Female terminal, manufacturing method of female terminal, inspection method of female terminal, connector, electric wire with terminal, electric wire with connector, and wire harness

Abstract

To provide a female terminal, a method of manufacturing the female terminal, a method of inspecting the female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness that enable the quality of a welding state between side walls and an extension plate to be recognized from the exterior.SOLUTION: A female terminal 10 has a terminal main body 13 consisting of a base part 20 connected with an electric wire 3 and a spring member 30 attached to the base part 20. The base part 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal 5 can be inserted. The spring member 30 has an extension part (e.g., a collar plate 33) provided along the side walls 21 in a state fitted to the side walls 21. The side walls 21 and the extension plate (the collar plate 33) are welded to form a welding part Pw. A welding confirmation part 40 is provided at a predetermined distance D from the extension plate (the collar plate 33) toward a depth direction of the welding part Pw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a female terminal for an electric circuit through which a large current flows, a manufacturing method for a female terminal, a method for inspecting a female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrical devices have been configured to configure an electrical circuit by connecting an electric device and a power supply device via a wire harness. The wire harness and the electric device, as well as the wire harness and the power supply device, are connected to each other via connectors attached to each of them.

[0003] For example, the connector shown in Patent Document 1 has a female terminal accommodated in a connector housing. The female terminal has a terminal body formed of a base and a spring member, and a plate for the spring member is provided along a pair of side walls that form the base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-245701 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the electric circuits of the drive system of an automobile, a large current flows, so it is considered to weld the side wall and the base plate to ensure good conductivity. However, if the spring member is formed from a thick plate material to ensure even better conductivity, the welding heat is easily dissipated, which makes the penetration shallow and the welding may become unreliable. Therefore, a female terminal that shows the quality of the weld between the side wall and the base plate on the outside is required.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a female terminal in which the quality of the welding condition between a side wall and a supporting plate is visible on the outside, a manufacturing method for a female terminal, an inspection method for a female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In this invention, a terminal body is provided by a base portion connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base portion, the base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal can be inserted, the spring member has an installation plate installed along the side walls in a state where it is fitted into the side walls, a welded portion is formed by welding the side walls and the installation plate, and a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in the depth direction of the welded portion. The welding confirmation portion is a groove portion provided from the outer surface of the side wall to at least a heat-affected area of ​​the welded portion, and the side wall has a longitudinal plate provided along the longitudinal plate and the longitudinal plate is welded to the longitudinal plate to form the welded portion. The female terminal is characterized by the above. In the present invention, the heat-affected zone refers to a zone in which the base metal structure has been changed by the welding heat.

[0008] In the present invention, the depth direction refers to the direction in which the base material penetrates into the welded portion, and the predetermined distance refers to the depth direction distance that does not exceed the deepest point of the heat-affected zone (the portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) of the welded portion formed when the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is good.

[0009] The present invention also includes a connector having the aforementioned female terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, as well as an electric wire with a terminal having the aforementioned female terminal and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention includes an electric wire with a connector including the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with terminal, as well as a wire harness including at least one of the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and the above-mentioned electric wire with a connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for manufacturing a female terminal, characterized by comprising a welding step of welding the side wall and the base plate to form a weld, and a detection step of detecting that the heat-affected zone of the weld has reached the weld confirmation portion, as well as a method for inspecting a female terminal, characterized by judging the quality of the welding condition from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion.

[0012] According to the present invention, the quality of the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is visible to the outside. More specifically, in the female terminal etc. according to the present invention, a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position at a predetermined distance from the base plate in the depth direction of the weld portion. Therefore, when welding heat is applied at an appropriate position, angle and amount, a trace such as discoloration will appear on the weld confirmation portion. In other words, the quality of the weld between the side wall and the base plate will be visible to the outside.

[0013] Also, The welding confirmation portion is a groove portion provided from the outer surface of the side wall to at least a heat-affected area of ​​the welded portion, and the side wall has an extension plate provided along at least the tip end surface of the side wall, and the extension plate is welded to the tip end surface of the side wall to form the welded portion. do.

[0014] According to the above configuration, When the right amount of welding heat is applied at the right position and angle, traces such as discoloration will appear on the inner surface of the groove, which is the weld confirmation area. Therefore, by checking the traces that appear on the inner surface of the groove, it is possible to judge whether the welding condition between the side wall and the installation plate is good or not.

[0015] In addition, the traces can be confirmed from a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal, so that even when the male terminal is inserted inside the female terminal, it is easy to determine whether the welding condition between the side wall and the longitudinal plate is good or not.

[0016] The present invention also provides a terminal body including a base portion connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base portion, the base portion having a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal can be inserted, the spring member having an installation plate installed along the side walls in a state of being fitted to the side walls, a welded portion is formed by welding the side walls and the installation plate, and a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in a depth direction of the welded portion.The welding confirmation portion is a groove portion provided from a tip surface of the side wall to at least a heat-affected area of ​​the welded portion. This is a female terminal characterized by the above. The heat-affected zone in the present invention also refers to a zone in which the base metal structure has been changed by the welding heat.

[0017] In the present invention, the depth direction refers to the direction in which the base material penetrates into the welded portion, and the predetermined distance refers to the depth direction distance that does not exceed the deepest point of the heat-affected zone (the portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) of the welded portion formed when the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is good.

[0018] The present invention also includes a connector having the aforementioned female terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, as well as an electric wire with a terminal having the aforementioned female terminal and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention includes an electric wire with a connector including the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with terminal, as well as a wire harness including at least one of the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and the above-mentioned electric wire with a connector.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for manufacturing a female terminal, characterized by comprising a welding step of welding the side wall and the base plate to form a weld, and a detection step of detecting that the heat-affected zone of the weld has reached the weld confirmation portion, as well as a method for inspecting a female terminal, characterized by judging the quality of the welding condition from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion.

[0021] According to the present invention, the quality of the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is visible to the outside. More specifically, in the female terminal etc. according to the present invention, a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position at a predetermined distance from the base plate in the depth direction of the weld portion. Therefore, when welding heat is applied at an appropriate position, angle and amount, a trace such as discoloration will appear on the weld confirmation portion. In other words, the quality of the weld between the side wall and the base plate will be visible to the outside.

[0022] The welding confirmation portion further includes a groove portion extending from the tip surface of the side wall to at least the heat-affected zone of the weld, and the groove portion has a length extending along at least the outer surface of the side wall, the length being defined by a longitudinal axis of the weld.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the inner surface of the groove, which is the weld confirmation portion. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the inner surface of the groove, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall and the installation plate is good or bad.

[0024] In addition, the traces can be confirmed from a direction approximately parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal, so that when inserting the male terminal into the female terminal, the quality of the welding state between the side wall and the base plate can be judged at the same time as the insertion operation.

[0025] As a further aspect of the present invention, the groove may be formed so that the groove width gradually increases from the deepest side to the opening side of the groove. In the present invention, the groove width refers to the distance between a pair of opposing inner surfaces among the inner surfaces that form the groove portion.

[0026] According to this invention, since traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface of the inclined groove, it is easy to see the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace, and it is easy to judge the quality of the weld. In this respect, it is preferable that the inner surface on the weld side is inclined with respect to the depth direction of the weld. Furthermore, it is easy to discharge sand and dust that has entered the groove.

[0027] As a further aspect of the present invention, the welded portion may be formed continuously in a predetermined direction, and the groove may be provided at a position corresponding to at least a welding start point of the welded portion. In the present invention, "continuous" includes not only a solid line but also a dotted line.

[0028] This invention ensures the rigidity of the side wall compared to a case where a long groove is provided along the welded portion. Furthermore, the time required for cutting to provide the groove in the side wall is shortened, thereby improving productivity.

[0029] In addition, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point, where the penetration is most likely to be shallow, it can be assumed that the subsequent penetrations are good without needing to be checked. Therefore, by checking the trace corresponding to the welding start point, the quality of the entire weld can be quickly determined.

[0030] The present invention also provides a terminal body including a base portion connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base portion, the base portion having a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal can be inserted, the spring member having an installation plate installed along the side walls in a state of being fitted to the side walls, a welded portion is formed by welding the side walls and the installation plate, and a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in a depth direction of the welded portion. The welded portion is formed by welding the installation plate to the tip surface of the side wall, and the weld confirmation portion is an outer surface of the side wall that intersects with the depth direction of the welded portion. This is a female terminal characterized by the above.

[0031] In the present invention, the depth direction refers to the direction in which the base material penetrates into the welded portion, and the predetermined distance refers to the depth direction distance that does not exceed the deepest point of the heat-affected zone (the portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) of the welded portion formed when the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is good.

[0032] The present invention also includes a connector having the aforementioned female terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, as well as an electric wire with a terminal having the aforementioned female terminal and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention includes an electric wire with a connector including the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with terminal, as well as a wire harness including at least one of the above-mentioned electric wire with terminal and the above-mentioned electric wire with a connector.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for manufacturing a female terminal, characterized by comprising a welding step of welding the side wall and the base plate to form a weld, and a detection step of detecting that the heat-affected zone of the weld has reached the weld confirmation portion, as well as a method for inspecting a female terminal, characterized by judging the quality of the welding condition from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion.

[0035] According to the present invention, the quality of the welding state between the side wall and the base plate is visible to the outside. More specifically, in the female terminal etc. according to the present invention, a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position at a predetermined distance from the base plate in the depth direction of the weld portion. Therefore, when welding heat is applied at an appropriate position, angle and amount, a trace such as discoloration will appear on the weld confirmation portion. In other words, the quality of the weld between the side wall and the base plate will be visible to the outside.

[0036] The welding confirmation portion further includes an outer surface of the side wall that intersects with the depth direction of the weld and has an installation plate that is installed along at least the tip surface of the side wall, and the installation plate is welded to the tip surface of the side wall to form the weld.

[0037] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the outer surface of the side wall, which is the weld confirmation portion. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the outer surface of the side wall, it is possible to judge whether the welding condition between the side wall and the installation plate is good or not.

[0038] In addition, since traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface of the side wall, it is easy to see the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace, making it easy to judge the quality of the welding state. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a groove or the like on the side wall to function as a welding confirmation portion, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity due to providing a groove or the like on the side wall.

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, the welding confirmation portion may be a groove portion extending from a tip surface or an outer surface of the side wall to at least a heat-affected zone of the weld, and the welding confirmation portion may have an installation plate provided along at least an inner surface of the side wall, and the installation plate is welded to the inner surface of the side wall to form the weld. The heat-affected zone in the present invention also refers to a zone in which the base metal structure has been changed by the welding heat.

[0040] With this invention, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the inner surface of the groove, which is the weld confirmation portion. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the inner surface of the groove, it is possible to judge whether the welding condition between the side wall and the installation plate is good or bad.

[0041] In addition, when a groove is provided on the tip surface of the side wall, the trace can be confirmed from a direction approximately parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when inserting a male terminal into the inside of a female terminal, the quality of the welding condition between the side wall and the longitudinal plate can be judged at the same time as the insertion operation. On the other hand, when a groove is provided on the outer surface of the side wall, the trace can be confirmed from a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when the male terminal is inserted into the inside of the female terminal, the quality of the welding condition between the side wall and the longitudinal plate can be easily judged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] Front view of the female terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB and line CC in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a front view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a production process of a female terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a production process of a female terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a connector 1. In Fig. 1, a connector housing 4 that accommodates female terminals 10 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0044] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of female terminal 10. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of female terminal 10. Fig. 4 is a side view of female terminal 10, Fig. 5 is a front view of female terminal 10, and Fig. 6 is a plan view of female terminal 10. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB and line CC in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of female terminal 10, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of female terminal 10 with male terminal 5 inserted inside female terminal 10.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1, the connector 1 is attached to the tip portion of electric wires 3 that constitute a wire harness 2. The connector 1 has two female terminals 10 accommodated in parallel in a connector housing 4.

[0046] The wire harness 2 is formed by bundling a plurality of electric wires 3. The electric wires 3 each have a core wire 3a, which is an electric conductor, covered with an insulating coating 3b, and the core wire 3a exposed at the tip portion is connected to a base portion 20 of a female terminal 10.

[0047] The connector housing 4 has an electric wire insertion portion 41 through which the electric wire 3 is inserted, and a terminal accommodating portion 42 that accommodates the female terminal 10. The accommodating space 4S that accommodates the female terminal 10 has a substantially rectangular opening, and a protruding portion of the connector housing that accommodates the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10) is fitted into this opening. At that time, the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, and the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0048] 2 to 10, the female terminal 10 is composed of an electric wire connection portion 11 and a terminal connection portion 12. The electric wire connection portion 11 and the terminal connection portion 12 are provided in series on an extension line of the electric wire 3. In the present application, this direction will be described as a longitudinal direction L. Also, a direction parallel to the direction in which the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10) is inserted will be described as a height direction H, and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H will be described as a width direction W.

[0049] The electric wire connection portion 11 is provided with a connection plate 111 that is perpendicular to the width direction W. In addition, an upper end and a lower end of the connection plate 111 are bent to provide guide pieces 112. Each guide piece 112 has a role of suppressing the spread of the core wire 3a connected to the connection plate 111.

[0050] The terminal connection portion 12 is provided with a terminal body 13 that is electrically connected to a male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10). In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the terminal body 13 is composed of a base portion 20 that is integrally formed with the electric wire connection portion 11, and a spring member 30 that is attached to the base portion 20. The base portion 20 and the spring member 30 will be described in detail below.

[0051] The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted therein. More specifically, the base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval and perpendicular to the width direction W. The base portion 20 also has a bottom wall 22 connecting lower ends of the side walls 21. Therefore, the base portion 20 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

[0052] Moreover, one side wall 21 of the base portion 20 is formed by extending the connection plate 111 in the longitudinal direction L. The other side wall 21 is formed by folding back a plate material (the base material of the base portion 20) to the side where the guide piece 112 is formed. Therefore, the base portion 20 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the height direction H (see FIG. 6). In this way, the base portion 20 realizes a compact female terminal 10 by forming the other side wall 21 on the side where the guide piece 112 is formed.

[0053] Furthermore, the upper guide piece 112 of the base part 20 is formed by bending the upper end part of the connecting plate 111, and a notch 11a is provided so that the side wall 21 does not warp when the guide piece 112 is formed. Similarly, the lower guide piece 112 of the base part 20 is formed by bending the lower end part of the connecting plate 111, and a notch 11b is provided so that the side wall 21 does not warp when the guide piece 112 is formed. Note that a part of the spring member 30 is exposed at the notch 11b, and it is possible to remove the spring member 30 by pushing it out from the lower side (see FIG. 5).

[0054] In addition, the base portion 20 is formed by cutting out and bending a conductive plate material such as a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The surface of the base portion 20 is not plated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the surface may be plated with silver plating or tin plating to improve the conductivity. Alternatively, the surface may be partially plated. An example of a partially plated portion is one in which the electric wire connection portion 11 or one in which the terminal connection portion 12 is plated. Alternatively, only the electric wire connection portion 11 or only the terminal connection portion 12 is plated.

[0055] The spring member 30 has inner plates 31 that run along the inner surfaces 21a of the side walls 21 when fitted between the pair of side walls 21. The spring member 30 also has flange plates 33 that extend outward in the width direction W from upper ends of the inner plates 31 and run along the tip surfaces 21c of the side walls 21. The spring member 30 also has a bottom plate 34 that connects lower ends of the inner plates 31 and runs along the inner surface 22a of the bottom wall 22. Therefore, the spring member 30 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

[0056] Moreover, the inner plate 31 on one side of the spring member 30 extends in the longitudinal direction L along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and six arm springs 35 extend from this inner plate 31 toward the opposing side wall 21 (see FIG. 7). These arm springs 35 all have the same shape, and specifically, when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, they extend obliquely downward so as to approach the opposing side wall 21, and have a shape in which a part including the tip edge is folded back (see FIG. 8).

[0057] The arm spring 35 provided on one side of the inner plate 31 extends from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary portion with the inner plate 31 is the base point portion Pb of the arm spring 35 (see FIG. 8). In the present female terminal 10, the base point portion Pb is always in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, the base point portion Pb may be structured so that it comes into contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10 as the female terminal 10 is deformed.

[0058] Furthermore, the inner plate 31 on the other side of the spring member 30 also extends in the longitudinal direction L along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and six arm springs 35 extend from this inner plate 31 toward the opposing side wall 21 (see FIG. 7). These arm springs 35 all have the same shape, and specifically, when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, they extend obliquely downward so as to approach the opposing side wall 21, and have a shape in which a part including the tip edge is folded back (see FIG. 8).

[0059] The arm spring 35 provided on the other inner plate 31 also extends from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary portion with the inner plate 31 is the base point portion Pb of the arm spring 35 (see FIG. 8). In the present female terminal 10, the base point portion Pb is always in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, the base point portion Pb may be structured so that it comes into contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10 as the female terminal 10 is deformed.

[0060] In addition, the spring member 30 has the flange plate 33 in surface contact with the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L at the center of the width direction W of the surface contact area. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L on the flange plate 33 (see Figs. 6 to 10). The welded portion Pw refers to a solidified portion Pm where a part of the side wall 21 or the flange plate 33 melts and then cools and solidifies again, and a heat-affected region Ph (a portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) around the solidified portion Pm. The welded portion Pw is formed by a laser welding machine, but is not limited to this.

[0061] In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a groove 23 is provided at a position a predetermined distance D away from the flange plate 33 in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the height direction H and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw). The groove 23 is a concave groove provided from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 toward the inner side in the width direction W, and the groove depth exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With this configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed, and therefore, a trace of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23.

[0062] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the groove 23 extends from one edge to the other edge of the side wall 21 along the longitudinal direction L. The above-mentioned predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat-affected area Ph of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove 23 when the welded state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove 23. In this manner, a trace of the solidified portion Pm (a trace of the base material melting and cooling again and solidifying in addition to discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. In any case, the groove 23 functions as a weld confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge whether the welded state is good or not by visual inspection or observation via a sensor or the like.

[0063] In this regard, as shown in Fig. 11(a), a plating layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23. This can improve the visibility of discoloration and the like, which are traces of the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected zone Ph. The plating layer 24 may be formed not only on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23, but also on the entire base portion 20. This configuration also contributes to improving electrical conductivity.

[0064] 11(b), the groove width may be gradually increased from the deepest side to the opening side of the groove 23. Specifically, the inner surface 23s located on the welded portion Pw side may be inclined with respect to the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the height direction H and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw), thereby gradually increasing the groove width from the deepest side to the opening side. In this way, it is possible to improve the visibility of discoloration, which is a trace of the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected zone Ph.

[0065] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 has an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. In addition, the flange plate 33 has an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h formed therein, which overlaps with the groove portion 23 described below.

[0066] The spring member 30 is in a state where the outer plate 32 is in surface contact with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L on an upper portion in the height direction H of this surface contact area. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L on the outer plate 32. As described above, the welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected region Ph formed around it.

[0067] In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a groove 23 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the outer plate 32 in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the width direction W and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw). The groove 23 is a concave groove provided downward in the height direction H from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the depth of the groove exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With this configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed, and therefore, a trace of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23.

[0068] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the groove 23 extends from edge to edge of the side wall 21 along the longitudinal direction L. The above-mentioned predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat-affected zone Ph of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23 when the welded state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23. In this manner, a trace of the solidified portion Pm (a trace of the base material melting and cooling again and solidifying in addition to discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. As described above, the plating layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deepest side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove 23 functions as a welding confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual inspection or observation through a sensor or the like.

[0069] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, but may have an outer plate 32. In addition, the flange plate 33 is formed with an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h that overlaps with the groove portion 23 described later.

[0070] The spring member 30 is in a state where the inner plate 31 is in surface contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 above the base point Pb of the arm spring 35. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the upper part in the height direction H of this surface contact area. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L on the inner plate 31. As described above, the welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected region Ph formed around it.

[0071] In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a groove 23 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the inner plate 31 in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the width direction W and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw). The groove 23 is a concave groove provided downward in the height direction H from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the depth of the groove exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With this configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed, and therefore, a trace of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23.

[0072] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the groove 23 extends from edge to edge of the side wall 21 along the longitudinal direction L. The above-mentioned predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat-affected zone Ph of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23 when the welded state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23. In this manner, a trace of the solidified portion Pm (a trace of the base material melting and cooling again and solidifying in addition to discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. As described above, the plating layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove 23 functions as a welding confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual inspection or observation through a sensor or the like.

[0073] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, but may have an outer plate 32. When the outer plate 32 is provided, an opening (so-called confirmation window) that overlaps with a groove portion 23 described later is formed in the outer plate 32.

[0074] The spring member 30 is in a state where the inner plate 31 is in surface contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 above the base point Pb of the arm spring 35. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the upper part in the height direction H of this surface contact area. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L on the inner plate 31. As described above, the welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected region Ph formed around it.

[0075] In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a groove 23 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the inner plate 31 in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the width direction W and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw). The groove 23 is a concave groove provided from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 toward the inner side in the width direction W, and the groove depth exceeds at least the deepest point E of the welded portion Pw (the deepest point when the groove 23 is not provided). With this configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph reaches the groove 23 with the formation of the welded portion Pw, and therefore, a trace of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23.

[0076] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the groove 23 extends from edge to edge of the side wall 21 along the longitudinal direction L. The above-mentioned predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat-affected zone Ph of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23 when the welded state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the weld Pw reaches the groove 23. In this manner, a trace of the solidified portion Pm (a trace of the base material melting and cooling again and solidifying in addition to discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. As described above, the plating layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove 23 functions as a welding confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual inspection or observation through a sensor or the like.

[0077] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, but may have an outer plate 32. When the outer plate 32 is provided, an opening (so-called confirmation window) that overlaps with a groove portion 23 described later is formed in the outer plate 32.

[0078] The spring member 30 is in a state where the inner plate 31 is in surface contact with the tip end surface 21c of the side wall 21. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the area of ​​this surface contact. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L on the inner plate 31. As described above, the welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected region Ph formed around it.

[0079] In this regard, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the center line C of the welded portion Pw is inclined, and the welded portion Pw is formed at an angle toward the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. The heat-affected area Ph of the welded portion Pw intersects with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. With this configuration, since the heat-affected area Ph intersects with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, a trace of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on this outer surface 21b. Therefore, the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 functions as a weld confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge whether the welding state is good or bad by visual inspection or observation via a sensor or the like.

[0080] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 has an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. In addition, the flange plate 33 has an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h formed therein, which overlaps with the groove portion 23 described later.

[0081] The spring member 30 is in a state where the outer plate 32 is in surface contact with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. Then, welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the area of ​​this surface contact. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L in the outer plate 32. As described above, the welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat-affected region Ph formed around it.

[0082] In this regard, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the center line C of the welded portion Pw is inclined, and the welded portion Pw is formed obliquely toward the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21. The heat-affected area Ph of the welded portion Pw intersects with the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21. With this configuration, since the heat-affected area Ph intersects with the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, a trace of proper welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appears on the tip surface 21c. Therefore, the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 functions as a welding confirmation portion 40, and it is possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual inspection or observation via a sensor or the like.

[0083] As described above, the female terminal 10 according to each embodiment includes the base portion 20 connected to the electric wire 3 and the spring member 30 attached to the base portion 20, and the terminal body 13 is provided with the base portion 20. The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted, and the spring member 30 has an installation plate (e.g., flange plate 33) installed along the side wall 21 in a state where it is fitted into the side wall 21, and the welded portion Pw is formed by welding the side wall 21 and the installation plate (flange plate 33). The welded portion Pw is characterized in that a weld confirmation portion 40 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the installation plate (flange plate 33) in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw.

[0084] According to such a female terminal 10, the quality of the welding state between the side wall 21 and the adjacent plate (for example, the flange plate 33) is visible to the outside. More specifically, in the female terminal 10 according to the present invention, the weld confirmation portion 40 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the longitudinal plate (flange plate 33) in the depth direction of the welded portion Pw. Therefore, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration will appear on the weld confirmation portion 40. In other words, the quality of the welded state between the side wall 21 and the longitudinal plate (flange plate 33) will be apparent to the outside.

[0085] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 of the first embodiment has a flange plate 33 arranged along at least the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to form a welded portion Pw, and the weld confirmation portion 40 is a groove portion 23 provided from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 to at least the heat-affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw.

[0086] With such a female terminal 10, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, which is the welding confirmation portion 40. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good or bad.

[0087] In addition, the trace can be confirmed from a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, it is possible to easily determine whether the welding condition between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good or bad.

[0088] In addition, the female terminal 10 of the second embodiment has an outer plate 32 arranged along at least the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the outer plate 32 is welded to the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 to form a welded portion Pw, and the weld confirmation portion 40 is a groove portion 23 provided from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to at least the heat-affected zone Ph of the welded portion Pw.

[0089] With such a female terminal 10, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, which is the weld confirmation portion 40. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, it is possible to judge whether the weld state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is good or bad.

[0090] In addition, the traces can be confirmed from a direction approximately parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. Therefore, when inserting the male terminal 5 into the inside of the female terminal 10, the quality of the welding state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 can be judged at the same time as the insertion operation.

[0091] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 in the third and fourth embodiments has an inner plate 31 arranged along at least the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, and the inner plate 31 is welded to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 to form a welded portion Pw, and the weld confirmation portion 40 is a groove portion 23 provided from the tip surface 21c or the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 to at least the heat-affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw.

[0092] With such a female terminal 10, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, which is the welding confirmation portion 40. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good or bad.

[0093] In addition, when the groove 23 is provided on the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. Therefore, even when inserting the male terminal 5 into the inside of the female terminal 10, the quality of the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 can be judged simultaneously with the insertion operation. On the other hand, when the groove 23 is provided on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the inside of the female terminal 10, the quality of the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 can be easily judged.

[0094] In the female terminal 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the groove 23 may be formed so that the groove width gradually increases from the deepest side to the opening side of the groove 23. The groove width is the distance between a pair of inner surfaces 23s that face each other among the inner surfaces 23s that form the groove 23.

[0095] According to such a female terminal 10, since traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface 23s of the inclined groove 23, it is easy to see the size of the trace as well as the shape of the trace, and it is easy to judge the quality of the welding state. In this regard, it is preferable that the inner surface 23s on the side of the welded portion Pw is inclined with respect to the depth direction of the welded portion Pw. Furthermore, sand and dust that have entered the groove 23 are easily discharged.

[0096] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 of the fifth embodiment has a flange plate 33 arranged along at least the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to form a welded portion Pw, and the weld confirmation portion 40 is the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 that intersects with the depth direction of the welded portion Pw.

[0097] With such a female terminal 10, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position and angle, a trace such as discoloration appears on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, which is the weld confirmation portion 40. Therefore, by checking the trace that appears on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good or bad.

[0098] In addition, since traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, it is easy to see the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace, making it easy to judge the quality of the welding state. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a groove or the like that functions as the welding confirmation portion 40 in the side wall 21, a decrease in productivity due to the provision of a groove or the like in the side wall 21 can be prevented.

[0099] In the configuration of the present invention and the above-mentioned embodiment, the connector of the present invention corresponds to the connector 1, Similarly, The wire harness corresponds to Wire Harness 2. The wire corresponds to wire 3, The connector housing is compatible with connector housing 4. The male terminal corresponds to the male terminal 5, The female terminal corresponds to the female terminal 10, The terminal body corresponds to terminal body 13, The base portion corresponds to the base portion 20, The side wall corresponds to the side wall 21; The inner surface corresponds to the inner surface 21a. The outer surface corresponds to the outer surface 21b. The tip surface corresponds to tip surface 21c, The spring member corresponds to the spring member 30; The side plates correspond to the inner plate 31, the outer plate 32, and the flange plate 33. The arm spring is compatible with the arm spring 35. The welding confirmation section corresponds to the welding confirmation section 40; The weld corresponds to the weld Pw, The heat-affected area corresponds to the heat-affected area Ph, The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0100] For example, in the female terminal 10 in which the groove portion 23 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, the groove portion 23 is formed over the entire longitudinal direction L of the side wall 21. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the groove portion 23 is formed over the entire longitudinal direction L on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21.

[0101] However, the groove portion 23 may be formed only in a part of the side wall 21. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, the groove portion 23 may be formed only in a part of the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. In such a configuration, the groove portion 23 is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the welding start point Po of the welded portion Pw.

[0102] This is because the welding start point Po, which was at room temperature, is heated by the welding heat, and it takes time for it to reach an appropriate temperature, so if the welding progresses before that time, the penetration will be shallow. Therefore, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po, it can be assumed that the penetration depth is good without checking thereafter. Therefore, it is sufficient that the groove portion 23 is formed only at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po.

[0103] As described above, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the welded portion Pw is continuously formed in the longitudinal direction L, and the groove portion 23 is provided at a position corresponding to at least the welding start point Po of the welded portion Pw. "Continuously" includes not only a solid line shape but also a dotted line shape.

[0104] Such a female terminal 10 can ensure the rigidity of the side wall 21, compared to a terminal in which the groove 23 is provided long along the welded portion Pw. Furthermore, the time required for cutting to provide the groove 23 in the side wall 21 is shortened, thereby improving productivity.

[0105] In addition, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po, where the penetration is most likely to be shallow, it can be assumed that the subsequent penetrations are good without needing to be checked. Therefore, by checking the trace corresponding to the welding start point Po, the quality of the entire weld Pw can be quickly determined.

[0106] 18, the production process of the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a welding step S2 and a detection step S3 after an assembly step S1. The assembly step S1 is a step of attaching the spring member 30 to the base portion 20, the welding step S2 is a step of welding the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 to a longitudinal plate (e.g., the flange plate 33) of the spring member 30 to form a welded portion Pw, and the detection step S3 is a step of detecting that the heat-affected zone Ph of the welded portion Pw has reached the weld confirmation portion 40.

[0107] In such a production process, if the detection step S3 is realized using a detection means such as a temperature sensor St, it becomes possible to perform the welding step S2 and the detection step S3 in parallel. That is, it becomes possible to perform welding and judge the quality of the welded state simultaneously in parallel. In other words, the quality of the welded state is judged while welding is being performed, and welding is performed while judging the quality of the welded state. If it can be detected that the heat-affected zone Ph of the weld Pw has reached the welding confirmation section 40, this indicates that the welded state is good.

[0108] Incidentally, as shown in Fig. 19, the production process of the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments may have an inspection process S4 instead of the detection process S3. The inspection process S4 is a process for determining whether the welding state is good or bad from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion 40. Such an inspection process S4 can be applied not only to the production process, but also to inspection for each production lot, inspection before shipment, and inspection after market distribution. Therefore, it can be said to be an inspection method for the female terminal 10 independent of the above-mentioned welding process S2 and detection process S3.

[0109] Such an inspection step S4 can be realized by visual inspection or by using imaging means such as a camera (image sensor Si). For example, by imaging the weld confirmation part 40, traces such as discoloration that appear on the weld confirmation part 40 can be confirmed. If the size of the trace that appears on the weld confirmation part 40 as well as the shape of the trace are appropriate, this indicates that the welding condition is good. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1…Connector 2. Wire harness 3...Electric wire 4…Connector housing 5...Male terminal 10...Female terminal 13...Terminal body 20…Base 21…Side wall 21a…Inner surface 21b...outer surface 21c...Tip surface 30...Spring member 31…Inner plate 32…Outer panel 33…Tsubara plate 35…Arm spring 40…Welding confirmation section Pw: Welded part Ph…Heat affected area

Claims

1. A base portion to be connected to the electric wire; A terminal body is provided by the spring member attached to the base portion, The base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal can be inserted, The spring member has an installation plate that is fitted to the side wall and installed along the side wall, A welded portion is formed by welding the side wall and the side plate, a welding confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in a depth direction of the weld portion, The side wall has a tip end surface provided with the side plate, The side wall has a tip end surface to which the longitudinal plate is welded, thereby forming the welded portion. The weld confirmation portion is a groove portion provided from the outer surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected area of ​​the weld. Female terminal.

2. A base portion to be connected to an electric wire; A terminal body is provided by the spring member attached to the base portion, The base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal can be inserted, The spring member has an installation plate that is fitted to the side wall and installed along the side wall, A welded portion is formed by welding the side wall and the side plate, a welding confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in a depth direction of the weld portion, The side wall has an outer surface provided with the above-mentioned installation plate, The welded portion is formed by welding the installation plate to an outer surface of the side wall, The weld confirmation portion is a groove portion provided from the tip surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected area of ​​the weld. Female terminal.

3. The groove width is gradually increased from the deepest side to the opening side of the groove. The female terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The welded portion is formed continuously in a predetermined direction, The groove is provided at a position corresponding to at least a welding start point of the weld. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A base portion to be connected to an electric wire; A terminal body is provided by the spring member attached to the base portion, The base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal can be inserted, The spring member has an installation plate that is fitted to the side wall and installed along the side wall, A welded portion is formed by welding the side wall and the side plate, a welding confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the installation plate in a depth direction of the weld portion, The side wall has a tip end surface provided with the side plate, The side wall has a tip end surface to which the longitudinal plate is welded, thereby forming the welded portion. The weld confirmation portion is an outer surface of the side wall that intersects with the depth direction of the weld. Female terminal.

6. A method for manufacturing a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a welding process for welding the side wall and the longitudinal plate to form the welded portion; A detection step of detecting that a heat-affected zone of the weld has reached the weld confirmation portion. A method for manufacturing female terminals.

7. A method for inspecting a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: The quality of the weld is judged based on the surface quality of the weld confirmation part. Inspection method for female terminals.

8. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a connector housing for accommodating the female terminal. connector.

9. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The electric wire is connected to the base portion of the female terminal. Wire with terminal.

10. The electric wire with terminal according to claim 9 , and a connector housing for accommodating the electric wire with terminal. Wire with connector.

11. The wire with terminal according to claim 9 or the wire with connector according to claim 10 is included. Wire harness.

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