Connector and female terminal

Abstract

To provide a connector and a female terminal that can suppress displacement of the female terminal inside a housing.SOLUTION: A connector C1 includes a female terminal 31 and a housing 30. The female terminal 31 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first tubular part, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second tubular part facing the first tubular part, and a tubular connection part composed of the first tubular part and the second tubular part. The female terminal 31 has a winding-pressing part 90 that limits a separation distance between a first inner surface of the first tubular part and a second inner surface of the second tubular part, and a protrusion 55 that protrudes from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The winding-pressing part 90 is folded while embracing an edge of the second peripheral wall 50 from the first peripheral wall 40, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The winding-pressing part 90 and the protrusion 55 are arranged in a straight line along the Z-axis. The housing 30 has a groove-shaped storage part 123 into which the winding-pressing part 90 and the protrusion 55 are inserted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a female terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a connector equipped in a vehicle includes a housing and a female terminal held in the housing. A columnar connection portion of a male terminal is inserted into a cylindrical connection portion of the female terminal, and the columnar connection portion is electrically connected to the male terminal. This type of female terminal uses a biasing force of a biasing member such as a coil spring to stably ensure contact pressure against the columnar connection portion of the male terminal (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-28903 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above connector, it is desirable to suppress displacement of the female terminal inside the housing. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a female terminal that can suppress displacement of the female terminal inside the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a female terminal and a housing that holds the female terminal, the female terminal having a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposite the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, a roll pressing portion that limits the separation distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, and a convex portion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion being folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and being in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion and the convex portion being arranged side by side on the same line along a first axis, and the housing having a groove-shaped accommodating portion into which the roll pressing portion and the convex portion are inserted. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The connector and female terminal of the present disclosure have the advantage that displacement of the female terminal inside the housing can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIGS. 5 and 6) showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIGS. 5 and 6) showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a female terminal of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIGS. 5 and 6). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a female terminal of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13) showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14) showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A connector of the present disclosure includes a female terminal and a housing for holding the female terminal, the female terminal having a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, a roll pressing portion for limiting a distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, and a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion being folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward and in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion and the protrusion being arranged side by side on the same line along a first axis, and the housing having a groove-shaped accommodating portion into which the roll pressing portion and the protrusion are inserted.

[0009] According to this configuration, the female terminal's roll pressing portion and the protrusion are inserted into the housing. Here, the roll pressing portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall and contacts the outer surface of the second peripheral wall. Therefore, the roll pressing portion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall. When such a roll pressing portion is accommodated in the housing, a large gap may be generated between the part of the female terminal where the roll pressing portion is not formed and the inner surface of the housing. When such a gap is generated, a problem occurs in that the female terminal is easily displaced inside the housing. In response to this, in the above configuration, the protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall is arranged in the same straight line as the roll pressing portion. By providing this protrusion, the gap between the part of the female terminal where the roll pressing portion is not formed and the inner surface of the housing can be reduced. This makes it possible to suitably suppress the female terminal from being displaced inside the housing. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the female terminal from being displaced inside the housing.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the first peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along a first direction, the second peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction, the first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting with the first direction, the second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the second direction, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall is a surface facing the second direction, the axial direction of the tubular connecting part extends along a third direction intersecting with both the first direction and the second direction, the winding pressing part is folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction while embracing the end face of the second peripheral wall in the third direction inside, the convex part is arranged to overlap the winding pressing part in a plan view seen from the third direction, and the convex part may protrude from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall toward the second direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, the protrusion is formed to protrude from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall in the second direction. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the female terminal and the inner surface of the accommodating portion in the second direction. Therefore, the female terminal can be preferably prevented from tilting in the second direction inside the accommodating portion. As a result, the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion of the female terminal can be prevented from tilting in the second direction.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], a first protruding amount of the convex portion from an outer surface of the second circumferential wall may be equal to a second protruding amount of the winding pressing portion from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall. According to this configuration, the first protrusion amount of the protrusion is equal to the second protrusion amount of the winding pressing portion. By providing such a protrusion, it is possible to further reduce the gap between the female terminal in the portion where the winding pressing portion is not formed and the inner surface of the accommodating portion. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the female terminal from being displaced inside the accommodating portion.

[0013] [4] In the above [2] or [3], the housing has a housing main body that accommodates the female terminal therein, and a retainer attached to the housing main body, the retainer has a regulating portion that is inserted into the housing main body and regulates movement of the female terminal, and the regulating portion may have the accommodating portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, the accommodating portion is provided in the restricting portion of the retainer, so that when the retainer is attached to the housing main body, the female terminal can be suitably prevented from being displaced inside the accommodating portion of the retainer, and thus the female terminal can be suitably prevented from being displaced inside the housing.

[0015] [5] In the above item [4], the restricting portion may have an engaging wall that engages with the protruding portion in the first direction. According to this configuration, the protrusion of the female terminal is engaged with the engagement wall in the first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby making it possible to suitably prevent the female terminal from moving in the first opposite direction inside the accommodating portion.

[0016] [6] In any of [2] to [5] above, the female terminal may further have a connecting portion connecting the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, and the connecting portion may be formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and also formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall are connected by the connecting portion formed integrally with both the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall. This allows the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall to be integrally formed through the connecting portion. Therefore, the female terminal can be formed by performing a bending process or the like on a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified.

[0018] [7] In the above [6], the connecting portion is formed to extend in the second direction from an end face of the first circumferential wall in a third opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the third direction, toward an end face of the second circumferential wall in the third opposite direction, and the connecting portion may be arranged to overlap with the winding pressure portion in a plan view from the third direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the winding presser is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion with the first circumferential wall therebetween. Therefore, the winding presser can suitably restrict the connecting portion from opening, i.e., the distance between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall from increasing. As a result, the winding presser can suitably restrict the distance between the first inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion and the second inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion from increasing.

[0020] [8] In any of [2] to [7] above, the female terminal may further have a protective portion provided at the first direction end of the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed so as to be folded back from the first direction end of the first peripheral wall while positioning the first direction end of the second peripheral wall inside, the protective portion having a protective wall provided opposite the first direction end of the second peripheral wall in the second direction, and the protective wall may be provided at a distance from the first direction end of the second peripheral wall.

[0021] According to this configuration, the protective wall of the protective portion formed integrally with the first peripheral wall is provided facing and spaced from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction. Therefore, even if, for example, an excessively large external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the second peripheral wall is deformed so as to be separated from the first peripheral wall due to the external force, the deformation can be suitably prevented by the protective wall.

[0022] [9] In the above [8], the winding pressure portion is provided at an end of the first peripheral wall in a first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, the convex portion is provided at an end of the second peripheral wall in the first opposite direction, and the tubular connecting portion is provided at an intermediate position between the winding pressure portion and the protective portion in the first direction.

[0023] According to this configuration, the winding presser is provided at a position different from the tubular connecting portion in the first direction. Such a winding presser can restrict the separation distance between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall from increasing. In turn, the winding presser can restrict the separation distance between the first inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion and the second inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion from increasing.

[0024]

[10] The female terminal of the present disclosure comprises a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposite the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, a presser portion limiting the distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, and a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, wherein the presser portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the presser portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall, and the presser portion and the protrusion are arranged side by side on the same line along a first axis.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the connector [1] above. [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connector and female terminal of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" do not only mean strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also include roughly parallel or orthogonal within the range of the action and effect of this embodiment. In this specification, "equal" includes not only exactly equal, but also a case where there is some difference between the compared objects due to the influence of dimensional tolerances, etc. The "cylindrical" used in the description of this specification includes not only those in which a peripheral wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those in which a plurality of parts are combined to form a cylindrical shape, and those having a notch in a part of the circumference such as a C-shape or U-shape. The shape of the "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with sharp or rounded corners. In this specification, "opposite" refers to surfaces or members facing each other, including not only the case where they are completely facing each other, but also the case where they are partially facing each other. In addition, in this specification, "opposite" includes both the case where a member other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and the case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in this specification are used simply to distinguish objects, and do not rank the objects. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0026] (Overall configuration of wire harness W1) As shown in FIG. 1, the wire harness W1 includes one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20 and a connector C1 attached to an end of the electric wire 20. The wire harness W1 electrically connects, for example, electric devices for a vehicle to each other. Examples of electric devices for a vehicle include an inverter and a motor for driving wheels. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the connector C1 is electrically connected to a mating connector provided in the electric device. The mating connector includes, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) male terminals 200 (see FIG. 4) that are mating terminals, and a mating housing that holds the two male terminals 200. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the postures of the connector C1 and the wire harness W1 when in use.

[0027] (Overall configuration of connector C1) As shown in FIG. 2, the connector C1 includes a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of female terminals 31. The housing 30 includes a housing body 110 that houses the female terminals 31 therein, and a retainer 120 that is attached to the housing body 110. Each drawing illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are mutually perpendicular. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1 that is one direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2 that is the opposite direction to the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1 that is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2 that is the opposite direction to the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1 that is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2 that is the opposite direction to the third direction Z1. The directions described above are directions in a state in which the connector C1 is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20, unless otherwise specified.

[0028] The female terminal 31 and the electric wire 20 are inserted into the housing body 110 along the first direction X1. A retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 along the third opposite direction Z2. For example, a mating connector is connected to the connector C1 along the third opposite direction Z2. For example, a male terminal 200 (see FIG. 4) of the mating connector is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third opposite direction Z2.

[0029] (Configuration of electric wire 20) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. The core wire 21 may be, for example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor. The core wire 21 may be made of, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material. The insulating coating 22 covers, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the core wire 21 over the entire circumferential direction. The insulating coating 22 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0030] An end portion of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 is exposed from the insulating coating 22. A female terminal 31 is connected to the end portion of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 exposed from the insulating coating 22. 3, an end portion of the electric wire 20 in the first direction X1 is accommodated inside the housing body 110. The electric wire 20 is led out from an end portion of the housing body 110 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0031] (Configuration of female terminal 31) As shown in Fig. 2, the two female terminals 31 are electrically connected to the two electric wires 20, respectively. The two female terminals 31 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction, for example. The two female terminals 31 have, for example, the same structure as each other. Here, the description will be focused on the female terminal 31 arranged on the second direction Y1 side out of the two female terminals 31.

[0032] Each female terminal 31 has an electric wire connecting portion 32 connected to an end of the electric wire 20, and a terminal connecting portion 33 extending from an end of the electric wire connecting portion 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, a single component in which the electric wire connecting portion 32 and the terminal connecting portion 33 are continuously and integrally formed. Each female terminal 31 is formed, for example, by bending or combining a metal plate material. Each female terminal 31 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate material. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, made of metal. For example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material can be used as the material of each female terminal 31.

[0033] The electric wire connection portion 32 is connected to an end portion of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating coating 22. The electric wire connection portion 32 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The electric wire connection portion 32 extends, for example, in a band shape along the X-axis direction. The electric wire connection portion 32 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. In this way, the electric wire connection portion 32 and the core wire 21 are electrically and mechanically connected to each other.

[0034] 4, the terminal connection portion 33 is a female terminal portion to be connected to a male terminal 200 of a mating connector. Here, the male terminal 200 has a columnar connection portion 201. In this embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0035] The terminal connection part 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, and a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41. The terminal connection part 33 has a cylindrical connection part 60 constituted by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The terminal connection part 33 has, for example, a coupling part 70, a protruding part 80, a winding pressing part 90, and a protective part 100. The first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0036] (Configuration of the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50) As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the end of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first direction X1. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. For example, the first peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. In other words, the electric wire connection part 32 extends from the end of the first opposite direction X2 of the first peripheral wall 40 toward the first opposite direction X2. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The first peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the second peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the second peripheral wall 50 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. The second peripheral wall 50 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape. The second peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the second peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The second peripheral wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first peripheral wall 40 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is provided spaced apart from the inner surface of the first peripheral wall 40 in, for example, the Y-axis direction. The second peripheral wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the first peripheral wall 40.

[0038] The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the first peripheral wall 40. The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylinder shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the Z-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 extends over the entire length of the first peripheral wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the second peripheral wall 50. The second cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 is formed, for example, in a semi-split cylindrical shape as a whole. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the Z-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends over the entire length of the second peripheral wall 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the first cylindrical portion 41 has a first inner surface 42 facing the second direction Y1. The second cylindrical portion 51 has a second inner surface 52 facing the second opposite direction Y2. The first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51 are curved toward a direction in which they are separated from each other. The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 form an internal space of the cylindrical connection portion 60. The cylindrical connection portion 60 is a connection portion into which the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connection portion 201. As shown in FIG. 4, the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire 20 extends (here, the X-axis direction), and in this embodiment, along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical connection portion 60 is open at both ends in the Z-axis direction. That is, the tubular connecting part 60 opens in the third direction Z1 and also opens in the third opposite direction Z2. In the present embodiment, the columnar connecting part 201 is inserted into the tubular connecting part 60 along the third opposite direction Z2.

[0041] 7, the tubular connection part 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The tubular connection part 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter dimension smaller than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the columnar connection part 201. That is, the tubular connection part 60 is configured so that the columnar connection part 201 is press-fitted into it.

[0042] The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the first cylindrical portion 41 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to protrude in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0043] The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) linear contact portions 43 that protrude from the first inner surface 42 toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided so as to partially oppose each other in, for example, the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, each linear contact portion 43 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 (here, the Z-axis direction).

[0044] 7, the curvature of the first inner surface 42 having the two linear contact portions 43 is set to be smaller than the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. This allows the two linear contact portions 43 to be suitably brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. At this time, each linear contact portion 43 is brought into linear contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 along the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. That is, each linear contact portion 43 is in linear contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0045] The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the second cylindrical portion 51 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to protrude in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0046] 4 and 6, the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with a recessed portion 53 that is recessed from the outer surface toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Fig. 6, the planar shape of the recessed portion 53 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recessed portion 53 is provided, for example, at a middle position of the second cylindrical portion 51 in the Z-axis direction and at a middle position of the second cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with a protrusion 54 that protrudes from the second inner surface 52 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 in a portion where the recessed portion 53 is formed. The protrusion 54 is formed, for example, in a shape in which a cross section obtained by cutting the protrusion 54 on a plane parallel to the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 protrudes in an arc shape toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is formed so as to protrude in an arc shape from the second inner surface 52 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is in point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. The protrusions 54 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusions 54 are formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 with a mold.

[0048] Each of the axial ends of the cylindrical connection part 60 has, for example, a guide part 61. Each guide part 61 is formed so that the opening width (here, inner diameter) of the cylindrical connection part 60 increases as it approaches the open end in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection part 60. Each guide part 61 is formed, for example, by the inner surface of the cylindrical connection part 60 being inclined toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connection part 60 as it approaches the open end of the cylindrical connection part 60. Each guide part 61 is formed, for example, over the entire circumferential circumference of the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical part 41, and over the entire circumferential circumference of the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical part 51. Each guide part 61 has a function of smoothly guiding the columnar connection part 201 of the male terminal 200 into the cylindrical connection part 60 when the columnar connection part 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connection part 60. Since such guide parts 61 are provided at both axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60, the change in insertion resistance can be made the same even if the insertion opening of the male terminal 200 into the tubular connecting part 60 is set at either of the axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, restrictions on the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 with respect to the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60 can be eliminated.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the second peripheral wall 50 has a protruding portion 55 protruding from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The protruding portion 55 protrudes from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Y1. The protruding portion 55 is arranged side by side with the winding pressing portion 90 on the same straight line along the Z axis (first axis). The protruding portion 55 is arranged at a position overlapping with the winding pressing portion 90 in a plan view seen from the third direction Z1. The protruding portion 55 is provided, for example, at an end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protruding portion 55 extends, for example, from an end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The protruding portion 55 does not extend to the second cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The protruding portion 55 is provided, for example, at a middle position in the Z-axis direction of the second peripheral wall 50. The planar shape of the protruding portion 55 seen from the Y-axis direction is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The protrusions 55 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusions 55 are formed in an embossed shape by applying pressure to the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50 with a mold.

[0050] 9, in the second circumferential wall 50, a recess 56 is provided on the inner surface of the portion where the protrusion 55 is formed. The recess 56 is formed so as to be recessed from the inner surface of the second circumferential wall 50 in a direction away from the first circumferential wall 40.

[0051] (Configuration of connecting portion 70) As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 70 connects the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40 and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to extend in the second direction Y1 from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to be folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0052] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, at an end portion of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 is provided at an end portion of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 extends from the end portion of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The connecting portion 70 protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0053] 9, the connecting portion 70 has an extending portion 71 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from an end face in the third opposite direction Z2 of the first circumferential wall 40, and an extending portion 72 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from an end face in the third opposite direction Z2 of the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 has a folded portion 73 connecting the extending portion 71 and the extending portion 72.

[0054] The extension portion 71 is formed integrally and continuously with the first peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 73 is formed integrally and continuously with the extension portion 71. The folded portion 73 is formed so as to be folded back from an end of the extension portion 71 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 73 is folded back, for example, in a U-shape from an end of the extension portion 71 toward the third direction Z1. The extension portion 72 extends in the third direction Z1 from the folded portion 73 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The extension portion 72 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 73, and is also formed integrally and continuously with the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed into a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward a direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Z2) by the extension portion 71, the folded portion 73, and the extension portion 72. The connecting portion 70 is folded back so that the second circumferential wall 50 faces the first circumferential wall 40. In other words, in the terminal connection portion 33, the second circumferential wall 50 is folded in two over the first circumferential wall 40 by the connecting portion 70.

[0055] (Configuration of protrusion 80) As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 80 is provided on an end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 80 has, for example, a protrusion base 81 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1, and a protrusion 82 extending in the third direction Z1 from a part of the protruding tip surface of the protruding base 81. The protrusion base 81 is formed continuously and integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. The protrusion base 81 extends along the first direction X1 from the end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 82 is formed continuously and integrally with the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 protrudes in the third direction Z1 beyond the protruding tip surface of the protrusion base 81, here the end surface in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 82 is provided, for example, only at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 is formed such that, in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction, the width along the X-axis direction becomes smaller as one approaches the protrusion tip surface of the protrusion 82 from the protrusion base 81, for example.

[0056] (Configuration of the winding pressing unit 90) As shown in FIG. 4, the roll pressing portion 90 is formed to limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. The roll pressing portion 90 limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 from increasing. The roll pressing portion 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The roll pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back while holding the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 from the first peripheral wall 40 inward. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back while placing the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The winding pressure portion 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 .

[0057] The winding pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at an end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding pressing portion 90 is provided at an end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding pressing portion 90 extends from the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The winding pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at a position overlapping with the connecting portion 70 in a plan view seen from the third direction Z1. For example, the winding pressing portion 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 in the Z-axis direction, with the first circumferential wall 40 therebetween.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the winding pressure portion 90 has an extension portion 91 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1, a folded portion 92 provided at the end of the extension portion 91, and a pressure portion 93 extending from the end of the folded portion 92 toward the second circumferential wall 50.

[0059] The extension portion 91 is formed integrally and continuously with the first peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 92 is formed integrally and continuously with the extension portion 91. The folded portion 92 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the extension portion 91 in the third direction Z1 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 92 is folded back, for example, in a U-shape from the end of the extension portion 91 toward the third opposite direction Z2. The pressing portion 93 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 92. The pressing portion 93 extends from the folded portion 92 toward the protruding portion 80 and the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The winding pressing portion 90 is formed into a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward the direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the third direction Z1) by the extension portion 91, the folded portion 92, and the pressing portion 93.

[0060] The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press, for example, the outer surface of the protruding base portion 81 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 has an opposing surface 94 that faces the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends, for example, parallel to the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50, for example.

[0061] Here, the protruding amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 is equal to, for example, the protruding amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. The protruding amount P1 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 to the protruding tip of the winding pressing portion 90. The protruding amount P2 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70. The length dimension of the folded portion 92 along the Y axis direction is, for example, larger than the length dimension of the folded portion 73 along the Y axis direction by the thickness of the second circumferential wall 50.

[0062] A first protruding amount of the convex portion 55 from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to, for example, a second protruding amount of the winding pressing portion 90 from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. That is, the convex portion 55 is formed so that the protruding amount from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to that of the winding pressing portion 90. The first protruding amount is the longest distance along the Y axis direction from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 to the protruding tip of the convex portion 55. The second protruding amount is the longest distance along the Y axis direction from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 to the protruding tip of the winding pressing portion 90.

[0063] 4, the winding pressing portion 90 has a through hole 95 into which the protrusion 82 fits. The through hole 95 penetrates the winding pressing portion 90 in the thickness direction. The through hole 95 extends, for example, from the middle position of the folded-back portion 92 to the middle position of the pressing portion 93. The through hole 95 is formed to a size that allows the protrusion 82 to fit therein.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 11, the winding presser part 90 defines a through hole 95 and has an engagement surface 96 that engages with the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 faces, for example, in the second direction Y1. The engagement surface 96 faces the inner surface of the protrusion 82 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement surface 96 extends, for example, parallel to the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The outer surface of the protrusion 82 is exposed from the winding presser part 90 by, for example, the through hole 95.

[0065] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the pressing portion 93 of the winding pressing portion 90, and the engagement surface 96 of the winding pressing portion 90 is pressed from the outside by the protrusion 82 of the protruding portion 80. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 from becoming too large.

[0066] (Configuration of protection unit 100) 4, the protective portion 100 is provided so as to protect, for example, the end portion in the first direction X1 of the terminal connection portion 33. The protective portion 100 is provided at the end portion in the first direction X1 of the first peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed, for example, integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed so as to be folded back from the end portion in the first direction X1 of the first peripheral wall 40 while locating the end portion in the first direction X1 of the second peripheral wall 50 inside.

[0067] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from an end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from an end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The extension portion 101 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed integrally with the extension portion 101. The protective portion 100 has a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward a direction away from the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the first direction X1) by the extension portion 101 and the protective wall 102. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to face the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. The protective wall 102 is provided at a distance from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50, for example, in a state in which the columnar connecting part 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting part 60. The length dimension of the extension part 101 along the Y-axis direction is greater than the length dimension of the folded-back part 92 along the Y-axis direction.

[0068] (Configuration of housing body 110) 3, the housing body 110 holds the female terminals 31 so that the electric wires 20 are led out in the first opposite direction X2. The housing body 110 accommodates two female terminals 31 therein. The housing body 110 is formed, for example, in a box shape as a whole. The housing body 110 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0069] The housing body 110 has an opening 111 that opens in the first opposite direction X2. The electric wire 20 connected to the female terminal 31 is drawn out of the housing body 110 through the opening 111. The housing body 110 has, for example, a peripheral wall 112 provided in the third direction Z1 and a tubular portion 113 provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112. The tubular portion 113 is a fitting tubular portion into which a mating housing of a mating connector (not shown) is fitted. The tubular portion 113 is provided at an end of the peripheral wall 112 in the first direction X1. The tubular portion 113 protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112 toward the radial outside of the housing body 110 (here, the third direction Z1). The tubular portion 113 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape.

[0070] The cylindrical portion 113 has an insertion hole 114. The insertion hole 114 is formed so as to communicate the inside and outside of the housing body 110. The insertion hole 114 opens in the third direction Z1 and also opens in the third opposite direction Z2. For example, the insertion hole 114 penetrates the cylindrical portion 113 in the Z-axis direction and also penetrates the peripheral wall 112 in the Z-axis direction. The insertion hole 114 is formed so as to expose the female terminal 31 accommodated in the housing body 110. Here, each female terminal 31 accommodated inside the housing body 110 is provided so that the open end of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is exposed from the insertion hole 114.

[0071] (Configuration of the retainer 120) The retainer 120 is attached to the cylindrical portion 113 of the housing body 110. The retainer 120 has a main body portion 121 and one or more (two in this embodiment) restricting portions 122 that restrict movement of the female terminals 31 in the first opposite direction X2. The retainer 120 is, for example, a single component in which the main body portion 121 and the restricting portions 122 are continuously and integrally formed. The retainer 120 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0072] The main body 121 is formed, for example, in a frame shape as a whole. The outer periphery of the main body 121 is formed, for example, in a quadrangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The main body 121 is formed, for example, so as to cover the end face of the tube portion 113 in the third direction Z1.

[0073] The main body 121 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 121X. Each insertion hole 121X penetrates the main body 121 in the Z-axis direction. Each insertion hole 121X is formed so as to communicate with the insertion hole 114 of the tubular portion 113. The two insertion holes 121X are formed so as to expose, for example, the open ends of the tubular connecting portions 60 of the two female terminals 31 accommodated in the housing main body 110, respectively.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to two female terminals 31, respectively. The two restricting portions 122 are provided, for example, side by side along the Y-axis direction. Each restricting portion 122 has, for example, a housing portion 123 in which a part of the female terminal 31 is housed. Each housing portion 123 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of each housing portion 123 is U-shaped as a whole. The axial direction of each housing portion 123 extends along the X-axis direction. Each housing portion 123 opens in the first direction X1 and also opens in the first opposite direction X2. Each housing portion 123 opens in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0075] In the internal space of each accommodating section 123, for example, each female terminal 31 is inserted along the third direction Z1. In the internal space of each accommodating section 123, for example, the end of the terminal connection section 33 of each female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2 is accommodated. In the two accommodating sections 123, for example, two female terminals 31 are accommodated in different orientations. In detail, the accommodating section 123 provided on the second direction Y1 side of the two accommodating sections 123 accommodates the female terminal 31 with the winding presser section 90 facing the third direction Z1. In the accommodating section 123 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side of the two accommodating sections 123, the female terminal 31 is accommodated with the winding presser section 90 facing the third opposite direction Z2. Specifically, the female terminal 31 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side is accommodated in the accommodating section 123 with the female terminal 31 provided on the second direction Y1 side rotated by 180°. 3, when the retainer 120 is attached to the cylindrical portion 113 of the housing body 110, each of the restricting portions 122 is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third opposite direction Z2. At this time, each of the restricting portions 122 is inserted into the housing body 110 so as to accommodate the female terminals 31 in the internal spaces of the accommodating portions 123.

[0076] 12, 13, and 14, each storage section 123 has a bottom wall 124, a side wall 125 protruding from a first side edge of the bottom wall 124, and a side wall 126 protruding from a second side edge of the bottom wall 124. The first side edge of the bottom wall 124 faces the bottom wall 124 of the other storage section 123. The second side edge of the bottom wall 124 is provided on the opposite side to the first side edge in the Y-axis direction. The internal space of each storage section 123 is defined by a space surrounded by the bottom wall 124, the side wall 125, and the side wall 126.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 14, each side wall 125, 126 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 124. Each side wall 125, 126 protrudes from the bottom wall 124 toward the third opposite direction Z2. Each side wall 125, 126 is formed, for example, in a plate shape. The two side walls 125, 126 face each other, for example, in the width direction of the bottom wall 124 (here, the Y-axis direction). The end of the side wall 125 in the third direction Z1 and the end of the side wall 126 in the third direction Z1 are connected to each other by the bottom wall 124. The end of the side wall 125 in the third opposite direction Z2 and the end of the side wall 126 in the third opposite direction Z2 are not connected to each other. In other words, each storage portion 123 has a groove-shaped internal space that opens in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0078] Each accommodating portion 123 is formed so as to be able to accommodate the winding pressing portion 90 and the protruding portion 55 of the female terminal 31 therein. The interval between the inner surface of the side wall 125 and the inner surface of the side wall 126 is set to a size capable of accommodating the winding pressing portion 90, for example. The shortest distance between the inner surface of the side wall 125 and the inner surface of the side wall 126 is set to be slightly larger than the longest distance of the winding pressing portion 90 along the Y-axis direction. Here, the protruding portion 55 of the female terminal 31 is formed so that the first protruding amount along the Y-axis direction from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is equal to the second protruding amount along the Y-axis direction of the winding pressing portion 90. Therefore, the protruding portion 55 can be suitably accommodated between the inner surface of the side wall 125 and the inner surface of the side wall 126. By providing such a protruding portion 55, it is possible to prevent the gap between the female terminal 31 and the inner surfaces of the side walls 125 and 126 from becoming large in the portion where the winding pressing portion 90 is not provided. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the female terminals 31 from tilting inside the respective accommodating portions 123.

[0079] 13, each restricting portion 122 has an engagement wall 127 that engages with the female terminal 31. The engagement wall 127 is provided, for example, so as to block a part of the opening of the accommodation portion 123 in the first opposite direction X2. The engagement wall 127 is formed, for example, continuously and integrally with the bottom wall 124. The engagement wall 127 is formed, for example, continuously and integrally with the side wall 126. The engagement wall 127 extends, for example, from the end of the side wall 126 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the side wall 125 along the Y-axis direction. The engagement wall 127 does not extend to the side wall 125 in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] The engagement wall 127 is provided so as to be able to engage with an end face of the second circumferential wall 50 of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1 when the retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 (see FIG. 2). The engagement wall 127 regulates the movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2. The regulation portion 122 having such an engagement wall 127 ensures the position of the female terminal 31 in the X-axis direction inside the housing body 110 (see FIG. 2).

[0081] 15, the engagement wall 127 is provided so as to be able to engage with the protrusion 55 of the female terminal 31 in the first direction X1 when the retainer 120 is attached to the housing main body 110 (see FIG. 2). The engagement wall 127 is provided so as to be able to engage with an end face of the protrusion 55 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. Here, the protrusion 55 engages with the end face in the first direction X1 of the engagement wall 127 at a base portion connected to the side wall 126. This makes it possible to suitably suppress movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0082] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector C1 includes a female terminal 31 and a housing 30 that holds the female terminal 31. The female terminal 31 includes a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 that faces the first cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 that is configured by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The female terminal 31 includes a winding pressing portion 90 that limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51, and a protrusion 55 that protrudes from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The winding pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The winding pressing portion 90 is folded back from the first peripheral wall 40 while holding the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 inward, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The winding pressing portion 90 and the protruding portion 55 are arranged side by side on the same straight line along the Z axis. The housing 30 has a groove-shaped accommodating portion 123 into which the winding pressing portion 90 and the protruding portion 55 are inserted.

[0083] According to this configuration, the winding pressing portion 90 and the protruding portion 55 of the female terminal 31 are inserted into the inside of the accommodating portion 123 of the housing 30. Here, the winding pressing portion 90 is folded back from the first peripheral wall 40 and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. Therefore, the winding pressing portion 90 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. When such a winding pressing portion 90 is accommodated inside the accommodating portion 123, a large gap may be generated between a portion of the female terminal 31 where the winding pressing portion 90 is not formed and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123. When such a gap is generated, there is a problem that the female terminal 31 is easily displaced inside the accommodating portion 123, specifically, the female terminal 31 is easily tilted. In response to this, in the above configuration, the protruding portion 55 protruding from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is arranged in the same straight line as the winding pressing portion 90. Providing this protrusion 55 makes it possible to reduce the gap between the portion of the female terminal 31 where the winding pressing portion 90 is not formed and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123. This makes it possible to suitably suppress the displacement of the female terminal 31 inside the accommodating portion 123. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the displacement of the female terminal 31 inside the housing 30.

[0084] (2) The female terminal 31 is provided with a winding presser 90 that limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31, the winding presser 90 limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first peripheral wall 40 and the second inner surface 52 of the second peripheral wall 50 from increasing. The restriction by the winding presser 90 maintains the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 in a state in which they are biased in a direction to approach each other. Therefore, the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the pressure contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding presser 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the pressure-welded state between the tubular connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simpler structure than when a separate part such as a coil spring is used. In other words, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified compared to when a separate part such as a coil spring is used.

[0085] (3) The axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 extends along the third direction Z1. The winding pressing portion 90 is folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 while embracing the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1 inside. The protruding portion 55 is provided so as to overlap with the winding pressing portion 90 in a plan view seen from the third direction Z1. The protruding portion 55 is formed so as to protrude from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 toward the second direction Y1. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the female terminal 31 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123 in the second direction Y1. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the female terminal 31 from tilting in the second direction Y1 inside the accommodating portion 123. As a result, it is possible to suppress the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31 from tilting in the second direction Y1. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 from being inserted into the tubular connecting portion 60 in a state inclined with respect to the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 .

[0086] (4) The first protrusion amount of the convex portion 55 from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Y1 is equal to the second protrusion amount of the winding pressing portion 90 from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second direction Y1. By providing such a convex portion 55, it is possible to further reduce the gap between the female terminal 31 in the portion where the winding pressing portion 90 is not formed and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123. This makes it possible to more suitably suppress displacement of the female terminal 31 inside the accommodating portion 123.

[0087] (5) The housing 30 has a housing main body 110 that accommodates the female terminals 31 therein, and a retainer 120 that is attached to the housing main body 110. The retainer 120 has a restricting portion 122 that is inserted into the housing main body 110 and restricts movement of the female terminals 31. The restricting portion 122 has an accommodating portion 123. According to this configuration, the accommodating portion 123 is provided in the restricting portion 122 of the retainer 120. Therefore, when the retainer 120 is attached to the housing main body 110, the female terminals 31 can be suitably prevented from being displaced inside the accommodating portion 123 of the retainer 120. As a result, the female terminals 31 can be suitably prevented from being displaced inside the housing 30.

[0088] (6) The restricting portion 122 has an engaging wall 127 that engages with the protruding portion 55 in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the protruding portion 55 of the female terminal 31 engages with the engaging wall 127 in the first opposite direction X2. Therefore, movement of the female terminal 31 in the accommodating portion 123 in the first opposite direction X2 can be suitably prevented.

[0089] (7) The first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 are connected by the connecting portion 70 formed integrally with both the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50. This allows the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 to be formed integrally through the connecting portion 70. Therefore, the female terminal 31 can be formed by performing a bending process or the like on a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0090] (8) The winding presser 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 with the first circumferential wall 40 in between. Therefore, the winding presser 90 can suitably restrict the connecting portion 70 from opening, i.e., the increase in the distance between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. As a result, the winding presser 90 can suitably restrict the increase in the distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52.

[0091] (9) The protruding amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 toward the second peripheral wall 50 is equal to the protruding amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the second peripheral wall 50. Therefore, the winding pressing portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 can be formed in a shape that is nearly symmetrical. As a result, the female terminal 31 can be accommodated in a space that can accommodate the winding pressing portion 90, that is, the internal space of the accommodating portion 123, even if the winding pressing portion 90 is facing the internal space or the connecting portion 70 is facing the internal space. As a result, the restriction on the insertion direction of the female terminal 31 into the internal space of the accommodating portion 123 can be relaxed. Therefore, the versatility of the female terminal 31 can be improved.

[0092] (10) The protective wall 102 of the protective portion 100 formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40 is provided facing and spaced apart from the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1. For this reason, even if an excessively large external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 and the second circumferential wall 50 is deformed so as to be separated from the first circumferential wall 40 due to the external force, the protective wall 102 can suitably prevent the deformation.

[0093] (11) The winding pressing portion 90 is provided at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The tubular connecting portion 60 is provided at an intermediate position between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the winding pressing portion 90 is provided at a position different from the tubular connecting portion 60 in the first direction X1. Such a winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 from increasing. In turn, the winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 constituting the tubular connecting portion 60 and the second inner surface 52 constituting the tubular connecting portion 60 from increasing.

[0094] (12) The electric wire connecting portion 32 that is electrically connected to the electric wire 20 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the number of parts of the female terminal 31 can be reduced, and the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0095] (13) The cylindrical connecting part 60 has a plurality of linear contact parts 43 that protrude from the first inner surface 42 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting part 60 and are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting part 60. The linear contact parts 43 extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting part 60. According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting part 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting part 60, the linear contact parts 43 provided on the first inner surface 42 constituting the cylindrical connecting part 60 are pressed in line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 at a plurality of points spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, even if a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the male terminal 200 can be prevented from being displaced by the swing by contacting the plurality of linear contact parts 43.

[0096] (14) The second inner surface 52 is formed to be recessed in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has a protrusion 54 that protrudes in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from the second inner surface 52. According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the protrusion 54 that protrudes in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially inward direction from the second inner surface 52 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the protrusion 54 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 with a high contact pressure, so that the press-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained.

[0097] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0098] The structure of the female terminal 31 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The size of the protrusion 55 of the female terminal 31 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the length dimension of the protrusion 55 along the X-axis direction may be changed. For example, the protrusion 55 may be formed to extend to the vicinity of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the X-axis direction.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the gap between the female terminal 31 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123 is reduced by providing the female terminal 31 with the protrusion 55, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the gap between the female terminal 31 and the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123 may be reduced by providing the inner surface of the accommodating portion 123 with a protrusion that protrudes toward the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the protective part 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the protective part 100 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective part 100 is formed, for example, such that the protective part 100 is folded back from the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 while locating the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 inside.

[0101] The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. The induction portion 61 in the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. Three or more linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 of the female terminal 31 .

[0102] The first inner surface 42 of the female terminal 31 may be provided with a plurality of linear contact portions 43 and a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41, and a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section is provided on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section may be provided on the first inner surface 42, and a plurality of linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the second inner surface 52. For example, linear contact portions 43 may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52. For example, a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52.

[0103] The position of the winding pressing portion 90 in the female terminal 31 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the winding pressing portion 90 may be provided at a position different from the connecting portion 70 in the X-axis direction. In the above embodiment, the electric wire connecting portion 32 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the electric wire connecting portion 32 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50.

[0104] In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, of the electric wire connecting portion 32 and the terminal connecting portion 33, only the terminal connecting portion 33 is formed in a structure in which the second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half onto the first peripheral wall 40. However, this is not limiting, and for example, both the electric wire connecting portion 32 and the terminal connecting portion 33 may be formed in a structure in which two plate materials are folded over one another.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the accommodating portion 123 into which the winding pressing portion 90 and the protrusion 55 are inserted is provided in the retainer 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the accommodating portion 123 may be provided in the housing main body 110.

[0106] The structure of the housing body 110 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. For example, as long as the housing body 110 has a structure capable of accommodating the female terminals 31, other structures may be modified as appropriate.

[0107] The structure of the retainer 120 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the engagement wall 127 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is embodied in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the columnar connection portion 201 may be formed in a columnar shape other than a cylindrical shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connection portion 201 may be formed in an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 20...electric wire, 21...core wire, 22...insulating coating, 30...housing, 31...female terminal, 32...electric wire connection portion, 33...terminal connection portion, 40...first peripheral wall, 41...first cylindrical portion, 42...first inner surface, 43...linear contact portion, 50...second peripheral wall, 51...second cylindrical portion, 52...second inner surface, 53...recessed portion, 54...projection portion, 55...convex portion, 56...recessed portion, 60...cylindrical connection portion, 61...guiding portion, 70...connecting portion, 71, 72...extending portion, 73...folded portion, 80...projecting portion, 81...projecting base portion, 82...projection, 90...winding holding portion, 91...extending portion, 92...folded portion, 93...holding portion, 94...opposing surface, 95...through hole, 96 ...engagement surface, 100...protective portion, 101...extension portion, 102...protective wall, 110...housing main body, 111...opening, 112...circumferential wall, 113...tubular portion, 114...insertion hole, 120...retainer, 121...main body portion, 121X...insertion hole, 122...regulating portion, 123...accommodating portion, 124...bottom wall, 125, 126...side wall, 127...engagement wall, 200...male terminal, 201...columnar connecting portion, W1...wire harness, C1...connector, P1, P2...protrusion amount, X1...first direction, X2...first opposite direction, Y1...second direction, Y2...second opposite direction, Z...Z axis (first axis), Z1...third direction, Z2...third opposite direction.

Claims

1. A female terminal and a housing for holding the female terminal, The female terminal is a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion; a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion; a cylindrical connection portion configured by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; a winding presser portion that limits a distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion; a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, The winding pressing portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, The pressing portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, The winding pressing portion and the protruding portion are arranged side by side on the same straight line along a first axis, The housing has a groove-shaped accommodating portion into which the winding pressure portion and the protrusion are inserted.

2. The first peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along a first direction, The second peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction, The first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the second direction, An outer surface of the second peripheral wall faces the second direction, an axial direction of the tubular connecting portion extends along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the winding pressing portion is folded back from the end surface of the first peripheral wall in the third direction while holding the end surface of the second peripheral wall in the third direction therein, The protrusion is provided so as to overlap the winding pressing portion in a plan view seen from the third direction, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion protrudes from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall in the second direction.

3. 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein a first projection amount of said convex portion from an outer surface of said second peripheral wall is equal to a second projection amount of said winding pressure portion from an outer surface of said second peripheral wall.

4. The housing includes a housing body that accommodates the female terminal therein, and a retainer that is attached to the housing body, the retainer is inserted into the housing body and has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the female terminal, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the restricting portion includes the accommodating portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the restriction portion has an engagement wall that engages with the protrusion in the first direction.

6. The female terminal further includes a connecting portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the connecting portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

7. The connecting portion is formed to extend in the second direction from an end surface of the first peripheral wall in a third opposite direction, which is a direction opposite to the third direction, to an end surface of the second peripheral wall in the third opposite direction, The connector according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting portion is provided so as to overlap the roll pressing portion in a plan view seen from the third direction.

8. The female terminal further includes a protective portion provided at an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion is formed to be folded back from an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction while locating an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction therein, the protective portion has a protective wall provided opposite an end portion of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the protective wall is spaced apart from an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction.

9. The winding pressing portion is provided at an end portion of the first peripheral wall in a first opposite direction, which is a direction opposite to the first direction, The protrusion is provided at an end of the second peripheral wall in the first opposite direction, The connector according to claim 8 , wherein the tubular connecting portion is provided at an intermediate position between the roll pressing portion and the protection portion in the first direction.

10. a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion; a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion; a cylindrical connection portion configured by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; a winding presser portion that limits a distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion; a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, The winding pressing portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, The pressing portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, The female terminal, wherein the winding pressure portion and the protrusion are arranged side by side on the same straight line along a first axis.

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