Female terminals, connectors, wires with terminals, wires with connectors, and wire harnesses

Abstract

To provide a female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness capable of conducting electricity with stability by closely adhering an arm spring to a male terminal.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 plate (inner plate 31) at least along an inner lateral face 21a of the side wall 21; and an arm spring 35 extending from the extension plate (the inner plate 31) toward the opposed side wall 21. A contact part 36 that allows a base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 to abut on the side walls 21 is provided.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 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 form electrical circuits by connecting electrically driven devices and power supply devices via wire harnesses. The wire harness and the electrically driven device, and 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 disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a female terminal accommodated in a connector housing. When the connector housings are mated, a male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, and they are electrically connected. Therefore, it is important that the arm spring of the female terminal presses against the male terminal to ensure reliable contact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-245701 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In electrical circuits such as those in automotive drivetrains, where large currents flow, it is necessary to form the female terminal from a thick plate material. However, if the female terminal is formed from a thick plate material, the elasticity of the arm spring is reduced, which reduces the pressing force and may result in insecure contact with the male terminal. In other words, there is a risk of insecure conductivity.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness that can achieve stable electrical conduction by closely contacting an arm spring with a male terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In this invention, a terminal body is provided by a base part connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base part, and the base part has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal can be inserted, a width direction in which the pair of side walls are spaced apart, a height direction in which the male terminal is inserted between the pair of side walls, and a longitudinal direction in which the direction perpendicular to the width direction and the height direction is defined; The spring member includes a longitudinal plate provided along at least the inner surface of the side wall. a flange plate connected to the end of the side plate and abutting on the tip end surface of the side wall in the height direction; The base end of the arm spring, which is the lower end of the longitudinal plate, is provided with an abutment portion that abuts the side wall against the base end of the arm spring. The abutment portion is provided on at least one of the longitudinal plate and the side wall, and is a convex portion that protrudes to the other side. The side wall and the longitudinal plate are located at positions different from the abutting portion, and the tip end surface of the side wall and the flange plate are welded along the longitudinal direction. This is a female terminal characterized by the above features. In one aspect of the present invention, the abutment portion is The aforementioned Circular when viewed from the width direction and , along the height direction The cross section may be a convex portion having an arc-shaped cross section.

[0008] The present invention also includes a connector having the aforementioned female terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, as well as a terminal-attached electric wire having the aforementioned female terminal and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention includes an electric wire with a connector that includes the above-mentioned electric wire with a terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the above-mentioned electric wire with a terminal, and a wire harness that includes at least one of the above-mentioned electric wire with a terminal and the above-mentioned electric wire with a connector.

[0010] The convex portion in the present invention refers to a part of the installation plate that protrudes locally, but is not limited to a cross-sectional shape that is arc-shaped.

[0011] In the present invention, the position different from the contact portion refers to a position that is so far away that the heat-affected zone (a portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) formed around the weld does not overlap with the contact portion. In addition, it is preferable that welding is performed on a surface (the outer surface or tip surface of the side wall) different from the inner surface of the side wall that is the contact target of the contact portion.

[0012] According to this invention, the arm spring can be brought into close contact with the male terminal, thereby ensuring stable conduction. Specifically, in the female terminals according to the present invention, the side wall and the base end of the arm spring are in contact with each other at the contact portion. Therefore, when a male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, a pressing force acts on the side wall via the contact portion, and a reaction force acts on the arm spring via the contact portion. This allows the arm spring to be tightly attached to the male terminal, ensuring stable electrical conduction.

[0013] In addition, because the base end of the arm spring is securely in contact with the side wall of the base, current flows through the shortest possible path. That is, when current flows from the male terminal to the female terminal, the current flows from the tip of the arm spring abutting the male terminal to the side wall abutting the base end of the arm spring. Conversely, when current flows from the female terminal to the male terminal, the current flows from the base end of the arm spring abutting the side wall to the male terminal abutting the tip of the arm spring. Therefore, electrical resistance in these terminals can be kept low.

[0014] Furthermore, since the abutment portion is a convex portion that protrudes toward the side wall provided on the base plate, the abutment portion provided on the base plate abuts against the side wall. Therefore, when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall via the abutment portion, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring via the abutment portion. Therefore, the arm spring is tightly attached to the male terminal, allowing for more stable conduction.

[0015] In addition, if an abutment portion is provided at the base end of the arm spring, rigidity can be ensured at this portion. Therefore, even when a male terminal is inserted into a female terminal, the bent shape of the base end of the arm spring is maintained, thereby preventing the arm spring from collapsing (deformation in which the arm spring bent up from the support plate collapses). As a result, the arm spring is curved from the base end to the tip end, and this tip end can press against the male terminal. This allows the arm spring to be in close contact with the male terminal, ensuring more stable electrical conduction.

[0016] Furthermore, since the abutment portion is a convex portion provided on the side wall that protrudes toward the longitudinal plate, the abutment portion provided on the side wall abuts against the longitudinal plate. Therefore, when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall via the abutment portion, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring via the abutment portion. Therefore, the arm spring is tightly attached to the male terminal, allowing for more stable conduction.

[0017] In addition, if the abutment portion is provided so as to abut slightly toward the tip end of the arm spring rather than the base end, the arm spring can be supported from the back side even when a pressing force acts on the arm spring. Therefore, even when a male terminal is inserted into a female terminal, the bent shape of the arm spring at the base end can be maintained, thereby preventing the arm spring from collapsing (deformation in which the arm spring bends up from the support plate and falls flat). This causes the arm spring to bend from the base end to the tip end, allowing it to press against the male terminal at this tip end. This allows the arm spring to be in close contact with the male terminal, ensuring more stable electrical conduction.

[0018] Furthermore, because the side wall and the longitudinal plate are welded at a position different from the abutment portion, a decrease in the rigidity of the abutment portion due to welding heat can be prevented. Therefore, even when a male terminal is inserted into a female terminal, the bent shape of the base end of the arm spring is maintained, thereby preventing the arm spring from collapsing (deformation in which the arm spring bends up from the longitudinal plate and falls flat). Therefore, the arm spring is curved from the base end to the tip end, and this tip end can press against the male terminal. Therefore, the arm spring is in close contact with the male terminal, ensuring more stable electrical conduction.

[0019] In addition, because the side wall and the base plate are integrated at the weld, a path for current flow can be ensured even in cases where current does not easily flow through the abutment portion. That is, when current flows from the male terminal to the female terminal, the current flows from the tip of the arm spring abutting the male terminal, through the base of the arm spring, and through the weld to the side wall. Conversely, when current flows from the female terminal to the male terminal, the current flows from the side wall, through the weld, and through the base of the arm spring to the male terminal abutting the tip of the arm spring. This ensures current flow. This structure is particularly suitable for electrical circuits that carry large currents.

[0020] As another aspect of the present invention, the abutting portion may be formed of a separate member sandwiched between the side wall and the longitudinal plate. The separate member in the present invention refers to a component that constitutes the terminal body in addition to the base portion and the spring member. The separate member is preferably a conductor, but is not limited to this.

[0021] With this invention, the separate member abuts against the side wall and also against the longitudinal plate. Therefore, when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall via the separate member, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring via the separate member. This allows the arm spring to be tightly attached to the male terminal, ensuring more stable conduction.

[0022] In addition, if a separate member is provided so as to abut the arm spring slightly toward the tip end rather than the base end, the arm spring can be supported from the back side even when a pressing force acts on the arm spring. Therefore, even when a male terminal is inserted into a female terminal, the bent shape of the arm spring at the base end can be maintained, thereby preventing the arm spring from collapsing (deformation in which the arm spring bends up from the support plate and collapses). This causes the arm spring to bend from the base end to the tip end, allowing this tip end to press against the male terminal. This allows the arm spring to be in close contact with the male terminal, ensuring more stable electrical conduction.

[0023] As another aspect of the present invention, a recessed portion into which the abutting portion fits may be provided at a position facing the abutting portion. In the present invention, the position facing the abutment portion refers to a facing position on the side wall when the abutment portion is provided on the longitudinal plate, or to a facing position on the longitudinal plate when the abutment portion is provided on the side wall. Furthermore, in the case where a separate member is provided, it refers to a facing position on at least one of the longitudinal plate and the side wall. Furthermore, in the present invention, the concave portion refers to a locally depressed portion. However, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to an arc shape.

[0024] According to this invention, when the contact portion is a convex portion, the convex portion and the concave portion fit together, ensuring a wide contact area. Therefore, the electrical resistance of these terminals can be reliably kept low. Even when the contact portion is made of a separate member, the separate member and the concave portion fit together, ensuring a wide contact area. Therefore, provided that the separate member is a conductor, the electrical resistance of these terminals can be reliably kept low.

[0025] In addition, in the production process of such female terminals, when a worker fits a spring member between a pair of side walls, the fit of the convex portion and the concave portion, or the separate member and the concave portion, gives the worker a moderate sense of click. This allows the worker to recognize that the spring member is properly fitted. This reduces so-called misassembly and improves productivity. Furthermore, because the fit of the convex portion and the concave portion, or the separate member and the concave portion, prevents the spring member from shifting or coming off. This eliminates the need to refit a spring member that has shifted or come off, thereby improving productivity.

[0026] As another aspect of the present invention, the spring member may have a pair of the longitudinal plates, and the pair of the longitudinal plates may be press-fitted between the pair of the side walls to form the abutting portion. In the present invention, the abutment portion refers to the portion where the side wall and the longitudinal plate are in contact with each other. That is, it is not limited to the abutment portion (such as the convex portion) described above, but broadly refers to the portion where the inner surface of the side wall and the outer surface of the longitudinal plate are in contact with each other.

[0027] This invention can reduce the rattle of the spring member and prevent unstable contact. It also ensures a wide contact area regardless of the shape of the contact portion. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably keep the electrical resistance of these terminals low. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] Side view of a female terminal. [Figure 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 the arrows BB and CC in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. [Figure 10] Assembly instructions for female terminals. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory views illustrating the assembly of a female terminal according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will 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 shown by a broken line.

[0030] 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 the line AA in Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB and CC in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of female terminal 10 with male terminal 5 inserted inside, and Fig. 10 is an assembly explanatory diagram of female terminal 10.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, a connector 1 is attached to the tip portion of electric wires 3 that make up a wire harness 2. The connector 1 has two female terminals 10 accommodated in a connector housing 4 in parallel.

[0032] The wire harness 2 is formed by bundling a plurality of electric wires 3. The electric wires 3 have core wires 3a, which are conductors, covered with insulating coatings 3b, and the core wires 3a exposed at their tips are connected to the base 20 of the female terminal 10.

[0033] 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. 9) is fitted into this opening. At this time, the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, and the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, 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 arranged 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. Furthermore, a direction parallel to the direction in which the male terminal 5 (see Figure 9) 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.

[0035] The electric wire connection portion 11 is provided with a connection plate 111 that is perpendicular to the width direction W. The upper and lower ends of the connection plate 111 are bent to provide guide pieces 112. Each guide piece 112 serves to prevent the core wire 3a connected to the connection plate 111 from spreading out.

[0036] The terminal connection portion 12 is provided with a terminal body 13 that is electrically connected to the male terminal 5. 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.

[0037] The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart so that the male terminals 5 can be inserted therein. More specifically, the base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart, each of which is perpendicular to the width direction W. The base portion 20 also has a bottom wall 22 connecting the lower ends of the side walls 21. Therefore, the base portion 20 is substantially U-shaped when viewed in the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

[0038] Moreover, one side wall 21 of the base portion 20 is formed by extending the connecting 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) on 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, by forming the other side wall 21 of the base portion 20 on the side where the guide piece 112 is formed, the female terminal 10 can be made compact.

[0039] 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 to prevent the side wall 21 from being distorted when forming the guide piece 112. 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 to prevent the side wall 21 from being distorted when forming the guide piece 112. Note that a part of the spring member 30 is exposed at the notch 11b, and the spring member 30 can be removed by pushing it out from the lower side (see FIG. 5).

[0040] 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 this is not a limitation. Therefore, the surface may be plated with silver plating, tin plating, or the like to improve conductivity. Alternatively, the base portion 20 may be partially plated. An example of a partially plated portion is one in which the wire connection portion 11 or the terminal connection portion 12 is plated. Alternatively, only the wire connection portion 11 or only the terminal connection portion 12 may be plated.

[0041] The spring member 30 has an inner plate 31 that fits along the inner surfaces 21a of the side walls 21 when fitted between the pair of side walls 21. It also has an outer plate 32 that fits along the outer surfaces 21b of the side walls 21. It also has a flange plate 33 that connects upper ends of the inner plate 31 and the outer plate 32. It also has a bottom plate 34 that connects lower ends of the inner plates 31. Therefore, the spring member 30 is substantially M-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

[0042] Furthermore, one inner plate 31 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 more specifically, they extend diagonally downward so as to approach the opposing side wall 21 when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, and have a shape in which a portion including the tip edge is folded back (see FIG. 8). Note that a base end portion 35P of each arm spring 35 is provided at the lower end of the inner plate 31 extending along the opening edge of the side wall 21 (see FIG. 9).

[0043] 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 diagonally downward so as to approach the opposing side wall 21, and have a shape in which a portion including their tip edge is folded back (see FIG. 8). Note that the base end portions 35P of the arm springs 35 are provided at the lower end of the inner plate 31 extending along the opening edge of the side wall 21 (see FIG. 9).

[0044] In addition, the spring member 30 has an abutment portion 36 on the inner plate 31 that protrudes toward the side wall 21. More specifically, the abutment portion 36 protrudes toward the side wall 21 (outward in the width direction) at a base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 on the inner plate 31. The abutment portion 36 is a convex portion (abutment portion 36) that is circular when viewed from the width direction W and has an arc-shaped cross section, and its apex abuts against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. Therefore, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, a pressing force acts on the side wall 21 via the abutment portion 36, and a reaction force acts on the arm spring 35 via the abutment portion 36.

[0045] Furthermore, since the abutment portion 36 is provided on the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35, rigidity at the base end portion 35P can be ensured. More specifically, since the abutment portion 36 is provided on the bending line of the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35, rigidity at the bending line can be ensured. In this way, the bent shape at the base end portion 35P can be maintained, and thus collapse of the arm spring 35 (deformation in which the arm spring 35 bent up from the inner plate 31 falls flat) can be suppressed. As a result, the arm spring 35 is curved from the base end portion 35P to the tip end portion 35T (see the two-dot chain line D in FIG. 9), and the tip end portion 35T can press the male terminal 5 (see the arrow F in FIG. 9).

[0046] Furthermore, since the contact portion 36 is formed by extruding a plate material at the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35, it is naturally conductive. Therefore, the contact portion 36 functions to electrically connect the arm spring 35 and the side wall 21. When a current flows from the male terminal 5 to the female terminal 10, the current flows from the tip portion 35T of the arm spring 35 abutting against the male terminal 5 to the side wall 21 abutting against the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 (see arrow A in FIG. 9). Conversely, when a current flows from the female terminal 10 to the male terminal 5, the current flows from the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 abutting against the side wall 21 to the male terminal 5 abutting against the tip portion 35T of the arm spring 35 (see arrow A in FIG. 9).

[0047] The female terminal 10 is assembled as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 , the spring member 30 is disposed above the base portion 20 (see FIG. 10( a)), the inner plate 31 and the bottom plate 34 are fitted between the pair of side walls 21 (see FIG. 10( b)), and the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21 c of the side wall 21 (see FIG. 10( c)). In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21 c of the side wall 21 while in contact with the flange plate 33, thereby forming a welded portion Pw on the flange plate 33. However, the welded portion Pw may be formed on the inner plate 31 by welding the inner plate 31 to the inner surface 21 a of the side wall 21, or the welded portion Pw may be formed on the outer plate 32 by welding the outer plate 32 to the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21.

[0048] Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, a concave portion 37 into which the abutment portion 36 fits may be provided at a position opposite the abutment portion 36 (see FIG. 10 ). With this configuration, the convex portion (abutment portion 36) and the concave portion 37 fit together, ensuring a wide contact area. Furthermore, in the production process of the female terminal 10, when a worker fits the spring member 30 between the pair of side walls 21, the fit of the convex portion (abutment portion 36) and the concave portion 37 provides a moderate sense of click. This allows the worker to recognize that the spring member 30 has been fitted properly. Furthermore, the fit of the convex portion (abutment portion 36) and the concave portion 37 prevents the spring member 30 from slipping or coming off.

[0049] Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the pair of side walls 21 are slightly spaced apart upward, and the pair of inner plates 31 are also slightly spaced apart upward. Therefore, when the width dimension from the opening edge of one side wall 21 to the opening edge of the other side wall 21 is d and the width dimension from the opening edge of the one inner plate 31 to the opening edge of the other inner plate 31 is D, the relationship d≦D holds (see FIG. 10 ). This configuration reduces rattle of the spring member 30 and prevents unstable contact. Furthermore, a wide contact area can be ensured regardless of the shape of the abutment portion 36. Note that, with this type of press-fitting, there is a risk of the spring member 30 slipping out of the base portion 20, so providing the aforementioned recessed portion 37 is preferable.

[0050] As described above, the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment has a terminal body 13 formed by a base portion 20 connected to an electric wire 3 and a spring member 30 attached to the base portion 20. The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined distance so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted thereinto, and the spring member 30 has an inner plate 31 provided along the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and an arm spring 35 extending from the inner plate 31 toward the opposing side wall 21. An abutment portion 36 is provided to abut the side wall 21 against the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35.

[0051] According to such a female terminal 10, the arm spring 35 can be brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, thereby ensuring stable electrical conduction. More specifically, in the female terminal 10 according to the present invention, the side wall 21 and the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 abut against each other at the abutment portion 36. Therefore, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, a pressing force acts on the side wall 21 via the abutment portion 36, and a reaction force acts on the arm spring 35 via the abutment portion 36. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, enabling stable conduction.

[0052] In addition, since the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 is securely in contact with the side wall 21 of the base portion 20, the current flows through the shortest path. That is, when a current flows from the male terminal 5 to the female terminal 10, the current flows from the tip end portion 35T of the arm spring 35 in contact with the male terminal 5 to the side wall 21 in contact with the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35. Conversely, when a current flows from the female terminal 10 to the male terminal 5, the current flows from the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 in contact with the side wall 21 to the male terminal 5 in contact with the tip end portion of the arm spring 35. Therefore, the electrical resistance in these terminals (the female terminal 10 and the male terminal 5) can be kept low.

[0053] In addition, in such female terminal 10, the abutment portion 36 is a convex portion that protrudes toward the side (outside in the width direction) of the side wall 21 provided on the inner plate 31. The convex portion (abutment portion 36) is a part of the inner plate 31 that protrudes locally.

[0054] With such a female terminal 10, the abutment portion 36 provided on the inner plate 31 abuts against the side wall 21. Therefore, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall 21 via the abutment portion 36, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring 35 via the abutment portion 36. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, enabling more stable conduction.

[0055] In addition, when the abutment portion 36 is provided at the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35, rigidity at this portion can be ensured. Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, the bent shape of the arm spring 35 at the base end portion 35P can be maintained, and thus collapse of the arm spring 35 (deformation in which the arm spring 35 bent up from the inner plate 31 falls flat) can be suppressed. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is curved from the base end portion 35P to the tip end portion 35T, and this tip end portion 35T can press the male terminal 5. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, allowing for more stable conduction.

[0056] Furthermore, in such female terminal 10, a recessed portion 37 into which the abutting portion 36 fits may be provided at a position facing the abutting portion 36. The position facing the abutting portion 36 is the opposing position on the side wall 21. The recessed portion 37 is a locally depressed portion. However, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to an arc shape.

[0057] According to such female terminal 10, when contact portion 36 is a convex portion, a wide contact area can be secured because this convex portion (contact portion 36) fits into concave portion 37. Therefore, the electrical resistance of these terminals can be reliably kept low.

[0058] In addition, in the production process of such female terminal 10, when a worker fits the spring member 30 between the pair of side walls 21, the fit of the convex portion (abutment portion 36) and the concave portion 37 provides a moderate sense of click. This allows the worker to recognize that the spring member 30 has been fitted properly. This reduces so-called incorrect assembly and improves productivity. Furthermore, the fit of the convex portion (abutment portion 36) and the concave portion 37 also prevents the spring member 30 from shifting or coming off. This eliminates the need to re-fit a spring member 30 that has shifted or come off, thereby improving productivity.

[0059] Furthermore, in this female terminal 10, the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 are welded at a position different from the abutment portion 36. The position different from the abutment portion 36 is a position that is separated enough so that a heat-affected region (a portion where the base material structure has changed due to welding heat) formed around the welded portion Pw does not overlap the abutment portion 36. Furthermore, welding is performed on a surface (the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21) different from the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 that the abutment portion 36 abuts against.

[0060] Such a female terminal 10 can prevent a decrease in rigidity of the abutment portion 36 due to welding heat. Therefore, even when a male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, the bent shape of the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 is maintained, and thus collapse of the arm spring 35 (deformation in which the arm spring 35 bent up from the inner plate 31 falls flat) can be suppressed. As a result, the arm spring 35 is curved from the base end portion 35P to the tip end portion 35T, and this tip end portion 35T can press against the male terminal 5. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, enabling more stable conduction.

[0061] In addition, because the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 are integrated at the welded portion Pw, a path for current flow can be ensured even when current does not easily flow through the abutment portion 36. That is, when current flows from the male terminal 5 to the female terminal 10, the current flows from the tip portion 35T of the arm spring 35 abutting the male terminal 5, through the base portion 35P of the arm spring 35, through the welded portion Pw, and to the side wall 21. Conversely, when current flows from the female terminal 10 to the male terminal 5, the current flows from the side wall 21, through the welded portion Pw, and via the base portion 35P of the arm spring 35 to the male terminal 5 abutting the tip portion 35T of the arm spring 35. This ensures current flow. This structure is particularly suitable for electrical circuits through which large currents flow.

[0062] In addition, in this female terminal 10, the spring member 30 has a pair of inner plates 31, which are press-fit between a pair of side walls 21 to form a contact portion 36. The contact portion 36 here refers to the portion where the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are in contact. In other words, it is not limited to the portion where the side wall 21 is in contact by the above-mentioned contact portion 36 (convex portion, etc.), but broadly refers to the portion where the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and the outer surface of the inner plate 31 are in contact.

[0063] Such a female terminal 10 can suppress rattle of the spring member 30 and prevent unstable contact. In addition, a wide contact area can be secured regardless of the shape of the contact portion 36. Therefore, the electrical resistance of these terminals (female terminal 10 and male terminal 5) can be more reliably kept low.

[0064] In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 are welded using a fiber laser welding machine, but welding may also be performed using an arc welding machine or the like. Furthermore, welding may also be performed using a welding machine capable of ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, friction welding, or other welding. Furthermore, brazing and soldering are also included in the concept of welding.

[0065] In correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the above-described embodiment, the connector of this 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 the terminal body 13, The base part corresponds to the base part 20, The side wall corresponds to the side wall 21; 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 arm spring 35. The contact portion corresponds to the contact portion 36, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0066] For example, in the female terminal 10 disclosed herein, the inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 is provided with an abutment portion 36 that protrudes toward the circular side wall 21 (outward in the width direction) when viewed from the width direction W. However, as shown in Fig. 11, the base end portion 35P of the arm spring 35 may be provided with an abutment portion 36 that protrudes toward the linear side wall 21 (outward in the width direction) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Even with such a female terminal 10, it is believed that the same effect can be achieved.

[0067] 12(a), the contact portion 36 may be a convex portion that protrudes toward the inner plate 31 (inward in the width direction) provided on the side wall 21. The convex portion (contact portion 36) is a part of the side wall 21 that protrudes locally. However, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to an arc shape.

[0068] With such a female terminal 10, the abutment portion 36 provided on the side wall 21 abuts against the inner plate 31. Therefore, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall 21 via the abutment portion 36, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring 35 via the abutment portion 36. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, enabling more stable conduction.

[0069] 12(b), when the abutment portion 36 is provided so as to abut slightly toward the tip end of the arm spring 35 relative to the base end portion 35P, the arm spring 35 can be supported from the back side even when a pressing force acts on the arm spring 35. Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, the bent shape of the arm spring 35 at the base end portion 35P is maintained, and the collapse of the arm spring 35 (deformation in which the arm spring 35 bent up from the inner plate 31 collapses) can be suppressed. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is curved from the base end portion 35P to the tip end portion 35T, and this tip end portion 35T can press the male terminal 5. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, resulting in more stable electrical conduction.

[0070] 13, the contact portion 36 may be formed of a separate member 38 sandwiched between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31. The separate member 38 constitutes the terminal body 13 in addition to the base portion 20 and the spring member 30. The separate member 38 is preferably a conductor, but is not limited to this.

[0071] With this type of female terminal 10, the separate member 38 abuts against the side wall 21 and also abuts against the inner plate 31. Therefore, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the female terminal 10, a pressing force is reliably applied to the side wall 21 via the separate member 38, and the reaction force is reliably applied to the arm spring 35 via the separate member 38. Therefore, the arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, enabling more stable conduction.

[0072] In addition, if separate member 38 is provided so as to abut slightly toward the tip end of arm spring 35 relative to base end portion 35P, arm spring 35 can be supported from the back side even when a pressing force acts on arm spring 35. Therefore, even when male terminal 5 is inserted into female terminal 10, arm spring 35 maintains its bent shape at base end portion 35P, thereby preventing arm spring 35 from collapsing (deformation in which arm spring 35 bent up from inner plate 31 falls flat). Therefore, arm spring 35 is curved from base end portion 35P to tip end portion 35T, and tip end portion 35T can press against male terminal 5. Therefore, arm spring 35 is brought into close contact with male terminal 5, enabling more stable conduction.

[0073] Finally, the present invention includes a connector 1 (see Figure 1) equipped with the aforementioned female terminal 10 and a connector housing 4 that accommodates the female terminal 10, as well as a terminal-equipped electric wire 6 (see Figure 1) equipped with the aforementioned female terminal 10 and an electric wire 3 connected to the base portion 20 of the female terminal 10.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention includes an electric wire with connector 7 (see FIG. 1) that includes the aforementioned electric wire with terminal 6 and a connector housing 4 that accommodates the electric wire with terminal 6, as well as a wire harness 2 (see FIG. 1) that includes at least one of the aforementioned electric wire with terminal 6 and the aforementioned electric wire with connector 7.

[0075] These also achieve the same effects as the female terminal 10 according to the present invention. That is, the arm spring 35 can be brought into close contact with the male terminal 5, ensuring stable conduction. Also, the electrical resistance of these terminals (female terminal 10 and male terminal 5) can be kept low. Other effects can be achieved according to the embodiment of the female terminal 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...Connector 2...Wire harness 3...Electric wire 4...Connector housing 5...Male terminal 6...Wire with terminal 7...Wire with connector 10...Female terminal 13...Terminal body 20...Base 21…Side wall 30...Spring member 31…Inner plate 32...Outer panel 33…Tsubara plate 35...Arm spring 36...Contact part

Claims

1. a base portion 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, a width direction in which the pair of side walls are spaced apart, a height direction in which the male terminal is inserted between the pair of side walls, and a longitudinal direction in which the direction perpendicular to the width direction and the height direction is defined; The spring member is an installation plate provided along at least the inner surface of the side wall; a flange plate connected to an end of the side plate and abutting against a tip end surface of the side wall in the height direction; an arm spring extending from the installation plate toward the opposing side wall, a contact portion is provided that contacts the side wall with a base end portion of the arm spring, which is a lower end portion of the longitudinal plate; the abutment portion is a convex portion provided on at least one of the longitudinal plate and the side wall and protruding toward the other side, The side wall and the longitudinal plate are located at positions different from the abutting portion, and the tip end surface of the side wall and the flange plate are welded along the longitudinal direction. Female terminal.

2. The contact portion is a convex portion having a circular shape when viewed in the width direction and an arc-shaped cross section along the height direction. The female terminal according to claim 1 .

3. The contact portion is formed of a separate member sandwiched between the side wall and the longitudinal plate. The female terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A recessed portion into which the abutment portion is fitted is provided at a position facing the abutment portion. The female terminal according to claim 1 .

5. The spring member has a pair of the longitudinal plates, and the pair of the longitudinal plates are press-fitted between the pair of the side walls to form the abutment portion. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal. connector.

7. The 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 terminals.

8. The electric wire with terminal according to claim 7 ; and a connector housing that accommodates the terminal-attached electric wire. Wires with connectors.

9. The electric wire with terminal according to claim 7 or the electric wire with connector according to claim 8 is provided. Wire harness.

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