Female terminal and connector

Abstract

The female terminal (31) includes a wire connecting portion (32) for connecting a wire, a terminal connecting portion (33) having a cylindrical connecting portion (60) into which a cylindrical connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted, and a connecting portion (34) connecting the wire connecting portion (32) and the terminal connecting portion (33). The wire connecting portion (32), the connecting portion (34), and the terminal connecting portion (33) are arranged side by side in a first direction (X1). An axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion (60) extends in a second direction (Z1) intersecting the first direction (X1). A first dimension (L1) of the connecting portion (34) in the second direction (Z1) is larger than a second dimension (L2) of the cylindrical connecting portion (60) in the second direction (Z1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to female terminals and connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, connectors mounted on vehicles have been known to include a female terminal and a housing that holds the female terminal. A cylindrical connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted into and electrically connected to the cylindrical connecting portion of the female terminal. Such female terminals utilize a force generated by a force-applying member such as a helical spring to stably ensure contact pressure on the cylindrical connecting portion of the male terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-28903 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the aforementioned connectors, it is desirable to suppress the temperature rise of the female terminal when energized. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide female terminals and connectors capable of suppressing temperature rise. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The female terminal disclosed herein includes: a wire connection portion for connecting a power supply wire; a terminal connection portion having a cylindrical connection portion having a male terminal inserted therein and a connecting portion for connecting the wire connection portion and the terminal connection portion. The wire connection portion, the connecting portion, and the terminal connection portion are arranged side by side along a first direction. The axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first dimension of the connecting portion along the second direction is larger than the second dimension of the cylindrical connection portion along the second direction. Invention Effects

[0006] The connector disclosed herein can suppress temperature rise. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top view showing a portion of a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Figure 6This is a top view showing a portion of a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 (Sectional view along line 7-7 in the diagram). Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 (8-8 line section view). Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the female terminal in one embodiment. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of one embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 (Sectional view along line 10-10). Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of one embodiment. Figure 10 (Sectional view along line 11-11 in the middle). Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the female terminal in one embodiment. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the female terminal of one embodiment. Figure 14 This is a top view showing the female terminal of one embodiment. Figure 15 This is a top view showing a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the main body of the housing in one embodiment. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main body of the housing in one embodiment. Figure 19 (Sectional view along line 17-17 in the middle). Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 15 (Sectional view along line 19-19 in the middle). Figure 20 This is a top view showing a portion of a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0008] (Description of embodiments of this disclosure) The embodiments of this disclosure are first described by listing them. (1) The female terminal of this disclosure includes: a wire connection portion for connecting a power supply wire; a terminal connection portion for inserting a cylindrical connection portion having a male terminal into which a cylindrical connection portion is inserted; and a connecting portion for connecting the wire connection portion and the terminal connection portion, wherein the wire connection portion, the connecting portion and the terminal connection portion are arranged side by side along a first direction, the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first dimension of the connecting portion along the second direction is greater than the second dimension of the cylindrical connection portion along the second direction.

[0009] According to this configuration, the first dimension of the connecting portion along the second direction, that is, the width dimension of the connecting portion, is formed to be larger than the second dimension of the cylindrical connecting portion along the second direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the first dimension and the second dimension are equal, the volume of the female terminal can be increased. As a result, the heat capacity of the female terminal can be increased, and the heat generated by the female terminal when energized can be reduced. Consequently, the temperature rise of the female terminal when energized can be effectively suppressed.

[0010] (2) In (1) above, the connecting portion may also have: a base having a width of the second dimension; and a first width expansion portion extending from the base toward the second direction. According to this configuration, by providing the first width expansion portion, the volume of the female terminal can be increased. This increases the heat capacity of the female terminal and effectively suppresses the temperature rise of the female terminal during energization.

[0011] (3) In (2) above, the connecting portion may also have a second width expansion portion that extends from the base toward a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the second direction. According to this configuration, by providing the first width expansion portion and the second width expansion portion, the volume of the female terminal can be significantly increased. This, in turn, significantly increases the heat capacity of the female terminal and more effectively suppresses the temperature rise of the female terminal during energization.

[0012] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the first dimension may be smaller than the third dimension of the wire connection portion along the second direction. According to this configuration, the third dimension of the wire connection portion along the second direction, that is, the width dimension of the wire connection portion, is formed to be larger than the first dimension of the connection portion along the second direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the first dimension and the third dimension are equal, the volume of the female terminal can be increased. As a result, the temperature rise of the female terminal during energization can be effectively suppressed.

[0013] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the connecting part may have a through hole that extends through the connecting part in the thickness direction. According to this configuration, the width of the connecting portion with the through hole is formed to be larger than the second dimension of the cylindrical connecting portion. Therefore, even if the volume of the connecting portion decreases due to the through hole, the larger width of the connecting portion compared to the cylindrical connecting portion prevents localized reduction in volume. Consequently, localized increases in heat generation within the connecting portion with the through hole can be effectively suppressed.

[0014] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the terminal connection portion may have: a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion; a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposite to the first cylindrical portion; the cylindrical connection portion being formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; and a coiling portion that limits the spacing between the first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, the coiling portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the coiling portion extending from the first peripheral wall and folding back while internally embracing the end edge of the second peripheral wall, and contacting the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the cylindrical connecting portion of the male terminal is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion, the rolling portion restricts the increase in the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. This rolling portion restricts the contact between the first and second inner surfaces and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. As a result, the contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the cylindrical connecting portion can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the rolling portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall. Therefore, compared to using other components such as a helical spring, the contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the cylindrical connecting portion can be maintained with a simplified structure. That is, compared to using other components such as a helical spring, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified.

[0016] (7) In (6) above, the first peripheral wall may extend along the first direction, the second peripheral wall may extend along the first direction, and the terminal connection may be located at a position from the first peripheral wall toward a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions. The terminal connection portion may also have a connection portion connecting the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall. The connection portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall and integrally formed with the second peripheral wall. The coiling portion is arranged adjacent to the connection portion in the first direction. The coiling portion is folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the second direction toward the second peripheral wall. The connection portion is arranged in such a way that... The connecting portion is arranged adjacent to the connecting portion in the first direction. The connecting portion is formed by folding back from the end face of the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction of the second direction in the first peripheral wall, toward the end face of the second opposite direction in the second peripheral wall. The first dimension is smaller than the fourth dimension. The fourth dimension is the longest distance along the second direction from the protruding tip of the connecting portion to the protruding tip of the coiled portion. The protruding tip of the connecting portion protrudes from the end face of the second opposite direction in the first peripheral wall toward the second opposite direction, and the protruding tip of the coiled portion protrudes from the end face of the second direction in the first peripheral wall toward the second direction.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first dimension of the connecting portion along the second direction is formed to be smaller than the fourth dimension, which is the longest distance along the second direction from the protruding tip of the connecting portion to the protruding tip of the coiling portion. Therefore, the width of the connecting portion, which is arranged adjacent to the coiling portion and the connecting portion in the first direction, is formed to be smaller than the width of the terminal connection portion in the portion where the coiling portion and the connecting portion are formed. As a result, bending processing for forming the coiling portion and the connecting portion can be performed well.

[0018] (8) In (6) or (7) above, the second cylindrical portion may have a plurality of segmented cylindrical portions that are divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and the plurality of segmented cylindrical portions each have a protrusion that protrudes from the second inner surface toward the radially inner side of the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross section.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the cylindrical connecting portion of the male terminal is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion, the protrusions provided on the second inner surfaces of the plurality of segmented cylindrical portions contact the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. Therefore, in the cylindrical connecting portion, the plurality of protrusions contact the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion at multiple axially spaced locations. Thus, even if wobbling is transmitted to the male terminal, displacement of the male terminal due to such wobbling can be effectively prevented by the contact between the plurality of protrusions and the cylindrical connecting portion. That is, compared to the case where only one protrusion is provided on the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, the contact pressure generated by the plurality of protrusions can suppress displacement of the cylindrical connecting portion inside the cylindrical connecting portion.

[0020] (9) In any of (6) to (8) above, the connecting portion may be integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the connecting portion extending from an end in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction in the first peripheral wall toward the first opposite direction, and the wire connecting portion is integrally formed with the connecting portion, the wire connecting portion extending from an end in the first opposite direction in the connecting portion toward the first opposite direction.

[0021] According to this configuration, the connecting portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, and the connecting portion is integrally formed with the wire connection portion. Therefore, it can help reduce the number of parts of the female terminal and simplify the structure of the female terminal.

[0022] (10) The connector disclosed herein includes: a female terminal as described in any one of (1) to (9) above; and a housing for holding the female terminal. According to this configuration, the same effect as the female terminal in (1) above can be obtained.

[0023] (Details of the embodiments disclosed herein) Specific examples of the female terminal and connector of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, some components are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of the components may differ in different drawings. The terms "parallel," "orthogonal," or "perpendicular" used in this specification include not only strictly parallel, orthogonal, or perpendicular cases, but also cases where the effects of this embodiment are approximately parallel, orthogonal, or perpendicular within a range that allows them to achieve their intended purpose. The term "cylindrical" used for illustrative purposes in this specification includes not only structures with a continuous circumferential wall, but also structures composed of multiple components forming a cylindrical shape, or structures with a notch in a portion of the circumference, such as a C-shape or U-shape. Furthermore, the shape of "cylindrical" includes circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners, but is not limited to these. The term "opposite" in this specification refers to two surfaces or two components being directly opposite each other, including not only completely opposite positions, but also partially opposite positions. Furthermore, "opposite" in this specification includes cases where a component different from the two parts is sandwiched between them, as well as cases where there is no sandwiching element between the two parts. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" in this specification are used only to distinguish the objects and are not intended to order them. Also, the invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown through the claims and is intended to include all modifications with the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0024] (Overall structure of wire harness W1) like Figure 1As shown, the wiring harness W1 includes one or more (two in this embodiment) wires 20 and connectors C1 mounted on the ends of the wires 20. The wiring harness W1 electrically connects vehicle electrical devices to each other, for example. Examples of vehicle electrical devices include inverters or motors for driving wheels. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, connectors C1 are electrically connected to counterpart connectors provided on the electrical devices. The counterpart connector, for example, includes male terminals 200 as one or more (two in this embodiment) counterpart terminals (see...). Figure 4 ), and the opposite housing that holds the two male terminals 200. Also, the orientations in the figures do not necessarily indicate the orientation of connector C1 and wire harness W1 during use.

[0025] (Overall structure of connector C1) like Figure 2 As shown, connector C1 includes a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 respectively connected to the ends of a plurality of wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of wires 20 and the plurality of female terminals 31. The housing 30 has a housing body 120 that internally houses the plurality of female terminals 31, and a retainer 150 mounted on the housing body 120. Furthermore, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in the various figures. In each figure, a first direction X1, which is a direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1, are shown. In each figure, a second direction Z1, which is a direction along the Z-axis, and a second opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Z1, are shown. In each figure, a third direction Y1, which is a direction along the Y-axis, and a third opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Y1, are shown. Unless otherwise specified, the directions described above refer to the directions when connector C1 is already assembled to the end of wire 20.

[0026] The female terminal 31 and the wire 20 are inserted into the housing body 120 along the first direction X1. The retainer 150 is mounted on the housing body 120 along the second direction Z1. The opposite connector is connected to the connector C1, for example, along the second direction Z1. For example, the male terminal 200 of the opposite connector (see...) Figure 4 It is inserted into the interior of the housing body 120 along the second direction Z1.

[0027] (Composition of wire 20) Each wire 20 has: a core wire 21, which is conductive; and an insulating sheath 22, which surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 21 and is insulating. The core wire 21 can be, for example, a stranded wire made of multiple bare metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor. The insulating sheath 22, for example, covers the entire circumferential surface of the core wire 21.

[0028] The end of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 is exposed from the insulating cover portion 22. A female terminal 31 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating cover portion 22 in the first direction X1. like Figure 3 As shown, the end of the wire 20 in the first direction X1 is housed inside the housing body 120. The wire 20 is led out from the end of the housing body 120 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0029] (Overall structure of female terminal 31) like Figure 2 As shown, two female terminals 31 are electrically connected to two wires 20, respectively. The two female terminals 31 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis, for example. The two female terminals 31 have, for example, identical structures. Here, we will focus on the female terminal 31 located on the third direction Y1 side.

[0030] Each female terminal 31 has a wire connection portion 32 that connects to the end of the wire 20, a terminal connection portion 33, and a connecting portion 34 that connects the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33. The wire connection portion 32 connects to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulation covering portion 22. The wire connection portion 32, the connecting portion 34, and the terminal connection portion 33 are arranged side by side along the first direction X1. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, a single component formed continuously and integrally by the wire connection portion 32, the connecting portion 34, and the terminal connection portion 33. In this embodiment, each female terminal 31 is constructed by bending a sheet of metal. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, made of metal. As the material for each female terminal 31, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used, for example.

[0031] (The structure of the terminal connection part 33) like Figure 4 As shown, the terminal connection portion 33 is provided at a position from the wire connection portion 32 toward the first direction X1. The terminal connection portion 33 is a female terminal portion that connects to the male terminal 200 of the other connector. Here, the male terminal 200 has a columnar connection portion 201. In this embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 is formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0032] The terminal connection portion 33 includes: a peripheral wall 40 having a cylindrical portion 41; a peripheral wall 50 having a cylindrical portion 51 opposite to the cylindrical portion 41; and a cylindrical connecting portion 60. The terminal connection portion 33 includes, for example, a connecting portion 70, a protrusion 80, a coiled portion 90, and a protective portion 100. The peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0033] (The composition of perimeter wall 40 and perimeter wall 50) like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the end of the connecting portion 34 in the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 40 is formed as a strip extending along the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the connecting portion 34 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 40 is formed, for example, as a flat plate. Figure 4 As shown, the peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface opposite to the peripheral wall 50, and an outer surface disposed on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the peripheral wall 50 is formed as a strip extending along the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 50 can be, for example, formed as a flat plate. Figure 4 As shown, the peripheral wall 50 has an inner surface opposite to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 40, and an outer surface disposed on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface of the peripheral wall 50 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 40 in the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall 50 is disposed at a position extending from the peripheral wall 40 toward the third direction Y1. The peripheral wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the peripheral wall 40.

[0035] Cylindrical portions 41 and 51 are each positioned at the midpoint of the peripheral walls 40 and 50 along the X-axis. Cylindrical portions 41 and 51 are each positioned between the coiling portion 90 and the protective portion 100 along the X-axis. Cylindrical portions 41 and 51 are each integrally formed as a semi-circular cylinder. Cylindrical portions 41 and 51 extend along the entire length of the peripheral walls 40 and 50 along the Z-axis.

[0036] The cylindrical portions 41 and 51 are bent in mutually spaced directions. The cylindrical portions 41 and 51 form a cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is the portion into which the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted along the second direction Z1 and electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion 201. The axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the peripheral walls 40 and 50 (here, the X-axis direction), and in this embodiment, it extends along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is open at both ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is formed integrally into a cylindrical shape, for example. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is configured such that the columnar connecting portion 201 is pressed into the interior of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0038] The cylindrical portion 41 has an inner surface 42 facing the third direction Y1, and an outer surface disposed on the opposite side of the inner surface 42. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed such that the cross-sectional shape when the cylindrical portion 41 is cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved into an arc shape. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 protrudes radially outward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed to be recessed radially outward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0039] On the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41, there are a plurality of linear contact portions 43 (two in this embodiment) protruding radially inward from the inner surface 42 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are positioned circumferentially spaced apart from each other in the cylindrical connecting portion 60. For example, the two linear contact portions 43 are partially opposite each other in the X-axis direction. Figure 5 As shown, each linear contact portion 43 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, the curvature of the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical connector 201 with two linear contact portions 43 is set to be less than the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connector 201 of the male terminal 200. This allows the two linear contact portions 43 to appropriately contact the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connector 201. At this time, each linear contact portion 43 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connector 201 linearly along the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60. That is, each linear contact portion 43 forms a line contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connector 201.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) segmented cylindrical portions 52 that are divided axially in the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and a slit 53 that separates the two segmented cylindrical portions 52. The two segmented cylindrical portions 52 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 by the slit 53. The two segmented cylindrical portions 52 have, for example, identical structures.

[0042] like Figure 8 As shown, each segmented cylindrical portion 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the third opposite direction Y2, and an outer surface disposed on the opposite side of the inner surface 54. Figure 7 As shown, the outer surface of each segmented cylindrical portion 52 is formed such that the cross-sectional shape of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 is curved into an arc shape when cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis direction. The outer surface of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 protrudes radially outward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the inner surface 54 of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 is formed to be recessed radially outward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0043] like Figure 8As shown, each segmented cylindrical portion 52 has a recessed portion 55 on its outer surface, recessed radially inward from the outer surface toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Figure 6 As shown, the planar shape of the recess 55, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, is, for example, rectangular. The recess 55 is formed, for example, along the entire length of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, each segmented cylindrical portion 52 has a protrusion 56 on its inner surface 54, protruding radially inward from the inner surface 54 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 is, for example, provided on the inner surface 54 of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 in the portion where the recess 55 is formed. The protrusion 56 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 56 is embossed by pressing the outer surface of the segmented cylindrical portion 52 with a mold.

[0045] The protrusion 56 is, for example, formed such that when cut by a plane parallel to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 56 is formed to protrude radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc shape. The protrusion 56 protrudes radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from the inner surface 54 in an arc-shaped cross-section. The protrusion 56 extends circumferentially along the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 extends axially along the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protruding tip 56A of the protrusion 56, for example, makes point contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200.

[0046] Each protruding tip 56A is, for example, located at the center of the axial direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) of the segmented cylindrical portion 52. Each protruding tip 56A is located at a predetermined distance from the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction.

[0047] like Figure 9 As shown, the slit 53 extends through the cylindrical portion 51 along the Y-axis. The slit 53 is provided, for example, at the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction.

[0048] The slit 53 extends along the entire circumferential length of the cylindrical portion 51. For example, the slit 53 extends from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2 to a position further along the first opposite direction X2 than the segmented cylindrical portion 52. The slit 53 opens in the first direction X1. That is, the slit 53 is formed as a cut from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0049] The end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed as a structure divided into two strands by a slit 53. That is, the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two segmented portions 57 forming two strands. Each segmented portion 57 has a segmented cylindrical portion 52. Each segmented portion 57 is formed, for example, to be cantilevered relative to the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two segmented portions 57 have, for example, identical structures. The two segmented portions 57 are formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane extending in the X-axis direction relative to the center of the slit 53 in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] (The structure of the connecting part 70) like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 70 connects the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the second opposite direction Z2 and the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed in such a way that it folds back from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the second opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Z2.

[0051] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, adjacent to the connecting portion 34 in the first direction X1. The connecting portion 70 extends from the end of the peripheral walls 40, 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The connecting portion 70 protrudes into the second opposite direction Z2 from the end of the peripheral walls 40, 50 in the second opposite direction Z2.

[0052] like Figure 10 As shown, the connecting portion 70 has: an extension 71 extending from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the second opposite direction Z2 toward the second opposite direction Z2; and an extension 72 extending from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Z2 toward the second opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 has a folding portion 73 that connects the extension 71 and the extension 72. The folding portion 73 is formed such that it folds back from the end face of the extension 71 toward the extension 72 and the peripheral wall 50. For example, the folding portion 73 folds back in a U-shape from the end face of the extension 71 toward the second direction Z1. The connecting portion 70 has a U-shaped folding shape protruding toward a direction away from the peripheral walls 40 and 50 (here, the second opposite direction Z2) by the extension 71, the folding portion 73, and the extension 72. The connecting portion 70 folds back so that the peripheral wall 50 is disposed opposite to the peripheral wall 40. In other words, in the terminal connection portion 33, the peripheral wall 50 is folded into two layers towards the peripheral wall 40 through the connecting portion 70.

[0053] (The composition of protrusion 80) like Figure 11As shown, a protrusion 80 is provided on the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Z1. The protrusion 80, for example, has: a protruding base 81 extending from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Z1 towards the second direction Z1; and a protrusion 82 extending from a portion of the protruding top surface of the protruding base 81 towards the second direction Z1. The protruding base 81 is continuously and integrally formed with the peripheral wall 50. The protruding base 81 extends from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 along the first direction X1. The protrusion 82 is continuously and integrally formed with the protruding base 81. The protrusion 82 protrudes beyond the protruding top surface of the protruding base 81, which is here the end face in the second direction Z1, towards the second direction Z1. The protrusion 82 is only provided at a midpoint in the X-axis direction of the protruding base 81. The protrusion 82 is formed, for example, in a top view viewed from the Y-axis direction, such that its width in the X-axis direction decreases as it approaches the protruding top surface of the protruding protrusion 82 from the protruding base 81.

[0054] (The structure of the pressing section 90) like Figure 4 As shown, the coiling portion 90 is formed to limit the distance between the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 and the inner surface 54 of the cylindrical portion 51. The coiling portion 90 limits the increase of the distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54. The coiling portion 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The coiling portion 90 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40. The coiling portion 90 is, for example, provided at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Z1. The coiling portion 90 is, for example, formed by extending from the peripheral wall 40 and folding back while internally embracing the end edge of the peripheral wall 50. The coiling portion 90 is, for example, formed by folding back while internally aligning the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Z1 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40. The coiling portion 90 contacts the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50.

[0055] The coiling portion 90 is provided, for example, adjacent to the connecting portion 34 in the first direction X1. The coiling portion 90 extends, for example, from the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. For example, when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction, the coiling portion 90 is positioned coinciding with the connecting portion 70. For example, the coiling portion 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 in the Z-axis direction, separated by the peripheral wall 40.

[0056] like Figure 10As shown, the coiling portion 90 has: an extension portion 91 extending from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Z1 toward the second direction Z1; a folding portion 92 provided at the end of the extension portion 91; and a pressing portion 93 extending from the end of the folding portion 92 toward the peripheral wall 50. The folding portion 92 is formed in such a way that it folds back from the end face of the extension portion 91 in the second direction Z1 toward the peripheral wall 50. For example, the folding portion 92 folds back in a U-shape from the end face of the extension portion 91 toward the second opposite direction Z2. The pressing portion 93 extends from the folding portion 92 toward the protrusion 80 and the peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Z2. The coiling portion 90 has a U-shaped folding shape protruding toward a direction away from the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 (here, the second direction Z1) by means of the extension portion 91, the folding portion 92, and the pressing portion 93.

[0057] The pressing portion 93 is configured to press against the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 from the outside. For example, the pressing portion 93 is configured to press against the outer surface of the protruding base 81 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 has a opposing surface 94 that faces the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends parallel to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example. The opposing surface 94 makes surface contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressing portion 90 has a through hole 95 for the protrusion 82 to engage. The through hole 95 extends through the pressing portion 90 in the thickness direction. For example, the through hole 95 extends from the middle position of the folding portion 92 to the middle position of the pressing portion 93. The through hole 95 is formed to a size that allows the protrusion 82 to engage.

[0059] like Figure 12 As shown, the coiling portion 90 has an engaging surface 96 that forms a through hole 95 and engages with the protrusion 82. The engaging surface 96 faces, for example, the third direction Y1. The engaging surface 96 is opposite to the inner surface of the protrusion 82 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging surface 96 extends, for example, parallel to the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The engaging surface 96 makes surface contact with the inner surface of the protrusion 82, for example. The outer surface of the protrusion 82 is exposed from the coiling portion 90 through the through hole 95.

[0060] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, while the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the pressing portion 93 of the coiling portion 90, the engaging surface 96 of the coiling portion 90 is pressed from the outside by the protrusion 82 of the protrusion 80. As a result, the increase in the distance between the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 can be stably limited.

[0061] (The composition of Protection Section 100) like Figure 4As shown, the protective portion 100 is configured to protect the end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first direction X1. The protective portion 100 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1. The protective portion 100 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40, for example. The protective portion 100 is formed in such a way that the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is disposed inside the peripheral wall 40 while being folded back.

[0062] The protective portion 100 has an extension 101 extending from the end of the peripheral wall 40 in a first direction X1 toward a third direction Y1; and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension 101 in the third direction Y1 toward the peripheral wall 50. The protective portion 100 and the protective wall 102 form a U-shaped folded shape protruding toward a direction away from the peripheral wall 50 (here, the first direction X1). The protective wall 102 is configured to face the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. The protective wall 102 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The protective wall 102 is configured to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example, when a columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0063] (The structure of the locking part 110) like Figure 13 As shown, the female terminal 31 has an engaging portion 110. The engaging portion 110 is, for example, provided in the connecting portion 34. The engaging portion 110 is, for example, provided in the peripheral wall 40. The engaging portion 110 extends, for example, from the connecting portion 34 along the X-axis direction to an end of the peripheral wall 40 in a first opposite direction X2. The engaging portion 110 is configured to partially overlap with the connecting portion 70 and the coiling portion 90 when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction. The engaging portion 110 is located at the center of the peripheral wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] The engaging portion 110 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 40, specifically from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Y2, and more specifically, in a direction away from the peripheral wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Y2). The engaging portion 110 is an engaging protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 40 and the outer surface of the connecting portion 34. The engaging portion 110 is, for example, formed by cutting off a portion of the peripheral wall 40 and a portion of the connecting portion 34. The engaging portion 110 can be formed, for example, by a cutting process.

[0065] The engaging portion 110 has, for example, a protruding top surface 111, an inclined surface 112, and an engaging surface 113. The protruding top surface 111 is located at the position furthest from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 40 in the engaging portion 110. The protruding top surface 111 is formed as a plane. For example, the protruding top surface 111 is formed in a plane that extends along the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the inclined surface 112 is configured to connect the outer surface of the peripheral wall 40 to the protruding top surface 111. The inclined surface 112 is oriented, for example, toward a first direction X1. The inclined surface 112 is inclined relative to the first direction X1 and also inclined relative to a third direction Y1. For example, as the end of the inclined surface 112 connected to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Y1 moves toward the end of the inclined surface 112 connected to the protruding top surface 111 in the third opposite direction Y2, the inclined surface 112 becomes more inclined toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0067] The engaging surface 113 faces the first opposite direction X2. The engaging surface 113 is provided on the end face of the engaging portion 110 in the first opposite direction X2. The engaging surface 113 is inserted into the housing 30, for example, relative to the female terminal 31 (see reference). Figure 1 The engagement surface 113 is formed in a manner that extends perpendicularly to the first direction X1 of the insertion direction. For example, the engagement surface 113 extends from the end of the protruding top surface 111 in the first opposite direction X2 along a third direction Y1 orthogonal to the first direction X1. Figure 13 As shown, the engaging surface 113 is not connected to the outer surface of the connecting portion 34, for example. A space is provided between the engaging surface 113 and the outer surface of the connecting portion 34.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion of the engaging portion 110 in the peripheral wall 40 from the end face in the third opposite direction Y2 is greater than the protrusion of the cylindrical portion 41 in the peripheral wall 40 from the end face in the third opposite direction Y2. Therefore, the protruding top surface 111 of the engaging portion 110 is positioned further towards the third opposite direction Y2 than the protruding top surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, the female terminal 31, for example, has a through hole 115. The through hole 115 is provided in the connecting portion 34 in the X-axis direction adjacent to the engaging portion 110. The through hole 115 is, for example, provided at a position X2 away from the engaging surface 113 of the engaging portion 110 in the first opposite direction. The through hole 115 extends through the connecting portion 34 in the Y-axis direction. The through hole 115 is formed to improve machinability when forming the engaging portion 110 by cutting up a portion of the peripheral wall 40 and a portion of the connecting portion 34.

[0070] (The structure of the connecting part 34) like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 34 is formed to connect the terminal connecting portion 33, including the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and the wire connecting portion 32. The connecting portion 34 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. The connecting portion 34 is, for example, continuously and integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40. The connecting portion 34 extends in a strip shape, for example, along the X-axis direction. The connecting portion 34 extends from the end of the peripheral wall 40 in a first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 34 has a width extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0071] like Figure 14 As shown, the first dimension L1 of the connecting portion 34 along the second direction Z1 is larger than the second dimension L2 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 along the second direction Z1. Here, the second dimension L2 is the dimension of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 connected to the columnar connecting portion 201 (see reference). Figure 6 The dimension of the contact portion along the second direction Z1 is [not specified]. Furthermore, the first dimension L1 is, for example, smaller than the third dimension L3 of the wire connection portion 32 along the second direction Z1. The first dimension L1 is, for example, smaller than the fourth dimension L4, which is the largest dimension of the terminal connection portion 33 along the second direction Z1. Here, the fourth dimension L4 is the longest distance along the second direction Z1 from the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70 to the protruding tip of the coiled portion 90. The protruding tip of the connecting portion 70 is located at the furthest position from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the second opposite direction Z2 toward the second opposite direction Z2. The protruding tip of the coiled portion 90 is located at the furthest position from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Z1 toward the second direction Z1.

[0072] The connecting portion 34, for example, includes: a base 34A having a width of a second dimension L2; a width-enlarging portion 34B extending from the base 34A toward a second direction Z1; and a width-enlarging portion 34C extending from the base 34A toward a second opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 34 is formed continuously and integrally from the base 34A, the width-enlarging portion 34B, and the width-enlarging portion 34C. The connecting portion 34 is formed to be wider than the cylindrical connecting portion 60 by providing the width-enlarging portions 34B and 34C.

[0073] The width-enlarged portion 34B is formed to protrude further in the second direction Z1 than the end face of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the second direction Z1. The end face of the width-enlarged portion 34B in the second direction Z1 is located in a position that is recessed in the second opposite direction Z2 than the protruding tip of the coiling portion 90, that is, the end of the coiling portion 90 in the second direction Z1. The width-enlarged portion 34B extends along the entire length of the base 34A in the length direction (here, the X-axis direction).

[0074] The width-enlarged portion 34C is formed to protrude further in the second opposite direction Z2 than the end face of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the second opposite direction Z2. For example, the width-enlarged portion 34C is provided at a position that is recessed further in the second direction Z1 than the protruding top of the connecting portion 70, that is, the end of the connecting portion 70 in the second opposite direction Z2. The width-enlarged portion 34C extends along the entire length of the base 34A in the length direction (here, the X-axis direction).

[0075] (Composition of wire connection part 32) like Figure 4As shown, the wire connection portion 32 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. The wire connection portion 32 is formed continuously and integrally with the connecting portion 34, for example. The wire connection portion 32 extends in a strip shape along the X-axis direction, for example. The wire connection portion 32 extends from the end of the connecting portion 34 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The wire connection portion 32 is joined to the core wire 21, for example, by welding or soldering, such as ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, or laser welding. Thus, the wire connection portion 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to the core wire 21.

[0076] The wire connection portion 32 includes, for example, a joining portion 32A for joining the core wire 21 of the wire 20; a width-enlarging portion 32B extending from the joining portion 32A in a second direction Z1; and a width-enlarging portion 32C extending from the joining portion 32A in a second opposite direction Z2. The joining portion 32A, the width-enlarging portion 32B, and the width-enlarging portion 32C of the wire connection portion 32 are formed continuously and integrally. The wire connection portion 32 is formed to be wider than the cylindrical connection portion 60 and the connecting portion 34 by providing the width-enlarging portions 32B and 32C.

[0077] like Figure 14 As shown, the width-enlarged portion 32B is formed to protrude further in the second direction Z1 than the end face of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the second direction Z1. For example, the width-enlarged portion 32B is formed to protrude further in the second direction Z1 than the end face of the width-enlarged portion 34B of the connecting portion 34 in the second direction Z1. For example, the width-enlarged portion 32B is formed to protrude further in the second direction Z1 than the protruding tip of the coiled portion 90. The width-enlarged portion 32B extends along the entire length of the joint portion 32A in the longitudinal direction (here, the X-axis direction).

[0078] The width-enlarged portion 32C is formed to protrude further in the second opposite direction Z2 than the end face of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the second opposite direction Z2. For example, the width-enlarged portion 32C is formed to protrude further in the second opposite direction Z2 than the end face of the width-enlarged portion 34C of the connecting portion 34. For example, the width-enlarged portion 32C is formed to protrude further in the second opposite direction Z2 than the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70. The width-enlarged portion 32C extends along the entire length of the joint portion 32A in the length direction (here, the X-axis direction).

[0079] (Composition of the main body 120 of the shell) like Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 120 holds the female terminal 31 such that the wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2. The housing body 120 internally houses two female terminals 31. The housing body 120 is formed as a single unit in a box shape. The housing body 120 is made of synthetic resin, for example.

[0080] The housing body 120 has an opening 121 that opens in the first opposite direction X2. A wire 20 connected to the female terminal 31 is led out through the opening 121 to the outside of the housing body 120. The housing body 120 has, for example, a peripheral wall 122 provided in the second opposite direction Z2, and a cylindrical portion 123 provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 122. The cylindrical portion 123 is a fitting cylindrical portion for fitting into the housing of a female connector (not shown). The cylindrical portion 123 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 122 in the first direction X1. The cylindrical portion 123 protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 122 toward the radially outer side of the housing body 120 (here, the second opposite direction Z2). The cylindrical portion 123 is, for example, formed in a square cylindrical shape.

[0081] The cylindrical portion 123 has an insertion hole 124. The insertion hole 124 is formed in such a way that it connects the inside and outside of the housing body 120. For example, the insertion hole 124 penetrates the cylindrical portion 123 in the Z-axis direction and also penetrates the peripheral wall 122 in the Z-axis direction. The insertion hole 124 is formed such that the female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 120 are exposed. Here, each female terminal 31 housed inside the housing body 120 is provided such that the open end of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is exposed from the insertion hole 124.

[0082] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the housing body 120 has a partition wall 125 disposed within the internal space of the housing body 120. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the partition wall 125 is formed to divide the internal space of the housing body 120 into two storage spaces 126. In other words, the housing body 120 has two storage spaces 126 separated by the partition wall 125. The partition wall 125 is, for example, located at the center of the housing body 120 in the Y-axis direction. The partition wall 125 extends along the X-axis direction. In each of the two storage spaces 126, a female terminal 31 (see reference) is stored. Figure 15 ).

[0083] Each storage space 126, for example, has a pair of guide grooves 130. The pair of guide grooves 130 are respectively provided on the inner surface of the storage space 126 facing the second direction Z1 and the inner surface facing the second opposite direction Z2. The pair of guide grooves 130 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction. Each guide groove 130 extends along the first direction X1 from its end in the first opposite direction X2 of the storage space 126. Each guide groove 130 is formed as a width enlargement 32B, 32C of the female terminal 31 (see reference). Figure 14 The size at which they can fit together. Each guide groove 130 opens in the opposite direction X2.

[0084] like Figure 17As shown, each guide groove 130 has, for example, a first groove 131 and a second groove 132. The first groove 131 and the second groove 132 are interconnected. The first groove 131 is positioned in a position facing the first opposite direction X2 than the second groove 132. The opening width of the first groove 131 is larger than the opening width of the second groove 132, specifically the opening width along the Y-axis direction.

[0085] Each guide groove 130 has a guiding surface 133. The guiding surface 133 is provided at the end of the first groove 131 in the first direction X1. The guiding surface 133 is provided, for example, only on one side of the inner surface of the first groove 131 in the Y-axis direction. The guiding surface 133 is formed such that the opening width of the first groove 131 decreases as it approaches the second groove 132. The guiding surface 133 is, for example, formed as an inclined surface that slopes radially inward toward the guide groove 130 as it approaches the second groove 132.

[0086] like Figure 18 As shown, the female terminal 31 is inserted into each storage space 126 along the first direction X1. At this time, the width expansion portions 32B and 32C of the wire connection portion 32 are inserted into the pair of guide slots 130 of each storage space 126 along the first direction X1. Figure 18 Only the width expansion portion 32B is shown. The width expansion portions 32B and 32C are inserted into the interior of the guide groove 130 from the opening in the first opposite direction X2 of the first groove 131, and are guided into the interior of the second groove 132 along the guiding surface 133. The end face of the width expansion portions 32B and 32C in the first direction X1 is configured to engage with the inner end of the second groove 132 in the first direction X1.

[0087] like Figure 19 As shown, when the width-enlarged portions 32B and 32C are fitted into the pair of second grooves 132, the width-enlarged portions 32B and 32C engage with the inner surface of the second grooves 132 in the Z-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction. This restricts the movement of the female terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction and also restricts its movement in the Y-axis direction. Consequently, loosening of the female terminal 31 within the storage space 126 can be suppressed.

[0088] like Figure 15As shown, the housing body 120 has one or more (two in this embodiment) engaging portions 140. Each of the two engaging portions 140 corresponds to one of the two female terminals 31. The two engaging portions 140 are provided, for example, on the end face of the partition wall 125 opposite to the female terminal 31, specifically the end face of the partition wall 125 in the Y-axis direction. Each of the two engaging portions 140 is provided to protrude from the end face of the partition wall 125 in the Y-axis direction toward the female terminal 31. The two engaging portions 140 have, for example, identical structures. Here, we will focus on the engaging portion 140 provided on the third direction Y1 side.

[0089] like Figure 20 As shown, the engaging portion 140 is, for example, an engaging piece, formed such that it protrudes from the end face of the partition wall 125 in the third direction Y1 toward the third direction Y1 and then extends toward the first opposite direction X2. The engaging portion 140 is formed in a cantilever shape, with the base end connected to the partition wall 125 as the fixed end and the top end located on the opposite side of the base end in the X-axis direction as the free end. The engaging portion 140 is spring-like. The engaging portion 140 is configured, for example, to be able to flex in the Y-axis direction by elastic deformation.

[0090] The top end of the engaging portion 140, that is, the end in the first opposite direction X2, has an engaging protrusion 141 that protrudes toward the third direction Y1. The engaging protrusion 141 protrudes toward the female terminal 31. The engaging protrusion 141 is provided in such a way that it can engage with the engaging portion 110 of the female terminal 31 in the first direction X1.

[0091] The engaging protrusion 141 has, for example, an engaging surface 142 and an inclined surface 143. The engaging surface 142 faces the first direction X1. The engaging surface 142 is formed in such a way that it can engage with the engaging surface 113 of the engaging portion 110 in the first direction X1. The engaging surface 142 is formed, for example, perpendicular to the first direction X1, which is the insertion direction of the female terminal 31. The engaging surface 142 extends, for example, parallel to the engaging surface 113. The engaging surface 142 extends, for example, along the third direction Y1.

[0092] The inclined surface 143 faces the first opposite direction X2. The inclined surface 143 is the surface that contacts the inclined surface 112 of the engaging portion 110 of the female terminal 31 when the female terminal 31 is inserted into the housing 30 along the first direction X1. The inclined surface 143 is inclined relative to the first direction X1 and also inclined relative to the third direction Y1. For example, the inclined surface 143 is inclined towards the first direction X1 as the end of the inclined surface 143 in the third opposite direction Y2 moves towards the end of the inclined surface 143 in the third direction Y1. That is, the inclined surface 143 is inclined towards the first direction X1 as it moves towards the tip of the engaging protrusion 141. The inclined surface 143 is formed such that the engaging protrusion 141 tapers as it moves towards the tip of the engaging protrusion 141. The inclined surface 143 is formed, for example, as a curved surface that is curved in an arc shape.

[0093] The female terminal 31 is inserted into the internal space of the housing body 120 along the first direction X1. At this time, the inclined surface 112 of the engaging portion 110 of the female terminal 31, facing the first direction X1, contacts the inclined surface 143 of the engaging portion 140 of the housing body 120. As the female terminal 31 is further inserted, the inclined surface 112 moves along the inclined surface 143, and the protruding top surface 111 of the engaging portion 110 contacts the top of the engaging protrusion 141. As a result, the engaging portion 140 is pushed by the protruding top surface 111, and the engaging portion 140 elastically deforms in a manner that flexes towards the partition wall 125. Subsequently, when the engaging portion 110 passes the engaging protrusion 141 of the engaging portion 140, the engaging portion 140 elastically recovers and returns to its original shape. Thus, the engaging surface 113 of the engaging portion 110 engages with the engaging surface 142 of the engaging portion 140. By engaging the engaging surface 113 with the engaging surface 142, the female terminal 31 can be prevented from detaching from the housing body 120. For example, when assembling the connector C1, specifically before the retainer 150 is installed on the housing body 120, the female terminal 31 can be prevented from detaching from the housing body 120. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, the end faces of the widened portions 32B and 32C in the first direction X1 engage with the inner end of the second groove 132. This allows for easy positioning of the female terminal 31 in the X-axis direction when it is inserted into the housing body 120. These features improve the assembly workability of the connector C1.

[0094] (The structure of retainer 150) like Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 150 is mounted on the cylindrical portion 123 of the housing body 120. The retainer 150 has a main body portion 151 and one or more (two in this embodiment) limiting portions 152 that restrict the female terminal 31 from moving in the first opposite direction X2. The retainer 150 is, for example, a single component formed continuously and integrally with the main body portion 151 and the limiting portions 152. The retainer 150 is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0095] The main body 151 is formed as a frame as a whole. The outer periphery of the main body 151 is formed as a quadrilateral in planar shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The main body 151 is formed, for example, to cover the end face of the cylindrical part 123 in the second opposite direction Z2.

[0096] The main body 151 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 153. Each insertion hole 153 extends through the main body 151 along the Z-axis. Each insertion hole 153 is formed to communicate with the insertion hole 124 of the cylindrical portion 123. For example, the two insertion holes 153 are formed such that the open ends of the cylindrical connecting portions 60 of the two female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 120 are exposed.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, two limiting portions 152 are configured to correspond to two female terminals 31 respectively. The two limiting portions 152 are arranged side by side, for example, along the Y-axis direction. Each limiting portion 152 is formed in a cylindrical shape to accommodate a portion of the female terminal 31. When the retainer 150 is mounted on the housing body 120 along the second direction Z1, the female terminal 31 is inserted into the internal space of the limiting portion 152. If the retainer 150 is mounted on the housing body 120, the female terminal 31 is restricted from moving in the first opposite direction X2 by the limiting portions 152.

[0098] The effects of this implementation method will be explained below. (1) The female terminal 31 includes: a wire connection portion 32 for connecting a wire 20; a terminal connection portion 33 having a cylindrical connection portion 60 into which a cylindrical connection portion 201 of a male terminal 200 is inserted; and a connecting portion 34 connecting the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33. The wire connection portion 32, the connecting portion 34, and the terminal connection portion 33 are arranged side by side along a first direction X1. The axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 extends along a second direction Z1 that intersects the first direction X1. The first dimension L1 of the connecting portion 34 along the second direction Z1 is larger than the second dimension L2 of the cylindrical connection portion 60 along the second direction Z1.

[0099] According to this configuration, the first dimension L1 of the connecting portion 34 along the second direction Z1, that is, the width dimension of the connecting portion 34, is formed to be larger than the second dimension L2 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 along the second direction Z1. Therefore, compared with the case where the first dimension L1 and the second dimension L2 are equal, the volume of the female terminal 31 can be increased. As a result, the heat capacity of the female terminal 31 can be increased, and the heat generated by the female terminal 31 when energized can be reduced. Consequently, the temperature rise of the female terminal 31 when energized can be effectively suppressed.

[0100] (2) The connecting portion 34 has: a base portion 34A having a width of a second dimension L2; a width-enlarging portion 34B extending from the base portion 34A toward a second direction Z1; and a width-enlarging portion 34C extending from the base portion 34A toward a second opposite direction Z2. According to this configuration, by providing the width-enlarging portions 34B and 34C, the volume of the female terminal 31 can be significantly increased. As a result, the heat capacity of the female terminal 31 can be significantly increased, and the temperature rise of the female terminal 31 during energization can be effectively suppressed.

[0101] (3) The third dimension L3 of the wire connection portion 32 along the second direction Z1, that is, the width dimension of the wire connection portion 32, is formed to be larger than the first dimension L1 of the connecting portion 34 along the second direction Z1. Therefore, compared with the case where the first dimension L1 and the third dimension L3 are equal, the volume of the female terminal 31 can be increased. As a result, the temperature rise of the female terminal 31 when energized can be effectively suppressed.

[0102] (4) The connecting portion 34 has a through hole 115 extending through the connecting portion 34 in the thickness direction. According to this configuration, the width dimension of the connecting portion 34 with the through hole 115 is formed to be larger than the second dimension L2 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Therefore, even if the volume of the connecting portion 34 becomes smaller due to the through hole 115, since the width of the connecting portion 34 is formed to be larger than that of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the local reduction in volume of the connecting portion 34 can be suppressed. Therefore, the local increase in heat generation in the connecting portion 34 with the through hole 115 can be effectively suppressed.

[0103] (5) When the cylindrical connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the coiling portion 90 restricts the increase in the distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. This restriction by the coiling portion 90 allows the protrusion 56 and the linear contact portion 43 to make good contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion 201. As a result, the pressed state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the cylindrical connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the coiling portion 90 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40. Therefore, compared to the case where other components such as a coil spring are used, the pressed state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the cylindrical connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simplified structure. That is, compared to the case where other components such as a coil spring are used, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0104] (6) The first dimension L1 of the connecting portion 34 along the second direction Z1 is formed to be smaller than the fourth dimension L4, which is the longest distance along the second direction Z1 from the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70 to the protruding tip of the coiled portion 90. Therefore, the width of the connecting portion 34, which is provided adjacent to the coiled portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 in the first direction X1, is formed to be smaller than the width of the terminal connection portion 33 in the portion where the coiled portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 are formed. As a result, bending processing for forming the coiled portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 can be performed well.

[0105] (7) The cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality of segmented cylindrical portions 52 that are divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Each of the plurality of segmented cylindrical portions 52 has a protrusion 56 that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface 54 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross section.

[0106] According to this configuration, when the cylindrical connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is pressed into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the protrusions 56 provided on the inner surfaces 54 of the plurality of segmented cylindrical portions 52 press against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion 201. Therefore, in the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the plurality of protrusions 56 press against the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical connecting portion 201 at multiple axially spaced locations. Thus, even if some shaking is transmitted to the male terminal 200, displacement of the male terminal 200 caused by such shaking can be effectively prevented through the contact between the plurality of protrusions 56 and the cylindrical connecting portion 201. That is, compared to the case where only one protrusion 56 is provided on the inner surface 54 of the cylindrical portion 51, the contact pressure generated by the plurality of protrusions 56 can suppress displacement of the cylindrical connecting portion 201 inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0107] (8) The slit 53 that separates the two cylindrical portions 52 is provided at the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. At this time, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting portion 201 rotates about the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation. When the contact portion between the protrusion 56 and the columnar connecting portion 201 is provided at such a center of rotation, the contact pressure generated by the protrusion 56 cannot act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, the protrusion 56 is provided at a position different from the slit 53 provided at the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. Therefore, the protrusion 56 can contact the columnar connecting portion 201 at a position different from the center of rotation where the columnar connecting portion 201 is displaced. As a result, the contact pressure generated by the protrusion 56 can act well as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the contact pressure generated by the multiple protrusions 56 can effectively suppress the displacement of the columnar connector 201 inside the cylindrical connector 60.

[0108] (9) The connecting portion 34 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40, and the connecting portion 34 is integrally formed with the wire connecting portion 32. Therefore, it can help reduce the number of parts of the female terminal 31 and simplify the structure of the female terminal 31.

[0109] (Variation example) The above embodiments can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-inconsistency.

[0110] The first dimension L1 in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed. For example, as long as the first dimension L1 is greater than the second dimension L2, it can also be equal to or greater than the third dimension L3. For example, as long as the first dimension L1 is greater than the second dimension L2, it can also be equal to or greater than the fourth dimension L4.

[0111] The connecting portion 34 in the above embodiment has a base portion 34A, a width-enlarged portion 34B, and a width-enlarged portion 34C, but is not limited thereto. For example, either the width-enlarged portion 34B or 34C of the connecting portion 34 can be omitted. That is, the connecting portion 34 can also be modified to a structure that protrudes only to either the second direction Z1 or the second opposite direction Z2.

[0112] The wire connection portion 32 of the above embodiment has a joining portion 32A, a width-enlarging portion 32B, and a width-enlarging portion 32C, but is not limited thereto. For example, either the width-enlarging portions 32B and 32C of the wire connection portion 32 can be omitted. That is, the wire connection portion 32 can also be modified to a structure that protrudes only in either the second direction Z1 or the second opposite direction Z2.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the engagement structure between the engagement portion 110 of the female terminal 31 and the engagement portion 140 of the housing 30 can be appropriately modified. For example, the engagement portion 110 can be modified into an engagement hole that extends through the connecting portion 34 in the thickness direction, and the engagement hole can be engaged with the engagement portion 140.

[0114] Alternatively, the engaging portion 110 of the above embodiment may be provided only in the connecting portion 34. That is, in this case, the engaging portion 110 is not provided in the peripheral wall 40. The engaging part 110 of the female terminal 31 can also be omitted.

[0115] The through hole 115 of the female terminal 31 can also be omitted. The structure of the female terminal 31 in the above embodiments can be modified appropriately. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41, and the cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality of segmented cylindrical portions 52 and protrusions 56 provided on its inner surface 54, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cylindrical portion 51 may also have a plurality of linear contact portions 43.

[0116] In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, each protrusion 56 may be provided only at the middle position of the axial direction of the divided cylindrical portion 52. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, a coiling portion 90 may be provided at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the second opposite direction Z2, and a connecting portion 70 may be provided at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Z1.

[0117] The number of segmented cylindrical portions 52 in the cylindrical portion 51 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the cylindrical portion 51 may have three or more segmented cylindrical portions 52. The structure of the slit 53 in the above embodiment can be modified appropriately.

[0118] The slit 53 can also be omitted. In this case, the cylindrical portion 51 is not divided axially in the cylindrical connecting portion 60, for example, and has a protrusion 56 on the inner surface 54. Alternatively, the protective portion 100 in the above embodiment can be integrally formed with the peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective portion 100 is formed, for example, to fold back from the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1.

[0119] The protective part 100 of the female terminal 31 can also be omitted. The position of the coiling portion 90 in the female terminal 31 can also be changed appropriately. For example, the coiling portion 90 can be set at a different position in the X-axis direction than the connecting portion 70.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the spacing between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54 is limited by the coiling portion 90 to ensure contact pressure on the columnar connecting portion 201, but it is not limited to this. For example, a force-applying member such as a helical spring that is separate from the peripheral walls 40 and 50 may also be used to ensure contact pressure on the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 34 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40, but this is not a limitation. For example, the connecting portion 34 may also be integrally formed with the peripheral wall 50. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, only the terminal connecting portion 33 is formed as a two-layer folded structure where the peripheral wall 50 is folded over the peripheral wall 40, among the wire connecting portion 32, the terminal connecting portion 33, and the connecting portion 34. However, it is not limited to this; for example, all of the wire connecting portion 32, the terminal connecting portion 33, and the connecting portion 34 may be formed as a structure that allows two sheets of material to be folded.

[0122] In the above embodiments, as long as the housing body 120 has a structure capable of accommodating the female terminal 31, other structures can be appropriately modified. For example, the engaging portion 140 can be provided on the wall portion of the housing body 120 other than the partition wall 125. For example, the engaging portion 140 can be omitted. For example, the guide groove 130 can be omitted.

[0123] The structure of the retainer 150 in the above embodiment can be modified appropriately. For example, the limiting part 152 can also be omitted. In the above embodiment, the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is specifically embodied as a cylinder, but it is not limited to this. For example, the columnar connecting portion 201 may also be formed as a column other than a cylinder. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting portion 201 may also be formed as an ellipse or a polygon.

[0124] like Figure 4 As shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, the Z-axis is sometimes referenced as the major axis of the male terminal 200 and / or as the mounting / dismounting direction of the connector C1 relative to the male terminal 200. The columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is sometimes referenced as a straight conductor pin.

[0125] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first direction X1 is sometimes referred to as the insertion direction of the female terminal 31 relative to the housing 30. The first opposite direction X2 is sometimes referred to as the discharge direction of the wire 20 from the housing 30, or as the discharge direction of the wire 20 from the female terminal 31. Figures 1-7 As shown, the X-axis is sometimes referenced as the major axis of wire 20.

[0126] like Figure 4 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, the female terminal 31 may, for example, have two conductor plates extending in the XZ plane. These two conductor plates can be configured to clamp the male terminal 200. The female terminal 31 is sometimes referred to as a plate-shaped clamping female terminal. Figure 4As shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, the female terminal 31 may have a terminal length or conductor length (X), a terminal thickness or conductor thickness (Y), and a terminal width or conductor width (Z). The wire connection portion 32 or the joining portion 32A of the female terminal 31 may, for example, extend in the XZ plane, and is sometimes referred to as a conductive wire receiving surface formed by receiving the core wire 21 of the wire 20. The wire connection portion 32 or the joining portion 32A of the female terminal 31 is sometimes referred to as a flat contact on the base end side of the female terminal 31 that is in electrical contact with the core wire 21 of the wire 20. The terminal connection portion 33 of the female terminal 31, especially the cylindrical connection portion 60, is sometimes referred to as a non-flat or curved contact on the top end side of the female terminal 31 that is in electrical contact with the male terminal 200.

[0127] The connecting portion 34 of the female terminal 31 is sometimes referred to as an intermediate plate or neck between the wire connection portion 32 or joint portion 32A of the female terminal 31 and the terminal connection portion 33 of the female terminal 31. Figure 14 As shown, for example, the width of the connecting portion 34, which can be the first dimension L1, can be narrower than the width of the wire connecting portion 32 or the joint portion 32A, which can be the third dimension L3. Therefore, one or two width-direction steps can be formed between the connecting portion 34 and the wire connecting portion 32 or the joint portion 32A.

[0128] The connecting portion 70 of the female terminal 31 is sometimes referred to as the wire connecting portion 32 or the joint portion 32A of the female terminal 31, and is shown as the intermediate shoulder between the terminal connecting portion 33 or the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31. Figure 14 As shown, for example, the width of the connecting portion 70, which can be a fourth dimension L4, can be larger than the width of the terminal connecting portion 33 or the cylindrical connecting portion 60, which can be a second dimension L2. Therefore, one or two width-direction steps can be formed between the connecting portion 70 and the terminal connecting portion 33 or the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the width of the connecting portion 70 can also be larger than the width of the connecting portion 34. Therefore, one or two width-direction steps can be formed between the connecting portion 70 and the connecting portion 34.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is not as implied by the foregoing description, but is set forth by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0130] 20…Wire, 21…Core wire, 22…Insulation sheath, 30…Shell, 31…Female terminal, 32…Wire connection, 32A…Joint, 32B…Width expansion, 32C…Width expansion, 33…Terminal connection, 34…Connecting part, 34A…Base, 34B…Width expansion (first width expansion), 34C…Width expansion (second width expansion), 40…Peripheral wall (first peripheral wall), 41…Cylindrical part (first cylindrical part), 42…Inner surface (first inner surface), 43…Wire Contact portion, 50… circumferential wall (second circumferential wall), 51… cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion), 52… segmented cylindrical portion, 53… slit, 54… inner surface (second inner surface), 55… recessed portion, 56… protrusion, 56A… protruding tip, 57… segmented portion, 60… cylindrical connecting portion, 70… connecting portion, 71… extension, 72… extension, 73… folded-back portion, 80… protrusion, 81… protruding base, 82… protrusion, 90… coiled portion, 91… extension, 92… folded-back portion, 93… pressing portion, 94… Opposing surface, 95…through hole, 96…engaging surface, 100…protective part, 101…extension, 102…protective wall, 110…engaging part, 111…protruding top surface, 112…inclined surface, 113…engaging surface, 115…through hole, 120…shell body, 121…opening, 122…peripheral wall, 123…cylindrical part, 124…insertion hole, 125…partition wall, 126…storage space, 130…guide groove, 131…first groove, 132…second groove, 133…guide surface, 140…locking 141… Engaging protrusion, 142… Engaging surface, 143… Inclined surface, 150… Retaining member, 151… Main body, 152… Restricting part, 153… Insertion hole, 200… Male terminal, 201… Columnar connecting part, C1… Connector, L1… First dimension, L2… Second dimension, L3… Third dimension, L4… Fourth dimension, W1… Wire harness, X1… First direction, X2… First opposite direction, Z1… Second direction, Z2… Second opposite direction, Y1… Third direction, Y2… Third opposite direction.

Claims

1. A female terminal, comprising: Electrical wire connection part, power supply line connection; A terminal connection portion, wherein a cylindrical connection portion having a male terminal is inserted into an internal cylindrical connection portion; and The connecting part connects the wire connecting part and the terminal connecting part. The wire connection portion, the connecting portion, and the terminal connection portion are arranged side by side along the first direction. The cylindrical connecting portion extends axially along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The first dimension of the connecting portion along the second direction is larger than the second dimension of the cylindrical connecting portion along the second direction.

2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion has: a base having a width of the second dimension; and a first width expansion portion extending from the base toward the second direction.

3. The female terminal according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting portion has a second width expansion portion that extends from the base toward a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction.

4. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first dimension is smaller than the third dimension of the wire connection portion along the second direction.

5. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion has a through hole that extends through the connecting portion along the thickness direction.

6. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal connection portion has: The first circumferential wall has a first tubular portion; The second peripheral wall has a second cylindrical portion opposite to the first cylindrical portion; The cylindrical connecting portion is composed of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; and The coiling section limits the distance between the first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion. The coiled portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall. The coiled portion extends from the first peripheral wall and folds back while internally embracing the end edge of the second peripheral wall, and contacts the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

7. The female terminal according to claim 6, wherein, The first peripheral wall extends along the first direction. The second peripheral wall extends along the first direction and is positioned from the first peripheral wall toward a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions. The terminal connection portion also has a connection portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall. The connecting portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall and also integrally formed with the second peripheral wall. The winding and pressing portion is arranged adjacent to the connecting portion in the first direction. The coiled portion folds back from the end face in the second direction of the first peripheral wall toward the second peripheral wall. The connecting portion is arranged adjacent to the connecting portion in the first direction. The connecting portion is formed by folding back from the end face of the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction of the second direction in the first peripheral wall, toward the end face of the second opposite direction in the second peripheral wall. The first dimension is smaller than the fourth dimension, and the fourth dimension is the longest distance along the second direction from the protruding tip of the connecting portion to the protruding tip of the coiling portion. The protruding tip of the connecting portion protrudes from the end face in the first peripheral wall in the second opposite direction toward the second opposite direction, and the protruding tip of the coiling portion protrudes from the end face in the first peripheral wall in the second direction toward the second direction.

8. The female terminal according to claim 6, wherein, The second cylindrical portion has a plurality of segmented cylindrical portions that are divided axially in the cylindrical connecting portion. Each of the plurality of segmented cylindrical portions has a protrusion that protrudes radially inward from the second inner surface toward the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross section.

9. The female terminal according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall. The connecting portion extends from the end in the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction in the first peripheral wall, toward the first opposite direction. The wire connection portion and the connecting portion are integrally formed. The wire connection portion extends from the end in the first opposite direction of the connection portion toward the first opposite direction.

10. A connector comprising: The female terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; and The housing holds the female terminal.

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