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 preventing reduction in pressing force of an arm spring and by extension of stabilizing the conductivity.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) provided at least along the one-side side wall 21; and an arm spring 35 extending from the extension plate (inner plate 31) toward the other-side side wall 21. The side walls 21 and the extension part (e.g., a collar plate 33) are welded to give a welding part 36. A base point part 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position away from a thermal influence region 36h formed around the welding part 36, on an inner lateral face 21a of the side walls 21.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, as well as the wire harness and the power supply device, are connected to each other via connectors attached to each device.

[0003] For example, the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a female terminal accommodated in a connector housing. The female terminal has a terminal body formed by a base and a spring member, and when the connector housings are mated, a male terminal is inserted into the female terminal. At this time, it is important to press an arm spring, which is part of the spring member, 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 the electrical circuits of automobile drive trains and the like, where large currents flow, welding the base and spring members together is considered to ensure good electrical conductivity. However, if the welding heat from welding the base and spring members reaches the base of the arm spring, the base may become too hot, causing changes in the metal structure and a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring. This may ultimately lead to unstable electrical 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 prevent a decrease in the pressing force of an arm spring and thereby stabilize conductivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention is a female terminal in which 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 having a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined distance apart so that a male terminal can be inserted, the spring member having a longitudinal plate arranged along at least one of the side walls and an arm spring extending from the longitudinal plate towards the other side wall, the side walls and the longitudinal plate are welded to form a weld, a region formed around the weld where a change in metal structure has occurred due to welding heat is a heat-affected region, the boundary between the longitudinal plate and the arm spring extending from the longitudinal plate is a base part of the arm spring that abuts or is close to the inner surface of the side wall, and the base part of the arm spring that abuts or is close to the inner surface of the side wall is positioned at a distance from the heat-affected region.

[0008] In the present invention, the heat-affected zone refers to the zone where the metal structure is changed by the welding heat. Furthermore, the base point of the arm spring refers to the boundary between the base plate and the arm spring extending from the base plate.

[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 a terminal-attached electric wire 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 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.

[0011] In the present invention, the outermost point on one side of the heat-affected zone refers to the point on the outer edge of the heat-affected zone that is closest to the leading edge of the side wall. Similarly, the outermost point on the other side refers to the point that is farthest from the leading edge of the side wall. Furthermore, the leading edge side refers to the direction toward the leading edge of the side wall, and the opposite leading edge side refers to the direction away from the leading edge of the side wall.

[0012] According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the pressing force of the arm spring from decreasing, and in turn to stabilize the conductivity. Specifically, in the female terminals and the like according to the present invention, the base portion of the arm spring, which is the boundary between the longitudinal plate and the arm spring extending from the longitudinal plate, is located on the inner surface of the side wall, away from the heat-affected zone, which is the region formed around the weld where the metallurgical structure is changed by the welding heat, and is abutted against or adjacent to the longitudinal plate. This configuration allows the welding heat to be largely dissipated before reaching the base portion of the arm spring. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base portion and prevents changes in the metallurgical structure at this base portion. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0013] Also ,before The side wall has a longitudinal plate disposed along its inner surface, and the inner surface of the side wall and the longitudinal plate are welded together obliquely from the terminal opening to form the welded portion. The base portion of the arm spring is disposed in contact with or adjacent to the inner surface of the side wall at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point on one side of a heat-affected region formed around the welded portion or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point on the other side of the heat-affected region. are .

[0014] this composition This allows a certain distance to be maintained between the heat-affected zone and the base of the arm spring, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base of the arm spring. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base and prevents changes to the metal structure at this base. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring, and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0015] More specifically, the heat-affected zone is formed in a generally bell-shaped configuration that widens toward the inner surface of the side wall and gradually narrows because the welding heat is transmitted from the inner surface of the side wall in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the periphery. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is placed in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side wall at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (upper end point) on one side of the heat-affected zone or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (lower end point) on the other side of the heat-affected zone, a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone.

[0016] In particular, welding the inner surface of the side wall to the base plate can be performed at an angle from the terminal opening using a laser welder due to the narrow gap between the opposing side walls. In this case, welding heat is transmitted obliquely to the inner surface of the side wall and also to the area between the formed heat-affected zone and the inner surface. Therefore, even slight increases or decreases in the amount of heat generated during welding can easily change the width of the heat-affected zone. Therefore, the relative position of the heat-affected zone and the base point of the arm spring in the lateral direction (height direction of the female terminal) is important. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is abutted against or positioned closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (uppermost point) on one side of the heat-affected zone or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (lowermost point) on the other side of the heat-affected zone, the temperature rise at the base point can be reliably suppressed and the metal structure at this base point can be prevented from changing. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the hardness of the base portion of the arm spring may be 80 percent or more of the hardness of the base material. In the present invention, the hardness refers to the hardness measured by an indentation test method, typically the so-called Vickers hardness test.

[0018] This invention ensures that the pressing force required for the arm spring is ensured. Furthermore, by confirming that the hardness at the base point is 80 percent or more of the hardness of the base material, it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring is ensured, making testing related to pressing force easier. Furthermore, because the hardness of the base point, which has a significant effect on the pressing force of the arm spring, is measured, highly reliable estimations of the test results (whether the pressing force of the arm spring is ensured) can be obtained.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the hardness of the contact portion of the arm spring may be 90 percent or more of the hardness of the base material. The hardness in the present invention also means the hardness measured by an indentation test method, typically the so-called Vickers hardness test.

[0020] This invention ensures that the pressing force required for the arm spring is ensured. Furthermore, by confirming that the hardness of the contact point is 90 percent or more of the base material hardness, it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring is ensured, making testing of the pressing force easier. Furthermore, because the hardness of the contact point is measured even if work hardening occurs at the base point of the arm spring due to bending, highly reliable estimations of the test results (whether the pressing force of the arm spring is ensured) can be obtained.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the side wall may have a longitudinally extending plate disposed along the tip end surface thereof, the tip end surface of the side wall and the longitudinally extending plate may be welded to form the welded portion, and the base portion of the arm spring may be disposed in contact with or adjacent to a position on the inner surface of the side wall that is closer to the tip end surface of the side wall than the deepest point of a heat-affected zone formed around the welded portion.

[0022] In the present invention, the deepest point of the heat-affected zone refers to the point on the outer edge of the heat-affected zone that is located farthest from the tip end face of the side wall. Also, the opposite side to the tip end face refers to the direction away from the tip end face of the side wall.

[0023] This invention allows a certain distance to be maintained between the heat-affected zone and the base of the arm spring, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base of the arm spring. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0024] More specifically, the heat-affected zone is formed in a roughly bell shape that widens toward the tip end of the side wall and gradually narrows because the welding heat is transmitted from the tip end of the side wall in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the surroundings. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is placed in contact with or close to a position on the inner surface of the side wall that is closer to the tip end of the side wall than the deepest point of the heat-affected zone, a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone.

[0025] In particular, a laser welding machine, capable of achieving fine welding, is used to weld the tip surface of the side wall and the base plate because the weldable area is narrow. When welding is performed using a laser welding machine, welding heat is more easily transmitted in the depth direction (the height direction of the female terminal) than in the lateral direction (the width direction of the female terminal). Therefore, the depth of the heat-affected zone is easily affected by slight increases or decreases in the amount of heat generated during welding, making the relative positional relationship between the heat-affected zone and the base point of the arm spring in the depth direction (the height direction of the female terminal) important. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is abutted against or positioned close to the inner surface of the side wall, closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the deepest point of the heat-affected zone, the temperature rise at the base point can be reliably suppressed and the metal structure at this base point can be prevented from changing. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, the side wall may have a longitudinally extending plate disposed along the outer surface thereof, the outer surface of the side wall and the longitudinally extending plate being welded to form the welded portion, and the base portion of the arm spring may be positioned in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side wall at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point on one side of a heat-affected zone formed around the welded portion, or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point on the other side of the heat-affected zone.

[0027] In the present invention, the outermost point on one side of the heat-affected zone refers to the point on the outer edge of the heat-affected zone that is closest to the leading edge of the side wall. The outermost point on the other side refers to the point that is farthest from the leading edge of the side wall. Furthermore, the leading edge side refers to the direction toward the leading edge of the side wall, and the opposite leading edge side refers to the direction away from the leading edge of the side wall.

[0028] This invention allows a certain distance to be maintained between the heat-affected zone and the base of the arm spring, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base of the arm spring. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0029] More specifically, the heat-affected zone is formed in a generally bell-shaped configuration that widens on the outer side of the side wall and gradually narrows as the welding heat is transmitted from the outer surface of the side wall in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the surroundings. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is placed in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side wall at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (upper end point) on one side of the heat-affected zone or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (lower end point) on the other side of the heat-affected zone, a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone.

[0030] In particular, because the weldable area between the outer surface of the side wall and the base plate is large, ultrasonic welding or arc welding can be used in addition to laser welding. When welding is performed using an arc welding machine, welding heat is more easily transmitted laterally (in the height direction of the female terminal) than in the depth direction (in the width direction of the female terminal). Therefore, the relative position of the heat-affected zone and the base point of the arm spring in the horizontal direction (in the height direction of the female terminal) is important. Therefore, if the base point of the arm spring is abutted against or located close to the inner surface of the side wall, closer to the tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (upper end point) of one side of the heat-affected zone or closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall than the outermost point (lower end point) of the other side of the heat-affected zone, the temperature rise at the base point can be reliably suppressed and the metal structure at this base point can be prevented from changing. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring and ultimately stabilizes conductivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [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] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. [Figure 11] Assembly instructions for female terminals. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 this time, the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, and the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0037] As shown in Figures 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 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 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The terminal connection portion 12 is provided with a terminal body 13 that is electrically connected to the 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0043] Additionally, 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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 diagonally downward so as to approach the opposing side wall 21, and have a shape in which a part including the tip edge thereof is folded back (see FIG. 8).

[0046] The arm spring 35 provided on one 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 this inner plate 31 serves as a base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 (see FIG. 8). In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 always abuts against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. A reaction force from the side wall 21 acts on the arm spring 35 via the base point portion 35b, so that the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 can be pressed against the male terminal 5 (see arrow F in FIG. 10).

[0047] 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 part of them, including their tip edge, is folded back (see FIG. 8).

[0048] Note that the arm spring 35 provided on the inner plate 31 on the other side also extends from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary portions with the inner plate 31 are respectively the base portions 35b of the arm spring 35 (see FIG. 8). In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is always in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. Since the reaction force from the side wall 21 acts on the arm spring 35 through the base portion 35b, it is possible to press the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 against the male terminal 5 (see the arrow F in FIG. 10).

[0049] In addition, the spring member 30 is in a state where the flange plate 33 is in surface contact with the front end surface 21c of the side wall 21. And welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L at a predetermined portion in the width direction W of this surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion 36 is formed on the flange plate 33 along the longitudinal direction L (see FIGS. 6 to 10). Note that the welded portion 36 refers to a metal solidified portion 36m in which a part of the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is melted and solidified again. A heat affected zone 36h in which the base material structure has changed due to welding heat is formed around the welded portion 36. Since the center line C of the welded portion 36 is welded perpendicular to the front end surface 21c of the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33, it is perpendicular to these.

[0050] Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is in contact with a position separated from the heat affected zone 36h on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. Specifically described, the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is in contact with a position on the opposite end surface side of the side wall 21 (see the arrow A in FIGS. 9 and 10) from the deepest point Pe of the heat affected zone 36h. Regarding this configuration, among the outer edges of the heat affected zone 36h, when the length from the front end surface 21c of the side wall 21 to the deepest point Pe, which is the position farthest in the depth direction (the direction toward the lower side: the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion 36), is D1, and the length from the front end surface 21c of the side wall 21 to the contact point Pc where the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is in contact is D2, it can be said that the relationship D1 < D2 is established.

[0051] 11, the assembly of the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment is completed through the following steps: The spring member 30 is fitted between the pair of side walls 21 of the base portion 20 (see FIG. 11(a)), the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 is welded to the flange plate 33 in surface contact with the tip surface 21c (see FIG. 11(b)), and the hardness of the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is measured to complete the assembly (see FIG. 11(c)). Of course, the step of measuring the hardness may be performed for each predetermined number of units (each production lot).

[0052] The hardness of the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is measured to confirm that the hardness of the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is 80 percent or more of the hardness of the base material. That is, to confirm that the hardness of the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is 80 percent or more of the hardness of the base material (hardness of the base material). The reason for imposing such a requirement is that it is easy to inspect and it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is properly secured.

[0053] In this regard, the hardness of the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 may be measured. This is done to confirm that the hardness of the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 is 90% or more of the hardness of the base material. In other words, this is to confirm that the hardness of the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 is 90% or more of the hardness (base material hardness) of the base material. The reason for imposing this requirement is that the inspection is easy and it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is properly secured. In particular, this has the advantage that the inspection can be performed without any change even if the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 has undergone work hardening due to bending.

[0054] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment. The female terminal 10 has the same structure as the female terminal 10 described above, except for the position where the welded portion 36 is provided.

[0055] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, 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 at a predetermined portion in the height direction H of the region where the surface contact is made. Therefore, a linear welded portion 36 is formed on the outer plate 32 along the longitudinal direction L. Note that, as described above, the welded portion 36 refers to a metal solidification portion 36m in which a part of the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is melted and solidified again. A heat affected zone 36h in which the base metal structure is changed by the welding heat is formed around the welded portion 36. The center line C of the welded portion 36 is welded perpendicular to the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32, and thus is perpendicular to these.

[0056] [[ID= (4)]]Also in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position separated from the heat affected zone 36h on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. Specifically described, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position on the opposite end face side of the side wall 21 (see arrow A in FIG. 12) from the lower end point Pd of the heat affected zone 36h. Regarding this configuration, when the length from the tip end face 21c of the side wall 21 to the lower end point Pd, which is the position farthest in the depth direction (the direction toward the lower side) among the outer edges of the heat affected zone 36h, is defined as D1, and the length from the tip end face 21c of the side wall 21 to the contact point Pc where the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts is defined as D2, it can be said that the configuration is such that the relationship D1 < D2 holds.

[0057] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the distal end of the side wall 21 than the lower end point Pd of the heat-affected region 36h (see arrow A in FIG. 12 ). However, the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 may abut on a position closer to the distal end of the side wall 21 than the upper end point Pu of the heat-affected region 36h. Even with such a configuration, it is believed that the same effect can be achieved. Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, the base point 35b may be disposed close to the inner surface 21a (with a slight gap between the base point 35b and the inner surface 21a).

[0058] Next, a female terminal 10 according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment. The female terminal 10 has the same structure as the female terminal 10 described above, except for the position where the welded portion 36 is provided.

[0059] In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, and the inner plate 31 is welded along the longitudinal direction L at a predetermined portion of the height direction H of the surface contact region. Therefore, a linear weld 36 is formed on the inner plate 31 along the longitudinal direction L. As described above, the weld 36 refers to a metal solidification portion 36m formed when a portion of the side wall 21 or the inner plate 31 melts and then cools and solidifies. A heat-affected zone 36h is formed around the weld 36, where the base metal structure has changed due to the welding heat. The center line C of the weld 36 is inclined relative to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31, since the weld is welded obliquely to these.

[0060] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment as well, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position spaced apart from the heat affected region 36h on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. Specifically described, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position on the opposite tip surface side of the side wall 21 (see arrow A in FIG. 13) from the lower end point Pd of the heat affected region 36h. Regarding this configuration, of the outer edge of the heat affected region 36h, the length from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to the lower end point Pd, which is the position farthest in the depth direction (the direction toward the lower side), is defined as D1, and the length from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to the contact point Pc where the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts is defined as D2. It can also be said that the configuration is such that the relationship D1 < D2 holds.

[0061] In the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on a position on the opposite tip surface side of the side wall 21 (see arrow A in FIG. 13) from the lower end point Pd of the heat affected region 36h on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may abut on a position on the tip surface side of the side wall 21 from the upper end point Pu of the heat affected region 36h. Even if such a configuration is adopted, it is considered that the same effect can be obtained. Further, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, but it may be arranged in proximity to the inner surface 21a (the base point portion 35b is arranged with a slight gap with respect to the inner surface 21a).

[0062] As described above, the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a terminal body 13 made up of 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 apart so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted thereinto, and the spring member 30 has a longitudinal plate (inner plate 31) arranged along at least one side wall 21 and an arm spring 35 extending from the longitudinal plate (inner plate 31) toward the other side wall 21. The side wall 21 and the longitudinal plate (e.g., flange plate 33) are welded together to form a weld 36, and the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position spaced apart from a heat-affected zone 36h formed around the weld 36.

[0063] Such a female terminal 10 prevents the pressing force of the arm spring 35 from decreasing, thereby stabilizing conductivity. More specifically, in the female terminal 10 according to the present invention, the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position spaced from the heat-affected zone 36h formed around the weld 36. This configuration allows the welding heat to be largely dissipated before it reaches the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base point 35b and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base point 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0064] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 according to the first embodiment has a flange plate 33 provided along the tip end surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the tip end surface 21c of the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 are welded to form a weld 36. The base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position on the opposite tip end surface side of the side wall 21 from the deepest point Pe of the heat-affected zone 36h formed around the weld 36 (see arrow A in FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0065] With this type of female terminal 10, a certain distance can be maintained between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point 35b of the arm spring 35, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base point 35b and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base point 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0066] More specifically, because the welding heat is transferred from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the periphery, the heat-affected zone 36h is formed in a generally bell-shaped shape that widens toward the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 and gradually narrows. Therefore, if the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position on the opposite tip surface side of the side wall 21 (see arrow A in Figures 9 and 10) from the deepest point Pe of the heat-affected zone 36h, a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone 36h.

[0067] In particular, a laser welding machine capable of achieving fine welding is used to weld the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to the flange plate 33 because the weldable area is small. When welding is performed using a laser welding machine, welding heat is more easily transmitted in the depth direction (height direction H of the female terminal 10) than in the lateral direction (width direction W of the female terminal 10). As a result, the depth of the heat-affected zone 36h is easily changed by a slight increase or decrease in the amount of heat during welding, and the relative positional relationship between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 in the depth direction (height direction H of the female terminal 10) becomes important. Therefore, if base point portion 35b of arm spring 35 is brought into contact with a position on the inner surface 21a of side wall 21 that is closer to the opposite tip end surface of side wall 21 than the deepest point Pe of heat-affected zone 36h (see arrow A in FIGS. 9 and 10), it is possible to reliably suppress a rise in temperature at base point portion 35b and prevent a change in the metal structure at base point portion 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of arm spring 35, and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0068] It should be noted that the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may not be in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, but may be disposed close to the inner surface 21a (with a slight gap between the base point portion 35b and the inner surface 21a). Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the pressing force of the arm spring 35 from decreasing, and thus stabilize the conductivity.

[0069] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment has an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 are welded to form a weld 36. The base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall 21 than a lower end point Pd of a heat-affected zone 36h formed around the weld 36 (see arrow A in FIG. 12 ).

[0070] With this type of female terminal 10, a certain distance can be maintained between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point 35b of the arm spring 35, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base point 35b and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base point 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0071] More specifically, because the welding heat is transferred from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the periphery, the heat-affected zone 36h is formed in a generally bell-shaped shape that widens toward the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 and gradually narrows. Therefore, if the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the distal end surface of the side wall 21 than the lower end point Pd of the heat-affected zone 36h (see arrow A in FIG. 12), a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone 36h.

[0072] In particular, since the weldable area between the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is large, an ultrasonic welding machine or an arc welding machine can be used in addition to a laser welding machine. When welding is performed using an arc welding machine, welding heat is more easily transmitted laterally (in the height direction H of the female terminal 10) than in the depth direction (in the width direction W of the female terminal 10). Therefore, the width of the heat-affected zone 36h is easily changed by a slight increase or decrease in the amount of heat during welding, and the relative positional relationship between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 in the lateral direction (in the height direction H of the female terminal 10) becomes important. Therefore, if the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 is abutted against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the distal end surface of the side wall 21 than the lower end point Pd of the heat-affected zone 36h (see arrow A in FIG. 12 ), the temperature rise at the base point 35b can be reliably suppressed, and the metal structure at the base point 35b can be prevented from changing. Therefore, the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is prevented from decreasing, and the conductivity can be stabilized.

[0073] The base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may abut against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall 21 than the upper end point Pu of the heat-affected zone 36h. In either case, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may not abut against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, but may be disposed close to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 (with a slight gap between the base point portion 35b and the inner surface 21a). Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, and thereby stabilize conductivity.

[0074] Furthermore, the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment has an inner plate 31 provided along the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, and the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together obliquely from the terminal opening to form a weld 36. The base point 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the opposite tip surface of the side wall 21 than a lower end point Pd of a heat-affected zone 36h formed around the weld 36 (see arrow A in FIG. 13 ).

[0075] With this type of female terminal 10, a certain distance can be maintained between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point 35b of the arm spring 35, allowing the welding heat to dissipate significantly before reaching the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. This suppresses the temperature rise at the base point 35b and prevents changes to the metal structure at the base point 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, thereby stabilizing conductivity.

[0076] More specifically, because the welding heat is transferred from the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 in the depth direction (penetration direction) and dissipates to the periphery, the heat-affected zone 36h is formed in a generally bell-shaped shape that widens toward the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and gradually narrows. Therefore, if the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 abuts on the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the distal end surface of the side wall 21 than the lower end point Pd of the heat-affected zone 36h (see arrow A in FIG. 13), a certain distance can be maintained from the outer edge of the heat-affected zone 36h.

[0077] In particular, the welding of the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 to the inner plate 31 can be performed obliquely from the terminal opening using a laser welder because the gap between the opposing side walls 21 is narrow. In this case, the welding heat is transmitted obliquely to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and also to the portion (area R in FIG. 13 ) sandwiched between the formed heat-affected zone 36h and the inner surface 21a. Therefore, the width of the heat-affected zone 36h is likely to change with a slight increase or decrease in the amount of heat during welding, and the relative positional relationship between the heat-affected zone 36h and the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 in the lateral direction (height direction H of the female terminal 10) becomes important. Therefore, if base point portion 35b of arm spring 35 is brought into contact with the inner surface 21a of side wall 21 at a position closer to the distal end surface of side wall 21 than the lower end point Pd of heat-affected zone 36h (see arrow A in FIG. 13), it is possible to reliably suppress a rise in temperature at base point portion 35b and prevent a change in the metal structure at base point portion 35b. This prevents a decrease in the pressing force of arm spring 35, and ultimately stabilizes conductivity.

[0078] The base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may abut against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 at a position closer to the tip surface of the side wall 21 than the upper end point Pu of the heat-affected zone 36h. In either case, the base point portion 35b of the arm spring 35 may not abut against the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, but may be disposed close to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 (with a slight gap between the base point portion 35b and the inner surface 21a). Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the pressing force of the arm spring 35, and thereby stabilize conductivity.

[0079] Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to the first to third embodiments, the hardness of the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 is 80% or more of the hardness of the base material. This is calculated based on measurements taken before and after welding, or based on measurements of the spring member 30 in its base material state and measurements taken after welding.

[0080] Such a female terminal 10 can ensure the pressing force required for the arm spring 35. Also, by confirming that the hardness of the base point portion 35b is 80 percent or more of the hardness of the base material, it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is ensured, making it easy to inspect the pressing force. Furthermore, because the hardness of the base point portion 35b, which has a significant effect on the pressing force of the arm spring 35, is measured, a high degree of reliability can be obtained in estimating the test results (whether the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is ensured).

[0081] Furthermore, in the female terminals 10 according to the first to third embodiments, the hardness of the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 is 90% or more of the hardness of the base material. This is also calculated based on measurements taken before and after welding. Alternatively, it is calculated based on measurements of the spring member 30 in its base material state and measurements taken after welding.

[0082] Such a female terminal 10 can ensure the pressing force required for the arm spring 35. Also, by confirming that the hardness of the contact portion 35c is 90 percent or more of the hardness of the base material, it can be assumed that the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is ensured, facilitating testing of the pressing force. Furthermore, because the hardness of the contact portion 35c is measured even if work hardening occurs in the base portion 35b of the arm spring 35 due to bending, highly reliable estimation of the test results (whether the pressing force of the arm spring 35 is ensured) can be obtained.

[0083] In the female terminal 10 according to each embodiment, the side wall 21 and the supporting plates (the inner plate 31, the outer plate 32, 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.

[0084] 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 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 contact 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 base point portion corresponds to the base point portion 35b, The contact portion corresponds to the contact portion 35c, The weld corresponds to weld 36, The metal solidification section corresponds to the metal solidification section 36m, The heat affected area corresponds to the heat affected area 36h, The deepest point of the heat affected zone corresponds to the deepest point Pe, The outermost point on one side of the heat affected zone corresponds to the upper end point Pu, The outermost point on the other side of the heat affected area corresponds to the bottom point Pd, The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0085] For example, the female terminal 10 according to the first embodiment has a flange plate 33 welded to the tip end surface 21c of the side wall 21, the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment has an outer plate 32 welded to the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment has an inner plate 31 welded to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, as shown in FIG. 14(a), welding may be performed at the flange plate 33 and at the outer plate 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14(b), welding may be performed at the flange plate 33 and at the inner plate 31. Of course, other combinations are also possible. Furthermore, each weld 36 may be composed of a plurality of lines or a plurality of welded locations.

[0086] Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to the first to third embodiments, the arm spring 35 extends from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary between the inner plate 31 and the arm spring 35 is the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. However, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when a convex portion 31t is formed on the inner plate 31 and the arm spring 35 functions with the abutment point Pc between the side wall 21 and the convex portion 31t as the base point, the convex portion 31t becomes the base point 35b of the arm spring 35. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when a convex portion 21t is formed on the side wall 21 and the arm spring 35 functions with the abutment point Pc between the convex portion 21t and the inner plate 31 as the base point, the portion where the convex portion 21t abuts becomes the base point 35b of the arm spring 35.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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, and 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.

[0089] These also achieve the same effects as the female terminal 10 according to the present invention. That is, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise at the base point 35b and prevent the metal structure at this base point 35b from changing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressing force of the arm spring 35 from decreasing, and ultimately to stabilize the conductivity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 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 21a…Inner surface 21b...outer surface 21c...Tip surface 30...Spring member 31…Inner plate 32...Outer panel 33…Tsubara plate 35...Arm spring 35b...Base point of arm spring 35c…アームバネのcontact part 36…welding part 36m…Metal solidification section 36h…Hot Impact Areas Pe...the deepest point Pu…upper endpoint Pd…lower endpoint

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, The spring member has a longitudinal plate provided along at least one of the side walls, and an arm spring extending from the longitudinal plate toward the other side wall and in an oblique direction from a tip end surface of the side wall toward an opposite tip end surface thereof, The side wall has an installation plate provided along an inner surface thereof, The inner surface of the side wall and the longitudinal plate are welded obliquely toward the opposite tip surface and toward the outer surface to form a welded portion, A region formed around the welded portion and in which a change in the metal structure occurs due to welding heat is defined as a heat-affected region, The heat-affected zone is formed in a generally bell-shaped shape that is wide on the side of the tip surface and gradually narrows in a depth direction from the tip surface, a boundary portion between the longitudinal plate and the arm spring extending from the longitudinal plate as a base point portion of the arm spring that abuts against or is close to an inner surface of the side wall; a base point of the arm spring that is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side wall is disposed at a position spaced apart from the heat-affected region; The base point of the arm spring is disposed in contact with or close to a position on the inner surface of the side wall that is closer to the distal end surface of the side wall than the outermost point of the heat-affected region on the distal end surface side of the side wall. Female terminal.

2. The hardness of the base part of the arm spring is 80% or more of the hardness of the base material. The female terminal according to claim 1 .

3. The hardness of the contact portion of the arm spring is 90% or more of the hardness of the base material. The female terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal. connector.

5. The female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The electric wire is connected to the base portion of the female terminal. Wire with terminals.

6. The electric wire with terminal according to claim 5 ; and a connector housing that accommodates the terminal-attached electric wire. Wires with connectors.

7. The electric wire with terminal according to claim 5 or the electric wire with connector according to claim 6 is provided. Wire harness.

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