Female terminal

Abstract

To provide a female terminal in a more appropriate configuration in terms of connection reliability between terminals, there is provided a female terminal including a housing having a first wall, a second wall opposite to the first wall, and sidewalls in a pair connecting the first wall and the second wall, and an elastic contact piece configured to press a mating terminal inserted into the housing against the first wall in the housing. The elastic contact piece includes arms protruding from side faces opposing the sidewalls in a pair, respectively, and the arms are configured to contact the housing when the elastic contact piece elastically deforms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a female terminal. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a female terminal for mating with a male terminal.Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a female terminal that is used in connectors of electronic appliances, and the like. The female terminal includes a housing into which a male terminal is inserted, and an elastic contact piece provided in the housing. The elastic contact piece presses a male terminal that is inserted into the housing against the inner wall of the housing. The male terminal contacts the inner wall of the housing in the female terminal due to the pressing, and the female terminal and the male terminal are electrically connected to each other (PTL 1).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: JP2012-084403ASummary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] The present inventors have found a problem to be solved with a female terminal in a conventional configuration. Specifically, the present inventors have found the following problem.

[0005] In the female terminal described in PTL 1, for example, when a male terminal is inserted into the housing in the female terminal in an erroneous posture, a force may be excessively applied on the elastic contact piece and the elastic contact piece can deform. Thereby, the elastic contact piece cannot sufficiently enhance contact between the male terminal and the inner wall of the housing in the female terminal, and the terminals may fail to connect to each other.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problem. That is, a principal object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal in a more appropriate configuration in terms of connection reliability between terminals.Solution to Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the object, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a female terminal including a housing having a first wall, a second wall opposite to the first wall, a pair of sidewalls connecting the first wall and the second wall, and an elastic contact piece configured to press a mating terminal inserted into the housing against the first wall in the housing. The elastic contact piece includes arms protruding from side faces of the elastic contact piece that oppose the sidewalls in a pair, respectively, and the arms are configured to contact the housing when the elastic contact piece elastically deforms.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] A female terminal according to the present disclosure is more appropriately configured in terms of connection reliability between terminals.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a top view schematically depicting the female terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an enlarged view depicting the part I of the female terminal of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal of Figure 3 Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0010] A female terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings. Various components in the drawings are merely schematic and exemplary for explaining the present disclosure, and the appearances and dimensions thereof may be different from those of the actual ones.

[0011] Additionally, the terms indicating specific directions and positions will be used as needed in the following description. However, the terms will be used for facilitating the understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meanings of the terms. Further, like components are denoted with like reference numerals in the drawings. The sizes, the positional relationships, and the like of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated for clear explanation.

[0012] Furthermore, the explanation of exemplary forms of the present disclosure are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (regarded as part of the entire explanation). The description of directions or orientations in the explanation of forms of the present disclosure in the present specification are only for the convenience of the explanation and does not intend to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The relative terms such as "below," "above," "horizontal," "perpendicular," "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" and their derivatives such as "horizontally," "downward," and "upward" are to be regarded as referring to the directions as described or depicted. The relative terms are used for the convenience of the explanation, and do not require apparatuses to be configured or operated in specific directions unless otherwise stated. Further, the terms such as "attached," "added," "connected," "coupled," and "mutually connected" and their similar terms describe relations between structures directly or indirectly fixed via intervening objects or relations between structures movably or rigidly attached unless otherwise stated.

[0013] The features and benefits of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to preferred forms. The forms are sufficiently explained in detail and those skilled in the art can implement the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that other forms can be used and changes in processes and electrical or mechanical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The forms may be described in embodiments for convenience, but components in different embodiments may be partially replaced or combined. Thus, the present disclosure is not expressly limited to preferable forms which exemplify non-limiting combinations of possible features (forms solely or combined with other features). Common points between the following embodiments and the above description will not be described and only the differences therebetween will be described. Particularly, similar operational effects in similar configurations will not be described in each embodiment.

[0014] The features of the present disclosure relate to a configuration of an elastic contact piece incorporated in a housing in a female terminal. An outline of a configuration of the female terminal will be described below with reference to the drawings in order to grasp the entire configuration of the female terminal.[Basic configuration of female terminal]

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting a female terminal 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 are a top view and a side view depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 1, respectively. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 3. Figures 5 to 7 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 2 or Figure 3. The female terminal 1A includes, as main components, a housing 10 and an elastic contact piece 20 arranged in the housing 10.

[0016] The housing 10 is in a substantially tubular shape and includes an internal space 18 capable of housing one end of a mating terminal (such as male terminal) therein (see Figure 5). A mating terminal to be inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 may be electrically connected to the female terminal 1A while contacting a connection region 122 on the inner wall of the housing 10. The housing 10 may be in a substantially square tube shape having a first wall 12 including the connection region 122, a second wall 13 opposite to the first wall 12, and a pair of sidewalls 14 connecting the first wall 12 and the second wall 13. In the present specification, the side where the first wall 12 is positioned is assumed as upper side, and the first wall 12 and the second wall 13 may be called top wall and bottom wall, respectively.

[0017] The housing 10 includes a mating port 11 to be mated with a mating terminal when mating the mating terminal. When a mating terminal is inserted from the mating port 11, the mating terminal contacts the female terminal 1A in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and both the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0018] Though not depicted, the female terminal 1A may be configured to hold an electric wire electrically connected to the female terminal at an end 19 opposite to the mating port 11 of the housing 10. For example, the end 19 may be configured to be electrically connected to the female terminal 1A and to hold the connection state when the electric wire is crimped thereto. That is, the electric wire connected to the female terminal 1A may extend from the end 19 of the housing 10.

[0019] As depicted in Figure 1, in the present specification, the width direction of the housing 10 is assumed as X direction, the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 is assumed as Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is assumed as Y direction. The top wall 12 and the bottom wall 13 oppose each other in the Y direction, and the pair of sidewalls 14 may oppose in the X direction. The Z direction may be assumed as a direction in which a mating terminal is inserted into the housing 10.

[0020] The housing 10 may be shaped by punching, forming, and / or stamping a metallic sheet. For example, the female terminal 1A may be configured as an integral mold made of a metallic sheet.

[0021] The elastic contact piece 20 is arranged in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. The elastic contact piece 20 may be a plate-shaped elastic member which has a contact face opposing the top wall 12 and extends in the Z direction of the housing 10. The elastic contact piece 20 may be in a cantilever structure in which one end 24 thereof is a fixed end that is fixed in the housing 10 and the other end 26 thereof is an elastically displaceable free end. A mating terminal is inserted between the top wall 12 of the housing 10 and the elastic contact piece 20. The elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces toward the bottom wall 13 in response to the insertion of the mating terminal. The mating terminal is pressed against the connection region 122 of the top wall 12 by a repelling force caused from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the top wall 12 due to the elastic displacement. Thereby, the connection state between the mating terminal and the female terminal 1A can be kept. For example, the elastic contact piece 20 may be a leaf spring which presses a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 against the connection region 122.[Features of female terminal according to present disclosure]

[0022] The female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure is characterised by the elastic contact piece 20 and / or the configuration associated with the elastic contact piece 20. The features of the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure will be described below in detail.(First Embodiment)

[0023] As depicted in Figures 2 to 7, the elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure includes arms 22 protruding from the side faces of the elastic contact piece. The arms 22 may protrude from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 locally protruding at its side faces opposing the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. The arms 22 may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends (or the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted), for example perpendicular to the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends.

[0024] The arms 22 may be configured to contact the housing10 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces. In the present specification, "elastic displacement" of the elastic contact piece 20 means that the free end 26 of the elastic contact piece 20 displaces and the elastic contact piece 20 deforms in response to an external force due to insertion of a mating terminal, or the like. That is, the arms 22 may contact the housing 10 when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces and / or deforms. More specifically, when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces at a predetermined degree of displacement (or deformation), the arms 22 and the housing 10 may contact each other.

[0025] When the arms 22 contact the housing 10 in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from further displacing and / or deforming. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces until the arms 22 contact the housing 10, and then can be prevented from further elastically displacing. In the configuration, for example, when an excessive pressing force is applied on the elastic contact piece 20 due to erroneous insertion of a mating terminal and / or when a pressing force is applied in an erroneous direction (such as a different direction from the Z direction), the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing. Thus, a reduction in elastic force due to excessive displacement and deformation can be restricted in the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, an elastic force, which supports the contact between a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and the connection region 122, can be appropriately kept. Thus, in the configuration, there can be provided the female terminal 1A excellent in connection reliability which can appropriately keep connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A.

[0026] In the above configuration, the arms 22 can serve as a stopper for preventing the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing. Thus, the arms 22 may be called "stopper," "excessive displacement restricting arms," and / or "displacement control mechanism," for example.

[0027] Further, as depicted in Figures 1 to 7, the housing 10 may include space regions 15 opened in the sidewalls 14 at least to the internal space 18 in the housing 10. For example, the space regions 15 may be shaped such that the housing 10 has concave regions facing the internal space 18, or may be throughhole regions penetrating the sidewalls 14 as depicted in Figure 1. The arms 22 may extend to be at least partially present in the space regions 15 shaped in the sidewalls 14, respectively (see FIG, 7). That is, the space regions 15 may be concaves or throughholes locally shaped in the sidewalls 14 at the portions where the arms 22 protruding from the elastic contact piece 20 are arranged. The arms 22 may extend from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 and may reach the space regions 15 shaped in the sidewalls 14. To the contrary, the arms 22 are not to extend outside the housing 10. That is, the arms 22 are not to extend outside the sidewalls 14.

[0028] As depicted in Figure 4, each of the space regions 15 is defined by edges 151, 153, and 155. The arms 22 may be configured to contact the edges defining the space regions 15 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces (see Figure 4). In other words, the space regions 15 may be defined by the edges which can contact the arms 22 displacing in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. Specifically, the arms 22 may be at least partially present in the space regions 15 defined by the edges, respectively, and may contact the edges defining the space regions 15, respectively, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20.

[0029] The arms 22 may displace until they contact the edges defining the space regions 15. The arms 22 may displace in the space regions 15 surrounded by the edges. That is, how much the elastic contact piece 20 displaces can be indirectly controlled by the space regions 15. In the configuration, contact between the edges defining the space regions 15 and the arms 22 can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively displacing and / or deforming. Thereby, there can be provided the female terminal excellent in connection reliability which can appropriately keep an elastic force of the elastic contact piece 20 supporting stable connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A.

[0030] The contour of the space regions 15 is not particularly limited if the arms 22 displaced in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 can contact the edges defining the space regions 15. For example, the contour of the space regions 15 may be quadrilateral as depicted in Figure 4, or alternatively may be polygonal, substantially circular, or infinite shape.

[0031] As depicted in Figure 4, each of the space regions 15 may be defined by the first edge 151 closer to the top wall 12, the second edge 153 opposite to the first edge 151 and closer to the bottom wall 13, and the third edges 155 connecting the first edge 151 and the second edge 153. Each of the arms 22 may contact at least one of the first edge 151, the second edge 153, and the third edges 155 in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 can displace in the opening regions each surrounded by the first edge 151, the second edge 153, and the third edges 155. Thereby, elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 can be indirectly controlled, and excessively elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, which is a cause of a reduction in elastic force, can be restricted.

[0032] For example, each of the arms 22 can contact the first edge 151 and thus the arms 22, which approach the top wall 12, can be controlled in displacement. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the top wall 12. The elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A may be elastically displaced toward the top wall 12 by inserting a pin through a throughhole 132 shaped in the bottom wall 13 of the housing 10 in order to check an electrically conductive state. The present inventors have found that when the elastic contact piece 20 is excessively elastically displaced toward the top wall 12 by a pin inserted from the bottom wall 13, the elastic contact piece 20 deforms toward the top wall 12, the path in which a mating terminal is inserted is narrowed, and consequently a mating terminal is inhibited from being inserted.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact at least the first edges 151, respectively, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the top wall 12. Specifically, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the top wall 12 and the arms 22 contact the first edges 151, respectively, the elastic contact piece 20 is restricted from further displacing toward the top wall 12. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing toward the top wall 12 and an elastic force, which supports electric connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A, can be appropriately kept.

[0034] Similarly, the arms 22 may contact the second edges 153, respectively. Thereby, the arms 22 are restricted from displacing toward the bottom wall 13, and consequently the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the bottom wall 13. For example, if a wrong terminal is inserted and / or if a mating terminal is erroneously inserted diagonally to the insertion direction, the elastic contact piece 20 can be excessively pressed toward the bottom wall 13. Due to the pressing force, a repelling force toward the top wall 12, which is to press the mating terminal against the connection region 122 (see Figure 5), can lower, and connection stability between the mating terminal and the female terminal 1A can be impaired.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact the second edges 153, respectively, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the bottom wall 13. Specifically, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the bottom wall 13, and the arms 22 contact the second edges 153, respectively, the elastic contact piece 20 is restricted from further displacing toward the bottom wall 13. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing toward the bottom wall 13 and an elastic force, which supports electric connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A, can be appropriately kept.

[0036] Each of the arms 22 may contact the third edges 155. Particularly, each of the arms 22 may contact the third edge 155 farther from the mating port 11. That is, each of the arms 22 may contact the third edge 155 farther from the mating port 11 (or closer to the end 19) in the housing 10. Thereby, the arms 22 can be restricted from displacing in the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted, and consequently the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing in the Z direction.

[0037] For example, when the tip of the elastic contact piece 20 is pressed in the Z direction if a wrong terminal is inserted and / or if a mating terminal is erroneously inserted diagonally to the Z direction, the elastic contact piece 20 can deform. According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact the third edges 155 and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing in the Z direction. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from deforming.

[0038] The arms 22 may be provided close to the free end 26 of the elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 may be positioned closer to the free end 26 than to the fixed end 24. For example, in the top view of Figure 6, the elastic contact piece 20 may be tapered toward the free end 26 and the arms 22 may be provided on the side faces 21 of the tapered elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 are positioned closer to the free end 26 and thus can more appropriately follow elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, the contact between the arms 22 and the housing 10 can more appropriately restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing.

[0039] Additionally, the arms 22 may not contact the housing 10 while a mating terminal is not inserted. That is, while the elastic contact piece 20 is not elastically displaced due to an external force, the arms 22 may not contact the housing 10. In the configuration, the arms 22 can displace as much as they contact the housing 10. Thus, the elastic contact piece 20 can elastically displace at a certain degree while being restricted from excessively elastically displacing. Thereby, when a mating terminal is inserted, the elastic contact piece 20 can elastically displace and a repelling force can appropriately act on the mating terminal. Therefore, with the female terminal according to the present disclosure, a repelling force, which supports connection with a mating terminal, can appropriately act, and excessively elastic displacement can be restricted.

[0040] Further, as depicted in Figure 6, the elastic contact piece 20 may include a plurality of arms 22. The elastic contact piece 20 may include two arms 22 protruding toward the mutually opposing sidewalls 14 in a pair, respectively. That is, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 at both sides in the X direction. The arms 22 may be arranged to mutually oppose in the X direction. In the top view of Figure 6, the arms 22 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the elastic contact piece 20. In the configuration, the space regions 15 may be provided in the paired sidewalls 14, respectively. Thereby, when the arms 22 contact the housing 10, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing and being distorted only at one side face.

[0041] As depicted in Figure 7, the arms 22 may extend substantially linearly in the X direction. In the cross-section view of Figure 7, the elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 may flatly extend. Alternatively, the arms 22 may be partially bent. A female terminal according to a second embodiment, which includes the bent arms 22, will be described below in detail.

[0042] Further, the space regions 15 penetrating the sidewalls 14 contact the arms 22 thereby to restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing, and can be used as check windows through which the internal space 18 of the housing 10 is to be visually checked. For example, the internal space 18 in the housing 10 is visually checked through the space regions 15 penetrating the sidewalls 14 thereby to detect the position of the elastic contact piece 20, the presence of an inserted mating terminal, and the like.(Second Embodiment)

[0043] A female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] As depicted in Figures 8 to 11, the tips of the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 in the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment. This means that the arms 22 have the bent portions and the tips thereof extend toward the top wall 12. For example, the bent portions may be positioned closer to the roots of the arms 22 (or closer to the center of the elastic contact piece 20 or the housing 10) than to the tips 221 of the arms 22, or may be positioned closer to the tips 221. The arms 22 may be bent to protrude from the side faces 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 and to angle toward the top wall 12. Each of the arms 22 may be regarded as including a first portion protruding from the side face 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewall 14 and a second portion bent at the first portion and extending toward the top wall 12.

[0045] "Bend," "bent," and "bending" in the present specification include curving and folding. For example, in the cross-section view of Figure 11, the arms 22 may be substantially curved or rounded, or may be folded to be substantially linear.

[0046] In the configuration, a mating terminal is inserted from the mating port 11 of the housing 10 into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 along the elastic contact piece 20. At this time, the arms 22 are present facing the top wall 12 and thus the mating terminal is restricted from moving in the X direction. Specifically, the arms 22 can restrict the mating terminal from being inserted extremely closer to one sidewall 14 and / or from being inserted diagonally to the Z direction toward one sidewall 14, and the mating terminal can be adjusted to be positioned at the center of the housing 10. That is, the arms 22, which are bent and extend to rise toward the top wall 12, can serve to guide the mating terminal into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 to be inserted in an appropriate posture. Thereby, the mating terminal can be inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 in the appropriate posture and can be electrically connected to the female terminal 1B in an appropriate manner.

[0047] For example, in the configuration in which the space regions 15 are provided as depicted in Figure 11, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be bent toward the first edges 151 defining the space regions 15, respectively. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces toward the top wall 12, the tips 221 of the arms 22 contact the first edges 151. The contact can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12. Thereby, the internal space 18 in the housing 10, which is directed toward receiving a mating terminal, can be prevented from being narrowed due to displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, and the mating terminal can be smoothly inserted into the female terminal 1B.

[0048] Furthermore, as depicted in Figure 11, the arms 22 with the tips 221 bent may extend diagonally to the width direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. Specifically, the arms 22 may be tilted toward the tips 221 to gradually approach the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10, respectively. The tilted arms 22 may extend diagonally to the direction in which the sidewalls 14 extend. In this configuration, a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 can be more smoothly guided to the center region of the elastic contact piece 20 along the tilt of the arms 22. Thereby, the mating terminal can be restricted from being inserted in an inappropriate posture. Thus, the arms 22 can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing and can support appropriate insertion of the mating terminal into the female terminal 1B.(Third Embodiment)

[0049] A female terminal 1C according to a third embodiment will be described below. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 13 to 15 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] As depicted in Figures 12 to 15, in the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment, the second edges 153 include contacts 157 extending toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10, respectively. The sidewalls 14 are bent toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10 at the second edges 153 defining the space regions 15 thereby to shape the contacts 157, respectively. The contacts 157 extend from the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10 toward the internal space 18 at the second edges 153, respectively (see Figure 15). The second edges may be regarded as extending to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 in the configuration.

[0051] The second edges 153 include the contacts 157 and thus the second edges 153 have a larger surface area than in the female terminals 1A and 1B according to the first and second embodiments. Thus, the regions of the second edges 153, which face the elastic contact piece 20, can be further widened. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13, the arms 22 can contact the second edges 153 at a larger area. Particularly, as described in the second embodiment, when the tips 221 of the arms 22 are bent toward the top wall 12, the area where the arms 22 contact the second edges 153 may decrease. According to the present embodiment, even if the tips 221 of the arms 22 are bent, the area where the arms 22 contact the second edges 153 can be further widened. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13 and the second edges 153 including the contacts 157 contact the arms 22, the stress on the contact regions can be appropriately dispersed. Thereby, the arms 22 and the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from being broken and deformed when an external force is excessively applied.

[0052] The second edges 153 including the contacts 157 may be configured to contact the elastic contact piece 20. When displacing toward the bottom wall 13, the elastic contact piece 20 may contact the arms 22 and the second edges 153 including the contacts 157. The contacts 157 may extend to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 where they can contact the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13, the second edges including the contacts 157 contact the elastic contact piece 20 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the bottom wall 13. The elastic contact piece 20 can contact the second edges 153 at a larger area, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from being broken and deformed due to an external force.

[0053] As depicted in Figures 12 and 15, the contacts 157 may be shaped by forming some parts of the sidewalls 14 toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10. That is, the housing 10 and the contacts 157 may be integrally shaped.(Fourth Embodiment)

[0054] A female terminal 1D according to a fourth embodiment will be described below. Figure 16 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 17 to 19 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] As depicted in Figures 16 to 19, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be bent to be substantially perpendicular to the width direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. The arms 22 may be in a substantially L-shaped form as viewed in the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. For example, end faces 223 of the arms 22 may be arranged to oppose the first edges 151 defining the space regions 15, respectively (see Figure 19). In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the end faces 223 of the arms 22 can contact the first edges 151. Thereby, the arms 22 can contact the first edges at a larger area, which can more appropriately restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from displacing.(Fifth Embodiment)

[0056] A female terminal 1E according to a fifth embodiment will be described below. Figure 20 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 21 to 23 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As depicted in Figures 20 to 23, the arms 22 may be positioned closer to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 than the sidewalls 14. In other words, the sidewalls 14 may be positioned closer to the exterior of the housing 10 than the arms 22. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the arms 22 may contact the top wall 12 while not contacting the first edges 151. For example, as depicted in Figure 23, the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 and may extend along the sidewalls 14. In the configuration, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may also contact the top wall 12. For example, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be positioned closer to the top wall 12 than the space regions 15. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the tips 221 of the arms 22 contact the top wall 12 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12.

[0058] Further, in the configuration, the arms 22 extend along the inner faces of the sidewalls 14. When the elastic contact piece 20 moves in the X direction, the arms 22 can contact the inner faces of the sidewalls 14 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from moving in the X direction. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from rattling in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and a mating terminal can be electrically connected to the female terminal more stably.

[0059] Furthermore, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 13, the arms 22 can displace along the sidewalls 14. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can displace toward the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 13 while moving the arms 22 along the sidewalls 14. That is, the elastic contact piece 20 can displace while being supported by the sidewalls 14 at the arms 22. In the configuration, the elastic contact piece 20 can be kept in a more appropriate posture when elastically displacing, and the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from deforming.(Sixth Embodiment)

[0060] A female terminal 1F according to a sixth embodiment will be described below. Figure 24 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 25 to 27 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As depicted in Figures 24 to 27, the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment does not include the space regions 15 in the sidewalls 14. The elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 may be housed in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. The arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 and extend along the sidewalls 14 in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. When the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the arms 22 contact the top wall 12 in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12. In the configuration, without the space regions 15, the arms 22 can prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing. Thereby, the portion where a mating terminal is connected to the female terminal 1F is surrounded by the housing 10, and foreign materials can be appropriately restricted from entering from the outside. The thus-configured female terminal 1F is useful particularly when being used in an outdoor environment where foreign materials can enter the female terminal 1F.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be variously modified by combinations of the above configurations by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.Industrial Applicability

[0063] A female terminal according to the present disclosure can be appropriately used in various technical fields where electric connection is required.Reference Signs List

[0064] 1A to 1FFemale terminal 10Housing 11Mating port 12First wall 122Connection region 13Second wall 14Sidewall 15Space region 151First edge 153Second edge 155Third edge 17Protector 18Internal space 19End of housing 20Elastic contact piece 21Side face of elastic contact piece 22Arm 221Tip of arm 223End face of arm 24Fixed end 26...Free end

Examples

first embodiment

(First Embodiment)

[0023]As depicted in Figures 2 to 7, the elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure includes arms 22 protruding from the side faces of the elastic contact piece. The arms 22 may protrude from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 locally protruding at its side faces opposing the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. The arms 22 may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends (or the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted), for example perpendicular to the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends.

[0024]The arms 22 may be configured to contact the housing10 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces. In the present specification, "elastic displacement" of the elastic contact piece 20 means that the free end 26 of the elastic contact piec...

second embodiment

(Second Embodiment)

[0043]A female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044]As depicted in Figures 8 to 11, the tips of the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 in the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment. This means that the arms 22 have the bent portions and the tips thereof extend toward the top wall 12. For example, the bent portions may be positioned closer to the roots of the arms 22 (or closer to the center of the elastic contact piece 20 or the housing 10) than to the tips 221 of the arms 22, or may be positioned closer to the tips 221. The arms 22 may be bent to protrude from the side faces 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 and to angle to...

third embodiment

(Third Embodiment)

[0049]A female terminal 1C according to a third embodiment will be described below. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 13 to 15 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050]As depicted in Figures 12 to 15, in the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment, the second edges 153 include contacts 157 extending toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10, respectively. The sidewalls 14 are bent toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10 at the second edges 153 defining the space regions 15 thereby to shape the contacts 157, respectively. The contacts 157 extend from the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10 toward the internal space 18 at the second edges 153, respectively (see Figure 15). The second edges may be regarded as extending to the internal space 18 in th...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a female terminal. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a female terminal for mating with a male terminal.Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a female terminal that is used in connectors of electronic appliances, and the like. The female terminal includes a housing into which a male terminal is inserted, and an elastic contact piece provided in the housing. The elastic contact piece presses a male terminal that is inserted into the housing against the inner wall of the housing. The male terminal contacts the inner wall of the housing in the female terminal due to the pressing, and the female terminal and the male terminal are electrically connected to each other (PTL 1).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: JP2012-084403ASummary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] The present inventors have found a problem to be solved with a female terminal in a conventional configuration. Specifically, the present inventors have found the following problem.

[0005] In the female terminal described in PTL 1, for example, when a male terminal is inserted into the housing in the female terminal in an erroneous posture, a force may be excessively applied on the elastic contact piece and the elastic contact piece can deform. Thereby, the elastic contact piece cannot sufficiently enhance contact between the male terminal and the inner wall of the housing in the female terminal, and the terminals may fail to connect to each other.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problem. That is, a principal object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal in a more appropriate configuration in terms of connection reliability between terminals.Solution to Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the object, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a female terminal including a housing having a first wall, a second wall opposite to the first wall, a pair of sidewalls connecting the first wall and the second wall, and an elastic contact piece configured to press a mating terminal inserted into the housing against the first wall in the housing. The elastic contact piece includes arms protruding from side faces of the elastic contact piece that oppose the sidewalls in a pair, respectively, and the arms are configured to contact the housing when the elastic contact piece elastically deforms.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] A female terminal according to the present disclosure is more appropriately configured in terms of connection reliability between terminals.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a top view schematically depicting the female terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an enlarged view depicting the part I of the female terminal of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal of Figure 3 Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24 is a side view schematically depicting a female terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25 is a cross-section view taken along the line A-A of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 is a cross-section view taken along the line B-B of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27 is a cross-section view taken along the line C-C of the female terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0010] A female terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings. Various components in the drawings are merely schematic and exemplary for explaining the present disclosure, and the appearances and dimensions thereof may be different from those of the actual ones.

[0011] Additionally, the terms indicating specific directions and positions will be used as needed in the following description. However, the terms will be used for facilitating the understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meanings of the terms. Further, like components are denoted with like reference numerals in the drawings. The sizes, the positional relationships, and the like of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated for clear explanation.

[0012] Furthermore, the explanation of exemplary forms of the present disclosure are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (regarded as part of the entire explanation). The description of directions or orientations in the explanation of forms of the present disclosure in the present specification are only for the convenience of the explanation and does not intend to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The relative terms such as "below," "above," "horizontal," "perpendicular," "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" and their derivatives such as "horizontally," "downward," and "upward" are to be regarded as referring to the directions as described or depicted. The relative terms are used for the convenience of the explanation, and do not require apparatuses to be configured or operated in specific directions unless otherwise stated. Further, the terms such as "attached," "added," "connected," "coupled," and "mutually connected" and their similar terms describe relations between structures directly or indirectly fixed via intervening objects or relations between structures movably or rigidly attached unless otherwise stated.

[0013] The features and benefits of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to preferred forms. The forms are sufficiently explained in detail and those skilled in the art can implement the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that other forms can be used and changes in processes and electrical or mechanical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The forms may be described in embodiments for convenience, but components in different embodiments may be partially replaced or combined. Thus, the present disclosure is not expressly limited to preferable forms which exemplify non-limiting combinations of possible features (forms solely or combined with other features). Common points between the following embodiments and the above description will not be described and only the differences therebetween will be described. Particularly, similar operational effects in similar configurations will not be described in each embodiment.

[0014] The features of the present disclosure relate to a configuration of an elastic contact piece incorporated in a housing in a female terminal. An outline of a configuration of the female terminal will be described below with reference to the drawings in order to grasp the entire configuration of the female terminal.[Basic configuration of female terminal]

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically depicting a female terminal 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 are a top view and a side view depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 1, respectively. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 3. Figures 5 to 7 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1A of Figure 2 or Figure 3. The female terminal 1A includes, as main components, a housing 10 and an elastic contact piece 20 arranged in the housing 10.

[0016] The housing 10 is in a substantially tubular shape and includes an internal space 18 capable of housing one end of a mating terminal (such as male terminal) therein (see Figure 5). A mating terminal to be inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 may be electrically connected to the female terminal 1A while contacting a connection region 122 on the inner wall of the housing 10. The housing 10 may be in a substantially square tube shape having a first wall 12 including the connection region 122, a second wall 13 opposite to the first wall 12, and a pair of sidewalls 14 connecting the first wall 12 and the second wall 13. In the present specification, the side where the first wall 12 is positioned is assumed as upper side, and the first wall 12 and the second wall 13 may be called top wall and bottom wall, respectively.

[0017] The housing 10 includes a mating port 11 to be mated with a mating terminal when mating the mating terminal. When a mating terminal is inserted from the mating port 11, the mating terminal contacts the female terminal 1A in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and both the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0018] Though not depicted, the female terminal 1A may be configured to hold an electric wire electrically connected to the female terminal at an end 19 opposite to the mating port 11 of the housing 10. For example, the end 19 may be configured to be electrically connected to the female terminal 1A and to hold the connection state when the electric wire is crimped thereto. That is, the electric wire connected to the female terminal 1A may extend from the end 19 of the housing 10.

[0019] As depicted in Figure 1, in the present specification, the width direction of the housing 10 is assumed as X direction, the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 is assumed as Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is assumed as Y direction. The top wall 12 and the bottom wall 13 oppose each other in the Y direction, and the pair of sidewalls 14 may oppose in the X direction. The Z direction may be assumed as a direction in which a mating terminal is inserted into the housing 10.

[0020] The housing 10 may be shaped by punching, forming, and / or stamping a metallic sheet. For example, the female terminal 1A may be configured as an integral mold made of a metallic sheet.

[0021] The elastic contact piece 20 is arranged in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. The elastic contact piece 20 may be a plate-shaped elastic member which has a contact face opposing the top wall 12 and extends in the Z direction of the housing 10. The elastic contact piece 20 may be in a cantilever structure in which one end 24 thereof is a fixed end that is fixed in the housing 10 and the other end 26 thereof is an elastically displaceable free end. A mating terminal is inserted between the top wall 12 of the housing 10 and the elastic contact piece 20. The elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces toward the bottom wall 13 in response to the insertion of the mating terminal. The mating terminal is pressed against the connection region 122 of the top wall 12 by a repelling force caused from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the top wall 12 due to the elastic displacement. Thereby, the connection state between the mating terminal and the female terminal 1A can be kept. For example, the elastic contact piece 20 may be a leaf spring which presses a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 against the connection region 122.[Features of female terminal according to present disclosure]

[0022] The female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure is characterised by the elastic contact piece 20 and / or the configuration associated with the elastic contact piece 20. The features of the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure will be described below in detail.(First Embodiment)

[0023] As depicted in Figures 2 to 7, the elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure includes arms 22 protruding from the side faces of the elastic contact piece. The arms 22 may protrude from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 locally protruding at its side faces opposing the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. The arms 22 may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends (or the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted), for example perpendicular to the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends.

[0024] The arms 22 may be configured to contact the housing10 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces. In the present specification, "elastic displacement" of the elastic contact piece 20 means that the free end 26 of the elastic contact piece 20 displaces and the elastic contact piece 20 deforms in response to an external force due to insertion of a mating terminal, or the like. That is, the arms 22 may contact the housing 10 when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces and / or deforms. More specifically, when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces at a predetermined degree of displacement (or deformation), the arms 22 and the housing 10 may contact each other.

[0025] When the arms 22 contact the housing 10 in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from further displacing and / or deforming. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces until the arms 22 contact the housing 10, and then can be prevented from further elastically displacing. In the configuration, for example, when an excessive pressing force is applied on the elastic contact piece 20 due to erroneous insertion of a mating terminal and / or when a pressing force is applied in an erroneous direction (such as a different direction from the Z direction), the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing. Thus, a reduction in elastic force due to excessive displacement and deformation can be restricted in the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, an elastic force, which supports the contact between a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and the connection region 122, can be appropriately kept. Thus, in the configuration, there can be provided the female terminal 1A excellent in connection reliability which can appropriately keep connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A.

[0026] In the above configuration, the arms 22 can serve as a stopper for preventing the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing. Thus, the arms 22 may be called "stopper," "excessive displacement restricting arms," and / or "displacement control mechanism," for example.

[0027] Further, as depicted in Figures 1 to 7, the housing 10 may include space regions 15 opened in the sidewalls 14 at least to the internal space 18 in the housing 10. For example, the space regions 15 may be shaped such that the housing 10 has concave regions facing the internal space 18, or may be throughhole regions penetrating the sidewalls 14 as depicted in Figure 1. The arms 22 may extend to be at least partially present in the space regions 15 shaped in the sidewalls 14, respectively (see FIG, 7). That is, the space regions 15 may be concaves or throughholes locally shaped in the sidewalls 14 at the portions where the arms 22 protruding from the elastic contact piece 20 are arranged. The arms 22 may extend from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 and may reach the space regions 15 shaped in the sidewalls 14. To the contrary, the arms 22 are not to extend outside the housing 10. That is, the arms 22 are not to extend outside the sidewalls 14.

[0028] As depicted in Figure 4, each of the space regions 15 is defined by edges 151, 153, and 155. The arms 22 may be configured to contact the edges defining the space regions 15 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces (see Figure 4). In other words, the space regions 15 may be defined by the edges which can contact the arms 22 displacing in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. Specifically, the arms 22 may be at least partially present in the space regions 15 defined by the edges, respectively, and may contact the edges defining the space regions 15, respectively, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20.

[0029] The arms 22 may displace until they contact the edges defining the space regions 15. The arms 22 may displace in the space regions 15 surrounded by the edges. That is, how much the elastic contact piece 20 displaces can be indirectly controlled by the space regions 15. In the configuration, contact between the edges defining the space regions 15 and the arms 22 can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively displacing and / or deforming. Thereby, there can be provided the female terminal excellent in connection reliability which can appropriately keep an elastic force of the elastic contact piece 20 supporting stable connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A.

[0030] The contour of the space regions 15 is not particularly limited if the arms 22 displaced in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 can contact the edges defining the space regions 15. For example, the contour of the space regions 15 may be quadrilateral as depicted in Figure 4, or alternatively may be polygonal, substantially circular, or infinite shape.

[0031] As depicted in Figure 4, each of the space regions 15 may be defined by the first edge 151 closer to the top wall 12, the second edge 153 opposite to the first edge 151 and closer to the bottom wall 13, and the third edges 155 connecting the first edge 151 and the second edge 153. Each of the arms 22 may contact at least one of the first edge 151, the second edge 153, and the third edges 155 in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 can displace in the opening regions each surrounded by the first edge 151, the second edge 153, and the third edges 155. Thereby, elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 can be indirectly controlled, and excessively elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, which is a cause of a reduction in elastic force, can be restricted.

[0032] For example, each of the arms 22 can contact the first edge 151 and thus the arms 22, which approach the top wall 12, can be controlled in displacement. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the top wall 12. The elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A may be elastically displaced toward the top wall 12 by inserting a pin through a throughhole 132 shaped in the bottom wall 13 of the housing 10 in order to check an electrically conductive state. The present inventors have found that when the elastic contact piece 20 is excessively elastically displaced toward the top wall 12 by a pin inserted from the bottom wall 13, the elastic contact piece 20 deforms toward the top wall 12, the path in which a mating terminal is inserted is narrowed, and consequently a mating terminal is inhibited from being inserted.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact at least the first edges 151, respectively, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the top wall 12. Specifically, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the top wall 12 and the arms 22 contact the first edges 151, respectively, the elastic contact piece 20 is restricted from further displacing toward the top wall 12. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing toward the top wall 12 and an elastic force, which supports electric connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A, can be appropriately kept.

[0034] Similarly, the arms 22 may contact the second edges 153, respectively. Thereby, the arms 22 are restricted from displacing toward the bottom wall 13, and consequently the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the bottom wall 13. For example, if a wrong terminal is inserted and / or if a mating terminal is erroneously inserted diagonally to the insertion direction, the elastic contact piece 20 can be excessively pressed toward the bottom wall 13. Due to the pressing force, a repelling force toward the top wall 12, which is to press the mating terminal against the connection region 122 (see Figure 5), can lower, and connection stability between the mating terminal and the female terminal 1A can be impaired.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact the second edges 153, respectively, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from excessively elastically displacing toward the bottom wall 13. Specifically, when the arms 22 displace in response to elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the bottom wall 13, and the arms 22 contact the second edges 153, respectively, the elastic contact piece 20 is restricted from further displacing toward the bottom wall 13. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing toward the bottom wall 13 and an elastic force, which supports electric connection between a mating terminal and the female terminal 1A, can be appropriately kept.

[0036] Each of the arms 22 may contact the third edges 155. Particularly, each of the arms 22 may contact the third edge 155 farther from the mating port 11. That is, each of the arms 22 may contact the third edge 155 farther from the mating port 11 (or closer to the end 19) in the housing 10. Thereby, the arms 22 can be restricted from displacing in the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted, and consequently the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing in the Z direction.

[0037] For example, when the tip of the elastic contact piece 20 is pressed in the Z direction if a wrong terminal is inserted and / or if a mating terminal is erroneously inserted diagonally to the Z direction, the elastic contact piece 20 can deform. According to the present disclosure, the arms 22 can contact the third edges 155 and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively elastically displacing in the Z direction. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from deforming.

[0038] The arms 22 may be provided close to the free end 26 of the elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 may be positioned closer to the free end 26 than to the fixed end 24. For example, in the top view of Figure 6, the elastic contact piece 20 may be tapered toward the free end 26 and the arms 22 may be provided on the side faces 21 of the tapered elastic contact piece 20. The arms 22 are positioned closer to the free end 26 and thus can more appropriately follow elastic displacement of the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, the contact between the arms 22 and the housing 10 can more appropriately restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing.

[0039] Additionally, the arms 22 may not contact the housing 10 while a mating terminal is not inserted. That is, while the elastic contact piece 20 is not elastically displaced due to an external force, the arms 22 may not contact the housing 10. In the configuration, the arms 22 can displace as much as they contact the housing 10. Thus, the elastic contact piece 20 can elastically displace at a certain degree while being restricted from excessively elastically displacing. Thereby, when a mating terminal is inserted, the elastic contact piece 20 can elastically displace and a repelling force can appropriately act on the mating terminal. Therefore, with the female terminal according to the present disclosure, a repelling force, which supports connection with a mating terminal, can appropriately act, and excessively elastic displacement can be restricted.

[0040] Further, as depicted in Figure 6, the elastic contact piece 20 may include a plurality of arms 22. The elastic contact piece 20 may include two arms 22 protruding toward the mutually opposing sidewalls 14 in a pair, respectively. That is, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 at both sides in the X direction. The arms 22 may be arranged to mutually oppose in the X direction. In the top view of Figure 6, the arms 22 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the elastic contact piece 20. In the configuration, the space regions 15 may be provided in the paired sidewalls 14, respectively. Thereby, when the arms 22 contact the housing 10, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from excessively displacing and being distorted only at one side face.

[0041] As depicted in Figure 7, the arms 22 may extend substantially linearly in the X direction. In the cross-section view of Figure 7, the elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 may flatly extend. Alternatively, the arms 22 may be partially bent. A female terminal according to a second embodiment, which includes the bent arms 22, will be described below in detail.

[0042] Further, the space regions 15 penetrating the sidewalls 14 contact the arms 22 thereby to restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing, and can be used as check windows through which the internal space 18 of the housing 10 is to be visually checked. For example, the internal space 18 in the housing 10 is visually checked through the space regions 15 penetrating the sidewalls 14 thereby to detect the position of the elastic contact piece 20, the presence of an inserted mating terminal, and the like.(Second Embodiment)

[0043] A female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] As depicted in Figures 8 to 11, the tips of the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 in the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment. This means that the arms 22 have the bent portions and the tips thereof extend toward the top wall 12. For example, the bent portions may be positioned closer to the roots of the arms 22 (or closer to the center of the elastic contact piece 20 or the housing 10) than to the tips 221 of the arms 22, or may be positioned closer to the tips 221. The arms 22 may be bent to protrude from the side faces 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 and to angle toward the top wall 12. Each of the arms 22 may be regarded as including a first portion protruding from the side face 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewall 14 and a second portion bent at the first portion and extending toward the top wall 12.

[0045] "Bend," "bent," and "bending" in the present specification include curving and folding. For example, in the cross-section view of Figure 11, the arms 22 may be substantially curved or rounded, or may be folded to be substantially linear.

[0046] In the configuration, a mating terminal is inserted from the mating port 11 of the housing 10 into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 along the elastic contact piece 20. At this time, the arms 22 are present facing the top wall 12 and thus the mating terminal is restricted from moving in the X direction. Specifically, the arms 22 can restrict the mating terminal from being inserted extremely closer to one sidewall 14 and / or from being inserted diagonally to the Z direction toward one sidewall 14, and the mating terminal can be adjusted to be positioned at the center of the housing 10. That is, the arms 22, which are bent and extend to rise toward the top wall 12, can serve to guide the mating terminal into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 to be inserted in an appropriate posture. Thereby, the mating terminal can be inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 in the appropriate posture and can be electrically connected to the female terminal 1B in an appropriate manner.

[0047] For example, in the configuration in which the space regions 15 are provided as depicted in Figure 11, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be bent toward the first edges 151 defining the space regions 15, respectively. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces toward the top wall 12, the tips 221 of the arms 22 contact the first edges 151. The contact can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12. Thereby, the internal space 18 in the housing 10, which is directed toward receiving a mating terminal, can be prevented from being narrowed due to displacement of the elastic contact piece 20, and the mating terminal can be smoothly inserted into the female terminal 1B.

[0048] Furthermore, as depicted in Figure 11, the arms 22 with the tips 221 bent may extend diagonally to the width direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. Specifically, the arms 22 may be tilted toward the tips 221 to gradually approach the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10, respectively. The tilted arms 22 may extend diagonally to the direction in which the sidewalls 14 extend. In this configuration, a mating terminal inserted into the internal space 18 in the housing 10 can be more smoothly guided to the center region of the elastic contact piece 20 along the tilt of the arms 22. Thereby, the mating terminal can be restricted from being inserted in an inappropriate posture. Thus, the arms 22 can restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing and can support appropriate insertion of the mating terminal into the female terminal 1B.(Third Embodiment)

[0049] A female terminal 1C according to a third embodiment will be described below. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 13 to 15 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] As depicted in Figures 12 to 15, in the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment, the second edges 153 include contacts 157 extending toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10, respectively. The sidewalls 14 are bent toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10 at the second edges 153 defining the space regions 15 thereby to shape the contacts 157, respectively. The contacts 157 extend from the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10 toward the internal space 18 at the second edges 153, respectively (see Figure 15). The second edges may be regarded as extending to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 in the configuration.

[0051] The second edges 153 include the contacts 157 and thus the second edges 153 have a larger surface area than in the female terminals 1A and 1B according to the first and second embodiments. Thus, the regions of the second edges 153, which face the elastic contact piece 20, can be further widened. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13, the arms 22 can contact the second edges 153 at a larger area. Particularly, as described in the second embodiment, when the tips 221 of the arms 22 are bent toward the top wall 12, the area where the arms 22 contact the second edges 153 may decrease. According to the present embodiment, even if the tips 221 of the arms 22 are bent, the area where the arms 22 contact the second edges 153 can be further widened. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13 and the second edges 153 including the contacts 157 contact the arms 22, the stress on the contact regions can be appropriately dispersed. Thereby, the arms 22 and the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from being broken and deformed when an external force is excessively applied.

[0052] The second edges 153 including the contacts 157 may be configured to contact the elastic contact piece 20. When displacing toward the bottom wall 13, the elastic contact piece 20 may contact the arms 22 and the second edges 153 including the contacts 157. The contacts 157 may extend to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 where they can contact the elastic contact piece 20. Thereby, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the bottom wall 13, the second edges including the contacts 157 contact the elastic contact piece 20 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the bottom wall 13. The elastic contact piece 20 can contact the second edges 153 at a larger area, and thus the elastic contact piece 20 can be appropriately restricted from being broken and deformed due to an external force.

[0053] As depicted in Figures 12 and 15, the contacts 157 may be shaped by forming some parts of the sidewalls 14 toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10. That is, the housing 10 and the contacts 157 may be integrally shaped.(Fourth Embodiment)

[0054] A female terminal 1D according to a fourth embodiment will be described below. Figure 16 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 17 to 19 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] As depicted in Figures 16 to 19, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be bent to be substantially perpendicular to the width direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. The arms 22 may be in a substantially L-shaped form as viewed in the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends. For example, end faces 223 of the arms 22 may be arranged to oppose the first edges 151 defining the space regions 15, respectively (see Figure 19). In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the end faces 223 of the arms 22 can contact the first edges 151. Thereby, the arms 22 can contact the first edges at a larger area, which can more appropriately restrict the elastic contact piece 20 from displacing.(Fifth Embodiment)

[0056] A female terminal 1E according to a fifth embodiment will be described below. Figure 20 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 21 to 23 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As depicted in Figures 20 to 23, the arms 22 may be positioned closer to the internal space 18 in the housing 10 than the sidewalls 14. In other words, the sidewalls 14 may be positioned closer to the exterior of the housing 10 than the arms 22. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the arms 22 may contact the top wall 12 while not contacting the first edges 151. For example, as depicted in Figure 23, the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 and may extend along the sidewalls 14. In the configuration, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may also contact the top wall 12. For example, the tips 221 of the arms 22 may be positioned closer to the top wall 12 than the space regions 15. In the configuration, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the tips 221 of the arms 22 contact the top wall 12 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12.

[0058] Further, in the configuration, the arms 22 extend along the inner faces of the sidewalls 14. When the elastic contact piece 20 moves in the X direction, the arms 22 can contact the inner faces of the sidewalls 14 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from moving in the X direction. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from rattling in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 and a mating terminal can be electrically connected to the female terminal more stably.

[0059] Furthermore, when the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 13, the arms 22 can displace along the sidewalls 14. Thereby, the elastic contact piece 20 can displace toward the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 13 while moving the arms 22 along the sidewalls 14. That is, the elastic contact piece 20 can displace while being supported by the sidewalls 14 at the arms 22. In the configuration, the elastic contact piece 20 can be kept in a more appropriate posture when elastically displacing, and the elastic contact piece 20 can be restricted from deforming.(Sixth Embodiment)

[0060] A female terminal 1F according to a sixth embodiment will be described below. Figure 24 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 25 to 27 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As depicted in Figures 24 to 27, the female terminal 1F according to the sixth embodiment does not include the space regions 15 in the sidewalls 14. The elastic contact piece 20 including the arms 22 may be housed in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. The arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 and extend along the sidewalls 14 in the internal space 18 in the housing 10. When the elastic contact piece 20 displaces toward the top wall 12, the arms 22 contact the top wall 12 in the internal space 18 in the housing 10 thereby to prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from further displacing toward the top wall 12. In the configuration, without the space regions 15, the arms 22 can prevent the elastic contact piece 20 from excessively elastically displacing. Thereby, the portion where a mating terminal is connected to the female terminal 1F is surrounded by the housing 10, and foreign materials can be appropriately restricted from entering from the outside. The thus-configured female terminal 1F is useful particularly when being used in an outdoor environment where foreign materials can enter the female terminal 1F.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be variously modified by combinations of the above configurations by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.Industrial Applicability

[0063] A female terminal according to the present disclosure can be appropriately used in various technical fields where electric connection is required.Reference Signs List

[0064] 1A to 1FFemale terminal 10Housing 11Mating port 12First wall 122Connection region 13Second wall 14Sidewall 15Space region 151First edge 153Second edge 155Third edge 17Protector 18Internal space 19End of housing 20Elastic contact piece 21Side face of elastic contact piece 22Arm 221Tip of arm 223End face of arm 24Fixed end 26...Free end

Examples

first embodiment

(First Embodiment)

[0023]As depicted in Figures 2 to 7, the elastic contact piece 20 in the female terminal 1A according to the present disclosure includes arms 22 protruding from the side faces of the elastic contact piece. The arms 22 may protrude from the elastic contact piece 20 toward the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. In other words, the elastic contact piece 20 may include the arms 22 locally protruding at its side faces opposing the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10. The arms 22 may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends (or the Z direction in which a mating terminal is inserted), for example perpendicular to the direction in which the elastic contact piece 20 extends.

[0024]The arms 22 may be configured to contact the housing10 when the elastic contact piece 20 elastically displaces. In the present specification, "elastic displacement" of the elastic contact piece 20 means that the free end 26 of the elastic contact piec...

second embodiment

(Second Embodiment)

[0043]A female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 8 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044]As depicted in Figures 8 to 11, the tips of the arms 22 may be bent toward the top wall 12 in the female terminal 1B according to the second embodiment. This means that the arms 22 have the bent portions and the tips thereof extend toward the top wall 12. For example, the bent portions may be positioned closer to the roots of the arms 22 (or closer to the center of the elastic contact piece 20 or the housing 10) than to the tips 221 of the arms 22, or may be positioned closer to the tips 221. The arms 22 may be bent to protrude from the side faces 21 of the elastic contact piece 20 and to angle to...

third embodiment

(Third Embodiment)

[0049]A female terminal 1C according to a third embodiment will be described below. Figure 12 is a side view schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 13 to 15 are cross-section views schematically depicting the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050]As depicted in Figures 12 to 15, in the female terminal 1C according to the third embodiment, the second edges 153 include contacts 157 extending toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10, respectively. The sidewalls 14 are bent toward the internal space 18 in the housing 10 at the second edges 153 defining the space regions 15 thereby to shape the contacts 157, respectively. The contacts 157 extend from the sidewalls 14 of the housing 10 toward the internal space 18 at the second edges 153, respectively (see Figure 15). The second edges may be regarded as extending to the internal space 18 in th...

Claims

1. A female terminal (1A) comprising a housing (10) having a first wall (12), a second wall (13) opposite to the first wall, and sidewalls (14) in a pair connecting the first wall and the second wall, and an elastic contact piece (20) configured to press a mating terminal inserted into the housing (10) against the first wall (12) in the housing, wherein the elastic contact piece (20) comprises arms (22) protruding from side faces (21) opposing the sidewalls (14) in a pair, respectively, and the arms (22) are configured to contact the housing (10) when the elastic contact piece elastically deforms.

2. The female terminal (1A) according to claim 1, wherein each of the sidewalls (14) in a pair comprises a space region (15) where at least an inside of the housing is open, and each of the arms (22) extends such that at least part (221) of each of the arms is present in the space region (15), and is configured to contact edges (151, 153, 155) defining the space region when the elastic contact piece (20) elastically deforms.

3. The female terminal (1A) according to claim 2, wherein the space region (15) is defined by a first edge (151) positioned closer to the first wall (12), a second edge (153) opposite to the first edge (12) and positioned closer to the second wall (13), and third edges (155) connecting the first edge and the second edge, and each of the arms (22) is configured to contact at least one of the first edge (151), the second edge (153), and the third edges (155) when the elastic contact piece (20) displaces.

4. The female terminal (1A) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the arms (22) is configured to contact at least the first edge (151) positioned closest to the first wall (12) among the edges.

5. The female terminal (1C) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the housing (10) comprises contacts (57) extending from the sidewalls (14) in a pair toward an inside (18) of the housing at the second edges (153), respectively, and the elastic contact piece (20) is configured to contact the contacts (57) when the elastic contact piece displaces.

6. The female terminal (1C) according to claim 5, wherein the contacts (57) are configured to contact the arms (22) when the elastic contact piece (20) displaces.

7. The female terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein tips (221) of the arms (22) are bent toward the first wall (12).

8. The female terminal (1B) according to claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the tips (221) of the arms (22) are bent toward the first edges (151), respectively.

9. The female terminal (1C) according to claim 8, wherein the arms (22) extend diagonally to a direction (Y) in which the sidewalls (14) in a pair extend such that the arms (22) gradually approach the sidewalls (14) in a pair towards the tips (221).

10. The female terminal (1D) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each of the arms (22) is in an L-shaped form as viewed in a direction (Z) in which the elastic contact piece (20) extends.

11. The female terminal (1E) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the tips (221) of the arms (22) are positioned closer to an inside (18) of the housing than the sidewalls (14) in a pair, and are configured to contact the first wall (12) when the elastic contact piece (20) displaces.

12. The female terminal (1A) according to any preceding claim, wherein the elastic contact piece (20) is in a cantilever shape having a fixed end (24) fixed on the housing (10) and a free end (26) extending from the fixed end, and the arms (22) are arranged closer to the free end (26) than to the fixed end (24).

13. The female terminal (1A) according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms (22) do not contact the housing (10) while the mating terminal is not inserted.

14. The female terminal (1A) of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein each space region (15) is a through-hole in a respective one of the sidewalls (14).

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