Female connector and connection structure

Abstract

The female connector according to the present invention comprises a spring member formed by laminating a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member; a female terminal that houses the spring member and is electrically connected to the first member; and a frame that holds the female terminal. In the spring member, at least the second member has a curved or bent intermediate portion in the first direction, and the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member. When the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame or female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction by contacting the second member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a female connector and a connection structure. [Background technology]

[0002] A female connector is known in which a spring member, consisting of a spring for generating a load and a spring for conductivity, is arranged inside a frame near the conductive member (female terminal) of the female connector, and electrical conductivity is achieved through the spring member by inserting the male conductive member (male terminal) into the female connector having the frame (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-16830 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, in female connectors, it is necessary to prevent the spring member from detaching. In particular, there is concern that the spring member may detach when inserting or removing the male terminal. In addition, durability against deformation due to repeated use is also required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a female connector and connection structure that can achieve both the suppression of the spring member detaching from the connector and high durability against repeated use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the female connector according to the present invention is a female connector in which a conductive male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, and comprises a spring member formed by laminating a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, a female terminal that houses the spring member and is electrically connected to the first member, and a frame that holds the female terminal, wherein at least the middle portion of the second member in the first direction is curved or bent, the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the middle portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction by abutting against the second member.

[0007] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the frame body has a projection provided on the frame body, which protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first direction at the end of the frame body in the first direction, and the restricting portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the projection portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the restricting portion has a stepped shape in which a part of it protrudes in the first direction and the protruding portion abuts against the second member.

[0009] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the length of the second member from one end to the other in the first direction is longer than the length of the first member from one end to the other in the first direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that the frame has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening that penetrates in the first direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that the frame comprises a main body portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape and a cap portion that is detachably provided to the main body portion and in which the opening is formed.

[0012] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the restricting portion is provided on the female terminal, formed at the end of the female terminal in the first direction, and consists of a wall surface that intersects the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, two spring members are provided, the two spring members are arranged symmetrically with respect to opposing surfaces, the female terminal is arranged so as to sandwich the two spring members, and when the male terminal is inserted into the female connector and fits between the two spring members, in each of the two spring members, the first spring member has both ends in the first direction in contact with the female terminal, and the middle portion in contact with the male terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, the connection structure according to the present invention is a connection structure comprising a conductive male terminal and a female connector into which the male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, wherein the female connector comprises a spring member formed by laminating a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, a female terminal housing the spring member and electrically connected to the first member, and a frame holding the female terminal, wherein at least the second member has a curved or bent portion in the middle of the first direction, the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the middle portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction by abutting against the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both suppression of detachment of the spring member from the connector and high durability against repeated use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection structure including a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view (Part 1) showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view (Part 2) showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of region R1 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing a partial configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing a partial configuration of a female connector according to a modified example of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing a partial configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded view for explaining the configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 14]Figure 14 is an enlarged view of region R2 shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] In the following description, a female connector and connection structure will be described as embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each component, the ratio of each component, etc., may differ from reality. Also, there are parts in the drawings that differ from each other in terms of dimensions and ratios.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection structure comprising a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a female connector 1, which is a first connection terminal, and a male terminal 200, which is a second connection terminal inserted into the female connector 1. Electrical conductivity is established between the terminals when the male terminal 200 is inserted into the female connector 1. In the following drawings, one of the three mutually orthogonal directions is referred to as the X direction (first direction), the direction orthogonal to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction (second direction), and the direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction (third direction). In the following description, the directions of each member of the connection structure 100 will be described in accordance with the XYZ directions of the connection structure 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0019] The male terminal 200 is a plate-shaped busbar made of a conductive material. The male terminal 200 is provided so as to be insertable and removable in the X direction from the female connector 1.

[0020] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view with the XZ plane as the cutting plane. The female connector 1 comprises a spring member 10, a female terminal 20, and a frame 30. In this embodiment 1, an example in which two spring members 10 are provided is described, but there may be one, or three or more.

[0021] The female terminal 20 is a conductive member, a busbar formed using a conductive material. The female terminal 20 has an extended portion 21 that extends in a plate shape, and a holding portion 22 that extends from one end of the extended portion 21 and holds the spring member 10. In Figure 2, the female terminal 20 extends in the X direction.

[0022] The extended portion 21 is electrically connected to other equipment at the end opposite to the holding portion 22.

[0023] The retaining portion 22 holds the spring member 10. The retaining portion 22 is cylindrical and is connected to the extending portion 21 at one end in the through direction. The shape of the retaining portion 22 can be appropriately modified as long as it can hold the spring member 10, such as having a slit extending in the X direction and having an open part in the circumferential direction.

[0024] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a spring member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] The spring member 10 comprises a first member 11 and a second member 12 stacked on top of each other in the Z direction. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are provided in a non-joined state (detachable) over their entire length.

[0026] The first member 11 and the second member 12 are each curved or bent in the middle portion in the X direction. Hereinafter, in the spring member 10, the side moving away from the center in the X direction toward the end will be referred to as the outer side, and the side moving away from the end toward the center will be referred to as the inner side.

[0027] The first member 11 and the second member 12 each have a convex shape that protrudes from one side to the other in the Z direction. In other words, the first member 11 and the second member 12 each curve around an axis extending in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first member 11 and the second member 12 may each be bent, for example, to a point.

[0028] The first member 11 is made of a material with higher electrical conductivity than the material forming the second member 12. The first member 11 is made of, for example, stainless steel, copper, copper alloy, Inconel, etc. Inconel has superior heat resistance (creep) compared to the other materials mentioned above, and is suitable for maintaining elasticity when used in high-temperature environments. The thickness of the first member 11 is, for example, 50 μm to 1 mm. The first member 11 may be in the form of a plate that can independently maintain its shape, or it may be in the form of a thinner foil. When the first member 11 is in the form of a thin foil, in the spring member 10, the middle part of the second member 12 in the X direction is curved or bent, and the thin first member 11 takes on a shape that conforms to the second member 12.

[0029] The second member 12 is made of a material with a higher Young's modulus than the material that forms the first member 11. The second member 12 is made of, for example, copper (including pure copper), copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc.

[0030] In the spring member 10, the first member 11 has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12, and the second member 12 has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11. That is, in the spring member 10, the first member 11 functions as a conductive spring, and the second member 12 functions as a load spring.

[0031] The first member 11 has first contact portions 13 formed at both ends in the X direction that abut against the holding portion 22, and a second contact portion 14 formed in the middle in the X direction that abuts against another opposing spring member 10 or male terminal 200. The size of the second contact portion 14 in the Y direction is larger than the size of the first contact portion 13 in the Y direction. The area of ​​the second contact portion 14 is larger than the area of ​​the first contact portion 13. However, the area of ​​the second contact portion 14 may be less than or equal to the area of ​​the first contact portion 13. Furthermore, the second contact portion 14 decreases in size in the Y direction as it moves outward in the X direction.

[0032] Here, the first member 11 is located between the first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14 and has a connecting portion 11a that connects the first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14. Furthermore, the first member 11 exhibits a symmetrical shape with respect to a straight line (extending in the Y direction) passing through the center of the first member 11 in the X direction when viewed from the Z direction. The first member 11 exhibits a symmetrical shape with respect to a straight line (extending in the X direction) passing through the center of the first member 11 in the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction.

[0033] The open edge 11b in the X direction of the first member 11 extends in the X direction so as to face outward in the X direction. The first contact portion 13 is curved in the opposite manner to the connecting portion 11a. In other words, the first contact portion 13 is a curved surface curved around an axis extending in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 5, the size of the first contact portion 13 in the Y direction is the same throughout the entire area in the X direction. Here, "same" includes manufacturing tolerances. The second contact portion 14 is formed in a flat plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing the Z direction.

[0034] In the second member 12, a third contact portion 15 is formed in the center in the X direction, which contacts the second contact portion 14 of the first member 11. The third contact portion 15 is located in the center in the X direction of the second member 12 and is formed in a flat plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing the Z direction. The third contact portion 15 and the second contact portion 14 may be joined together, and before the spring member 10 is installed on the holding portion 22, the third contact portion 15 and the second contact portion 14 may be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction.

[0035] The X-direction ends of the first member 11 are independently and movably locked to the X-direction ends of the second member 12. Specifically, through holes 16 are formed in at least the X-direction ends of either the first member 11 or the second member 12, and the X-direction ends of the other member are movably inserted through the through holes 16. In other words, through holes 16 are formed on both sides in the X-direction of the X-direction central part of either the first member 11 or the second member 12. In this embodiment 1, the through holes 16 are formed on opposite sides of the second member 12 via the third contact portion 15.

[0036] In this example, as shown in Figure 6, the first contact portion 13 and the connecting portion 11a of the first member 11 pass through the through hole 16 formed in the second member, extending from one side in the Z direction to the other, as they move from the inside to the outside in the X direction. The size of the through hole 16 in the Y direction decreases as it moves inward in the X direction. The shape of the opening of the through hole 16 is trapezoidal when viewed from the Z direction (see Figure 5). For this reason, the first member 11 extends along the second member 12 and intersects with the second member 12 in the Z direction. In this case, the surface of the third contact portion 15 facing one side in the Z direction is covered by the second contact portion 14 of the first member 11. The third contact portion 15 and the second contact portion 14 are in contact with each other in a non-joined state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the through-hole 16 is integrally formed over the entire area of ​​the second member 12, between the outer edge portion 12a connected to the open edge 12b in the X direction and the central portion in the X direction, which includes the third contact portion 15. Alternatively, the through-hole 16 may be formed only at both ends of the second member 12 in the X direction, and could be, for example, a slit extending in the Y direction.

[0038] In the second member 12, the outer edge portion 12a, located outside the through hole 16 in the X direction and connected to the open edge 12b in the X direction, extends in the X direction such that the open edge 12b of the second member 12 faces outward in the X direction. The outer edge portion 12a of the second member 12 is a curved surface that is curved in the opposite manner to the central portion in the X direction. In the Z direction, the surface facing away from the third contact portion 15 (central portion) is covered by the first contact portion 13 of the first member 11. The outer edge portion 12a and the first contact portion 13 of the second member 12 are in contact with each other in a non-joined state. However, the outer edge portion 12a and the first contact portion 13 of the second member 12 may be joined to each other.

[0039] The second member 12 exhibits a symmetrical shape with respect to a straight line (extending in the Y direction) passing through the center of the second member 12 in the X direction when viewed from the Z direction. The second member 12 exhibits a symmetrical shape with respect to a straight line (extending in the X direction) passing through the center of the second member 12 in the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction.

[0040] When the first member 11 is assembled to the second member 12, the first member 11 is elastically deformed, and the first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14 are pressed against the second member 12 in the Z direction. Also, in the assembled state, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 is located outward in the X direction compared to the open end edge 11b of the first member 11. Before assembling the first member 11 and the second member 12 together, the size of the second member 12 in the Z direction is larger than the size of the first member 11 in the Z direction. In each of the first member 11 and the second member 12, the parts that face each other in the Z direction, excluding the through hole 16, may abut each other over their entire area.

[0041] The first member 11 and the second member 12 are each arranged in a series in the Y direction, as shown in Figure 3, etc., and multiple units are provided. The number of each of the first member 11 and the second member 12 is not limited to the illustrated example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, two first members 11 adjacent to each other in the Y direction are connected at their central portions in the X direction via a connecting piece 11c. The size of the connecting piece 11c in the X direction is smaller than the size of the second contact portion 14 in the X direction. The size of the second contact portion 14 in the Y direction decreases as it moves away from the connecting piece 11c in the X direction. In addition to the configuration in which multiple first members 11 are integrally formed as described above, a spring member may be adopted in which multiple second members 12, which are divided from each other, are individually attached. Furthermore, multiple connecting pieces 11c may be provided at intervals in the X direction, or they may be provided at positions away from the center of the first member 11 in the X direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the second members 12 that are adjacent to each other in the Y direction are connected to each other along their entire length in the X direction. Furthermore, the second members 12 that are adjacent to each other in the Y direction may be connected only to a limited number of locations in the X direction. In contrast to this configuration in which multiple second members 12 are integrally formed, a spring member may be adopted in which multiple first members 11, which are divided from each other, are individually attached.

[0044] In the connection structure 100, the first contact portion 13 of the spring member 10 contacts the holding portion 22, and the second contact portion 14 contacts the male terminal 200. Therefore, the first member 11 provides electrical conductivity between the male terminal 200 and the female terminal 20. The second member 12 also performs a spring function to adjust the degree of deformation of the spring member 10.

[0045] Here, in the spring member 10, the length L is the length between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction, from one end to the other in the X direction. 12 The length L of the first member 11 is 11 It is longer than (see Figure 6).

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the frame 30 is a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the male terminal 200 is inserted and removed from one end in the X direction. Specifically, the frame 30 comprises a cylindrical frame portion 31 that holds the holding portion 22 internally, and a flat plate portion 32 provided on one end of the frame portion 31 in the penetrating direction (in this case, the X direction) and closing the opening on one end of the frame portion 31. The extended portion 21 passes through the flat plate portion 32. In this case, the extended portion 21 and the flat plate portion 32 may be in close contact over the entire circumference, or they may only be in contact in part.

[0047] The frame portion 31 has a projection 33 formed at the end opposite to the side where the flat plate portion 32 is provided in the X direction. This projection 33 protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the through-direction of the frame portion 31 (the Z direction). The projection 33 has an opening 30a that penetrates in the X direction into which the male terminal 200 is inserted.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 2, two spring members 10 are arranged within the holding portion 22 such that their second contact portions 14 face each other. In other words, they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opposing surfaces. Here, the opposing surfaces refer to a surface formed at an intermediate position between the two spring members 10 in the Z direction and parallel to the XY plane. The female terminal 20 is arranged so as to sandwich the two spring members 10 by the holding portion 22. When the male terminal 200 is inserted into the holding portion 22 through the opening 30a of the frame 30, the male terminal 200 fits between the two spring members 10 and slides against the second contact portion 14 of each spring member 10, that is, it moves while in contact with it. The contact between the second contact portion 14 and the male terminal 200 electrically connects the female terminal 20 and the male terminal 200 via the spring members 10. Also, when the male terminal 200 is released from inside the holding portion 22, the male terminal 200 slides against the intermediate portion of the first member 11 in the X direction.

[0049] When the male terminal 200 is inserted, in the two spring members 10, the first member 11 has both ends in the X direction that abut against the female terminal 20 (holding part 22), and the middle part in the X direction abuts against the male terminal 200. In the second member 12, both ends in the X direction press against the female terminal 20 via the first member 11, and the middle part in the X direction presses against the male terminal 200 via the first member 11.

[0050] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of region R1 shown in Figure 2. As an example, Figure 8 shows the state in which the male terminal 200 is inserted into the frame 30, a load is applied to the spring member 10, and the first member 11 and the second member 12 are deformed. Here, the frame portion 31 has a regulating portion 331 formed by a protruding portion 33 that restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the X direction. Length L of the second member 12 12 However, the length L of the first member 11 11 Because it is longer, as shown in Figure 8, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 comes into contact with the restricting portion 331 preferentially over the open end edge 11b of the first member. The contact of the open end edge 12b with the restricting portion 331 restricts the position of the spring member 10 within the frame 30. In this case, even at the end of the spring member 10 on the flat plate portion 32 side, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 abuts against the inner wall surface of the flat plate portion 32 with priority over the open end edge 11b of the first member.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment 1, a spring member 10 is formed by laminating a first member 11 which has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12, and a second member 12 which has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11, and the length in the X direction, which is the direction in which the male terminal 200 is inserted into the female connector 1, is the length L of the second member 12. 12 The length L of the first member 11 11 By making it longer, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 331. According to this embodiment 1, since the highly rigid second member 12 contacts the frame 30 and restricts its position, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the spring member from the female connector and achieve high durability for repeated use at the same time.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, in the second member 12, the size of the through hole 16 in the Y direction decreases towards the middle part in the X direction. Therefore, in either the first member 11 or the second member 12, it becomes possible to secure a larger area for the second contact portion 14 or the third contact portion 15 that receives the pressing force in the Z direction, thereby improving durability.

[0053] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of the female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In Embodiment 2, the contact manner between the spring member and the frame portion differs from that of the connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 9, similar to Figure 8, shows a state in which the first member 11 and the second member 12 are deformed when, for example, a load is applied to the spring member 10. In this second embodiment, the spring member 10 will be described as having a length between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction (see Figure 6) that is equal to the length of the first member 11.

[0054] The frame according to this second embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 31A that holds the holding portion 22 internally, and a flat plate portion 32 (see Figure 2) provided on one end of the frame portion 31A in the penetrating direction (in this case, the X direction) and closing the opening on one end of the frame portion 31A.

[0055] The frame portion 31A has a projection 33A formed at the end opposite to the side where the flat plate portion 32 is provided in the X direction, projecting inward from the frame portion 31A and in a direction perpendicular to the through-direction of the frame portion 31A. The projection 33A has a convex portion 332 extending in the X direction toward the end opposite to the through-direction. The projection 33A also has an opening 30b into which the male terminal 200 is inserted.

[0056] A regulating portion 333 is formed on the frame portion 31A by a protruding portion 33A, which restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the X direction. In this case, the regulating portion 333 has a stepped shape in which a part of it protrudes in the X direction by a convex portion 332. In this embodiment 2, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 abuts against this protruding portion. Therefore, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially abuts against the regulating portion 333.

[0057] In the second embodiment described above, a spring member 10 is formed by laminating a first member 11 which has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12, and a second member 12 which has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11. A restricting portion 333 is formed at the open end of the frame portion 31A, so that the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 333. According to this second embodiment, since the highly rigid second member 12 contacts the frame 30 and its position is restricted, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the spring member from the female connector and achieve high durability for repeated use.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment 2, an example was given in which the ends of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are at the same position in the X direction. However, if the open end edge 12b of the second member contacts the frame (regulating portion 333) with priority over the first member 11, the first member 11 may be longer than the second member 12 in the X direction.

[0059] (Modified version of Embodiment 2) Next, a modified example of this second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a female connector according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. In this modified example, the contact manner between the spring member and the frame portion differs from that of the connection structure 100 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the second embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 10, similar to Figure 8, shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to the spring member 10, causing the first member 11 and the second member 12 to deform.

[0060] In the spring member 10, the length L is the distance between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction. 12 However, the length L of the first member 11 11 Because it is longer than (see Figure 6), as shown in Figure 10, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 333.

[0061] In the modified example described above, the highly rigid second member 12 contacts the frame 30 more reliably and restricts its position compared to the second embodiment described above. This makes it possible to more reliably achieve both the suppression of the spring member detaching from the female connector and high durability against repeated use.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of the female connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In Embodiment 3, the contact manner between the spring member and the frame portion differs from that of the connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 11, similar to Figure 8, shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to the spring member 10, causing the first member 11 and the second member 12 to deform. In this third embodiment, the spring member 10 will be described as having a length between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction (see Figure 6) that is equal to the length of the first member 11.

[0063] The frame according to this third embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 31B that holds the holding portion 22 internally, and a flat plate portion 32 (see Figure 2) provided on one end of the frame portion 31B in the penetrating direction (in this case, the X direction) and closing the opening on one end of the frame portion 31B.

[0064] The frame portion 31B has a projection 33B formed at the end opposite to the side where the flat plate portion 32 is provided in the X direction, projecting inward from the frame portion 31B and in a direction perpendicular to the through-direction of the frame portion 31B. The projection 33B has a slanted portion 334 provided on the part facing the second member 12. The projection 33B also has an opening 30c into which the male terminal 200 is inserted.

[0065] The frame portion 31B has a restricting portion 335 formed by the protruding portion 33B, which restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the X direction. In this case, the restricting portion 335 has a stepped shape in which a part of it protrudes in the X direction by the inclined portion 334. In addition, the restricting portion 335 has a hollow space that widens in the X direction on its outer circumference by the inclined portion 334. In this third embodiment, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 abuts against the inclined surface 334. Therefore, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially abuts against the restricting portion 335.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment 3, a spring member 10 is formed by laminating a first member 11 which has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12, and a second member 12 which has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11. A restricting portion 335 is formed at the open end of the frame portion 31A, so that the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the inclined surface portion 334 of the restricting portion 335. According to this embodiment 3, since the highly rigid second member 12 contacts the frame 30 and its position is restricted, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the spring member from the female connector and achieve high durability for repeated use.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment 3, an example was given in which the ends of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are in the same position in the X direction. However, if the open end edge 12b of the second member abuts against the frame (regulating portion 333) with priority over the first member, the end of the first member may be longer or shorter than the end of the second member in the X direction.

[0068] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the female connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 13 is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the female connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of region R2 shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 shows, for example, a state in which the first member 11 and the second member 12 are deformed when a load is applied to the spring member 10. In Embodiment 4, the configuration of the frame is different from that of the connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0069] The frame 30A according to this fourth embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 34 that holds the holding portion 22 internally, and a flat plate portion 32 provided on one end of the frame portion 34 in the penetrating direction (in this case, the X direction) and closing the opening on one end of the frame portion 34.

[0070] The frame portion 34 has a cylindrical portion 341, one end of which is connected to the flat plate portion 32 and which holds the holding portion 22, and a cylindrical cap portion 342 that is detachably provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 341 opposite to the flat plate portion 32. The cap portion 342 has an opening 34a into which the male terminal 200 is inserted. The flat plate portion 32 and the cylindrical portion 341 constitute the main body, which is a bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0071] When the cap portion 342 is connected to the cylindrical portion 341, the end face of the cap portion functions as a restricting portion 343 that restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the X direction. This restricting portion 343 protrudes in the Z direction more than the holding portion 22 (see Figures 12 and 14). When the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 331. The contact of the open end edge 12b with the restricting portion 331 restricts the position of the spring member 10 within the frame 30A.

[0072] In the above-described Embodiment 4, in the spring member 10 in which the first member 11 having excellent electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and the second member 12 having higher rigidity than the first member 11 are laminated, the length in the X direction, which is the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 into the female connector 1, of the second member 12 is made longer than the length L 12 of the first member 11, so that the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially abuts against the regulating portion 343. According to Embodiment 4, since the highly rigid second member 12 abuts against the frame body 30A and is positionally regulated, it is possible to achieve both suppression of detachment of the spring member from the female connector and high durability against repeated use. 11 Also, according to Embodiment 4, since the cap portion 342 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 341, the size of the opening 34a can be adjusted. Thereby, according to the thicknesses of the first member 11 and the second member 12 of the spring member 10, the protruding amount of the regulating portion 343 from the holding portion 22 can be adjusted.

[0073]

[0074] (Embodiment 5) Next, Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the female connector according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In Embodiment 5, the configuration of the female connector is different from that of the connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] The female connector 1A according to Embodiment 5 includes a spring member 10, a female terminal 20A, and a frame body 30B. In Embodiment 5, an example in which two spring members 10 are provided will be described, but one spring member may be provided, or three or more spring members may be provided.

[0076] The female terminal 20A has an extending portion 21 extending in a plate shape and a holding portion 22A extending from one end of the extending portion 21 and holding the spring member 10. In FIG. 15, the female terminal 20A extends in the X direction.

[0077] ​The retaining portion 22A holds the spring member 10. The retaining portion 22A is cylindrical and is connected to the extending portion 21 at one end in the penetrating direction. Specifically, the retaining portion 22A has a first cylindrical portion 221 which is cylindrical and connected to the extending portion 21, and a second cylindrical portion 222 which is provided on the side of the first cylindrical portion 221 opposite to the side connected to the extending portion 21, and the size of the opening formed by the inner circumferential surface is smaller than the size of the opening of the first cylindrical portion 221. The second cylindrical portion 222 protrudes from the first cylindrical portion 221 and has an inner wall surface that intersects with the X direction, and this inner wall surface forms a restricting portion 223 that restricts the movement of the spring member 10 in the X direction. Furthermore, the shape of the holding portion 22A can be appropriately modified, such as having a slit extending in the X direction and having a part of its circumferential direction open, as long as it can hold the spring member 10.

[0078] The frame 30B is cylindrical with a bottom, and the holding portion 22A is housed in its hollow section. In this case, the extended portion 21 penetrates the bottom of the frame 30B and extends to the outside of the frame 30B.

[0079] When the spring member 10 is housed in the holding portion 22A, its movement in the X direction is restricted by the restricting portion 223. When the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 223. The contact of the open end edge 12b with the restricting portion 223 restricts the position of the spring member 10 within the frame 30B.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment 5, in a spring member 10 formed by laminating a first member 11 which has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and a second member 12 which has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11, the length in the X direction, which is the direction in which the male terminal 200 is inserted into the female connector 1, is the length L of the second member 12. 12 The length L of the first member 11 11 By making it longer, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially contacts the restricting portion 223. According to this embodiment 5, since the highly rigid second member 12 contacts the restricting portion 223 of the holding portion 22A and restricts its position, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the spring member from the female connector and achieve high durability against repeated use at the same time.

[0081] Thus, the present invention may include various embodiments not described herein, and various design changes can be made without departing from the technical idea specified by the claims. For example, in Embodiment 1 described above, an example was described in which the open edge 11b in the X direction of the first member 11 extends in the X direction so as to face outward in the X direction, but it may also extend so as to face inward in the X direction.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained an example in which a female connector is constructed using two spring members 10, the number of spring members 10 is not limited to two; it may be one, or three or more may be provided depending on the shape of the holding portion 22 of the female terminal 20. In a configuration with one spring member 10, the male terminal 200 is pressed against the intermediate portion in the X direction of the first member 11 of the spring member 10, and presses against the female terminal 20 (holding portion 22). [Industrial applicability]

[0083] As described above, the female connector and connection structure according to the present invention are suitable for achieving both suppression of detachment from the terminals and high durability against repeated use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. 1A Female Connector 10 Spring member 11. First Member 12 Second Member 13 1st contact part 14 Second contact part 15 Third contact part 16 Through holes 20, 20A female terminal 21 Extension 22, 22A holding part 30, 30A, 30B frame 31, 31A, 31B, 34 Frame 32 Flat plate part 33, 33A protrusion 100 connection structure 200 Male terminals 221 First cylindrical part 222 Second cylindrical part 223, 331, 333, 335, 343 Regulatory Department 332 Convex part 334 Slope 341 Cylindrical part 342 Cap section

Claims

1. A female connector in which a conductive male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, A spring member comprising a first member having conductivity and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, A female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects to the first member, The frame that holds the female terminal, Equipped with, In the spring member, at least the second member has a curved or bent portion in the middle in the first direction, the first member extends along the second member in the first direction, has a curved or bent portion in the middle in the first direction, and intersects with the second member, When the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction. The frame or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that, by contacting the second member, restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction. A female connector characterized by the following features.

2. The frame has a projection provided on the frame, which protrudes from the end of the frame in the first direction in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The restricting portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the protruding portion. The female connector according to feature 1.

3. The restricting portion has a stepped shape in which a part of it protrudes in the first direction and the protruding portion abuts against the second member. The female connector according to feature 1.

4. The length of the second member from one end to the other in the first direction is longer than the length of the first member from one end to the other in the first direction. The female connector according to feature 1.

5. The frame has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening that penetrates in the first direction. The female connector according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned frame body is The main body is cylindrical with a bottom, A cap portion is detachably attached to the main body portion and has the opening formed therein, The female connector according to claim 5, characterized by comprising the features.

7. The restricting portion is provided on the female terminal, formed at the end of the female terminal in the first direction, and consists of a wall surface that intersects the first direction. The female connector according to feature 1.

8. Two spring members are provided. The two spring members are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opposing surfaces. The female terminal is arranged so as to sandwich the two spring members, When the male terminal is inserted into the female connector and fits between the two spring members, In each of the two spring members, In the first member, both ends in the first direction abut against the female terminal, and the middle portion in the first direction abuts against the male terminal. The female connector according to feature 1.

9. A conductive male terminal, The male terminal is inserted in a first direction and a female connector is electrically connected to the male terminal, A connection structure comprising, The aforementioned female connector is A spring member comprising a first member having conductivity and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, A female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects to the first member, The frame that holds the female terminal, Equipped with, In the spring member, at least the second member has a curved or bent portion in the middle in the first direction, the first member extends along the second member in the first direction, has a curved or bent portion in the middle in the first direction, and intersects with the second member, When the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction. The frame or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that, by contacting the second member, restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

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