Electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector that prevents incorrect insertion of female terminals, facilitates the molding of female terminals, and suppresses damage to waterproof seals when inserting female terminals into waterproof seals. [Solution] The electrical connector 1 comprises a female terminal 12, a housing 11 into which the female terminal 12 is inserted and held, and a waterproof seal 13 through which the female terminal 12 inserted into the housing 11 is inserted. The female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d, and has a main cylindrical portion 26 into which the male terminal 103 is fitted. The main cylindrical portion 26 is formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry because the shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b are different on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction. A terminal shape corresponding portion 31 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, and when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position different from a specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 interferes with the main cylindrical portion 26 and restricts passage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector comprising: a female terminal to which a mating male terminal on the counterpart side is fitted and connected; a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held; and a waterproof seal attached to the housing, through which the female terminal inserted into the housing is passed. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, electrical connectors including a female terminal to which a mating male terminal on the counterpart side is fitted and connected, and a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held have been used. As such an electrical connector, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, those provided with a configuration for preventing erroneous insertion, in which a female terminal is inserted into a housing in an incorrect posture, are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector including a terminal socket 1 as a female terminal, and a connector housing 201 into which the terminal socket 1 is inserted and held. In the electrical connector of Patent Document 1, the terminal socket 1, which is a female terminal, is configured such that a counterpart terminal pin 101, which is a mating male terminal on the counterpart side, is fitted and connected along a fitting direction x. The electrical contact portion 5 of the terminal socket 1 includes a main body 19 having a hollow space 33 for receiving the counterpart terminal pin 101, and the main body 19 has a triangular outer shape that does not exhibit two-fold rotational symmetry on a plane A perpendicular to the fitting direction x. The electrical connector of Patent Document 1 is configured such that, since the main body 19 of the electrical contact portion 5 of the terminal socket 1 has a triangular outer shape that does not exhibit two-fold rotational symmetry, erroneous insertion of the terminal socket 1 into the connector housing 201 in an incorrect upside-down posture is prevented.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an electrical connector comprising a female terminal 5 into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected, and a connector housing 3 into which the female terminal 5 is inserted and held. The female terminal 5 is provided with a box-shaped portion 13 and a protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the front end of the box-shaped portion 13 to one side in the vertical direction. The connector housing 3 is provided with a terminal housing hole 7 into which the female terminal 5 is inserted. The terminal housing hole 7 is provided with a terminal box-shaped portion insertion portion 19 into which the box-shaped portion 13 of the female terminal 5 is inserted, and a terminal protruding portion insertion portion 21 into which the protruding portion 17 of the female terminal 5 is inserted. The electrical connector of Patent Document 2 is configured to prevent incorrect insertion of the female terminal 5 into the connector housing 3 in the wrong orientation, such as being inserted in the wrong direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-36301 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-22797 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In an electrical connector comprising a female terminal into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected, and a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held, the electrical connector may be used as a waterproof connector if a waterproof seal is also provided. In this case, the waterproof seal provided in the electrical connector is attached to the housing and configured so that the female terminal inserted into the housing is inserted through it. In an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, in order to prevent misinsertion in which the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong position, it is conceivable to apply the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 to the electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal.

[0007] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the body 19 of the electrical contact portion 5 of the female terminal socket 1 is formed to have a triangular outer shape, resulting in the formation of sharp corners on the outer shape of the terminal socket 1. Therefore, when the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, there is a problem that the sharp corners on the outer shape of the terminal socket 1 are likely to damage the waterproof seal when the female terminal terminal socket 1 is inserted into the waterproof seal. Furthermore, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the body 19 of the electrical contact portion 5 of the female terminal socket 1 is formed to have a triangular outer shape. Therefore, when forming the terminal socket 1, it is necessary to bend and form the metal plate-shaped material that will be the material for the terminal socket 1 into a triangular cross section with sharp corners that are difficult to support stably, which makes it difficult to form the body 19 of the terminal socket 1.

[0008] Furthermore, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, the female terminal 5 is formed in a shape that includes a box-shaped portion 13 and a protruding portion 17 that extends vertically from one side of the box-shaped portion 13. Therefore, when the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied to an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, there is a problem that the protruding portion 17 extending from the box-shaped portion 13 of the female terminal 5 is likely to damage the waterproof seal when the female terminal 5 is inserted into the waterproof seal.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector that can prevent misinsertion, in which the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong position, is easy to mold, and, when applied to an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, can suppress damage to the waterproof seal when inserting the female terminal into the waterproof seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) An electrical connector relating to a certain aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems comprises a female terminal into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected, a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held, and a waterproof seal attached to the housing through which the female terminal inserted into the housing is inserted. Furthermore, an electrical connector according to a certain aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the female terminal has a terminal connection portion into which the male terminal is fitted and electrically connected, the terminal connection portion is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube having a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls into which the male terminal is fitted, and a contact portion provided inside the main body tube portion that contacts the male terminal inserted into the main body tube portion and is electrically connected, the main body tube portion is formed such that the shape of the top wall and the shape of the bottom wall are different on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction in which the male terminal and the main body tube portion are fitted, so that the outer shape on the vertical plane does not exhibit rotational symmetry, the housing is provided with a terminal holding hole into which the female terminal is inserted and held, the inner wall of the terminal holding hole is provided with a terminal shape corresponding portion formed in accordance with the difference in shape of the top wall and the bottom wall, and when the female terminal is inserted into the terminal holding hole in a position different from a specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion interferes with the main body tube portion and is configured to restrict the main body tube portion from passing through the terminal holding hole.

[0011] In this configuration, the terminal connection portion of the female terminal is formed in a rectangular tube shape with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls, and has a main body cylinder portion into which the male terminal is fitted, and a contact portion provided inside the main body cylinder portion. The main body cylinder portion is formed in such a way that the shape of the outer shape in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction does not exhibit rotational symmetry, due to the different shapes of the top wall and bottom wall. The terminal holding hole of the housing into which the female terminal is inserted is provided with a terminal shape corresponding portion formed to correspond to the difference in the shapes of the top wall and bottom wall. When the female terminal is inserted into the terminal holding hole in a position different from the specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion interferes with the main body cylinder portion, preventing the main body cylinder portion from passing through the terminal holding hole. Therefore, when the female terminal is inserted into the terminal holding hole of the housing, if the main body cylinder portion is inserted in an incorrect position different from the specific position, the main body cylinder portion will interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion of the terminal holding hole, preventing the insertion of the female terminal into the terminal holding hole. This prevents misinsertion where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in an incorrect position. Furthermore, the main body cylinder of the female terminal, which is formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry, is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. Therefore, when forming the female terminal, the main body cylinder can be easily formed by bending the metal plate material that will be used as the material for the female terminal into a rectangular tube shape that is easy to support stably. This makes it easier to form the female terminal. In addition, because the main body cylinder of the terminal connection part of the female terminal is formed in a rectangular tube shape, in an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal caused by the main body cylinder of the female terminal when inserting the female terminal into the waterproof seal. That is, the main body cylinder of the female terminal is formed in a rectangular tube shape, and the main body cylinder does not have sharp corners like in the case of a triangular cross-section, nor does it have any protrusions that protrude in one direction, so the main body cylinder is configured so that there are no parts on its outer circumference that are likely to damage the waterproof seal. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal caused by the main body cylinder of the female terminal when inserting the female terminal into the waterproof seal.

[0012] Therefore, the above configuration prevents misinsertion where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong position, facilitates the molding of the female terminal, and, when applied to an electrical connector equipped with a waterproof seal, suppresses damage to the waterproof seal when inserting the female terminal through the waterproof seal.

[0013] (2) The main body cylindrical portion may be configured such that the shape of the ceiling wall and the shape of the bottom wall are different, by having different lengths for the ceiling wall and the bottom wall in the vertical plane.

[0014] With this configuration, by forming the rectangular cylindrical body section with different length dimensions for the top wall and bottom wall on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, the rectangular cylindrical body section can be easily formed into a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by having different shapes for the top wall and bottom wall.

[0015] (3) The outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion on the vertical surface may be formed such that at the corner where one of the pair of side walls is connected to the bottom wall, there is a recessed portion formed on the inside of the main body cylindrical portion in a stepped manner.

[0016] According to this configuration, in the rectangular cylindrical body section, by forming a stepped recessed portion on the inside of the main cylindrical section at the corner where one side wall and the bottom wall are connected, the rectangular cylindrical body section can be easily formed into a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall and the bottom wall different.

[0017] (4) The outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion on the vertical surface may be formed in a trapezoidal shape.

[0018] With this configuration, by forming the outer shape of the rectangular tubular main body section in a trapezoidal shape on the surface perpendicular to the fitting direction, the rectangular tubular main body section can be easily formed into a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall and bottom wall different. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, an electrical connector can be provided which is capable of preventing incorrect insertion of a female terminal when the female terminal is inserted into a housing in an incorrect posture, facilitates molding of the female terminal, and can suppress damage to a waterproof seal when the female terminal is inserted through the waterproof seal in a case where the connector is applied to an electrical connector provided with the waterproof seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, shown together with a mating connector to which the electrical connector is connected. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector together with the mating connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector together with the mating connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the electrical connector is connected to the mating connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where the electrical connector is connected to the mating connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the electrical connector is connected to the mating connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electrical connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector, shown in a state where illustration of the female terminal is omitted. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the female terminal of the electrical connector, shown together with an electric wire to which the female terminal is connected. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the female terminal together with the electric wire, where FIG. 12(A) is a front view and FIG. 12(B) is a side view. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the female terminal together with the electric wire, where FIG. 13(A) is a perspective cross-sectional view and FIG. 13(B) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 14] Figure 14(A) is a perspective view and Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of an electrical connector. [Figure 15] Figure 15(A) is a front view and Figure 15(B) is a rear view of the housing. [Figure 16] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the housing. [Figure 17] This is a cross-section of the housing. [Figure 18] This diagram shows a waterproof seal in an electrical connector, where Figure 18(A) is a perspective view and Figure 18(B) is a front view. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with the female terminals removed, showing the state before the female terminals are inserted into the housing. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector, showing the female terminal inserted into the housing and the retainer in a temporarily locked position. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the operation of an electrical connector that prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong orientation. It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the operation of an electrical connector that prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong orientation. It is a cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector. [Figure 23] This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector. [Figure 25] This diagram shows the female terminal together with the wire; Figure 25(A) is a front view, and Figure 25(B) is a bottom view. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing a female terminal, along with the wire to which the female terminal is connected. [Figure 27] Figure 27(A) is a perspective cross-sectional view, and Figure 27(B) is a cross-sectional view, showing the female terminal together with the wire. [Figure 28] This is a bottom view of an electrical connector with the female terminals not yet inserted into the housing. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with the female terminal not inserted into the housing, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the position corresponding to the line AA in Figure 28. [Figure 30] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with the female terminal not inserted into the housing, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the position corresponding to the line BB in Figure 28. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view of the housing. [Figure 32] This is a rear view of the housing. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates the operation of an electrical connector that prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong orientation. It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector. [Figure 34] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrical connector that prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal is inserted into the housing in the wrong orientation. It is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. [Figure 35] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 34. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be broadly applied to electrical connectors comprising a female terminal into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected, a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held, and a waterproof seal attached to the housing through which the female terminal inserted into the housing is inserted.

[0022] (First Embodiment) [Outline configuration of electrical connector and mating connector] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is shown together with the mating connector 100 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected. Figure 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 together with the mating connector 100. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 together with the mating connector 100. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector 1 connected to the mating connector 100. Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 connected to the mating connector 100. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 connected to the mating connector 100. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector 1, in which the female terminal 12 is omitted from the illustration.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, the electrical connector 1 is configured as an electrical connector to which multiple wires 101 are connected and to a mating connector 100. The electrical connector 1 is configured so that the wires 101 are connected from the rear end and to the mating connector 100 at the front end by mating. The electrical connector 1 has multiple female terminals 12 and a housing 11 that holds the multiple female terminals 12, and each of the multiple female terminals 12 is inserted into and held in the housing 11 with the wires 101 connected. As a result, the electrical connector 1 is connected to multiple wires 101. The electrical connector 1 with multiple wires 101 connected is connected to the mating connector 100 by mating. The mating connector 100 has a plurality of male terminals 103 and a mating housing 104 that holds the plurality of male terminals 103. When the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the housing 11 of the electrical connector 1 and the mating housing 102 of the mating connector 100 are mated and connected, and the male terminals 103 of the mating connector 100 are mated and connected to the female terminals 12 of the electrical connector 1.

[0024] The electrical connector 1 comprises a plurality of female terminals 12, a housing 11 into which the plurality of female terminals 12 are inserted and held, and a waterproof seal 13 attached to the housing 11. Furthermore, the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment also comprises a retainer 14, a ring seal 15, a cap member 16, and a lever member 17 attached to the housing 11.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, the housing 11 is made of an insulating resin material and is configured to hold multiple female terminals 12 inserted from the rear end side. The housing 11 is provided with multiple terminal holding holes 21 into which multiple female terminals 12 are inserted and held. Female terminals 12 to which electric wires 101 are connected are inserted into terminal holding holes 21, and the female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal holding holes 21 are held by the housing 11 in the terminal holding holes 21.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9, each of the multiple female terminals 12 is made of a conductive metal material and is configured to be connected to the electric wire 101. The female terminals 12 are connected to the electric wire 101 by being crimped onto the end of the electric wire 101. With the female terminals 12 connected to the electric wire 101, they are inserted into the terminal holding holes 21 of the housing 11 from the rear end side and held in the housing 11. In addition, each of the multiple female terminals 12 is configured to be connected by mating with the male terminal 103 of the other side. The female terminals 12 are provided with a terminal connection portion 20 which is formed in a rectangular tube shape and into which the male terminal 103 of the electrical connector 1 is mated and connected. When the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the housing 11 and the mating housing 102 are mated together, and the mating male terminal 103 is mated into the rectangular tubular terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 held in the housing 11, thereby electrically connecting the female terminal 12 and the male terminal 103.

[0027] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 to 10, the waterproof seal 13 is made of rubber material and is provided as a sealing member to prevent moisture from entering the inside of the electrical connector 1. The waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11 and is configured so that the female terminals 12 inserted into the housing 11 are inserted through it. The waterproof seal 13 is fitted into the inside of the housing 11 from the rear end of the housing 11. The waterproof seal 13 is provided with multiple insertion holes 13a through which the female terminals 12 inserted into the housing 11 are inserted. The multiple insertion holes 13a provided in the waterproof seal 13 are formed as holes that penetrate the waterproof seal 13. Multiple female terminals 12 connected to the electric wires 101 are inserted through each of the multiple insertion holes 13a. When the female terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 101 is inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13 and inserted into the housing 11, the female terminal 12 passes through the waterproof seal 13, and the electric wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 is positioned so that it penetrates the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13.

[0028] The retainer 14 is made of an insulating resin material and is inserted into the housing 11 along the height direction of the housing 11 and attached to the housing 11. The retainer 14 inserted into the housing 11 is configured to engage with the female terminal 12 inserted into the housing 11. When the retainer 14 is inserted into the housing 11, it is first engaged with the housing 11 in a temporary engagement position. Then, the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held by the housing 11, which the retainer 14 is engaged with in the temporary engagement position. Once the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held by the housing 11, the retainer 14 is then further pushed inward into the housing 11 along the height direction of the housing 11. As the retainer 14 is further pushed inward into the housing 11 along the height direction of the housing 11, it engages with the housing 11 in a permanent engagement position and also engages with the female terminal 12 held by the housing 11. Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 show the state in which the retainer 14 is locked to the housing 11 in the main locking position and also locked to the female terminal 12.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 to 10, the ring seal 15 is made of rubber material and is provided as a ring-shaped sealing member having a substantially rectangular outer shape. The housing 11 is provided with an outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the outer circumference of the mating housing 102, and an inner fitting portion 23 provided inside the outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the inside of the mating housing 102. The ring seal 15 is attached to the housing 11 in a state where it is mounted on the outer circumference of the inner fitting portion 23. When the housing 11 and the mating housing 102 are fitted together, the ring seal 15 mounted on the outer circumference of the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 is in close contact with the inner circumference of the mating housing 102. The ring seal 15 is configured to prevent moisture from entering the inner region separated by the fitted housing 11 and the mating housing 102 by closely adhering to the outer circumference of the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 and the inner circumference of the mating housing 102.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 to 10, the cap member 16 is made of a resin material and is provided as a member that is attached to the housing 11 so as to close the rear end of the housing 11 in order to prevent the waterproof seal 13 fitted to the rear end of the housing 11 from falling out of the housing 11. The cap member 16 is provided with a plurality of through holes 16a through which the electric wire 101 is inserted in a loosely fitted state. With the waterproof seal 13 fitted to the housing 11 and the cap member 16 attached to the housing 11, the female terminal 12 to which the electric wire 101 is connected is inserted into the housing 11. The female terminal 12 to which the electric wire 101 is connected passes through the through holes 16a of the cap member 16, through the insertion holes 13a of the waterproof seal 13, and is then inserted into the terminal holding holes 21 of the housing 11. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, the electric wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 passes through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13 and the through hole 16a of the cap member 16.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, the lever member 17 is provided as a rotatable member in the electrical connector 1 and is provided as a member that locks with the mating connector 100 when the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected. The lever member 17 is rotatably mounted to the housing 11 and is configured to rotate between a position tilted toward the rear end of the housing 11 (see Figures 1 to 3) and a position tilted toward the front end of the housing 11 (see Figures 4 to 6). Before the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the lever member 17 is positioned tilted toward the rear end of the housing 11. When the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected and the housing 11 and the mating housing 102 are fitted together, the lever member 17 is operated to tilt toward the front end of the housing 11. The operating lever member 17 is provided with a locking portion 17a that engages with the mating housing 102 (see Figure 10), and the mating housing 102 is provided with a short projection 102a that protrudes laterally from the mating housing 102 (see Figure 1). When the housing 11 and the mating housing 102 are fitted together, the lever member 17 is operated so that it is tilted toward the front end of the housing 11, thereby engaging the locking portion 17a of the lever member 17 with the projection 102a of the mating housing 102. As a result, the mating housing 102 is locked to the housing 11 via the lever member 17, and the mating connector 100 connected to the electrical connector 1 is locked to the electrical connector 1.

[0032] Next, the mating connector 100 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected will be described. Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the mating connector 100 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected is configured as a connector connected to, for example, a circuit board (not shown), and is connected to the electrical connector 1 while connected to the circuit board. The mating connector 100 comprises a plurality of male terminals 103 and a mating housing 102 that holds the plurality of male terminals 103.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the mating housing 102 of the mating connector 100 is made of an insulating resin material and has a basic outer shape that is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with a large opening at one end. The mating housing 102 is provided in a housing-like form that holds a plurality of male terminals 103 and into which the housing 11 of the electrical connector 1 is fitted. The mating housing 102 has an opening 102b into which the housing 11 of the electrical connector 1 is fitted, and a retaining wall portion 102c that holds the plurality of male terminals 103. The male terminals 103 held by the retaining wall portion 102c in the mating housing 102 are arranged in an exposed state within the opening 102b of the mating housing 102. When the mating housing 102 and the housing 11 are fitted together, the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 fits inside the opening 102b of the mating housing 102, and the outer fitting portion 22 of the housing 11 fits onto the outer circumference of the mating housing 102. Furthermore, the inner mating portion 23 of the housing 11 has an opening for a terminal holding hole 21 that holds the female terminal 12. When the mating housing 102 and the housing 11 are mated, the inner mating portion 23 of the housing 11 fits into the opening 102b of the mating housing 102, and the male terminal 103 exposed within the opening 102b of the mating housing 102 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the inner mating portion 23, and fits into contact with the female terminal 12 held in the terminal holding hole 21, thereby making an electrical connection.

[0034] Each of the multiple male terminals 103 is made of a conductive metal material. Each of the multiple male terminals 103 is formed by bending a long, slender, pin-shaped metal member that extends linearly. Each of the multiple male terminals 103 is press-fitted into a through hole provided in the retaining wall portion 102c of the mating housing 102 and is held in the mating housing 102 with the terminal penetrating the retaining wall portion 102c. The tip portion of the male terminal 103 that has penetrated the retaining wall portion 102c is positioned to protrude in a cantilevered manner inside the opening 102b of the mating housing 102. Furthermore, each of the multiple male terminals 103 is configured to be mated and connected to the female terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1 at one end and connected to a substrate (not shown) at the other end. The portion of the male terminal 103 at one end is provided as a pin-shaped contact portion 103a that is mated to the female terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1 and electrically connected to the female terminal 12. The pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 is provided as the tip portion of the male terminal 103 that extends through the retaining wall portion 102c and into the opening 102b of the mating housing 102. When the mating connector 100 and the electrical connector 1 are connected, the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 fits inside the opening 102b of the mating housing 102, and the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 exposed inside the opening 102b of the mating housing 102 is inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the inner fitting portion 23, fits into the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 held in the terminal retaining hole 21, and makes contact with the terminal connection portion 20 to make an electrical connection. The other end portion of the male terminal 103 protrudes outward from the mating housing 102, and at that end, it is press-fitted into a through-hole provided in a substrate (not shown) and connected to the substrate by soldering.

[0035] [Detailed configuration of electrical connectors] The following describes the configuration of the electrical connector 1 in more detail. In the following description, the mating direction X1, height direction X2, and width direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 are defined as shown by the double-ended arrows X1, X2, and X3 in Figures 1 to 10 and the drawings described later. The mating direction X1 is the direction in which the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are mated, and is also the direction in which the female terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1 and the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 are mated. The mating direction X1 is also the direction in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11. The mating direction X1 of the electrical connector 1 is also configured as the mating direction X1 of the housing 11 and the mating direction X1 of the female terminal 12. The mating direction X1 corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the electrical connector 1, and is also referred to as the front-to-back direction X1. The electrical connector 1 mates with the mating connector 100 on its front side, which is one side in the front-to-back direction X1. The front-to-back direction X1 of the electrical connector 1 is also comprised of the front-to-back direction X1 of the housing 11, the front-to-back direction X1 of the female terminal 12, the front-to-back direction X1 of the waterproof seal 13, and the front-to-back direction X1 of the retainer 14. The height direction X2 and width direction X3 are perpendicular to the mating direction X1 (front-to-back direction X1), and the height direction X2 and width direction X3 are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is set to have a shape in which the dimension in the height direction X2 is small and the dimension in the width direction X3 is larger than the dimension in the height direction X2 on a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1. The height direction X2 of the electrical connector 1 is also comprised of the height direction X2 of the housing 11, the height direction X2 of the female terminal 12, the height direction X2 of the waterproof seal 13, and the height direction X2 of the retainer 14. Furthermore, the width X3 of the electrical connector 1 is also configured as the width X3 of the housing 11, the width X3 of the female terminal 12, the width X3 of the waterproof seal 13, and the width X3 of the retainer 14.

[0036] <Female terminal> Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a female terminal 12 in an electrical connector 1, and is shown together with the wire 101 to which the female terminal 12 is connected. Figure 12 is a view showing the female terminal 12 together with the wire 101, where Figure 12(A) is a front view and Figure 12(B) is a side view. Figure 13 is a view showing the female terminal 12 together with the wire 101, where Figure 13(A) is a perspective cross-sectional view and Figure 13(B) is a cross-sectional view. Figures 11 to 13 show one of the multiple female terminals 12 provided in the electrical connector 1. All of the multiple female terminals 12 are formed in the same shape and form. In Figures 11 to 13 and the aforementioned Figures 1 to 9, the wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 is shown as the end connected to the female terminal 12 and the portion near it.

[0037] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 to 13, the electrical connector 1 is provided with multiple female terminals 12. Each of the multiple female terminals 12 is made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the electric wire 101 by crimping it to the wire 101. Referring to Figure 13, the electric wire 101 to which the female terminals 12 are connected has a core wire 101a and a sheath 101b that surrounds the core wire 101a. The core wire 101a is, for example, made up of a single metal wire or made by twisting multiple metal wires together. The sheath 101b is made of an insulating material such as resin or rubber. At the end of the electric wire 101 to which the female terminals 12 are crimped and connected, the sheath 101b is partially removed, and the core wire 101a is exposed to the outside. The female terminal 12 is crimped and connected to the exposed portion of the core wire 101a and the insulated portion 101b at the end of the electric wire 101.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 to 13, the female terminals 12 that are crimped to the electric wire 101 are inserted into and held in the housing 11. The female terminals 12 connected to the electric wire 101 are inserted into the housing 11 from the rear end of the housing 11 along the front-rear direction X1 (fitting direction X1). When the female terminals 12 are inserted into the housing 11, the female terminals 12 are inserted into the housing 11 with the waterproof seal 13 and the cap member 16 attached to the housing 11. That is, the female terminals 12 are inserted through the cap member 16 and the waterproof seal 13, and then inserted into the housing 11. Each of the multiple female terminals 12 has a longitudinal direction, and they are inserted into and held in the housing 11 with their longitudinal directions extending parallel to each other along the front-rear direction X1 of the housing 11. The multiple female terminals 12 are held in the housing 11 in a state where they extend parallel to each other along the front-to-back direction X1 of the housing 11, and are arranged in a state where they span the height direction X2 and the width direction X3 of the housing 11.

[0039] Referring to Figures 3, 6, 9, and 11 to 13, each of the multiple female terminals 12 has a terminal connection portion 20, a core wire crimping portion 24, and a coating crimping portion 25. The terminal connection portion 20, the core wire crimping portion 24, and the coating crimping portion 25 of the female terminal 12 are provided integrally. The terminal connection portion 20, the core wire crimping portion 24, and the coating crimping portion 25 are provided integrally in this order, arranged in series along the mating direction X1 (front-to-back direction X1), which is the longitudinal direction of the female terminal 12.

[0040] Referring to Figures 3, 6, 9, and 11 to 13, the core wire crimping portion 24 of the female terminal 12 is provided integrally with the terminal connection portion 20 at the rear end of the terminal connection portion 20 and is provided as the portion that is crimped to the core wire 101a at the end of the electric wire 101. At the end of the electric wire 101, there is a portion where the insulation 101b has been removed and the core wire 101a is exposed, and the core wire crimping portion 24 is configured to be crimped to the exposed portion of the core wire 101a at the end of the electric wire 101. When the core wire crimping portion 24 is crimped to the core wire 101a of the electric wire 101, the female terminal 12 is electrically connected to the electric wire 101.

[0041] Referring to Figures 3, 6, 9, and 11 to 13, the insulation crimping portion 25 of the female terminal 12 is provided alongside the core wire crimping portion 24 in the front-rear direction X1 of the female terminal 12, and is provided alongside the core wire crimping portion 24 on the opposite side from the terminal connection portion 20 relative to the core wire crimping portion 24. The insulation crimping portion 25 is provided as the portion that is crimped to the insulation 101b at the end of the electric wire 101. The insulation crimping portion 25 is configured to be crimped to the portion at the end of the electric wire 101 where the insulation 101b has not been removed and the core wire 101a is not exposed. When the insulation crimping portion 25 is crimped to the insulation 101b of the electric wire 101, the female terminal 12 is mechanically fixed and connected to the electric wire 101.

[0042] Referring to Figures 3, 6, 9, and 11 to 13, the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is provided as the portion into which the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 is fitted and electrically connected. The terminal connection portion 20 is provided on the front end side of the female terminal 12 that extends along the mating direction X1 (front-rear direction X1). The terminal connection portion 20 has a main body cylindrical portion 26 into which the male terminal 103 is fitted, and a contact portion 27 provided inside the main body cylindrical portion 26 that contacts the male terminal 103 and is electrically connected.

[0043] Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d, and is configured to accommodate the male terminal 103. The front end of the rectangular cylindrical main cylindrical portion 26 is open at an opening 26e, and when the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 is inserted into the main cylindrical portion 26 along the fitting direction X1 from the opening 26e and fitted into the main cylindrical portion 26.

[0044] The ceiling wall 26a of the main cylindrical section 26 is provided as a wall that spreads along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X2 and extends long along the fitting direction X1. The bottom wall 26b of the main cylindrical section 26 is provided as a wall that spreads along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X2 and extends long along the fitting direction X1, and is positioned opposite the ceiling wall 26a in the height direction X2. Both the ceiling wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b extend long along the fitting direction X1 and are provided so as to face each other in the height direction X2 and extend parallel to each other along the fitting direction X1. Since the main cylindrical section 26 is formed by folding it into a rectangular tube shape with a part overlapping, the ceiling wall 26a is provided as a wall formed in a state where two layers are stacked in the height direction X2. The pair of side walls 26c and 26d are both provided as wall sections that spread along a plane perpendicular to the width direction X3 and extend long along the fitting direction X1. The pair of side walls 26c and 26d are positioned opposite each other in the width direction X3 and are provided to extend parallel to each other along the fitting direction X1. Each of the pair of side walls 26c and 26d is connected to the ceiling wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b at both ends in the height direction X2.

[0045] Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the shape of the top wall 26a and the shape of the bottom wall 26b are different on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 in which the male terminal 103 and the main body cylindrical portion 26 are fitted together, resulting in the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 not exhibiting rotational symmetry. In other words, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the shape of the top wall 26a and the shape of the bottom wall 26b are different on the plane extending in the height direction X2 and the width direction X3, which are planes perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, resulting in the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 not exhibiting rotational symmetry with respect to the fitting direction X1 as the center of rotation.

[0046] More specifically, the main cylindrical portion 26 is configured such that the length of the top wall 26a and the length of the bottom wall 26b are different in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, resulting in different shapes for the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. As a result, the main cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the fitting direction X1. In this embodiment, the length of the top wall 26a along the width direction X3 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 is set to be longer than the length of the bottom wall 26b along the width direction X3 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, thereby configuring the main cylindrical portion 26 so that the length of the top wall 26a and the length of the bottom wall 26b are different in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 on a surface perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 is formed to have a recessed portion 28 that is stepped inward at the corner where one of the pair of side walls 26c, 26d is connected to the bottom wall 26b. The recessed portion 28 is provided at the corner where one of the pair of side walls 26c, 26d is connected to the bottom wall 26b, and is formed to be stepped inward toward the inside of the main cylindrical portion 26, and is provided to extend along the fitting direction X1 in a stepped recess shape toward the inside of the main cylindrical portion 26. Note that in the main cylindrical portion 26, the recessed portion 28 is provided only at the corner where the side wall 26c and the bottom wall 26b are connected, and is not provided at other corners. In other words, in the main cylindrical portion 26, recessed portions 28 are not provided at the corners where the side wall 26c and the top wall 26a are connected, at the corners where the top wall 26a and the side wall 26d are connected, and at the corners where the side wall 26d and the bottom wall 26b are connected. The main cylindrical portion 26 is provided with recessed portions 28 that are recessed inward only at the corners where one of the pair of side walls 26c, 26d is connected to the bottom wall 26b, so that the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the fitting direction X1.

[0048] Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is provided with a locking hole 29 that engages with a locking arm 32 provided on the housing 11 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 (see Figures 9, 11, and 13). The locking hole 29 is formed as a hole that penetrates the ceiling wall 26a of the main body cylindrical portion 26 along the height direction X2.

[0049] Referring to Figures 9, 12, and 13, the contact portion 27 of the terminal connection portion 20 is provided inside the main body cylindrical portion 26 and is provided as a part that contacts the male terminal 103 inserted into the main body cylindrical portion 26 to make an electrical connection. The contact portion 27 extends cantilevered from the ceiling wall 26a of the main body cylindrical portion 26 and is provided so as to extend from the front end side to the rear end side of the female terminal 12 inside the main body cylindrical portion 26. The contact portion 27 that extends cantilevered inside the main body cylindrical portion 26 is provided so as to be elastically deformable and flexible. When the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 is inserted into the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 through the opening 26e and fits with the main body cylindrical portion 26. Then, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103, which is fitted into the main body cylinder portion 26, comes into contact with the contact portion 27 inside the main body cylinder portion 26. When the contact portion 27 and the pin-shaped contact portion 103a come into contact, the female terminal 12 and the male terminal 103 are electrically connected.

[0050] Furthermore, the female terminal 12 is provided with a locking recess 30 that engages with the retainer 14 (see Figures 11 to 13). The female terminal 12 is held in place when it is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, and when the retainer 14 is further pushed inward into the housing 11 so that it engages with the housing 11 in the locking position, the locking recess 30 engages with the retainer 14. The locking recess 30 is provided in the female terminal 12 in the portion that connects the main cylindrical portion 26 and the core wire crimping portion 24 of the terminal connection portion 20. The locking recess 30 is provided as a recess that is cut out so as to be recessed on the inside of the female terminal 12 in the portion that connects the main cylindrical portion 26 and the core wire crimping portion 24 of the female terminal 12.

[0051] <Housing> Figure 14 shows the housing 11 of the electrical connector 1, where Figure 14(A) is a perspective view and Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view. Figure 15 shows the housing 11, where Figure 15(A) is a front view and Figure 15(B) is a rear view. Figure 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the housing 11. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 11. Note that the cross-section of the housing 11 shown in Figure 14(B) is a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction X3. Also, the cross-section of the housing 11 shown in Figures 16 and 17 is a cross-section perpendicular to the mating direction X1. Referring to Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 14 to 17, the housing 11 is made of an insulating resin material and is configured to hold a plurality of female terminals 12 inserted from the rear end side. The housing 11 is configured to mate and connect with the mating housing 102 of the mating connector 100.

[0052] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 to 3, Figures 5 to 9, and Figures 14 to 17, the housing 11 is provided with an outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the outer circumference of the mating housing 102, and an inner fitting portion 23 provided inside the outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the inside of the mating housing 102. The inner fitting portion 23 is provided with a plurality of terminal holding holes 21 into which a plurality of female terminals 12 are inserted and which hold the inserted plurality of female terminals 12. Each of the plurality of terminal holding holes 21 is provided so as to extend through the housing 11 along the fitting direction X1 (front-rear direction X1), and extends through the inner fitting portion 23 in the housing 11 along the fitting direction X1. The plurality of terminal holding holes 21 are provided in the housing 11 so as to extend parallel to each other along the fitting direction X1 of the housing 11 and so as to be arranged across the height direction X2 and width direction X3 of the housing 11.

[0053] Furthermore, referring to Figures 14 to 17, each of the terminal holding holes 21 has a terminal shape corresponding portion 31 on its inner wall that, when the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21, allows the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, and interferes with the main body cylindrical portion 26 to restrict the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation other than the specific orientation.

[0054] The terminal shape corresponding portion 31 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 in the middle portion in the fitting direction X1, and is provided as a portion formed in accordance with the difference in shape between the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26. In this embodiment, the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 in the middle portion in the fitting direction X1, and is provided as a convex portion formed to rise in a stepped manner from the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 toward the inside of the terminal holding hole 21. The shape of the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 is formed in accordance with the difference in length between the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 of the main body cylindrical portion 26. The terminal shape corresponding section 31 allows the female terminal 12 to pass along the fitting direction X1 when it is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, and interferes with and restricts the passage of the top wall 26a when it attempts to pass along the fitting direction X1 when it is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation other than the specific orientation.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 corresponds to the shape of the recessed portion 28 in the main body cylindrical portion 26. That is, the stepped, raised convex shape of the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 corresponds to the shape of the recessed portion 28 formed to be stepped inward on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1. The terminal shape corresponding portion 31 allows the female terminal 12 to pass along the fitting direction X1 when it is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, but interferes with and restricts the passage of any part of the main body cylindrical portion 26 other than the recessed portion 28 when it attempts to pass along the fitting direction X1 on the side of the terminal shape corresponding portion 31.

[0056] As described above, the electrical connector 1 is configured such that when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21, allowing the main body cylindrical portion 26 to pass through the terminal holding hole 21 without interference from the terminal shape corresponding portion 31. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position other than the specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 interferes with the main body cylindrical portion 26, restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.

[0057] Referring to Figures 9 and 14, the housing 11 is provided with a plurality of locking arms 32 inside the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11. The plurality of locking arms 32 are provided inside the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11, corresponding to a plurality of terminal holding holes 21. Each of the plurality of locking arms 32 is provided inside the inner fitting portion 23, extending in a cantilevered manner from the front end to the rear end of the housing 11, and is elastically deformable and flexible. Each of the plurality of locking arms 32 is configured to lock into each of the plurality of female terminals 12 inserted into each of the plurality of terminal holding holes 21. Each female terminal 12 inserted into each terminal holding hole 21 is held in the housing 11 by locking into each locking arm 32. Each locking arm 32 has a projection at its tip that extends cantilevered toward the rear end of the housing 11, which fits into a locking hole 29 provided in the main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of each female terminal 12, thereby locking it with the female terminal 12. When each female terminal 12 is inserted into each terminal holding hole 21 and locked with each locking arm 32, first, the front end portion of the main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of each female terminal 12 that has been inserted into each terminal holding hole 21 comes into contact with the tip portion of each locking arm 32, causing each locking arm 32 to elastically deform and bend. Then, when the locking hole 29 provided in the main cylindrical portion 26 of each female terminal 12 reaches a position corresponding to the projection at the tip of each locking arm 32, each locking arm 32 elastically recovers, and the projection at the tip of each locking arm 32 locks with the locking hole 29 in the main cylindrical portion 26 of each female terminal 12. Each locking arm 32 is provided to lock with each female terminal 12 in the direction in which each female terminal 12 is pulled out of the housing 11 toward the rear end.

[0058] Referring to Figures 9 and 14, the housing 11 is provided with retainer insertion holes 33a and 33b into which the retainer 14 is inserted. The retainer insertion hole 33a is provided in the outer fitting portion 22 of the housing 11 and is provided as a hole that penetrates the outer fitting portion 22 in the height direction X2. The retainer insertion hole 33b is provided in the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 and is provided as a hole that penetrates the inner fitting portion 23 in the height direction X2. When the retainer 14 is attached to the housing 11, the retainer 14 is first inserted into the retainer insertion hole 33a, and then the retainer 14 that has been inserted into the retainer insertion hole 33a is inserted into the retainer insertion hole 33b. Furthermore, since the retainer insertion hole 33b is provided as a hole into which the retainer 14 is inserted, extending through the inner fitting portion 23 of the housing 11 in the height direction X2, the multiple terminal holding holes 21 that penetrate the inner fitting portion 23 along the fitting direction X1 are in communication with the retainer insertion hole 33b at an intermediate point in the fitting direction X1.

[0059] Referring to Figures 9 and 14, the housing 11 is provided with a seal mounting recess 34 at its rear end in the front-rear direction X1, into which the waterproof seal 13 is fitted and attached. The seal mounting recess 34 is provided as a recess that opens to the outside at the rear end of the housing 11 and recesses inward along the front-rear direction X1. The seal mounting recess 34 is also in communication with a plurality of terminal holding holes 21 that penetrate the housing 11. The waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11 by being fitted into the seal mounting recess 34 that opens at the rear end of the housing 11. When the waterproof seal 13 is attached to the seal mounting recess 34 and is in close contact with the inner circumference of the seal mounting recess 34, moisture is prevented from entering the inside of the housing 11.

[0060] <Waterproof seal> Figure 18 shows a waterproof seal 13 in the electrical connector 1, where Figure 18(A) is a perspective view and Figure 18(B) is a front view. Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 to 10, and 18, the waterproof seal 13 is made of rubber material and is provided as a sealing member to prevent moisture from entering the inside of the electrical connector 1. The waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11 and is configured so that the female terminal 12 inserted into the housing 11 passes through it. The waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11 by fitting it into the seal mounting recess 34 of the housing 11 from the rear end of the housing 11. When the waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11, it makes close contact with the inner circumference of the seal mounting recess 34 of the housing 11. This seals the space between the housing 11 and the waterproof seal 13, preventing moisture from entering. When the waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11, the cap member 16 is attached to the rear end of the housing 11 so as to cover the waterproof seal 13. The cap member 16 is attached to the rear end of the housing 11, which prevents the waterproof seal 13 from falling off the housing 11.

[0061] Furthermore, the waterproof seal 13 is provided with multiple through holes 13a through which female terminals 12, which are inserted into the housing 11, are inserted. The multiple through holes 13a in the waterproof seal 13 are formed as holes that penetrate the waterproof seal 13 along the front-to-back direction X1. Multiple female terminals 12, each connected to an electric wire 101, are inserted into each of the multiple through holes 13a. The female terminals 12 connected to the electric wire 101 are inserted into the through holes 13a of the waterproof seal 13 while the waterproof seal 13 is attached to the housing 11. Once the female terminals 12 connected to the electric wire 101 are inserted into the through holes 13a of the waterproof seal 13, they pass through the through holes 13a and are inserted into the terminal holding holes 21 of the housing 11. When the female terminal 12 passes through the insertion hole 13a and is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21, the electric wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 is inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13 and positioned so as to penetrate the insertion hole 13a. With the electric wire 101 penetrating the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13, the outer circumference of the electric wire 101 and the inner circumference of the insertion hole 13a are in close contact. This seals the space between the electric wire 101 and the waterproof seal 13, preventing moisture from entering.

[0062] <Insertion operation of female terminals in electrical connectors> Next, the insertion operation of the female terminal 12 in the electrical connector 1 will be described. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1 with the female terminal 12 removed, showing the state before the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11. Note that the cross-section of the electrical connector 1 shown in Figure 19 is a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction X3. Referring to Figure 19, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the electrical connector 1, the retainer 14, the waterproof seal 13, and the cap member 16 are first attached to the housing 11. The retainer 14 is inserted into the housing 11 through the retainer insertion holes 33a and 33b of the housing 11 and locked in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 11. The waterproof seal 13 is fitted into the seal mounting recess 34 of the housing 11 and attached to the housing 11. The cap member 16 is attached to the rear end of the housing 11 so as to cover the waterproof seal 13 attached to the housing 11.

[0063] Next, the retainer 14 attached to the housing 11 will be described further. Referring to Figures 9, 10, and 19, the retainer 14, which is inserted into and attached to the housing 11, is provided with multiple through holes 14a through which the female terminals 12 are inserted. Each of the multiple through holes 14a is provided as a hole that penetrates the retainer 14 along the front-to-back direction X1 and extends in the height direction X2. Each through hole 14a is provided to form a space through which multiple female terminals 12 arranged in the height direction X2 are inserted. When the retainer 14 is attached to the housing 11, the through holes 14a are in communication with the terminal holding holes 21 of the housing 11. In addition, each through hole 14a is provided with multiple locking protrusions 14b that engage with the female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal holding holes 21. Each locking protrusion 14b is provided as a protrusion that engages with the locking recess 30 of the female terminal 12. As shown in Figure 19, when the retainer 14 is inserted into the housing 11 and locked in a temporary locking position, each locking projection 14b is positioned in the same position in the height direction X2 and aligned in the front-to-back direction X1 with respect to the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 of each terminal holding hole 21. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 with the retainer 14 attached in the temporary locking position, the retainer 14 is further pushed inward along the height direction X2, and the retainer 14 is locked in the permanent locking position with respect to the housing 11. In this state, each locking projection 14b of the retainer 14 locks with the locking recess 30 of each female terminal 12.

[0064] As shown in Figure 19, with the retainer 14 locked in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 11, and with the protective seal 13 and cap member 16 attached, the insertion operation of the female terminal 12 in the electrical connector 1 is performed. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1, showing the state when the female terminal 12 has been inserted into the housing 11 and the retainer 14 is still in a temporary locking position. In the electrical connector 1 shown in Figure 19, when the female terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 101 is inserted, the state shown in Figure 20 is achieved. The female terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 101 is first inserted through the through hole 16a of the cap member 16 along the fitting direction X1. Then, the female terminal 12 that has been inserted through the through hole 16a is further inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13 along the fitting direction X1. At this time, the female terminal 12 is inserted from the main body cylindrical portion 26 to the insertion hole 13a. The main cylindrical portion 26 is formed in a rectangular tube shape and has no parts that protrude outward from the outer circumference, so the insertion hole 13a can be smoothly passed through while the inner circumference of the insertion hole 13a is elastically deformed.

[0065] The main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, which has been inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13, is further inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11. The female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 in a specific orientation such that its rotational position around the mating direction X1 is in a specific position. The specific orientation is such that the main cylindrical portion 26 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 without interference between the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 of the terminal holding hole 21 and the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 in a specific orientation, the female terminal 12 is in a positional relationship with respect to the housing 11 such that the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 of the terminal holding hole 21 and the recessed portion 28 of the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 face each other in the mating direction X1. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 passes along the side of the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 in the terminal holding hole 21 along the fitting direction X1, then is inserted along the fitting direction X1 through the through hole 14a of the retainer 14 which is temporarily locked in the housing 11, and is further inserted into the front part of the terminal holding hole 21 until it is fully inserted into the terminal holding hole 21. Once the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is fully inserted into the front part of the terminal holding hole 21, the locking arm 32 of the housing 11 locks into the locking hole 29 of the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, and the female terminal 12 is held in the housing 11. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21, the female terminal 12 passes through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13, and the electric wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 is positioned so as to pass through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13.

[0066] When the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is inserted to the back of the terminal holding hole 21 on the front side, the retainer 14, which is temporarily locked to the housing 11, is further pushed inward along the height direction X2. When the retainer 14 is further pushed inward along the height direction X2, the retainer 14 is locked to the housing 11 in the permanent locking position. Figure 9 shows the state in which the retainer 14 is locked to the housing 11 in the permanent locking position. When the retainer 14 is further pushed inward along the height direction X2 and is locked to the housing 11 in the permanent locking position, the locking projection 14b of the retainer 14 is locked to the locking recess 30 of the female terminal 12. The locking projection 14b engages with the locking recess 30, thereby holding the female terminal 12 in place of the housing 11 by the locking arm 32 and also holding it in place of the retainer 14 by the locking projection 14b. With the female terminal 12 held in place of the housing 11, the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 100.

[0067] Here, we will further explain the operation of the electrical connector 1, which prevents misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation other than the specified orientation. Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrical connector 1, which prevents misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation. Figure 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector 1, and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector 1. In the perspective cross-sectional view of Figure 21, the housing 11 is shown with a cross-section perpendicular to the mating direction X1 and a cross-section perpendicular to the width direction X3. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 22, the housing 11 is shown with a cross-section perpendicular to the mating direction X1. Also, in Figures 21 and 22, the retainer 14, waterproof seal 13, and cap member 16 of the electrical connector 1 are omitted from the illustration.

[0068] Figures 21 and 22 show the case where only one row of female terminals 12 arranged along the height direction X2 is inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11. That is, Figures 21 and 22 show the case where only four female terminals 12 arranged along the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21. Furthermore, Figures 21 and 22 show each of the four female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 to a position corresponding to the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 provided in the middle of the fitting direction X1 of the terminal retaining hole 21. Also, Figures 21 and 22 show the case where the first female terminal 12 from the top in the drawing, among the four female terminals 12 arranged along the height direction X2, is inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11 in a specific orientation. Figures 21 and 22 show cases where the second, third, and fourth female terminals 12 from the top of the four female terminals 12 arranged in the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation. Specifically, the second female terminal 12 from the top is shown being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation rotated 90° clockwise around the mating direction X1 when viewed from the front, relative to the specific orientation. The third female terminal 12 from the top is shown being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation rotated 180° clockwise around the mating direction X1 when viewed from the front, relative to the specific orientation. The fourth female terminal 12 from the top is shown being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation rotated 270° clockwise around the mating direction X1 when viewed from the front, relative to the specific orientation.

[0069] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, when a female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, such as the first female terminal 12 from the top, the terminal shaped portion 31 of the terminal holding hole 21 and the recessed portion 28 of the main body cylindrical portion 26 are in a positional relationship where they face each other in the fitting direction X1. Therefore, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, the recessed portion 28 of the main body cylindrical portion 26 passes to the side of the terminal shaped portion 31 along the fitting direction X1, allowing the main body cylindrical portion 26 to pass through the terminal holding hole 21 without interfering with the terminal shaped portion 31, and the female terminal 12 is inserted all the way to the back of the terminal holding hole 21.

[0070] On the other hand, referring to Figures 21 and 22, female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, such as the second female terminal 12 from the top, the third female terminal 12 from the top, and the fourth female terminal 12 from the top, are inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a positional relationship where a part of the main body cylindrical portion 26 other than the recessed portion 28 faces the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 of the terminal holding hole 21 in the mating direction X1. Therefore, when a female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, a part of the main body cylindrical portion 26 other than the recessed portion 28 will come into contact with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 and interfere. In other words, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, and the part of the main body cylindrical portion 26 other than the recessed portion 28 attempts to pass alongside the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 along the fitting direction X1, the main body cylindrical portion 26 and the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 interfere with each other, preventing the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21. Therefore, if the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 interferes with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31, preventing the insertion of the female terminal 12 into the terminal holding hole 21. This prevents misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation. Furthermore, referring to Figures 21 and 22, in the case of the second female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 90° from a specific orientation, the corner connecting the top wall 26a and the side wall 26c of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interferes with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31, thereby restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21. Also, in the case of the third female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 180° from a specific orientation, the corner connecting the top wall 26a and the side wall 26d of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interferes with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31, thereby restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21. Furthermore, in the case of the fourth female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 270° relative to a specific orientation, the corner connecting the bottom wall 26b and the side wall 26d of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interferes with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31, thereby restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.

[0071] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d, and has a main cylindrical portion 26 into which the male terminal 103 is fitted, and a contact portion 27 provided inside the main cylindrical portion 26. The main cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the outer shape on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry due to the different shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. The terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 into which the female terminal 12 is inserted is provided with a terminal shape corresponding portion 31 formed to correspond to the difference in shape of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position different from a specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 interferes with the main cylindrical portion 26, preventing the main cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21. Therefore, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, if the main body cylindrical portion 26 is inserted in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 will interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 31 of the terminal holding hole 21, thereby preventing the insertion of the female terminal 12 into the terminal holding hole 21. This prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation. Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, which is formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry, is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d. Therefore, when forming the female terminal 12, the main body cylindrical portion 26 can be easily formed by bending the metal plate-shaped material that will be the material for the female terminal 12 into a rectangular tube shape that is easy to support stably. This makes the forming of the female terminal 12 easier. Furthermore, since the main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, in an electrical connector 1 equipped with a waterproof seal 13, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal 13 by the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13. In other words, the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the main cylindrical portion 26 does not have sharp corners like in the case of a triangular cross-section, nor does it have any protruding parts that protrude in one direction, so the main cylindrical portion 26 is configured so that there are no parts on its outer circumference that are likely to damage the waterproof seal 13.Therefore, when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13, it is possible to prevent damage to the waterproof seal 13 from occurring due to the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12.

[0072] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in the wrong position, and the female terminal 12 is easy to mold. Furthermore, when applied to an electrical connector 1 equipped with a waterproof seal 13, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal 13 when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26, by forming the length dimensions of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 to be different, the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26 can be easily formed into a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b different.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26, by forming a recessed portion 28 that is stepped inward on the inside of the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26 at the corner where one of the pair of side walls 26c, 26d is connected to the bottom wall 26b, the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26 can be easily formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b different.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, a configuration different from the first embodiment described above will be described, and for elements configured in the same way as the first embodiment and elements configured in correspondence with the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings, or the same reference numerals will be used for reference to omit redundant explanations.

[0076] In the first embodiment of the electrical connector 1 described above, in the female terminal 12, a recessed portion 28 is formed in a stepped shape on the inside of the main cylindrical portion 26 at the corner where one side wall 26c and the bottom wall 26b are connected, so that the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 on a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry. However, in the second embodiment of the electrical connector 2, in the female terminal 12, the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 on a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, so that the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 on a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry.

[0077] Figure 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 2. Referring to Figures 23 and 24, the electrical connector 2 of the second embodiment is configured as an electrical connector to which a plurality of electric wires 101 are connected and which is mated and connected to a mating connector 100, similar to the electrical connector 1 of the first embodiment. The electrical connector 2 also includes a plurality of terminals 12, a housing 11 into which the plurality of terminals 12 are inserted and held, and a waterproof seal 13, a retainer 14, a ring seal 15, a cap member 16, and a lever member 17 attached to the housing 11. When the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the housing 11 of the electrical connector 2 and the mating housing 102 of the mating connector 100 are mated and connected, and the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 is mated and connected to the female terminal 12 of the electrical connector 2.

[0078] Figure 25 shows the female terminal 12 together with the electric wire 101, where Figure 25(A) is a front view and Figure 25(B) is a bottom view. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the female terminal 12, showing it together with the electric wire to which it is connected. Figure 27 shows the female terminal 12 together with the electric wire 101, where Figure 27(A) is a perspective cross-sectional view and Figure 27(B) is a cross-sectional view. Note that in Figures 26 and 27, the female terminal 12 is shown in an inverted position compared to Figures 23 to 25, that is, its orientation in the height direction X2 is reversed.

[0079] Referring to Figures 23 to 27, the electrical connector 2 is provided with multiple female terminals 12. Each of the multiple female terminals 12 is made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the electric wire 101 by crimping it onto the electric wire 101. The female terminals 12 that are crimped onto the electric wire 101 are inserted into and held in the housing 11. The female terminals 12 connected to the electric wire 101 are inserted into the housing 11 from the rear end of the housing 11 along the front-rear direction X1 (fitting direction X1). When the female terminals 12 are inserted into the housing 11, the female terminals 12 are inserted into the housing 11 with the waterproof seal 13 and the cap member 16 attached to the housing 11. That is, the female terminals 12 are inserted through the cap member 16 and the waterproof seal 13 and then inserted into the housing 11. Each of the multiple female terminals 12 has a terminal connection portion 20, a core wire crimping portion 24, and an insulation crimping portion 25, which are arranged in series along the mating direction X1 (front-rear direction X1) and provided as a single unit. The terminal connection portion 20 is provided as the portion to which the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 is mated and electrically connected. The core wire crimping portion 24 is provided as the portion to be crimped to the core wire 101a at the end of the electric wire 101. The insulation crimping portion 25 is provided as the portion to be crimped to the insulation 101b at the end of the electric wire 101.

[0080] Referring to Figures 23 to 27, the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is provided on the front end side of the female terminal 12, which extends along the mating direction X1 (front-rear direction X1). The terminal connection portion 20 has a main cylindrical portion 26 into which the male terminal 103 is inserted and mated, and a contact portion 27 provided inside the main cylindrical portion 26 that contacts the male terminal 103 inserted into the main cylindrical portion 26 to make an electrical connection. The main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d, and is configured to accommodate the mating of the male terminal 103. The rectangular cylindrical body portion 26 has an opening 26e at its front end, and when the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 is inserted into the body cylindrical portion 26 along the mating direction X1 and mated with the body cylindrical portion 26 through the opening 26e.

[0081] The top wall 26a of the main cylindrical portion 26 is provided as a wall that spreads along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X2 and extends long along the fitting direction X1. The bottom wall 26b of the main cylindrical portion 26 is provided as a wall that spreads along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X2 and extends long along the fitting direction X1, and is positioned opposite the top wall 26a in the height direction X2. Both the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b extend long along the fitting direction X1 and are provided so as to face each other in the height direction X2 and extend parallel to each other along the fitting direction X1. Note that in Figures 26 and 27, the female terminal 12 is shown in an inverted position, with the top wall 26a shown on the lower side and the bottom wall 26b shown on the upper side. The pair of side walls 26c and 26d are both provided as wall portions that spread along a plane inclined with respect to the height direction X2 and extend long along the fitting direction X1. Each of the pair of side walls 26c and 26d is connected to the ceiling wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b at both ends in the height direction X2.

[0082] Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the shape of the top wall 26a and the shape of the bottom wall 26b are different on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 in which the male terminal 103 and the main body cylindrical portion 26 are fitted together, resulting in the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 not exhibiting rotational symmetry. In other words, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the shape of the top wall 26a and the shape of the bottom wall 26b are different on the plane extending in the height direction X2 and the width direction X3, which are planes perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, resulting in the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 on the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 not exhibiting rotational symmetry with respect to the fitting direction X1 as the center of rotation.

[0083] More specifically, the main cylindrical portion 26 is configured such that the length of the ceiling wall 26a and the length of the bottom wall 26b are different in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, resulting in different shapes for the ceiling wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. As a result, the main cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the fitting direction X1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the ceiling wall 26a along the width direction X3 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 is provided to be longer than the length of the bottom wall 26b along the width direction X3 in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1. Furthermore, in the main body cylindrical portion 26 of this embodiment, the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b are parallel to each other, the length dimension in the width direction X3 of the top wall 26a is formed to be larger than the length dimension in the width direction X3 of the bottom wall 26b, and the pair of side walls 26c and 26d both extend along a surface inclined with respect to the height direction X2, and each of the pair of side walls 26c and 26d connects the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b at both ends in the height direction X2. For this reason, the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 has a trapezoidal shape on the surface perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 of the main body cylindrical portion 26. Because the main body cylindrical portion 26 has a trapezoidal shape on the surface perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, it is formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the fitting direction X1.

[0084] Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 is provided with a locking hole 29 that engages with a locking arm 32 provided on the housing 11 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 (see Figures 24 to 27). The locking hole 29 is formed in the bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26 as a hole that penetrates the bottom wall 26b along the height direction X2.

[0085] Referring to Figures 24 to 27, the contact portion 27 of the terminal connection portion 20 is provided inside the main body cylindrical portion 26 and is provided as a portion that contacts the male terminal 103 inserted into the main body cylindrical portion 26 to make an electrical connection. The contact portion 27 extends cantilevered from the bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26 and is provided so as to extend from the rear end side to the front end side of the female terminal 12 inside the main body cylindrical portion 26. The contact portion 27 that extends cantilevered inside the main body cylindrical portion 26 is provided so as to be elastically deformable and flexible. When the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 100 are connected, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 of the mating connector 100 is inserted into the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 from the opening 26e and fits into the main body cylindrical portion 26. Then, the pin-shaped contact portion 103a of the male terminal 103 that is fitted into the main body cylindrical portion 26 contacts the contact portion 27 inside the main body cylindrical portion 26. When the contact portion 27 and the pin-shaped contact portion 103a come into contact, the female terminal 12 and the male terminal 103 are electrically connected.

[0086] Furthermore, in the female terminal 12, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, and the retainer 14 is further pushed inward into the housing 11 so that it locks into the main locking position relative to the housing 11, a locking recess 30 is provided that locks with the retainer 14 (see Figures 24 to 27). The locking recess 30 is provided in the female terminal 12 in the portion that connects the main cylindrical portion 26 and the core wire crimping portion 24 of the terminal connection portion 20. The locking recess 30 is provided as a recess that is cut out so as to be recessed on the inside of the female terminal 12 in the portion that connects the main cylindrical portion 26 and the core wire crimping portion 24 of the female terminal 12.

[0087] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the electrical connector 2 with the female terminal 12 not inserted into the housing 11. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 2 with the female terminal not inserted into the housing 11, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the position corresponding to the position indicated by the arrow AA in Figure 28. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 2 with the female terminal 12 not inserted into the housing 11, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the position indicated by the arrow BB in Figure 28. Figure 31 is a perspective view of the housing 11. Figure 32 is a rear view of the housing 11. Note that Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position indicated by the arrow AA in Figure 28, and is shown in an inverted state compared to the position indicated by the arrow AA in Figure 28. Also, Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position indicated by the arrow BB in Figure 28, and is shown in an inverted state compared to the position indicated by the arrow BB in Figure 28.

[0088] Referring to Figures 23, 24, 28 to 32, the housing 11 is made of an insulating resin material and is configured to hold multiple female terminals 12 inserted from the rear end side. The housing 11 is configured to mate and connect with the mating housing 102 of the mating connector 100.

[0089] Referring to Figures 23, 24, 28 to 32, the housing 11 is provided with an outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the outer circumference of the mating housing 102, and an inner fitting portion 23 provided inside the outer fitting portion 22 that fits onto the inside of the mating housing 102. In this embodiment, the inner fitting portion 23 is composed of an element formed as part of the main body element of the housing 11 and a cap-shaped element that is fitted and assembled thereto from the front side in the front-rear direction X1. The inner fitting portion 23 is provided with a plurality of terminal holding holes 21 into which a plurality of female terminals 12 are inserted and which hold the inserted plurality of female terminals 12. Each of the plurality of terminal holding holes 21 is provided so as to extend through the housing 11 along the fitting direction X1 (front-rear direction X1), and extends through the inner fitting portion 23 in the housing 11 along the fitting direction X1.

[0090] Furthermore, referring to Figures 23, 24, 28 to 32, each of the terminal holding holes 21 has a terminal shape corresponding portion 36 on its inner wall that, when the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21, allows the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, and interferes with the main body cylindrical portion 26 to restrict the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation other than the specific orientation.

[0091] The terminal shape corresponding portion 36 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 in the middle portion in the fitting direction X1, and is provided as a portion formed in accordance with the difference in shape between the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26. In this embodiment, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 in the middle portion in the fitting direction X1, and the inner circumference shape on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 is formed to be trapezoidal. Furthermore, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21 in the middle portion in the fitting direction X1, and the inner circumference shape on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 is formed to be trapezoidal, corresponding to the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12. The terminal shape corresponding portion 36 allows the female terminal 12 to pass through the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 along the fitting direction X1 when it is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation and the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 corresponds to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36. However, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation other than the specific orientation and the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 does not correspond to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 interferes with the main body cylindrical portion 26 and restricts the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.

[0092] As described above, the electrical connector 2 is configured such that when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 is provided on the inner wall of the terminal holding hole 21, allowing the main body cylindrical portion 26 to pass through the terminal holding hole 21 without interference from the terminal shape corresponding portion 36. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position other than the specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 interferes with the main body cylindrical portion 26, restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.

[0093] Next, the insertion operation of the female terminal 12 in the electrical connector 2 will be described. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the electrical connector 2, the retainer 14, the waterproof seal 13, and the cap member 16 are first attached to the housing 11. The retainer 14 is locked to the housing 11 in a temporary locking position. The waterproof seal 13 is fitted into the seal mounting recess 34 of the housing 11 and attached to the housing 11. The cap member 16 is attached to the rear end of the housing 11 so as to cover the waterproof seal 13 attached to the housing 11.

[0094] With the retainer 14 locked in a temporary locking position to the housing 11, and the protective seal 13 and cap member 16 attached, the insertion operation of the female terminal 12 in the electrical connector 2 is performed. The female terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 101 is first inserted through the through hole 16a of the cap member 16 along the fitting direction X1. Then, the female terminal 12 that has been inserted through the through hole 16a is further inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13 along the fitting direction X1. At this time, the female terminal 12 is inserted from the main cylindrical part 26 to the insertion hole 13a. The main cylindrical part 26 is formed in a rectangular shape and has no parts that protrude outward from the outer circumference, so the female terminal 12 is smoothly inserted through the insertion hole 13a while elastically deforming the inner circumference of the insertion hole 13a.

[0095] The main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, which has been inserted through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13, is further inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11. The female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 in a specific orientation such that its rotational position around the mating direction X1 is in a specific position. The specific orientation is such that the main cylindrical portion 26 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 without interference between the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 of the terminal holding hole 21 and the main cylindrical portion 26. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 in a specific orientation, the female terminal 12 is in an orientation such that the trapezoidal outer shape of the main cylindrical portion 26 corresponds to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 in the mating direction X1 relative to the housing 11. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 passes through the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 in the terminal holding hole 21 along the fitting direction X1, then the retainer 14, which is temporarily locked in the housing 11, is inserted along the fitting direction X1, and further inserted into the front part of the terminal holding hole 21, until it is inserted all the way to the back of the terminal holding hole 21. Once the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is inserted all the way to the back of the front part of the terminal holding hole 21, the locking arm 32 of the housing 11 locks into the locking hole 29 of the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, and the female terminal 12 is held in the housing 11. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the terminal holding hole 21, the female terminal 12 passes through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13, and the electric wire 101 connected to the female terminal 12 is positioned so as to pass through the insertion hole 13a of the waterproof seal 13.

[0096] When the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is inserted to the back of the terminal holding hole 21 on the front side, the retainer 14, which is temporarily locked to the housing 11, is further pushed inward along the height direction X2. When the retainer 14 is further pushed inward along the height direction X2, the retainer 14 is locked to the housing 11 in the permanent locking position. When the retainer 14 is further pushed inward along the height direction X2 and is locked to the housing 11 in the permanent locking position, the locking projection 14b of the retainer 14 is locked to the locking recess 30 of the female terminal 12. As a result, the female terminal 12 is locked and held to the housing 11 by the locking arm 32 and also locked and held to the retainer 14 by the locking projection 14b. With the female terminal 12 held to the housing 11, the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 100.

[0097] Here, we will further explain the operation of the electrical connector 2, which prevents misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specified orientation. Figures 33 and 34 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrical connector 2, which prevents misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation. Figure 33 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the electrical connector 2, and Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 2. Figure 35 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 34. Note that Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to the position indicated by the CC line in Figure 28. Furthermore, Figure 35, which is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 34, shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line D in Figure 34.

[0098] Figure 33 shows the case where only one row of female terminals 12 aligned along the height direction X2 is inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11. That is, Figure 33 shows the case where only four female terminals 12 aligned along the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21. Figures 34 and 35 show the case where only two rows of female terminals 12 aligned along the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11. That is, Figures 34 and 35 show the case where only eight female terminals 12 aligned in two rows along the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21. Furthermore, Figures 33 to 35 show each female terminal 12 inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 to a position corresponding to the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 provided in the middle of the fitting direction X1 of the terminal retaining hole 21. Also, Figure 33 shows the case where four female terminals 12 aligned along the height direction X2 are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation. Figures 34 and 35 show cases where, of the female terminals 12 arranged in two rows in the height direction X2, four female terminals 12 in one row (the row located on the left side when viewed in the drawing) are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, while four female terminals 12 in the other row (the row located on the right side when viewed in the drawing) are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 of the housing 11 in the specific orientation. Figures 33 to 35 show cases where the four female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation are inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 in orientations rotated by different angles. Of the four female terminals 12 inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the first female terminal 12 from the top in the drawing is inserted into the terminal retaining hole 21 in orientation rotated 90° clockwise when viewed from the front side with respect to the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the female terminal 12 in the second row from the top is shown as being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position that is rotated 180° clockwise when viewed from the front side with respect to the mating direction X1, relative to a specific orientation.Furthermore, the third female terminal 12 from the top is shown as being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 260° clockwise around the mating direction X1 when viewed from the front, relative to a specific orientation. Furthermore, the fourth female terminal 12 from the top is shown as being inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 270° clockwise around the mating direction X1 when viewed from the front, relative to a specific orientation.

[0099] Referring to Figures 34 and 35, the female terminal 12, when inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an orientation in which the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 corresponds to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36. Therefore, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a specific orientation, the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 passes through the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 along the fitting direction X1, and the main body cylindrical portion 26 is allowed to pass through the terminal holding hole 21 without interfering with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, and the female terminal 12 is inserted all the way to the back of the terminal holding hole 21.

[0100] On the other hand, referring to Figures 33 to 35, when a female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 does not correspond to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36. Therefore, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 will come into contact with and interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36. In other words, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, and the main body cylindrical portion 26 attempts to pass through the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 along the fitting direction X1 in an orientation where the trapezoidal outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion 26 does not correspond to the trapezoidal inner circumference of the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, the main body cylindrical portion 26 and the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 interfere with each other, and the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 through the terminal holding hole 21 is restricted. As described above, if the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position different from the specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 interferes with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, restricting the insertion of the female terminal 12 into the terminal holding hole 21. This prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation. Referring to Figures 33 and 35, in the case of the first female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 90° from the specific orientation, the top wall 26a and bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, restricting the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 into the terminal holding hole 21. Also, in the case of the second female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 180° from the specific orientation, the top wall 26a, side wall 26c, and side wall 26d of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, restricting the passage of the main body cylindrical portion 26 into the terminal holding hole 21. Furthermore, in the case of the third female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 260° relative to a specific orientation, the top wall 26a and bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, thereby restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.Furthermore, in the case of the fourth female terminal 12 from the top, which is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position rotated 270° relative to a specific orientation, the top wall 26a and bottom wall 26b of the main body cylindrical portion 26 interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36, thereby restricting the main body cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21.

[0101] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d, and has a main cylindrical portion 26 into which the male terminal 103 is fitted, and a contact portion 27 provided inside the main cylindrical portion 26. The main cylindrical portion 26 is formed such that the outer shape in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 does not exhibit rotational symmetry due to the different shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. The terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11 into which the female terminal 12 is inserted is provided with a terminal shape corresponding portion 36 formed to correspond to the difference in shape of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b. When the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 in a position different from a specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 interferes with the main cylindrical portion 26, preventing the main cylindrical portion 26 from passing through the terminal holding hole 21. Therefore, when the female terminal 12 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 21 of the housing 11, if the main body cylindrical portion 26 is inserted in an incorrect orientation different from the specific orientation, the main body cylindrical portion 26 will interfere with the terminal shape corresponding portion 36 of the terminal holding hole 21, thereby preventing the insertion of the female terminal 12 into the terminal holding hole 21. This prevents misinsertion, where the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in an incorrect orientation. Furthermore, the main body cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12, which is formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry, is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a top wall 26a, a bottom wall 26b, and a pair of side walls 26c, 26d. Therefore, when forming the female terminal 12, the main body cylindrical portion 26 can be easily formed by bending the metal plate-shaped material that will be the material for the female terminal 12 into a rectangular tube shape that is easy to support stably. This makes the forming of the female terminal 12 easier. Furthermore, since the main cylindrical portion 26 of the terminal connection portion 20 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, in an electrical connector 2 equipped with a waterproof seal 13, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal 13 by the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13. In other words, the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the main cylindrical portion 26 does not have sharp corners like in the case of a triangular cross-section, nor does it have any protruding parts that protrude in one direction, so the main cylindrical portion 26 is configured so that there are no parts on its outer circumference that are likely to damage the waterproof seal 13.Therefore, when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13, it is possible to prevent damage to the waterproof seal 13 from occurring due to the main cylindrical portion 26 of the female terminal 12.

[0102] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent misinsertion in which the female terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 11 in the wrong position, and the female terminal 12 is easy to mold. Furthermore, when applied to an electrical connector 2 equipped with a waterproof seal 13, it is possible to suppress damage to the waterproof seal 13 when inserting the female terminal 12 into the waterproof seal 13.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26, by forming the length dimensions of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 to be different, the rectangular cylindrical body portion 26 can be easily formed into a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b different.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by forming the outer shape of the rectangular tubular main body portion 26 in a trapezoidal shape on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1, the rectangular tubular main body portion 26 can be easily formed in a shape that does not exhibit rotational symmetry by making the shapes of the top wall 26a and the bottom wall 26b different.

[0105] While embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are illustrative examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. It can be applied with various modifications as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the examples of the embodiments described above may be combined with well-known technology, conventional technology, or prior art, or parts of them may be replaced with well-known technology, etc. [Industrial applicability]

[0106] The present invention can be broadly applied to electrical connectors comprising a female terminal into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected, a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held, and a waterproof seal attached to the housing through which the female terminal inserted into the housing is inserted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1,2: Electrical connector, 11: Housing, 12: Female terminal, 13: Waterproof seal, 14: Retainer, 20: Terminal connection part, 21: Terminal holding hole, 26: Main body cylinder part, 26a: Top wall, 26b: Bottom wall, 26c,26d: Side walls, 27: Contact part, 28: Recessed shape part, 31,36: Terminal shape corresponding part, 100: Mating connector, 101: Electric wire, 102: Mating housing, 103: Male terminal, 103a: Pin-shaped contact part

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising: a female terminal into which a male terminal of the other side is mated and connected; a housing into which the female terminal is inserted and held; and a waterproof seal attached to the housing through which the female terminal inserted into the housing is inserted, The female terminal has a terminal connection portion into which the male terminal is mated and electrically connected. The terminal connection portion is formed in a rectangular tube shape having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls, and has a main body cylindrical portion into which the male terminal is fitted, and a contact portion provided inside the main body cylindrical portion that contacts the male terminal inserted into the main body cylindrical portion and is electrically connected. The main body cylindrical portion is formed such that the shape of the top wall and the shape of the bottom wall differ on a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction in which the male terminal and the main body cylindrical portion are fitted, so that the outer shape on the vertical plane does not exhibit rotational symmetry. The housing is provided with a terminal holding hole into which the female terminal is inserted and held. An electrical connector characterized in that the inner wall of the terminal holding hole is provided with a terminal shape corresponding portion formed to correspond to the difference in shape of the top wall and the bottom wall, and when the female terminal is inserted into the terminal holding hole in a position different from a specific position, the terminal shape corresponding portion interferes with the main body cylindrical portion and restricts the main body cylindrical portion from passing through the terminal holding hole.

2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, An electrical connector characterized in that the main body cylindrical portion is configured such that the length dimension of the ceiling wall and the length dimension of the bottom wall are different in the vertical plane, resulting in different shapes for the ceiling wall and the bottom wall.

3. An electrical connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, An electrical connector characterized in that the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion on the vertical surface is formed such that, at the corner where one of the pair of side walls and the bottom wall are connected, there is a recessed portion formed on the inside of the main body cylindrical portion in a stepped manner.

4. An electrical connector according to claim 2, An electrical connector characterized in that the outer shape of the main body cylindrical portion on the vertical surface is formed in a trapezoidal shape.

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