched into a predetermined shape as shown in FIG. 10, and is elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole. In addition to the portion 10, the substantially latter half portion is an open barrel-shaped wire connecting portion 11, and the terminal portion (front end portion) of the wire W is connected to the wire connecting portion 11 so as to be conductive by crimping. ing.

角筒部１０は、前後方向に細長い底板１２と、底板１２の左右両側縁における略前半領域からほぼ直角に立ち上がる一対の側板１３Ｌ，１３Ｒと、左側板１３Ｌ（本発明の構成要件である一方の側板）の立ち上がり端縁（上端縁から）における全領域から底板１２と略平行に右側板１３Ｒ（本発明の構成要件である他方の側板）側へ延出する天板１４とにより、前後方向に貫通した形態に成形されている。天板１４の延出端縁（右端縁）の前端部、後端部及びその中間部分は右側板１３Ｒの上端縁に上から当接されており、天板１４の延出端縁のうち右側板１３Ｒの上端縁に当接していない前後２つの領域からは、右側板１３Ｒの内面に沿って（重なるように）下方へ延出する前後２つの係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒが形成されている。前部係止板１５Ｆは全体として方形をなし、その下端縁は角筒部１０のほぼ中央高さに位置し、この下端縁の後端部には後縁切欠部１６が形成されている。後部係止板１５Ｒは全体として方形をなし、その下端縁は角筒部１０における低い位置（底板１２に近い位置）に配され、この下端縁の前後方向中央部には下縁切欠部１７が形成されている。一方、左側板１３Ｌには、前部係止板１５Ｆの下端縁と対応する略方形の前部係止孔１８Ｆと、後部係止板１５Ｒの下縁切欠部１７と対応する略方形の後部係止孔１８Ｒが貫通して形成されている。 The rectangular tube portion 10 includes a bottom plate 12 that is elongated in the front-rear direction, a pair of side plates 13L and 13R that rise substantially at right angles from substantially front half regions at the left and right side edges of the bottom plate 12, and a left side plate 13L (one of the constituent elements of the present invention The top plate 14 extending in the front-rear direction from the entire region of the rising edge (from the top edge) of the side plate) to the right side plate 13R (the other side plate which is a constituent element of the present invention) substantially parallel to the bottom plate 12 It is molded in a penetrating form. The front end portion, the rear end portion, and the intermediate portion of the extended end edge (right end edge) of the top plate 14 are in contact with the upper end edge of the right side plate 13R from above, and the right side of the extended end edges of the top plate 14 Two front and rear locking plates 15F and 15R extending downward (so as to overlap) along the inner surface of the right side plate 13R are formed from the front and rear two regions that are not in contact with the upper edge of the plate 13R. The front locking plate 15F has a rectangular shape as a whole, and its lower end edge is located at substantially the center height of the rectangular tube portion 10, and a rear edge notch portion 16 is formed at the rear end portion of this lower end edge. The rear locking plate 15R has a rectangular shape as a whole, and the lower end edge thereof is arranged at a low position (a position close to the bottom plate 12) in the rectangular tube portion 10, and a lower edge notch portion 17 is provided at the center in the front-rear direction of the lower end edge. Is formed. On the other hand, the left side plate 13L has a substantially square front locking hole 18F corresponding to the lower end edge of the front locking plate 15F, and a substantially rectangular rear portion corresponding to the lower edge notch 17 of the rear locking plate 15R. A stop hole 18R is formed through.

底板１２（弾性接触片２５を挟んでタブ進入空間３２とは反対側の板部）には、その全幅領域に亘って方形に開口するランス孔１９が形成されている。また、左右両側板１３Ｌ，１３Ｒには、前後方向においてランス孔１９と対応する領域の下端縁を、上方へ底板１２の上面よりも僅かに高い位置まで切欠することで、側面切欠部２０が左右対称に形成されている。この側面切欠部２０により、左右両側板１３Ｌ，１３Ｒの下端縁（下端面）がランス孔１９の開口領域に臨む形態となっている。右側板１３Ｒの下端縁部には、そのランス孔１９との対応領域を内側（幅方向中央）へ膨出させるように叩き出すことにより侵入規制部２１が形成されている。侵入規制部２１の側面形状は略方形をなし、侵入規制部の下面から視た形状は台形をなす。尚、上記の前部係止板１５Ｆの後縁切欠部１６は、侵入規制部２１の上縁前端部との干渉を回避するために形成されたものである。 A lance hole 19 is formed in the bottom plate 12 (a plate portion on the side opposite to the tab entry space 32 with the elastic contact piece 25 interposed therebetween) that opens squarely over the entire width region. Further, the left and right side plates 13L and 13R are notched so that the lower end edge of the region corresponding to the lance hole 19 in the front-rear direction is notched upward to a position slightly higher than the upper surface of the bottom plate 12, so It is formed symmetrically. Due to the side cutout portion 20, the lower end edges (lower end surfaces) of the left and right side plates 13 L and 13 R face the opening area of the lance hole 19. An intrusion restricting portion 21 is formed at the lower edge of the right side plate 13R by knocking out a region corresponding to the lance hole 19 so as to bulge inwardly (in the center in the width direction). The side shape of the intrusion restricting portion 21 is substantially square, and the shape viewed from the lower surface of the intrusion restricting portion is a trapezoid. The rear edge notch 16 of the front locking plate 15F is formed to avoid interference with the front edge of the upper edge of the intrusion restricting portion 21.

また、ランス孔１９の開口縁における前端縁には、ランス５２の抜止め突起５２ａを係止させるための抜止め部２２が形成されている。この抜止め部２２は、底板１２におけるランス孔１９の開口縁となる端面１２Ｓの一部が抜止め突起５２ａと対向する向き（後方に面する状態）を保ったままで角筒部１０内（上方）へ変位するように、底板１２におけるランス孔１９の開口縁部を叩き出しによって塑性変形させることによって形成されている。抜止め部２２は、角筒部１０に対し幅方向（左右方向）において左方へ偏心した配置とされており、この抜止め部２２と後述する弾性接触片２５とが幅方向において同心の配置となっている。さらに、抜止め部２２の上面は、側面切欠部２０及び侵入規制部２１の下端縁とほぼ同じ高さの平面状をなしている。 A retaining portion 22 for locking the retaining projection 52 a of the lance 52 is formed at the front end edge of the opening edge of the lance hole 19. The retaining portion 22 is formed in the rectangular tube portion 10 (upward) while maintaining a direction in which a part of the end surface 12S serving as the opening edge of the lance hole 19 in the bottom plate 12 faces the retaining projection 52a (a state facing rearward). The opening edge portion of the lance hole 19 in the bottom plate 12 is plastically deformed by hammering out so as to be displaced to). The retaining portion 22 is arranged to be eccentric to the left in the width direction (left-right direction) with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10, and the retaining portion 22 and an elastic contact piece 25 described later are concentric in the width direction. It has become. Furthermore, the upper surface of the retaining portion 22 has a planar shape that is substantially the same height as the lower end edges of the side surface notch portion 20 and the intrusion restricting portion 21.

角筒部１０内には弾性接触片２５が収容されている。弾性接触片２５は、底板１２の前端から折り返し状に後方へ片持ち状に延出し、前後方向に細長い形状をなす。弾性接触片２５は、底板１２の前端に連なる略半円弧状をなす屈曲部２６と、この屈曲部２６から後方へ延出する延出部２７とからなる。延出部２７は、屈曲部２６の上端から斜め上後方へ延出する前傾部２８Ｆと、前傾部２８Ｆの後端（延出端）から斜め下後方へ延出する後傾部２８Ｒとからなる。弾性接触片２５が弾性撓みしていない自由状態では、弾性接触片２５の自由端２５Ｒ（後傾部２８Ｒの後端部）は底板１２に対して上方の非接触位置にあるため、弾性接触片２５はその前端部において片持ち支持状態となっている。また、弾性接触片２５は、屈曲部２６を支点とし、主として屈曲部２６を弾性撓みさせつつ上下方向へ弾性変形し得るようになっており、下方へ弾性撓みしたときには、弾性接触片２５の自由端２５Ｒ（後傾部２８Ｒの後端）が底板１２の上面に当接することで、弾性接触片２５か前後両端において支持された状態となる。 An elastic contact piece 25 is accommodated in the rectangular tube portion 10. The elastic contact piece 25 is folded back from the front end of the bottom plate 12 so as to be cantilevered backward, and has an elongated shape in the front-rear direction. The elastic contact piece 25 includes a bent portion 26 having a substantially semicircular shape continuous to the front end of the bottom plate 12 and an extending portion 27 extending rearward from the bent portion 26. The extending portion 27 includes a forward inclined portion 28F that extends obliquely upward and rearward from the upper end of the bent portion 26, and a rearward inclined portion 28R that extends obliquely downward and rearward from the rear end (extended end) of the forward inclined portion 28F. Consists of. In a free state where the elastic contact piece 25 is not elastically bent, the free end 25R (rear end portion of the rearward inclined portion 28R) of the elastic contact piece 25 is in a non-contact position above the bottom plate 12, and therefore the elastic contact piece 25 25 is in a cantilever support state at its front end. Further, the elastic contact piece 25 can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction while mainly bending the bent portion 26 with the bent portion 26 as a fulcrum, and when elastically bent downward, the elastic contact piece 25 is free. The end 25R (the rear end of the rearwardly inclined portion 28R) comes into contact with the upper surface of the bottom plate 12, so that the elastic contact piece 25 is supported at both the front and rear ends.

屈曲部２６と前傾部２８Ｆはランス孔１９よりも前方の領域に配され、前傾部２８Ｆの後端部（即ち、最も高い部分）には、ドーム状に上方へ叩き出された形態の接点２９が形成されている。この接点２９も、ランス孔１９よりも前方に位置する。後傾部２８Ｒは、ランス孔１９の開口縁の前端縁から後部係止板１５Ｒの下縁切欠部１７に至る領域に亘っており、後傾部２８Ｒの前端部は、侵入規制部２１と対応する高さに配されている。また、弾性接触片２５の幅寸法については、屈曲部２６と前傾部２８Ｆがほぼ同じ幅寸法とされ、後傾部２８Ｒの前端部と後端部が、前傾部２８Ｆとほぼ同じ寸法とされ、後傾部２８Ｒの前後両端部を除いた領域は、前傾部２８Ｆよりも幅狭となっている。 The bent portion 26 and the forward inclined portion 28F are arranged in a region in front of the lance hole 19, and the rear end portion (that is, the highest portion) of the forward inclined portion 28F is struck upward in a dome shape. A contact 29 is formed. This contact point 29 is also located in front of the lance hole 19. The rearwardly inclined portion 28R extends from the front edge of the opening edge of the lance hole 19 to the lower edge notch 17 of the rear locking plate 15R, and the frontward end of the rearwardly inclined portion 28R corresponds to the intrusion restricting portion 21. It is arranged at the height to be. Regarding the width dimension of the elastic contact piece 25, the bent part 26 and the forward inclined part 28F have substantially the same width dimension, and the front end part and the rear end part of the rear inclined part 28R have substantially the same dimensions as the forward inclined part 28F. The region excluding the front and rear end portions of the rearwardly inclined portion 28R is narrower than the forwardly inclined portion 28F.

さらに、弾性接触片２５の左右両側縁部には、前後一対ずつの突起３０Ｆ，３０Ｒが幅方向外側へ面一状に張り出す形態で形成されている。左右両前部突起３０Ｆは、互いに対称であり、接点２９の近傍、即ち接点２９よりも僅かに前方の位置に配されている。この前部突起３０Ｆは、前後方向において前部係止板１５Ｆの下端縁及び前部係止孔１８Ｆと対応するように位置し、弾性接触片２５が弾性撓みしていない自由状態では、右側の前部突起３０Ｆの上面が前部係止板１５Ｆの下端縁よりも少し下方の非接触の位置にあるとともに、左側の前部突起３０Ｒの上面が前部係止孔１８Ｆの開口縁の上端縁よりも少し下方の非接触の位置にある。一方、後部突起３０Ｒは、左右対称であり、弾性接触片２５の自由端２５Ｒ（後端）に配されている。この後部突起３０Ｒは、前後方向において後部係止板１５Ｒの下縁切欠部１７の下端縁及び後部係止孔１８Ｒと対応するように位置し、弾性接触片２５が弾性撓みしていない自由状態では、右側の後部突起３０Ｒの上面が下縁切欠部１７の上端縁よりも少し下方の非接触の位置にあるとともに、左側の後部突起３０Ｒの上面が後部係止孔１８Ｒの開口縁の上端縁よりも少し下方の非接触の位置にある。 Further, a pair of front and rear protrusions 30F and 30R are formed on the left and right side edge portions of the elastic contact piece 25 so as to protrude to the outside in the width direction. The left and right front protrusions 30 F are symmetrical to each other, and are arranged in the vicinity of the contact 29, that is, at a position slightly ahead of the contact 29. This front protrusion 30F is positioned so as to correspond to the lower end edge of the front locking plate 15F and the front locking hole 18F in the front-rear direction, and in the free state where the elastic contact piece 25 is not elastically bent, The upper surface of the front protrusion 30F is in a non-contact position slightly below the lower edge of the front locking plate 15F, and the upper surface of the left front protrusion 30R is the upper edge of the opening edge of the front locking hole 18F. It is in a non-contact position slightly below. On the other hand, the rear protrusion 30 R is bilaterally symmetric and is disposed at the free end 25 R (rear end) of the elastic contact piece 25. The rear protrusion 30R is positioned so as to correspond to the lower edge of the lower edge notch 17 of the rear locking plate 15R and the rear locking hole 18R in the front-rear direction, and in a free state where the elastic contact piece 25 is not elastically bent. The upper surface of the right rear protrusion 30R is in a non-contact position slightly below the upper edge of the lower edge notch 17, and the upper surface of the left rear protrusion 30R is higher than the upper edge of the opening edge of the rear locking hole 18R. Is also in a non-contact position slightly below.

かかる弾性接触片２５は、左右対称な形状であり、角筒部１０及びランス孔１９に対し、幅方向において左側へ偏心している。弾性接触片２５の幅方向中心は、上記抜止め部２２の幅方向中心と合致する。また、下面側からランス孔１９を覗くと、弾性接触片２５の後傾部２８Ｒの前端側領域がその全幅に亘って露出してする。さらに、天板１４には、下方へ叩き出すことによってタブ受け部３１が形成されているが、このタブ受け部３１の幅方向中心も、弾性接触片２５と同心となっている。この弾性接触片２５の上面とタブ受け部３１の下面との間には、前方から角筒部１０内に挿入されたタブ５４を進入させるためのタブ進入空間３２となっている。 The elastic contact piece 25 has a symmetrical shape and is eccentric to the left side in the width direction with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10 and the lance hole 19. The center in the width direction of the elastic contact piece 25 matches the center in the width direction of the retaining portion 22. Further, when looking into the lance hole 19 from the lower surface side, the front end side region of the backward inclined portion 28R of the elastic contact piece 25 is exposed over the entire width. Further, a tab receiving portion 31 is formed on the top plate 14 by knocking downward, and the center of the tab receiving portion 31 in the width direction is also concentric with the elastic contact piece 25. A tab entry space 32 is provided between the upper surface of the elastic contact piece 25 and the lower surface of the tab receiving portion 31 to allow the tab 54 inserted into the rectangular tube portion 10 to enter from the front.

底板１２の前端部には、左右両側縁部を切欠することで底板１２（角筒部１０）よりも幅狭とされ、且つ角筒部１０に対して左方へ偏心した基部３３が形成されている。基部３３の幅方向中心は弾性接触片２５の幅方向中心と合致している。つまり、基部３３と弾性接触片２５は幅方向において同心配置されている。この基部３３の前端には、屈曲部２６の下端が連なっており、基部３３の左側縁と屈曲部２６の左側縁は面一状に連なっている。一方、基部３３の右側縁部（即ち、基部３３の左右両側縁部のうち角筒部１０に対する基部３３の偏心方向と反対側の側縁部）には、右側板１３Ｒ側へ張り出した形態の張出部３４が形成されている。張出部３４の右側縁は基部３３の左側縁と平行をなす。張出部３４の前端縁３４Ｆは、基部３３及び張出部３４の側縁に対して傾斜している。また、基部３３と張出部３４を合わせた板状部分の幅方向中心は、角筒部１０の幅方向中心と合致している。 At the front end portion of the bottom plate 12, a base portion 33 is formed which is narrower than the bottom plate 12 (square tube portion 10) by notching left and right side edge portions and is eccentric to the left with respect to the square tube portion 10. ing. The center of the base 33 in the width direction coincides with the center of the elastic contact piece 25 in the width direction. That is, the base 33 and the elastic contact piece 25 are arranged concentrically in the width direction. The lower end of the bent portion 26 is continuous with the front end of the base portion 33, and the left side edge of the base portion 33 and the left side edge of the bent portion 26 are continuous with each other. On the other hand, the right side edge portion of the base portion 33 (that is, the side edge portion on the opposite side to the eccentric direction of the base portion 33 with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10 of the right and left side edge portions of the base portion 33) is projected to the right side plate 13R side. An overhang portion 34 is formed. The right edge of the overhang 34 is parallel to the left edge of the base 33. The front end edge 34 F of the overhang portion 34 is inclined with respect to the side edges of the base portion 33 and the overhang portion 34. Further, the center in the width direction of the plate-like portion including the base portion 33 and the overhang portion 34 coincides with the center in the width direction of the rectangular tube portion 10.

右側板１３Ｒ（角筒部１０に対する弾性接触片２５の偏心方向とは反対側の側板）には、その前端縁から幅方向中央側（弾性接触片２５側）へほぼ直角に延出する形態の平板状の受け板３５が形成されている。受け板３５は、右側板１３Ｒの上端に近い位置から下端に近い位置に亘って連続して形成されており、正面から視た形状は縦長の方形をなす。受け板３５は、基部３３を形成するための切欠空間内に進出するように延出されており、受け板３５の下端縁は底板１２の板厚領域内（屈曲部２６よりも下方）に位置し、受け板３５の上端縁はタブ受け部３１の下面とほぼ同じ高さに位置する。受け板３５の前端面３５Ｆは、弾性接触片２５の前端（屈曲部２６の前端）よりも僅かに前方に位置する。受け板３５の延出端縁３５Ｓ（右側板１３Ｒと平行な左端縁）は、直線状をなし、幅方向において右側板１３Ｒの内面と屈曲部２６の右側面との間の領域内（詳しくは、屈曲部２６の右側縁に近い位置）に配されている。つまり、受け板３５は、幅方向において、タブ受け部３１と弾性接触片２５との間のタブ進入空間３２の外部に配されている。さらに、受け板３５の延出端縁３５Ｓにはテーパ状の誘導面３６Ｒが形成されている。一方、左側板１３Ｌの前端部にも、同様のテーパ状の誘導面３５Ｌが形成されている。受け板３５の延出端縁３５Ｓと左側面の内面と間の空間における幅方向中心は、基部３３及び弾性接触片２５の幅方向中心とほぼ合致している。 The right side plate 13R (the side plate opposite to the eccentric direction of the elastic contact piece 25 with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10) extends from the front end edge to the center side in the width direction (elastic contact piece 25 side) at a substantially right angle. A flat receiving plate 35 is formed. The receiving plate 35 is formed continuously from a position close to the upper end of the right side plate 13R to a position close to the lower end, and the shape viewed from the front is a vertically long rectangle. The receiving plate 35 extends so as to advance into a notch space for forming the base portion 33, and the lower end edge of the receiving plate 35 is located in the plate thickness region of the bottom plate 12 (below the bent portion 26). The upper edge of the receiving plate 35 is located at substantially the same height as the lower surface of the tab receiving portion 31. The front end surface 35F of the receiving plate 35 is positioned slightly forward of the front end of the elastic contact piece 25 (the front end of the bent portion 26). The extending end edge 35S (the left end edge parallel to the right side plate 13R) of the receiving plate 35 is linear, and is in a region between the inner surface of the right side plate 13R and the right side surface of the bent portion 26 in the width direction (more specifically, , A position close to the right edge of the bent portion 26). That is, the receiving plate 35 is arranged outside the tab entry space 32 between the tab receiving portion 31 and the elastic contact piece 25 in the width direction. Further, a tapered guide surface 36 R is formed on the extended edge 35 S of the receiving plate 35. On the other hand, a similar tapered guide surface 35L is formed at the front end of the left side plate 13L. The center in the width direction in the space between the extending edge 35 S of the receiving plate 35 and the inner surface of the left side surface substantially matches the center in the width direction of the base 33 and the elastic contact piece 25.

前部係止板１５Ｆの上端縁には、その前後方向中央部を切欠した形態の凹部３７が形成されている。凹部３７の形成領域は天板１４に至り、したがって、この凹部３７は天板１４の延出端部の上面を下方へ凹ませた形態となっている。凹部３７における天板１４との対応領域では、凹部３７の下面が天板１４の下面側へ貫通している。また、右側板１３Ｒの上端縁には、左方へ延出する押え部３８が形成されている。この押え部３８は凹部３７内に収容され、押え部３８の上面は天板１４の上面に対して面一状（同じ高さ）とされている。この押え部３８は、前部係止板１５Ｆの上端縁に対して上から当接することで、前部係止板１５Ｆの上方への変位を規制するとともに、前部係止板１５Ｆに連なる天板１４の上方への変位も規制するようになっている。 A concave portion 37 is formed on the upper edge of the front locking plate 15F by cutting out the center portion in the front-rear direction. The formation area of the recessed portion 37 reaches the top plate 14, and therefore, the recessed portion 37 has a form in which the upper surface of the extended end portion of the top plate 14 is recessed downward. In the region corresponding to the top plate 14 in the recess 37, the lower surface of the recess 37 penetrates to the lower surface side of the top plate 14. Further, a presser portion 38 extending leftward is formed at the upper end edge of the right side plate 13R. The presser portion 38 is accommodated in the concave portion 37, and the upper surface of the presser portion 38 is flush with the upper surface of the top plate 14 (the same height). The presser portion 38 abuts the upper end edge of the front locking plate 15F from above, thereby restricting the upward displacement of the front locking plate 15F, and a ceiling connected to the front locking plate 15F. The upward displacement of the plate 14 is also restricted.

次に、本実施形態の作用を説明する。
コネクタハウジング５０に端子金具Ｔを収容する際には、まず、前面板５３を仮係止位置に保持しておき、その状態で後方から端子金具Ｔをキャビティ５１内に挿入する。挿入の過程では、角筒部１０の底板１２が抜止め突起５２ａに当接してランス５２を下方へ弾性撓みさせる。端子金具Ｔが正規位置まで挿入されると、ランス５２が上方へ弾性復帰して抜止め突起５２ａがランス孔１９内に進入し、抜止め突起５２ａの前面がランス孔１９の抜止め部２２に対して後方から係止し、もって、端子金具Ｔが抜止め状態に保持される。 Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
When housing the terminal fitting T in the connector housing 50, first, the front plate 53 is held at the temporary locking position, and the terminal fitting T is inserted into the cavity 51 from the rear in this state. In the process of insertion, the bottom plate 12 of the rectangular tube portion 10 abuts against the retaining protrusion 52a and elastically deflects the lance 52 downward. When the terminal fitting T is inserted to the proper position, the lance 52 is elastically restored upward, the retaining projection 52a enters the lance hole 19, and the front surface of the retaining projection 52a is in the retaining portion 22 of the lance hole 19. On the other hand, the terminal fitting T is retained from the rear, and the terminal fitting T is held in the retaining state.

端子金具Ｔを挿入した後は、前方から導通検査用の金属製の細長いプローブＰが前方から作業口５６に挿入される。プローブＰは、受け板３５における上端部（弾性接触片２５よりも上方であって、タブ進入空間３２と対応する高さ）に当接されるとともに、同時に天板１４の前端縁にも当接する。 After inserting the terminal fitting T, a metal elongated probe P for continuity inspection is inserted into the work port 56 from the front. The probe P abuts on the upper end portion of the receiving plate 35 (above the elastic contact piece 25 and has a height corresponding to the tab entry space 32), and also abuts on the front end edge of the top plate 14 at the same time. .

導通検査の後は、前面板５３を本係止位置へ移動させる。そして、この状態で、タブ５４が前方から前面板５３のタブ挿入口５５を通してタブ進入空間３２に挿入される。挿入されたタブ５４は、弾性接触片２５を弾性撓みさせつつタブ受け部３１と接点２９との間で弾性的に挟み付けられ、弾性接触片２５の弾性復元力によってタブ５４と角筒部１０が導通可能に接続される。 After the continuity test, the front plate 53 is moved to the final locking position. In this state, the tab 54 is inserted into the tab entry space 32 from the front through the tab insertion port 55 of the front plate 53. The inserted tab 54 is elastically sandwiched between the tab receiving portion 31 and the contact point 29 while elastically bending the elastic contact piece 25, and the tab 54 and the rectangular tube portion 10 are elastically restored by the elastic contact piece 25. Are connected in a conductive manner.

本実施形態においては、次のような作用・効果を奏する。
（１）抜止め部２２においては、底板１２におけるランス孔１９の開口縁となる端面１２Ｓがランス５２に当接することで端子金具Ｔが抜止めされるのであるが、端面１２Ｓの一部が角筒部１０内へ変位した形態となっているので、底板の板厚寸法分だけをランス５２との係止代としたものと比較すると、係止代が大きく確保されている。 In the present embodiment, the following operations and effects are achieved.
(1) In the retaining portion 22, the end fitting 12 is retained by the end surface 12S serving as the opening edge of the lance hole 19 in the bottom plate 12 coming into contact with the lance 52, but a part of the end surface 12S is square. Since it has a form displaced into the cylindrical portion 10, the locking allowance is largely ensured as compared with the case where only the thickness of the bottom plate is set as the locking allowance with the lance 52.

（２）抜止め部２２は、底板１２の端面１２Ｓの一部がランス５２と対向する向きを保ったまま角筒部１０内へ変位する形態であって、底板１２の外面（下面）と端面１２Ｓとの境界部分はエッジ状の角縁部となっているので、端子金具Ｔに抜き方向の外力が作用しても、底板の外面（下面）と端面との境界部分が曲面である場合のようにランスが滑って抜止め部から外れる、という虞はない。 (2) The retaining portion 22 is a form in which a part of the end surface 12S of the bottom plate 12 is displaced into the rectangular tube portion 10 while maintaining a direction facing the lance 52, and the outer surface (lower surface) and the end surface of the bottom plate 12 Since the boundary portion with 12S is an edge-shaped square edge portion, even when an external force in the pulling direction acts on the terminal fitting T, the boundary portion between the outer surface (lower surface) and the end surface of the bottom plate is a curved surface. Thus, there is no fear that the lance slips and comes off from the retaining portion.

（３）タブ５４が挿入されたときに、弾性接触片２５の下方への弾性撓み量がタブ５４との正常な接触時よりも大きくなったときには、弾性接触片２５における接点２９と対応する部分が抜止め部２２に対して上から当接し、この当接により、弾性接触片２５の弾性限度を超えた過度の撓み変形が規制されるようになっている。このように端子金具Ｔの抜止め手段である抜止め部２２が、弾性接触片２５の弾性限度を超えた過度の撓み変形を規制する過度撓み規制機能を兼ね備えているので、抜止め部とは別に専用の過度撓み規制部を設ける場合に比べると、端子金具Ｔの形状が簡素化されている。 (3) When the amount of elastic deflection of the elastic contact piece 25 downward becomes larger than that during normal contact with the tab 54 when the tab 54 is inserted, the portion corresponding to the contact 29 in the elastic contact piece 25 Comes into contact with the retaining portion 22 from above, and excessive contact deformation exceeding the elastic limit of the elastic contact piece 25 is regulated by this contact. As described above, the retaining portion 22 that is a retaining means for the terminal fitting T also has an excessive deflection regulating function that regulates excessive deflection deformation exceeding the elastic limit of the elastic contact piece 25. The shape of the terminal fitting T is simplified as compared with the case where a dedicated excessive deflection restricting portion is provided.

（４）ランス孔１９から侵入した異物が弾性接触片２５を下から押し上げたときには、前部突起３０Ｆが、前部係止板１５Ｆの下端縁と前部係止孔１８Ｆの孔縁に対して下から当接するとともに、後部突起３０Ｒが、後部係止板１５Ｒの下端縁と後部係止孔１８Ｒの孔縁に対して下から当接することにより、タブ進入空間３２側（上方）への変位を規制されている。しかも、係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒと係止孔１８Ｆ，１８Ｒは、ランス孔１９よりも前方と後方の２箇所に配されているので、異物の押圧力を受けたときに弾性接触片２５が前傾姿勢又は後傾姿勢になる虞はない。これにより、弾性接触片２５の撓み支点である屈曲部２６が塑性変形することが防止される。 (4) When the foreign matter that has entered from the lance hole 19 pushes up the elastic contact piece 25 from below, the front protrusion 30F is in contact with the lower edge of the front locking plate 15F and the hole edge of the front locking hole 18F. While abutting from below, the rear protrusion 30R abuts from below on the lower end edge of the rear locking plate 15R and the hole edge of the rear locking hole 18R, thereby causing displacement toward the tab entry space 32 side (upward). It is regulated. In addition, since the locking plates 15F and 15R and the locking holes 18F and 18R are arranged at two positions forward and rearward of the lance hole 19, the elastic contact piece 25 is moved forward when the pressing force of the foreign matter is received. There is no risk of a tilted posture or a backward tilted posture. Thereby, the bending part 26 which is a bending fulcrum of the elastic contact piece 25 is prevented from being plastically deformed.

（５）ランス孔１９よりも前方の前部係止板１５Ｆと前部係止孔１８Ｆが、弾性接触片２５におけるタブ５４との接点２９の近傍に配されているので、たとえ、弾性接触片２５における撓み支点（屈曲部２６）以外の領域が変形させられたとしても、接点２９の位置が変化する虞がなく、タブ５４に対して弾性接触片２５を適正な接触圧で接触させることができる。 (5) Since the front locking plate 15F and the front locking hole 18F in front of the lance hole 19 are arranged in the vicinity of the contact point 29 with the tab 54 in the elastic contact piece 25, the elastic contact piece Even if the region other than the bending fulcrum (bending portion 26) in 25 is deformed, there is no possibility that the position of the contact 29 changes, and the elastic contact piece 25 can be brought into contact with the tab 54 with an appropriate contact pressure. it can.

（６）ランス孔１９よりも後方の変位規制部（後部係止板１５Ｒと後部係止孔１８Ｒ）を弾性接触片２５の自由端２５Ｒの近傍に配したので、変位規制部を自由端よりも撓み支点に近い位置（前方の位置）に配したものと比較すると、前側の変位規制部（前部係止板１５Ｆ及び前部係止孔１８Ｆ）と後側の変位規制部（後部係止板１５Ｒ及び後部係止孔１８Ｒ）との間の前後の間隔が長くなる。したがって、異物の押圧によって弾性接触片２５が前後両変位規制部の間で変形させられたときの、弾性撓み量が小さくて済み、弾性接触片２５の前後両変位規制部間における塑性変形が生じ難くなっている。 (6) Since the displacement restricting portion (the rear locking plate 15R and the rear locking hole 18R) behind the lance hole 19 is disposed in the vicinity of the free end 25R of the elastic contact piece 25, the displacement restricting portion is positioned more than the free end. Compared with the one arranged near the deflection fulcrum (front position), the front displacement regulating part (front locking plate 15F and front locking hole 18F) and the rear displacement regulating part (rear locking plate) 15R and the rear locking hole 18R) are increased in the front-rear distance. Accordingly, when the elastic contact piece 25 is deformed between the front and rear displacement restricting portions by the pressing of the foreign matter, the amount of elastic deflection is small, and plastic deformation occurs between the front and rear both displacement restricting portions of the elastic contact piece 25. It has become difficult.

（７）底板１２には、弾性接触片２５を角筒部１０外へ臨ませるように開口するランス孔１９が開口されているが、右側板１３Ｒには、弾性接触片２５に接近し、且つランス孔１９の開口領域内に進出する形態の侵入規制部２１が形成されているので、この侵入規制部２１によりランス孔１９における異物の侵入が規制され、ひいては、弾性接触片２５に対する異物の干渉が防止されている。 (7) The bottom plate 12 has a lance hole 19 that opens so that the elastic contact piece 25 faces the outside of the rectangular tube portion 10, but the right side plate 13R approaches the elastic contact piece 25, and Since the intrusion restricting portion 21 is formed so as to advance into the opening area of the lance hole 19, the intrusion restricting portion 21 restricts entry of foreign matter into the lance hole 19, and consequently interference of foreign matter with the elastic contact piece 25. Is prevented.

（８）侵入規制部２１は、幅方向において弾性接触片２５の撓み空間外に配されているので、撓み接触片と侵入規制部２１との干渉が回避されている。したがって、弾性接触片２５の弾性撓み動作に支障を来すことがなく、タブ５４と弾性接触片２５との接触信頼性が確保される。 (8) Since the intrusion restricting portion 21 is disposed outside the bending space of the elastic contact piece 25 in the width direction, interference between the deflecting contact piece and the intrusion restricting portion 21 is avoided. Therefore, there is no hindrance to the elastic bending operation of the elastic contact piece 25, and the contact reliability between the tab 54 and the elastic contact piece 25 is ensured.

（９）弾性接触片２５が角筒部１０に対して偏心しているのであるが、これは、弾性接触片２５と弾性接触片２５から遠い側の側板である右側板１３Ｒとの間にデッドスペースが存在することを意味する。そこで、この点に着目し、このデッドスペースに侵入規制部２１を配することで、角筒部１０内のデッドスペースの有効利用を図った。 (9) Although the elastic contact piece 25 is eccentric with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10, this is a dead space between the elastic contact piece 25 and the right side plate 13R which is a side plate far from the elastic contact piece 25. Means that exists. Therefore, paying attention to this point, the intrusion restricting portion 21 is disposed in the dead space, thereby effectively using the dead space in the rectangular tube portion 10.

（１０）ランス孔１９が角筒部１０の全幅に亘って開口し、角筒部１０を構成する左右両側板１３Ｌ，１３Ｒの下端面がランス孔１９の開口領域内に露出していることに着目し、右側板１３Ｒにおけるランス孔１９に臨む下端縁部を内側へ叩き出すことによって侵入規制部２１を形成した。この叩き出しによる形成方法は、切り起こしに比べて加工が簡単であるため、加工コストを低減することができる。 (10) The lance hole 19 is opened over the entire width of the rectangular tube portion 10, and the lower end surfaces of the left and right side plates 13 L and 13 R constituting the rectangular tube portion 10 are exposed in the opening region of the lance hole 19. Paying attention, the intrusion restricting portion 21 was formed by knocking the lower end edge of the right side plate 13R facing the lance hole 19 inward. Since the forming method by knocking out is simpler than cutting and raising, the processing cost can be reduced.

（１１）弾性接触片２５のタブ進入空間３２側への変位を規制する手段として、天板１４の延出端縁から右側板１３Ｒの内面に沿いつつ底板１２に向かって係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒを延出させ、その係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒの下端縁（延出端縁）に対して弾性接触片２５の右側縁部の突起３０Ｆ，３０Ｒを当接させるようにしたので、右側板１３Ｒには係止孔を開口させる必要がなく、右側板１３Ｒの強度低下を回避し、ひいては角筒部１０の強度低下を回避することができる。 (11) As means for restricting the displacement of the elastic contact piece 25 toward the tab entry space 32, the locking plates 15F and 15R are directed from the extended end edge of the top plate 14 toward the bottom plate 12 along the inner surface of the right side plate 13R. Since the protrusions 30F and 30R on the right edge of the elastic contact piece 25 are brought into contact with the lower end edges (extension edges) of the locking plates 15F and 15R, the right plate 13R There is no need to open a locking hole, and it is possible to avoid a decrease in the strength of the right side plate 13R, and thus avoid a decrease in the strength of the rectangular tube portion 10.

（１２）角筒部１０の内部空間（弾性接触片２５が収容される空間）は、係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒが設けられている分だけ角筒部１０に対して幅方向左側へ偏心しているため、弾性接触片２５を角筒部１０と同心の配置にしようとすると、偏心している分だけ弾性接触片２５の幅を狭める必要があり、その結果、角筒部１０の内部空間には係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒと反対側（左側）にデッドスペースが空くことになる。その点、本実施形態では、弾性接触片２５を角筒部１０に対して係止板１５Ｆ，１５Ｒとは反対側（左側）へ偏心させているので、弾性接触片２５の幅を広く確保することができるとともに、角筒部１０の内部空間におけるデッドスペースを極力小さくすることができる。 (12) The internal space of the rectangular tube portion 10 (the space in which the elastic contact piece 25 is accommodated) is eccentric to the left side in the width direction relative to the rectangular tube portion 10 by the amount of the locking plates 15F and 15R. Therefore, if the elastic contact piece 25 is to be arranged concentrically with the rectangular tube portion 10, it is necessary to reduce the width of the elastic contact piece 25 by the amount of eccentricity. As a result, the internal space of the rectangular tube portion 10 is not related. Dead space is vacated on the opposite side (left side) to the stop plates 15F and 15R. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the elastic contact piece 25 is decentered to the opposite side (left side) to the locking plates 15F and 15R with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10, and thus the width of the elastic contact piece 25 is ensured to be wide. In addition, the dead space in the internal space of the rectangular tube portion 10 can be minimized.

（１３）右側板１３Ｒの立ち上がり端縁（上端縁）には、天板１４側へ延出することで前部係止板１５Ｆの上端縁に対して上から当接可能とされた押え部３８が形成され、前部係止板１５Ｆは、この押え部３８によって上方への変位を規制されているので、弾性接触片２５のタブ進入空間３２側へ変位を確実に防止することができる。 (13) The presser portion 38 that can be brought into contact with the upper end edge of the front locking plate 15F from the upper side by extending to the top plate 14 side at the rising edge (upper edge) of the right side plate 13R. Since the upward locking of the front locking plate 15F is restricted by the pressing portion 38, it is possible to reliably prevent the elastic contact piece 25 from moving toward the tab entry space 32.

（１４）前部係止板１５Ｆの上端縁には、上面側を凹ませた形態の凹部３７が形成されており、押え部３８の少なくとも一部（本実施形態では押え部３８の全体）が凹部３７内に収容されているので、角筒部１０の上面における天板１４の上面と押え部３８の上面との段差をなくすことができた。 (14) The upper end edge of the front locking plate 15F is formed with a recessed portion 37 having a recessed upper surface side, and at least a part of the pressing portion 38 (the entire pressing portion 38 in this embodiment) Since it is accommodated in the concave portion 37, the step between the upper surface of the top plate 14 and the upper surface of the pressing portion 38 on the upper surface of the rectangular tube portion 10 can be eliminated.

（１５）右側板１３Ｒの上端縁に形成した押え部３８は、天板１４の延出端縁（右側縁）が上方へ変位するのを規制するようになっているが、この押え部３８の少なくとも一部（本実施形態では押え部３８の全体）が凹部３７内に収容されているので、角筒部１０の上面における天板１４の上面と押え部３８の上面との段差をなくし、角筒部１０の低背化が実現されている。 (15) The presser portion 38 formed on the upper end edge of the right side plate 13R regulates the displacement of the extended end edge (right side edge) of the top plate 14 upward. Since at least a portion (the entire pressing portion 38 in the present embodiment) is accommodated in the recess 37, the step between the upper surface of the top plate 14 and the upper surface of the pressing portion 38 on the upper surface of the rectangular tube portion 10 is eliminated. A reduction in the height of the cylindrical portion 10 is realized.

（１６）凹部３７を構成する前部係止板１５Ｆは、右側板１３Ｒの内面に沿った形態となっているので、この前部係止板１５Ｆにより右側板１３Ｒが補強され、ひいては、角筒部１０全体の強度が向上している。 (16) Since the front locking plate 15F constituting the recess 37 is formed along the inner surface of the right side plate 13R, the right side plate 13R is reinforced by the front locking plate 15F, and as a result, the rectangular tube The strength of the entire portion 10 is improved.

（１７）右側板１３Ｒには、その前端縁から幅方向内側へ弾性接触片２５に向かって延出する形態であり、延出端縁における少なくともタブ進入空間３２と対応する部分が、幅方向において右側板１３Ｒと弾性接触片２５との間の領域内に配された受け板３５が形成されており、この受け板３５にプローブＰを当接させるようにしたので、幅方向におけるプローブＰの当接領域が、右側板１３Ｒの板厚寸法よりも広くなり、プローブＰが幅方向にずれてもそのプローブＰを確実に角筒部１０に当接させることができる。しかも、受け板３５の延出端縁３５Ｓのうち、高さ方向において少なくともタブ進入空間３２と対応する部分が、幅方向において右側板１３Ｒと弾性接触片２５との間の領域内に配されるようにしたので、タブ進入空間３２に進入するタブ５４と受け板３５との干渉を回避することができる。 (17) The right side plate 13R has a form extending from the front end edge inward in the width direction toward the elastic contact piece 25, and at least a portion corresponding to the tab entry space 32 in the extended end edge is in the width direction. A receiving plate 35 is formed in the region between the right side plate 13R and the elastic contact piece 25, and the probe P is brought into contact with the receiving plate 35. The contact area is wider than the plate thickness dimension of the right side plate 13R, and even if the probe P is displaced in the width direction, the probe P can be reliably brought into contact with the rectangular tube portion 10. In addition, at least a portion corresponding to the tab entry space 32 in the height direction of the extended end edge 35S of the receiving plate 35 is disposed in a region between the right side plate 13R and the elastic contact piece 25 in the width direction. Since it did in this way, interference with the tab 54 and the receiving plate 35 which approach into the tab approach space 32 can be avoided.

（１８）受け板３５を、右側板１３Ｒの高さ方向におけるほぼ全領域に亘って設けたので、高さ方向におけるプローブＰの当接可能範囲が広がり、コネクタハウジング５０におけるプローブＰの進入口である作業口５６の配置等を設定する上で、設計自由度が高い。 (18) Since the receiving plate 35 is provided over almost the entire region in the height direction of the right side plate 13R, the contactable range of the probe P in the height direction is widened, and the probe P in the connector housing 50 has an entrance. In setting the arrangement or the like of a certain work port 56, the degree of freedom in design is high.

（１９）弾性接触片が角筒部に対して偏心せずに同心配置されている場合、側板と弾性接触片との間の間隔は、角筒部の幅と弾性接触片の幅の寸法差のほぼ１／２となる。これに対し、本実施形態では、弾性接触片２５を角筒部１０に対して偏心させたので、側板と弾性接触片２５との間の広い側の間隔（右側板１３Ｒと弾性接触部ー２５との間の間隔）は、角筒部１０の幅と弾性接触片２５の幅の寸法差の１／２よりも大きい寸法となる。したがって、受け板３５の右側板１３Ｒからの延出寸法を大きく確保することができる。 (19) When the elastic contact pieces are concentrically arranged without being decentered with respect to the square tube portion, the distance between the side plate and the elastic contact piece is a dimensional difference between the width of the square tube portion and the width of the elastic contact piece. It becomes almost 1/2 of this. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the elastic contact piece 25 is eccentric with respect to the rectangular tube portion 10, the wide side distance between the side plate and the elastic contact piece 25 (the right side plate 13R and the elastic contact portion-25). Is a dimension larger than ½ of the dimensional difference between the width of the rectangular tube portion 10 and the width of the elastic contact piece 25. Therefore, a large extension dimension of the receiving plate 35 from the right side plate 13R can be secured.

（２０）受け板３５の前端面３５Ｆが、弾性接触片２５の前端よりも前方に位置しているので、プローブＰの一部が受け板３５から外れても、プローブＰが弾性接触片２５に干渉する虞はない。 (20) Since the front end face 35F of the receiving plate 35 is located in front of the front end of the elastic contact piece 25, the probe P becomes the elastic contact piece 25 even if a part of the probe P is detached from the receiving plate 35. There is no risk of interference.

（２１）受け板３５の延出端縁には、テーパ状の誘導面３６Ｒが形成されているので、角筒部１０内に進入するタブ５４の位置が受け板３５側へずれた場合には、タブ５４の位置はテーパ状の誘導面３６Ｒによって正規のタブ進入空間３２側へ矯正される。したがって、タブ５４が受け板３５に突き当たる虞はない。 (21) Since the tapered guide surface 36R is formed at the extended edge of the receiving plate 35, when the position of the tab 54 entering the square tube portion 10 is shifted to the receiving plate 35 side. The position of the tab 54 is corrected to the normal tab entry space 32 side by the tapered guide surface 36R. Therefore, there is no possibility that the tab 54 hits the receiving plate 35.

（２２）底板１２の前端部には、左右両側縁部を切欠することで底板１２よりも幅狭とされた基部３３が形成され、この基部３３の前端に弾性接触片２５の前端の屈曲部２６（弾性接触片２５の撓み支点）が連なっているが、この基部３３には、その側縁部から角筒部１０の右側板１３Ｒ側へ張り出した形態の張出部３４が形成されている。基部３３の側縁部に形成した張出部３４は、底板１２の側縁部を切欠することによって基部３３と右側板１３Ｒとの間に形成されている開口部の開口面積を狭めることになるため、弾性接触片２５の幅寸法が小さくても、この開口部における角筒部１０内への異物の侵入を防止することができる。また、張出部３４を形成したことによって基部３３が幅広となり、基部３３が補強されるので、弾性接触片２５の幅寸法が小さくても、異物の干渉に起因する基部３３の変形を防止することができる。 (22) At the front end portion of the bottom plate 12, a base portion 33 that is narrower than the bottom plate 12 is formed by cutting out the left and right side edges, and the bent portion of the front end of the elastic contact piece 25 is formed at the front end of the base portion 33. 26 (the bending fulcrum of the elastic contact piece 25) is connected, but the base portion 33 is formed with a protruding portion 34 in a form protruding from the side edge portion to the right side plate 13R side of the rectangular tube portion 10. . The overhanging portion 34 formed on the side edge of the base 33 narrows the opening area of the opening formed between the base 33 and the right side plate 13R by cutting out the side edge of the bottom plate 12. Therefore, even if the width dimension of the elastic contact piece 25 is small, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the rectangular tube portion 10 at this opening. Further, since the base portion 33 is widened and the base portion 33 is reinforced by forming the overhanging portion 34, even if the width of the elastic contact piece 25 is small, the deformation of the base portion 33 due to foreign matter interference is prevented. be able to.

＜他の実施形態＞
本発明は上記記述及び図面によって説明した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、例えば次のような実施態様も本発明の技術的範囲に含まれ、さらに、下記以外にも要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々変更して実施することができる。
（１）上記実施形態では弾性接触片の側縁部に突起を形成し、この突起を係止板に当接させるようにしたが、本発明によれば、撓み接触片の側縁部に突起を形成せず、弾性接触片の側縁部を係止板に当接させてもよい。
（２）上記実施形態では弾性接触片が角筒部に対して幅方向（左右方向）へ偏心している場合について説明したが、本発明は、弾性接触片と角筒部とが偏心せずに双方の幅方向中心の位置が合致する端子金具にも適用できる。
（３）上記実施形態では他方の側板の形成した押え部により係止板の上端縁を上から抑えこむようにしたが、本発明によれば、このような押え部を形成しない形態としてもよい。
（４）上記実施形態では押え部の上面が天板の上面と面一状となるようにしたが、本発明によれば、押え部の上面が天板の上面よりも高くてもよく、押え部の上面が天板の上面よりも低くてもよい。
（５）上記実施形態では係止板を前後２箇所に設け、弾性接触片における前後２箇所を当接させるようにしたが、本発明によれば、係止板に対し弾性接触片の１箇所のみを当接させるようにしてもよい。 <Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In the above embodiment, the protrusion is formed on the side edge of the elastic contact piece, and this protrusion is brought into contact with the locking plate. However, according to the present invention, the protrusion is formed on the side edge of the flexible contact piece. The side edge portion of the elastic contact piece may be brought into contact with the locking plate without forming.
(2) In the above embodiment, the case where the elastic contact piece is decentered in the width direction (left-right direction) with respect to the square tube portion has been described. However, the present invention is not decentered between the elastic contact piece and the square tube portion. The present invention can also be applied to terminal fittings in which the positions of both width direction centers match.
(3) In the above embodiment, the upper end edge of the locking plate is suppressed from above by the pressing portion formed on the other side plate. However, according to the present invention, such a pressing portion may not be formed.
(4) In the above embodiment, the upper surface of the presser portion is flush with the upper surface of the top plate. However, according to the present invention, the upper surface of the presser portion may be higher than the upper surface of the top plate. The upper surface of the part may be lower than the upper surface of the top plate.
(5) In the above embodiment, the locking plates are provided at two positions in the front and rear, and the two positions in the front and rear of the elastic contact piece are brought into contact with each other. You may make it contact | abut only.

実施形態１の端子金具の右側面図Right side view of the terminal fitting of Embodiment 1 端子金具の平面図Top view of terminal fitting 端子金具の左側面図Left side view of terminal fitting 端子金具底面図Terminal bracket bottom view 図３のＡ−Ａ断面図AA sectional view of FIG. 図５のＢ−Ｂ断面図BB sectional view of FIG. 図５のＣ−Ｃ断面図CC sectional view of FIG. 図５のＤ−Ｄ断面図DD sectional view of FIG. 図５のＥ−Ｅ断面図EE sectional view of FIG. 端子金具の展開図Exploded view of terminal fitting 端子金具の正面図Front view of terminal fitting 前面板が本係止位置にあってタブが端子金具に接続されている状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the front plate is in the fully locked position and the tab is connected to the terminal fitting 前面板が本係止位置にある状態をあらわすコネクタハウジングの正面図Front view of the connector housing showing the front plate in the fully locked position 図１３の部分拡大図Partial enlarged view of FIG. 前面体が仮係止位置にある状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state where the front body is in the temporary locking position 前面板が仮係止位置にある状態をあらわすコネクタハウジングの正面図Front view of the connector housing showing the front panel in the temporary locking position 図１６の部分拡大図Partial enlarged view of FIG. プローブによって導通検査を行っている状態をあらわす断面図Sectional view showing the state of conducting a continuity test with a probe

Explanation of symbols

Ｔ…端子金具
１０…角筒部
１３Ｌ…左側板（一方の側板）
１３Ｒ…右側板（他方の側板）
１４…天板
１５Ｆ…前部係止板
１５Ｒ…後部係止板
１９…ランス孔
２５…弾性接触片
３０Ｆ…前部突起
３０Ｒ…後部突起
３２…タブ進入空間
３７…凹部
３８…押え部
５２…ランス
５４…タブ T ... Terminal fitting 10 ... Square tube 13L ... Left side plate (one side plate)
13R ... right side plate (the other side plate)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Top plate 15F ... Front part latching plate 15R ... Rear part latching plate 19 ... Lance hole 25 ... Elastic contact piece 30F ... Front part protrusion 30R ... Rear part protrusion 32 ... Tab entry space 37 ... Recessed part 38 ... Presser part 52 ... Lance 54 ... Tab

Claims

By bending the metal plate material, a square tube portion penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed,
An elastic contact piece that is in a form extending in the front-rear direction and elastically contacts the tab is accommodated in the square tube portion,
A lance hole is opened in the bottom plate arranged on the opposite side of the tab entry space across the elastic contact piece of the square tube portion,
In the state of being inserted into the cavity of the connector housing, in the terminal fitting adapted to be secured by locking the lance hole to the lance provided on the inner wall of the cavity,
The square tube portion is configured such that a pair of side plates is raised from the left and right side edges of the bottom plate, and the top plate is extended substantially parallel to the bottom plate from the upper end edge of one of the side plates,
The top plate is formed with a locking plate extending downward from the extended edge along the inner surface of the other side plate,
The elastic contact piece is configured to restrict the displacement of the elastic contact piece toward the tab entry space side by bringing the side edge portion of the elastic contact piece into contact with the extended end edge of the locking plate. Terminal fitting.

The elastic contact piece is formed with a protrusion protruding outward in the width direction from its side edge,
The terminal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is configured to abut on an extended end edge of the locking plate.

3. The terminal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the elastic contact piece is eccentric to a side opposite to the side on which the locking plate is arranged in the width direction with respect to the square tube portion. .

The rising edge of the other side plate is formed with a presser portion that can be contacted from above with respect to the upper end edge of the locking plate by extending to the top plate side. The terminal fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal fitting is characterized in that:

The upper end edge of the locking plate is formed with a concave portion in which the upper surface side is recessed,
The terminal fitting according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the pressing portion is accommodated in the recess.