Female terminal

Abstract

Provided is a female terminal having a novel structure, which can ensure a large contact pressure between the male and female terminals with a smaller number of components and can also improve the workability of the connecting portion. The female terminal (10) includes: a pair of connecting portions (12, 14) disposed opposite to each other across a male terminal insertion gap (30); a spring member (60) held by the pair of connecting portions (12, 14) in a state of sandwiching the pair of connecting portions (12, 14), and elastically pressing the pair of connecting portions (12, 14) in the direction of approaching each other in the opposing direction; and a stopper projection (34) protruding from at least one of the pair of connecting portions (12, 14), and restricting the displacement of the pair of connecting portions (12, 14) in the approaching direction by abutting against the other side of the pair of connecting portions (12, 14), maintaining the male terminal insertion gap (30), and allowing the pair of connecting portions (12, 14) to displace in the separating direction by overcoming the elastic force of the spring member (60), so that the male terminal (22) is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap (30) and disposed between the pair of connecting portions (12, 14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a female terminal, and more particularly to a female terminal capable of making electrical connection with a male terminal with a large contact pressure. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in female terminals for high voltage used in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., for the purpose of stably conducting a large current, it has been required to contact between the female terminal and the male terminal with a large contact pressure. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes the following structure: a pressing portion that presses the male terminal is disposed opposite to the connecting portion of the female terminal with a gap therebetween, and a spiral spring installed in the housing of the female terminal is used to elastically press the pressing portion toward the connecting portion side, and the male terminal is pressed against the connecting portion of the female terminal with a high pressure by the pressing portion.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153565 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the female terminal described in Patent Document 1, although the electrical connection between the male terminal and the connecting portion of the female terminal is achieved with a large contact pressure, it is necessary to install a pressing portion or a spiral spring for the connecting portion of the female terminal, and further install a housing for positioning and holding the spiral spring or the pressing portion, and there is a tendency for an increase in the number of components and an increase in cost. In addition, in order to allow the conduction of a large current, it is necessary to increase the plate thickness of the connecting portion of the female terminal, and there is a tendency for a decrease in the workability of the connecting portion.

[0008] Therefore, a female terminal having a novel structure is disclosed: it can ensure a large contact pressure between the male and female terminals with a smaller number of components, and can also improve the workability of the connecting portion.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The female terminal of the present disclosure has: a pair of connection parts which are arranged opposite to each other across a male terminal insertion gap; a spring member which is held by the pair of connection parts in a state of sandwiching the pair of connection parts and elastically presses the pair of connection parts in a direction approaching each other in the opposite direction; and a stopper projection which is protrudingly provided on at least one of the pair of connection parts and restricts the displacement of the pair of connection parts in the approaching direction by abutting against the other side of the pair of connection parts, maintains the male terminal insertion gap, and allows the pair of connection parts to displace in the separating direction by overcoming the elastic force of the spring member, so that the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap and disposed between the pair of connection parts. The spring member is composed of a clip spring which has a rectangular flat plate-shaped connecting plate part and a pair of rectangular flat plate-shaped clamping plate parts protruding from both side edges of the connecting plate part in a direction approaching each other. The pair of connection parts are sandwiched between the pair of clamping plate parts of the clip spring. On both sides of the clip spring, namely, on the side opposite to the connecting plate part and on the side edge part side of the pair of clamping plate parts of the clip spring, there are respectively provided male terminal insertion openings communicating with the male terminal insertion gap.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a female terminal which can ensure a large contact pressure between the male and female terminals with fewer component numbers and can also improve the workability of the connection parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. is an overall perspective view of the female terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1 exploded perspective view of.

[0015] Figure 3 is viewed from Figure 2 bottom surface of.

[0016] Figure 4 is Figure 1 top view of the female terminal shown in.

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 4 V-V cross-sectional view in.

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 4 VI-VI cross-sectional view in.

[0019] Figure 7 FIG. is a perspective view of the female terminal showing Modification 1.

[0020] Figure 8It is a perspective view of the female terminal part of the female terminal showing Modification 2.

[0021] Figure 9 It is from Figure 8 a perspective view seen from the bottom surface.

[0022] Figure 10 It is Figure 8 a longitudinal sectional view in the length direction in Figure 5 and is a view corresponding to

[0023] Figure 11 It is Figure 8 a transverse sectional view in the width direction in Figure 6 and is a view corresponding to

[0024] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the female terminal showing Modification 3 and is a view corresponding to Figure 7 the figure.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of the whole female terminal showing Embodiment 2 and is a view showing the state where the male terminal is inserted.

[0026] Figure 14 It is Figure 13 a perspective view of the whole female terminal shown in

[0027] Figure 15 and is a view showing the state before the male terminal is inserted. Figure 14 It is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal shown in

[0028] Figure 16 It is Figure 15 the front view of the female terminal shown in

[0029] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of the whole female terminal showing Embodiment 3 and is a view showing the state where the male terminal is inserted.

[0030] Figure 18 It is Figure 17 a perspective view of the whole female terminal shown in

[0031] Figure 19 and is a view showing the state before the male terminal is inserted. Figure 18 It is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal shown in

[0032] Figure 20 It is Figure 19 the front view of the female terminal shown in Detailed Embodiments

[0033] <Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure>

[0034] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0035] The female terminal of the present disclosure

[0036] (1) has: a pair of connection portions disposed opposite to each other across a male terminal insertion gap; a spring member held by the pair of connection portions in a state of sandwiching the pair of connection portions, elastically pressing the pair of connection portions in the opposing direction toward each other; and a stopper protrusion protruding from at least one of the pair of connection portions, and restricting the displacement of the pair of connection portions in the approaching direction by abutting against the other side of the pair of connection portions, maintaining the male terminal insertion gap, and allowing the pair of connection portions to displace in the separating direction by overcoming the elastic force of the spring member, so that the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap and disposed between the pair of connection portions. The spring member is composed of a clip spring having a rectangular flat connecting plate portion and a pair of rectangular flat clamping plate portions protruding from both side edges of the connecting plate portion in a direction approaching each other. The pair of connection portions are sandwiched between the pair of clamping plate portions of the clip spring. On both sides of the clip spring, namely, on one side opposite to the connecting plate portion and on the side edge portions of the pair of clamping plate portions of the clip spring, there are respectively provided male terminal insertion ports communicating with the male terminal insertion gap.

[0037] According to the female terminal of the present disclosure, the female terminal has a pair of connection portions disposed opposite to each other across a male terminal insertion gap, and a spring member that elastically presses the pair of connection portions in the opposing direction toward each other is held by the pair of connection portions in a state of sandwiching the pair of connection portions. Thus, for a male terminal that is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap by overcoming the elastic force of the spring member and causing the pair of connection portions to separate and displace, the pair of connection portions can be clamped by the spring member and pressed with a large contact pressure. In the existing structure, in order to press the connection portion of the female terminal against the male terminal with a large contact pressure, a housing for accommodating a pressing portion and a coil spring is required, but those are not needed, achieving a significant reduction in the number of components and an improvement in assemblability.

[0038] Moreover, since the connection portion crimped to the male terminal is composed of a pair of connection portions that press from both sides of the male terminal, the required current value can be shunted to the pair of connection portions. Therefore, compared with the case of using a single flat plate to form the connection portion as in the existing structure, the plate thickness of the connection portion required to conduct the required current value can be reduced. As a result, the workability of the connection portion and the degree of freedom of electroplating treatment can be improved.

[0039] Furthermore, a stopper projection that restricts the displacement of a pair of connecting portions in the approaching direction and maintains the male terminal insertion gap is provided to project from at least one of the pair of connecting portions toward the other. By abutting against the other connecting portion side, the approaching displacement is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for a housing that restricts the approaching displacement of the pressing portion toward the connecting portion in the conventional structure, and it is possible to further simplify the structure.

[0040] In addition, by adopting a clip spring as the spring member, it is possible to advantageously realize a structure that holds the pair of connecting portions in a state of clamping the pair of connecting portions. Moreover, a male terminal insertion port that communicates with the male terminal insertion gap can be provided on the side of the clip spring facing the connection plate portion and on the side edge portions of the pair of clamping plate portions of the clip spring. As a result, the male terminal can be inserted into the female terminal from multiple directions, and the versatility of the female terminal can be improved.

[0041] (3) In the above (2), it is preferable that the clip spring is held on the pair of connecting portions by fitting a convex portion provided on at least one of each of the clamping plate portions and each of the connecting portions with a concave portion provided on at least the other of each of the clamping plate portions and each of the connecting portions. The reason is that: by the concave-convex fitting of the concave and convex portions provided on the clamping plate portion and the connecting portion of the clip spring, the clip spring can be held on the pair of connecting portions more stably.

[0042] (4) It is preferable to have: a dome-shaped contact portion provided on the opposing surface of one of the pair of connecting portions and projecting toward the other; and a pair of linear contact portions provided on the opposing surface of the other of the pair of connecting portions and projecting toward the one, and the pair of linear contact portions are arranged on both sides with the dome-shaped contact portion in between. Since the dome-shaped contact portion is provided to project on one of the pair of connecting portions, the connecting portion of the female terminal can contact the male terminal with a wide contact area. Moreover, since the pair of linear contact portions provided to project on the other of the pair of connecting portions are arranged on both sides with the dome-shaped contact portion in between, the male terminal can be supported at three points between the pair of connecting portions that abut against both sides of the male terminal, the shaking of the male terminal can be suppressed, and a stable contact state between the male and female terminals can be advantageously maintained.

[0043] <Details of the Embodiment of the Present Disclosure>

[0044] The following will describe a specific example of the female terminal of the present disclosure while referring to the attached Figure 1 While illustrating these examples, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and intends to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0045] <Embodiment 1>

[0046] The following will describe while referring to Figures 1 to 6Explanation of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be given on one side. Figures 1 to 6 Shown is the female terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The female terminal 10 has a female terminal part 16, and the female terminal part 16 includes a first connection part 12 and a second connection part 14 that are arranged opposite to each other. Through the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14, a pair of connection parts that are formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and conductively connected to the male terminal 22 are formed in the female terminal part 16. The male terminal 22 has a tab shape with a pointed tip. Here, for easy understanding, the male terminal 22 is shown by a phantom line. In addition, hereinafter, the Z direction will be regarded as the upper side, the Y direction as the width direction, and the X direction as the front in the length direction. Also, regarding a plurality of identical components, sometimes only some of the components are labeled with reference numerals, and other components are omitted from the reference numerals.

[0047] <The first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14>

[0048] As Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 shown, the female terminal part 16 is formed by stamping a strip-shaped metal flat plate 24 into a predetermined shape. As the metal constituting the metal flat plate 24, a metal with low resistance such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy can be appropriately selected. In Embodiment 1, one end part 26 in the length direction of the strip-shaped metal flat plate 24 is bent upward in a folded shape toward the other end part 28. More specifically, by bending one end part 26 onto the other end part 28 and bending the top side of one end part 26 upward in a crank shape, the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 are arranged opposite to each other at a certain distance in the vertical direction. That is, the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 that constitute a pair of connection parts are arranged opposite to each other with a male terminal insertion gap 30 therebetween. In addition, the male terminal insertion gap 30 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is open on both sides in the width direction (Y direction) and on the front side in the length direction (X direction) (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0049] The distance of the male terminal insertion gap 30 between the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 is defined by the protruding dimension in the vertical direction of the crank-shaped bent portion 32 formed on the base end side of the first connecting portion 12 and the rectangular flat plate-shaped stopper protrusions 34 formed on both sides in the width direction of the top end portion of the first connecting portion 12 and protruding toward the second connecting portion 14. Further, in the female terminal 10 of the first embodiment, as will be described later, a clip spring 60 that elastically presses the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the approaching direction is assembled on the outer surfaces in the vertical direction of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14. Therefore, the protruding top end portion of the stopper protrusion 34 is pressed against the second connecting portion 14. That is, the stopper protrusion 34 protrudes from the first connecting portion 12 that constitutes the connecting portion. By the stopper protrusion 34 abutting against the second connecting portion 14 that constitutes the other connecting portion, the displacement of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the approaching direction is restricted, and the male terminal insertion gap 30 is maintained. By applying a force that overcomes the elastic force of the clip spring 60, the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 are allowed to displace in the separating direction.

[0050] As Figure 2 and Figure 5 , 6 shown, a recessed portion 36 that is circular in plan view and protrudes in a dome shape toward the second connecting portion 14 is provided at the central portion of the outer surface of the first connecting portion 12. Through the recessed portion 36, a dome-shaped contact portion 38 that protrudes in an arc shape toward the second connecting portion 14 is formed on the inner surface 12a of the first connecting portion 12, which is one of the opposing surfaces of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, in the longitudinal cross-section (refer to Figure 5 ) and the widthwise cross-section (refer to Figure 6 ). In addition, as Figure 3 and Figure 5 , 6 shown, a recessed portion 40 that is substantially square in plan view and recessed toward the first connecting portion 12 is provided at the central portion of the outer surface of the second connecting portion 14. Through the recessed portion 40, a trapezoidal contact portion 42 that protrudes toward the first connecting portion 12 in a flat trapezoidal shape is formed on the inner surface 14a of the second connecting portion 14, which is the other of the opposing surfaces of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, in the longitudinal cross-section (refer to Figure 5 ) and the widthwise cross-section (refer to Figure 6 ). Thus, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the separation dimension g between the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the male terminal insertion gap 30 is formed to be slightly smaller than the thickness dimension t of the male terminal 22 (g < t). That is, it is configured such that the male terminal 22 is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 30, and the male terminal 22 is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 30 and disposed between the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14.

[0051] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, on the inner surface 12a of the first connection part 12 and the inner surface 14a of the second connection part 14 in the male terminal insertion port 70 of the male terminal insertion gap 30 into which the male terminal 22 is inserted hereinafter, a tapered surface 44 that increases the separation dimension g between the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 is formed, and the male terminal 22 can be easily inserted into the male terminal insertion gap 30. Moreover, as Figure 5 shown, rectangular recessed parts 46 are respectively formed on both sides in the length direction (X direction) of the domed contact part 38 and the trapezoidal contact part 42 on the inner surface 12a of the first connection part 12 and the inner surface 14a of the second connection part 14. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, through these recessed parts 46, convex parts 48 having a triangular cross-section shape and extending in the length direction (X direction) are formed on the outer surfaces of the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14. As Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, one side surface in the width direction (Y direction) of the convex part 48 into which the hereinafter-described clip spring 60 is inserted is formed as a tapered surface 50, and the other side surface in the width direction (Y direction) is formed as an engaging surface 52 extending in the vertical direction. That is, by using the tapered surface 50, the clip spring 60 can be easily inserted and engaged with the convex part 48, and after the engagement, the engaging surface 52 can be advantageously used to prevent the clip spring 60 from disengaging from the convex part 48.

[0052] <Wire connection part 54>

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, one end part 26 in the length direction of the strip-shaped metal flat plate 24 is bent upward into a folded shape toward the other end part 28, so that the metal flat plates 24 overlap each other at the central part in the length direction of the metal flat plate 24 and are integrally fixed to each other by any known method such as resistance welding, thereby constituting the wire connection part 54. Thus, the female terminal parts 16 constituting the female terminal 10 can be conductively connected to the core wire 58 of the wire 56 at the wire connection part 54. In addition, by fixing the core wires 58 of the wire 56 to the wire connection part 54 at the same time, the work efficiency can also be achieved.

[0054] <Clip spring 60>

[0055] As Figure 1As shown, a clip spring 60 is assembled on the outer surfaces in the vertical direction of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14. The clip spring 60 elastically presses the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the approaching direction. The clip spring 60 is formed of a strip plate of various metal materials such as spring steel, stainless steel, brass, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, etc. that can be subjected to stamping, blanking, etc. The clip spring 60 has a rectangular flat connecting plate portion 62, and a pair of rectangular flat clamping plate portions 64, 64 protruding from both side edges of the connecting plate portion 62 in the approaching direction. The protruding end portions of the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 are slightly bent in the separating direction. A gap between the closest protruding end portions of the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 at the protruding end portions is formed as an insertion port 66. At both edge portions of the insertion port 66, recesses 68 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and opening at the edge portions are provided through the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 in the plate thickness direction.

[0056] The clip spring 60 is inserted from one side in the width direction (the front side in Figure 2 this case) of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 arranged opposite to each other. At this time, due to the elastic deformation of the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 in the separating direction, the insertion into the outer surfaces of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 at the insertion port 66 is allowed. Then, across the tapered surface 50 of the convex portion 48 provided on the outer surfaces of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 elastically recover, and thus the engaging surface 52 of the convex portion 48 provided on the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 is engaged with the recesses 68 provided on the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64. Thereby, in a state where the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 are clamped between the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 of the clip spring 60, the clip spring 60 is held on the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14.

[0057] As Figure 1 shown, the female terminal part 16 can be inserted into the male terminal 22 from both sides in the width direction (Y direction) and the front side in the length direction (X direction) where the opening of the male terminal insertion gap 30 is located, from the side in the width direction (Y direction) and the front side in the length direction (X direction) where the clip spring 60 is not assembled. That is, on one side in the width direction (Y direction) opposite to the connecting plate portion 62 of the clip spring 60, and on the side edge portion side of the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 of the clip spring 60, that is, on the front side in the length direction (X direction), there is provided a male terminal insertion port 70 communicating with the male terminal insertion gap 30, and the male terminal insertion port 70 allows the male terminal 22 to be inserted into the male terminal insertion gap 30. As Figure 1 shown, the male terminal insertion port 70 on one side in the width direction (Y direction) opens in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electric wire 56, and the male terminal insertion port 70 on the front side in the length direction (X direction) opens in the extending direction of the electric wire 56.

[0058] According to the female terminal 10 of the present disclosure configured as such, the clip spring 60 that elastically presses the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the approaching direction is held by the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in a state where the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 are clamped between a pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64. Thereby, the male terminal 22 pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 30 can be clamped between the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 with a large contact pressure. Therefore, compared with the case where a housing for accommodating a pressing portion and a spiral spring is required to clamp with a large contact pressure as in the past, those can be dispensed with, and a significant reduction in the number of components and an improvement in assemblability can be achieved. In addition, since a pair of connecting portions are constituted by the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, the plate thickness of the connecting portion required for each connecting portion can be reduced compared with the case where a connecting portion is constituted by a single flat plate as in the past. Therefore, the workability of the connecting portion and the degree of freedom of electroplating treatment can be improved. Further, by the stopper protrusion 34 protruding from the first connecting portion 12 abutting against the second connecting portion 14, the displacement of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 in the approaching direction is restricted, and the male terminal insertion gap 30 is maintained. Therefore, a housing that restricts the displacement of the pressing portion approaching the connecting portion, which was required in the past, can be dispensed with, and thus further simplification of the female terminal 10 can be achieved.

[0059] In addition, by adopting the clip spring 60 as the spring member, a state of clamping the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 constituting a pair of connecting portions can be advantageously achieved. Moreover, the male terminal 22 can be inserted from one side in the width direction (Y direction) and the front side in the length direction (X direction) where the clip spring 60 is not assembled. Thereby, the male terminal 22 can be inserted into the female terminal 10 from multiple directions (two directions in the first embodiment), and the versatility of the female terminal 10 can be improved. Further, the engaging surface 52 of the convex portion 48 provided on the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 of the female terminal 10 is fitted into the concave portions 68 provided on the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 of the clip spring 60. Thereby, the clip spring 60 can be further stably held by the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 of the female terminal 10.

[0060] Furthermore, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, since the dome-shaped contact portion 38 having a dome-shaped protruding end face protrudes from the inner surface 12a of the first connecting portion 12, which is the opposing surface of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, the male terminal 22 can be contacted with a wide contact area. Moreover, since the trapezoidal contact portion 42 having a trapezoidal protruding end face protrudes from the inner surface 14a of the second connecting portion 14, which is the other opposing surface of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14, the male terminal 22 can be stably contacted with a wide contact area.

[0061] <Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1>

[0062] In the above Embodiment 1, taking the case where metal plates 24 are overlapped with each other and integrally fixed to each other by any known method such as resistance welding to form the wire connection portion 54 as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The connection to the core wire 58 of the wire 56 can also be performed by crimping. Hereinafter, while referring to Figure 7 while explaining Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In the female terminal part 73 of the female terminal 72 constituting Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1, a pair of extension plate parts 74, 74 protruding outward ( Figure 7 in the up-down direction in ) are provided so as to be connected to the rear end parts of the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 and separated from each other. Side walls 76, 76 protruding toward each other are provided at the extending end parts of the pair of extension plate parts 74, 74, and by abutting the side walls 76 against each other, the extending end parts of the pair of extension plate parts 74, 74 are formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, a wire crimping part 78 is provided so as to be connected to the extending end parts of the pair of extension plate parts 74, 74. The wire crimping part 78 crimps the core wire 58 exposed at the end of the wire 56 to the wire crimping part 78 using a known crimping technique, whereby the core wire 58 of the wire 56 is conductively connected to the female terminal 72. In the female terminal 72 of Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, since the connection to the core wire 58 of the wire 56 is only changed from fixing to crimping, it is obvious that it has the same effect as the female terminal 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0063] <Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1>

[0064] In the above Embodiment 1 and its Modification Example 1, taking the case where a dome-shaped contact part 38 protruding toward the second connection part 14 is formed on the inner surface 12a of the first connection part 12 and a trapezoidal contact part 42 protruding toward the first connection part 12 is formed on the inner surface 14a of the second connection part 14 as an example, but it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, while referring to Figures 8 to 11 while explaining Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In addition, in this embodiment, since the same clip spring 60 as in Embodiment 1 and its Modification Example 1 can be adopted, the illustration thereof is omitted. In Figure 9 the female terminal part 81 of the female terminal 80 constituting Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure shown, since the central part of the trapezoidal contact part 42 in Embodiment 1 and its Modification Example 1 is recessed in a dome shape, a square annular contact part 82 protruding toward the first connection part 12 is provided on the inner surface 14a of the second connection part 14. Thus, the protruding end part of the square annular contact part 82 is formed so as to surround the protruding end part 38a of the dome-shaped contact part 38. Therefore, in Figure 10In a cross-section of the female terminal 80 in the length direction (X direction) as shown, a pair of linear contact portions 82a, 82a formed by the protruding ends of the square-ring-shaped contact portion 82 are arranged on both sides (both sides in the X direction) with the protruding end 38a of the dome-shaped contact portion 38 interposed therebetween.

[0065] In addition, in Figure 11 a cross-section of the female terminal 80 in the width direction (Y direction) as shown, a pair of linear contact portions 82b, 82b formed by the protruding ends of the square-ring-shaped contact portion 82 are arranged on both sides (in the Y direction) with the protruding end 38a of the dome-shaped contact portion 38 interposed therebetween. Thus, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 in the cross-sectional views as shown, the male terminal 22 inserted from the front side in the length direction into the male terminal insertion gap 30 and the male terminal 22 inserted from one side in the width direction into the male terminal insertion gap 30 are supported at three points from both sides in the plate thickness direction by the protruding end 38a of the dome-shaped contact portion 38 and a pair of linear contact portions 82a, 82a or a pair of linear contact portions 82b, 82b. As a result, the wobbling of the male terminal 22 can be suppressed, and a stable contact state between the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 22 can be advantageously maintained. In addition, by adopting a pair of linear contact portions 82a, 82a, 82b, 82b, compared with the case of the trapezoidal contact portion 42 in the first embodiment, the insertion resistance of the male terminal 22 inserted into the male terminal insertion gap 30 can be reduced.

[0066] In the female terminal 80 of the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper protrusion 34 protrudes not only toward both sides in the width direction of the top end portion of the first connection portion 12 but also toward the second connection portion 14 formed on both sides in the width direction of the base end portion of the first connection portion 12. Thereby, the distance of the male terminal insertion gap 30 between the first connection portion 12 and the second connection portion 14 can be accurately formed, and this state can be stably maintained. The stopper protrusion 34 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may protrude from one side or both sides in the width direction of the top end portion or the base end portion of the first connection portion 12 and the second connection portion 14 toward the opposing second connection portion 14 and first connection portion 12. When the stopper protrusions 34 are provided on both sides of the first connection portion 12 and the second connection portion 14, the contact against the other side includes the contact between the stopper protrusions 34. In addition, in the female terminal 80 of the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, since only the square-ring-shaped contact portion 82 protrudes from the inner surface 14a of the second connection portion 14 toward the first connection portion 12 is different, it is obvious that it also has the same effect as the female terminal 10 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] <Modification 3 of Embodiment 1>

[0068] In the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 and 2, the case where the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 constituting a pair of connecting portions are elastically pressed in the approaching direction by the clip spring 60 as a spring member has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, while referring to Figure 12 Modification Example 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. In the female terminal 84 of Modification Example 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, as the spring member, in addition to the clip spring 60, for example, an annular elastic member 86 such as a rubber band can be used.

[0069] <Embodiment 2>

[0070] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the case where the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 that are opposed to each other at a certain distance in the vertical direction constitute a pair of connecting portions has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, while referring to Figures 13 to 16 the female terminal 88 of Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. The female terminal part 90 constituting the female terminal 88 of Embodiment 2 is formed by stamping, blanking, and bending a strip-shaped metal flat plate 92 into a predetermined shape. At one end portion in the length direction of the female terminal part 90 ( Figures 13 to 16 the right end portion in the figure), a wire connection portion 54 for fixing the core wire of a wire (not shown) by a known arbitrary method such as resistance welding is provided. On the other hand, at the other end portion in the length direction of the female terminal part 90 ( Figures 13 to 16 the left end portion in the figure), the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 constituting a pair of connecting portions are opposed to each other with a male terminal insertion gap 98 therebetween.

[0071] <The first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96>

[0072] As Figures 13 to 16 shown, the base end portions 102 of the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 are respectively connected to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of a rectangular flat plate-shaped connecting portion 100 connected to the wire connection portion 54. The top end portions 104 of the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 are respectively formed by extending from the base end portion 102 toward the front in the length direction and then folding back inward from the folding portion 106, and are U-shaped as a whole. A slit 108 is provided throughout the entire length in the length direction of the top end portions 104 of the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96, and the top end portions 104 of the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 are divided into two divided connecting portions 110, 110 by the slit 108. That is, the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 constituting a pair of connecting portions are divided into two pairs of divided connecting portions 110, 110. In addition, the divided connecting portion 110 is configured to extend in a cantilever beam shape from the base end portion 102.

[0073] Each pair of split connection portions 110, 110 extends obliquely toward the center in the vertical direction between the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96, on the top end side with respect to the folding-back portion 106, and the extending end portion is bent in a manner of further inclining inward. The extending end portion constitutes the stopper projection 112. That is, each pair of split connection portions 110, 110 has the stopper projection 112. In addition, on the top end side of each pair of split connection portions 110, 110 with respect to the folding-back portion 106, a contact 116 that protrudes in a dome shape inward due to the recessed portion 114 is provided near the folding-back portion 106. On the other hand, on the top end side of each pair of split connection portions 110, 110 with respect to the folding-back portion 106, an engagement hole 118 is provided through near the stopper projection 112.

[0074] <Clip spring 120>

[0075] As Figures 13 to 16 shown, a clip spring 120 is assembled to the engagement holes 118 provided through the two pairs of split connection portions 110, 110 that constitute the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96. The clip spring 120 is a spring member that elastically presses the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 in the approaching direction. The clip spring 120 is formed of a strip of various metal materials such as spring steel, stainless steel, brass, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, etc., which can be subjected to stamping, blanking, etc. The clip spring 120 has a rectangular flat connecting plate portion 62 and a pair of rectangular flat clamping plate portions 122, 122 that protrude from both side edge portions of the connecting plate portion 62 in the approaching direction. A slit 124 is provided through the entire length of each clamping plate portion 122 in the protruding direction, and each clamping plate portion 122 is divided into two split clamping plate portions 126 by the slit 124. As a result, the clip spring 120 has a configuration in which two pairs of split clamping plate portions 126, 126 extend from the connecting plate portion 62 in a cantilever shape and are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction. In addition, the clip spring 120 has a connecting plate portion 62 that connects the base end portions of the two pairs of split clamping plate portions 126. Thus, the clip spring 120 can be handled as an integral object, and the workability when assembling the clip spring 120 to the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 can be improved. In addition, the number of components of the clip spring 120 can be reduced. Further, a hook-shaped engagement protrusion 128 is provided protruding at the extending end portion of the split clamping plate portion 126. A gap between the engagement protrusions 128 that are closest to each other in the vertical direction at the protruding end portion of the split clamping plate portion 126 forms an insertion port 130 (refer to Figure 16 ).

[0076] <Assembly method of the female terminal 88 of Embodiment 2>

[0077] First, prepare the female terminal part 90, from the side of the stopper projection 112 of the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 that are arranged opposite to each other ( Figures 13 to 16Insert the clip spring 120 (on the right side in [the figure]). As a result, the two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126 of the pair of clamping plate portions 122, 122 constituting the clip spring 120 are elastically deformed in the direction of separating from each other. As a result, the insertion port 130 of the clip spring 120 expands, and the stopper projections 112 of the two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110 are clamped between the two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126 of the clip spring 120. Further insert the clip spring 120 toward the folding portion 106 side of the two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110. As a result, the two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126 of the clip spring 120 straddle the stopper projections 112, and the engaging protrusions 128 provided on the two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126 are engaged with the engaging holes 118 provided on the two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110. As a result, the two pairs of divided connection portions 110 constituting the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 are clamped between the pair of clamping plate portions 122, 122 of the clip spring 120. Thus, the clip spring 120 is held on the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96, and the female terminal 88 of Embodiment 2 is completed (refer to Figure 14 ). As a result, each pair of the two pairs of divided connection portions 110 is elastically pressed by each pair of the two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126. And, as Figure 13 shown, the male terminal 22 is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 98 of the female terminal 88 formed as described above. As a result, the contact 116 provided on the divided connection portion 110 is crimped to the male terminal 22, and the male terminal 22 is stably electrically connected to the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 of the female terminal 88.

[0078] The female terminal 88 of Embodiment 2 is different from the female terminal 10 of Embodiment 1 only in the following aspects: the tip portions 104 of the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 are divided into two divided connection portions 110, 110, and the clamping plate portion 122 is divided into two divided clamping plate portions 126. Therefore, it is obvious that the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 can be achieved.

[0079] In addition, in the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment, the first connection portion 94 and the second connection portion 96 that constitute a pair of connection portions are divided into two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110, and each pair of the two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110 is elastically pressed by each pair of two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126. As a result, each pair of divided connection portions 110, 110 can be displaced independently of the other pair of divided connection portions 110, 110. Therefore, with respect to the tightening of the male terminal 22 inserted into the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment, the two pairs of divided connection portions 110, 110 that constitute a pair of connection portions can exhibit better followability. Therefore, even if the male terminal 22 is tightened, the electrical connection between the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment and the male terminal 22 can be stably performed. In addition, since each pair of divided connection portions 110, 110 has a stopper protrusion 112, the approach displacement is restricted for each pair of divided connection portions 110, 110. Therefore, even when the male terminal 22 is tightened, the electrical connection between the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment and the male terminal 22 can be stably performed.

[0080] <Third Embodiment>

[0081] In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the extending end portion of the divided connection portions 110, 110 on the tip side with respect to the folding-back portion 106 is further bent inwardly to form the stopper protrusion 112 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, while referring to Figures 17 to 20 while explaining the female terminal 132 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the female terminal 132 of the third embodiment, the extending end portion of the divided connection portions 134, 134 on the tip side with respect to the folding-back portion 106 extends toward the rear side in the length direction ( Figures 16 to 18 the right side in ) to form the stopper protrusion 112.

[0082] The female terminal 132 of the third embodiment is different from the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment only in that the extending direction of the stopper protrusion 112 is slightly different. Therefore, it is obvious that the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be achieved. In addition, the contact area between the stopper protrusions 112, 112 is larger than that of the female terminal 88 of the second embodiment. As a result, the occurrence of misalignment between the stopper protrusions 112, 112 can be advantageously prevented.

[0083] <Other Embodiments>

[0084] The technology described in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described by the above description and the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the technology described in this specification.

[0085] (1) In the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 and 2, the case where the clip spring 60 is fitted into the concave portions 68 provided in the pair of clamping plate portions 64, 64 to form the convex portions 48 of the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 that constitute the pair of connecting portions has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. That is, in the above-described Embodiment 1 and its Modification Examples 1 and 2, it may also be the case where convex portions are provided on the clip spring 60 side and concave portions are provided on the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 side.

[0086] (2) In the above-described Embodiment 2, the case where the first connecting portion 94 and the second connecting portion 96 that constitute the pair of connecting portions are divided into two pairs of divided connecting portions 110, 110 and the clip spring 120 is divided into two pairs of divided clamping plate portions 126, 126 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. It may also be the case where the pair of connecting portions are divided into three or more pairs of divided connecting portions and the clip spring is divided into three or more pairs of divided clamping plate portions. In addition, it can be said that the same applies to the above-described Embodiment 3.

[0087] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10 Female terminal (Embodiment 1)

[0089] 12 First connecting portion

[0090] 12a Inner surface

[0091] 14 Second connecting portion

[0092] 14a Inner surface

[0093] 16 Female terminal part

[0094] 22 Male terminal

[0095] 24 Metal flat plate

[0096] 26 One end portion

[0097] 28 The other end portion

[0098] 30 Male terminal insertion gap

[0099] 32 Bent portion

[0100] 34 Stopping projection

[0101] 36 Depressed portion

[0102] 38 Dome-shaped contact portion

[0103] 38a Projecting end portion

[0104] 40 Depressed portion

[0105] 42 Trapezoidal contact portion

[0106] 44 Conical surface

[0107] 46 Depressed part

[0108] 48 Protruding part

[0109] 50 Conical surface

[0110] 52 Engaging surface

[0111] 54 Electric wire connection part

[0112] 56 Electric wire

[0113] 58 Core wire

[0114] 60 Clip spring (spring member)

[0115] 62 Connecting plate part

[0116] 64 Clamping plate part

[0117] 66 Insertion port

[0118] 68 Recessed part

[0119] 70 Male terminal insertion port

[0120] 72 Female terminal (Modification 1)

[0121] 73 Female terminal part

[0122] 74 Extension plate part

[0123] 76 Side wall

[0124] 78 Electric wire crimping part

[0125] 80 Female terminal (Modification 2)

[0126] 81 Female terminal part

[0127] 82 Square-ring-shaped contact part

[0128] 82a Linear contact part (X direction)

[0129] 82b Linear contact part (Y direction)

[0130] 84 Female terminal (Modification 3)

[0131] 86 Annular elastic member (spring member)

[0132] 88 Female terminal (Embodiment 2)

[0133] 90 Female terminal part

[0134] 92 Metal flat plate

[0135] 94 First connecting part

[0136] 96 Second connecting part

[0137] 98 Male terminal insertion gap

[0138] 100 Connecting part

[0139] 102 Base end part

[0140] 104 Tip end part

[0141] 106 Folding part

[0142] 108 Slit

[0143] 110 Split connecting part

[0144] 112 Stopping projection

[0145] 114 Concave part

[0146] 116 Contact point

[0147] 118 Engaging hole

[0148] 120 Clip spring (spring member)

[0149] 122 Clamping plate part

[0150] 124 Slit

[0151] 126 Split clamping plate part

[0152] 128 Engaging protrusion

[0153] 130 Insertion port

[0154] 132 Female terminal (Embodiment 3)

[0155] 134 Split connecting part

Claims

1. A female terminal having: A pair of connecting portions which are disposed opposite to each other with a male terminal insertion gap therebetween; A spring member which is held by the pair of connecting portions in a state of sandwiching the pair of connecting portions and elastically presses the pair of connecting portions in a direction approaching each other in the opposing direction; and A stopper projection which is provided to project from at least one of the pair of connecting portions and restricts the displacement of the pair of connecting portions in the approaching direction by abutting against the other side of the pair of connecting portions, thereby maintaining the male terminal insertion gap, By overcoming the elastic force of the spring member, the displacement of the pair of connecting portions in the separating direction is allowed, so that the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap and disposed between the pair of connecting portions, The spring member is constituted by a clip spring which has a rectangular flat plate-shaped connecting plate portion and a pair of rectangular flat plate-shaped clamping plate portions which project from both side edges of the connecting plate portion in a direction approaching each other, and the pair of connecting portions are clamped between the pair of clamping plate portions of the clip spring, On both a side of the clip spring opposed to the connecting plate portion and a side edge portion side of the pair of clamping plate portions of the clip spring, there are respectively provided male terminal insertion openings communicating with the male terminal insertion gap.

2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The clip spring is held by the pair of connecting portions by fitting a convex portion provided on at least one of each of the clamping plate portions and each of the connecting portions with a concave portion provided on at least the other of each of the clamping plate portions and each of the connecting portions.

3. The female terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: It has: a dome-shaped contact portion which is provided on an opposing surface of one of the pair of connecting portions and projects toward the other; and a pair of linear contact portions which are provided on an opposing surface of the other of the pair of connecting portions and project toward the one, and the pair of linear contact portions are disposed on both sides with the dome-shaped contact portion interposed therebetween.

Images