Female terminal, terminal unit, and male terminal

Abstract

The invention discloses a female terminal, which can restrain large size of the female terminal and ensure following performance and contact pressure of an elastic contact piece to a male terminal even under the condition that large current needs to be coped with. A female terminal (10) is provided with: a main body section (22) including a first wall section (18) and a second wall section (20); a first contact (24) provided on the first wall section (18); an elastic contact piece (28) which is attached to the second wall section (20), has a plate thickness smaller than that of the main body section (22), protrudes toward the first wall section (18), is elastically deformable toward the second wall section (20), and has a second contact point (26); and a pressing spring (30) that is assembled to the second wall section (20) and that, when the male terminal (12) is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap (16), presses the elastic contact piece (28) toward the first wall section (18), and the second contact point (26) of the elastic contact piece (28) is pressed into the male terminal (12) pressed into the male terminal insertion gap (16). The elastic contact piece (28) is pressed against the male terminal (12) by the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece (28) toward the first wall portion (18) and the pressing force of the pressing spring (30), and the male terminal (12) is pressed against the first contact point (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a female terminal, a terminal unit using the female terminal, and a male terminal. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal unit comprising a plate-shaped male terminal and a female terminal connected to the male terminal. The female terminal has a pair of walls disposed opposite each other with a gap therebetween for insertion of the male terminal, one of the walls being provided with an elastic contact piece for pressing the male terminal against the other wall, and the other wall being provided with a plurality of contacts protruding therefrom. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-204396 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The female terminal in the terminal unit of Patent Document 1 is formed by stamping a single metal plate, so the elastic contact piece is also formed with the same thickness as the metal plate, which is set according to the current capacity. Therefore, when large currents need to flow, the elastic contact piece becomes thicker, and its ability to follow the male terminal is degraded. As a result, the elastic contact piece easily separates from the male terminal, potentially resulting in a failure to achieve the required contact pressure on the male terminal. Alternatively, increasing the length of the elastic contact piece to ensure followability is also considered, but due to the large size of the female terminal, this is not an optimal solution.

[0005] Therefore, a female terminal, a terminal unit using the same, and a male terminal are disclosed. Even when a high current is required, the female terminal can suppress enlargement while ensuring the followability and contact pressure of the elastic contact piece to the male terminal. Solutions to Problems

[0006] The female terminal of the present invention comprises: a main body including a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged opposite to each other with a male terminal insertion gap therebetween, the male terminal being pressed into the male terminal insertion gap; a first contact provided on the first wall portion and protruding toward the second wall portion; an elastic contact piece assembled to the second wall portion, having a plate thickness thinner than that of the main body, protruding toward the first wall portion, being elastically deformable toward the second wall portion side, and having a second contact; and a pressing spring assembled to the second wall portion, biasing the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion when the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap, the second contact of the elastic contact piece being pressed against the male terminal by the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion and the biasing force of the pressing spring relative to the male terminal pressed into the male terminal insertion gap, thereby pressing the male terminal against the first contact.

[0007] A terminal unit of the present invention includes a plate-shaped male terminal and a female terminal connected to the male terminal, wherein the female terminal is the female terminal according to the present invention.

[0008] The male terminal of the present invention is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap of the female terminal involved in the later-described (2) method of the present invention, and the male terminal has a pair of inclined portions on both sides of the plate width direction intersecting with the pressing direction, which are inclined toward one side of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a female terminal, a terminal unit using the same, and a male terminal can be provided. Even when a high current is required, the female terminal can be prevented from being enlarged while ensuring the followability and contact pressure of the elastic contact piece to the male terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state where the female terminal according to the first embodiment is connected to the male terminal. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the female terminal is shown. Figure 3 It will Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is an enlarged view of the section III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Section IV-IV in Figure 1. Figure 5 It will Figure 1 The female terminal shown is a perspective view in a state where it is not connected to the male terminal. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the female terminal shown is Figure 4 The corresponding figure. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the female terminal is shown. Figure 8 It will constitute Figure 5 The illustrated diagram is a plan view of the metal flat plate of the main body portion of the female terminal before being punched. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] <Description of Embodiments of the Invention> First, embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The female terminal of the present invention, (1) It comprises: a main body, including a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged opposite to each other with a male terminal insertion gap therebetween, the male terminal being pressed into the male terminal insertion gap; a first contact provided on the first wall portion and protruding toward the second wall portion; an elastic contact piece assembled to the second wall portion, having a plate thickness thinner than that of the main body, protruding toward the first wall portion, being elastically deformable toward the second wall portion, and having a second contact; and a pressing spring assembled to the second wall portion, biasing the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion when the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap, the second contact of the elastic contact piece being pressed against the male terminal pressed into the male terminal insertion gap by the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion and the biasing force of the pressing spring, thereby pressing the male terminal against the first contact.

[0012] According to the female terminal of the present invention, an elastic contact piece, which is a thinner body portion than the body portion, is assembled with respect to a second wall portion disposed opposite the first wall portion of the body portion. The elastic contact piece protrudes toward the first wall portion, where the first contact is located, and is elastically deformed toward the second wall portion by the male terminal, which is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap, thereby allowing the male terminal to be inserted into the male terminal insertion gap. The second contact provided on the elastic contact piece is first pressed against the male terminal inserted into the male terminal insertion gap by the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion. Because the elastic contact piece is thinner than the body portion, it is easier to flex and deform compared to conventional structures in which the elastic contact piece is formed from a portion of the body portion. Therefore, when handling high currents, the current carrying capacity can be ensured within the thicker body portion, while the elastic contact piece, which is thinner than the body portion, can ensure good tracking of the male terminal. That is, since the elastic contact piece can maintain its ability to follow the male terminal without increasing its length, even when a high current is required, the female terminal can be prevented from increasing in size while maintaining the necessary ability to follow the male terminal.

[0013] Furthermore, because a pressing spring is incorporated into the second wall portion of the main body, this pressing spring biases the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion when the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap. Therefore, the biasing force of the pressing spring also advantageously increases the contact pressure of the second contact point of the elastic contact piece against the male terminal. Furthermore, the elastic contact piece, biased by the pressing spring, presses the male terminal toward the first contact point, stably maintaining contact with the first and second contacts, thereby advantageously maintaining conductive stability between the male and female terminals.

[0014] Furthermore, because the elastic deformation of the elastic contact piece accompanying the insertion of the male terminal is not accompanied by the elastic deformation of the main body, there is no need to provide a deformation-accommodating gap between the male terminal and the connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, simplifying the design and also enabling the miniaturization of the connector equipped with the female terminal. Furthermore, the pressure spring only needs to have a biasing force sufficient to press the elastic contact piece, which is more easily deformed than the main body. This also allows for a more compact pressure spring compared to a case where the pressure spring must be applied to press an elastic contact piece of the same thickness as the main body.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), it is preferred that the male terminal pressed into the male terminal insertion gap has a pair of inclined portions inclined toward one side of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal on both sides of the plate width direction intersecting the pressing direction, the first wall portion has a pair of first inclined side edges, the pair of first inclined side edges are opposite to the other side of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal, and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal respectively, the first contact is provided on each of the first inclined side edges, the second wall portion has a pair of second inclined side edges, the pair of second inclined side edges are opposite to the second side of the plate thickness direction The surfaces of the male terminal on the one side in the plate thickness direction are opposite to each other and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal respectively. The elastic contact piece is arranged on each of the second inclined side edges. The pressing spring has a first spring portion and a second spring portion. The first spring portion presses the elastic contact piece arranged on one side in the plate width direction toward the first inclined side edge located on the one side in the plate width direction, and the second spring portion presses the elastic contact piece arranged on the other side in the plate width direction toward the first inclined side edge located on the other side in the plate width direction.

[0016] The male terminal has a pair of inclined portions on both sides of the male terminal's plate width, in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion into the male terminal's press-in gap, that is, in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion into the male terminal's press-in gap. Similarly, the first wall portion of the female terminal has a pair of first inclined side edges (first contacts) that face the other side of the male terminal in the plate thickness direction and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal. The second wall portion of the female terminal has a pair of second inclined side edges that face the one side of the male terminal in the plate thickness direction and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal, each of which is provided with an elastic contact piece. Furthermore, the elastic contact piece disposed on the second inclined side edge of the female terminal located on one side of the male terminal in the plate width direction is pressed against the inclined portion of the male terminal by the first spring portion, and the elastic contact piece disposed on the second inclined side edge of the female terminal located on the other side of the male terminal in the plate width direction is pressed against the inclined portion of the male terminal by the second spring portion. Thus, when an external force is applied to the male terminal in the plate width direction, the inclined portion of the male terminal is pressed by the first contact on the first inclined side edge portion of the female terminal, which is similarly inclined, and the second contact of the elastic contact piece arranged on the second inclined side edge portion, on both sides of the male terminal in the plate width direction, generating a component of force directed inward in the plate width direction (reaction force from the first contact portion and the second contact portion). As a result, compared to a case where the first / second wall portions of the male and female terminals are flat plates, the force preventing displacement of the male terminal in the plate width direction can be increased, thereby suppressing displacement of the male terminal relative to the female terminal in the plate width direction.

[0017] Furthermore, on both sides of the male terminal's plate width, the male terminal's inclined portion is sandwiched between the similarly inclined first and second inclined side edges of the female terminal and the elastic contact piece located on the female terminal's second inclined side edge. This allows different pressure springs (the first and second spring portions) to apply contact pressure from both sides of the male terminal's inclined portion in the plate thickness direction. As a result, the first and second contacts of the female terminal can be pressed against the male terminal's inclined portions with stable contact pressure, further advantageously improving the ability to suppress displacement in response to external forces in the male terminal's plate width direction and reducing micro-sliding friction between the male and female terminals.

[0018] (3) In the above (1) or (2), preferably, a male terminal insertion port continuous with the male terminal insertion gap is provided on the end side of the male terminal insertion gap of the main body, and the elastic contact piece is supported by a first assembly portion assembled to the second wall portion, and the first assembly portion has: a first base portion, which is placed on the outer surface of the second wall portion on the side of the male terminal insertion port; and a first connecting plate portion, which protrudes from the first base portion toward the first wall portion and is arranged opposite to the end face of the second wall portion constituting the male terminal insertion port, and the elastic contact piece is connected to the protruding edge of the first connecting plate portion in the shape of a cantilever beam, and protrudes toward the inner side of the male terminal insertion gap and the side of the first wall portion.

[0019] The elastic contact piece is supported by a first assembly portion, which includes a first base portion placed on the outer surface of the second wall portion and a first connecting plate portion projecting from the first base portion toward the first wall portion and disposed opposite the end surface of the second wall portion on the male terminal insertion port side. By assembling the first assembly portion to the second wall portion, the elastic contact piece can be assembled to the second wall portion while projecting inward from the male terminal insertion port side and projecting toward the first wall portion in a cantilevered beam-like manner. This facilitates the placement of the elastic contact piece, which is elastically deformed by the male terminal inserted into the male terminal insertion gap, toward the male terminal insertion gap. Furthermore, by stamping a single metal flat plate, the elastic contact piece, which is connected to the first connecting plate portion of the first assembly portion in a cantilevered beam-like manner, can be easily formed, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0020] (4) In the above (3), it is preferable that the first connecting plate portion of the first assembly portion is welded to the end surface of the second wall portion on the side of the male terminal insertion port. Since the first connecting plate portion of the first assembly portion to which the elastic contact piece is connected is welded to the end surface of the second wall portion of the main body portion, the contact resistance therebetween can be reduced, making it easier to cope with high current.

[0021] (5) In (3) when subordinate to the above (2), it is preferred that the first assembly portion has a pair of first connecting plate portions, the pair of first connecting plate portions are arranged opposite to the end faces of the pair of second inclined side edges on the male terminal insertion port side, the elastic contact pieces are connected to the protruding edges of the pair of first connecting plate portions in a cantilever beam shape, and the pair of elastic contact pieces are respectively biased toward the first inclined side edges by the first spring portion and the second spring portion. Since the pair of elastic contact pieces connected and supported by the pair of first connecting plate portions of the first assembly portion are respectively biased toward the opposing first inclined side edges by the first spring portion and the second spring portion of the pressure spring, the followability of the elastic contact pieces to the male terminal can be further improved and the contact pressure can be maintained.

[0022] (6) In any one of the above (3) to (5), it is preferred that one of the two opposing surfaces of the first assembly portion and the second wall portion has a first locking claw that can be elastically deformed, and the other of the two opposing surfaces of the first assembly portion and the second wall portion has a first locking hole, and the first locking claw elastically deforms to allow the first assembly portion to be assembled to the second wall portion, and the first locking claw elastically recovers and engages with the first locking hole, so that the first assembly portion is assembled to the second wall portion in a non-detachable manner. By the first locking claw and the first locking hole arranged between the opposing surfaces of the first assembly portion and the second wall portion, the assembled state of the first assembly portion to the second wall portion can be maintained, and the elastic contact piece can be prevented from accidentally detaching from the main body portion.

[0023] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), preferably, a rear opening portion continuous with the male terminal insertion gap is provided on the base end side of the male terminal insertion gap of the main body, the pressing spring has a tongue shape, and is supported by a second assembly portion assembled to the second wall portion, the second assembly portion having: a second base portion, which is placed on the outer surface of the second wall portion on the side of the rear opening portion; and a second connecting plate portion, which protrudes from the second base portion toward the first wall portion and is arranged opposite to the end face of the second wall portion constituting the rear opening portion, the pressing spring is connected to the protruding edge of the second connecting plate portion in the shape of a cantilever beam, protruding toward the inner side of the male terminal insertion gap and the side of the first wall portion, and the protruding end of the pressing spring presses the end of the elastic contact piece toward the side of the first wall portion.

[0024] The elastic contact piece is supported by a second assembly portion, which includes a second base portion mounted on the outer surface of the second wall portion and a second connecting plate portion projecting from the second base portion toward the first wall portion and facing the end face of the second wall portion on the rear opening side. By assembling the second assembly portion to the second wall portion, a tongue-shaped pressure spring can be assembled to the second wall portion while projecting inward from the rear opening portion and toward the first wall portion in a cantilevered beam-like manner. The protruding end of the pressure spring presses the end of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion. This facilitates the placement of the pressure spring, which presses the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion, in the gap between the male terminals. Furthermore, by stamping a single metal flat plate, the tongue-shaped pressure spring, which is connected to the second connecting plate portion of the second assembly portion in a cantilevered beam-like manner, can be easily formed, thereby improving manufacturability.

[0025] (8) In (7) when subordinate to the above (2), it is preferred that the second assembly portion has a pair of second connecting plate portions, the pair of second connecting plate portions are arranged opposite to the end faces of the pair of second inclined side edges on the side of the rear opening portion, and the pressing springs are connected to the protruding edges of the pair of second connecting plate portions in a cantilever beam shape to form the first spring portion and the second spring portion. Since the pair of elastic contact pieces connected and supported by the pair of second connecting plate portions of the second assembly portion are respectively biased toward the opposing first inclined side edges by the first spring portion and the second spring portion of the pressing spring, the followability of the elastic contact pieces to the male terminal can be further improved and the contact pressure can be maintained.

[0026] (9) In the above (7) or (8), preferably, one of the two opposing surfaces of the second assembly portion and the second wall portion has a second locking claw that can be elastically deformed, and the other of the two opposing surfaces of the second assembly portion and the second wall portion has a second locking hole, and the second locking claw elastically deforms to allow the second assembly portion to be assembled to the second wall portion, and the second locking claw elastically recovers and engages with the second locking hole, so that the second assembly portion is assembled to the second wall portion in a manner that cannot be separated. The second locking claw and the second locking hole provided between the opposing surfaces of the second assembly portion and the second wall portion can maintain the assembled state of the second assembly portion to the second wall portion, and can prevent the pressure spring from accidentally separating from the main body portion.

[0027] The terminal unit of the present invention, (10) A plate-shaped male terminal and a female terminal connected to the male terminal are provided, wherein the female terminal is the female terminal described in any one of (1) to (9).

[0028] In the terminal unit of the present invention, since the female terminal is constructed in any one of the above (1) to (9), a terminal unit can be provided that can achieve the same effect as that obtained in any one of the above (1) to (9).

[0029] The male terminal of the present invention, (11) The male terminal of the female terminal described in (2) is pressed into the press-in gap, and the male terminal has a pair of inclined portions on both sides of the plate width direction intersecting the pressing direction, which are inclined toward one side of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal.

[0030] The male terminal of the present invention can achieve the same effect as that of (2) above by being used in combination with the female terminal described in (2) above.

[0031] <Details of Embodiments of the Invention> Specific examples of the female terminal, terminal unit, and male terminal of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0032] <Implementation Method 1> Below, use Figures 1 to 8 The female terminal 10 of embodiment 1 of the present invention and the terminal unit 14 including the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 12 connected to the female terminal 10 are described. The female terminal 10 is a terminal that connects a component on the power supply side such as a battery and a component on the load side such as an electric motor. And, by the female terminal 10 provided on one side of the power supply side and the load side and the male terminal 12 provided on the other side of the power supply side and the load side being in contact with each other, electric power is supplied from a power supply such as a battery to a load such as an electric motor. In addition, the female terminal 10 can be arranged in any direction, but the upper side is set as the lower side. Figure 3 The upper part is Figure 3 Below, in front Figure 2 The left side of the middle, the back side is Figure 2 The right side of the Figure 2 The top and right of Figure 2 In addition, regarding a plurality of identical components, sometimes only some of the components are marked with reference numerals, and the reference numerals are omitted for the other components.

[0033] <Female terminal 10> The female terminal 10 includes a main body 22, which includes a first wall 18 and a second wall 20 that are arranged opposite each other with a male terminal insertion gap 16 interposed therebetween. The male terminal 12 is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 16. Furthermore, the female terminal 10 includes a first contact 24 disposed on the first wall 18 and protruding toward the second wall 20. The female terminal 10 also includes an elastic contact piece 28 that protrudes toward the first wall 18 and is elastically deformable toward the second wall 20, and includes a second contact 26. The elastic contact piece 28 is assembled to the second wall 20 and has a thinner plate thickness than the main body 22. Furthermore, the female terminal 10 includes a pressing spring 30 that biases the elastic contact piece 28 toward the first wall 18 when the male terminal 12 is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16. The pressing spring 30 is assembled to the second wall 20.

[0034] <Male terminal 12> Also like Figure 5As shown in the figures, the male terminal 12 connected to the female terminal 10 is generally plate-shaped, for example, constructed using a flat plate component (not shown). This flat plate component is generally rectangular, has predetermined width and thickness dimensions, and extends straight. Furthermore, the end of the male terminal 12, which is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16 of the female terminal 10, is tapered at its distal end (the rear end). The male terminal 12 is electrically conductive and is formed from a low-resistance metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0035] Furthermore, by bending and tilting the two end portions of the flat plate part in the plate width direction (left-right direction) toward one side (upward) in the plate thickness direction, a pair of inclined portions 32, 32 are provided at the two end portions in the plate width direction of the male terminal 12. That is, in the male terminal 12, a pair of inclined portions 32, 32 are provided on both sides of the plate width direction in a direction intersecting the pressing direction (from the front toward the rear) of the male terminal insertion gap 16, which is orthogonal in the first embodiment. A central flat portion 34 extending flatly is provided in the central portion in the plate width direction of the male terminal 12 located between the pair of inclined portions 32, 32. In addition, the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 may be provided over the entire length of the male terminal 12 in the longitudinal direction, or may be provided only at the end portion in the pressing direction of the male terminal 12 that is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16. In the first embodiment, the plate thickness dimension of the male terminal 12 is substantially constant, and the thickness dimensions of the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 and the central flat portion 34 are A (refer to Figure 3 、 4 ), however, the thickness dimensions of the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 and the central flat portion 34 may be different from each other.

[0036] The pair of inclined portions 32, 32 are inclined at an angle θ1 relative to the central flat portion 34 (see Figure 3 ). In addition, in the first embodiment, in the male terminal 12, the inclination angle of the inclined portion 32 on one side (left side) in the plate width direction relative to the central flat portion 34 and the inclination angle of the inclined portion 32 on the other side (right side) in the plate width direction relative to the central flat portion 34 are equal in magnitude (θ1), but the inclination angles on the left and right sides may be different from each other.

[0037] The inclination angle θ1 of the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 relative to the central flat portion 34 is not limited, but is preferably, for example, 5° or greater and 45° or less, and more preferably 10° or greater and 30° or less. When the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portions 32 is 5° or greater, displacement of the male terminal 12 outward in the plate width direction is suppressed even when an external force is applied to the male terminal 12 outward in the plate width direction. When the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portions 32 is 45° or less, the vertical dimension of the male terminal 12, and thus the female terminal 10 connected thereto, can be kept small.

[0038] The shape of the proximal end (front side) of the male terminal 12 in the press-fit direction is not limited. However, in the first embodiment, the proximal end extends substantially straight, and a through-hole 36 is formed in this straight portion, extending through the plate thickness. Furthermore, a fastening bolt (not shown) inserted through the through-hole 36 electrically connects and secures the male terminal 12 to a terminal portion of a device (not shown). The proximal end of the male terminal 12 in the press-fit direction can have any shape that matches the shape of the terminal portion of the device, connector, or conductor such as an electric wire to which it is electrically connected.

[0039] <Main Body 22> The front portion of the main body 22 is provided with the aforementioned male terminal insertion gap 16, which extends in the front-to-back direction. The front portion of the main body 22 is generally cylindrical in shape, extending in the front-to-back direction. A male terminal insertion opening 38 is provided at the distal end (front end) of the male terminal insertion gap 16 in the main body 22, continuing from the male terminal insertion gap 16. Furthermore, a rear opening 40 is provided at the proximal end (rear end) of the main body 22, continuing from the male terminal insertion gap 16.

[0040] In summary, the portion (front portion) of the main body 22 that forms the male terminal insertion gap 16 includes: the aforementioned first wall 18 as a lower side wall; the aforementioned second wall 20 as an upper side wall; and a pair of side walls 42, 42 connecting the first wall 18 and the second wall 20. The male terminal insertion opening 38 of the male terminal insertion gap 16 is configured to include front end surfaces 18a, 20a, 42a, and 42a, which are the end surfaces of the first wall 18, the second wall 20, and the pair of side walls 42, 42. Furthermore, the rear opening 40 of the male terminal insertion gap 16 is configured to include rear end surfaces 20b, 42b, and 42b, which are the other end surfaces of the second wall 20 and the pair of side walls 42, 42. The male terminal insertion gap 16 has a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the male terminal 12 to be pressed in.

[0041] Furthermore, a front receiving recess 41a is provided at the front end of the second wall portion 20, which forms the male terminal insertion opening 38. When the first assembly portion 74, described later, is assembled, each first connecting plate portion 78 of the first assembly portion 74 is received in the front receiving recess 41a. This front receiving recess 41a extends substantially along the entire left-right length of the second wall portion 20. Of the front end surfaces 18a, 20a, 42a, and 42a that form the male terminal insertion opening 38, the front end surface 20a of the second wall portion 20 is positioned rearward relative to the other three surfaces. Furthermore, the front end surfaces 18a, 42a, and 42a, which are positioned forward of the front end surface 20a of the second wall portion 20, can also abut against a housing (not shown) that holds the male terminal 12 when the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 12 are connected.

[0042] Similarly, a rear housing recess 41b is provided at the rear end of the second wall portion 20 constituting the rear opening portion 40. When the second assembly portion 94, described later, is assembled, the second connecting plate portions 98 of the second assembly portion 94 are housed in the rear housing recess 41b. The rear housing recess 41b is formed over substantially the entire left-right length of the second wall portion 20. Of the rear end surfaces 20b, 42b, and 42b constituting the rear opening portion 40, the rear end surface 20b of the second wall portion 20 is located forward of the rear end surfaces 42b of the side wall portions 42.

[0043] Furthermore, a generally rectangular flat plate-shaped connecting portion 43 is provided at the rear portion of the main body 22. The connecting portion 43 extends rearward from the first wall portion 18, which serves as the lower wall portion of the male terminal insertion gap 16. For example, the terminal end of an electric wire can be welded or crimped to the connecting portion 43, or a conductive member such as a busbar can be fixed with bolts or the like.

[0044] <First Wall 18> The first wall portion 18 has a pair of first inclined side edges 44, 44. These first inclined side edges 44, 44 oppose the other side (lower surface) of the male terminal 12 in the plate thickness direction and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 of the male terminal 12. In other words, the first wall portion 18 has a pair of first inclined side edges 44, 44 at both ends in the plate width direction (left-right direction), bent and inclined toward one side (upper side) in the plate thickness direction relative to the central portion in the plate width direction. Furthermore, the central portion of the first wall portion 18 in the plate width direction, located between the pair of first inclined side edges 44, 44, is a first flat portion 46. This first flat portion 46 opposes and extends flatly along the central flat portion 34 of the male terminal 12. A guide surface 47 is formed at the distal end of the inner surface of the first wall portion 18 over substantially the entire length in the left-right direction. The guide surface 47 gradually separates from the vertically opposed second wall portion 20 toward the distal end.

[0045] Each first inclined side edge portion 44 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 (see Figure 3 ) inclination. In the first embodiment, in the first wall portion 18, the inclination angle of the first inclined side edge portion 44 on one side (left side) in the plate width direction relative to the first flat portion 46 and the inclination angle of the first inclined side edge portion 44 on the other side (right side) in the plate width direction relative to the first flat portion 46 are equal in magnitude (θ2), but the inclination angles on the left and right sides may be different from each other.

[0046] Furthermore, the first contacts 24 are provided on the inner surface (upper surface) of each first inclined side edge portion 44 so as to protrude toward the male terminal insertion gap 16 located above. These first contacts 24 protrude in the plate thickness direction of each first inclined side edge portion 44 and protrude obliquely in the vertical direction relative to the plate thickness direction of the first flat portion 46. In the first embodiment, as Figure 3 、 4 As shown, a protrusion 48 is provided on the inner surface of each first inclined side edge portion 44. The protrusion 48 has a predetermined width dimension (left-right dimension) and length dimension (front-back dimension), and a recess 50 is provided in the center of the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 48. Thus, two first contacts 24, 24 are formed on the protrusion 48, separated in the front-back direction. In addition, these protrusions 48 and recesses 50 are formed by continuous curved surfaces, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 、 4 As shown, each first contact 24 is formed by the top of a curved surface.

[0047] In particular, in the first embodiment, each protrusion 48 is provided in the left-right center portion of each first inclined side edge portion 44, and each first contact 24 is formed at a substantially corresponding position in the front-back direction on each of the left and right first inclined side edges 44. In other words, a total of four first contacts 24 are provided on the first wall portion 18, spaced apart from each other in the left-right and front-back directions. A downwardly opening recessed groove 52 is formed on the outer surface (lower surface) of each first inclined side edge portion 44 at a position corresponding to each protrusion 48. The protrusions 48 and first contacts 24 are formed by stamping the first inclined side edge portion 44.

[0048] <Second Wall 20> The second wall portion 20 has a pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54. These second inclined side edges 54, 54 face one side (upper surface) of the male terminal 12 in the plate thickness direction and are inclined along the pair of inclined portions 32, 32 of the male terminal 12. In other words, the second wall portion 20 has a pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54 at both ends in the plate width direction (left-right direction), bent and inclined toward one side (upper side) in the plate thickness direction relative to the center portion in the plate width direction. Furthermore, the first inclined side edges 44 of the first wall portion 18 and the second inclined side edges 54 of the second wall portion 20 are connected at both ends in the left-right direction by the side wall portion 42. Furthermore, the center portion of the second wall portion 20 in the plate width direction, located between the pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54 in the plate width direction, forms a second flat portion 56. This second flat portion 56 faces and extends flatly along the center flat portion 34 of the male terminal 12.

[0049] Each second inclined side edge portion 54 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ3 (see Figure 3) inclination. In the first embodiment, in the second wall portion 20, the inclination angle of the second inclined side edge portion 54 on one side (left side) in the plate width direction relative to the second flat portion 56 and the inclination angle of the second inclined side edge portion 54 on the other side (right side) in the plate width direction relative to the second flat portion 56 are equal in magnitude (θ3), but the inclination angles on the left and right sides may be different from each other.

[0050] The inclination angle θ2 of each first inclined side edge portion 44 relative to the first flat portion 46 is preferably the same as the inclination angle θ1 of each inclined portion 32 of the male terminal 12 relative to the central flat portion 34, or, even if different, the angle difference is within 10°. This prevents rattling of the male terminal 12 within the male terminal insertion gap 16 when the male terminal 12 is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16, thereby ensuring a stable contact area between the male terminal 12 and each first contact 24. Similarly, the inclination angle θ3 of each second inclined side edge portion 54 relative to the second flat portion 56 is preferably the same as the inclination angle θ1 of each inclined portion 32 of the male terminal 12 relative to the central flat portion 34, or, even if different, the angle difference is within 10°. This prevents rattling of the male terminal 12 within the male terminal insertion gap 16 when the male terminal 12 is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16, thereby ensuring a stable contact area between the male terminal 12 and the second contacts 26.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the inclination angle θ2 of each first inclined side edge portion 44 relative to the first flat portion 46 and the inclination angle θ3 of each second inclined side edge portion 54 relative to the second flat portion 56 are substantially equal. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the first inclined side edge portion 44 and the second inclined side edge portion 54 on the left extend substantially parallel to each other, and the first inclined side edge portion 44 and the second inclined side edge portion 54 on the right extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0052] As described later, by assembling and arranging the elastic contact pieces 28 to the second inclined side edges 54 , second contacts 26 are formed on the inner surface (lower surface) of each second inclined side edge 54 , projecting toward the male terminal insertion gap 16 located below.

[0053] In addition, a through-hole 58 is formed in the front-to-back center portion of each second inclined side edge portion 54, extending through the thickness direction. Furthermore, a first locking hole 60 and a second locking hole 62 are formed in the front-to-back center portion of the second flat portion 56, extending through the thickness direction (vertical direction) and separated from each other in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the first locking hole 60 is positioned forward of the second locking hole 62. In the first embodiment, these through-holes 58, the first locking hole 60, and the second locking hole 62 are all formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In particular, in the first embodiment, the through-holes 58 are formed on the left and right sides between the first locking hole 60 and the second locking hole 62 in the front-to-back direction of the second wall portion 20.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the main body portion 22 having the above-described shape is formed by, for example, pressing a single metal flat plate 64 having a predetermined thickness. Figure 8 FIG. 6 shows the state of the metal plate 64 before the stamping process. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in the first embodiment, the portion where the metal flat plate 64 abuts against each other when the main body 22 is formed by bending the metal flat plate 64 is provided in the second flat portion 56 of the second wall 20. Specifically, the second flat portion 56 is divided in the left-right direction, consisting of a left second flat portion 56a and a right second flat portion 56b. In short, the left side portion 66 of the second wall 20 is connected to the side of the left side wall 42 opposite to the side connected to the first wall 18. The left side portion 66 is composed of the left second inclined side edge 54 and the left second flat portion 56a extending continuously from the second inclined side edge 54. Furthermore, the right side portion 68 of the second wall 20 is connected to the side of the right side wall 42 opposite to the side connected to the first wall 18. The right side portion 68 is composed of the right second inclined side edge 54 and the right second flat portion 56b.

[0055] Therefore, if Figure 8 As shown, in the metal flat plate 64 before the stamping process, the left side portion 66 of the second wall portion 20 (the left second flat portion 56a and the second inclined side edge portion 54), the left side wall portion 42, the first wall portion 18, the right side wall portion 42 and the right side portion 68 of the second wall portion 20 (the second inclined side edge portion 54 and the right second flat portion 56b) are Figure 8 In addition, the connecting portion 43 extends from the first wall portion 18 to the Figure 8 And, the metal plate 64 is extended to the right. Figure 8 The portion indicated by the two-dot chain line is bent, and the left and right second flat portions 56 a and 56 b are brought into contact with each other to form the second flat portion 56 , thereby forming the main body portion 22 .

[0056] In addition, Figure 8In the illustrated state of the metal flat plate 64 before being bent, the first locking hole 60 and the second locking hole 62 are divided in the left-right direction. The left second flat portion 56a and the right second flat portion 56b are brought into contact with each other, thereby forming the first and second locking holes 60 and 62. The metal material of the metal flat plate 64 constituting the main body 22 is not limited, and a metal with excellent electrical conductivity, such as pure copper, can be used.

[0057] <Elastic Contact Piece 28> As described above, the elastic contact pieces 28 are provided on the left and right second inclined side edges 54, 54, and a pair of elastic contact pieces 28, 28 separated from each other in the left and right directions are provided on the female terminal 10. Each elastic contact piece 28 has the same shape as each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, each elastic contact piece 28 has a generally rectangular plate shape. When attached to each second inclined side edge portion 54, each elastic contact piece 28 extends in the front-to-back direction, and a bent portion 70 is provided at the protruding end portion (rear portion) of each elastic contact piece 28. Furthermore, the second contact point 26 described above is provided on the lower surface of each elastic contact piece 28 at the location where each bent portion 70 is formed.

[0058] These second contacts 26 are Figure 4 、 Figure 6 The cross-section shown is formed into a curved arc shape, with a predetermined width dimension at the center of each elastic contact piece 28 in the plate width direction. Each elastic contact piece 28 is arranged so as to span both sides in the front-to-back direction, sandwiching a bent portion 70. Each second contact 26, as projected across the plate thickness of each elastic contact piece 28, has an oblong shape, with the front-to-back dimension (the insertion direction of the male terminal 12) being larger than the width dimension. This ensures a stable contact area between each second contact 26 and the male terminal 12, even when the male terminal 12 inserted into the female terminal 10 oscillates and shifts vertically. In the first embodiment, as described later, a first assembly portion 74 supporting each elastic contact piece 28 is formed by stamping a single metal flat plate. Recesses 72 are formed on the top surface of each elastic contact piece 28 at positions corresponding to each second contact 26.

[0059] <First Assembly Section 74> The elastic contact piece 28 is supported by a first assembly portion 74 assembled to the second wall portion 20. The first assembly portion 74 includes a first base portion 76 mounted on the outer surface (upper surface) of the second wall portion 20 on the side of the male terminal insertion opening 38; and a first connecting plate portion 78 projecting downward from the first base portion 76 toward the first wall portion 18 and facing the end surface (front end surface 20a) of the second wall portion 20 that forms the male terminal insertion opening 38. The elastic contact piece 28 is connected to the protruding edge (lower edge) of the first connecting plate portion 78 in a cantilevered beam configuration. When the first assembly portion 74 is assembled to the second wall portion 20, the elastic contact piece 28 projects toward the inside (rear) of the male terminal insertion gap 16 and toward the first wall portion 18 (lower side). This allows the elastic contact piece 28 to elastically deform in the vertical direction, with the connection to the first connecting plate portion 78 serving as the base point. In addition, the first base 76 and the elastic contact piece 28 are opposed to each other with a distance of the first connecting plate portion 78 between them in the direction of their respective plate thicknesses, and an insertion port 79 for inserting the first assembly portion 74 into the front end of the second wall portion 20 is formed through the rear opening portion between the first base 76 and the elastic contact piece 28.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the pair of elastic contact pieces 28, 28 are disposed apart from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the pair of first base portions 76, 76 and the pair of first connecting plate portions 78, 78 are disposed apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the elastic contact piece 28 is connected to the protruding edge (lower edge) of each first connecting plate portion 78 in a cantilever beam-like manner. The pair of first connecting plate portions 78, 78 are disposed opposite the end surfaces (in short, the front end surfaces 20a) of the pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54 on the side of the male terminal insertion opening 38. Furthermore, in the first assembly portion 74, the first base portions 76 are connected to each other via a first connecting portion 80. Each first base portion 76 has a predetermined front-to-back dimension, and the first connecting portion 80 is formed to extend substantially the entire front-to-back length of each first base portion 76. Specifically, the pair of first base portions 76, 76 are placed on the second inclined side edge portions 54 of the second wall portion 20, and the first connecting portion 80 is placed on the second flat portion 56 of the second wall portion 20. Therefore, each first base portion 76 is connected to the first connecting portion 80 at an angle, and the inclination angle of each first base portion 76 relative to the first connecting portion 80 is equal to or somewhat close to the inclination angle (θ3) of each second inclined side edge portion 54 relative to the second flat portion 56.

[0061] A roughly rectangular through-window 82 is formed in the middle portion of the first connecting portion 80 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) and extends through the first connecting portion 80. A first locking claw 84 is provided on the rear portion of the inner circumference of the through-window 82, projecting forward. The first locking claw 84 is formed by cutting and raising, and gradually projects downwardly as it moves forward. Space (gaps) are provided on three sides of the first locking claw 84 (on both sides and the front), allowing the first locking claw 84 to elastically deform in the vertical direction. In short, the first locking claw 84 is provided on one of the facing surfaces of the first assembly portion 74 and the second wall portion 20 (the lower surface of the first connecting portion 80 and the upper surface of the second flat portion 56), and the first locking hole 60 is provided on the other side.

[0062] When assembling the first assembly portion 74 of the above-mentioned shape to the second wall portion 20, the front end of the second wall portion 20 is inserted into each insertion port 79, so that the first assembly portion 74 slides and shifts rearward relative to the second wall portion 20. As a result, the front end portion of the second flat portion 56 abuts against the first locking claw 84 from the rear, causing the first locking claw 84 to elastically deform upward, thereby allowing the first assembly portion 74 to slide and shift further rearward. Furthermore, the first locking claw 84 elastically restores the deformation (elastic restoration) by reaching the first locking hole 60 of the second flat portion 56, and the first locking claw 84 is assembled in a state in which it cannot be detached from the second wall portion 20. In the state in which the first assembly portion 74 is assembled to the second wall portion 20 (the state before the male terminal 12 is inserted), as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the second inclined side edge portion 54 and the elastic contact piece 28 are opposed to each other in the plate thickness direction of the second inclined side edge portion 54. The elastic contact piece 28 gradually protrudes obliquely downward as it moves rearward from the first connecting plate portion 78, and the opposing distance between the second inclined side edge portion 54 and the elastic contact piece 28 gradually increases as it moves rearward.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, by assembling the first assembly portion 74 to the second wall portion 20, each first connecting plate portion 78 of the first assembly portion 74 is housed in the front housing recess 41a provided at the front end of the second wall portion 20. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the overlapping end surface (front end surface 20a) of the second wall portion 20 on the male terminal insertion opening 38 side and each first connecting plate portion 78 are welded to each other. In particular, in the first embodiment, these are welded by laser welding. This more reliably prevents the first assembly portion 74 from falling off the main body portion 22 and prevents the left second flat portion 56a and the right second flat portion 56b, which are abutted against each other by stamping, from shifting away from each other. Furthermore, by housing each first connecting plate portion 78 in the front housing recess 41a, the first assembly portion 74 is prevented from protruding forward from the main body portion 22, or the amount of protrusion is minimized.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the first assembly portion 74 having the above-described shape is formed by stamping a single metal flat plate, and the metal flat plate constituting the first assembly portion 74 has a plate thickness thinner than the metal flat plate 64 constituting the main body portion 22. The metal material of the single metal flat plate constituting the first assembly portion 74 is not limited, and a metal having electrical conductivity and spring properties, such as a copper alloy, can be used.

[0065] <Pressure Spring 30> The pressure spring 30 includes a first spring portion 86 and a second spring portion 88. The first spring portion 86 biases the elastic contact piece 28, located on one side (the left side) in the plate width direction, toward the first inclined side edge 44 on the left side, while the second spring portion 88 biases the elastic contact piece 28, located on the other side (the right side) in the plate width direction, toward the first inclined side edge 44 on the right side. In the first embodiment, the first spring portion 86 and the second spring portion 88 have the same shape, each having a substantially rectangular tongue shape. Specifically, when the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are attached to the second wall portion 20, the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 extend in the front-to-back direction, and a curved portion 90 is provided at the protruding tip portions (front portions) of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88. Consequently, the front end portions 92 of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 protrude upward.

[0066] <Second Assembly Section 94> The pressure spring 30 is supported by a second assembly portion 94 assembled to the second wall portion 20. The second assembly portion 94 includes a second base portion 96 mounted on the outer surface (upper surface) of the second wall portion 20 on the rear opening 40 side, and a second connecting plate portion 98 projecting downward from the second base portion 96 toward the first wall portion 18 side and disposed opposite the end surface (rear end surface 20b) of the second wall portion 20 that forms the rear opening 40. The pressure spring 30 is connected to the protruding edge (lower edge) of the second connecting plate portion 98 in a cantilever beam-like manner. When the second assembly portion 94 is assembled to the second wall portion 20, the pressure spring 30 projects toward the inside (front) of the male terminal insertion gap 16 and toward the first wall portion 18 (lower side). This allows the pressure spring 30 to elastically deform in the vertical direction, with the connection to the second connecting plate portion 98 serving as the base point. In addition, the second base 96 and the pressing spring 30 are opposite to each other in the direction of their respective plate thicknesses, separated by the amount of the second connecting plate 98, and the front opening portion between the second base 96 and the pressing spring 30 constitutes an insertion port 100 for inserting the second assembly portion 94 into the rear end of the second wall portion 20.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the pressure spring 30 includes a first spring portion 86 and a second spring portion 88 that are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, a pair of second base portions 96, 96 and a pair of second connecting plates 98, 98 are disposed apart from each other in the left-right direction. A pair of tongue-shaped pressure springs 30, 30 are connected to the protruding edges (lower edges) of each second connecting plate 98 in a cantilever beam-like manner, forming the first spring portion 86 and the second spring portion 88. These pair of second connecting plates 98, 98 are disposed opposite the end surfaces (in short, the rear end surfaces 20b) of the pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54 on the rear opening 40 side. Furthermore, in the second assembly portion 94, the second base portions 96 are connected to each other by a second connecting portion 102. Each second base portion 96 has a predetermined front-to-back dimension, and the second connecting portion 102 is formed to extend substantially the entire front-to-back length of each second base portion 96. Specifically, the pair of second base portions 96, 96 are placed on the second inclined side edge portions 54 of the second wall portion 20, and the second connecting portion 102 is placed on the second flat portion 56 of the second wall portion 20. Therefore, each second base portion 96 is connected to the second connecting portion 102 at an angle, and the inclination angle of each second base portion 96 relative to the second connecting portion 102 is equal to or somewhat close to the inclination angle (θ3) of each second inclined side edge portion 54 relative to the second flat portion 56.

[0068] A roughly rectangular through-window 104 is formed in the middle portion of the second connecting portion 102 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) and extends through the second connecting portion 102. A second locking claw 106 is provided on the front portion of the inner circumference of the through-window 104, projecting rearward. The second locking claw 106 is formed by cutting and raising, and gradually projects downwardly and obliquely as it moves rearward. Space (gaps) are provided on three sides of the second locking claw 106 (on both sides and the rear), allowing it to elastically deform in the vertical direction. In short, the second locking claw 106 is provided on one of the facing surfaces of the second assembly portion 94 and the second wall portion 20 (the lower surface of the second connecting portion 102 and the upper surface of the second flat portion 56), while the second locking hole 62 is formed on the other side.

[0069] When assembling the second assembly portion 94, having the aforementioned shape, to the second wall portion 20, the rear end of the second wall portion 20 is inserted into each insertion opening 100, causing the second assembly portion 94 to slide forward relative to the second wall portion 20. As a result, the rear end of the second flat portion 56 abuts against the second locking claw 106 from the front, elastically deforming the second locking claw 106 upward, thereby allowing the second assembly portion 94 to slide further forward. Furthermore, as the second locking claw 106 reaches the second locking hole 62 of the second flat portion 56, the second locking claw 106 elastically returns to its original shape (elastic restoration), and the second assembly portion 94 is assembled to the second wall portion 20 in a state in which it cannot be detached.

[0070] In the state where the first and second assembly parts 74 and 94 are assembled to the second wall part 20 (the state before the male terminal 12 is inserted), Figure 6 As shown, the protruding tip portions (front portions) of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are respectively inserted between the second inclined side edges 54 and the elastic contact pieces 28. In the first embodiment, the protruding tip portions (bent portions 90) of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 abut the protruding tip portions (bent portions 70) of the elastic contact pieces 28 from behind and above. Furthermore, the protruding tip portions of the pressure spring 30 (the first and second spring portions 86 and 88) only need to abut the protruding tip portions of the elastic contact pieces 28. The protruding tip portions of the elastic contact pieces 28 may or may not be pressed toward the first wall portion 18 (lower side). Furthermore, in this state, the front end portions 92 of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are located below the through-holes 58 provided in the second inclined side edges 54.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, by assembling the second assembly portion 94 to the second wall portion 20, each second connecting plate portion 98 of the second assembly portion 94 is housed in the rear housing recess 41b provided at the rear end of the second wall portion 20. This prevents the second assembly portion 94 from protruding rearward from the main body portion 22, or minimizes the amount of protrusion.

[0072] As long as the pressure spring 30 (first and second spring portions 86 and 88) exhibits spring properties, the material of the second assembly portion 94 is not limited; for example, it may be made of metal or synthetic resin. However, in the first embodiment, the second assembly portion 94 having the aforementioned shape is formed by, for example, stamping a single metal flat plate. When the second assembly portion 94 is formed from a single metal flat plate, a metal exhibiting spring properties, such as stainless steel or a copper alloy, can be used. The metal flat plate constituting the second assembly portion 94 can, for example, be of approximately the same thickness as the metal flat plate constituting the first assembly portion 74.

[0073] Furthermore, when the first and second assembly portions 74 and 94 are assembled to the second wall portion 20, the second contacts 26 provided on the lower surface of each elastic contact piece 28 are provided at positions different from those of the first contacts 24 provided on the first inclined side edges 44 of the first wall portion 18 in the front-to-back direction, which is the direction in which the male terminal 12 is pressed. In the first embodiment, the second contacts 26 are located in the middle of the first contacts 24 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , each second contact 26 is provided on the left-right inner side of each first contact 24. That is, in the projection of the pressing direction of the male terminal 12 (in short, the cross section is shown), each first contact 24 and the second contact 26 are located on the left-right inner side. Figure 3), the inclined portions 32 of the male terminal 12 are opposed to each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0074] In addition, when the first and second assembly parts 74 and 94 are assembled to the second wall part 20, before the male terminal 12 is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the distance between the top of each first contact 24 and the second contact 26 in the opposing direction is B (refer to Figure 6 The separation distance B between the top of the first contact 24 and the top of the second contact 26 is smaller than the plate thickness A of the male terminal 12 , thereby allowing the male terminal 12 to be press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 16 .

[0075] <Assembly of Female Terminal 10> Hereinafter, a specific example of a method for assembling the female terminal 10 will be described. In addition, the method for assembling the female terminal 10 is not limited to the form described below.

[0076] First, a metal flat plate 64 is bent into the above-mentioned shape to form the main body 22. Similarly, a metal flat plate is bent into the above-mentioned shape to form the first assembly part 74 and the second assembly part 94. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the first assembly portion 74 is positioned opposite the front of the second wall portion 20 that defines the male terminal insertion gap 16, and the first assembly portion 74 and the second wall portion 20 are brought into proximity with each other. Consequently, the front end of the second wall portion 20 is inserted into the insertion openings 79 of the first assembly portion 74, and the first base portions 76 are placed on the upper surfaces of the second inclined side edges 54. Furthermore, by shifting the first assembly portion 74 rearward relative to the main body 22, the first locking claw 84 abuts against the second flat portion 56, elastically deforming upward. Having reached the first locking hole 60, the first locking claw 84 elastically returns to its original shape (elastic recovery) and engages with the first locking hole 60. Furthermore, the first connecting plate portions 78 of the first assembly portion 74 are housed in the front housing recess 41a of the second wall portion 20, so that the first connecting plate portions 78 and the front end surfaces 20a of the second wall portion 20 overlap with each other. The first connecting plate portions 78 and the front end surfaces 20a are then laser welded together to secure the first assembly portion 74 to the main body portion 22.

[0077] Furthermore, the second assembly portion 94 is positioned opposite the rear of the second wall portion 20, which defines the male terminal insertion gap 16, and the second assembly portion 94 and the second wall portion 20 are brought into proximity with each other. Consequently, the rear ends of the second wall portion 20 are inserted into the insertion openings 100 of the second assembly portion 94, and the second base portions 96 are placed on the upper surfaces of the second inclined side edges 54. Furthermore, by shifting the second assembly portion 94 forward relative to the main body 22, the second locking claws 106 come into contact with the second flat portions 56, elastically deforming upward. Having reached the second locking hole 62, the second locking claws 106 elastically return to their original shape (elastic recovery) and engage with the second locking hole 62. Furthermore, the second connecting plate portions 98 of the second assembly portion 94 are housed in the rear housing recess 41b of the second wall portion 20. Thereby, the second assembly portion 94 is fixed to the main body portion 22 , and the female terminal 10 is completed.

[0078] In the completed state of the female terminal 10 , as described above, the protruding ends of the first and second spring portions 86 , 88 abut against the protruding ends of the elastic contact pieces 28 from behind and above, and the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26 are separated by a distance B.

[0079] <Assembly of Terminal Unit 14> Hereinafter, a specific example of a method of inserting the male terminal 12 into the female terminal 10 and assembling the terminal unit 14 in a state where the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 12 are connected will be described.

[0080] First, if Figure 5 、 6 As shown, the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 12 assembled as described above are placed opposite each other in the front-to-back direction. Then, the end portion of the male terminal 12 is inserted into the male terminal insertion gap 16 through the male terminal insertion opening 38 and pressed into the opposing surfaces of each first contact 24 and each second contact 26. Figure 3 、 4 As shown, the first and second contacts 24, 26 abut against the upper and lower surfaces of the inclined portions 32 of the male terminal 12, and the male terminal 12 pushes the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26 apart until the separation distance between the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26 reaches the thickness dimension A of the inclined portions 32 of the male terminal 12. Specifically, the upper surfaces of the inclined portions 32 elastically deform the elastic contact pieces 28 and the pressure springs 30 (the first and second spring portions 86, 88) upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the distal end portion of the male terminal 12 is allowed to be pressed toward the male terminal insertion gap 16 .

[0081] Furthermore, due to the elastic restoring force of each elastic contact piece 28 and the pressing spring 30 (the first and second spring portions 86, 88), each second contact 26 is pressed against the upper surface of each inclined portion 32, and the end portion of each male terminal 12 is pressed downward, and each first contact 24 is pressed against the lower surface of each inclined portion 32. As a result, the male terminal 12 and the female terminal 10 are electrically connected, completing the terminal unit 14 in which the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 12 are connected. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, the front end portions 92 of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 elastically deformed upward enter the through holes 58 of the second inclined side edges 54, thereby avoiding obstruction of the deformation of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 due to the abutment between the front end portions 92 and the second inclined side edges 54.

[0082] That is, when the male terminal 12 is inserted into the female terminal 10, not only the elastic contact pieces 28 but also the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are pressed upward. Due not only to the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact pieces 28 but also to the elastic restoring force of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88, the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26 are pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of the inclined portions 32 of the male terminal 12. In other words, when the male terminal 12 is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16, the elastic restoring force of the first and second spring portions 86 and 88, which are elastically deformed upward, acts on the elastic contact pieces 28 as a downward biasing force. In addition, through the elastic restoring force of each elastic contact piece 28 toward the first wall portion 18 side (lower side) and the biasing force of the pressing spring 30 (first and second spring portions 86, 88), each second contact 26 of each elastic contact piece 28 is pressed against the male terminal 12, further pressing the male terminal 12 against each first contact 24.

[0083] According to the female terminal 10 of the first embodiment, the elastic contact piece 28, which elastically deforms when the male terminal 12 is pressed into place, is separate from the main body 22 of the female terminal 10 and assembled to the second wall portion 20, protruding toward the inside of the male terminal insertion gap 16. Furthermore, the spring-like elastic contact piece 28 is thinner than the main body 22, allowing for easy elastic deformation when the male terminal 12 is pressed into place. This eliminates the need for the main body 22 of the female terminal 10 to have a spring-like structure, allowing for a thicker wall and the use of a material with excellent electrical conductivity. Furthermore, a pressure spring 30 is positioned behind and above the elastic contact piece 28. When the male terminal 12 is pressed into place, the elastic contact piece 28 and the pressure spring 30 elastically deform upward. The elastic restoring force against this elastic deformation presses the male terminal 12 downward, allowing for more reliable pressure contact with the first and second contacts 24 and 26. As a result, the conductive state between the male terminal 12 and the female terminal 10 can be stably maintained, and the female terminal 10 capable of handling a larger current can be provided.

[0084] In particular, the portion of the body 22 of the female terminal 10 that forms the male terminal insertion gap 16 is formed with a relatively thick wall, and the portion that forms the male terminal insertion gap 16 is generally cylindrical. Therefore, even when the male terminal 12 is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap 16, the body 22 of the female terminal 10 remains substantially unchanged. Consequently, when designing the housing that holds the female terminal 10, deformation of the body 22 need not be considered, resulting in a simplified housing shape and a more compact housing.

[0085] In particular, the male terminal 12 has a pair of inclined portions 32, 32 on either side in the plate width direction (left-right direction), and the first wall portion 18 and the second wall portion 20 have a pair of first inclined side edges 44, 44 and a pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54 corresponding thereto, respectively. Furthermore, each first inclined side edge 44 has a first contact 24 that contacts the male terminal 12 when pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16, and each second inclined side edge 54 has a second contact 26 that contacts the male terminal 12 when pressed into the male terminal insertion gap 16. These first contacts 24 and second contacts 26 protrude in the plate thickness direction of each inclined portion 32 and face each other with the inclined portion 32 interposed therebetween.

[0086] That is, the pressing force F1 of each first contact 24 (see Figure 3 ) and the pressing force F2 of each second contact 26 (refer to Figure 3 ) act in the same direction as the thickness direction of each inclined portion 32. Therefore, each inclined portion 32 is stably held by each of the first and second contacts 24 and 26, enabling more reliable electrical conduction between the male terminal 12 and the female terminal 10. In particular, in the first embodiment, the direction in which the pressing force F1 of each first contact 24 acts and the direction in which the pressing force F2 of each second contact 26 acts are opposed to each other in the thickness direction of each inclined portion 32, sandwiching each inclined portion 32. This allows each inclined portion 32 to be more reliably held by each of the first and second contacts 24 and 26.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the pressing force F1 of each first contact 24 acts as an upward force component F1a and a horizontally inward force component F1b, while the pressing force F2 of each second contact 26 acts as a downward force component F2a and a horizontally outward force component F2b. For example, even if an external force is applied to the male terminal 12 in the horizontal direction from one direction to the other (e.g., from right to left), displacement of the male terminal 12 associated with the external force can be suppressed by the force component in the opposite direction (e.g., force component F2b from left to right) or the horizontally inward force component F1b. As a result, displacement of the male terminal 12 relative to the female terminal 10 can be suppressed, and the conductive state between the male terminal 12 and the female terminal 10 can be stably maintained.

[0088] Furthermore, as spring members for imparting the aforementioned pressing force F2, elastic contact pieces 28 and first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are provided. These elastic contact pieces 28 and first and second spring portions 86 and 88 are positioned on both the left and right sides. Thus, the leftward pressing force F2 is achieved by the elastic restoring force of the left elastic contact piece 28 and first spring portion 86, while the rightward pressing force F2 is achieved by the elastic restoring force of the right elastic contact piece 28 and second spring portion 88. Consequently, pressing forces F2 acting in different directions can be achieved on the left and right sides, improving the ability to follow the displacement of the male terminal 12.

[0089] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, the positions of the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26 are different in the front-to-back direction, and the male terminal 12 is clamped at three different locations in the front-to-back direction by the first contacts 24 and the second contacts 26. This effectively prevents the male terminal 12 from swinging and shifting in the vertical direction within the male terminal insertion gap 16.

[0090] The first assembly portion 74 includes a first base portion 76 and a first connecting plate portion 78. The elastic contact piece 28 is cantilever-connected to the lower edge of the first connecting plate portion 78. In particular, in the first embodiment, the elastic contact piece 28 is provided on both the left and right sides, and the first assembly portion 74 is configured such that the first connecting plate portions 78 and the first base portions 76, which are also provided on the left and right sides, are connected by the first connecting portion 80. This allows the structure of the first assembly portion 74 to be simplified and miniaturized, even when the elastic contact piece 28 is provided on both the left and right sides.

[0091] Similarly, the second assembly portion 94 includes a second base portion 96 and a second connecting plate portion 98, with the pressure spring 30 connected to the lower edge of the second connecting plate portion 98 in a cantilever beam-like manner. In particular, in the first embodiment, the pressure spring 30 includes the first spring portion 86 and the second spring portion 88 on the left and right sides, and the second assembly portion 94 is configured such that the second connecting plate portions 98 and the second base portions 96, which are similarly provided on the left and right sides, are connected by the second connecting portion 102. Consequently, even when the first spring portion 86 and the second spring portion 88 are provided on the left and right sides, the structure of the second assembly portion 94 can be simplified, and the second assembly portion 94 can be reduced in size.

[0092] Furthermore, the first assembly portion 74 and the second assembly portion 94 are provided with a first locking claw 84 and a second locking claw 106, respectively, which are respectively engaged with the first locking hole 60 and the second locking hole 62 provided in the second wall portion 20, thereby assembling the first and second assembly portions 74 and 94 to the main body portion 22. This facilitates the assembly of the first and second assembly portions 74 and 94 to the main body portion 22, and further facilitates the placement of the elastic contact pieces 28 and the first and second spring portions 86 and 88 within the male terminal insertion gap 16.

[0093] In particular, each first connecting plate portion 78 of the first assembly portion 74 overlaps with the front end face 20a of the second wall portion 20, and these first connecting plate portions 78 and the front end face 20a are welded. This not only more effectively prevents the first assembly portion 74 from falling off the main body portion 22, but also reduces the contact resistance between the first assembly portion 74 and the main body portion 22, thereby providing a female terminal 10 more suitable for high current. In addition, as in the first embodiment, when the main body portion 22 is a stamped product of a single metal flat plate 64, by providing the mutually abutting portions on the second wall portion 20, the welding of the first assembly portion 74 can also achieve the effect of preventing the stamped main body portion 22 from opening.

[0094] <Modification> While the first embodiment has been described in detail as a specific example of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this specific description. Modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, modifications of the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0095] (1) In the embodiment described above, the male terminal 12 has a pair of inclined portions 32, 32, and the first wall portion 18 and the second wall portion 20 of the female terminal 10 respectively have a pair of first inclined side edges 44, 44 and a pair of second inclined side edges 54, 54, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the male terminal may be in the shape of a flat protrusion, in which case the portion of the female terminal that constitutes the male terminal insertion gap may also be in the shape of a roughly rectangular tube. Similarly, the male terminal may be in the shape of a pin, in which case the portion of the female terminal that constitutes the male terminal insertion gap may also be in the shape of a roughly cylindrical tube. In addition, even when an inclined portion, a first inclined side edge, and a second inclined side edge are provided, the sizes of the inclined angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 may be different from each other. In addition, the central flat portion, the first flat portion, and the second flat portion are not necessary, and the inclined portions, the first inclined side edge, and the second inclined side edge on both sides may also be directly connected to each other.

[0096] (2) In the above embodiment, the main body 22, the first assembly portion 74, and the second assembly portion 94 are each formed by stamping a single metal plate, but the present invention is not limited to this method. In other words, at least one of the main body, the first assembly portion, and the second assembly portion may be composed of multiple components and formed by welding them. Furthermore, even when the main body is formed by stamping a metal plate, the joint portion does not need to be provided on the second wall portion and can be provided anywhere on the main body.

[0097] (3) In the above embodiment, the first assembly portion 74 is assembled to the main body 22 by welding and fitting the first locking hole 60 and the first locking claw 84. However, the assembly may be performed by either welding or fitting. For example, the first locking hole and the first locking claw are not required in the female terminal of the present invention. Similarly, the second assembly portion may be fixed to the main body by welding. The second locking hole and the second locking claw are not required in the female terminal of the present invention. In addition, when the first locking hole and the first locking claw are provided, they may be provided in the opposite manner to the above embodiment, that is, the first locking hole may be provided in the first connecting portion of the first assembly portion, and the first locking claw may be provided in the second flat portion of the second wall portion. Similarly, the second locking hole and the second locking claw may be provided in the opposite manner to the above embodiment, and the second locking hole may be provided in the second connecting portion of the second assembly portion, and the second locking claw may be provided in the second flat portion of the second wall portion.

[0098] (4) In the embodiment described above, the pressing spring 30 (the first and second spring portions 86 and 88) is formed of a leaf spring formed by bending a metal flat plate, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the pressing spring may be formed of a rubber elastic body or a coil spring. In addition, in the embodiment described above, in the initial state before the male terminal 12 is inserted, the protruding end portion (bent portion 90) of the pressing spring 30 (the first and second spring portions 86 and 88) abuts against the protruding end portion (bent portion 70) of each elastic contact piece 28 from behind and above. However, in the initial state, the protruding end portion of the pressing spring and the protruding end portion of the elastic contact piece may be slightly separated. That is, the pressing spring only needs to be arranged behind and above the elastic contact piece within the male terminal insertion gap, elastically deform together with the elastic contact piece when the male terminal is pressed in, and its elastic restoring force acts on the male terminal together with the elastic contact piece.

[0099] (5) The number, shape, etc. of the first and second contacts are not limited to those described in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, both the first and second contacts may be hemispherical, or one or more contacts may be provided in the direction of insertion of the male terminal. Furthermore, the number, shape, etc. of the first and second contacts may be the same or different. Description of Reference Numerals

[0100] 10 female terminal 12 male terminals 14 terminal units 16 Male terminal insertion clearance 18. First wall 18a Front face 20 Second wall 20a front face 20b rear end face 22 Main body 24 1st contact 26 Second contact 28 elastic contact piece 30 Compression spring 32 inclined portion 34 Central flat part 36 through holes 38 Male terminal insertion port 40 rear opening 41a Front storage recess 41b Rear storage recess 42 side wall 42a front face 42b rear end face 43 Connection 44 1st inclined side edge 46 1st flat part 47 Guide surface 48 protuberance 50 recess 52 groove part 54 Second inclined side edge 56 Second flat part 56a Second flat part on the left 56b The second flat part on the right 58 through hole 60 1st locking hole 62 Second locking hole 64 Metal Plate 66 left part 68 right part 70 bending part 72 recess 74 Assembly Department 1 76 1st base 78 1st connecting plate 79 Insertion port 80 1st connection 82 Through Window 84 1st locking claw 86 1st spring part 88 Second spring part 90 bend 92 front end 94 Assembly Department 2 96 Second base 98 Second connecting plate 100 Plug-in port 102 Second connection 104 Through Window 106 2nd locking claw

Claims

1. A female terminal comprising: The main body includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion that are arranged opposite to each other with a male terminal insertion gap therebetween, and the male terminal is press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap; a first contact point provided on the first wall portion and protruding toward the second wall portion; an elastic contact piece assembled to the second wall portion, having a plate thickness thinner than that of the main body portion, protruding toward the first wall portion, capable of elastically deforming toward the second wall portion, and having a second contact point; as well as A pressing spring is assembled to the second wall portion, and when the male terminal is pressed into the male terminal insertion gap, the pressing spring presses the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion. The second contact of the elastic contact piece is pressed against the male terminal pressed into the male terminal insertion gap by the elastic restoring force of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion and the biasing force of the pressing spring, thereby pressing the male terminal against the first contact.

2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein The male terminal pressed into the male terminal insertion gap has a pair of inclined portions on both sides of the plate width direction intersecting the pressing direction, inclined toward one side of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal. The first wall portion has a pair of first inclined side edges, the pair of first inclined side edges facing the other side of the male terminal in the plate thickness direction and inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal, respectively, and the first contact is provided on each of the first inclined side edges. The second wall portion has a pair of second inclined side edges, the pair of second inclined side edges facing the one side surface of the plate thickness direction of the male terminal and inclined along the pair of inclined portions of the male terminal, and the elastic contact piece is arranged on each of the second inclined side edges. The pressing spring includes a first spring portion and a second spring portion, wherein the first spring portion presses the elastic contact piece arranged on one side in the plate width direction toward the first inclined side edge portion located on the one side in the plate width direction, and the second spring portion presses the elastic contact piece arranged on the other side in the plate width direction toward the first inclined side edge portion located on the other side in the plate width direction.

3. The female terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A male terminal insertion opening continuous with the male terminal insertion gap is provided at the distal end side of the male terminal insertion gap of the main body. The elastic contact piece is supported by a first assembly portion assembled to the second wall portion. The first assembly portion includes: a first base portion placed on the outer surface of the second wall portion on the male terminal insertion port side; and a first connecting plate portion, which protrudes from the first base portion toward the first wall portion and is arranged opposite to the end surface of the second wall portion constituting the male terminal insertion port, The elastic contact piece is connected to the protruding edge of the first connecting plate portion in a cantilever beam shape and protrudes toward the inside of the male terminal insertion gap and toward the first wall portion.

4. The female terminal according to claim 3, wherein The first connecting plate portion of the first assembly portion is welded to the end surface of the second wall portion on the male terminal insertion port side.

5. The female terminal according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein: The first assembly portion includes a pair of first connecting plate portions, and the pair of first connecting plate portions are arranged to face the end surfaces of the pair of second inclined side edges on the male terminal insertion port side. The elastic contact pieces are connected to the protruding edge portions of the pair of first connecting plate portions in a cantilever beam shape, respectively. The pair of elastic contact pieces are urged toward the first inclined side edge portions by the first spring portion and the second spring portion, respectively.

6. The female terminal according to claim 3, wherein One of the two opposing surfaces of the first assembly portion and the second wall portion has a first elastically deformable locking claw, and the other of the two opposing surfaces of the first assembly portion and the second wall portion has a first locking hole. The first locking claw elastically deforms to allow the first assembly portion to be assembled to the second wall portion, and the first locking claw elastically returns to fit into the first locking hole, so that the first assembly portion is non-detachably assembled to the second wall portion.

7. The female terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A rear opening portion continuous with the male terminal insertion gap is provided on the base end side of the male terminal insertion gap of the main body. The pressing spring has a tongue shape and is supported by a second assembly portion assembled to the second wall portion. The second assembly portion includes: a second base portion placed on the outer surface of the second wall portion on the rear opening side; and a second connecting plate portion, which protrudes from the second base portion toward the first wall portion and is arranged opposite to the end surface of the second wall portion constituting the rear opening portion, The pressing spring is connected to the protruding edge of the second connecting plate in a cantilever beam shape and protrudes toward the inner side of the male terminal insertion gap and the first wall portion. The protruding end of the pressing spring presses the end of the elastic contact piece toward the first wall portion.

8. The female terminal according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein: The second assembly portion includes a pair of second connecting plate portions, and the pair of second connecting plate portions are arranged to face the end surfaces of the pair of second inclined side edges on the side of the rear opening. The pressing springs are connected to the protruding edge portions of each of the pair of second connecting plate portions in a cantilever beam shape, thereby forming the first spring portion and the second spring portion.

9. The female terminal according to claim 7, wherein A second locking claw capable of elastic deformation is provided on one of the two opposing surfaces of the second assembly portion and the second wall portion, and a second locking hole is provided on the other of the two opposing surfaces of the second assembly portion and the second wall portion. The second locking claw elastically deforms to allow the second assembly portion to be assembled to the second wall portion, and the second locking claw elastically returns to fit into the second locking hole, so that the second assembly portion is non-detachably assembled to the second wall portion.

10. A terminal unit comprising a plate-shaped male terminal and a female terminal connected to the male terminal. The female terminal is the female terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A male terminal, press-fitted into the male terminal insertion gap of the female terminal according to claim 2, The male terminal has a pair of inclined portions on both sides in a plate width direction intersecting a press-fitting direction and inclined toward one side in a plate thickness direction of the male terminal.

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