Female terminal and connector

Abstract

To provide a female terminal and a connector that can suppress displacement of a columnar connection part inside a tubular connection part.SOLUTION: A female terminal 31 includes a peripheral wall 50 having a tubular part 51, a peripheral wall 40 having a tubular part 41 provided opposite to the tubular part 51, and a tubular connection part 60 composed of the tubular part 51 and the tubular part 41. The tubular connection part 60 is a first connection part that has a columnar connection part 201 of a male terminal 200, which is inserted into the interior of the tubular connection part 60, and is electrically connected to the columnar connection part 201. The tubular part 51 has a plurality of divided tubular parts 52 that is divided in the axial direction of the tubular connection part 60. Each of the plurality of divided tubular parts 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the tubular part 41 and a protrusion 56 that protrudes in a cross-sectional arc from the inner surface 54 toward the inner radial direction of the tubular connection part 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to female terminals and connectors. [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 columnar connection portion inside the tubular connection portion. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal and a connector that can suppress displacement of a columnar connecting portion inside a tubular connecting portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] 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, and a tubular connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the tubular connecting portion is a first connecting portion into which a columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, and the first tubular portion has a plurality of split tubular portions split in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion, and each of the plurality of split tubular portions has a first inner surface opposite the second tubular portion and a protrusion protruding in a cross-sectional arc shape from the first inner surface radially inward of the tubular connecting portion. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The female terminal and connector of the present disclosure have the advantage that displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion 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 plan view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a female terminal of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIGS. 5 and 6). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a female terminal of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 15) 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 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, and a tubular connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the tubular connecting portion is a first connecting portion into which a columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, and the first tubular portion has a plurality of split tubular portions split in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion, and each of the plurality of split tubular portions has a first inner surface opposite the second cylindrical portion and a protrusion protruding in a cross-sectional arc shape from the first inner surface radially inward of the tubular connecting portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the protrusions provided on the first inner surface of each of the plurality of divided tubular portions come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion, the plurality of protrusions come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion at a plurality of points spaced apart in the axial direction. As a result, even if a swing is transmitted to the male terminal, the displacement of the male terminal due to the swing can be suitably prevented by the contact of the plurality of protrusions with the columnar connecting portion. In other words, compared to the case where only one protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the first tubular portion, the displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion can be suppressed by the contact pressure of the plurality of protrusions.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the plurality of split tubular portions may be two split tubular portions, the first tubular portion may have a slit separating the two split tubular portions, and the slit may be provided at a central position of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, a slit that divides the two divided tubular parts is provided at the axial center of the tubular connecting part. At this time, when the columnar connecting part of the male terminal inserted into the tubular connecting part is displaced, the columnar connecting part rotates around the axial center of the tubular connecting part as a rotation center. If a contact part between the protrusion and the columnar connecting part is provided at such a rotation center, the contact pressure by the protrusion cannot be made to act as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting part. In contrast, in the above configuration, the protrusion is provided at a position different from the slit provided at the axial center of the tubular connecting part. Therefore, the protrusion and the columnar connecting part can be brought into contact at a position different from the rotation center for the displacement of the columnar connecting part. This allows the contact pressure by the protrusion to suitably act as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting part. As a result, the contact pressure by the multiple protrusions can suitably suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part inside the tubular connecting part.

[0012] [3] In the above [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 provided opposite the second tubular portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion extends along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the slit extends from an end face of the first peripheral wall in the first direction along a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, the slit penetrates the first peripheral wall in both the second direction and a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the second direction, and the slit may be open in the first direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, the end portion of the first peripheral wall including the first cylindrical portion in the first direction is split into two parts by the slit, and the two split cylindrical portions are formed as independent structures. This allows the two split cylindrical portions to independently ensure the contact pressure of the male terminal against the columnar connecting portion.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the two split tubular portions may be formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the slit in the third direction and extends in both the first direction and the first opposite direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the two divided tubular portions are formed symmetrically with respect to a plane, so that the two divided tubular portions provided on both sides of the slit can ensure equal contact pressure with each other.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], the protruding tip of the protrusion of each of the two split tubular portions may be located at a position in the axial direction spaced a first distance from the center of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0017] According to this configuration, the protruding tip of each protrusion is provided at a position spaced a first distance from the axial center of the tubular connecting part. Therefore, the protruding tip of the protrusion can be brought into contact with the columnar connecting part at a position spaced a first distance from the rotation center of the displacement of the columnar connecting part. This allows the contact pressure of the protrusions to preferably act as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting part. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions can preferably suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part inside the tubular connecting part.

[0018] [6] In any of [1] to [5] above, the second tubular portion has a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface and a plurality of linear contact portions protruding radially inward from the second inner surface of the tubular connecting portion, the plurality of linear contact portions being provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion, and each of the plurality of linear contact portions may extend along the axial direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion, the linear contact portions provided on the second inner surface constituting the cylindrical connecting portion are pressed in linear contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion at multiple points spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, even if a rocking motion is transmitted to the male terminal, the displacement of the male terminal due to the rocking motion can be suitably prevented by the contact of the multiple linear contact portions with the male terminal.

[0020] [7] In the above [6], the female terminal further includes a pressing portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the pressing portion being formed integrally with the second peripheral wall, and the pressing portion being folded back from the second peripheral wall while holding the edge of the first peripheral wall inward, and may be in contact with the outer surface of the first peripheral wall.

[0021] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion, the winding presser restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface constituting the cylindrical connecting portion and the second inner surface constituting the cylindrical connecting portion from becoming large. This restriction by the winding presser allows the protrusion and the linear contact portion to be suitably contacted with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. As a result, the contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding presser is integrally formed with the second peripheral wall. Therefore, the contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion 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 can be simplified compared to when a separate part such as a coil spring is used.

[0022] [8] In the above [7], the female terminal further includes 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] [9] In the above [8], 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 provided opposite the second tubular portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the female terminal further includes a protective portion provided at an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall, and the protective portion is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction while positioning the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction inside, the protective portion has a protective wall provided opposite the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, and the protective wall may be provided at a distance from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction.

[0025] According to this configuration, the protective wall of the protective portion formed integrally with the second peripheral wall is provided facing and spaced from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction. Therefore, even if, for example, an excessively large external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction and the first peripheral wall is deformed so as to be separated from the second peripheral wall due to the external force, the deformation can be suitably prevented by the protective wall.

[0026]

[10] In the above [9], the winding pressure portion is provided at an end portion of the second peripheral wall in a first opposite direction which is opposite to the first 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028]

[11] In the above [9] or

[10] , the female terminal further includes an electric wire connection portion provided at an end portion of the second peripheral wall in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction, the electric wire connection portion being a second connection portion electrically connected to an electric wire, the electric wire connection portion being integrally formed with the second peripheral wall, and the electric wire connection portion extending from the first opposite direction end portion of the second peripheral wall toward the first opposite direction.

[0029] According to this configuration, the electric wire connecting portion that is electrically connected to the electric wire is integrally formed with the second peripheral wall, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the female terminal and simplify the structure of the female terminal.

[0030]

[12] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a female terminal according to any one of [1] to

[11] above, and a housing for accommodating the female terminal therein. According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the female terminal described above in [1].

[0031] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the female terminal and connector 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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] (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 ends of a plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 includes a housing body 110 that houses the plurality of 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 of 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 of 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 of 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.

[0034] The female terminal 31 and the electric wire 20 are inserted into the housing body 110 along the first direction X1. The retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1. For example, a mating connector is connected to the connector C1 along the third direction Z1. For example, a male terminal 200 (see FIG. 4) of the mating connector is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1.

[0035] (Configuration of electric wire 20) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. For example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor can be used as the core wire 21. For example, the insulating coating 22 covers the outer periphery of the core wire 21 over the entire circumferential direction.

[0036] 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.

[0037] (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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The terminal connection part 33 has a peripheral wall 40 having a cylindrical portion 41, a peripheral wall 50 having a cylindrical portion 51 facing the cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connection part 60. 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 peripheral walls 40 and 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] (Configuration of peripheral wall 40 and peripheral wall 50) As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the end of the 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 peripheral wall 40 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. For example, the 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 peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The peripheral wall 40 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the peripheral wall 50 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 50 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape. The peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the 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 peripheral wall 50 is provided spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 40 in, for example, the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the peripheral wall 40.

[0044] The cylindrical portion 41 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the peripheral wall 40. The cylindrical portion 41 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 41 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylinder shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical portion 41 extends along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 41 extends over the entire length of the peripheral wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylindrical portion 51 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the peripheral wall 50. The cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 51 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylinder shape as a whole. The cylindrical portion 51 extends along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 51 extends over the entire length of the peripheral wall 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0046] The cylindrical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 51 are curved toward the direction in which they are separated from each other. The cylindrical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 51 constitute a 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. The axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the peripheral walls 40, 50 extend (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. The columnar connection portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connection portion 60 of this embodiment along the third direction Z1.

[0047] 7, the tubular connecting part 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The tubular connecting part 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter dimension smaller than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the columnar connecting part 201. That is, the tubular connecting part 60 is configured so that the columnar connecting part 201 is press-fitted therein.

[0048] The cylindrical portion 41 has an inner surface 42 facing the second direction Y1 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 42. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the cylindrical portion 41 with a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the 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 inner surface 42 of the 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.

[0049] The inner surface 42 of the tubular part 41 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) linear contact parts 43 that protrude from the inner surface 42 radially inward of the tubular connecting part 60. The two linear contact parts 43 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting part 60. The two linear contact parts 43 are provided so as to partially oppose each other in the X-axis direction, for example. As shown in Fig. 5, each linear contact part 43 extends along the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60 (here, the Z-axis direction).

[0050] 7, the curvature of the 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.

[0051] 6, the tubular portion 51 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) divided tubular portions 52 divided in the axial direction of the tubular connection portion 60, and a slit 53 dividing the two divided tubular portions 52. The two divided tubular portions 52 are provided apart from each other in the axial direction of the tubular connection portion 60 with the slit 53 therebetween. The two divided tubular portions 52 have, for example, the same structure as each other. The two divided tubular portions 52 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the slit 53 in the Z-axis direction and extends in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, each divided tubular portion 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the second opposite direction Y2 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 54. As shown in Fig. 7, the outer surface of each divided tubular portion 52 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the divided tubular portion 52 with a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the divided tubular portion 52 is formed to protrude in an arc shape in cross section toward the radial outward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. Similarly, the inner surface 54 of the divided tubular portion 52 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radial outward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0053] The outer surface of each split tubular portion 52 is provided with a recess 55 recessed from the outer surface toward the radially inward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. As shown in Fig. 6, the planar shape of the recess 55 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recess 55 is formed, for example, over the entire length of the split tubular portion 52 in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] 8, the inner surface 54 of each divided tubular portion 52 is provided with a protrusion 56 that protrudes from the inner surface 54 toward the radially inward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 is provided, for example, on the inner surface 54 of the divided tubular portion 52 in a portion where the recessed portion 55 is formed. The protrusion 56 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 56 is formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the divided tubular portion 52 with a mold.

[0055] The protrusion 56 is formed, for example, in a shape in which a cross section of the protrusion 56 cut by a plane parallel to the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the tubular connecting part 60 protrudes in an arc shape toward the radial inside of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion 56 is formed so as to protrude in an arc shape from the inner surface 54 toward the radial inside of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion 56 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion 56 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion tip 56A of the protrusion 56 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 of the male terminal 200. The protrusion tip 56A, for example, makes point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201.

[0056] 9, each protruding tip 56A is provided at the center in the axial direction of the split tubular portion 52. Each protruding tip 56A is provided at a position in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 that is separated by a first distance L1 from the center A1 of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. Each protruding tip 56A is provided at the center of the split tubular portion 52 in the X-axis direction.

[0057] The slit 53 is formed to penetrate the tubular portion 51 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the slit 53 penetrates the peripheral wall 40 in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. The slit 53 is provided between the two divided tubular portions 52 in the axial direction of the tubular portion 51. The slit 53 is provided, for example, at the center position of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, the slits 53 extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51 over the entire circumferential length of the cylindrical portion 51. The slits 53 extend, for example, from the divided cylindrical portion 52 to an end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first direction X1. The slits 53 extend, for example, from the divided cylindrical portion 52 in the first opposite direction X2. In other words, the slits 53 extend from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2 to a position further in the first opposite direction X2 than the divided cylindrical portion 52. The slits 53 open in the first direction X1. That is, the slits 53 are formed so as to be cut out from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0059] The end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the slit 53. That is, the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two divided portions 57 formed in a bifurcated shape. Each divided portion 57 has a divided tubular portion 52. Each divided portion 57 is formed, for example, so as to be supported in a cantilever manner by the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two divided portions 57 have, for example, the same structure as each other. The two divided portions 57 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the slit 53 in the Z-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, 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 inner surface 42 of the cylindrical part 41 and over the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface 54 of the 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.

[0061] Of the axial ends of the split tubular portion 52, the end facing the other split tubular portion 52 has, for example, a guide portion 62. Each guide portion 62 is formed so that the opening width of the split tubular portion 52 increases as it approaches the other split tubular portion 52. Each guide portion 62 is formed, for example, around the entire circumferential direction of the inner surface 54 of the split tubular portion 52.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral wall 50 has, for example, a protrusion 58. The protrusion 58 is provided at a position overlapping the winding pressing portion 90 in a plan view seen from the Z-axis direction. The protrusion 58 is provided at, for example, an end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 58 extends, for example, from an end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The protrusion 58 does not extend to the cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 58 does not extend to the slit 53 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 58 is provided at, for example, an intermediate position in the Z-axis direction of the peripheral wall 50. The planar shape of the protrusion 58 seen from the Y-axis direction is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The protrusion 58 can be formed, for example, by embossing.

[0063] 11, in the peripheral wall 50, a recess 59 is provided on the inner surface of the portion where the protrusion 58 is formed. The recess 59 is formed so as to be recessed from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 50 in a direction away from the peripheral wall 40.

[0064] (Configuration of connecting portion 70) As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 70 connects the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40 and is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to extend in the second direction Y1 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the 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 peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0065] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, at an end portion in the first opposite direction X2 of the peripheral wall 40. The connecting portion 70 extends in the first direction X1 from the end portion in the first opposite direction X2 of the peripheral wall 40. The connecting portion 70 protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0066] 11, 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 peripheral 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 peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 has a folded portion 73 connecting the extending portion 71 and the extending portion 72.

[0067] The extension portion 71 is formed integrally and continuously with the 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 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 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 peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed in a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward the direction away from the peripheral wall 40 and the 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 peripheral wall 50 is disposed opposite to the peripheral wall 40. In other words, in the terminal connection portion 33, the peripheral wall 50 is folded in half toward the upper side of the peripheral wall 40 by the connecting portion 70.

[0068] (Configuration of protrusion 80) As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 80 is provided on an end surface of the 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 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 peripheral wall 50. The protrusion base 81 extends along the first direction X1 from the end surface of the 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.

[0069] (Configuration of the winding pressing unit 90) As shown in FIG. 4, the roll pressing portion 90 is formed so as to limit the separation distance between the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 and the inner surface 54 of the divided cylindrical portion 52. The roll pressing portion 90 limits the separation distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54 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 peripheral wall 40. The roll pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back from the peripheral wall 40 while holding the edge of the peripheral wall 50 inward. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 while disposing the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The roll pressing portion 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50.

[0070] The winding pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at an end portion of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding pressing portion 90 extends from the end portion of the peripheral 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 Z-axis direction. 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 peripheral wall 40 therebetween.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11, the winding pressing portion 90 has an extending portion 91 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1, a folded portion 92 provided at the end of the extending portion 91, and a pressing portion 93 extending from the end of the folded portion 92 toward the peripheral wall 50.

[0072] The extending portion 91 is formed integrally and continuously with the peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 92 is formed integrally and continuously with the extending portion 91. The folded portion 92 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the extending portion 91 in the third direction Z1 toward the peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 92 is folded back, for example, in a U-shape from the end of the extending 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 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 peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 (here, the third direction Z1) by the extending portion 91, the folded portion 92, and the pressing portion 93.

[0073] The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press the outer surface of the peripheral 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 peripheral wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends, for example, parallel to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The opposing surface 94 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example.

[0074] Here, the first protrusion amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 is equal to, for example, the second protrusion amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. The first protrusion amount P1 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 to the protruding tip of the winding pressing portion 90. The second protrusion amount P2 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the peripheral 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 peripheral wall 50.

[0075] The amount of protrusion of the winding pressing portion 90 from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the Y-axis direction is equal to, for example, the amount of protrusion of the convex portion 58 from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the convex portion 58 is formed so that the amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 is equal to that of the winding pressing portion 90.

[0076] 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.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 13, 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.

[0078] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the 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 increase in the separation distance between the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50.

[0079] (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 peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed, for example, integrally with the 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 peripheral wall 40 while locating the end portion in the first direction X1 of the peripheral wall 50 inside.

[0080] The protective part 100 has an extension part 101 extending from an end of the 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 part 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the peripheral wall 50. The extension part 101 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed integrally with the extension part 101. The protective part 100 has a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward a direction away from the peripheral wall 50 (here, the first direction X1) by the extension part 101 and the protective wall 102. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to face the end of the 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 peripheral wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the peripheral 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.

[0081] (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.

[0082] 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 opposite direction Z2 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 opposite direction Z2). The tubular portion 113 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape.

[0083] 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.

[0084] (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.

[0085] 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 opposite direction Z2.

[0086] The main body 121 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 123. Each insertion hole 123 penetrates the main body 121 in the Z-axis direction. Each insertion hole 123 is formed so as to communicate with the insertion hole 114 of the tubular portion 113. The two insertion holes 123 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.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 14, two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to two female terminals 31, respectively. The two restricting portions 122 are provided side by side along the Y-axis direction, for example. Each restricting portion 122 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape in which a part of the female terminal 31 is housed. The cross-sectional shape of each restricting portion 122 is generally U-shaped. The axial direction of each restricting portion 122 extends along the X-axis direction. Each restricting portion 122 opens in the first direction X1 and also opens in the first opposite direction X2. Each restricting portion 122 opens in the third direction Z1.

[0088] In the internal space of each regulating portion 122, for example, each female terminal 31 is inserted along the third opposite direction Z2. In the internal space of each regulating portion 122, for example, the end of the terminal connection portion 33 of each female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2 is accommodated. In the two regulating portions 122, for example, two female terminals 31 are accommodated in different orientations. In detail, the regulating portion 122 provided on the second direction Y1 side of the two regulating portions 122 accommodates the female terminal 31 with the winding pressing portion 90 facing the third direction Z1. In the regulating portion 122 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side of the two regulating portions 122, the female terminal 31 is accommodated with the winding pressing portion 90 facing the third opposite direction Z2. Specifically, the female terminal 31 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side is accommodated in the regulating portion 122 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 direction Z1. At this time, each of the restricting portions 122 is inserted into the housing body 110 so as to accommodate the female terminals 31 therein.

[0089] 14, 15, and 16, each restricting portion 122 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 restricting portion 122. 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.

[0090] 16, each of the side walls 125, 126 is formed integrally and continuously with the bottom wall 124. Each of the side walls 125, 126 protrudes from the bottom wall 124 in the third direction Z1. Each of the side walls 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).

[0091] 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 that can accommodate the winding presser 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 presser 90 along the Y-axis direction. Here, the protruding portion 58 of the female terminal 31 is formed so that the protruding amount along the Y-axis direction from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 is equal to the protruding amount along the Y-axis direction of the winding presser 90. Therefore, the protruding portion 58 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 58, it is possible to suppress 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 presser 90 is not provided. This makes it possible to suitably suppress the inclination of the female terminal 31 inside each of the restricting portions 122.

[0092] 15, 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 close a part of an opening of the restricting portion 122 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 an 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.

[0093] The engagement wall 127 is provided so as to be able to engage with an end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the peripheral wall 50 of the female terminal 31 in the X-axis direction 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).

[0094] Next, the function of the female terminal 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the columnar connection part 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connection part 60. Here, when a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200 from, for example, a mating electric wire (not shown), the swing may cause the columnar connection part 201 to be displaced in the direction of the arrow in the figure inside the cylindrical connection part 60. Specifically, the columnar connection part 201 may rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure with the center A1 of the cylindrical connection part 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation due to the swing. At this time, for example, when the protruding tip 56A of the protrusion 56 provided on the cylindrical part 51 is provided at the center A1 of the cylindrical connection part 60, the contact part between the protruding tip 56A of the protrusion 56 and the columnar connection part 201 becomes the center of rotation for the displacement of the columnar connection part 201. In this case, the contact pressure (contact pressure) of the protrusion 56 on the columnar connection part 201 does not act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connection part 201.

[0095] In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of the present embodiment, the tubular portion 51 is bifurcated to form two divided tubular portions 52, and a protrusion 56 is formed on each of the inner surfaces 54 of the two divided tubular portions 52. The protruding tip 56A of each protrusion 56 is provided at a position spaced apart from the center A1 of the tubular connecting portion 60 by a first distance L1. This allows the protruding tip 56A of each protrusion 56 to contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 at a position spaced apart from the center A1, which is the rotation center for the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, the contact pressure of each protrusion 56 against the columnar connecting portion 201 can be made to act as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. In more detail, when the contact pressure of each protrusion 56 against the columnar connecting portion 201 is F1 and the friction coefficient is μ, the force of F1×μ×L1 can suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, the two protrusions 56 can suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 with a force of 2×F1×μ×L1.

[0096] Even if the contact portion between the protruding tip 56A on the third direction Z1 side and the columnar connecting part 201 becomes the rotation center in the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201, the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 can be suppressed by the same force as when the center A1 becomes the rotation center. In detail, the protruding tip 56A on the third opposite direction Z2 side of the two protruding tips 56A is provided at a position separated by a distance of 2×L1 from the other protruding tip 56A that becomes the rotation center. Therefore, the protrusion 56 on the third opposite direction Z2 side can suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 by a force of 2×F1×μ×L1.

[0097] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The female terminal 31 includes a peripheral wall 50 having a cylindrical portion 51, a peripheral wall 40 having a cylindrical portion 41 provided opposite the cylindrical portion 51, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 configured by the cylindrical portion 51 and the cylindrical portion 41. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a first connecting portion into which the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion 201. The cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 52 divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Each of the plurality of divided cylindrical portions 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the cylindrical portion 41 and a protrusion 56 protruding from the inner surface 54 toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross section.

[0098] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60, the protrusions 56 provided on the inner surface 54 of each of the plurality of divided tubular portions 52 are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion 60, the plurality of protrusions 56 are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 at a plurality of points spaced apart in the axial direction. As a result, even if a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the swing can be suitably prevented by the contact of the plurality of protrusions 56 with the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, compared to the case where only one protrusion 56 is provided on the inner surface of the tubular portion 51, the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the tubular connecting portion 60 can be suppressed by the contact pressure of the plurality of protrusions 56.

[0099] (2) When the columnar connecting part 201 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting part 60, the two protrusions 56 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201. Therefore, the combined contact resistance of the two protrusions 56 can be made smaller than when only one protrusion 56 is provided on the inner surface of the tubular part 51. This can improve the thermal performance.

[0100] (3) The slit 53 that divides the two divided tubular parts 52 is provided at the center A1 of the tubular connecting part 60 in the axial direction. At this time, when the columnar connecting part 201 of the male terminal 200 inserted into the tubular connecting part 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting part 201 rotates around the center A1 of the tubular connecting part 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation. If a contact part between the protrusion 56 and the columnar connecting part 201 is provided at such a rotation center, the contact pressure of the protrusion 56 on the columnar connecting part 201 cannot be made to act as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, the protrusion 56 is provided at a position different from the slit 53 provided at the center A1 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, the protrusion 56 can be brought into contact with the columnar connecting part 201 at a position different from the rotation center of the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. This allows the contact pressure of the protrusions 56 on the columnar connecting part 201 to act preferably as a force that suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions 56 can preferably suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 inside the tubular connecting part 60.

[0101] (4) The slits 53 extend from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2. The slits 53 open in the first direction X1. According to this configuration, the end of the peripheral wall 50 including the tubular portion 51 in the first direction X1 is formed into a bifurcated structure by the slits 53. Therefore, the two divided tubular portions 52 are formed into a structure independent of each other. This makes it possible to ensure the contact pressure of the male terminal 200 against the columnar connecting portion 201 independently in each of the two divided tubular portions 52.

[0102] (5) The two split tubular portions 52 are formed symmetrically with respect to a plane. Therefore, the two split tubular portions 52 provided on both sides of the slit 53 can have equal contact pressure. This ensures a well-balanced contact pressure on both sides of the slit 53.

[0103] (6) The protruding tip 56A of each protrusion 56 is provided at a position spaced apart by a first distance L1 from the center A1 of the tubular connecting part 60 in the axial direction. Therefore, the protruding tip 56A of the protrusion 56 can be brought into contact with the columnar connecting part 201 at a position spaced apart by the first distance L1 from the rotation center of the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. This allows the contact pressure of the protrusion 56 to suitably act as a force for suppressing the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions 56 can suitably suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 inside the tubular connecting part 60.

[0104] (7) The cylindrical connection part 60 has a plurality of linear contact parts 43 that protrude from the inner surface 42 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connection part 60 and are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection part 60. The linear contact parts 43 extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical connection part 60. According to this configuration, when the columnar connection part 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connection part 60, the linear contact parts 43 provided on the inner surface 42 constituting the cylindrical connection part 60 are pressed in line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection 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 displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the swing can be prevented by the contact of the plurality of linear contact parts 43 with the columnar connection part 201.

[0105] (8) When the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the winding presser 90 restricts the distance between the inner surface 42 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the inner surface 54 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from increasing. This restriction by the winding presser 90 allows the protrusion 56 and the linear contact portion 43 to be suitably contacted 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 integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the pressure-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simple structure compared to the case where a separate part such as a coil spring is used. That is, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified compared to the case where a separate part such as a coil spring is used.

[0106] (9) The peripheral walls 40 and 50 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 70 formed integrally with both the peripheral walls 40 and 50. This allows the peripheral walls 40 and 50 to be formed integrally through the connecting portion 70. This allows the female terminal 31 to be constructed 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.

[0107] (10) The protective wall 102 of the protective portion 100 formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40 is provided facing and spaced apart from the end of the peripheral 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 peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 and the peripheral wall 50 is deformed so as to be separated from the peripheral wall 40 due to the external force, the protective wall 102 can suitably prevent the deformation.

[0108] (11) The winding pressing portion 90 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The cylindrical 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 cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the first direction X1. Such a winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 from increasing. In turn, the winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the inner surface 42 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the inner surface 54 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from increasing.

[0109] (12) The electric wire connecting portion 32, which is electrically connected to the electric wire 20, is formed integrally with the 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.

[0110] (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.

[0111] The structure of the female terminal 31 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The protruding portion 58 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. In this case, the recessed portion 59 of the female terminal 31 is also omitted.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the protective part 100 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the protective part 100 may be formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective part 100 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back from the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 towards the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1.

[0113] The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. The guide portion 62 in the split tubular portion 52 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.

[0114] In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, each protrusion 56 is formed over the entire axial length of the split tubular portion 52, but this is not limited to this. For example, each protrusion 56 may be provided only at a middle position in the axial direction of the split tubular portion 52.

[0115] Three or more linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 of the female terminal 31 . The inner surface 42 of the female terminal 31 may be provided with a plurality of linear contact portions 43 and a protrusion 56 having an arc-shaped cross section.

[0116] In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41, and the tubular portion 51 has a plurality of divided tubular portions 52 and protrusions 56 provided on the inner surface 54 thereof, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the tubular portion 41 may have a plurality of divided tubular portions 52 and protrusions 56 provided on the inner surface 54 thereof.

[0117] The structure of the slits 53 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. As long as the slits 53 can separate the adjacent divided tubular portions 52, other structures are not particularly limited. For example, the slits 53 do not have to extend from the divided tubular portions 52 to the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1.

[0118] In the cylindrical portion 51 of the above embodiment, the two divided cylindrical portions 52 are formed to be plane symmetrical, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the protruding heights of the protrusions 56 in the two divided cylindrical portions 52 may be set to different heights. For example, the distances between the protruding tips 56A of the two protrusions 56 and the center A1 may be set to different distances.

[0119] The number of divided tubular portions 52 of the tubular portion 51 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the tubular portion 51 may have three or more divided tubular portions 52. In this case, the tubular portion 51 has two or more slits 53. The number of divided tubular portions 52 of the tubular portion 51 is preferably an even number. By setting the number of divided tubular portions 52 to an even number, the protruding tips 56A of all of the protrusions 56 can be suitably provided at positions different from the center A1 of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction.

[0120] 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 contact pressure against the columnar connection part 201 is ensured by restricting the separation distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54 by the winding pressing part 90, but this is not limiting. For example, the contact pressure against the columnar connection part 201 may be ensured by using a biasing member such as a coil spring separate from the peripheral walls 40, 50.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the electric wire connecting portion 32 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the electric wire connecting portion 32 may be formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. 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 peripheral wall 50 is folded in half onto the 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.

[0122] As long as the housing body 110 in the above embodiment has a structure capable of accommodating the female terminals 31, other structures may be modified as appropriate. The structure of the retainer 120 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. For example, the restricting portion 122 may be omitted.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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]

[0125] 20...electric wire, 21...core wire, 22...insulating coating, 30...housing, 31...female terminal, 32...electric wire connection portion (second connection portion), 33...terminal connection portion, 40...circumferential wall (second peripheral wall), 41...cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion), 42...inner surface (second inner surface), 43...linear contact portion, 50...circumferential wall (first peripheral wall), 51...cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion), 52...split cylindrical portion, 5 3...slit, 54...inner surface (first inner surface), 55...recessed portion, 56...projection portion, 56A...projection tip, 57...division portion, 58...projection portion, 59...recessed portion, 60...tubular connection portion (first connection portion), 61, 62...guiding portion, 70...connection portion, 71, 72...extension portion, 73...folded portion, 80...projection portion, 81...projection base portion, 82...projection, 90...winding pressing portion, 91 ...extension portion, 92...folded portion, 93...pressing portion, 94...opposing surface, 95...through hole, 96...engagement surface, 100...protection portion, 101...extension portion, 102...protection wall, 110...housing, 111...opening, 112...circumferential wall, 113...tubular portion, 114...insertion hole, 120...retainer, 121...main body portion, 122...regulating portion, 123...insertion hole, 124...bottom Wall, 125, 126...side wall, 127...engagement wall, 200...male terminal, 201...columnar connection part, W1...wire harness, C1...connector, A1...center, L1...first distance, P1...first protrusion amount, P2...second protrusion amount, X1...first direction, X2...first opposite direction, Y1...second direction, Y2...second opposite direction, Z1...third direction, Z2...third opposite direction.

Claims

1. 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 constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, the cylindrical connection portion is a first connection portion into which a columnar connection portion of a male terminal is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connection portion, the first tubular portion has a plurality of divided tubular portions that are divided in an axial direction of the tubular connection portion, A female terminal, wherein each of the plurality of split tubular portions has a first inner surface facing the second tubular portion, and a protrusion that protrudes from the first inner surface radially inwardly of the tubular connection portion in an arc-shaped cross section.

2. The plurality of divided tubular portions are two divided tubular portions, the first cylindrical portion has a slit that separates the two divided cylindrical portions, The female terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the slit is provided at a central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction.

3. 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 provided opposite to the second cylindrical portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion extends along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, The slit extends from an end surface of the first peripheral wall in the first direction along a first opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, The slit penetrates the first peripheral wall in both the second direction and a second opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the second direction, The female terminal according to claim 2 , wherein the slit is open in the first direction.

4. The female terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the two split tubular portions are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes a center of the slit in the third direction and extends in both the first direction and the first opposite direction.

5. 5. The female terminal according to claim 4, wherein the protruding tip of the projection of each of the two split tubular portions is located at a position in the axial direction spaced a first distance from the center of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

6. the second cylindrical portion has a second inner surface facing the first inner surface and a plurality of linear contact portions protruding from the second inner surface toward a radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, the plurality of linear contact portions are provided at positions spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection portion, The female terminal according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of linear contact portions extends along the axial direction.

7. The female terminal further includes a winding pressing portion that limits a distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, The winding pressing portion is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall, The female terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the presser portion is folded back from the second peripheral wall while holding an edge of the first peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with an outer surface of the first peripheral wall.

8. The female terminal further includes a connecting portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, The female terminal according to claim 7 , wherein the connecting portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

9. 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 provided opposite to the second cylindrical portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The female terminal further includes a protective portion provided at an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion is integrally formed with the second peripheral wall, the protective portion is formed to be folded back from an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction while locating an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction therein, the protective portion has a protective wall provided opposite an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, The female terminal according to claim 7 , wherein the protective wall is provided spaced apart from an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction.

10. The winding pressing portion is provided at an end portion of the second peripheral wall in a first opposite direction, which is opposite to the first direction, The female terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is provided at an intermediate position between the winding pressing portion and the protection portion in the first direction.

11. The female terminal further includes a wire connection portion provided at an end portion of the second peripheral wall in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction, the electric wire connection portion is a second connection portion electrically connected to an electric wire, The electric wire connection portion is integrally formed with the second peripheral wall, The female terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the electric wire connection portion extends in the first opposite direction from an end portion of the second peripheral wall in the first opposite direction.

12. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A housing that accommodates the female terminal therein.

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