Connector terminal

Abstract

To provide a connector terminal capable of suitably ensuring the strength to withstand the force acting when a male terminal is inserted into a terminal connection portion and comes into contact with the connector terminal.SOLUTION: A connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal connection portion connectable to a male terminal, the terminal connection portion includes a tubular member capable of receiving the male terminal and an elastic member provided inside the tubular member, the elastic member is capable of contacting the male terminal at one end side in the longitudinal direction and continuing with the tubular member at the other end side, and the elastic member has a recess structure extending from the one end side to the other end side in a cross-sectional view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connector terminals. [Background technology]

[0002] A method of electrically connecting an electric wire and an electronic component via a terminal of a connector has been known for some time. Such a terminal may include a terminal connection portion that is connected to a mating terminal (male terminal).

[0003] In this case, the terminal connection portion may have an internal elastic member that can come into contact with the male terminal to be inserted. Patent Document 1 shows that this elastic member has a contact portion formed in a V-shape in side view on one end side of the male connector (the front side in the insertion direction). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-166533 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, the inventor of the present application newly found that there is an issue to be improved with respect to the conventional configuration. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a contact portion that is V-shaped in side view is formed on one end side (the front side in the insertion direction) of an elastic member inside the terminal connection portion of the connector terminal. This contact portion may have a substantially planar shape in cross section, not in side view. With such a substantially planar shape, there is a risk that the shape will not adequately ensure strength that can withstand the force acting when the male terminal inserted into the terminal connection portion comes into contact with the male terminal.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector terminal that can suitably ensure the strength required to withstand the force acting upon contact with a male terminal inserted into a terminal connection portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, A terminal connection portion that can be connected to a male terminal is provided, the terminal connection portion includes a tubular member capable of receiving the male terminal, and an elastic member provided inside the tubular member, The elastic member is capable of contacting the male terminal at one end in a longitudinal direction and is continuous with the cylindrical member at the other end. The elastic member has a recessed portion extending from the one end side to the other end side in a cross-sectional view. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to preferably ensure strength sufficient to withstand the force acting upon contact with a male terminal inserted into a terminal connection portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal housing that accommodates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a connector terminal housing that accommodates the connector terminal of FIG. 6, as viewed from the extending direction of the electric wire. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area circled by the dotted line in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure locked by the locking portion in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed in the longitudinal direction of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a male terminal to be inserted into a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure that is locked by a locking portion having a different structure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line segment BB in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The connector terminal of the present disclosure will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. Various elements in the drawings are merely illustrated diagrammatically and illustratively for the purpose of understanding the present disclosure, and the appearance, dimensional ratio, etc. may differ from the actual ones.

[0011] [Connector terminal] First, the configuration of the connector terminal of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from yet another angle different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that typically illustrates a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 4.

[0012] 1 to 5, a connector terminal 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal connection portion 100 and an electric wire connection portion 200 continuous with the terminal connection portion 100. To enable electrical connection, the terminal connection portion 100 and the electric wire connection portion 200 may be made of, for example, a copper alloy.

[0013] The terminal connection part 100 is a member that can be connected to a male terminal (see FIG. 13). Therefore, the connector terminal 500 can be a female terminal. For example, the male terminal can be connected to an electronic component such as a printed circuit board by soldering or the like. Specifically, the terminal connection part 100 includes a tubular member 20 that can receive a male terminal, and an elastic member 10 provided inside the tubular member 20.

[0014] The cylindrical member 20 has openings on both ends, and has an opening 21 at one end through which a male terminal can be inserted into the cylindrical member 20. The cylindrical member 20 also has one or more openings in its longitudinal portion for engaging with an engaging portion provided on a connector terminal housing, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 20 may have openings 22 and 23 as an example.

[0015] Moreover, one end of the elastic member 10 is capable of contacting a male terminal that can be inserted into the tubular member 20, and the other end is continuous with the tubular member 20. In this case, the one end of the elastic member 10 is in a free state within the tubular member 20 and is elastically deformable.

[0016] For the above reasons, the elastic member 10 can also be called an elastic contact portion. The direction in which the elastic member 10 can be elastically deformed can be a direction different from the longitudinal extension direction of the male terminal to be inserted, for example, a direction approximately perpendicular thereto.

[0017] The electric wire connecting part 200 is a member that can be connected to an electric wire. Specifically, the electric wire connecting part 200 includes a first convex part 201 that is crimped to a plurality of conductors of the electric wire, and a second concave part 202 that is crimped to the insulating coating part. Although Figs. 1 to 5 show a state before crimping to the electric wire, after crimping, the electric wire can be arranged so as to protrude from a tip region of the first crimping part of the electric wire connecting part 200 (corresponding to the first convex part 201 before crimping). The first crimping part after crimping is indicated by the reference symbol 200I in Figs. 7 and 8 described later.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a connector terminal housing for accommodating a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector terminal housing for accommodating the connector terminal of Fig. 6 as viewed from the extending direction of the electric wire. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area circled by the dotted line in Fig. 7.

[0019] The connector terminal 500 described above is used in a state where it is inserted into a connector terminal housing 600 shown in Fig. 6. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the connector terminal housing 600 may have two locking portions (a first locking portion 610 and a second locking portion 640) with which the connector terminal 500 can be locked, and an internal space 620 capable of accommodating the connector terminal 500. The internal spaces 620 are arranged in parallel in the height direction (corresponding to the X direction in the figure) and width direction (corresponding to the Y direction in the figure) of the connector terminal housing 600. The insertion direction of the connector terminal 500 corresponds to the Z direction in the figure.

[0020] The two locking portions 610, 640 are provided on an inner wall surface 630 of the connector terminal housing 600 that defines the internal space 620. The locking portions may be, for example, in the form of a latch (or a latch portion) or a lance (or a spear). The first locking portion 610 can enter the opening 22 so as to be able to abut against the contour that defines the opening 22 of the tubular member 20. As an example, the side surface of the tip side of the first locking portion 610 may abut against the contour that defines the opening 22 (see FIG. 1, etc.), and the bottom surface of the tip side may be flat or approximately flat. The second locking portion 640 can enter the opening 23 so as to abut against the contour that defines the opening 23 of the tubular member 20. This makes it possible to prevent the connector terminal from coming out of the connector terminal housing 600, particularly along the insertion direction of the connector terminal (corresponding to the Z direction in FIG. 6).

[0021] In addition, Figures 6 and 7 show, as an example, a state in which a connector terminal having an electric wire connection portion 200I in a crimped state to an electric wire and a connector terminal having an electric wire connection portion 200 in an uncrimped state are respectively arranged in two internal spaces 620 of the connector terminal housing 600 in the X direction (corresponding to the height direction).

[0022] 7, in the crimped state, the electric wire 300 includes a plurality of conductors 301 and an insulating coating portion 302 covering the plurality of conductors 301, and the plurality of conductors 301 may be twisted together. The conductors 301 may be made of aluminum, for example. When the conductors 301 come into contact with the electric wire connection portion 200I or the terminal connection portion 100, an electrical connection between the electric wire and the connector terminal 500 is possible.

[0023] The insulating coating portion 302 may be made of an insulating resin. Although not particularly limited, as an example, the insulating coating portion 302 may include at least one thermosetting resin material selected from the group consisting of a phenol resin, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, and an unsaturated polyester resin.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure locked by a locking portion in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from a longitudinal direction of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from an angle different from that of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line AA in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a male terminal inserted into a connector terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 9 differs from Fig. 1 in that it additionally illustrates the first locking portion 610 of the connector terminal housing 600. Fig. 10 differs from Fig. 4 in that it additionally illustrates the first locking portion 610 of the connector terminal housing 600 and clearly illustrates the side wall of the elastic member 10.

[0026] [Characteristics of the present disclosure] The characteristic features of the present disclosure are described below. The present disclosure is characterized by the configuration of the elastic member 10 which is a component of the above-mentioned connector terminal.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, the present disclosure is characterized in that the elastic member 10 has a recessed structure 19 from one end side 15 toward the other end side 17 in a cross-sectional view, which can come into contact with a male terminal 700 (see Fig. 13) inserted into the tubular member 20. This recessed structure 19 can also be referred to as a recessed cross-sectional structure. In this embodiment, the male terminal 700 is configured such that one end thereof, designated by reference numeral 701, is inserted into the tubular member 20 and can then come into contact with the one end side 15 of the elastic member.

[0028] According to this feature, compared to a case in which the cross-sectional shape of one end side of the elastic member is substantially flat, it is possible to suitably ensure the strength capable of withstanding the force acting upon contact with the inserted male terminal, without increasing the thickness of the elastic member, due to the shape of the recess structure 19. From the viewpoint of ensuring such strength more highly, it is preferable that the recess structure 19 of the elastic member 10 is continuous from the one end side 15 to the other end side 17 of the elastic member 10.

[0029] Specifically, the elastic member 10 having the recess structure 19 may have a bottom 11 and two opposing side portions 12, 13 that are continuous with the bottom 11. The bottom 11 extends along the longitudinal extension direction of the male terminal to be received. The two side portions 12, 13 extend from the bottom 11 in a direction different from the extension direction of the bottom 11 so that a space capable of receiving the male terminal can be formed between the bottom 11 and an inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member 20.

[0030] From the viewpoint of making the internal space in the recess structure 19 as large as possible, the two side portions 12, 13 may be continuous with both ends of the bottom portion 11. The different directions may be, for example, perpendicular to the extending direction of the bottom portion 11. In this case, the recess structure 19 of the elastic member 10 may have two bending or curving points in a cross-sectional view, forming a U-shaped structure.

[0031] By adopting the recessed structure 19, two side portions 12, 13 are provided compared to a substantially planar structure, and therefore the area of ​​the elastic member 10 can be made larger. With the increase in the area of ​​the elastic member 10, it is possible to suitably provide stress against the force acting when the elastic member 10 comes into contact with the male terminal to be inserted. As a result, the strength of the elastic member 10 itself can be improved.

[0032] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of ensuring an optimal holding state when the male terminal is completely inserted into the tubular member 20, it is preferable that the separation distance between the bottom 11 of the elastic member 10 and the opposing inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member 20 during insertion (corresponding to the middle of insertion) be a distance that allows the male terminal to come into contact with the bottom 11.

[0033] This ensures favorable contact of the male terminal with the bottom portion 11. Furthermore, as described above, the strength of the elastic member 10 itself is improved, so that the elastic force of the elastic member acting when the male terminal is inserted can be favorably provided from the elastic member 10 to the male terminal. This makes it possible to favorably hold the male terminal within the tubular member 20 when insertion is complete. This holding enables favorable electrical connection between the male terminal and the connector terminal 500 including the terminal connection portion 100.

[0034] The connector terminal having the elastic member with the recessed structure can be manufactured by bending a continuous metal plate of a predetermined shape having openings at predetermined locations.

[0035] Furthermore, assuming that the above structure is adopted, it is preferable that at least one of the side portions 12, 13 at one end 15 of the elastic member 10 has a protruding portion 14, and that this protruding portion 14 extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the bottom portion 11.

[0036] 11, the formation of such protruding portion 14 makes it possible to make the height H1 of at least one of the two side portions 12, 13 at one end side 15 of the elastic member 10 higher than the height H2 of the two side portions at the other portion 16 other than the one end side 15. This makes it possible to bring the protruding portion 14 into contact with the inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member 20 of the terminal connection portion 100.

[0037] Such contact of the protruding portion 14 with the inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member 20 makes it possible to suppress excessive deformation of one end side 15 of the elastic member 10 toward the inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member 20 (i.e., toward the upper side of the tubular member) in a direction, for example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the male terminal when the male terminal is inserted. This makes it possible for the elastic member 10 to repeatedly and continuously provide an elastic force toward the lower side of the tubular member in order to provide a holding force for the male terminal when insertion is complete.

[0038] In addition, when the elastic member has a generally planar structure as in the past, it is conceivable that the strength of the elastic member can be prevented from decreasing by increasing the width of the elastic member having the planar structure. However, in this case, it is necessary to increase the width of the elastic member, which increases the width of the tubular member, and as a result, there is a concern that the width of the connector terminal will increase.

[0039] In this regard, in the present embodiment, by adopting the recess structure 19, even if the width dimension of the bottom 11 of the elastic member 10 corresponding to the conventional planar structure portion is relatively reduced, the reduced width can be covered or compensated for by the side portion of a predetermined height.

[0040] Therefore, even if the width dimension of the bottom 11 of the elastic member 10 is relatively small, it is possible to contribute to improving the strength of the elastic member 10 itself as a whole. This allows the width dimension of the opening 21 of the tubular member 20 to be smaller than the height dimension. As a result, the width dimension of the terminal connection portion 100 is reduced, and further, the connector terminal can be made smaller.

[0041] In this embodiment, the width dimension of the bottom 11 of the elastic member 10 having the recessed structure 19 can be made smaller than the width dimension of the opening 21 of the tubular member 20. In this case, a male terminal having a diameter larger than the width dimension of the bottom can be received in the tubular member 20. Alternatively, in some cases, it is possible to use the internal space 18 of the elastic member 10 to insert a male terminal having a relatively small diameter into this internal space 18.

[0042] In this regard, in the conventional configuration in which an elastic member having a planar structure is used, the width dimension of the elastic member and the width dimension of the opening of the tubular member are approximately the same, and the male terminal is also limited to being disposed on the main surface of the elastic member. Compared to such a conventional configuration, in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the location, diameter, and type of the male terminal to be received in the tubular member.

[0043] Furthermore, compared to the conventional configuration in which the width dimension of the bottom 11 of the recess structure 19 and the width dimension of the opening 21 of the tubular member 20 are approximately the same, the elastic member 10 is less likely to come into contact with the inner wall surface 24 of the tubular member, so that the elastic function of the elastic member 10 can be continuously exerted.

[0044] Moreover, it is preferable that the locking portion of the above-mentioned connector terminal housing 600 has the following configuration.

[0045] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure locked by a locking portion having a different structure. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the longitudinal direction of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from an angle different from that of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line segment BB in Fig. 16.

[0046] As described above, the locking portion of the connector terminal housing 600 can enter the opening so as to be able to abut against the contour that forms the corresponding opening 22 of the tubular member 20, thereby preventing the connector terminals from slipping out of the connector terminal housing 600 to the outside.

[0047] In this regard, from the viewpoint of more suitably preventing the connector terminal from coming off, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. Specifically, it is preferable that the elastic member 10 having the above-mentioned recess structure 19 has an internal space capable of receiving a part of the locking portion of the connector terminal housing 600 described above.

[0048] That is, it is preferable that the internal space of the elastic member 10 formed by the recessed structure 19 functions as an internal space capable of receiving a part of the locking portion. In other words, it is preferable that a part of the locking portion of the connector terminal housing 600 can be inserted into the internal space formed by the elastic member 10 having the recessed structure 19.

[0049] As an example, as shown in Figures 14 to 17, a locking portion 610I of a connector terminal housing 600 can have a body portion 611I and a protrusion portion 612I provided on a part of the body portion 611I, for example on a part of the bottom surface of the body portion 611I, and a configuration can be adopted in which the protrusion portion 612I of the locking portion can be inserted into an internal space 18 of an elastic member 10 having a recess structure 19.

[0050] The protruding portion 612I of the locking portion can be positioned so as to face the internal space 18 of the elastic member 10 having the recessed structure 19. Furthermore, by adjusting the length of the protruding portion 612I along the depth direction in advance according to the depth of the internal space 18 of the elastic member to be used (corresponding to the heights of the two side portions 12, 13 of the elastic member), it becomes possible to suitably position the protruding portion 612I within the internal space 18 of the elastic member 10.

[0051] The presence of such protruding portion 612I allows protruding portion 612I to be inserted deeper into internal space 18 of elastic member 10, as compared with the previously described first locking portion 610 (see FIGS. 9 to 12) that does not have a protruding portion. This allows locking portion 610I to be more suitably locked to the contour that forms the opening of tubular member 20, as compared with the previously described first locking portion 610 (see FIGS. 9 to 12) that does not have a protruding portion.

[0052] As a result, a force resisting an outward tensile force against the connector terminal can be effectively provided via the protrusion portion 612I, and the connector terminal can be more effectively prevented from falling out from within the connector terminal housing 600 to the outside along the insertion direction of the connector terminal (corresponding to the Z direction in Figure 6) (and further along the width direction of the connector terminal housing 600 (corresponding to the Y direction in Figure 6)).

[0053] As a result, movement of the connector terminals in the insertion direction of the connector terminals (corresponding to the Z direction in Figure 6) (and further in the width direction of the connector terminal housing 600 (corresponding to the Y direction in Figure 6)) can be avoided, which contributes to a more stable arrangement of the connector terminals within the connector terminal housing 600.

[0054] The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified embodiments, and various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0055] The present disclosure may take the following forms. <1> A terminal connection portion that can be connected to a male terminal is provided, the terminal connection portion includes a tubular member capable of receiving the male terminal, and an elastic member provided inside the tubular member, The elastic member is capable of contacting the male terminal at one end in a longitudinal direction and is continuous with the cylindrical member at the other end. The elastic member has a recessed structure extending from the one end side to the other end side in a cross-sectional view. <2> The recess structure is continuous from the one end side to the other end side. <1> A connector terminal as described in <3> the elastic member having the recessed structure has a bottom and two opposing side portions continuous with the bottom, the bottom portion extends along the longitudinal extension direction of the male terminal to be received, and the two side portions extend from the bottom portion in a direction different from the extension direction of the bottom portion so as to form a space capable of receiving the male terminal between the bottom portion and an inner wall surface of the tubular member; <1> or <2> A connector terminal as described in <4> The side portion at the one end side of the elastic member has a protruding portion, and the protruding portion extends in a direction different from an extending direction of the bottom portion. <3> A connector terminal as described in <5> A height of at least one of the two side portions at the one end of the elastic member is higher than a height of the two side portions at other portions other than the one end. <3> or <4> A connector terminal as described in <6> The protruding portion is capable of coming into contact with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical member of the terminal connection portion. <3> ~ <5> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <7> The cylindrical member has an opening for receiving the male terminal, and the width dimension of the opening is smaller than the height dimension. <1> ~ <6> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <8> the cylindrical member has an opening for receiving the male terminal, and a width dimension of the bottom portion is smaller than a width dimension of the opening of the cylindrical member; <3> ~ <7> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <9> The male terminal is capable of contacting the bottom portion. <3> ~ <8> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <10> an internal space is provided between a bottom portion of the elastic member and an inner wall surface of the cylindrical member, and the internal space is a space into which the male terminal can be inserted; <3> ~ <9> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <11> The connector terminal can be inserted into the connector terminal housing and can be engaged with a locking portion provided on the connector terminal housing. <1> ~ <10> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <12> the elastic member having the recessed portion has an internal space capable of receiving a part of the locking portion of the connector terminal housing; <11> A connector terminal as described in <13> The locking portion has a body portion and a protruding portion provided on a part of the body portion, and the protruding portion of the locking portion can be inserted into the internal space of the elastic member having the recess structure. <12> A connector terminal as described in <14> Further comprising an electric wire connection portion continuous with the terminal connection portion and connectable to an electric wire, <1> ~ <13> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . <15> It is a female terminal, <1> ~ <14> 2. A connector terminal according to claim 1 . [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The connector terminal of the present disclosure can be used in vehicle-mounted products, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 700 male terminal 701 One end of male terminal 600 Connector Terminal Housing 610 Locking part 610I Locking portion (another embodiment) 611I Body part 612I Projection part 620 Interior Space 630 Inner wall surface 640 Locking part 500 Connector terminals 300 electric wire 301 Conductor 302 Insulating coating part 200 Wire connection (not crimped) 200I Wire connection (crimped) 201 First recess 202 Second recess 100 Terminal connection part 20 Cylindrical member 21 Opening (end of tubular member) 22 Opening (longitudinal portion of tubular member) 23 Opening (longitudinal portion of tubular member) 24 Inner wall surface of cylindrical member 10 Elastic member 11 Bottom 12 Side 13 Side 14 Projection 15 One end of elastic member 16 Other parts of elastic member than one end 17 Other end of elastic member 18 Internal space of elastic member 19 Recessed structure

Claims

1. A terminal connection portion that can be connected to a male terminal is provided, the terminal connection portion includes a tubular member capable of receiving the male terminal, and an elastic member provided inside the tubular member, The elastic member is capable of contacting the male terminal at one end in a longitudinal direction and is continuous with the cylindrical member at the other end. The elastic member has a recessed structure extending from the one end side to the other end side in a cross-sectional view.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the recessed portion is continuous from the one end side to the other end side.

3. 2. The connector terminal of claim 1, wherein the elastic member having the recessed structure has a bottom and two opposing side portions continuous with the bottom, the bottom portion extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the male terminal to be received, and the two side portions extending from the bottom portion in a direction different from the extension direction of the bottom portion so as to form a space capable of receiving the male terminal between the bottom portion and the inner wall surface of the tubular member.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the side portion at the one end of the elastic member has a protruding portion, and the protruding portion extends in a direction different from an extending direction of the bottom portion.

5. The connector terminal according to claim 3 , wherein a height of at least one of the two side portions at the one end of the elastic member is greater than a height of the two side portions at other portions than the one end.

6. The connector terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the protruding portion is capable of coming into contact with an inner wall surface of the tubular member of the terminal connection portion.

7. 2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member has an opening for receiving the male terminal, the opening having a width dimension smaller than a height dimension.

8. 4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, wherein the tubular member has an opening for receiving the male terminal, and a width dimension of the bottom portion is smaller than a width dimension of the opening of the tubular member.

9. The connector terminal of claim 3 , wherein the male terminal is contactable with the bottom portion.

10. 4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, wherein an internal space is provided within the tubular member between a bottom portion of the elastic member and an inner wall surface of the tubular member, the internal space being a space into which the male terminal can be inserted.

11. The connector terminal according to claim 1 , which is insertable into a connector terminal housing and is engageable with a locking portion provided on the connector terminal housing.

12. The connector terminal according to claim 11 , wherein the elastic member having the recessed structure has an internal space capable of receiving a part of the locking portion of the connector terminal housing.

13. The connector terminal according to claim 12, wherein the engaging portion has a body portion and a protrusion portion provided on a part of the body portion, and the protrusion portion of the engaging portion can be inserted into the internal space of the elastic member having the recess structure.

14. The connector terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising an electric wire connection portion continuous with the terminal connection portion and connectable to an electric wire.

15. The connector terminal of claim 1 , wherein the connector terminal is a female terminal.

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