WO2024127943A1 - Electrical connection unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to enable connection work to be easily performed while achieving high connection reliability between a connection member and a pin terminal. This electrical connection unit, to which a pin terminal is to be connected, comprises: a first clamping plate part; a second clamping plate part facing the first clamping plate part; a connection member having a coupling support part that couples the first clamping plate part and the second clamping plate part; and a biasing member that biases the first clamping plate part and the second clamping plate part in the approaching direction. The first clamping plate part includes a first contact portion in contact with the pin terminal. The second clamping plate part includes a second contact portion in contact with the pin terminal on the side opposite to the first contact portion. The biasing member biases the first clamping plate part and the second clamping plate part in the approaching direction to apply contact pressure to the pin terminal from the first clamping plate part and the second clamping plate part. The biasing member is composed of a shape memory alloy formed to memorize the shape such that the contact pressure increases with the rise in temperature.

Description

電気接続ユニットElectrical Connection Unit

　本開示は、電気接続ユニットに関する。 This disclosure relates to an electrical connection unit.

　特許文献１は、メスピンと、形状記憶スプリングとを備えるゼロインサーションフォースコネクタを開示している。特許文献１では、形状記憶スプリングが通電加熱されると、当該形状記憶スプリングの形状回復力によってメスピンが開いた状態となる。これにより、オスピンをメスピンに挿入する際の装着力をゼロにできる。 Patent document 1 discloses a zero insertion force connector that includes a female pin and a shape memory spring. In this patent document, when the shape memory spring is heated by passing electricity through it, the shape recovery force of the shape memory spring causes the female pin to open. This makes it possible to reduce the insertion force required to zero when inserting the male pin into the female pin.

特開平８－１６７４５６号公報Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-167456

　ところで、電気的な接続箇所において、耐振動性及び接点発熱抑制のために、接触箇所の接触圧を高めることが要請されることが考えられる。しかしながら、接触圧を高めると、接続のために要する力が大きくなり、接続作業性が悪くなる可能性がある。特許文献１に開示の技術では、オスピンの挿入作業時に形状記憶スプリングを通電によって加熱する必要があり、接続作業が面倒である。 In electrical connections, it may be necessary to increase the contact pressure at the contact points to improve vibration resistance and suppress heat generation at the contact points. However, increasing the contact pressure increases the force required for connection, which may worsen the ease of connection work. With the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to heat the shape memory spring by passing electricity through it when inserting the male pin, making the connection work cumbersome.

　そこで、本開示は、接続部材とピン端子との高い接続信頼性を得つつ、接続作業を容易に行えるようにすることを目的とする。 The purpose of this disclosure is to make it easy to perform the connection work while achieving high connection reliability between the connection member and the pin terminal.

　本開示の電気接続ユニットは、ピン端子が接続される電気接続ユニットであって、第１挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と対向する第２挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを連結する連結支持部とを有する接続部材と、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを接近方向に付勢する付勢部材と、を備え、前記第１挟持板部は、前記ピン端子と接する第１接触部を含み、前記第２挟持板部は、前記第１接触部とは反対側で前記ピン端子と接する第２接触部を含み、前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢して、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれから前記ピン端子に対する接触圧を付与し、前記付勢部材は、温度上昇により、前記接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されている形状記憶合金によって構成されている、電気接続ユニットである。 The electrical connection unit disclosed herein is an electrical connection unit to which a pin terminal is connected, and includes a connection member having a first clamping plate portion, a second clamping plate portion facing the first clamping plate portion, and a connecting support portion connecting the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, and a biasing member that biases the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in an approaching direction, the first clamping plate portion includes a first contact portion that contacts the pin terminal, the second clamping plate portion includes a second contact portion that contacts the pin terminal on the opposite side to the first contact portion, the biasing member biases each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in an approaching direction to apply contact pressure to the pin terminal from each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, and the biasing member is made of a shape memory alloy that has its shape memorized so as to increase the contact pressure when the temperature rises.

　本開示によれば、接続部材とピン端子との高い接続信頼性を得つつ、接続作業を容易に行えるようにすることを目的とする。 The objective of this disclosure is to make it easy to perform connection work while obtaining high connection reliability between the connection member and the pin terminal.

図１は実施形態に係る電気接続ユニットを示す斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connection unit according to an embodiment. 図２は実施形態に係る電気接続ユニットを示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment. 図３は電気接続ユニットを示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical connection unit. 図４は電気接続ユニットにピン端子を接続した状態を示す正面図である。FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the pin terminals are connected to the electrical connection unit. 図５は図４において付勢部材の温度が上昇した状態を示す正面図である。FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the temperature of the urging member in FIG. 4 has increased.

　［本開示の実施形態の説明］
　最初に本開示の実施態様を列記して説明する。 [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

　本開示の電気接続ユニットは、次の通りである。 The electrical connection unit disclosed herein is as follows:

　（１）ピン端子が接続される電気接続ユニットであって、第１挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と対向する第２挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを連結する連結支持部とを有する接続部材と、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを接近方向に付勢する付勢部材と、を備え、前記第１挟持板部は、前記ピン端子と接する第１接触部を含み、前記第２挟持板部は、前記第１接触部とは反対側で前記ピン端子と接する第２接触部を含み、前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢して、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれから前記ピン端子に対する接触圧を付与し、前記付勢部材は、温度上昇により、前記接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されている形状記憶合金によって構成されている、電気接続ユニットである。 (1) An electrical connection unit to which a pin terminal is connected, the electrical connection unit comprising: a connection member having a first clamping plate portion, a second clamping plate portion facing the first clamping plate portion, and a connecting support portion connecting the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion; and a biasing member biasing the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in an approaching direction, the first clamping plate portion including a first contact portion that contacts the pin terminal, the second clamping plate portion including a second contact portion that contacts the pin terminal on the opposite side to the first contact portion, the biasing member biasing each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in an approaching direction to apply contact pressure to the pin terminal from each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, and the biasing member being made of a shape memory alloy that is shape-memorized so as to increase the contact pressure when the temperature rises.

　この電気接続ユニットによると、温度上昇前の状態でピン端子を第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部との間に挿入接続することで、当該接続作業を容易に行える。また、接続後の温度上昇により、第１接触部及び第２接触部のそれぞれからピン端子に対する接触圧が高まるため、高い接続信頼性を得ることができる。 With this electrical connection unit, the pin terminal can be inserted and connected between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion before the temperature rises, making the connection easy. In addition, the contact pressure from the first contact portion and the second contact portion to the pin terminal increases due to the temperature rise after connection, resulting in high connection reliability.

　また、ピン端子を第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部との間に挿入すればよいので、第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とに対するピン端子の挿入方向の自由度が高い。例えば、第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とに交差する方向に沿ってピン端子を挿入する構成とすることができる。 In addition, since the pin terminal only needs to be inserted between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, there is a high degree of freedom in the direction in which the pin terminal is inserted into the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion. For example, the pin terminal can be inserted in a direction that intersects with the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion.

　（２）（１）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記第１挟持板部は、長尺板状に形成されると共に、その長手方向中間部に前記第１接触部が形成され、前記第２挟持板部は、長尺板状に形成されると共に、その長手方向中間部に前記第２接触部が形成され、前記連結支持部は、前記第１挟持板部のうち前記第１接触部よりも一方の端側の部分と、前記第２挟持板部のうち前記第２接触部よりも一方の端側の部分とを連結し、前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部のうち前記第１接触部よりも他方の端側の部分と、前記第２挟持板部のうち前記第２接触部よりも他方の端側の部分とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢してもよい。 (2) In the electrical connection unit of (1), the first clamping plate is formed as a long plate with the first contact portion formed in the middle of its length, the second clamping plate is formed as a long plate with the second contact portion formed in the middle of its length, the connecting support portion connects a portion of the first clamping plate that is closer to one end than the first contact portion and a portion of the second clamping plate that is closer to one end than the second contact portion, and the biasing member may bias the portion of the first clamping plate that is closer to the other end than the first contact portion and the portion of the second clamping plate that is closer to the other end than the second contact portion in the approaching direction.

　付勢部材は、連結支持部による連結箇所を支点とし、ピン端子に接する第１接触部及び第２接触部を作用点として、当該支点から離れた位置で第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とを接近方向に付勢するため、付勢部材の温度上昇時に、ピン端子に対する接触圧を効果的に高めることができる。 The biasing member uses the connection point of the connecting support part as a fulcrum and the first and second contact parts that contact the pin terminal as points of action, and biases the first and second clamping plate parts in the direction toward each other at a position away from the fulcrum, so that the contact pressure on the pin terminal can be effectively increased when the temperature of the biasing member rises.

　（３）（１）又は（２）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記第１接触部及び前記第２接触部は、それぞれ外側に凸をなす部分筒状に形成されていてもよい。 (3) In the electrical connection unit of (1) or (2), the first contact portion and the second contact portion may each be formed in a partially cylindrical shape that is convex outward.

　これにより、第１接触部と第２接触部との間で、ピン端子の位置が安定し、発熱状態が安定する。発熱状態が安定すれば、付勢部材が安定して動作することが期待される。 This stabilizes the position of the pin terminal between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and the heat generation state is also stabilized. If the heat generation state is stable, it is expected that the biasing member will operate stably.

　（４）（３）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記第１接触部の内周面は、前記第２接触部によって押された前記ピン端子を、前記第１挟持板部の長手方向において一定位置に誘い込む形状に形成されていてもよい。 (4) In the electrical connection unit of (3), the inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion may be formed in a shape that guides the pin terminal pressed by the second contact portion to a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion.

　この場合、ピン端子が第１挟持板部の長手方向において一定位置に支持され易い。これにより、第１接触部及び第２接触部がピン端子に接触する態様が安定し、通電時の発熱状態が安定する。発熱状態が安定すれば、付勢部材が安定して動作することが期待される。 In this case, the pin terminal is easily supported at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion. This stabilizes the manner in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the pin terminal, and stabilizes the heat generation state when electricity is applied. If the heat generation state is stable, it is expected that the biasing member will operate stably.

　（５）（４）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記第１接触部の内周面は、前記ピン端子の外形の半径よりも小さい曲率半径で凹む底面を含んでもよい。 (5) In the electrical connection unit of (4), the inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion may include a bottom surface that is recessed with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal.

　このように、第１接触部の内周面が、ピン端子の外形の半径よりも小さい曲率半径で凹む底面を含む場合、ピン端子が当該第１接触部の内周面の底に向けて押されると、第１挟持板部の長手方向において一定位置に誘い込まれる。そして、ピン端子が第１挟持板部の長手方向において一定位置に支持され易い。これにより、通電時の発熱状態が安定し、付勢部材が安定して動作することが期待される。 In this way, when the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion includes a bottom surface that is recessed with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal, when the pin terminal is pressed toward the bottom of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion, it is guided to a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion. The pin terminal is then easily supported at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion. This is expected to stabilize the heat generation state when current is applied, and ensure stable operation of the biasing member.

　（６）（４）又は（５）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記第２接触部の内周面は、前記ピン端子の外形の半径よりも大きい曲率半径で凹む押付面を含んでもよい。 (6) In the electrical connection unit of (4) or (5), the inner peripheral surface of the second contact portion may include a pressing surface that is recessed with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal.

　この場合、第２接触部側では、ピン端子は、第２挟持板部の長手方向において位置変動が許容されやすい。このため、主として第１接触部を基準としてピン端子を位置決めすることができ、第１接触部と第２接触部との間で、ピン端子の位置が安定する。これにより、通電時の発熱状態が安定し、付勢部材が安定して動作することが期待される。 In this case, on the second contact side, the pin terminal is more likely to tolerate positional fluctuations in the longitudinal direction of the second clamping plate. Therefore, the pin terminal can be positioned mainly based on the first contact, and the position of the pin terminal is stable between the first and second contacts. This is expected to stabilize the heat generation state when current is applied, and ensure stable operation of the biasing member.

　（７）（２）から（６）のいずれか１つの電気接続ユニットであって、前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部の外面側に位置する第１付勢片と、前記第２挟持板部の外面側に位置する第２付勢片と、前記第１付勢片と前記第２付勢片とを連結する連結部とを有し、前記連結部が前記第１挟持板部及び前記第２挟持板部のそれぞれの前記他方の端部よりも該他方側に位置し、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれが前記連結部から前記第１接触部及び前記第２接触部に向って延出しており、前記第１挟持板部及び前記第２挟持板部のそれぞれに係止部が形成され、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれに前記連結部側への抜けを防止するように前記各係止部に係止する相手側係止部が形成されていてもよい。 (7) In the electrical connection unit according to any one of (2) to (6), the biasing member may have a first biasing piece located on the outer surface side of the first clamping plate, a second biasing piece located on the outer surface side of the second clamping plate, and a connecting portion connecting the first biasing piece and the second biasing piece, the connecting portion being located on the other side of the other end of each of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, the first biasing piece and the second biasing piece each extending from the connecting portion toward the first contact portion and the second contact portion, a locking portion being formed on each of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and a mating locking portion being formed on each of the first biasing piece and the second biasing piece to lock with each of the locking portions so as to prevent the first biasing piece and the second biasing piece from coming loose toward the connecting portion.

　このように、第１付勢片及び第２付勢片を連結部から第１接触部及び第２接触部に向って延出させることで、第１接触部及び第２接触部とピン端子との接触箇所近くで、第１付勢片及び第２付勢片を第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とに接触させることができる。これにより、第１接触部及び第２接触部とピン端子との接触箇所で生じた熱が、付勢部材に効果的に伝わる。また、それぞれの係止部がそれぞれの相手側係止部に係止することで、付勢部材が脱落し難い。 In this way, by extending the first and second biasing pieces from the connecting portion toward the first and second contact portions, the first and second biasing pieces can be brought into contact with the first and second clamping plate portions near the contact points between the first and second contact portions and the pin terminals. This allows heat generated at the contact points between the first and second contact portions and the pin terminals to be effectively transferred to the biasing member. Also, by each locking portion locking into its respective mating locking portion, the biasing member is less likely to fall off.

　（８）（７）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記各係止部は、係止孔であり、前記各相手側係止部は、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれの先端側から前記連結部に向いつつ前記各係止孔内に向かう係止片であってもよい。 (8) In the electrical connection unit of (7), each of the locking portions may be a locking hole, and each of the mating locking portions may be a locking piece that extends from the tip side of each of the first and second biasing pieces toward the connecting portion and into each of the locking holes.

　この場合、それぞれの係止片が第１付勢片及び第２付勢片のそれぞれの先端側から連結部に向いつつそれぞれの係止孔内に向かうため、いずれの係止孔からも付勢部材が脱落し難い。また、各係止片が対応する係止孔内周面に接することで、第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とから熱が効果的に付勢部材に伝わる。 In this case, since each locking piece moves from the tip side of each of the first and second biasing pieces toward the connecting portion and into each of the locking holes, the biasing member is unlikely to fall off from any of the locking holes. Also, since each locking piece contacts the inner circumferential surface of the corresponding locking hole, heat is effectively transferred from the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion to the biasing member.

　（９）（７）又は（８）の電気接続ユニットであって、前記連結部が、前記第１挟持板部の前記他方の端と、前記第２挟持板部の前記他方の端とに接していてもよい。 In the electrical connection unit of (9) (7) or (8), the connecting portion may be in contact with the other end of the first clamping plate portion and the other end of the second clamping plate portion.

　これにより、第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部とから熱が連結部を介して付勢部材に伝わり易い。 This allows heat to be easily transferred from the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion to the biasing member via the connecting portion.

　（１０）（１）から（８）のいずれか１つの電気接続ユニットであって、前記付勢部材は、Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金であってもよい。 (10) In the electrical connection unit according to any one of (1) to (8), the biasing member may be a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy.

　これにより、温度上昇に伴い、形状記憶によって付勢部材を元の形状に戻すことができると共に、弾性係数を大きくして接続部材とピン端子との接触圧を高めることができる。 As a result, as the temperature rises, the biasing member can return to its original shape through shape memory, and the elastic modulus can be increased to increase the contact pressure between the connection member and the pin terminal.

　［本開示の実施形態の詳細］
　本開示の電気接続ユニットの具体例を、以下に図面を参照しつつ説明する。なお、本開示はこれらの例示に限定されるものではなく、請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。 [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the electrical connection unit of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

　[実施形態１]
　以下、実施形態に係る電気接続ユニットについて説明する。図１及び図２は電気接続ユニット２０を示す斜視図である。図３は電気接続ユニット２０を示す分解斜視図である。 [Embodiment 1]
An electrical connection unit according to an embodiment will now be described. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of an electrical connection unit 20. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connection unit 20.

　電気接続ユニット２０は、ピン端子１０と接続される。 The electrical connection unit 20 is connected to the pin terminal 10.

　例えば、電気接続ユニット２０は、バスバ又は電線等の電気伝送媒体を介して第１電気機器に接続される。ピン端子１０は、バスバ又は電線等の電気伝送媒体を介して第２電気機器に接続される。ピン端子１０が電気接続ユニット２０に接続されることで、第１電気機器と第２電気機器とが電気的に接続される。 For example, the electrical connection unit 20 is connected to a first electrical device via an electrical transmission medium such as a bus bar or an electric wire. The pin terminal 10 is connected to a second electrical device via an electrical transmission medium such as a bus bar or an electric wire. When the pin terminal 10 is connected to the electrical connection unit 20, the first electrical device and the second electrical device are electrically connected.

　電気接続ユニット２０とピン端子１０とは、電力線を接続するための端子の組合せであってもよい。例えば、電気接続ユニット２０が電源１８に接続され、ピン端子１０が負荷１９に接続される（図４及び図５参照）。ピン端子１０が電気接続ユニット２０に接続されることで、電源１８と負荷１９とが電気的に接続される。この場合、電気接続ユニット２０とピン端子１０との接触箇所には、負荷１９を動作させるのに見合った電流が流れる。負荷１９の種類、例えば、負荷１９がモータ等である場合には、当該接触箇所には大電流が流れる。 The electrical connection unit 20 and the pin terminal 10 may be a combination of terminals for connecting power lines. For example, the electrical connection unit 20 is connected to a power source 18, and the pin terminal 10 is connected to a load 19 (see Figures 4 and 5). The pin terminal 10 is connected to the electrical connection unit 20, and thus the power source 18 and the load 19 are electrically connected. In this case, a current appropriate for operating the load 19 flows at the contact point between the electrical connection unit 20 and the pin terminal 10. Depending on the type of load 19, for example, if the load 19 is a motor or the like, a large current flows at the contact point.

　上記ピン端子１０は、丸棒状である。ピン端子１０の先端部は、先端側に向って徐々に細くなる形状、例えば、半球状であってもよい。ピン端子１０は、同径部分が連続する胴部を有する。ピン端子１０は、例えば、銅又は銅合金の本体にメッキが施された部材であってもよい。ピン端子１０に、電線又はバスバ等の配線が接続される。 The pin terminal 10 is in the shape of a round bar. The tip of the pin terminal 10 may be gradually tapered toward the tip, for example, hemispherical. The pin terminal 10 has a body portion with a continuous portion of the same diameter. The pin terminal 10 may be, for example, a member in which a body of copper or copper alloy is plated. Wiring such as an electric wire or a bus bar is connected to the pin terminal 10.

　電気接続ユニット２０は、接続部材２２と、付勢部材４０とを備える。接続部材２２に上記ピン端子１０が挿入接続される。付勢部材４０は、ピン端子１０に対する接続部材２２の接触圧を高めるように、接続部材２２を付勢する。 The electrical connection unit 20 includes a connection member 22 and a biasing member 40. The pin terminal 10 is inserted into and connected to the connection member 22. The biasing member 40 biases the connection member 22 so as to increase the contact pressure of the connection member 22 against the pin terminal 10.

　接続部材２２は、第１挟持板部２４Ａと、第２挟持板部２４Ｂと、連結支持部３０とを備える。 The connection member 22 includes a first clamping plate portion 24A, a second clamping plate portion 24B, and a connection support portion 30.

　第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとは板状に形成されている。第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとが対向して配置されている。第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとの間にピン端子１０が挿入接続される。連結支持部３０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとが対向状態に保たれるように、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとを連結している。電気接続ユニット２０は、図示省略の樹脂製のハウジング内に収容された状態で、ピン端子と接続されてもよい。 The first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are formed in a plate shape. The first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are arranged opposite each other. The pin terminal 10 is inserted and connected between the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B. The connecting support portion 30 connects the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B so that the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are maintained in an opposing state. The electrical connection unit 20 may be connected to the pin terminal while being housed in a resin housing (not shown).

　接続部材２２は、例えば、１枚の金属板をプレス加工することによって形成される。接続部材２２は、電流経路となる部分であるため、付勢部材４０よりも導電性に優れた金属によって形成されることが好ましい。接続部材２２は、例えば、銅板又は銅合金板によって形成される。接続部材２２表面には、錫メッキ等のメッキが施されていてもよい。 The connection member 22 is formed, for example, by pressing a single metal plate. Since the connection member 22 is a part that serves as a current path, it is preferable that the connection member 22 is formed from a metal that has better conductivity than the biasing member 40. The connection member 22 is formed, for example, from a copper plate or a copper alloy plate. The surface of the connection member 22 may be plated with tin or the like.

　より具体的には、第１挟持板部２４Ａは、ピン端子１０と接する第１接触部２６Ａを含む。本実施形態では、第１挟持板部２４Ａは、一方向に長い長方形板状に形成されている。第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向中間部に第１接触部２６Ａが形成されている。第１接触部２６Ａは、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向中央に位置していてもよいし、いずれかの端に偏って位置していてもよい。 More specifically, the first clamping plate portion 24A includes a first contact portion 26A that contacts the pin terminal 10. In this embodiment, the first clamping plate portion 24A is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in one direction. The first contact portion 26A is formed in the middle of the first clamping plate portion 24A in the longitudinal direction. The first contact portion 26A may be located in the longitudinal center of the first clamping plate portion 24A, or may be located offset to either end.

　第１接触部２６Ａは、外側に凸をなす部分筒状、ここでは、部分円筒状に形成されている。ここで外側とは、接続部材２２としての外側、つまり、第２挟持板部２４Ｂとは反対側である。つまり、第１接触部２６Ａは、第２挟持板部２４Ｂとは反対側に凸をなす部分筒状に形成されている。ここで、部分筒状とは、筒の周方向の一部をなす形状であり、例えば、筒を縦割にして２等分以下の形状にした形状である。 The first contact portion 26A is formed in a partial cylindrical shape, here a partial cylinder shape, that convex on the outward side. Here, the outward side refers to the outside of the connection member 22, that is, the side opposite the second clamping plate portion 24B. In other words, the first contact portion 26A is formed in a partial cylindrical shape that convex on the side opposite the second clamping plate portion 24B. Here, a partial cylindrical shape is a shape that forms part of the circumference of a tube, for example a shape that is formed by splitting a tube vertically into two or less equal parts.

　第１接触部２６Ａのうち第２挟持板部２４Ｂ側の部分にピン端子１０を収容可能な溝が形成される。第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝の延在方向は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向に対して交差しており、ここでは、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向に対して直交している。ピン端子１０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向に対して交差（ここでは直交）する姿勢で、第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝に配置され得る。 A groove capable of accommodating the pin terminal 10 is formed in the portion of the first contact portion 26A facing the second clamping plate portion 24B. The extension direction of the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A intersects with the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A, and here is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A. The pin terminal 10 can be placed in the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A in a position that intersects (here perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A.

　第２挟持板部２４Ｂは、第１挟持板部２４Ａと同様構成であり、ピン端子１０と接する第２接触部２６Ｂを含む。 The second clamping plate portion 24B has the same configuration as the first clamping plate portion 24A and includes a second contact portion 26B that contacts the pin terminal 10.

　第２接触部２６Ｂは、第１挟持板部２４Ａに対向する位置に配置されており、第１挟持板部２４Ａとは反対側でピン端子と接する。つまり、第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの間にピン端子１０が挟持される。 The second contact portion 26B is disposed in a position facing the first clamping plate portion 24A, and contacts the pin terminal on the side opposite the first clamping plate portion 24A. In other words, the pin terminal 10 is clamped between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B.

　第２接触部２６Ｂは、外側、つまり、第１接触部２６Ａとは反対側に凸をなす部分筒状、ここでは、部分円筒状に形成されている。第２接触部２６Ｂのうち第１挟持板部２４Ａ側の部分にピン端子１０を収容可能な溝が形成される。第２接触部２６Ｂが形成する溝の延在方向は、第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝の延在方向に沿っている。第２接触部２６Ｂが形成する溝は、第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝に対向している。ピン端子１０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの長手方向に対して交差（ここでは直交）する姿勢で、第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝及び第２接触部２６Ｂが形成する溝間に配置され得る。 The second contact portion 26B is formed in a partially cylindrical shape, here a partially cylindrical shape, that is, a convex shape on the outside, that is, on the opposite side to the first contact portion 26A. A groove capable of accommodating the pin terminal 10 is formed in the portion of the second contact portion 26B on the first clamping plate portion 24A side. The extension direction of the groove formed by the second contact portion 26B is along the extension direction of the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A. The groove formed by the second contact portion 26B faces the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A. The pin terminal 10 can be placed between the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A and the groove formed by the second contact portion 26B in a position that intersects (here perpendicular) with the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B.

　第２挟持板部２４Ｂに配線接続部２９Ｂが連なっている。ここでは、配線接続部２９Ｂは、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一端に直線状に連なっている。第２挟持板部２４Ｂと配線接続部２９Ｂとは曲って連なっていてもよい。 The wiring connection portion 29B is connected to the second clamping plate portion 24B. Here, the wiring connection portion 29B is connected in a straight line to one end of the second clamping plate portion 24B. The second clamping plate portion 24B and the wiring connection portion 29B may be connected in a curved manner.

　配線接続部２９Ｂには、配線Ｗが接続される。配線Ｗは、例えば、芯線と当該芯線を覆う被覆とを有する電線である。配線Ｗの端部に露出する芯線が配線接続部２９Ｂに接続される。配線Ｗと配線接続部２９Ｂとの接続は、例えば、超音波接合、溶接、はんだ付等によってなされる。配線接続部２９Ｂは、配線Ｗに対して圧着接続されてもよい。配線Ｗの端部の丸端子が配線接続部２９Ｂにネジ止等されてもよい。配線Ｗは、電線で無くてもよく、例えば、バスバ等であってもよい。 A wiring W is connected to the wiring connection portion 29B. The wiring W is, for example, an electric wire having a core wire and a coating that covers the core wire. The core wire exposed at the end of the wiring W is connected to the wiring connection portion 29B. The connection between the wiring W and the wiring connection portion 29B is made, for example, by ultrasonic bonding, welding, soldering, etc. The wiring connection portion 29B may be crimped to the wiring W. A round terminal at the end of the wiring W may be screwed to the wiring connection portion 29B, etc. The wiring W does not have to be an electric wire and may be, for example, a bus bar, etc.

　配線接続部２９Ｂは、第１挟持板部２４Ａに設けられてもよい。 The wiring connection portion 29B may be provided on the first clamping plate portion 24A.

　連結支持部３０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａのうち第１接触部２６Ａよりも一方の端側の部分と、第２挟持板部２４Ｂのうち第２接触部２６Ｂよりも一方の端側の部分とを連結している。第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂは、連結支持部３０による支持箇所を中心として揺動し得る。このため、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂは、連結支持部３０から離れた他方の端側の部分で、距離を容易に調整し得る。 The connecting support part 30 connects the portion of the first clamping plate part 24A on one end side of the first contact part 26A to the portion of the second clamping plate part 24B on one end side of the second contact part 26B. The first clamping plate part 24A and the second clamping plate part 24B can swing around the point supported by the connecting support part 30. Therefore, the distance between the first clamping plate part 24A and the second clamping plate part 24B can be easily adjusted at the portion on the other end side away from the connecting support part 30.

　より具体的には、連結支持部３０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの一方の端部の一側部と、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一方の端部の一側部とを連結している。連結支持部３０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの一方の端部の一側部から外方に出てＵ字状に折返して第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一方の端部に繋がっている。 More specifically, the connecting support portion 30 connects one side of one end of the first clamping plate portion 24A to one side of one end of the second clamping plate portion 24B. The connecting support portion 30 extends outward from one side of one end of the first clamping plate portion 24A, folds back in a U-shape, and connects to one end of the second clamping plate portion 24B.

　連結支持部３０のうち第２挟持板部２４Ｂに繋がる部分は、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの外向き面よりも外側に大きく突出している。よって、連結支持部３０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとの一対の外面間からはみ出て大きく曲って第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとを連結できる。連結支持部３０を曲げ半径を大きくできるので、曲げ加工時等に連結支持部３０が破壊され難い。 The portion of the connecting support part 30 that connects to the second clamping plate part 24B protrudes outward from the outward surface of the second clamping plate part 24B. Therefore, the connecting support part 30 protrudes from between the pair of outer surfaces of the first clamping plate part 24A and the second clamping plate part 24B and bends significantly to connect the first clamping plate part 24A and the second clamping plate part 24B. Because the bending radius of the connecting support part 30 can be made large, the connecting support part 30 is less likely to be damaged during bending, etc.

　接続部材２２は、押え片２３を備える。押え片２３は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの一方の端部の他側部から外方に出てＵ字状に折返して第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一方の端部の外面上に延出している。第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一方の端部が第１挟持板部２４Ａの他方の端部から遠ざかる方向に移動しようとすると、押え片２３が第２挟持板部２４Ｂを第１挟持板部２４Ａとは反対側から押えて、当該移動を規制する。これにより、第１挟持板部２４Ａの一方の端部と第２挟持板部２４Ｂの一方の端部とが一定の距離内に位置する状態に保たれ易い。 The connecting member 22 includes a pressing piece 23. The pressing piece 23 extends outward from the other side of one end of the first clamping plate 24A, folds back in a U-shape, and extends onto the outer surface of one end of the second clamping plate 24B. When one end of the second clamping plate 24B attempts to move in a direction away from the other end of the first clamping plate 24A, the pressing piece 23 presses the second clamping plate 24B from the side opposite the first clamping plate 24A, restricting said movement. This makes it easier to maintain one end of the first clamping plate 24A and one end of the second clamping plate 24B within a certain distance.

　第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂのそれぞれに係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈが形成されている。付勢部材４０の相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが当該係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈに係止する。 　Engagement portions 24Ah, 24Bh are formed on the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B, respectively. The mating engagement portions 43A, 43B of the biasing member 40 engage with the engagement portions 24Ah, 24Bh.

　より具体的には、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂのそれぞれにおいて、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂよりも他方の端側に係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈが形成されている。係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈは、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他方の端縁より第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂに近い。係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈは、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの幅方向中央に形成されている。 More specifically, in each of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B, the locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh are formed closer to the other end side than the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B. The locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh are closer to the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B than the other end edges of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B. The locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh are formed in the widthwise center of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B.

　本実施形態では、係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈは、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂのそれぞれを厚み方向に貫通する係止孔である。よって、付勢部材４０の相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂは、係止孔としての係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈ内に嵌って当該係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈに係止する。 In this embodiment, the locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh are locking holes that penetrate the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B in the thickness direction. Therefore, the mating locking portions 43A and 43B of the biasing member 40 fit into the locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh as locking holes and lock to the locking portions 24Ah and 24Bh.

　第１挟持板部２４Ａの他端の両角部に、その幅方向中間部よりも突出する一対の位置決め凸部２７Ａが形成されている（図４参照）。第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他端の両角部に、その幅方向中間部よりも突出する一対の位置決め凸部２７Ｂが形成されている（図４参照）。付勢部材４０の連結部４６が一対の位置決め凸部２７Ａの間及び一対の位置決め凸部２７Ｂの間に配置される。 A pair of positioning protrusions 27A are formed at both corners of the other end of the first clamping plate 24A, protruding beyond the middle part in the width direction (see FIG. 4). A pair of positioning protrusions 27B are formed at both corners of the other end of the second clamping plate 24B, protruding beyond the middle part in the width direction (see FIG. 4). The connecting portion 46 of the biasing member 40 is disposed between the pair of positioning protrusions 27A and between the pair of positioning protrusions 27B.

　第１挟持板部２４Ａのうち第１接触部２６Ａよりも他方の端部側の位置に、第２挟持板部２４Ｂ側に突出する突部２８Ａが突出している。突部２８Ａは、第１接触部２６Ａと係止部２４Ａｈとの間に位置している。ここでは、突部２８Ａは、第１挟持板部２４Ａの幅方向中央に位置している。また、突部２８Ａは、円状に突出している。第２挟持板部２４Ｂのうち第２接触部２６Ｂよりも他方の端部側の位置に、第１挟持板部２４Ａ側に突出する突部２８Ｂが突出している。突部２８Ｂは、突部２８Ａと同様構成であり、当該突部２８Ａと対向する位置に形成されている。突部２８Ａと突部２８Ａとが接触し合うことで、第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの最小距離と、第１挟持板部２４Ａの他端と第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他端との最小距離とが、一定距離以上に保たれる。 A protrusion 28A protruding toward the second clamping plate portion 24B protrudes from a position on the other end side of the first clamping plate portion 24A relative to the first contact portion 26A. The protrusion 28A is located between the first contact portion 26A and the locking portion 24Ah. Here, the protrusion 28A is located in the widthwise center of the first clamping plate portion 24A. The protrusion 28A also protrudes in a circular shape. A protrusion 28B protruding toward the first clamping plate portion 24A protrudes from a position on the other end side of the second clamping plate portion 24B relative to the second contact portion 26B. The protrusion 28B has the same configuration as the protrusion 28A and is formed in a position opposite the protrusion 28A. By the contact between the protrusions 28A and 28A, the minimum distance between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B and the minimum distance between the other end of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the other end of the second clamping plate portion 24B are kept at or above a certain distance.

　付勢部材４０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢して、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとのそれぞれからピン端子１０に対する接触圧を付与する。 The biasing member 40 biases the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B in the direction toward each other, applying contact pressure from each of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B to the pin terminal 10.

　本実施形態では、付勢部材４０は、第１挟持板部２４Ａのうち第１接触部２６Ａよりも他方の端側の部分と、第２挟持板部２４Ｂのうち第２接触部２６Ｂよりも他方の端側の部分とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢する。すなわち、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの長手方向において、連結支持部３０による連結位置と付勢部材４０による付勢位置との間に、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂが位置している。つまり、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂのうち連結支持部３０によって支持された箇所を支点、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂがピン端子１０を挟持している箇所を作用点、付勢部材４０による付勢箇所を力点とする「第２種のてこの原理」によって、付勢部材４０による付勢力を、ピン端子１０に作用させることができる。 In this embodiment, the biasing member 40 biases the portion of the first clamping plate 24A on the other end side of the first contact portion 26A and the portion of the second clamping plate 24B on the other end side of the second contact portion 26B in the direction of approach. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate 24A and the second clamping plate 24B, the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B are located between the connection position by the connection support portion 30 and the biasing position by the biasing member 40. That is, the biasing force of the biasing member 40 can be applied to the pin terminal 10 by the "principle of second type of lever" in which the point of the first clamping plate 24A and the second clamping plate 24B supported by the connection support portion 30 is the fulcrum, the point of application of the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B clamping the pin terminal 10 is the point of application, and the biasing point of the biasing member 40 is the point of force.

　より具体的には、付勢部材４０は、第１付勢片４２Ａと、第２付勢片４２Ｂと、連結部４６とを有する。付勢部材４０は、例えば、金属板をプレス加工等することによって形成される。 More specifically, the biasing member 40 has a first biasing piece 42A, a second biasing piece 42B, and a connecting portion 46. The biasing member 40 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

　第１付勢片４２Ａは、第１挟持板部２４Ａの外面側に配置される。第２付勢片４２Ｂは、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの外面側に配置される。連結部４６は、第１付勢片４２Ａの基端部と第２付勢片４２Ｂの基端部とを連結している。つまり、第１付勢片４２Ａと第２付勢片４２Ｂとが対向し合うように、第１付勢片４２Ａと連結部４６と第２付勢片４２ＢとがＵ字状に連なっている。 The first biasing piece 42A is disposed on the outer surface side of the first clamping plate portion 24A. The second biasing piece 42B is disposed on the outer surface side of the second clamping plate portion 24B. The connecting portion 46 connects the base end of the first biasing piece 42A to the base end of the second biasing piece 42B. In other words, the first biasing piece 42A, the connecting portion 46, and the second biasing piece 42B are connected in a U-shape so that the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B face each other.

　連結部４６は方形板状であり、その両端に第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂが連なっている。第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂは、連結部４６から遠ざかるに連れて互いに接近する方向に傾斜するように延びる。第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの先端部は、先端側に向って互いに遠ざかるように延びるガイド部４２Ａｇ、４２Ｂｇに形成されている。 The connecting portion 46 is a rectangular plate, and the first and second urging pieces 42A and 42B are connected to both ends of the connecting portion 46. The first and second urging pieces 42A and 42B extend at an angle approaching each other as they move away from the connecting portion 46. The tips of the first and second urging pieces 42A and 42B are formed into guide portions 42Ag and 42Bg that extend away from each other toward the tips.

　第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの先端部に、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが形成されている。相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂは、それぞれ係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈに係止する部分である。 Matching portions 43A and 43B are formed at the tips of the first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B. The matching portions 43A and 43B are portions that engage with the matching portions 24Ah and 24Bh, respectively.

　ここでは、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの先端部の幅方向中間部をＵ字状のラインに沿って切り起すことで、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが形成されている。相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂのうち付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂの先端側の部分は当該付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂに連なっており、付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂの基端側の部分は当該付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂから分離されている。相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂは、付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂ先端側から連結部４６に向いつつ係止孔としての係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈ内に向かうように曲げ起されている。 Here, the mating locking portions 43A, 43B are formed by cutting and raising the widthwise intermediate portion of the tip of the first and second urging pieces 42A, 42B along a U-shaped line. The tip side portions of the mating locking portions 43A, 43B of the mating locking portions 43A, 43B are connected to the urging pieces 42A, 42B, and the base side portions of the urging pieces 42A, 42B are separated from the urging pieces 42A, 42B. The mating locking portions 43A, 43B are bent and raised from the tip side of the urging pieces 42A, 42B toward the connecting portion 46 and toward the locking holes of the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh.

　上記付勢部材４０は、接続部材２２に対して次のように組付けられる。第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの間に、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他方の端部が挿入される。この際、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの先端にガイド部４２Ａｇ、４２Ｂｇが形成されているため、当該ガイド部４２Ａｇ、４２Ｂｇが第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの先端に押しつけられると、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂが容易に押広げられる。また、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとが接近するように変形する。このため、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの間に、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他方の端部が容易に挿入される。 The biasing member 40 is assembled to the connecting member 22 as follows. The other ends of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are inserted between the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B. At this time, since the guide portions 42Ag and 42Bg are formed at the tips of the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B, when the guide portions 42Ag and 42Bg are pressed against the tips of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B, the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B are easily pushed apart. In addition, the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are deformed so as to approach each other. Therefore, the other ends of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are easily inserted between the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B.

　また、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂは、付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂ先端側から連結部４６に向って徐々に内側に突出するように曲げ起されている。このため、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂが相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂに押し当てられると、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが突出量を小さくするように曲るか、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂが押広げられる。また、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとが接近するように変形する。このため、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂは、第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂの外面に容易に乗上げることができる。 In addition, the opposing locking portions 43A, 43B are bent and raised so as to gradually protrude inward from the tip side of the urging pieces 42A, 42B toward the connecting portion 46. Therefore, when the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are pressed against the opposing locking portions 43A, 43B, the opposing locking portions 43A, 43B bend to reduce the amount of protrusion, or the first urging piece 42A and the second urging piece 42B are pushed apart. Also, the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are deformed so as to approach each other. Therefore, the opposing locking portions 43A, 43B can easily ride up onto the outer surfaces of the first urging piece 42A and the second urging piece 42B.

　第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他端が連結部４６に近づくと、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが係止孔としての係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈ内に嵌り込む。相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂの先端が係止孔としての係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈのうち挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂの先端寄りの面に当接するので、連結部４６側への抜けを防止するように相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈに係止する。 When the other ends of the first clamping plate 24A and the second clamping plate 24B approach the connecting portion 46, the mating locking portions 43A, 43B fit into the locking holes 24Ah, 24Bh. The tips of the mating locking portions 43A, 43B come into contact with the surfaces of the locking holes 24Ah, 24Bh closer to the tips of the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B, so that the mating locking portions 43A, 43B lock into the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh to prevent them from slipping out toward the connecting portion 46.

　この状態では、連結部４６は、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂのうち他方の端部より外側に位置する。好ましくは、連結部４６は、第１挟持板部２４Ａの他方の端と、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの他方の端とに接する。例えば、連結部４６は、位置決め凸部２７Ａ、２７Ｂの間の端面２７ＡＦ、２７ＢＦに接する。 In this state, the connecting portion 46 is located outside the other end of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B. Preferably, the connecting portion 46 contacts the other end of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the other end of the second clamping plate portion 24B. For example, the connecting portion 46 contacts the end faces 27AF, 27BF between the positioning protrusions 27A, 27B.

　第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂは、連結部４６の両端から第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの外側を通り、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂに向って延出する。第１付勢片４２Ａ及び第２付勢片４２Ｂのうち先端寄りの部分、ここでは、ガイド部４２Ａｇ、４２Ｂｇの基端に連なる部分が第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂよりも他方の端寄りの部分に押付けられる。 The first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B extend from both ends of the connecting portion 46, passing outside the first and second clamping plate portions 24A and 24B, toward the first and second contact portions 26A and 26B. The portions of the first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B closer to the tips, in this case the portions connected to the base ends of the guide portions 42Ag and 42Bg, are pressed against portions closer to the other ends than the first and second contact portions 26A and 26B.

　第１付勢片４２Ａと第２付勢片４２Ｂとの最小間隔は、例えば、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとにおける接触箇所の外面間距離よりも小さい。よって、上記のように、付勢部材４０が接続部材２２に装着された状態では、第１付勢片４２Ａと第２付勢片４２Ｂとの距離を大きくするように付勢部材４０が弾性変形している。付勢部材４０が元の形状に戻ろうとする弾性力によって、第１付勢片４２Ａが第１挟持板部２４Ａを第２付勢片４２Ｂ側に押し、第２付勢片４２Ｂが第２挟持板部２４Ｂを第１挟持板部２４Ａ側に押している。これにより、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとが互いに近づく方向に付勢され、ピン端子１０に対する第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂの接触圧が付与される。これにより、ピン端子１０に対して第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂが押付けられることで、接続部材２２とピン端子１０との間で導通が得られる。 The minimum distance between the first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B is, for example, smaller than the distance between the outer surfaces of the contact points between the first and second clamping plate portions 24A and 24B. Therefore, as described above, when the biasing member 40 is attached to the connecting member 22, the biasing member 40 is elastically deformed so as to increase the distance between the first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B. Due to the elastic force of the biasing member 40 trying to return to its original shape, the first biasing piece 42A presses the first clamping plate portion 24A toward the second biasing piece 42B, and the second biasing piece 42B presses the second clamping plate portion 24B toward the first clamping plate portion 24A. As a result, the first and second clamping plate portions 24A and 24B are biased in a direction approaching each other, and the contact pressure of the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B against the pin terminal 10 is applied. As a result, the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B are pressed against the pin terminal 10, thereby achieving electrical continuity between the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10.

　付勢部材４０は、温度上昇により、ピン端子１０に対する第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂの接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されている形状記憶合金によって構成されている。 The biasing member 40 is made of a shape-memory alloy that has its shape memorized so that the contact pressure of the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B against the pin terminal 10 is increased by an increase in temperature.

　接触圧が高まる前の温度は、例えば、ピン端子１０を接続部材２２に接続する作業がなされる温度であり、例えば、常温に属する温度である。常温は、例えば、摂氏２５度±１５度である。以下、温度について言及がある場合、摂氏温度による温度である。 The temperature before the contact pressure increases is, for example, the temperature at which the pin terminal 10 is connected to the connecting member 22, and is, for example, a temperature that falls within the normal temperature range. The normal temperature is, for example, 25 degrees Celsius ±15 degrees Celsius. In the following, when temperature is mentioned, it is the temperature in Celsius.

　接触圧が高まる温度は、ピン端子１０を接続部材２２に接続する作業がなされる温度よりも高い温度である。接触圧が高まる温度は、例えば、常温を超える温度であってもよい。接触圧が高まる温度は、例えば、本電気接続ユニット２０の使用環境温度に、ジュール熱等による加熱の影響が加味された温度であってもよい。接触圧が高まる温度は、例えば、５０度以上の温度であってもよい。 The temperature at which the contact pressure increases is a temperature higher than the temperature at which the pin terminal 10 is connected to the connection member 22. The temperature at which the contact pressure increases may be, for example, a temperature above room temperature. The temperature at which the contact pressure increases may be, for example, a temperature that takes into account the environmental temperature at which the electrical connection unit 20 is used and the effects of heating due to Joule heat or the like. The temperature at which the contact pressure increases may be, for example, a temperature of 50 degrees or higher.

　つまり、付勢部材４０は、２５度±１５度の温度範囲から５０度以上への温度上昇により、接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されていてもよい。 In other words, the biasing member 40 may be shaped to increase the contact pressure when the temperature rises from a temperature range of 25°±15° to 50° or higher.

　形態記憶は、温度上昇により、形状変化して又は物性値が変化することで、前記接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されていればよい。 The shape memory may be such that the contact pressure is increased by changing the shape or changing the physical properties due to an increase in temperature.

　例えば、付勢部材４０の第１付勢片４２Ａと第２付勢片４２Ｂとのの最小間隔を想定する。例えば、上記第１付勢片４２Ａのうちガイド部４２Ａｇの基端に連なる部分と第２付勢片４２Ｂのうちガイド部４２Ｂｇに連なる部分とを結ぶ最短距離が最小間隔である。接触圧が高まる前の温度における最小間隔よりも、接触圧が高まった後における最小間隔が小さくなるように形状記憶されていることが考えられる。つまり、温度上昇によって、最小間隔が小さくなるように、付勢部材４０が形状記憶されている。 For example, consider the minimum spacing between the first and second biasing pieces 42A and 42B of the biasing member 40. For example, the minimum spacing is the shortest distance connecting the portion of the first biasing piece 42A that is connected to the base end of the guide portion 42Ag and the portion of the second biasing piece 42B that is connected to the guide portion 42Bg. It is considered that the shape is memorized so that the minimum spacing after the contact pressure has increased is smaller than the minimum spacing at the temperature before the contact pressure increases. In other words, the biasing member 40 is shape memorized so that the minimum spacing becomes smaller as the temperature increases.

　また、例えば、付勢部材４０は、温度上昇によって物性値の一例である弾性係数が大きくなって、バネ荷重を高めることができるように、形態記憶されていてもよい。 In addition, for example, the biasing member 40 may be shape-memorized so that an increase in temperature increases the elastic modulus, which is an example of a physical property, and thereby increases the spring load.

　形状記憶合金は、例えば、Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金であってもよい。Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金であれば、２５度±１５度の温度範囲から５０度以上に温度変化することで、形状変化し、さらに、弾性係数を高めるように、形態記憶することができる。これにより、温度上昇によって、付勢部材４０が第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとを互いに近づく方向に付勢する力を高めることができる。 The shape memory alloy may be, for example, a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy. If it is a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy, it can change shape and memorize its shape by changing the temperature from a temperature range of 25°±15° to 50° or higher, and further increase its elastic modulus. This allows the force with which the biasing member 40 biases the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B in the direction of approaching each other to be increased by the rise in temperature.

　なお、形状記憶合金は、Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金以外の合金であってもよい。 The shape memory alloy may be an alloy other than a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy.

　付勢部材４０は、ピン端子１０と、当該ピン端子１０を挟む第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２挟持板部２４Ｂとの外側に位置するため、主たる導電路としての役割が期待される部分ではない。このため、付勢部材４０については、導電性よりも、バネ性及び形状記憶機能に鑑みた材質を選定することができる。これに対して、ピン端子１０及び接続部材２２については、バネ性は無くてもよいので、導電性等に鑑みた材質を選定することができる。 Because the biasing member 40 is located outside the pin terminal 10 and the first clamping plate portion 24A and second clamping plate portion 24B that clamp the pin terminal 10, it is not expected to function as the main conductive path. For this reason, a material can be selected for the biasing member 40 that takes into consideration springiness and shape memory function rather than conductivity. In contrast, the pin terminal 10 and the connecting member 22 do not need to have springiness, so a material can be selected that takes into consideration conductivity, etc.

　図４は電気接続ユニット２０にピン端子１０を接続した状態を示す正面図である。ピン端子１０の外形が２点鎖線で示されている。 FIG. 4 is a front view showing the pin terminal 10 connected to the electrical connection unit 20. The outer shape of the pin terminal 10 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

　第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂは、部分筒状に形成されている。ピン端子１０が第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの間に挿入された状態で、ピン端子１０の外周の１部が、第１接触部２６Ａが形成する溝内に収まると共に、ピン端子１０の外周の他の一部が第２接触部２６Ｂ内に収まった状態となっている。 The first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B are formed in a partial cylindrical shape. When the pin terminal 10 is inserted between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B, a part of the outer periphery of the pin terminal 10 fits within the groove formed by the first contact portion 26A, and another part of the outer periphery of the pin terminal 10 fits within the second contact portion 26B.

　第１接触部２６Ａの内周面は、第２接触部２６Ｂによって押されたピン端子１０を、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向において一定位置に誘い込む形状に形成されているとよい。 The inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A is preferably formed into a shape that guides the pin terminal 10 pressed by the second contact portion 26B to a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A.

　例えば、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面は、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも小さい曲率半径で凹む底面２６Ａｆを含んでもよい。本実施形態では、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち最も深い部分に位置する底面２６Ａｆは、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも小さい曲面形状に形成されている。第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち底面２６Ａｆの両隣の部分は、底面２６Ａｆから徐々に広がりつつ第２挟持板部２４Ｂ側に向う。第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち底面２６Ａｆの両隣の部分は、曲面であってもよいし、平面であってもよい。本実施形態では、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち底面２６Ａｆの両隣の部分は、底面２６Ａｆよりも大きい曲率半径で曲る曲面に形成されている。第１接触部２６Ａの内周面によって形成される溝幅は、ピン端子１０の外径よりも大きい。 For example, the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A may include a bottom surface 26Af that is recessed with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 26Af located at the deepest part of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A is formed in a curved shape smaller than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10. The parts of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A on both sides of the bottom surface 26Af gradually widen from the bottom surface 26Af toward the second clamping plate portion 24B. The parts of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A on both sides of the bottom surface 26Af may be curved or flat. In this embodiment, the parts of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A on both sides of the bottom surface 26Af are formed in a curved surface that is curved with a radius of curvature larger than the bottom surface 26Af. The groove width formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A is larger than the outer diameter of the pin terminal 10.

　そして、ピン端子１０が第１接触部２６Ａに押されると、ピン端子１０が、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち底面２６Ａｆの両隣の部分に押付けられ、それらの間で底面２６Ａｆに最も近づく一定位置に位置決めされる。 When the pin terminal 10 is pressed against the first contact portion 26A, the pin terminal 10 is pressed against the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A adjacent to the bottom surface 26Af, and is positioned at a fixed position between them that is closest to the bottom surface 26Af.

　第１接触部２６Ａの内周面のうち底面２６Ａｆの両隣の部分が曲面であれば、それらの部分が平面である場合と比較して、ピン端子１０に対する接触面積を大きくすることができる。 If the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A adjacent to the bottom surface 26Af are curved, the contact area with the pin terminal 10 can be made larger than if those portions were flat.

　第２接触部２６Ｂの内周面は、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも大きい曲率半径をなしつつ凹む押付面２６Ｂｆを含む。例えば、第２接触部２６Ｂの幅方向中間部が部分的に第１接触部２６Ａ側に変形するように加工されることで、押付面２６Ｂｆが形成される。 The inner peripheral surface of the second contact portion 26B includes a pressing surface 26Bf that is recessed with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10. For example, the pressing surface 26Bf is formed by processing the widthwise intermediate portion of the second contact portion 26B so that it is partially deformed toward the first contact portion 26A.

　上記のように、ピン端子１０は、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面に対して２箇所で接触して一定位置に案内される。これに対して、ピン端子１０は、押付面２６Ｂｆに対して１箇所で接触しており、しかも、押付面２６Ｂｆの曲率半径は、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも大きい。このため、ピン端子１０は、押付面２６Ｂｆ上を滑って移動し得る。 As described above, the pin terminal 10 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion 26A at two points and is guided to a fixed position. In contrast, the pin terminal 10 contacts the pressing surface 26Bf at one point, and the radius of curvature of the pressing surface 26Bf is larger than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10. Therefore, the pin terminal 10 can slide and move on the pressing surface 26Bf.

　よって、第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの間でピン端子１０が挟持されると、第１接触部２６Ａによって接続部材２２の長手方向における位置決めがなされる。ピン端子１０は、第１接触部２６Ａによって位置決めされた位置で、第２接触部２６Ｂに接触し得る。押付面２６Ｂｆは、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも大きい曲率半径で凹むように曲っているため、当該押付面が平面である場合と比較して、ピン端子１０に対する接触面積を大きくできる。 Therefore, when the pin terminal 10 is clamped between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B, the first contact portion 26A determines the position in the longitudinal direction of the connection member 22. The pin terminal 10 can contact the second contact portion 26B at the position determined by the first contact portion 26A. Since the pressing surface 26Bf is curved with a concave radius of curvature larger than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10, the contact area with the pin terminal 10 can be made larger than when the pressing surface is flat.

　仮に、第２接触部が、第１接触部２６Ａと同様の位置決め機能を有していると、第１挟持板部と第２挟持板部との間で、ピン端子を位置決めする位置がズレてしまう可能性がある。この場合、ピン端子は、両方の位置決め位置の間でがたつく可能性があり、ピン端子を安定して位置で支持できない可能性がある。 If the second contact portion had the same positioning function as the first contact portion 26A, the position for positioning the pin terminal may shift between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion. In this case, the pin terminal may wobble between the two positioning positions, and the pin terminal may not be supported in a stable position.

　本実施形態では、第１接触部２６Ａに主たる位置決め機能を持たせ、第２接触部２６Ｂに当該第１接触部２６Ａによる位置決め位置に追随する機能を持たせていると把握できる。 In this embodiment, it can be understood that the first contact portion 26A has the main positioning function, and the second contact portion 26B has the function of following the positioning position determined by the first contact portion 26A.

　本電気接続ユニット２０の挙動について説明する。 The behavior of this electrical connection unit 20 will be explained.

　上記組立て後の状態が初期状態である。なお、温度上昇前（例えば、常温）であれば、第１付勢片４２Ａと第２付勢片４２Ｂとが、温度上昇後よりも大きく開いていることが考えられる。このため、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとも大きく開いており、ピン端子１０は第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの間に容易に挿入され得る。 The state after the above assembly is the initial state. Before the temperature rise (for example, at room temperature), the first biasing piece 42A and the second biasing piece 42B are considered to be more widely separated than after the temperature rise. Therefore, the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B are also widely separated, and the pin terminal 10 can be easily inserted between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B.

　ピン端子１０が第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとの間に挿入されると、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面と第２接触部２６Ｂの内周面との間にピン端子１０が挟込まれる。この際、第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとが互いに離れる方向に押広げられる。この際、第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂとには、付勢部材４０の付勢力Ｆ１に応じた力Ｆ２が作用している（図４参照）。上記のように、作用点である第１接触部２６Ａと第２接触部２６Ｂは、力点である付勢部材４０の付勢箇所よりも、支点である連結支持部３０に近い。このため、「第２種のてこの原理」によって、付勢部材４０による付勢力Ｆ１は、より大きい力Ｆ２となってピン端子１０に作用することができる。なお、上記力Ｆ２には、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂ自体のバネ荷重による付勢力が加わることも考えられる。ピン端子１０の挿入作業時においては、上記力Ｆ２に応じた接触圧が作用している。このため、接続部材２２とピン端子１０との間には、付勢力Ｆ１に応じた力Ｆ２に比例する摩擦力が作用する。 When the pin terminal 10 is inserted between the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B, the pin terminal 10 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion 26A and the inner peripheral surface of the second contact portion 26B. At this time, the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B are pushed apart in a direction away from each other. At this time, a force F2 corresponding to the biasing force F1 of the biasing member 40 acts on the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B (see FIG. 4). As described above, the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B, which are the points of action, are closer to the connecting support portion 30, which is the fulcrum, than the biasing point of the biasing member 40, which is the force point. Therefore, due to the "principle of the second type of lever," the biasing force F1 by the biasing member 40 can act on the pin terminal 10 as a larger force F2. It is also possible that the biasing force due to the spring load of the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B themselves is added to the force F2. When inserting the pin terminal 10, a contact pressure corresponding to the force F2 acts. Therefore, a frictional force proportional to the force F2 corresponding to the biasing force F1 acts between the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10.

　付勢力Ｆ１は、温度上昇後の付勢力Ｆ３よりは小さい。このため、ピン端子１０を接続するために要する力を小さくできる。また、接続作業時に接触圧を小さくすることによって、ピン端子１０及び接続部材２２のめっき摩耗を抑制できる。これにより、ピン端子１０及び接続部材２２との接続状態において、酸化防止、耐食防止といっためっきの機能が発揮され、高い接続信頼性が得られる。 The biasing force F1 is smaller than the biasing force F3 after the temperature rises. This allows the force required to connect the pin terminal 10 to be reduced. In addition, by reducing the contact pressure during the connection operation, the plating wear of the pin terminal 10 and the connection member 22 can be suppressed. As a result, the plating functions of preventing oxidation and corrosion are exerted in the connected state between the pin terminal 10 and the connection member 22, resulting in high connection reliability.

　なお、ピン端子１０の挿入作業が終った状態においても、常温であれば、ピン端子１０と接続部材２２との間には、力Ｆ１に応じた接触圧が作用している。 Even after the pin terminal 10 has been inserted, at room temperature, a contact pressure corresponding to the force F1 acts between the pin terminal 10 and the connecting member 22.

　電気接続ユニット２０が電気回路の中継接続箇所として用いられる場合、接続部材２２及びピン端子１０の一方に電源１８が電気的に接続され、他方に負荷１９が電気的に接続されていると考えることができる。このため、電流が接続部材２２とピン端子１０とに流れる。 When the electrical connection unit 20 is used as a relay connection point for an electrical circuit, it can be considered that the power source 18 is electrically connected to one of the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10, and the load 19 is electrically connected to the other. Therefore, a current flows through the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10.

　電流が接続部材２２とピン端子１０とに流れると、ジュール熱によって接続部材２２及びピン端子１０が温度上昇する。接続部材２２とピン端子１０との接触箇所ではジュール熱によって温度上昇し易いことも考えられる。接続部材２２及びピン端子１０の熱が付勢部材４０に伝わり、付勢部材４０も温度上昇する。これにより、付勢部材４０は記憶された形状に変形し、又は、付勢部材４０の弾性係数等の物性値が変えられ、付勢部材４０によるバネ荷重が高くなる。すると、図５に示すように、付勢部材４０による付勢力Ｆ３が、上記付勢力Ｆ１よりも大きくなる。「第２種のてこの原理」によって、付勢力Ｆ３は、より大きい力Ｆ４となってピン端子１０に作用することができる。なお、上記力Ｆ４には、第１接触部２６Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂ自体のバネ荷重による付勢力が加わることも考えられる。なお、図５において付勢部材４０が付勢力を高める前の付勢部材４０及び挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂが２点鎖線で示されている。 When a current flows through the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10, the temperature of the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10 rises due to Joule heat. It is also considered that the temperature is likely to rise due to Joule heat at the contact point between the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10. The heat of the connection member 22 and the pin terminal 10 is transmitted to the biasing member 40, and the temperature of the biasing member 40 also rises. As a result, the biasing member 40 is deformed into a memorized shape, or the physical properties of the biasing member 40, such as the elastic coefficient, are changed, and the spring load by the biasing member 40 increases. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the biasing force F3 by the biasing member 40 becomes larger than the biasing force F1. Due to the "principle of the second type of lever," the biasing force F3 can act on the pin terminal 10 as a larger force F4. It is also considered that the biasing force due to the spring load of the first contact portion 26A and the second contact portion 26B themselves is added to the force F4. In FIG. 5, the biasing member 40 and the clamping plate portions 24A and 24B are shown by two-dot chain lines before the biasing member 40 increases its biasing force.

　これにより、ピン端子１０及び接続部材２２との間の接触圧も大きくなる。これにより、例えば、車両等における振動条件下においても、接続部材２２とピン端子１０とが安定して接触した状態に保たれる。また、接続部材２２とピン端子１０との電気抵抗が低下し、当該接触箇所において過大に発熱することが抑制される。 As a result, the contact pressure between the pin terminal 10 and the connecting member 22 also increases. As a result, the connecting member 22 and the pin terminal 10 are kept in stable contact even under vibration conditions, such as in a vehicle. In addition, the electrical resistance between the connecting member 22 and the pin terminal 10 decreases, suppressing excessive heat generation at the contact point.

　例えば、本接続部材２２が電源回路又は高圧が印加される回路に適用される場合には、ジュール熱による発熱が期待される。高圧とは、例えば、６０Ｖ以上であり、より好ましくは、９０Ｖ以上である。 For example, when the connection member 22 is applied to a power supply circuit or a circuit to which high voltage is applied, heat generation due to Joule heat is expected. High voltage is, for example, 60 V or more, and more preferably, 90 V or more.

　もっとも、本電気接続ユニット２０は、信号回路又は低圧が印加される回路に適用されてもよい。 However, the electrical connection unit 20 may also be applied to signal circuits or circuits to which low voltage is applied.

　付勢部材４０の温度上昇は、電気接続ユニット２０及びピン端子１０におけるジュール熱以外の熱によってもたらされてもよい。例えば、電気接続ユニット２０周りの制御機器、駆動回路の熱、内燃機関の熱又はバッテリーの熱によって、付勢部材４０が温度上昇してもよい。 The temperature rise of the biasing member 40 may be caused by heat other than Joule heat in the electrical connection unit 20 and the pin terminal 10. For example, the temperature rise of the biasing member 40 may be caused by heat from the control device or drive circuit around the electrical connection unit 20, heat from the internal combustion engine, or heat from the battery.

　以上のように構成された電気接続ユニット２０によると、温度上昇前の状態でピン端子１０を第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとの間に挿入接続することで、当該接続作業を容易に行える。また、接続後の温度上昇により、第１挟持板部２４Ａ及び第２接触部２６Ｂのそれぞれからピン端子１０に対する接触圧が高まるため、高い接続信頼性を得ることができる。 With the electrical connection unit 20 configured as described above, the pin terminal 10 can be inserted and connected between the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B before the temperature rises, making it easy to perform the connection work. In addition, the contact pressure from the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second contact portion 26B to the pin terminal 10 increases due to the temperature rise after connection, so high connection reliability can be obtained.

　また、ピン端子１０を第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとの間に挿入すればよいので、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとに対するピン端子の挿入方向の自由度が高い。例えば、第１挟持板部２４Ａと第２挟持板部２４Ｂとに交差する方向に沿ってピン端子１０を挿入する構成とすることができる。例えば、ピン端子１０の接続方向と、電気接続ユニット２０からの配線Ｗの引出方向が交差する場合、特に直交する場合においても、電気接続ユニット２０自体に曲げ箇所を設定することなく、容易に対応することができる。 In addition, since the pin terminal 10 only needs to be inserted between the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B, there is a high degree of freedom in the insertion direction of the pin terminal into the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B. For example, the pin terminal 10 can be inserted along a direction intersecting the first clamping plate portion 24A and the second clamping plate portion 24B. For example, even when the connection direction of the pin terminal 10 and the pull-out direction of the wiring W from the electrical connection unit 20 intersect, particularly when they are perpendicular, this can be easily accommodated without providing any bending points in the electrical connection unit 20 itself.

　また、ピン端子１０の挿入対象となる接続部材２２を筒形状に形成しなくてもよいので、構成の簡易化が可能となる。 In addition, the connection member 22 into which the pin terminal 10 is inserted does not need to be formed in a cylindrical shape, which simplifies the configuration.

　また、常温に戻ると、上記接触圧が相対的に低い状態に戻るため、接続部材２２に対するピン端子１０の挿脱を伴うメンテナンスが容易に実施され得る。 In addition, when the temperature returns to normal, the contact pressure returns to a relatively low state, so maintenance involving inserting and removing the pin terminal 10 from the connection member 22 can be easily performed.

　例えば、耐振動性及び接点における発熱抑制のために、端子のバネ荷重を高くすることが想定される。この場合、接続のために要する力が大きくなり、接続作業性が悪化する可能性がある。接続作業性を高めるために、てこの原理を利用したレバーを組込んだり、ボルトの締付け力を利用したりする構成が考えられる。これらの場合、重量化、大型化及び複雑化する可能性がある。 For example, it is conceivable that the spring load of the terminals would be increased to improve vibration resistance and suppress heat generation at the contacts. In this case, the force required for connection would increase, which could worsen the ease of connection work. To improve the ease of connection work, it is conceivable to incorporate a lever that utilizes the principle of leverage, or to use the tightening force of a bolt. In these cases, there is a possibility that the structure would become heavier, larger, and more complicated.

　本電気接続ユニット２０によると、重量化、大型化及び大型化を抑制しつつ、接続作業の容易化及び接続信頼性の向上が可能となる。なお、電気接続ユニット２０において、上記レバー又はボルトを利用した接続構造が適用されてもよい。 The electrical connection unit 20 makes it possible to simplify the connection work and improve the connection reliability while suppressing increases in weight, size, and size. Note that the electrical connection unit 20 may also use a connection structure that utilizes the above-mentioned lever or bolt.

　また、連結支持部３０は、挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂのうち接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂよりも一方の端側の部分を連結し、付勢部材４０は、挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂのうち接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂよりも他方の端側の部分を接近方向に付勢する。このため、付勢部材４０は、連結部による連結箇所を支点とし、ピン端子１０に接する接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂを作用点として、当該支点から離れた位置で挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂを接近方向に付勢する。これにより、温度上昇時において、ピン端子１０に対する接触圧を効果的に高めることができる。 The connecting support portion 30 connects the portions of the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B that are closer to one end than the contact portions 26A, 26B, and the biasing member 40 biases the portions of the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B that are closer to the other end than the contact portions 26A, 26B in the approaching direction. Therefore, the biasing member 40 biases the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B in the approaching direction at a position away from the fulcrum, with the connection point of the connecting portion as the fulcrum and the contact portions 26A, 26B that contact the pin terminal 10 as the point of action. This makes it possible to effectively increase the contact pressure on the pin terminal 10 when the temperature rises.

　また、接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂは、外側に凸をなす部分筒状に形成されているため、それらの間で、ピン端子１０の位置が安定する。接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂがピン端子１０に安定して接するため、通電時の発熱状態が安定する。これにより、付勢部材４０が安定して上記発熱による挙動を実現することができる。 In addition, because the contact portions 26A, 26B are formed in a partially cylindrical shape that convex outward, the position of the pin terminal 10 is stable between them. Because the contact portions 26A, 26B are in stable contact with the pin terminal 10, the heat generation state during current flow is stable. This allows the biasing member 40 to stably realize the behavior due to the heat generation described above.

　また、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面は、ピン端子１０を第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向において一定位置に誘い込む形状に形成されている。このため、接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂがピン端子１０に接触する態様が安定し、通電時の発熱状態が安定する。これにより、付勢部材４０が安定して上記挙動を実現する。 The inner peripheral surface of the first contact portion 26A is formed in a shape that guides the pin terminal 10 to a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A. This stabilizes the manner in which the contact portions 26A and 26B contact the pin terminal 10, and stabilizes the heat generation state when electricity is applied. This stabilizes the biasing member 40 and realizes the above-mentioned behavior.

　例えば、第１接触部２６Ａの内周面が、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも小さい曲率半径で凹む底面２６Ａｆを含む場合、ピン端子１０が当該第１接触部２６Ａの内周面の底に向けて押されると、第１挟持板部２４Ａの長手方向において一定位置に誘い込まれる。 For example, if the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A includes a bottom surface 26Af that is recessed with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10, when the pin terminal 10 is pressed toward the bottom of the inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion 26A, it is guided to a certain position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion 24A.

　また、第２接触部２６Ｂの内周面は、ピン端子１０の外形の半径よりも大きい曲率半径で凹む押付面２６Ｂｆを含めば、第２接触部２６Ｂ側では、ピン端子１０は、第２挟持板部２４Ｂの長手方向において位置変動が許容されやすい。このため、主として第１接触部２６Ａを基準としてピン端子１０を位置決めすることができ、接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂの間で、ピン端子１０の位置が安定する。 Furthermore, if the inner peripheral surface of the second contact portion 26B includes a pressing surface 26Bf that is recessed with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the outer shape of the pin terminal 10, the position of the pin terminal 10 on the second contact portion 26B side is more likely to be tolerated in the longitudinal direction of the second clamping plate portion 24B. Therefore, the pin terminal 10 can be positioned mainly based on the first contact portion 26A, and the position of the pin terminal 10 is stable between the contact portions 26A and 26B.

　また、付勢部材４０の連結部４６が挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂのそれぞれの他方の端部より外側に位置し、付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂのそれぞれが連結部４６から接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂに向って延出している。このため、接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂとピン端子１０との接触箇所近くで、付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂを挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂに接触させることができる。これにより、接触部２６Ａ、２６Ｂとピン端子１０との接触箇所で生じた熱が、４０付勢部材に効果的に伝わる。また、係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈが相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂに係止することで、付勢部材４０が接続部材２２から脱落し難い。 In addition, the connecting portion 46 of the biasing member 40 is located outside the other end of each of the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B, and the biasing pieces 42A, 42B extend from the connecting portion 46 toward the contact portions 26A, 26B. This allows the biasing pieces 42A, 42B to come into contact with the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B near the contact points between the contact portions 26A, 26B and the pin terminal 10. This allows heat generated at the contact points between the contact portions 26A, 26B and the pin terminal 10 to be effectively transferred to the biasing member 40. In addition, the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh lock onto the mating locking portions 43A, 43B, making it difficult for the biasing member 40 to fall off the connecting member 22.

　係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈが係止孔であり、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが付勢片４２Ａ、４２Ｂの先端側から連結部４６に向いつつ係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈ内に向かう形状であると、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈから脱落し難い。また、相手側係止部４３Ａ、４３Ｂが係止部２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈの孔内周面に接することで、挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂの熱が効果的に付勢部材４０に伝わる。 If the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh are locking holes and the mating locking portions 43A, 43B are shaped so that they extend from the tip side of the biasing pieces 42A, 42B toward the connecting portion 46 and into the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh, the mating locking portions 43A, 43B are less likely to fall off the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh. In addition, the mating locking portions 43A, 43B come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the holes of the locking portions 24Ah, 24Bh, so that the heat of the clamping plate portions 24A, 24B is effectively transferred to the biasing member 40.

　また、連結部４６が挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂの他方の橋に接していると、挟持板部２４Ａ、２４Ｂの熱が連結部４６を介して付勢部材４０に伝わり易い。 In addition, when the connecting portion 46 is in contact with the other bridge of the clamping plate portions 24A and 24B, heat from the clamping plate portions 24A and 24B is easily transferred to the biasing member 40 via the connecting portion 46.

　また、付勢部材４０は、Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金であれば、温度上昇によって、形状記憶により元の形状に戻すことができると共に、弾性係数を大きくして板状接続部材と相手側板状接続部材との接触圧を高めることができる。 In addition, if the biasing member 40 is made of a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy, it can return to its original shape by shape memory when the temperature rises, and the elastic modulus can be increased to increase the contact pressure between the plate-shaped connecting member and the mating plate-shaped connecting member.

　[変形例]
　上記実施形態においてピン端子は丸棒状でなく、細長い板状、楕円棒状、角棒状であってもよい。第１接触部及び第２接触部は、部分円筒状で無くてもよく、平たい形状、部分楕円筒状、部分角筒状であってもよい。 [Variations]
In the above embodiment, the pin terminal may be in a shape of a long and thin plate, an elliptical rod, or a square rod instead of a round bar. The first contact portion and the second contact portion may not be in a partially cylindrical shape but may be in a flat shape, a partially elliptical cylinder, or a partially square cylinder.

　なお、上記実施形態及び各変形例で説明した各構成は、相互に矛盾しない限り適宜組合わせることができる。 The configurations described in the above embodiment and each modified example can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

　１０　　ピン端子
　１８　　電源
　１９　　負荷
　２０　　電気接続ユニット
　２２　　接続部材
　２３　　押え片
　２４Ａ　　第１挟持板部
　２４Ａｈ、２４Ｂｈ　　係止部
　２４Ｂ　　第２挟持板部
　２６Ａ　　第１接触部
　２６Ａｆ　　底面
　２６Ｂ　　第２接触部
　２６Ｂｆ　　押付面
　２７Ａ、２７Ｂ　　位置決め凸部
　２７ＡＦ、２７ＢＦ　　端面（他方の端）
　２８Ａ、２８Ｂ　　突部
　２９Ｂ　　配線接続部
　３０　　連結支持部
　４０　　付勢部材
　４２Ａ　　第１付勢片
　４２Ａｇ、４２Ｂｇ　　ガイド部
　４２Ｂ　　第２付勢片
　４３Ａ、４３Ｂ　　相手側係止部
　４６　　連結部 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Pin terminal 18 Power source 19 Load 20 Electrical connection unit 22 Connection member 23 Pressing piece 24A First clamping plate portion 24Ah, 24Bh Locking portion 24B Second clamping plate portion 26A First contact portion 26Af Bottom surface 26B Second contact portion 26Bf Pressing surface 27A, 27B Positioning protrusions 27AF, 27BF End surface (other end)
28A, 28B Protrusion 29B Wiring connection portion 30 Connection support portion 40 Urging member 42A First urging piece 42Ag, 42Bg Guide portion 42B Second urging piece 43A, 43B Counterpart locking portion 46 Connection portion

Claims (10)

1. 　ピン端子が接続される電気接続ユニットであって、
   　第１挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と対向する第２挟持板部と、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを連結する連結支持部とを有する接続部材と、
   　前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とを接近方向に付勢する付勢部材と、
   　を備え、
   　前記第１挟持板部は、前記ピン端子と接する第１接触部を含み、
   　前記第２挟持板部は、前記第１接触部とは反対側で前記ピン端子と接する第２接触部を含み、
   　前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢して、前記第１挟持板部と前記第２挟持板部とのそれぞれから前記ピン端子に対する接触圧を付与し、
   　前記付勢部材は、温度上昇により、前記接触圧を高めるように形態記憶されている形状記憶合金によって構成されている、電気接続ユニット。 An electrical connection unit to which a pin terminal is connected,
   a connecting member including a first clamping plate portion, a second clamping plate portion opposed to the first clamping plate portion, and a connecting support portion connecting the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion;
   a biasing member that biases the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in an approaching direction;
   Equipped with
   the first clamping plate portion includes a first contact portion that contacts the pin terminal,
   the second clamping plate portion includes a second contact portion that contacts the pin terminal on a side opposite to the first contact portion,
   the biasing member biases each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in a direction toward each other to apply a contact pressure from each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion to the pin terminal,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein the biasing member is made of a shape-memory alloy that has its shape memorized so as to increase the contact pressure due to an increase in temperature.
2. 　請求項１に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記第１挟持板部は、長尺板状に形成されると共に、その長手方向中間部に前記第１接触部が形成され、
   　前記第２挟持板部は、長尺板状に形成されると共に、その長手方向中間部に前記第２接触部が形成され、
   　前記連結支持部は、前記第１挟持板部のうち前記第１接触部よりも一方の端側の部分と、前記第２挟持板部のうち前記第２接触部よりも一方の端側の部分とを連結し、
   　前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部のうち前記第１接触部よりも他方の端側の部分と、前記第２挟持板部のうち前記第２接触部よりも他方の端側の部分とのそれぞれを接近方向に付勢する、電気接続ユニット。 2. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1,
   The first clamping plate portion is formed in a long plate shape, and the first contact portion is formed in a longitudinal middle portion thereof,
   The second clamping plate portion is formed in a long plate shape, and the second contact portion is formed in a longitudinal middle portion thereof,
   The connecting support portion connects a portion of the first clamping plate portion that is closer to one end than the first contact portion and a portion of the second clamping plate portion that is closer to one end than the second contact portion,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein the biasing member biases each of a portion of the first clamping plate portion on the other end side of the first contact portion and a portion of the second clamping plate portion on the other end side of the second contact portion in an approaching direction.
3. 　請求項１又は請求項２に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記第１接触部及び前記第２接触部は、それぞれ外側に凸をなす部分筒状に形成されている、電気接続ユニット。 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2,
   The electrical connection unit, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are each formed in a partially cylindrical shape that is convex outward.
4. 　請求項３に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記第１接触部の内周面は、前記第２接触部によって押された前記ピン端子を、前記第１挟持板部の長手方向において一定位置に誘い込む形状に形成されている、電気接続ユニット。 4. The electrical connection unit according to claim 3,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein an inner surface of the first contact portion is formed into a shape that guides the pin terminal pressed by the second contact portion to a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping plate portion.
5. 　請求項４に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記第１接触部の内周面は、前記ピン端子の外形の半径よりも小さい曲率半径で凹む底面を含む、電気接続ユニット。 5. An electrical connection unit according to claim 4,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the first contact portion includes a bottom surface that is recessed with a radius of curvature smaller than a radius of an outer shape of the pin terminal.
6. 　請求項４に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記第２接触部の内周面は、前記ピン端子の外形の半径よりも大きい曲率半径で凹む押付面を含む、電気接続ユニット。 5. An electrical connection unit according to claim 4,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the second contact portion includes a pressing surface that is recessed with a radius of curvature larger than a radius of an outer shape of the pin terminal.
7. 　請求項２に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記付勢部材は、前記第１挟持板部の外面側に位置する第１付勢片と、前記第２挟持板部の外面側に位置する第２付勢片と、前記第１付勢片と前記第２付勢片とを連結する連結部とを有し、
   　前記連結部が前記第１挟持板部及び前記第２挟持板部のそれぞれの前記他方の端部よりも該他方側に位置し、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれが前記連結部から前記第１接触部及び前記第２接触部に向って延出しており、
   　前記第１挟持板部及び前記第２挟持板部のそれぞれに係止部が形成され、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれに前記連結部側への抜けを防止するように前記各係止部に係止する相手側係止部が形成されている、電気接続ユニット。 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 2,
   the urging member has a first urging piece located on the outer surface side of the first clamping plate portion, a second urging piece located on the outer surface side of the second clamping plate portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first urging piece and the second urging piece,
   the connecting portion is located on the other side of the other end of each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, and the first urging piece and the second urging piece extend from the connecting portion toward the first contact portion and the second contact portion,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein an engagement portion is formed on each of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion, and a mating engagement portion is formed on each of the first biasing piece and the second biasing piece to engage with each engagement portion so as to prevent the mating portion from coming loose toward the connection portion.
8. 　請求項７に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記各係止部は、係止孔であり、
   　前記各相手側係止部は、前記第１付勢片及び前記第２付勢片のそれぞれの先端側から前記連結部に向いつつ前記各係止孔内に向かう係止片である、電気接続ユニット。 8. An electrical connection unit according to claim 7,
   Each of the locking portions is a locking hole,
   An electrical connection unit, wherein each of the mating locking portions is a locking piece that extends from a tip side of each of the first and second urging pieces toward the connecting portion and into each of the locking holes.
9. 　請求項７又は請求項８に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
   　前記連結部が、前記第１挟持板部の前記他方の端と、前記第２挟持板部の前記他方の端とに接している、電気接続ユニット。 9. An electrical connection unit according to claim 7 or 8, comprising:
   An electrical connection unit, wherein the connecting portion contacts the other end of the first clamping plate portion and the other end of the second clamping plate portion.
10. 　請求項１又は請求項２に記載の電気接続ユニットであって、
    　前記付勢部材は、Ｎｉ－Ｔｉ合金又はＮｉ－Ｔｉ－Ｃｕ合金である、電気接続ユニット。 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2,
    The electrical connection unit, wherein the biasing member is a Ni-Ti alloy or a Ni-Ti-Cu alloy.

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