JP2017142986A

JP2017142986A - Female terminal

Info

Publication number: JP2017142986A
Application number: JP2016023712A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 基泰安藤; Motoyasu Ando
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-10
Filing date: 2016-02-10
Publication date: 2017-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-10
Also published as: JP6583032B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress unevenness in contact load of each elastic contact piece.SOLUTION: A female terminal 10 to be disclosed according to the description is a terminal in which a male terminal is inserted and with which it is engaged, and includes: a cylindrical base 24 where side end edges 24A of a metal plate material are abutted to each other; and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 25 which are provided elastically displaceably for the base 24 and are in elastic contact with the male terminal. Among the plurality of elastic contact pieces 25, in an unadjacent contact piece 27 different from an adjacent contact piece 26 adjacent to the side end edge 24A of the base 24, an elastic force smaller than the adjacent contact piece 26 is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

本明細書によって開示される技術は、複数の弾性接触片を有する雌端子に関する。 The technique disclosed by this specification is related with the female terminal which has a some elastic contact piece.

例えば、相手側のピン端子が挿入されて嵌合される筒部を有するソケット端子として、特開２０１０−１１３９６２号公報（下記特許文献１）に記載のものが知られている。 For example, what is described in JP 2010-113962 A (Patent Document 1 below) is known as a socket terminal having a cylindrical portion into which a mating pin terminal is inserted and fitted.

このソケット端子の筒部は、端縁同士を突き合わせた円筒状の基部と、基部から嵌合方向に片持ち状に延びて筒部の径方向に弾性変位可能な複数の弾性接触片とを備えており、ピン端子が筒部内に挿入されると、ピン端子によって複数の弾性接触片が径方向外側に押圧され、ピン端子と複数の弾性接触片とが弾性的に接触することでピン端子とソケット端子とが電気的に接続されるようになっている。 The cylindrical portion of the socket terminal includes a cylindrical base portion whose ends are abutted with each other, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces that extend from the base portion in a cantilevered manner in the fitting direction and can be elastically displaced in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion. When the pin terminal is inserted into the cylindrical portion, the plurality of elastic contact pieces are pressed radially outward by the pin terminal, and the pin terminal and the plurality of elastic contact pieces are elastically contacted to The socket terminal is electrically connected.

特開２０１０−１１３９６２号公報JP 2010-113962 A

ところで、上記のソケット端子によると、弾性接触片がピン端子によって径方向外側に押圧される際に、基部の端縁同士を突き合わせた部分にも応力が作用する。 By the way, according to said socket terminal, when an elastic contact piece is pressed to radial direction outer side by a pin terminal, a stress acts also on the part which faced the edges of the base.

すると、端縁同士が互いに離れるようにして基部が開いてしまい、基部の端縁に隣接する弾性接触片のピン端子に対する接触荷重が、基部の端縁から離れた弾性接触片のピン端子に対する接触荷重よりも低下してしまい、各弾性接触片の接触荷重にばらつきが生じてしまう。 Then, the base is opened so that the edges are separated from each other, and the contact load on the pin terminal of the elastic contact piece adjacent to the edge of the base is in contact with the pin terminal of the elastic contact piece separated from the edge of the base. It will fall rather than a load and will produce dispersion | variation in the contact load of each elastic contact piece.

本明細書では、各弾性接触片の接触荷重のばらつきを抑制する技術を開示する。 In this specification, the technique which suppresses the dispersion | variation in the contact load of each elastic contact piece is disclosed.

本明細書によって開示される技術は、雌端子であって、金属板材の側端縁同士を突き合わせた筒状の基部と、前記基部に設けられ、同基部の径方向に弾性変位可能に設けられた複数の弾性接触片とを備え、前記複数の弾性接触片のうち前記側端縁に隣接する隣接接触片とは異なる非隣接接触片は、前記隣接接触片よりも弾性力が小さく設定されている構成とした。 The technology disclosed in this specification is a female terminal, which is provided on a cylindrical base portion where side end edges of a metal plate are abutted with each other, and provided in the base portion so as to be elastically displaceable in the radial direction of the base portion. A non-adjacent contact piece different from the adjacent contact piece adjacent to the side edge among the plurality of elastic contact pieces is set to have a smaller elastic force than the adjacent contact piece. It was set as the composition.

このような構成の雌端子によると、隣接接触片よりも非隣接接触片の弾性力が小さくなっているから、弾性接触片が雄端子に弾性的に接触することに起因して基部が開いた場合における隣接接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重と、非隣接接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重とに差が生じることを抑制できる。これにより、各弾性接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重にばらつきが生じることを抑制することができる。 According to the female terminal having such a configuration, since the elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece is smaller than that of the adjacent contact piece, the base is opened due to the elastic contact piece elastically contacting the male terminal. It can suppress that a difference arises in the contact load with respect to the male terminal of the adjacent contact piece in a case, and the contact load with respect to the male terminal of a non-adjacent contact piece. Thereby, it can suppress that dispersion | variation arises in the contact load with respect to the male terminal of each elastic contact piece.

本明細書によって開示される雌端子は、以下の構成としてもよい。
前記非隣接接触片には、前記隣接接触片よりも弾性力を小さくする開口状の荷重低減部が設けられている構成としてもよい。
このような構成によると、非隣接接触片に開口状の荷重低減部を設けることで非隣接接触片の弾性力を小さくすることができる。 The female terminal disclosed by this specification is good also as the following structures.
The non-adjacent contact piece may be provided with an opening-shaped load reducing portion that makes the elastic force smaller than that of the adjacent contact piece.
According to such a configuration, the elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece can be reduced by providing the non-adjacent contact piece with the opening-shaped load reducing portion.

ところで、例えば、非隣接接触片を幅狭にすることで、非隣接接触片の接触荷重を小さくする方法も考えられる。しかしながら、非隣接接触片を幅狭にすると、非隣接接触片の接触荷重を小さくすることはできるものの、幅狭になることで非隣接接触片がへたりやすくなってしまう嫌いがある。しかしながら、上記の構成によると、荷重低減部が非隣接接触片に開口した構成となっており、荷重低減部の両側２箇所の部分によって非隣接接触片を構成するから、非隣接接触片がへたりやすくなることを抑制しつつ、非隣接接触片の接触荷重を小さくすることができる。 By the way, for example, a method of reducing the contact load of the non-adjacent contact piece by narrowing the non-adjacent contact piece is also conceivable. However, if the non-adjacent contact piece is narrowed, the contact load of the non-adjacent contact piece can be reduced, but there is a disagreement that the non-adjacent contact piece is liable to be loosened by being narrow. However, according to the above configuration, the load reducing portion is configured to open to the non-adjacent contact piece, and the non-adjacent contact piece is configured by two portions on both sides of the load reducing portion. It is possible to reduce the contact load of the non-adjacent contact pieces while suppressing the tendency to be apt to occur.

前記非隣接接触片は板状をなしており、前記荷重低減部は、前記非隣接接触片の板厚方向に貫通して形成されている構成としてもよい。
このような構成によると、例えば、非隣接接触片を貫通していない荷重低減部に比べて、荷重低減部の開口が大型化することを抑制しつつ、非隣接接触片の弾性力を小さくすることができる。つまり、荷重低減部の開口が大きくなることによって非隣接接触片がへたりやすくなることを抑制しつつ、非隣接接触片の弾性力を小さくすることができる。 The non-adjacent contact piece may have a plate shape, and the load reducing portion may be formed so as to penetrate in the plate thickness direction of the non-adjacent contact piece.
According to such a configuration, for example, the elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece is reduced while suppressing an increase in the size of the opening of the load reduction unit as compared with a load reduction unit that does not penetrate the non-adjacent contact piece. be able to. That is, it is possible to reduce the elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece while suppressing the non-adjacent contact piece from being easily sag by increasing the opening of the load reducing portion.

前記隣接接触片の基端部は、前記側端縁から離れる方向に偏心して設けられている構成としてもよい。
このような構成によると、隣接接触片の基端部が側端縁から離れる方向に偏心しているから、例えば、隣接接触片の基端部が偏心していない場合に比べて、弾性接触片が弾性変位することに起因して基部が開くことを抑制することができる。また、基部が開くことによって隣接接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重が低下することを抑制することができる。 A base end portion of the adjacent contact piece may be provided eccentrically in a direction away from the side end edge.
According to such a configuration, since the proximal end portion of the adjacent contact piece is eccentric in the direction away from the side edge, for example, the elastic contact piece is elastic compared to the case where the proximal end portion of the adjacent contact piece is not eccentric. It is possible to suppress the base from opening due to the displacement. Moreover, it can suppress that the contact load with respect to the male terminal of an adjacent contact piece falls by opening a base.

前記隣接接触片の前記基端部における前記側端縁側の側方には、コネクタハウジングに弾性変位可能に設けられた端子係止部が嵌合可能とされている構成としてもよい。
このような構成によると、隣接接触片の基端部を偏心させることで生じた空間にコネクタハウジングの端子係止部を嵌合させて、隣接接触片と端子係止部とを係止させることで雌端子の抜け止めを図ることができるから、雌端子にコネクタハウジングの端子係止部を嵌合させる被係止部を別途設ける場合に比べて、雌端子を小型化することができる。 It is good also as a structure by which the terminal latching | locking part provided in the connector housing so that elastic displacement is possible can be fitted in the side of the said side end edge side in the said base end part of the said adjacent contact piece.
According to such a configuration, the terminal locking portion of the connector housing is fitted into the space generated by decentering the proximal end portion of the adjacent contact piece, and the adjacent contact piece and the terminal locking portion are locked. Thus, the female terminal can be prevented from coming off, so that the female terminal can be reduced in size as compared with a case where the female terminal is separately provided with a locked portion for fitting the terminal locking portion of the connector housing.

前記隣接接触片の前記側端縁側の側縁における前記基端部よりも前側の位置には、前記コネクタハウジングに設けられた前記端子係止部と係止可能な被係止部が突出して設けられている構成としてもよい。
このような構成によると、隣接接触片と端子係止部とが係止可能になることに加え、被係止部と端子係止部とが係止可能となるから、雌端子における端子係止部との係り代を大きくすることができる。 A locked portion that can be locked with the terminal locking portion provided in the connector housing is provided at a position in front of the base end portion at the side edge on the side edge side of the adjacent contact piece. It is good also as a structure currently provided.
According to such a configuration, since the adjacent contact piece and the terminal locking portion can be locked, the locked portion and the terminal locking portion can be locked. Engagement allowance with the department can be increased.

本明細書によって開示される技術によれば、各弾性接触片における相手側の端子に対する接触荷重のばらつきを抑制することができる。 According to the technique disclosed by this specification, the variation in the contact load with respect to the other party terminal in each elastic contact piece can be suppressed.

雌端子を斜め前上方から視た状態を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the state which looked at the female terminal from diagonally forward 同正面図Front view 同平面図Plan view 同側面図Side view 雌端子を斜め上から視た状態を示す側面図Side view showing the female terminal as viewed obliquely from above 同底面図Bottom view 端子本体を斜め前上方から視た状態を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the state which looked at the terminal body from diagonally forward 同平面図Plan view 同側面図Side view 同底面図Bottom view

＜実施形態＞
本明細書に開示された技術における一実施形態について図１から図１０を参照して説明する。
本実施形態は、図４に示すように、コネクタハウジングＨ内に収容され、図示しない丸ピン状をなす雄端子に接続される雌端子１０を例示している。 <Embodiment>
An embodiment of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.
As shown in FIG. 4, the present embodiment illustrates a female terminal 10 that is accommodated in a connector housing H and connected to a male terminal (not shown) having a round pin shape.

雌端子１０は、導電性に優れた金属板材、例えば、銅合金などからなる板材をプレスなどで加工することによって形成されており、図１から図６に示すように、端子本体２０と、端子本体２０の外周面に装着される別体のカバー４０とを備えて構成されている。 The female terminal 10 is formed by processing a metal plate material having excellent conductivity, for example, a plate material made of a copper alloy or the like, using a press or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the terminal body 20 and the terminal A separate cover 40 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 20 is provided.

端子本体２０は、図７から図１０に示すように、電線（図示せず）に接続される電線接続部２３と、雄端子と接続される端子接続部２１と、端子接続部２１と電線接続部２３とを前後方向に繋ぐ繋ぎ部２２とを備えて構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the terminal main body 20 includes an electric wire connecting portion 23 connected to an electric wire (not shown), a terminal connecting portion 21 connected to a male terminal, and a terminal connecting portion 21 and an electric wire connection. The connecting portion 22 that connects the portion 23 in the front-rear direction is provided.

電線接続部２３は、電線の芯線に圧着されるワイヤバレル２３Ａと、電線の被覆に圧着されるインシュレーションバレル２３Ｂとを前後に連ねた形態とされており、ワイヤバレル２３Ａが芯線に圧着されることで電線と雌端子１０とが電気的に接続されるようになっている。 The electric wire connecting portion 23 is configured such that a wire barrel 23A to be crimped to the core wire of the electric wire and an insulation barrel 23B to be crimped to the coating of the electric wire are connected back and forth, and the wire barrel 23A is crimped to the core wire. Thus, the electric wire and the female terminal 10 are electrically connected.

端子接続部２１は、図２、図７から図１０に示すように、全体としては略円筒状をなしており、電線接続部２３の前方に繋ぎ部２２を介して連なる基部２４と、基部２４に設けられた複数（本実施形態では、３つ）の弾性接触片２５とを備えて構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 to 10, the terminal connection portion 21 has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a base portion 24 connected to the front of the wire connection portion 23 via a connecting portion 22, and a base portion 24. And a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) elastic contact pieces 25 provided in the structure.

基部２４は、金属板材を丸めるように曲げ加工を施すことで、金属板材の側端縁２４Ａ同士を突き合わせた円筒状に形成されている。 The base portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which the side end edges 24A of the metal plate material are abutted with each other by bending the metal plate material.

各弾性接触片２５は、基部２４の前端縁から雄端子との嵌合方向である前方に向かうほど端子接続部２１の軸心に向けて僅かに傾斜する片持ち状に形成されており、弾性接触片２５の付け根部分である基端部を支点に径方向に弾性変位可能とされている。 Each elastic contact piece 25 is formed in a cantilever shape that is slightly inclined toward the axial center of the terminal connection portion 21 from the front end edge of the base portion 24 toward the front which is the fitting direction with the male terminal. The base end portion, which is the base portion of the contact piece 25, can be elastically displaced in the radial direction with the fulcrum as a fulcrum.

また、各弾性接触片２５は、図２に示すように、端子接続部２１の軸心を中心とする正面視円弧状に形成されており、端子接続部２１における複数の弾性接触片２５は、基部２４の側端縁２４Ａの両側に配された弾性接触片２５である一対の隣接接触片２６と、端子接続部２１の軸心を境に基部２４の側端縁２４Ａが配された上部とは反対側の下部に配された弾性接触片２５である非隣接接触片２７との合計３つの弾性接触片２５によって構成されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, each elastic contact piece 25 is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the front centered on the axis of the terminal connection portion 21, and the plurality of elastic contact pieces 25 in the terminal connection portion 21 are A pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 which are elastic contact pieces 25 arranged on both sides of the side edge 24A of the base 24, and an upper part where the side edge 24A of the base 24 is arranged with the axis of the terminal connection portion 21 as a boundary. Is constituted by a total of three elastic contact pieces 25 with non-adjacent contact pieces 27 which are elastic contact pieces 25 arranged at the lower part on the opposite side.

したがって、基部２４よりも前側の端子接続部２１は、図７から図１０に示すように、前方に向かうほど僅かに先細りとなる略円筒状に構成されている。そして、一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７との間には、雄端子が前方から嵌合可能とされている。 Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the terminal connection portion 21 on the front side of the base portion 24 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape that tapers slightly toward the front. A male terminal can be fitted between the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and non-adjacent contact pieces 27 from the front.

また、一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７との３つの弾性接触片２５によって構成される前端開口の内径寸法は、一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７とが弾性変位していない自然状態では、雄端子の外径寸法よりも僅かに小さく設定されている。そして、雄端子が一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７との間に挿入されて正規の嵌合状態に至ると、一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７とが、雄端子によって押圧されることで径方向外側に向けて弾性変位し、端子接続部２１が雄端子に弾性的に接触する。これにより、雄端子と雌端子１０とが電気的に接続されるようになっている。 The inner diameter of the front end opening constituted by the three elastic contact pieces 25 of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and the non-adjacent contact pieces 27 is such that the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and the non-adjacent contact pieces 27 are elastically displaced. In a natural state, the outer diameter of the male terminal is set slightly smaller. Then, when the male terminal is inserted between the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and the non-adjacent contact pieces 27 and reaches a normal fitting state, the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and the non-adjacent contact pieces 27 are connected to the male terminals. Is elastically displaced toward the outside in the radial direction by being pressed by the, so that the terminal connection portion 21 comes into elastic contact with the male terminal. Thereby, the male terminal and the female terminal 10 are electrically connected.

カバー４０は、例えば、端子本体２０よりも剛性が高い金属板材、例えば、ステンレス鋼板などからなる板材をプレスなどによって加工することによって形成されている。カバー４０は、図１から図６に示すように、端子接続部２１における前端部の外周面に装着される付勢部４１と、端子接続部２１の非隣接接触片２７における基端部２７Ａの外周面に装着される固定片４２と、付勢部４１と固定片４２との間を繋ぐ複数の連結部４３とを備えて構成されている。 The cover 40 is formed, for example, by processing a metal plate material having higher rigidity than the terminal body 20, for example, a plate material made of a stainless steel plate or the like with a press or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the cover 40 includes a biasing portion 41 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the terminal connection portion 21, and a base end portion 27 A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 of the terminal connection portion 21. The fixing piece 42 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface, and includes a plurality of connecting portions 43 that connect the urging portion 41 and the fixing piece 42.

付勢部４１は、図２に示すように、上方に開口する正面視Ｃ字状の略円筒状をなしており、拡径するように弾性変位可能とされている。また、付勢部４１は、その内径寸法が、端子接続部２１の先端外周面の外径寸法よりも僅かに大きくなるように、端子接続部２１の先端外周面に沿った先細り状に構成されており、付勢部４１の内面には、図２に示すように、端子接続部２１の外周面に接触する複数の押圧部４４が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the urging portion 41 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a C-shape in front view that opens upward, and can be elastically displaced so as to expand its diameter. Further, the biasing portion 41 is configured in a tapered shape along the outer peripheral surface of the tip end of the terminal connection portion 21 so that the inner diameter dimension thereof is slightly larger than the outer diameter size of the outer peripheral end surface of the terminal connection portion 21. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pressing portions 44 that come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the terminal connection portion 21 are provided on the inner surface of the urging portion 41.

押圧部４４は、図２に示すように、付勢部４１の上端開口の両側上端部と下端部との３箇所に突出して設けられており、押圧部４４の突出寸法は、端子接続部２１の先端外周面と付勢部４１の内周面と間の隙間とほぼ同じに設定されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 44 is provided so as to protrude at three locations, that is, an upper end portion on both sides and a lower end portion of the upper end opening of the urging portion 41, and the protruding dimension of the pressing portion 44 is the terminal connection portion 21. Is set to be substantially the same as the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the urging member 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the urging portion 41.

したがって、押圧部４４は、図２に示すように、端子接続部２１を三方から取り囲むように付勢部４１に設けられており、端子接続部２１の一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７とが径方向外側に向けて弾性変位する際に、これら３つの押圧部４４によって、一対の隣接接触片２６と非隣接接触片２７とを径方向外側から内側に向けて付勢する。これにより、各弾性接触片２５の雄端子に対する接触荷重が確保され、雌端子１０と雄端子との間の接続信頼性が確保されるようになっている。 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 44 is provided on the biasing portion 41 so as to surround the terminal connection portion 21 from three sides, and the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and non-adjacent contact pieces of the terminal connection portion 21 are provided. When these members 27 are elastically displaced toward the outer side in the radial direction, the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 and the non-adjacent contact pieces 27 are urged toward the inner side from the outer side in the radial direction. Thereby, the contact load with respect to the male terminal of each elastic contact piece 25 is ensured, and the connection reliability between the female terminal 10 and the male terminal is ensured.

固定片４２は、付勢部４１の後端縁における中央部およびその両端部の３箇所から後方に向けて延出する３つの連結部４３を介して付勢部４１の後方に設けられており、固定片４２は、図４および図６に示すように、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａを外側から覆うと共に、非隣接接触片２７における基端部２７Ａの両側縁を両側から包み込む形態とされている。 The fixed piece 42 is provided behind the urging portion 41 via three connecting portions 43 extending rearward from the central portion of the rear end edge of the urging portion 41 and the three ends thereof. 4 and 6, the fixing piece 42 covers the base end portion 27A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 from the outside and wraps both side edges of the base end portion 27A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 from both sides. It is said that.

一方、非隣接接触片２７の両側縁における前後方向略中央部には、図６および図１０に示すように、周方向外側に向けて突出する一対の保持片２８が設けられており、図４および図６に示すように、この一対の保持片２８の後端縁にカバー４０の固定片４２が後方から係止することで、端子接続部２１に対するカバー４０の前方への抜け止めが図られている。 On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, a pair of holding pieces 28 projecting outward in the circumferential direction are provided at substantially the center in the front-rear direction on both side edges of the non-adjacent contact piece 27. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, the fixing piece 42 of the cover 40 is locked from the rear to the rear end edges of the pair of holding pieces 28, so that the cover 40 can be prevented from coming out forward with respect to the terminal connection portion 21. ing.

さて、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａは、図１０に示すように、隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａに比べて幅広に形成されているものの、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａの周方向略中央部である端子接続部２１の下端部には、板厚方向である上下方向に貫通する開口状の荷重低減開口部３０が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 10, the base end portion 27 A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 is formed wider than the base end portion 26 A of the adjacent contact piece 26. An opening-shaped load reducing opening 30 penetrating in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction, is provided at the lower end portion of the terminal connecting portion 21 that is substantially the center in the circumferential direction of 27A.

荷重低減開口部３０は、前後方向に長く前側がやや幅狭な略矩形状をなしており、荷重低減開口部３０の周方向の幅寸法は、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａ全体の周方向の幅寸法と非隣接接触片２７の前後方向略中央部における周方向の幅寸法の差とほぼ同じ寸法に設定されている。また、荷重低減開口部３０の前後方向の開口寸法は、基部２４から非隣接接触片２７の保持片２８が設けられた位置までの長さ寸法とほぼ同じ寸法に設定されている。 The load reducing opening 30 has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction and slightly narrow on the front side, and the width dimension in the circumferential direction of the load reducing opening 30 is that of the entire proximal end portion 27A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27. The difference between the circumferential width dimension and the circumferential width dimension at the substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 is set to be approximately the same. The opening dimension in the front-rear direction of the load reducing opening 30 is set to be approximately the same as the length dimension from the base 24 to the position where the holding piece 28 of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 is provided.

つまり、図１０に示すように、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａは、荷重低減開口部３０が設けられることで、非隣接接触片２７の前後方向略中央部よりも幅狭な２つの弾性片２７Ｂによって構成されている。 That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the base end portion 27 A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 is provided with the load reducing opening 30, so that the two narrower than the substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the non-adjacent contact piece 27. It is comprised by the elastic piece 27B.

一方、一対の隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａは、基部２４の側端縁２４Ａから周方向に離れるように下側に配されている。言い換えると、隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａは、隣接接触片２６の中心線Ｒよりも下側に偏心して配されている。
そして、一対の隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａが周方向下側に偏心したことにより、一対の隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａにおける互いに隣り合う側縁部には、互いに離れる方向に凹んだ一対の凹部２９が構成されている。 On the other hand, the base end portion 26 A of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 is disposed on the lower side so as to be separated from the side end edge 24 A of the base portion 24 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the base end portion 26 A of the adjacent contact piece 26 is arranged eccentrically below the center line R of the adjacent contact piece 26.
Then, since the base end portions 26A of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 are eccentric to the lower side in the circumferential direction, the side edge portions adjacent to each other in the base end portions 26A of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 are recessed in a direction away from each other. A pair of recesses 29 are formed.

また、一対の隣接接触片２６における凹部２９の直前には、互いに近接する位置まで周方向に突出した突出片３１がそれぞれ設けられている。
したがって、一対の隣接接触片２６の間（端子接続部２１の上端部）には、図３に示すように、平面視略矩形状の開口が構成されており、この開口は、図４に示すように、コネクタハウジングＨに弾性変位可能に設けられた端子係止部Ｈ２が嵌合可能な係止孔３２とされている。 In addition, a protruding piece 31 protruding in the circumferential direction to a position close to each other is provided immediately before the recess 29 in the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26.
Therefore, between the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 (upper end portion of the terminal connection portion 21), an opening having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is formed as shown in FIG. 3, and this opening is shown in FIG. As described above, the terminal housing portion H2 provided in the connector housing H so as to be elastically displaceable is a retaining hole 32 into which the connector housing H can be fitted.

つまり、係止孔３２にコネクタハウジングＨの端子係止部Ｈ２が嵌合されると、係止孔３２の前側開口縁を構成する凹部２９の前側縁に加え、一対の突出片３１が、端子係止部Ｈ２と係止可能となることで端子係止部Ｈ２の係り代が大きくなり、コネクタハウジングＨ内における雌端子１０の抜け止めを確実に行うことができるようになっている。 That is, when the terminal locking portion H2 of the connector housing H is fitted into the locking hole 32, in addition to the front side edge of the recess 29 that forms the front opening edge of the locking hole 32, the pair of protruding pieces 31 are connected to the terminal. By being able to be locked with the locking portion H2, the engagement margin of the terminal locking portion H2 is increased, and the female terminal 10 in the connector housing H can be reliably prevented from coming off.

本実施形態は、以上のような構成であって、続いて、雌端子１０の作用および効果について説明する。
例えば、金属板材の側端縁同士を突き合わせるようにして円筒状に設けられた基部の前縁に、ピン状の雄端子の外周面に弾性接触可能な複数の弾性接触片が設けられた雌端子の場合、弾性接触片が雄端子によって径方向外側に押圧されると、これに伴って基部の端縁同士が互いに離れるようにして基部が開いてしまう。
すると、基部の端縁に隣接する弾性接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重が、基部の端縁から離れた弾性接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重よりも低下しまい、各弾性接触片の接触荷重にばらつきが生じてしまう。 The present embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation and effect of the female terminal 10 will be described.
For example, a female in which a plurality of elastic contact pieces capable of elastic contact with the outer peripheral surface of a pin-shaped male terminal are provided on the front edge of a base provided in a cylindrical shape so that the side edges of the metal plate are abutted with each other. In the case of a terminal, when the elastic contact piece is pressed radially outward by the male terminal, the base portion opens with the edges of the base portions separating from each other.
Then, the contact load on the male terminal of the elastic contact piece adjacent to the edge of the base portion is lower than the contact load on the male terminal of the elastic contact piece away from the edge of the base portion, and the contact load of each elastic contact piece varies. Will occur.

ところが、本実施形態によると、端子接続部２１の軸心を境に基部２４の側端縁２４Ａが配された上部とは反対側に配された非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａは、隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａよりも幅広に形成されているものの、その周方向中央部には、非隣接接触片２７を板厚方向に貫通して開口する荷重低減開口部３０が設けられている。 However, according to the present embodiment, the base end portion 27A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 disposed on the opposite side to the upper portion where the side end edge 24A of the base portion 24 is disposed with the axis of the terminal connection portion 21 as a boundary, Although it is formed wider than the base end portion 26A of the adjacent contact piece 26, a load reducing opening 30 that opens through the non-adjacent contact piece 27 in the thickness direction is provided at the center in the circumferential direction. ing.

言い換えると、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａは、荷重低減開口部３０の両側において、非隣接接触片２７の前後方向略中央部よりも幅狭な２つの弾性片２７Ｂによって構成されている。
したがって、例えば、荷重低減開口部が設けられていない非隣接接触片に比べて、非隣接接触片２７の弾性力を低減させることができることはもちろんのこと、例えば、非隣接接触片の基端部を幅狭な１つの弾性片によって構成する場合に比べて、非隣接接触片２７がへたりやすくなることを抑制しつつ、非隣接接触片２７の弾性力を低減させることができる。 In other words, the base end portion 27 A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 is configured by two elastic pieces 27 B that are narrower than the substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 on both sides of the load reducing opening 30. .
Therefore, for example, the elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 can be reduced as compared with the non-adjacent contact piece not provided with the load reducing opening, for example, the base end portion of the non-adjacent contact piece, for example. The elastic force of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 can be reduced while suppressing the non-adjacent contact piece 27 from being easily sag compared to a case where is formed by one narrow elastic piece.

また、本実施形態によると、基部２４の側端縁２４Ａに対して周方向に隣接する一対の隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａが、基部２４の側端縁２４Ａから周方向に離れるように下側に偏心して設けられているから、例えば、隣接接触片の基端部が偏心していない場合に比べて、一対の隣接接触片２６が基端部２６Ａを支点に弾性変形する際に、その応力が基部２４に伝わって基部２４が開くことを抑制することができる。また、仮に基部２４が開く場合には、基部２４が開くことに伴う一対の隣接接触片２６への影響が低減されるから、一対の隣接接触片２６の雄端子に対する接触荷重が低下することを抑制することができる。 Further, according to the present embodiment, the base end portion 26A of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 adjacent in the circumferential direction to the side end edge 24A of the base portion 24 is separated from the side end edge 24A of the base portion 24 in the circumferential direction. Since it is provided eccentrically on the lower side, for example, when the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 are elastically deformed with the base end portion 26A as a fulcrum as compared with the case where the base end portions of the adjacent contact pieces are not eccentric, It is possible to suppress the stress from being transmitted to the base 24 and opening the base 24. Further, if the base 24 is opened, the influence on the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 due to the opening of the base 24 is reduced, so that the contact load on the male terminals of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 is reduced. Can be suppressed.

これにより、一対の隣接接触片２６が雄端子に接触するそれぞれの接触荷重と、非隣接接触片２７の雄端子に対する接触荷重とに差が生じることを抑制し、各弾性接触片２５の雄端子に対する接触荷重のばらつきを抑制することができる。 Thereby, it is suppressed that a difference arises between each contact load which a pair of adjacent contact piece 26 contacts a male terminal, and the contact load with respect to the male terminal of the non-adjacent contact piece 27, and the male terminal of each elastic contact piece 25 The variation of the contact load with respect to can be suppressed.

さらに、本実施形態によると、一対の隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａを下方に偏心させることで構成された開口を、コネクタハウジングＨの端子係止部Ｈ２が嵌合する係止孔３２として使用し、コネクタハウジングＨに対する雌端子１０の抜け止めを図っているから、例えば、端子接続部の後端部とコネクタハウジングの端子係止部とを係止させて雌端子の抜け止めを図る場合に比べて、端子接続部２１と電線接続部２３との間の長さ寸法を短くすることができ、雌端子１０を前後方向に小型化することができる。 Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the opening formed by decentering the base end portion 26A of the pair of adjacent contact pieces 26 downward is used as the locking hole 32 into which the terminal locking portion H2 of the connector housing H is fitted. Since the female terminal 10 is used to prevent the female terminal 10 from coming off from the connector housing H, for example, when the rear end of the terminal connecting portion and the terminal locking portion of the connector housing are locked, the female terminal is prevented from coming off. As compared with the above, the length dimension between the terminal connecting portion 21 and the wire connecting portion 23 can be shortened, and the female terminal 10 can be downsized in the front-rear direction.

＜他の実施形態＞
本明細書で開示される技術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、例えば次のような種々の態様も含まれる。
（１）上記実施形態では、荷重低減開口部３０を、非隣接接触片２７を貫通する前後方向に長い略矩形状に構成した。しかしながら、これに限らず、荷重低減開口部を長円形や円形に構成してもよい。また、荷重低減開口部が、非隣接接触片を貫通せず、非隣接接触片に凹んで開口する構成してもよい。
（２）上記実施形態では、端子接続部２１の弾性接触片２５を３つに構成した。しかしながら、これに限らず、弾性接触片は、２つや４つ以上に構成してもよい。 <Other embodiments>
The technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings, and includes, for example, the following various aspects.
(1) In the above embodiment, the load reducing opening 30 is configured in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction penetrating the non-adjacent contact piece 27. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the load reducing opening may be configured in an oval shape or a circular shape. Further, the load reducing opening may be configured not to penetrate the non-adjacent contact piece but to be recessed and opened in the non-adjacent contact piece.
(2) In the said embodiment, the elastic contact piece 25 of the terminal connection part 21 was comprised in three. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic contact piece may be composed of two or four or more.

（３）上記実施形態では、端子本体２０にカバー４０を装着する構成にした。しかしながら、これに限らず、端子本体の剛性を高くするなどして端子本体にカバーを装着しない構成としてもよい。
（４）上記実施形態では、端子接続部２１および基部２４を円筒状に構成した。しかしながら、これに限らず、端子接続部や基部を、三角や四角以上の多角の筒状に構成してもよい。
（５）上記実施形態では、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａにおける周方向略中央部の１箇所に荷重低減開口部３０を設けた構成とした。しかしながら、これに限らず、荷重低減開口部は、非隣接接触片に複数設けてもよく、非隣接接触片の前後方向略中央部に設けてもよい。 (3) In the above embodiment, the cover 40 is attached to the terminal body 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the cover is not attached to the terminal body by increasing the rigidity of the terminal body may be employed.
(4) In the above embodiment, the terminal connection portion 21 and the base portion 24 are configured in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal connecting portion and the base portion may be configured in a triangular or polygonal cylindrical shape having four or more squares.
(5) In the said embodiment, it was set as the structure which provided the load reduction opening part 30 in one place of the circumferential direction substantially center part in 27 A of base end parts of the non-adjacent contact piece 27. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of load reducing openings may be provided in the non-adjacent contact piece, or may be provided in a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the non-adjacent contact piece.

（６）上記実施形態では、非隣接接触片２７の基端部２７Ａに荷重低減開口部３０を設けると共に、隣接接触片２６の基端部２６Ａを下側に偏心させることで、各弾性接触片２５の雄端子に対する接触荷重がほぼ同一とになるように構成にした。しかしながら、これに限らず、非隣接接触片の基端部における荷重低減開口部の大きさを調整することで、隣接接触片の基端部を下側に偏心させなくとも、各弾性接触片の雄端子に対する接触荷重がほぼ同一となるように構成してもよい。 (6) In the above-described embodiment, the load reducing opening 30 is provided in the base end portion 27A of the non-adjacent contact piece 27 and the base end portion 26A of the adjacent contact piece 26 is decentered downward so that each elastic contact piece The contact loads on the 25 male terminals were made substantially the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by adjusting the size of the load reducing opening at the base end portion of the non-adjacent contact piece, the base end portion of the adjacent contact piece does not have to be decentered downward. You may comprise so that the contact load with respect to a male terminal may become substantially the same.

１０：雌端子
２４：基部
２４Ａ：側端縁
２５：弾性接触片
２６：隣接接触片
２７：非隣接接触片
３０：荷重低減開口部（「荷重低減部」の一例）
３１：突出片（「被係止部」の一例）
Ｈ：コネクタハウジング
Ｈ２：端子係止部 10: Female terminal 24: Base 24A: Side edge 25: Elastic contact piece 26: Adjacent contact piece 27: Non-adjacent contact piece 30: Load reducing opening (an example of “load reducing portion”)
31: Protruding piece (an example of “locked part”)
H: Connector housing H2: Terminal locking part

Claims

金属板材の側端縁同士を突き合わせた筒状の基部と、
前記基部に設けられ、同基部の径方向に弾性変位可能に設けられた複数の弾性接触片とを備え、
前記複数の弾性接触片のうち前記側端縁に隣接する隣接接触片とは異なる非隣接接触片は、前記隣接接触片よりも弾性力が小さく設定されている雌端子。 A cylindrical base that butts side edges of the metal plate, and
A plurality of elastic contact pieces provided on the base and provided so as to be elastically displaceable in a radial direction of the base;
The non-adjacent contact piece different from the adjacent contact piece adjacent to the side edge among the plurality of elastic contact pieces is a female terminal in which the elastic force is set smaller than that of the adjacent contact piece.

前記非隣接接触片には、前記隣接接触片よりも弾性力を小さくする開口状の荷重低減部が設けられている請求項１に記載の雌端子。 The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the non-adjacent contact piece is provided with an opening-shaped load reducing portion that makes an elastic force smaller than that of the adjacent contact piece.

前記非隣接接触片は板状をなしており、
前記荷重低減部は、前記非隣接接触片の板厚方向に貫通して形成されている請求項２に記載の雌端子。 The non-adjacent contact piece has a plate shape,
The female terminal according to claim 2, wherein the load reducing portion is formed so as to penetrate in a plate thickness direction of the non-adjacent contact piece.

前記隣接接触片の基端部は、前記側端縁から離れる方向に偏心して設けられている請求項１から請求項３のいずれか一項に記載の雌端子。 4. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein a base end portion of the adjacent contact piece is eccentrically provided in a direction away from the side end edge. 5.

前記隣接接触片の前記基端部における前記側端縁側の側方には、コネクタハウジングに弾性変位可能に設けられた端子係止部が嵌合可能とされている請求項４に記載の雌端子。 5. The female terminal according to claim 4, wherein a terminal locking portion provided on the connector housing so as to be elastically displaceable can be fitted to a side of the base end portion of the adjacent contact piece on the side edge side. .

前記隣接接触片の前記側端縁側の側縁における前記基端部よりも前側の位置には、前記コネクタハウジングに設けられた前記端子係止部と係止可能な被係止部が突出して設けられている請求項５に記載の雌端子。 A locked portion that can be locked with the terminal locking portion provided in the connector housing is provided at a position in front of the base end portion at the side edge on the side edge side of the adjacent contact piece. The female terminal according to claim 5.