Abstract:
The present invention aims to maximally reduce a projecting width of a projecting part formed on a terminal when the terminal is crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire. To achieve this aim, a method for producing a terminal-equipped wire in which a crimping portion of a terminal is crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire includes a) a step of arranging the exposed core part in the crimping portion, b) a step of sandwiching a part of the crimping portion between a lower die surface of a lower die and an upper die surface of an upper die and crimping the part of the crimping portion to the exposed core part, and c) a step of pressing an end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface from above.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a technique for crimping a terminal to an exposed core part of a wire end part. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a terminal-equipped wire is known from Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-285983. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-285983, a terminal is provided with a core crimping barrel and this core crimping barrel is caulked and crimped to a core exposed from the wire end. 
     An example of a protective coating coated on a steel plate is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H11-166151. 
     A terminal is so configured that a connecting portion to be connected to a mating terminal and a core crimping barrel are coupled. Here, in caulking and crimping the core crimping barrel to a core exposed from a wire end, a compressive force is applied not to the entire core crimping barrel, but only to a part excluding the vicinity of an end part on the connecting portion side. This is because, if a compressive force is applied to the entire core crimping barrel including the vicinity of the end part on the connecting portion side, a load is applied to a coupling part of the core crimping barrel and the connecting portion and the coupling part may be deformed and damaged (e.g. cracked). 
     In the above mode, the core crimping barrel caulked and crimped to the core is shaped to gradually expand near the end part on the connecting portion side (bell-mouth shape), i.e. shaped such that the end part projects upward. If a projecting part is formed on a part of the terminal, when a protective agent for film formation is coated on a surface of a connecting part of the terminal and the wire, a protective film becomes locally thinner at this projecting part and it may not be possible to obtain sufficient protection performance. This problem becomes more notable as the projecting width of the projecting part increases. 
     Accordingly, the present invention aims to maximally reduce a projecting width of a projecting part formed on a terminal when the terminal is crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for producing a terminal-equipped wire in which a crimping portion of a terminal is crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire, including the steps of a) arranging the exposed core part in the crimping portion; b) sandwiching a part of the crimping portion between a lower die surface of a lower die and an upper die surface of an upper die and crimping the part of the crimping portion to the exposed core part; and c) pressing an end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface from above. The method of the invention enables the projecting width of the projecting part of the terminal to be reduced reliably by a simple configuration. 
     Further, in the first aspect, the end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface is pressed from above by a lower end surface of a terminal pressing member moved toward the lower die in the step c); and the lower end surface of the terminal pressing member is a surface not having a wall surface area extending along a moving direction of the terminal pressing member. 
     The lower end surface preferably is a flat surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member, thereby providing a particularly simple configuration of the terminal pressing member. 
     The upper die surface may be a groove-shaped surface cut from a tip part toward a base end part of the upper die; and the lower end surface of the terminal pressing member is arranged at a position closer to the base end part than a reference position, which is the position of a deepest part of the groove in a state where the upper die is closest to the lower die, in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member in a state where the terminal pressing member is closest to the lower die. Thus, the exposed core part is not likely to be damaged by the corner of the end part of the crimping portion since a vertical compression rate of the end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface is smaller than that of the part of the crimping portion crimped to the exposed core part. 
     The step c) of the method may be performed by pressing the end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface by the terminal pressing member moved in synchronization with the upper die when the upper die is moved toward the lower die to sandwich the crimping portion between the lower die and the upper die in the step b). Thus, the terminal-equipped wire can be produced efficiently since the steps b) and c) are simultaneously performed 
     The upper die and the terminal pressing member preferably are formed integrally. Thus, the durability of the terminal pressing member is improved since the upper die and the terminal pressing member are united. 
     The invention also is directed to a method for producing a terminal-equipped wire in which a crimping portion of a terminal is crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire, including the steps of a) arranging the exposed core part in the crimping portion; b) sandwiching a part of the crimping portion between a lower die surface of a lower die and an upper die surface of an upper die and crimping the part of the crimping portion to the exposed core part; c) pressing an end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface from above; and d) pressing a part of the exposed core part protruding from the crimping portion toward the terminal. The part of the exposed core part protruding from the crimping portion is pressed toward the terminal. Thus, the projection of the exposed core part from the terminal can be reduced maximally. 
     The part of the exposed core part protruding from the crimping portion preferably is pressed from above by a lower end surface of a core pressing member moved toward the lower die in the above-described step d); and the lower end surface of the core pressing member is a surface not having a wall surface area extending along a moving direction of the core pressing member. Accordingly, the projecting width of the exposed core part from the terminal can be reliably reduced by a simple configuration. 
     The upper die surface may be a groove-shaped surface cut from a tip part toward a base end part of the upper die; and the lower end surface of the core pressing member may be arranged at the same position as a reference position, which is the position of a deepest part of the groove in a state where the upper die is closest to the lower die, in the moving direction of the core pressing member in a state where the core pressing member is closest to the lower die. Thus, the projecting width of the exposed core part from the terminal can be reduced reliably. 
     In any of the above-described aspects of the invention, the upper die surface is a groove-shaped surface cut from a tip part toward a base end part of the upper die; and a deepest part of the groove is inclined in a direction toward the base end part as the deepest part extends toward an end on an end part of the upper die surface which faces an end part of the crimping portion not protruding from the upper die surface. The end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface is pressed from above when the terminal is crimped to the exposed core part of the end part of the wire. Thus, a projecting width of a projecting part formed on the terminal when the terminal is crimped to the exposed core part of the end part of the wire can be reduced maximally. 
     The invention also is directed to a terminal-equipped wire with a wire including a coated core and a terminal including a crimping portion crimped to an exposed core part of an end part of the wire, wherein the crimping portion includes a bottom plate portion and core crimping pieces in the form of long pieces extending from opposite sides of the bottom plate portion; target areas of the core crimping pieces are crimped to the exposed core part by being compressed and deformed to embrace the exposed core part; and end parts of the core crimping pieces excluding the target parts are pressed toward the bottom plate portion from above, whereby an upper side of the end part is formed into a flat shape. The end parts of the core crimping pieces excluding the target areas crimped to the exposed core part are pressed from above. Thus, the projecting width of the projecting part formed on the terminal when the terminal is crimped to the exposed core part of the end part of the wire is reduced maximally. 
     The invention further is directed to a terminal crimping device for crimping a crimping portion of a terminal to an exposed core part of an end part of a wire, including a lower die having an lower die surface on which the crimping portion having the exposed core part arranged therein is arranged; an upper die having an upper die surface arranged to face the lower die surface and configured to sandwich a part of the crimping portion between the lower die surface and the upper die surface and crimp the part of the crimping portion to the exposed core part by being moved toward the lower die; and a terminal pressing member configured to press an end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface from above by being moved toward the lower die, wherein the terminal pressing member presses the end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface from above by a lower end surface thereof; and the lower end surface of the terminal pressing member is a surface not having a wall surface area extending along a moving direction of the terminal pressing member and a flat surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member. The end part of the crimping portion protruding from the upper die surface when the terminal is crimped to the exposed core part of the end part of the wire is pressed from above. Thus, the projecting width of the projecting part formed on the terminal when the terminal is crimped to the exposed core part of the end part of the wire is reduced maximally. 
     Objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic side view showing a terminal and a wire before a crimping operation, 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic side view showing the terminal-equipped wire, 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a terminal crimping device, 
         FIG. 4  is a side view showing an upper die for core and a pressing member provided in the terminal crimping device, 
         FIG. 5  is a front view showing the upper die for core and the pressing member provided in the terminal crimping device, 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a production process of the terminal-equipped wire, 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the production process of the terminal-equipped wire, 
         FIG. 8  is a front view showing an upper die for core and a pressing member according to a modification, 
         FIG. 9  is a front view showing an upper die for core and a pressing member according to a modification, 
         FIG. 10  is a side view showing an upper die for core and a pressing member according to a modification, and 
         FIG. 11  is a side view showing an upper die for core and a pressing member according to a modification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a method for producing a terminal-equipped wire and a terminal crimping device according to an embodiment are described. 
     &lt;1. Terminal-Equipped Wire  1 &gt; 
     A terminal-equipped wire  1  is formed by crimping a terminal  2  to an end part of a wire  3 . The terminal-equipped wire  1  is described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic side view showing the terminal  2  and the wire  3  before a crimping operation.  FIG. 2  is a schematic side view showing the terminal-equipped wire  1 . 
     The wire  3  is configured such that a coating  32  is coated on the outer periphery of a core  31  by extrusion coating. The core  31  is formed by a stranded wire of metal wires of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy or the like or a single wire. Further, the coating  32  is removed at an end part of the wire  3  to expose the core  31 . The core  31  exposed at the end part of the wire  3  is written as an “exposed core part  311 ” in some cases below. 
     The terminal  2  is configured such that a mating-side connecting portion  21  and a crimping portion  22  are coupled via a coupling portion  23 . 
     The mating-side connecting portion  21  is a part to be connected to a mating terminal. Here, the mating-side connecting portion  21  is formed into a substantially tubular shape (so-called female terminal shape) and the mating terminal including a pin-like or tab-like connecting portion (so-called male terminal) is insertable and connectable. Note that the mating-side connecting portion  21  may be formed into a pin-like or tab-like shape (so-called male terminal) or may be formed into an annular shape or the like connectable to a mating member by a screw or the like. 
     The crimping portion  22  is configured to be able to be crimped and connected to the wire  3 . Here, the crimping portion  22  includes a bottom plate portion  221 , a pair of coating crimping pieces  222  and a pair of core crimping pieces  223 . The bottom plate portion  221  is in the form of a long plate extending from a base end side of the mating-side connecting portion  21 . The pair of coating crimping pieces  222  are in the form of long pieces extending from opposite sides of an end part of the bottom plate portion  221 . The pair of core crimping pieces  223  are in the form of long pieces extending from opposite sides of the bottom plate portion  221  between the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  and the mating-side connecting portion  21 . Out of the crimping portion  22 , a part where the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  are formed and a part where the pair of core crimping pieces  223  are formed are formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Further, a clearance is provided between the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  and the pair of core crimping pieces  223 . Note that end parts of the core crimping pieces  223  in a longitudinal direction on the side of the coupling portion  23  and end parts thereof on the side of the coating crimping pieces  222  are respectively written as “front end parts P 1 ” and “rear end parts P 2 ” in some cases below. 
     The coupling portion  23  is a part for coupling the mating-side connecting portion  21  and the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and formed into a gutter shape. 
     As described above, the terminal-equipped wire  1  is formed by crimping and connecting the terminal  2  to the end part of the wire  3 . Specifically, in the terminal-equipped wire  1 , the pair of core crimping pieces  223  (more precisely, caulking target parts A of the respective core crimping pieces  223  (see  FIG. 3 )) are crimped to the exposed core part  311  by being compressed and deformed to embrace the exposed core part  311 , and the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  are crimped to the coating  32  by being compressed and deformed to embrace the end part of the coating  32 , whereby the terminal  2  is crimped and connected to the end part of the wire  3 . 
     Here, as is clarified later, end parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  on the side of the front end part P 1  excluding the caulking target parts A are pressed toward the bottom plate portion  221  from above, whereby projecting widths of these parts are suppressed low. Further, an end part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  is also pressed toward the terminal  2  from above, whereby a projecting width of this part is also suppressed low. 
     A film portion  4  is formed on a surface of a crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22 . The film portion  4  covers the surface of the connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22 , thereby suppressing liquid deposition and the like on this part and, hence, fulfilling a function of suppressing degradation. Particularly, in the case of using aluminum or aluminum alloy for the core  31  and a material obtained by forming a tin plating layer on a surface of copper or copper alloy for the terminal  2 , a potential difference between the two becomes larger. Thus, if moisture deposits on the connected part of the crimping portion  22  and the exposed core part  311 , this moisture may act as an electrolytic solution to cause electrolytic corrosion. If the film portion  4  is formed on the surface of the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22 , electrolytic corrosion on that surface part can be effectively suppressed. The film portion  4  can be formed by various methods. For example, the film portion  4  can be formed by, after a coating material such as resin is melted by heat and coated, cooling and curing a coating film. 
     In coating the coating material on the surface of the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22 , if a coating target part partly projects, the film portion  4  may become thinner at that projecting part. In this terminal-equipped wire  1 , a projecting width of the projecting part of the coating target part is suppressed low. Thus, a situation where the film portion  4  becomes locally thinner is unlikely to occur and the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22  is reliably protected. 
     &lt;2. Terminal Crimping Device  5 &gt; 
     The terminal crimping device  5  used in the production of the terminal-equipped wire  1  is described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram showing the terminal crimping device  5 .  FIG. 4  is a side view showing an upper die for core  7  and a pressing member  8  provided in the terminal crimping device  5 .  FIG. 5  is a front view showing the upper die for core  7  and the pressing member  8 . 
     The terminal crimping device  5  mainly includes a lower die for core  6 , the upper die for core  7 , the pressing member  8  and a die for coating  9 . 
     &lt;Lower Die for Core  6 &gt; 
     The lower die for core  6  is so fixed to a base  50  as to project upward. A lower die surface  61  which is in the form of a groove having an arcuate cross-section and in which the part of the crimping portion  22  where the pair of core crimping pieces  223  are formed can be placed is formed in the upper surface of the lower die for core  6 . The lower die surface  61  can support the bottom plate portion  221  of the crimping portion  22  (specifically, the crimping portion  22  in a state where the end part of the wire  3  including the exposed core part  311  is arranged inside) placed thereon. The lower die for core  6  is also called an anvil. 
     &lt;Upper Die for Core  7 &gt; 
     The upper die for core  7  is arranged to face the lower die for core  6 . The upper die for core  7  is in the form of a long and narrow plate, and an upper die surface  71  extending in the form of a cut groove is formed from a tip part toward a base end part (see  FIG. 5 ). The upper die surface  71  faces the lower die surface  61  of the lower die for core  6 . A deepest (uppermost) part of the upper die surface  71  is shaped such that two upwardly convex arcuate surfaces are juxtaposed side by side, and opposite side surfaces of a tip side of the upper die surface  71  are formed to gradually separate from each other toward the tip side. 
     Here, the upper die surface  71  is formed to be shorter in a longitudinal direction (groove extending direction along a longitudinal direction of the exposed core part  311  to be arranged between the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7 ) than the core crimping pieces  223  to be arranged between the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7  (e.g. about ⅔ of the length of the core crimping pieces  223  in the longitudinal direction). One end part of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction is caused to face the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223  to be arranged between the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7  and the other end part is caused to face a position behind the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223  (closer to the rear end parts P 2 ). 
     Further, on the end part of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction caused to face the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223 , an inclined surface area  711  inclined toward the base end part as it extends toward an end of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction is formed on a deepest part of the groove of the upper die surface  71 . By forming the inclined surface area  711  on the end part of the upper die surface  71 , the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223  are deformed into a moderately expanded shape. However, an angle of inclination of the inclined surface area  711  is sufficiently small, and projecting widths of projecting parts formed on the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223  are sufficiently small to be able to ensure protection performance of the film portion  4 . Note that the upper die surface  71  is shaped to have substantially the same cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction except at the inclined surface area  711 . 
     The upper die for core  7  is arranged above the lower die for core  6  to be movable toward and away from (reciprocally movable in directions toward and away from) the lower die for core  6  by an actuator  10  such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. By moving the upper die for core  7  toward the lower die for core  6  in a state where the crimping portion  22  (crimping portion  22  in which the exposed core part  311  of the wire  3  is arranged) is arranged on the lower die surface  61  of the lower die for core  6 , the crimping portion  22  (specifically, parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  of the crimping portion  22 ) are sandwiched between the lower die surface  61  of the lower die for core  6  and the upper die surface  71  of the upper die for core  7  (see  FIG. 6 ). However, since the length of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction is shorter than those of the crimping pieces  223  in the longitudinal direction as described above, only the parts A of the pair of crimping pieces  223  are sandwiched by the upper die surface  71 , and the front end parts P 1  of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and the vicinities thereof protrude from the upper die surface  71 . For example, if the length of the upper die surface  71  is about ⅔ of those of the core crimping pieces  223  in the longitudinal direction, ⅓ areas of the core crimping pieces  223  in the longitudinal direction on the side of the front end parts P 1  protrude from the upper die surface  71 . The parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  sandwiched by the upper die surface  71  (hereinafter, also referred to as “caulking target parts A”) are deformed to be curved inwardly along the upper die surface  71  while sliding in contact with the upper die surface  71  (see  FIG. 7 ) when being sandwiched between the lower die surface  71  and the upper die surface  71 . Specifically, the caulking target parts A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  are deformed to cover the exposed core part  311 . In this way, the crimping portion  22  is crimped to the exposed core part  311 . The upper die for core  7  is also called a crimper. 
     &lt;Pressing Member  8 &gt; 
     The pressing member  8  is arranged to be movable toward and away from (reciprocally movable in directions toward and away from) the lower die for core  6  in synchronization with the upper die for core  7 . By being moved toward the lower die for core  6 , the pressing member  8  presses the parts near the respective front end parts P 1  of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  and a tip edge part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  from above. 
     More specifically, the pressing member  8  includes a terminal pressing member  81  and a core pressing member  82 . Here, the core pressing member  82  is integrally formed to the terminal pressing member  81  (specifically, to a surface of the terminal pressing member  81  opposite to an upper die for coating  92 ). Specifically, the pressing member  8  is formed by integrally forming the terminal pressing member  81  and the core pressing member  82 . Further, the pressing member  8  is integrally formed to the upper die for core  7  (specifically, to a surface of the upper die for core  7  opposite to the upper die for coating  92 ). Specifically, an upper part of the upper die for core  7  is formed to be thicker than a lower part, and the pressing member  8  projecting from one principle surface of the upper die for core  7  is formed to extend downward from a widthwise central part of a lower end part of this thick part  72 . This enables the pressing member  8  to move toward and away from the terminal  2  synchronously and integrally with the upper die for core  7 . 
     The terminal pressing member  81  is arranged at a position above the respective front end parts P 1  of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  of the terminal  2  arranged on the lower die for core  6 . A tip (lower end) surface of the terminal pressing member  81  is a surface not having a wall surface area extending along a moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  and, here, a flat surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81 . This lower end surface comes into contact with the parts near the respective front end parts P 1  of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  from above and presses these parts from above when the terminal pressing member  81  is moved toward the terminal  2 . This lower end surface is also written as a “terminal pressing surface  811 ” below. 
     The terminal pressing surface  811  is formed at a position shifted upward (toward the base end part of the upper die for core  7 ) by a very short distance (e.g. about 0.1 mm) from the deepest part (deepest part except at the inclined surface area  711 ) of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81 . Note that a width of the terminal pressing member  81  may be substantially equal to or larger than that of the lower die surface  61 . 
     The core pressing member  82  is arranged at a position above a clearance between the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and the mating-side connecting portion  21  of the terminal  2  arranged in the lower die for core  6 . A tip (lower end) surface of the core pressing member  82  is a surface not having a wall surface area extending along a moving direction of the core pressing member  82  and, here, a flat surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the core pressing member  82 . This lower end surface comes into contact with the tip end part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  from above and presses this part from above when the core pressing member  82  is moved toward the terminal  2 . This lower end surface is also written as a “core pressing surface  821 ” below. 
     The core pressing surface  821  is formed at the same position as the deepest part (deepest part except at the inclined surface area  711 ) of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the core pressing member  82 . Note that a width of the core pressing member  82  may be substantially equal to or larger than that of the lower die surface  61 . 
     &lt;Die for Coating  9 &gt; 
     The die for coating  9  includes a lower die for coating  91  and the upper die for coating  92  arranged to correspond to the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  of the terminal  2  on a base end side of the terminal  2  to be crimped with respect to the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7 . 
     The lower die for coating  91  is mounted on the base  50 , and the upper die for coating  92  is provided to be movable toward and away from the lower die for coating  91  in synchronization with the upper die for core  7  by the actuator  10 . When the crimping portion  22  is crimped to the exposed core part  311  between the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7 , the upper die for coating  92  also moves toward the lower die for coating  91  to deform the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  inwardly and crimp the crimping portion  22  to the coating  32  of the wire  3 . 
     &lt;3. Method for Producing the Terminal-Equipped Wire  1 &gt; 
     The method for producing the terminal-equipped wire  1  using the terminal crimping device  5  is described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7  in addition to  FIG. 3 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  are diagrams showing a production process of the terminal-equipped wire  1 . 
     First, the upper die for core  7  and the upper die for coating  92  are separated from the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for coating  91 . Further, the terminal  2  and the wire  3  are prepared, the crimping portion  22  of the terminal  2  is placed on the lower die for core  6  and the lower die for coating  91  and the exposed core part  311  is arranged in the crimping portion  22  (state shown in  FIG. 3 ). At this time, a part of the bottom plate portion  221  of the crimping portion  22  corresponding to the pair of core crimping pieces  223  is arranged on the lower die surface  61  of the lower die for core  6  and a part of the bottom plate portion  221  of the crimping portion  22  corresponding to the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  is arranged on the lower die for coating  91 . Further, the exposed core part  311  of the wire  3  is arranged between the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and the end part of the coating  32  is arranged between the pair of coating crimping pieces  222 . At this time, one end part of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction (end part on the side where the inclined surface area  711  is formed) faces the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223  arranged on the bottom plate portion  221  and the other end part faces positions of the core crimping pieces  223  behind the front end parts P 1 . Further, the terminal pressing surface  811  faces the end parts of the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223  arranged on the bottom plate portion  221  and the core pressing surface  821  faces the tip end part of the exposed core part  311  projecting from the core crimping pieces  223 . 
     Subsequently, the upper die for core  7  and the upper die for coating  92  are moved toward the lower die for core  6  and the lower die for coating  91  (state shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). This causes the crimping portion  22  (specifically, the caulking target parts A of the core crimping pieces  223 ) to be sandwiched between the lower die for core  6  and the upper die for core  7 , whereby the caulking target parts A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  are deformed inwardly and crimped to the exposed core part  311 . Simultaneously with this, the crimping portion  22  (specifically, part of the crimping portion  22  where the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  are provided) is sandwiched between the lower die for coating  91  and the upper die for coating  92  and the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  are deformed inwardly and crimped to the end part of the coating  32 . According to this crimping mode, since a compressive force is not applied near the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223 , a load is less likely to be applied to the coupling portion  23  and the coupling portion  23  is less susceptible to deformation, damage and the like. 
     On the other hand, when the upper die for core  7  is moved toward the lower die for core  6 , the pressing member  8  is also moved toward the lower die for core  6  in synchronization with the upper die for core  7 . This causes the terminal pressing surface  811  of the terminal pressing member  81  to press the part of the crimping portion  22  protruding from the upper die surface  71 , i.e. the part near the respective front end parts P 1  of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  toward the bottom plate portion  211  from above and the core pressing surface  821  of the core pressing member  82  to press the tip edge part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  toward the terminal  2  from above. Since a compressive force from the upper die surface  71  is not applied to the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71 , these protruding parts try to project upward and expand in a tapered manner, but they are pressed from above by the terminal pressing surface  811 , whereby projecting widths of the protruding parts are suppressed low. Since no compressive force is applied to lateral sides of the protruding parts, a load is less likely to be applied to the coupling portion  23  and the coupling portion  23  is less susceptible to deformation, damage and the like. Further, when the compressive force from the upper die surface  71  is applied to the core crimping pieces  223 , the compressed exposed core part  311  elongates to protrude toward the coupling portion  23  and the tip part of the protruding exposed core part  311  tries to project upward (direction away from the bottom plate portion  221 ). However, this tip part is pressed from above by the core pressing surface  821 , whereby a projecting width of this tip part is suppressed low. 
     Subsequently, the coating material is coated on the surface of the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22  to form the film portion  4  (see  FIG. 2 ). In this way, the terminal-equipped wire  1  is obtained. As described above, the projecting width of the projecting part is suppressed low (i.e. unevenness is suppressed as much as possible) on the surface of the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22 . This suppresses a local reduction in the thickness of the film of the coating material. Thus, the film portion  4  formed here is less likely to be partly thinned and the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22  is reliably protected. 
     &lt;4. Effects&gt; 
     In the above embodiment, the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  are pressed from above. Thus, the projecting widths of the projecting parts formed on these protruding parts can be reduced as much as possible. Further, in the above embodiment, the part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  is pressed toward the terminal  2 . Thus, the projecting width of the exposed core part  311  from the terminal  2  can be reduced as much as possible. Particularly, in the case of using an aluminum wire or an aluminum alloy wire as the core  31 , the core crimping pieces  223  tend to be compressed with a larger force and the tip part of the exposed core part  311  tends to largely elongate. However, according to the above embodiment, even in the case of using an aluminum wire or an aluminum alloy wire as the core  31 , the projecting width of the exposed core part  311  from the terminal  2  can be reduced. If the surface of the crimp-connected part of the exposed core part  311  and the crimping portion  22  becomes less uneven, it is suppressed that the film portion  4  becomes partly thinner. Specifically, protection performance of the film portion  4  is ensured. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  are pressed from above by the lower end surface (terminal pressing surface  811 ) of the terminal pressing member  81  moved toward the lower die for core  6 . According to this configuration, the projecting width of the projecting part formed on the protruding part can be reliably reduced by a simple configuration. Further, since the terminal pressing surface  811  is a surface not having the wall surface area extending along the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81 , the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  are pressed only from above and no compressive force is applied to the lateral sides (lateral sides are in a free state) when the terminal pressing member  81  is moved toward the terminal  2 . Thus, when the protruding parts are pressed, a force is less likely to be transmitted to parts other than the core crimping pieces  223  and the coupling portion  23  is less susceptible to deformation, damage and the like. 
     Further, since the terminal pressing surface  811  of the terminal pressing member  81  is a flat surface in the above embodiment, the configuration of the terminal pressing member  81  is particularly simple. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the core crimping pieces  223  is pressed from above by the lower end surface (core pressing surface  821 ) of the core pressing member  82  moved toward the lower die for core  6 . According to this configuration, the projecting width of the exposed core part  311  from the terminal  2  can be reliably reduced by a simple configuration. 
     Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal pressing surface  811  is formed at the position shifted upward (toward the base end part of the upper die for core  7 ) by a very short distance from the deepest part of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81 . Further, the core pressing surface  821  is formed at the same position as the deepest part of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the core pressing member  82 . Thus, the terminal pressing surface  811  is arranged at the position upwardly (toward the base end part of the upper die for core  7 ) of the position of the deepest part of the upper die surface  71  (reference position H) in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  in a state where the upper die for core  7  and the pressing member  8  moved in synchronization with the upper die for core  7  are closet to the lower die for core  6  (state shown in  FIG. 7 ). Further, the core pressing surface  821  is arranged at the same position as the reference position H in the moving direction of the core pressing member  82 . According to this configuration, since a vertical compression rate of the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  is smaller than that of the caulking target parts A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223 , a situation where the exposed core part  311  is damaged by the corners of the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223  is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, projecting heights of the parts of the exposed core parts  311  protruding from the core crimping pieces  223  becomes smaller than those of the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223 , wherefore the projecting width of the exposed core part  311  from the terminal  2  can be reliably reduced. 
     Further, since the upper die for core  7  and the pressing member  8  are synchronously moved according to the above embodiment, a step of crimping the caulking target areas A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  to the exposed core part  311 , a step of pressing the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  from above and a step of pressing the part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the core crimping pieces  223  from above are simultaneously performed. According to this configuration, the terminal-equipped wire  1  can be efficiently produced. 
     Further, since the upper die for core  7  and the pressing member  8  are united according to the above embodiment, the deformation of the pressing member  8  is suppressed and the durability of the pressing member  8  is improved. Further, the deposition of dust and the like between the upper die for core  7  and the pressing member  8  can be suppressed and maintainability is excellent. 
     Further, according to the above embodiment, the inclined surface area  711  is formed at the end part of the upper die surface  71  in the longitudinal direction on the side that faces the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223 . According to this configuration, the end parts (rear end parts P 2 ) of the core crimping pieces  223  that do not protrude from the upper die surface  71  are deformed to expand in a tapered manner. Thus, a situation where the exposed core part  311  is damaged by the corners of the rear end parts P 2  of the core crimping pieces  223  is unlikely to occur. 
     &lt;5. Modifications&gt; 
     In the above embodiment, the terminal pressing surface  811  is preferably a surface not having the wall surface area extending along the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  (i.e. a surface shaped to allow the lateral sides of the terminal  2  to be in a free state without coming into contact with the lateral sides when the terminal pressing member  81  is moved toward the terminal  2 ), but such a terminal pressing surface  811  is not necessarily limited to the flat surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  as described above. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a terminal pressing surface  811   a  may be formed by processing a surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  into an upwardly concave and moderately arcuate surface. Further, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a terminal pressing surface  811   b  may be formed by processing a surface perpendicular to the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  into a shape formed by two upwardly concave arcuate surfaces juxtaposed side by side. 
     Further, although the pressing member  8  and the upper die for core  7  are integrally formed in the above embodiment, they need not necessary be integrally formed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , an upper die for core  70  and a pressing member  80  may be separately formed. Here, the pressing member  80  is obtained by integrally forming a part corresponding to the thick part  72  and a part corresponding to the pressing member  8  in the above embodiment. The pressing member  80  is joined in close contact with the upper die for core  70 . Here, the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  are respectively formed with positioning holes  701 ,  801 . By inserting a positioning pin  901  into the positioning holes  701 ,  801  with the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  joined, the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  are united and synchronously moved toward and away from the terminal  2  on the lower die for core  6 . If the pressing member  80  and the upper die for core  70  are separately formed as just described, there is an advantage of facilitating the additional attachment of the pressing member  80  to the upper die for core  70 , the single exchange of the pressing member  80  or the upper die for core  70 , and the like. 
     Further, the separately formed upper die for core  70  and pressing member  80  may be independently (without synchronization) moved. For example, the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  may be coupled to different actuators without being united. In this case, the terminal-equipped wire  1  can be produced by, after the upper die for core  70  is first moved toward the lower die for core  6  to deform the respective caulking target areas A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and crimp them to the exposed core part  311 , moving the pressing member  80  toward the lower die for core  6  to press the parts of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  from above and press the part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  toward the terminal  2 . 
     However, in the case of separately moving the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80 , a terminal pressing surface  8110  is preferably arranged at a position above (toward the base end part of the upper die for core  7 ) a reference position H, which is the position of a deepest part of a groove of an upper die surface  710  in a state where the upper die for core  70  and the lower die for core  6  are closest to each other, in a moving direction of the pressing member  80  in a state where the pressing member  80  is closest to the lower die for core  6 , and a core pressing surface  8210  is arranged at the same position as the reference position H. According to this configuration, a situation where the exposed core part  311  is damaged by the corners of the front end parts P 1  of the core crimping pieces  223  is unlikely to occur, whereas the projecting width of the exposed core part  311  from the terminal  2  can be reliably reduced. 
     Further, in the case of separately forming the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80 , it is not essential that the two are in close contact and there may be a clearance between tip parts of the two. However, it is more advantageous that the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  are joined in close contact because the upper die for core  70  and the pressing member  80  are less likely to be deformed and dust and the like are less likely to be sandwiched between the two. 
     Further, although the terminal pressing member  81  and the core pressing member  82  are integrally formed in the above embodiment, they need not necessarily be integrally formed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , an upper die for core  70  and a terminal pressing member  810  may be separately formed and the terminal pressing member  810  and a core pressing member  820  may be separately formed. Here, the core pressing member  820  is joined in close contact with the terminal pressing member  810  and the terminal pressing member  810  is joined in close contact with the upper die for core  70 . Further, the upper die for core  70 , the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820  are respectively formed with positioning holes  701 ,  8101  and  8201  here. By inserting a positioning pin  901  into the positioning holes  701 ,  8101  and  8201  with the upper die for core  70  and the terminal pressing member  810  joined and the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820  joined, the upper die for core  70 , the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820  are united and synchronously moved toward and away from the terminal  2  on the lower die for core  6 . If the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820  are separately formed as just described, there is an advantage of facilitating the additional attachment of the core pressing member  820  to the terminal pressing member  810 , the single exchange of the terminal pressing member  810  or the core pressing member  820 , and the like. 
     Further, the separately formed terminal pressing member  810  and core pressing member  820  may be independently (without synchronization) moved. For example, the upper die for core  70 , the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820  may be coupled to different actuators without being united. In this case, the terminal-equipped wire  1  can be produced by first moving the upper die for core  70  toward the lower die for core  6  to deform the respective caulking target areas A of the pair of core crimping pieces  223  and crimp them to the exposed core part  311 , moving the terminal pressing member  810  toward the lower die for core  6  to press the parts of the pair of crimping pieces  223  protruding from the upper die surface  71  from above, and then pressing the part of the exposed core part  311  protruding from the pair of core crimping pieces  223  toward the terminal  2 . 
     In the case of separately moving the upper die for core  70 , the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820 , the terminal pressing surface  8110  is preferably arranged at the position above (toward the base end part of the upper die for core  7 ) the aforementioned reference position H in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  810  in a state where the terminal pressing member  810  is closest to the lower die for core  6  as described above. Further, the core pressing surface  8201  is arranged at the same position as the reference position H in the moving direction of the core pressing member  820  in a state where the core pressing member  820  is closest to the lower die for core  6 . 
     Note that, in the case of separately forming the terminal pressing member  810  and the core pressing member  820 , it is not essential that the two are in close contact and there may be a clearance between tip parts of the two. 
     Further, although the terminal  2  includes the pair of coating crimping pieces  222  in the above embodiment, it needs not necessarily include the pair of coating crimping pieces  222 . 
     Further, although the terminal pressing surface  811  is formed at the position shifted upward by a very short distance from the deepest part of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the terminal pressing member  81  in the above embodiment, it may be shifted upward or downward from the above position within such a range that the end parts of the core crimping pieces  223  can be pressed. 
     Further, although the core pressing surface  821  is formed at the same position as the deepest part of the upper die surface  71  in the moving direction of the core pressing member  82  in the above embodiment, it may be shifted upward or downward from the above position within such a range that the tip edge part of the exposed core part  311  can be pressed. 
     Although this invention has been described in detail above, the above description is illustrative in all aspects and this invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that unillustrated numerous modifications can be envisaged without departing from the scope of this invention.