Female terminal and connector

Abstract

To provide a female terminal and a connector that can simplify the structure.SOLUTION: A female terminal 31 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first tubular part 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second tubular part 51 facing the first tubular part 41, and a tubular connection part 60 composed of the first tubular part 41 and the second tubular part 51. The female terminal 31 has a winding-pressing part 90 that limits a separation distance between a first inner surface 42 of the first tubular part 41 and a second inner surface 52 of the second tubular part 51. The tubular connection part 60 is a first connection part into which a columnar connection part 201 of a male terminal 200 is inserted and that is electrically connected to the columnar connection part 201. The winding-pressing part 90 is formed as one piece with the first peripheral wall 40. The winding-pressing part 90 is folded inwards, while embracing the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 from the first peripheral wall 40, and is in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 simplify the structure of the female terminal. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal and a connector that can be simplified in structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The female terminal of the present disclosure includes a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposed to the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and a roll pressing portion that limits a separation distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, the cylindrical connecting portion being 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, the roll pressing portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion being folded back from the first peripheral wall towards the second peripheral wall and being in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, the first peripheral wall being formed in a band shape extending along a first direction, and the second peripheral wall being formed in a band shape extending along a first direction. The peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction, the first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and the second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the second direction, the winding pressure portion is folded back from an end face of the first peripheral wall in a third direction intersecting with both the first direction and the second direction toward the second peripheral wall, the second peripheral wall has a convex portion protruding in the second direction from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, and the convex portion is provided at a position overlapping with the winding pressure portion in a plan view seen from the third direction, and the amount of protrusion of the winding pressure portion from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall along the second direction is equal to the amount of protrusion of the convex portion from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure includes the female terminal described above and a housing that accommodates the female terminal therein. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The female terminal and connector of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to simplify their structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the first 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 first 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 first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIGS. 5 and 6). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13) showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a female terminal in the process of being manufactured according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a female terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 21A-21A in FIG. 20) showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 22A-22A in FIG. 20) showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a female terminal of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The female terminal of the present disclosure comprises a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposite the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and a winding pressure portion limiting the distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical 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, the winding pressure portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, and the winding pressure portion being folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward and being in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

[0010] 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 of the first cylindrical portion and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion from becoming too large. This restriction by the winding presser allows the first inner surface and the second inner surface 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 first peripheral wall. Therefore, the contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion can be maintained with a simple structure compared to the conventional technology using a separate part such as a coil spring. In other words, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified compared to the conventional technology using a separate part such as a coil spring.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] [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 a surface facing a second direction intersecting with the first direction, the second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction of the second direction, the winding pressure portion is folded back from an end face of the first peripheral wall in a third direction intersecting with both the first direction and the second direction toward the second peripheral wall, and the connecting portion is formed so as to be folded back from an end face of the first peripheral wall in a third opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the third direction toward an end face of the second peripheral wall in the third opposite direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, the winding presser is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion with the first circumferential wall therebetween. Therefore, the winding presser can suitably restrict the connecting portion from opening, i.e., the distance between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall from increasing. As a result, the winding presser can suitably restrict the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface from increasing.

[0015] [4] In the above [3], the winding pressure portion protrudes in the third direction further than the end face of the first circumferential wall in the third direction, the connecting portion protrudes in the third opposite direction further than the end face of the first circumferential wall in the third opposite direction, and a first protrusion amount of the winding pressure portion from the end face of the first circumferential wall in the third direction may be equal to a second protrusion amount of the connecting portion from the end face of the first circumferential wall in the third opposite direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, the first protruding amount of the winding pressing portion folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction toward the second peripheral wall is equal to the second protruding amount of the connecting portion folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the opposite third direction toward the second peripheral wall. Therefore, the winding pressing portion and the connecting portion can be formed in a shape that is nearly symmetrical. As a result, the female terminal can be accommodated in the first space that can accommodate the winding pressing portion, whether the winding pressing portion is facing the first space or the connecting portion is facing the first space. As a result, the restriction on the insertion direction of the female terminal into the first space can be relaxed. Therefore, the versatility of the female terminal can be improved.

[0017] [5] In the above [3] or [4], the female terminal may further include a protrusion protruding toward the third direction from the end face of the second peripheral wall in the third direction, and the winding pressure portion may have a through hole into which the protrusion fits and an engagement surface that constitutes the through hole and faces the second direction, and the engagement surface may be engaged with the protrusion.

[0018] According to this configuration, the second peripheral wall is pressed by the winding pressing portion, and the protrusion is engaged with the engagement surface, so that the winding pressing portion is pressed by the protrusion, which makes it possible to stably limit the increase in the separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

[0019] [6] In any of [3] to [5] above, the female terminal further includes a protective portion provided at the first direction end of the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed so as to be folded back from the first direction end of the first peripheral wall while positioning the first direction end of the second peripheral wall inside, the protective portion having a protective wall provided opposite the first direction end of the second peripheral wall in the second direction, and the protective wall may be provided at a distance from the first direction end of the second peripheral wall.

[0020] According to this configuration, the protective wall of the protective portion formed integrally with the first peripheral wall is provided facing and spaced from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction. Therefore, even if, for example, an excessively large external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the second peripheral wall is deformed so as to be separated from the first peripheral wall due to the external force, the deformation can be suitably prevented by the protective wall.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the winding pressure portion is provided at an end portion of the first 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] [8] In [6] or [7] above, the second tubular portion is provided at an intermediate position of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the protective portion has an extension portion extending from an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward the second direction, the protective wall extending from an end of the extension portion in the second direction toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, and an opening hole penetrating the extension portion in the first direction to expose an end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the opening hole may be formed so as to expose an edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and an edge of the second opposite direction of the second peripheral wall.

[0024] According to this configuration, an opening hole is provided that penetrates the extension of the protective part in the first direction and exposes the edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and the edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction. This allows, for example, a laser to be irradiated to the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall through the opening hole. That is, a laser can be irradiated to the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall of the female terminal from a position away from the end face of the first direction of the female terminal in the first direction. By irradiating the laser in this manner, the distance between the edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and the edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction can be measured. That is, by irradiating the laser, the gap between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall can be measured.

[0025] [9] In the above [8], the second tubular portion has two split tubular portions split in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion and a slit separating the two split tubular portions, each of the multiple split tubular portions has the second inner surface and a protrusion protruding from the second inner surface radially inwardly of the tubular connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross section, and the slit may be provided at a central position of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0026] According to this configuration, the slit that divides the two divided tubular parts is provided at the center position in the axial direction 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 center of the axial direction of the tubular connecting part as the center of rotation. If a contact part between the protrusion and the columnar connecting part is provided at such a center of rotation, the contact pressure by the protrusion cannot 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 center of the axial direction of the tubular connecting part. Therefore, the protrusion and the columnar connecting part can be brought into contact at a position different from the center of rotation in 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. Furthermore, in the tubular connecting part, the two protrusions are brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part at two points spaced apart in the axial direction. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion due to the contact pressure from the two protrusions, compared to when only one protrusion is provided on the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion.

[0027]

[10] In the above [9], the slit may be formed so as to extend from an end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction toward the first opposite direction, the second peripheral wall may have two divided portions divided by the slit, and the opening hole may be formed so as to expose an end edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction at each of the two divided portions.

[0028] According to this configuration, the opening hole is formed so as to expose the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall in each of the multiple divisions, and therefore, by irradiating the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall with a laser through the opening hole, it is possible to measure the distance between the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall in each of the multiple divisions and the second direction edge of the first peripheral wall.

[0029]

[11] In any of [6] to

[10] above, the female terminal may further include an electric wire connection portion provided at an end portion of the first 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 first peripheral wall, and the electric wire connection portion extending from the first opposite direction end portion of the first peripheral wall toward the first opposite direction.

[0030] According to this configuration, the electric wire connecting portion that is electrically connected to the electric wire is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the female terminal and simplify the structure of the female terminal.

[0031]

[12] In any of [1] to

[11] above, the tubular connecting portion may have a plurality of linear contact portions protruding radially inward from the first inner surface of the tubular connecting portion and 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 of the tubular connecting portion.

[0032] 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 first 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 male terminal can be prevented from being displaced by the rocking motion by being in contact with the multiple linear contact portions.

[0033]

[13] In any of the above [1] to [8], the second inner surface may be formed so as to be concave in a cross-sectional arc shape radially outward from the tubular connecting portion, and the tubular connecting portion may have a protrusion protruding in a cross-sectional arc shape radially inward from the second inner surface of the tubular connecting portion.

[0034] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion, the protrusion protruding radially inward from the second inner surface constituting the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross section is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. This allows the protrusion to be pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion with high contact pressure, so that the press-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion can be stably maintained.

[0035]

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

[13] 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].

[0036] [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.

[0037] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the female terminal and the connector will be described. (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.

[0038] (Overall configuration of connector C1) As shown in FIG. 2, the connector C1 includes a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of female terminals 31. The housing 30 includes a housing body 110 that houses the 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 to the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1 that is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2 that is the opposite direction to the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1 that is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2 that is the opposite direction to the third direction Z1. The directions described above are directions in a state in which the connector C1 is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (Configuration of electric wire 20) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. The core wire 21 may be, for example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor. The core wire 21 may be made of, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material. The insulating coating 22 covers, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the core wire 21 over the entire circumferential direction. The insulating coating 22 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0041] 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.

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The terminal connection part 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, and a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41. The terminal connection part 33 has a cylindrical connection part 60 constituted by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The terminal connection part 33 has, for example, a coupling part 70, a protruding part 80, a winding pressing part 90, and a protective part 100. The first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] (Configuration of the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50) As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the end of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first direction X1. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. For example, the first peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. In other words, the electric wire connection part 32 extends from the end of the first opposite direction X2 of the first peripheral wall 40 toward the first opposite direction X2. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The first peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the second peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the second peripheral wall 50 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. The second peripheral wall 50 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape. The second peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the second peripheral wall 50 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The second peripheral wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first peripheral wall 40 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is provided spaced apart from the inner surface of the first peripheral wall 40 in, for example, the Y-axis direction. The second peripheral wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the first peripheral wall 40.

[0049] The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the first peripheral wall 40. The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylinder shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the Z-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 extends over the entire length of the first peripheral wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the second peripheral wall 50. The second cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 is formed, for example, in a semi-split cylindrical shape as a whole. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the Z-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends over the entire length of the second peripheral wall 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the first cylindrical portion 41 has a first inner surface 42 facing the second direction Y1. The second cylindrical portion 51 has a second inner surface 52 facing the second opposite direction Y2. The first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51 are curved toward a direction in which they are separated from each other. The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 form an internal space of the cylindrical connection portion 60. The cylindrical connection portion 60 is a connection portion into which the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connection portion 201. As shown in FIG. 4, the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire 20 extends (here, the X-axis direction), and in this embodiment, along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical connection portion 60 is open at both ends in the Z-axis direction. That is, the tubular connecting part 60 opens in the third direction Z1 and also opens in the third opposite direction Z2. In the tubular connecting part 60 of this embodiment, the columnar connecting part 201 is inserted along the third direction Z1.

[0052] 7, the tubular connection part 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The tubular connection part 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter dimension smaller than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the columnar connection part 201. That is, the tubular connection part 60 is configured so that the columnar connection part 201 is press-fitted into it.

[0053] The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the first cylindrical portion 41 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to protrude in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0054] The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) linear contact portions 43 that protrude from the first inner surface 42 toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided so as to partially oppose each other in, for example, the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, each linear contact portion 43 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 (here, the Z-axis direction).

[0055] 7, the curvature of the first inner surface 42 having the two linear contact portions 43 is set to be smaller than the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. This allows the two linear contact portions 43 to be suitably brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. At this time, each linear contact portion 43 is brought into linear contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 along the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. That is, each linear contact portion 43 is in linear contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0056] The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the second cylindrical portion 51 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to protrude in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0057] 4 and 6, the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with a recessed portion 53 that is recessed from the outer surface toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Fig. 6, the planar shape of the recessed portion 53 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recessed portion 53 is provided, for example, at a middle position of the second cylindrical portion 51 in the Z-axis direction and at a middle position of the second cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with a protrusion 54 that protrudes from the second inner surface 52 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 in a portion where the recessed portion 53 is formed. The protrusion 54 is formed, for example, in a shape in which a cross section obtained by cutting the protrusion 54 on a plane parallel to the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 protrudes in an arc shape toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is formed so as to protrude in an arc shape from the second inner surface 52 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 54 is in point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. The protrusions 54 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusions 54 are formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 with a mold.

[0059] Each of the axial ends of the cylindrical connection part 60 has, for example, a guide part 61. Each guide part 61 is formed so that the opening width (here, inner diameter) of the cylindrical connection part 60 increases as it approaches the open end in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection part 60. Each guide part 61 is formed, for example, by the inner surface of the cylindrical connection part 60 being inclined toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connection part 60 as it approaches the open end of the cylindrical connection part 60. Each guide part 61 is formed, for example, over the entire circumferential circumference of the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical part 41, and over the entire circumferential circumference of the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical part 51. Each guide part 61 has a function of smoothly guiding the columnar connection part 201 of the male terminal 200 into the cylindrical connection part 60 when the columnar connection part 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connection part 60. Since such guide parts 61 are provided at both axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60, the change in insertion resistance can be made the same even if the insertion opening of the male terminal 200 into the tubular connecting part 60 is set at either of the axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, restrictions on the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 with respect to the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60 can be eliminated.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the second peripheral wall 50 has, for example, a protruding portion 55 protruding from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The protruding portion 55 protrudes from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 toward the second direction Y1. The protruding portion 55 is provided at a position overlapping the winding pressing portion 90 in a plan view seen from the Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 55 is provided, for example, at an end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protruding portion 55 extends, for example, from an end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The protruding portion 55 does not extend to the second cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The protruding portion 55 is provided, for example, at a middle position in the Z-axis direction of the second peripheral wall 50. The planar shape of the protruding portion 55 seen from the Y-axis direction is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The protruding portion 55 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusions 55 are formed in an embossed shape by pressing the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50 with a die.

[0061] 9, in the second circumferential wall 50, a recess 56 is provided on the inner surface of the portion where the protrusion 55 is formed. The recess 56 is formed so as to be recessed from the inner surface of the second circumferential wall 50 in a direction away from the first circumferential wall 40.

[0062] (Configuration of connecting portion 70) As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 70 connects the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40 and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to extend in the second direction Y1 from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to be folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0063] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, at an end portion of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 is provided at an end portion of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 extends from the end portion of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The connecting portion 70 protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0064] 9, the connecting portion 70 has an extending portion 71 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from an end face in the third opposite direction Z2 of the first circumferential wall 40, and an extending portion 72 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from an end face in the third opposite direction Z2 of the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 has a folded portion 73 connecting the extending portion 71 and the extending portion 72.

[0065] The extension portion 71 is formed integrally and continuously with the first peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 73 is formed integrally and continuously with the extension portion 71. The folded portion 73 is formed so as to be folded back from an end of the extension portion 71 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 73 is folded back, for example, in a U-shape from an end of the extension portion 71 toward the third direction Z1. The extension portion 72 extends in the third direction Z1 from the folded portion 73 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The extension portion 72 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 73, and is also formed integrally and continuously with the second peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed into a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward a direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Z2) by the extension portion 71, the folded portion 73, and the extension portion 72. The connecting portion 70 is folded back so that the second circumferential wall 50 faces the first circumferential wall 40. In other words, in the terminal connection portion 33, the second circumferential wall 50 is folded in two over the first circumferential wall 40 by the connecting portion 70.

[0066] (Configuration of protrusion 80) As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 80 is provided on an end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 80 has, for example, a protrusion base 81 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1, and a protrusion 82 extending in the third direction Z1 from a part of the protruding tip surface of the protruding base 81. The protrusion base 81 is formed continuously and integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. The protrusion base 81 extends along the first direction X1 from the end surface of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 82 is formed continuously and integrally with the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 protrudes in the third direction Z1 beyond the protruding tip surface of the protrusion base 81, here the end surface in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 82 is provided, for example, only at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 is formed such that, in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction, the width along the X-axis direction becomes smaller as one approaches the protrusion tip surface of the protrusion 82 from the protrusion base 81, for example.

[0067] (Configuration of the winding pressing unit 90) As shown in FIG. 4, the roll pressing portion 90 is formed to limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. The roll pressing portion 90 limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 from increasing. The roll pressing portion 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The roll pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The roll pressing portion 90 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back from the first peripheral wall 40 while holding the end face of the second 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 first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 while arranging the end edge of the second peripheral wall 50 inward in the third direction Z1. The winding pressure portion 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 .

[0068] The winding pressing portion 90 is provided, for example, at an end portion of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding pressing portion 90 is provided at an end portion of the first opposite direction X2 of the first circumferential wall 40. The winding pressing portion 90 extends from the end portion of the terminal connection portion 33 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 first circumferential wall 40 therebetween.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the winding pressure portion 90 has an extension portion 91 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1, a folded portion 92 provided at the end of the extension portion 91, and a pressure portion 93 extending from the end of the folded portion 92 toward the second circumferential wall 50.

[0070] The extension portion 91 is formed integrally and continuously with the first peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 92 is formed integrally and continuously with the extension portion 91. The folded portion 92 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the extension portion 91 in the third direction Z1 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 92 is folded back, for example, in a U-shape from the end of the extension portion 91 toward the third opposite direction Z2. The pressing portion 93 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 92. The pressing portion 93 extends from the folded portion 92 toward the protruding portion 80 and the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The winding pressing portion 90 is formed into a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward the direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the third direction Z1) by the extension portion 91, the folded portion 92, and the pressing portion 93.

[0071] The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press, for example, the outer surface of the protruding base portion 81 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 has an opposing surface 94 that faces the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends, for example, parallel to the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50, for example.

[0072] Here, the first protruding amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 is equal to, for example, the second protruding amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. The first protruding amount P1 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 to the protruding tip of the winding pressing portion 90. The second protruding amount P2 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70. The length dimension of the folded portion 92 along the Y axis direction is, for example, larger than the length dimension of the folded portion 73 along the Y axis direction by the thickness of the second circumferential wall 50.

[0073] The amount of protrusion of the winding pressing portion 90 from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the amount of protrusion of the convex portion 55 from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the convex portion 55 is formed so that the amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to that of the winding pressing portion 90.

[0074] 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.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 11, the winding presser part 90 defines a through hole 95 and has an engagement surface 96 that engages with the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 faces, for example, in the second direction Y1. The engagement surface 96 faces the inner surface of the protrusion 82 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement surface 96 extends, for example, parallel to the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The outer surface of the protrusion 82 is exposed from the winding presser part 90 by, for example, the through hole 95.

[0076] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the pressing portion 93 of the winding pressing portion 90, and the engagement surface 96 of the winding pressing portion 90 is pressed from the outside by the protrusion 82 of the protruding portion 80. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 from becoming too large.

[0077] (Configuration of protection unit 100) 4, the protective portion 100 is provided so as to protect, for example, the end portion in the first direction X1 of the terminal connection portion 33. The protective portion 100 is provided at the end portion in the first direction X1 of the first peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed, for example, integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed so as to be folded back from the end portion in the first direction X1 of the first peripheral wall 40 while locating the end portion in the first direction X1 of the second peripheral wall 50 inside.

[0078] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from an end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from an end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50. The extension portion 101 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed integrally with the extension portion 101. The protective portion 100 has a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward a direction away from the second peripheral wall 50 (here, the first direction X1) by the extension portion 101 and the protective wall 102. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to face the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. The protective wall 102 is provided at a distance from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50, for example, in a state in which the columnar connecting part 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting part 60. The length dimension of the extension part 101 along the Y-axis direction is greater than the length dimension of the folded-back part 92 along the Y-axis direction.

[0079] (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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 12, two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to two female terminals 31, respectively. The two restricting portions 122 are provided 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 12, 13, and 14, 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. The internal space of each restricting portion 122 is defined by a space surrounded by the bottom wall 124, the side wall 125, and the side wall 126.

[0088] 14, 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).

[0089] 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 55 of the female terminal 31 is formed so that the protruding amount along the Y-axis direction from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is equal to the protruding amount along the Y-axis direction of the winding presser 90. Therefore, the protruding portion 55 can be suitably accommodated between the inner surface of the side wall 125 and the inner surface of the side wall 126. By providing such a protruding portion 55, it is possible to 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 female terminal 31 from tilting inside each of the restricting portions 122.

[0090] 13, each restricting portion 122 has an engagement wall 127 that engages with the female terminal 31. The engagement wall 127 is provided, for example, so as to 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.

[0091] 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 second circumferential 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).

[0092] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The female terminal 31 includes a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 formed by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The female terminal 31 includes a roll pressing portion 90 that limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. 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 roll pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The roll pressing portion 90 is folded back from the first peripheral wall 40 while holding the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 inward, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50.

[0093] According to this configuration, when the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connection portion 60 of the female terminal 31, the winding presser portion 90 restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first peripheral wall 40 and the second inner surface 52 of the second peripheral wall 50 from increasing. This restriction by the winding presser portion 90 maintains the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 in a state in which they are biased in a direction in which they approach each other. Therefore, the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201. As a result, the pressure-contact state between the cylindrical connection portion 60 and the columnar connection portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding presser portion 90 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the pressure-contact state between the cylindrical connection portion 60 and the columnar connection portion 201 can be maintained with a simple structure compared to the conventional technology using a separate part such as a coil spring. That is, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified compared to the conventional technology that uses a separate part such as a coil spring.

[0094] (1-2) The first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 are connected by the connecting portion 70 formed integrally with both the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50. This allows the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 to be formed integrally through the connecting portion 70. Therefore, the female terminal 31 can be formed by performing a bending process or the like on a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0095] (1-3) The winding presser 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 with the first circumferential wall 40 in between. Therefore, the winding presser 90 can suitably restrict the connecting portion 70 from opening, that is, the increase in the distance between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. As a result, the winding presser 90 can suitably restrict the increase in the distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52.

[0096] (1-4) The first protruding amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 toward the second peripheral wall 50 is equal to the second protruding amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 folded back from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the second peripheral wall 50. Therefore, the winding pressing portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 can be formed in a shape close to a symmetrical shape. As a result, the female terminal 31 can be accommodated in the first space capable of accommodating the winding pressing portion 90, that is, the internal space of the regulating portion 122, even if the winding pressing portion 90 faces the internal space or the connecting portion 70 faces the internal space. As a result, the restriction on the insertion direction of the female terminal 31 into the internal space of the regulating portion 122 can be relaxed. Therefore, the versatility of the female terminal 31 can be improved.

[0097] (1-5) The female terminal 31 has a protrusion 82 protruding in the third direction Z1 from an end face in the third direction Z1 of the second peripheral wall 50. The winding presser portion 90 has a through hole 95 into which the protrusion 82 fits, and an engagement surface 96 that defines the through hole 95 and faces the second direction Y1. The engagement surface 96 is engaged with the protrusion 82. According to this configuration, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the winding presser portion 90, and the protrusion 82 engages with the engagement surface 96, whereby the winding presser portion 90 is pressed by the protrusion 82. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 from becoming too large.

[0098] (1-6) The protective wall 102 of the protective portion 100 formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40 is provided facing and spaced apart from the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1. For this reason, even if an excessively large external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 and the second circumferential wall 50 is deformed so as to be separated from the first circumferential wall 40 due to the external force, the protective wall 102 can suitably prevent the deformation.

[0099] (1-7) The winding pressing portion 90 is provided at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The tubular connecting portion 60 is provided at an intermediate position between the winding pressing portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the winding pressing portion 90 is provided at a position different from the tubular connecting portion 60 in the first direction X1. Such a winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 from increasing. In turn, the winding pressing portion 90 can restrict the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 constituting the tubular connecting portion 60 and the second inner surface 52 constituting the tubular connecting portion 60 from increasing.

[0100] (1-8) The electric wire connecting portion 32 that is electrically connected to the electric wire 20 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the number of parts of the female terminal 31 can be reduced, and the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0101] (1-9) The cylindrical connection part 60 has a plurality of linear contact parts 43 that protrude from the first inner surface 42 toward the radial inside of the cylindrical connection part 60 and are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection part 60. Each of the plurality of linear contact parts 43 extends 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 first 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 male terminal 200 can be prevented from being displaced by the swing by contacting the plurality of linear contact parts 43.

[0102] (1-10) The second inner surface 52 is formed to be recessed in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has a protrusion 54 that protrudes in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from the second inner surface 52. According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the protrusion 54 that protrudes in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially inward direction from the second inner surface 52 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the protrusion 54 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 with a high contact pressure, so that the press-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained.

[0103] Second embodiment A female terminal and a connector according to a second embodiment will be described below. The connector according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the female terminal. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or corresponding configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description of the configurations may be omitted in part or in whole.

[0104] (Configuration of female terminal 31A) 15, the female terminal 31A has an electric wire connecting portion 32 and a terminal connecting portion 33. The terminal connecting portion 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 constituted by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The terminal connecting portion 33 has a coupling portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100.

[0105] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50.

[0106] The protective portion 100 has an opening 103 that penetrates the extending portion 101 in the first direction X1 and exposes an end face in the first direction X1 of the second peripheral wall 50. The opening 103 is formed, for example, so as to expose an end edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and an end edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 16, the opening hole 103 exposes the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 so that the distance L1 between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured from the outside through the opening hole 103. That is, the opening hole 103 is an opening window for measuring the distance L1 from the outside. Here, the distance L1 corresponds to the distance between the inner surface of the first peripheral wall 40, i.e., the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1, and the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50, i.e., the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. That is, the distance L1 is the gap between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 15, the opening hole 103 is provided at a middle position of the protective part 100 in the Z-axis direction, for example. The opening hole 103 is formed, for example, by cutting out a middle part of the protective part 100 in the Z-axis direction. The opening hole 103 is formed so as to penetrate the extending part 101 in a thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction). The opening hole 103 opens in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. The opening hole 103 is formed, for example, by penetrating the extending part 101 in an extending direction (here, the Y-axis direction). The opening hole 103 opens in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. The opening hole 103 extends to a middle position of the protective wall 102 in the X-axis direction, for example. For example, the opening hole 103 formed in the protective wall 102 is formed so as to overlap an end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the opening hole 103 is formed so as to expose the outer surface at the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 (i.e., the end face in the second direction Y1). The opening hole 103 extends, for example, to a middle position of the first circumferential wall 40 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the opening hole 103 is formed so as to cut out the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1. This allows the end edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 to be suitably exposed from the opening hole 103. The opening hole 103 formed in the first circumferential wall 40 is formed so as to overlap with the opening hole 103 formed in the protective wall 102 in the Y-axis direction, for example.

[0109] 17, a part of the end face of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first opposite direction X2 is, for example, a cut surface 32A. The cut surface 32A is provided at a middle position of the electric wire connection part 32 in the Z-axis direction, for example. The cut surface 32A extends along the Z-axis direction, for example. The cut surface 32A has a different surface roughness from a part of the end face of the electric wire connection part 32 in the first opposite direction X2 other than the cut surface 32A.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 18, in an intermediate step in manufacturing the female terminals 31A, for example, a structure 130 is formed in which a plurality of female terminals 31A are connected to one another by a band-shaped carrier 131. The structure 130 is formed, for example, by performing a press process or a bending process on a metal plate material. In the structure 130, the carrier 131 is connected to a part of an end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the electric wire connection portion 32 of each female terminal 31A. More specifically, the carrier 131 has a plurality of protruding connecting portions 132 protruding toward the female terminals 31A and a through hole 133. Each protruding connecting portion 132 is connected to a part of an end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the electric wire connection portion 32 of each female terminal 31A.

[0111] Each female terminal 31A is finally formed by cutting off the protruding connecting portion 132 of the carrier 131. Therefore, a part of the end face of the wire connecting portion 32 in the first opposite direction X2 becomes a cut surface 32A (see FIG. 17) exposed by cutting off the protruding connecting portion 132 of the carrier 131. That is, the cut surface 32A shown in FIG. 17 is a cut mark left by cutting the carrier 131.

[0112] 18 is wound up, for example, on a reel (not shown). At this time, through holes 133 provided in carrier 131 are used when winding up structure 130 on the reel. A reel feed direction D1 when winding up structure 130 on the reel coincides, for example, with the third direction Z1.

[0113] Here, in order to measure the gap between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 of each female terminal 31A of the structure 130, a method of irradiating a laser onto the female terminal 31A from the irradiation direction E2 is considered. However, in this case, since the reel feed direction D1 and the laser irradiation direction E2 are parallel to each other, it is difficult to install a measuring device, for example, a laser light source and a light receiver. In other words, when the structure 130 is wound on the reel along the feed direction D1, it is difficult to install a measuring device between two adjacent female terminals 31A in the feed direction D1.

[0114] Therefore, each female terminal 31A in the structure 130 is provided with an opening 103 that opens in a first direction X1 perpendicular to the reel feed direction D1. This allows the female terminal 31A, specifically the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50, to be irradiated with a laser through the opening 103 from an irradiation direction E1 perpendicular to the reel feed direction D1. The irradiation direction E1 coincides with the first opposite direction X2, for example. By irradiating the laser from such an irradiation direction E1, the distance L1 (see FIG. 16) between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured. In this case, a measuring device, for example, a laser light source and a light receiver, can be provided at a position away from the opening 103 of the female terminal 31A toward the first direction X1. Therefore, the measuring device can be installed at a position away from the female terminal 31A in a direction perpendicular to the reel feed direction D1. Therefore, when the structure 130 is wound around a reel along the feed direction D1, the female terminal 31A can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with a measuring device.

[0115] By measuring the distance L1 (see FIG. 16) between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2, for example, the inner diameter of the tubular connecting portion 60 can be calculated based on the distance L1. Therefore, by inspecting whether the distance L1 is a desired size, it is possible to inspect whether the inner diameter of the tubular connecting portion 60 of each female terminal 31A is a desired size. Such an inspection can be performed by irradiating a laser onto the female terminal 31A in a state where it is connected to the carrier 131. Therefore, it is possible to easily inspect all the female terminals 31A to see whether the inner diameter of the tubular connecting portion 60 of each female terminal 31A is a desired size.

[0116] According to the present embodiment described above, in addition to the advantageous effects (1-1) to (1-10) of the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be achieved. (2-1) An opening 103 is provided that penetrates the extension 101 of the protective part 100 in the first direction X1 and exposes the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. This allows, for example, a laser to be irradiated to the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 through the opening 103. That is, a laser can be irradiated to the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 of the female terminal 31A from a position away from the end face of the female terminal 31A in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. By irradiating the laser in this manner, the distance L1 between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured.

[0117] (2-2) The opening hole 103 is formed to cut out an end portion in the first direction X1 of the first circumferential wall 40. With this configuration, the end edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 can be suitably exposed to the outside through the opening hole 103. This allows the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 to be suitably irradiated with a laser through the opening hole 103.

[0118] Third embodiment A third embodiment of the female terminal and connector will be described below. The connector of this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the structure of the female terminal. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or corresponding configurations as those of the second embodiment, and the description of the configurations may be omitted in part or in whole.

[0119] (Configuration of female terminal 31B) 19, the female terminal 31B has an electric wire connecting portion 32 and a terminal connecting portion 33. The terminal connecting portion 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51A, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 constituted by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51A. The terminal connecting portion 33 has a coupling portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100.

[0120] 19 and 20, the second tubular portion 51A has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) divided tubular portions 152 divided in the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the tubular connecting portion 60, and a slit 153 dividing the two divided tubular portions 152. The two divided tubular portions 152 are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60, with the slit 153 sandwiched therebetween. The two divided tubular portions 152 have, for example, the same structure as each other.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 21, each divided tubular portion 152 has a second inner surface 154 facing the second opposite direction Y2 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the second inner surface 154. The outer surface of each divided tubular portion 152 is formed into a curved surface in which the cross section obtained by cutting the divided tubular portion 152 with a plane parallel to the X-axis direction is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the divided tubular portion 152 protrudes in an arc shape in cross section toward the radial outward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. Similarly, the second inner surface 154 of the divided tubular portion 152 is formed so as to be recessed in an arc shape in cross section toward the radial outward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 22, the outer surface of each split tubular portion 152 is provided with a recessed portion 155 that is recessed from the outer surface toward the radially inward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. As shown in Fig. 20, the planar shape of the recessed portion 155 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recessed portion 155 is formed, for example, over the entire length of the split tubular portion 152 in the Z-axis direction.

[0123] 22, the second inner surface 154 of each divided tubular portion 152 is provided with a protrusion 156 that protrudes from the second inner surface 154 toward the radially inward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The protrusion 156 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 154 of the divided tubular portion 152 in a portion where the recessed portion 155 is formed. The protrusion 156 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 156 is formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the divided tubular portion 152 with a mold.

[0124] The protrusion 156 is formed, for example, in a shape in which a cross section of the protrusion 156 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 radially inward of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion 156 protrudes in an arc shape cross section radially inward of the tubular connecting part 60 from the second inner surface 154. The protrusion 156 extends along the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting part 60. The protrusion 156 extends along the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60. The protruding tip 156A of the protrusion 156 is in point contact with, for example, the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 of the male terminal 200.

[0125] Each protruding tip 156A is provided, for example, at the center in the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the divided tubular portion 152. Each protruding tip 156A is provided in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction.

[0126] 19, the slit 153 penetrates the second tubular portion 51A in the Y-axis direction. The slit 153 is provided, for example, at the center position of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0127] The slit 153 extends over the entire circumferential length of the second cylindrical portion 51A along the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion 51A. For example, the slit 153 extends from an end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2 to a position closer to the first opposite direction X2 than the divided cylindrical portion 152. The slit 153 opens in the first direction X1. That is, the slit 153 is formed so as to be cut out from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0128] The end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the slit 153. That is, the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two divided portions 157 formed in a bifurcated shape. Each divided portion 157 has a divided tubular portion 152. Each divided portion 157 is formed, for example, so as to be supported in a cantilever manner by the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two divided portions 157 have, for example, the same structure as each other. The two divided portions 157 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the slit 153 in the Z-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0129] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50.

[0130] 23, the protective part 100 has an opening 103. The opening 103 is formed, for example, so as to expose an edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and an edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The opening 103 is formed so as to expose an edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 in each of the multiple divisions 157. This allows the distance L1 between the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 in each of the multiple divisions 157 and the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 to be measured from the outside through the opening 103.

[0131] According to the embodiment described above, in addition to the advantageous effects (1-1) to (1-10) of the first embodiment and the advantageous effects (2-1) and (2-2) of the second embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be achieved.

[0132] (3-1) The second tubular portion 51A has a plurality of divided tubular portions 152 that are divided in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. Each of the plurality of divided tubular portions 152 has a second inner surface 154 and a protrusion 156 that protrudes from the second inner surface 154 radially inward of the tubular connecting portion 60 and has an arc-shaped cross section.

[0133] 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 156 provided on the second inner surface 154 of each of the plurality of divided tubular portions 152 are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion 60, the plurality of protrusions 156 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 156 with the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, compared to the case where only one protrusion 156 is provided on the second inner surface 154 of the second tubular portion 51A, 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 156.

[0134] (3-2) The slit 153 that divides the two divided tubular parts 152 is provided at the center 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 of the tubular connecting part 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation. If a contact part between the protrusion 156 and the columnar connecting part 201 is provided at such a rotation center, the contact pressure of the protrusion 156 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 31B of this embodiment, the protrusion 156 is provided at a position different from the slit 153 provided at the center of the tubular connecting part 60 in the axial direction. Therefore, the protrusion 156 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 156 on the columnar connecting part 201 to act suitably as a force for suppressing the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions 156 can suitably suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 inside the tubular connecting part 60.

[0135] (3-3) The opening 103 is formed to expose an edge in the second opposite direction Y2 of the second circumferential wall 50 in each of the multiple divisions 157. For this reason, by irradiating the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 with a laser through the opening 103, it is possible to measure the distance L1 between the edge in the second opposite direction Y2 of the second circumferential wall 50 in each of the multiple divisions 157 and the edge in the second direction Y1 of the first circumferential wall 40.

[0136] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0137] The structure of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B in each of the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. The protruding portions 55 of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B may be omitted. In this case, the recessed portions 56 of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B are also omitted.

[0138] In each of the above embodiments, the protective part 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the protective part 100 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective part 100 is formed, for example, such that the protective part 100 is folded back from the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 while locating the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 inside.

[0139] The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 in the first embodiment may be omitted. The induction portion 61 in the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B may be omitted.

[0140] Three or more linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B. A plurality of linear contact portions 43 and a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section may be provided on the first inner surface 42 of the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B.

[0141] The structure of the opening 103 in the female terminals 31A, 31B may be modified as appropriate. For example, the length of the opening 103 along the Z-axis direction may be modified as appropriate. In the female terminal 31 in the first embodiment, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41, and a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section is provided on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section may be provided on the first inner surface 42, and a plurality of linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the second inner surface 52. For example, linear contact portions 43 may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52. For example, a protrusion 54 having an arc-shaped cross section may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52. The female terminal 31A in the second embodiment may also be modified in a similar manner.

[0142] In the female terminal 31B in the third embodiment, the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is provided with a plurality of linear contact portions 43, and the second cylindrical portion 51A has a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 and a protrusion 156 provided on the second inner surface 154 thereof, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the second cylindrical portion 51A may have a plurality of linear contact portions 43, and the first cylindrical portion 41 may have a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 and a protrusion 156 provided on the second inner surface 154 thereof.

[0143] In the third embodiment, there is no particular limitation on the number of divided tubular portions 152 included in the second tubular portion 51A. For example, the second tubular portion 51A may have three or more divided tubular portions 152.

[0144] The structure of the slit 153 in the third embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The position of the winding presser portion 90 in the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B may be changed as appropriate. For example, the winding presser portion 90 may be provided at a position different from the connecting portion 70 in the X-axis direction.

[0145] In each of the above embodiments, the electric wire connecting portion 32 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the electric wire connecting portion 32 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In the female terminals 31, 31A, 31B of the above-described embodiments, of the electric wire connecting portion 32 and the terminal connecting portion 33, only the terminal connecting portion 33 is formed in a structure in which the second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half onto the first peripheral wall 40. However, this is not limiting, and for example, both the electric wire connecting portion 32 and the terminal connecting portion 33 may be formed in a structure in which two plate materials are folded over one another.

[0146] The structure of the housing body 110 in each of the above-described embodiments may be modified as appropriate. For example, as long as the housing body 110 has a structure capable of accommodating the female terminals 31, other structures may be modified as appropriate.

[0147] The structure of the retainer 120 in each of the above embodiments may be modified as appropriate. For example, the restricting portion 122 may be omitted. In each of the above embodiments, 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.

[0148] 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]

[0149] 20...electric wire, 21...core wire, 22...insulating coating, 30...housing, 31, 31A, 31B...female terminal, 32...electric wire connection portion (second connection portion), 32A...cut surface, 33...terminal connection portion, 40...first peripheral wall, 41...first cylindrical portion, 42...first inner surface, 43...linear contact portion, 50...second peripheral wall, 51, 51A...second cylindrical portion, 52...second inner surface, 53...recessed portion, 54...projection portion, 55...convex portion, 56...recessed portion , 60... cylindrical connection portion (first connection portion), 61... guiding portion, 70... connecting portion, 71, 72... extending portion, 73... folded portion, 80... protruding portion, 81... protruding base portion, 82... projection, 90... winding holding portion, 91... extending portion, 92... folded portion, 93... holding portion, 94... opposing surface, 95... through hole, 96... engagement surface, 100... protective portion, 101... extending portion, 102... protective wall, 103... opening hole, 110... housing main body, 111...opening, 112...circumferential wall, 113...tubular portion, 114...insertion hole, 120...retainer, 121...main body, 122...regulating portion, 123...insertion hole, 124...bottom wall, 125, 126...side walls, 127...engagement wall, 130...structure, 131...carrier, 132...protruding connecting portion, 133...through hole, 152...divided tubular portion, 153...slit, 154...second inner surface, 155...recessed portion, 156...protrusion, 156A...protrusion tip, 157...dividing portion, 200...male terminal, 201...columnar connection portion, W1...wire harness, C1...connector, D1...feed direction, E1...irradiation direction, E2...irradiation direction, L1...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 configured by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; a winding presser portion that limits a distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, 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 winding pressing portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, The pressing portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall while holding an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall, The first peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along a first direction, The second peripheral wall is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction, The first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the second direction, the winding pressing portion is folded back from an end surface of the first peripheral wall in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction toward the second peripheral wall, the second peripheral wall has a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the second peripheral wall in the second direction, The protrusion is provided at a position overlapping the winding pressing portion in a plan view seen from the third direction, A female terminal, wherein the amount of protrusion of the winding pressure portion from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall in the second direction is equal to the amount of protrusion of the convex portion from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

2. 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 1 , wherein the connecting portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

3. The female terminal according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is formed so as to extend in the second direction from an end face of the first peripheral wall in a third opposite direction, which is opposite to the third direction, toward an end face of the second peripheral wall in the third opposite direction.

4. The winding pressing portion protrudes in the third direction beyond an end surface of the first circumferential wall in the third direction, the connecting portion protrudes in the third opposite direction beyond an end surface of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction, 4. The female terminal according to claim 3, wherein a first protrusion amount of the winding pressure portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction is equal to a second protrusion amount of the connecting portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the opposite third direction.

5. The female terminal further includes a protrusion protruding in the third direction from an end surface of the second peripheral wall in the third direction, the winding pressing portion has a through hole into which the protrusion is fitted, and an engagement surface that constitutes the through hole and faces the second direction, The female terminal of claim 3 , wherein said engagement surface is engaged with said projection.

6. The female terminal further includes a protective portion provided at an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion is formed to be folded back from an end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction while locating an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction therein, the protective portion has a protective wall provided opposite an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The female terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the protective wall is provided spaced apart from an end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction.

7. The winding pressing portion is provided at an end portion of the first peripheral wall in a first opposite direction, which is a direction opposite to the first direction, The female terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the tubular connecting portion is provided at an intermediate position between the winding pressing portion and the protection portion in the first direction.

8. The second cylindrical portion is provided at a middle position of the second circumferential wall in the first direction, the protective portion has an extension portion extending from an end portion of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward the second direction, the protective wall extending from an end portion of the extension portion in the second direction toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, and an opening hole penetrating the extension portion in the first direction to expose an end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The female terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the opening hole is formed so as to expose an end edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and an end edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction.

9. the second tubular portion has two divided tubular portions divided in an axial direction of the tubular connection portion, and a slit separating the two divided tubular portions, each of the plurality of divided cylindrical portions has the second inner surface and a protrusion protruding from the second inner surface toward a radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion and having an arc-shaped cross section; The female terminal according to claim 8 , wherein the slit is provided at a central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction.

10. The slit is formed to extend from an end surface of the second peripheral wall in the first direction toward the first opposite direction, The second peripheral wall has two divided portions divided by the slit, The female terminal according to claim 9 , wherein the opening hole is formed so as to expose an end edge in the second opposite direction of the second peripheral wall of each of the two divided portions.

11. The female terminal further includes a wire connection portion provided at an end portion of the first 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 formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, The female terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the electric wire connection portion extends in the first opposite direction from an end portion of the first peripheral wall in the first opposite direction.

12. the cylindrical connection portion has a plurality of linear contact portions that protrude radially inward from the first inner surface of the cylindrical connection portion and are spaced apart from each other 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 an axial direction of the tubular connecting portion.

13. The second inner surface is formed to be recessed in a cross-sectional arc shape toward a radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, The female terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical connecting portion has a protrusion that protrudes from the second inner surface radially inwardly of the cylindrical connecting portion and has an arcuate cross section.

14. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A housing that accommodates the female terminal therein.

Images