Female terminals and connectors

Abstract

To provide a female terminal and a connector that can simplify the structure.SOLUTION: A female terminal 31 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first tubular part 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second tubular part 51 facing the first tubular part 41, and a tubular connection part 60 composed of the first tubular part 41 and the second tubular part 51. The female terminal 31 has a winding-pressing part 90 that limits a separation distance between a first inner surface 42 of the first tubular part 41 and a second inner surface 52 of the second tubular part 51. The tubular connection part 60 is a first connection part into which a columnar connection part 201 of a male terminal 200 is inserted and that is electrically connected to the columnar connection part 201. The winding-pressing part 90 is formed as one piece with the first peripheral wall 40. The winding-pressing part 90 is folded inwards, while embracing the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 from the first peripheral wall 40, and is in contact with an outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to female terminals and connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector mounted on a vehicle, a connector including a housing and a female terminal held in the housing is known. A columnar connection portion of a male terminal is inserted into a cylindrical connection portion of the female terminal, and the columnar connection portion is electrically connected. This type of female terminal stably ensures a contact pressure against the columnar connection portion of the male terminal by using an urging force of an urging member such as a coil spring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above connector, it is desired to simplify the structure of the female terminal. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal and a connector capable of simplifying the structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The female terminal of this disclosure comprises a first circumferential wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second circumferential wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and a winding and pressing portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is a first connecting portion into which the columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, and the winding and pressing portion is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall. The winding restraint portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall toward the second peripheral wall and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall, and the female terminal further comprises a connecting portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, the connecting portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall, the first peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, the second peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, and the first inner surface is the first direction The first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction which is opposite to the second direction, the winding press portion is folded back toward the second circumferential wall from the end face of the first circumferential wall in a third direction which intersects both the first and second directions, the connecting portion is formed to extend in the second direction from the end face of the first circumferential wall in a third opposite direction which is opposite to the third direction toward the end face of the second circumferential wall in a third opposite direction, the winding press portion is provided in a position that overlaps with the connecting portion in a plan view from the third direction, the second cylindrical portion has two divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion and a slit that divides the two divided cylindrical portions, the slit is formed to extend along the first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction of the first circumferential wall from the end face of the second circumferential wall in the first direction toward the second circumferential wall to a position that does not overlap with the winding press portion and the connecting portion in a plan view from the third direction.

[0006] The connector of this disclosure comprises the female terminal described above and a housing that houses the female terminal inside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The female terminals and connectors of this disclosure have the effect of simplifying the structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment (the cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in Figures 5 and 6). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment (the cross-sectional view along line 8-8 in Figures 5 and 6). [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment (cross-sectional view along line 9-9 in Figures 5 and 6). [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment (cross-sectional view along line 10-10 in Figure 9). [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the female terminal of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing a portion of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 14-14 in Figure 13) showing a part of the wire harness of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view showing the female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the female terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the female terminal during manufacture of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the female terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 21A-21A in FIG. 20) showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 22A-22A in FIG. 20) showing a part of the wire harness of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view showing the female terminal of the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The female terminal of the present disclosure includes a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion, a cylindrical connection portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and a winding press portion that restricts the separation distance between a first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and a second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion. The cylindrical connection portion is a first connection portion into which a columnar connection portion of a male terminal is inserted and is electrically connected to the columnar connection portion. The winding press portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall. The winding press portion is folded back while holding the edge of the second peripheral wall inside from the first peripheral wall and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

[0010] With this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, the winding and pressing portion restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface of the first cylindrical connector and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical connector from becoming too large. This restriction by the winding and pressing portion allows the first and second inner surfaces to be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector. As a result, the contact state between the cylindrical connector and the columnar connector can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding and pressing portion is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall. Therefore, the contact state between the cylindrical connector and the columnar connector can be maintained with a simpler structure compared to conventional techniques that use separate parts such as coil springs. In other words, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified compared to conventional techniques that use separate parts such as coil springs.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the female terminal further comprises a connecting portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, wherein the connecting portion may be formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and integrally with the second peripheral wall.

[0012] In this configuration, the first and second peripheral walls are connected by a connecting portion that is integrally formed with both the first and second peripheral walls. This allows the first and second peripheral walls to be formed integrally through the connecting portion. Therefore, the female terminal can be constructed by bending or other processes applied to a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the first circumferential wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, the second circumferential wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, the first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second inner surface is a surface facing a second opposite direction which is opposite to the second direction, the winding press portion is folded back from the end face of the first circumferential wall in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions toward the second circumferential wall, and the connecting portion may be formed to be folded back from the end face of the first circumferential wall in a third opposite direction which is opposite to the third direction toward the end face of the second circumferential wall in a third opposite direction.

[0014] In this configuration, a winding restraint portion is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion, with the first peripheral wall in between. Therefore, the winding restraint portion can effectively restrict the opening of the connecting portion, that is, the separation distance between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall from increasing. As a result, the winding restraint portion can effectively restrict the separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface from increasing.

[0015] [4] In the above [3], the winding press portion protrudes in the third direction more than the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction, and the connecting portion protrudes in the third opposite direction more than the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction, and the first amount of protrusion of the winding press portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction may be equal to the second amount of protrusion of the connecting portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction.

[0016] With this configuration, the first protrusion of the winding retainer portion, which is folded back from the end face in the third direction of the first peripheral wall toward the second peripheral wall, is equal to the second protrusion of the connecting portion, which is folded back from the end face in the opposite third direction of the first peripheral wall toward the second peripheral wall. Therefore, the winding retainer portion and the connecting portion can be formed in a shape that is close to symmetrical. As a result, the female terminal can be accommodated in a first space that can accommodate the winding retainer portion, whether the winding retainer portion is facing the first space or the connecting portion is facing the first space. As a result, the constraint on the insertion direction of the female terminal toward the first space can be relaxed. Therefore, the versatility of the female terminal can be improved.

[0017] [5] In the above [3] or [4], the female terminal further comprises a projection projecting toward the third direction from the end face of the second peripheral wall in the third direction, and the winding press portion has a through hole into which the projection fits, and an engaging surface that constitutes the through hole and faces the second direction, and the engaging surface may be engaged with the projection.

[0018] In this configuration, the second peripheral wall is pressed down by the winding restraint portion, and the winding restraint portion is pressed down by the projection when the projection engages with the engagement surface. As a result, it is possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

[0019] [6] In any of [3] to [5] above, the female terminal further comprises a protective portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed so as to be folded back from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion having a protective wall provided opposite the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction in the second direction, the protective wall being provided at a distance from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction.

[0020] In this configuration, the protective wall of the protective section, which is integrally formed with the first circumferential wall, is provided opposite the end of the second circumferential wall in the first direction, while being separated from it. Therefore, even if, for example, an excessive external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second circumferential wall in the first direction, and the second circumferential wall deforms to separate from the first circumferential wall as a result of that external force, the deformation can be suitably prevented by the protective wall.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the winding press portion is provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first opposite direction, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction, and the cylindrical connecting portion may be provided at an intermediate position between the winding press portion and the protective portion in the first direction.

[0022] In this configuration, the winding restraint portion is provided at a different position from the cylindrical connection portion in the first direction. This winding restraint portion can limit the separation distance between the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall. Consequently, the winding restraint portion can limit the separation distance between the first inner surface constituting the cylindrical connection portion and the second inner surface constituting the cylindrical connection portion.

[0023] [8] In the above [6] or [7], the second cylindrical portion is provided at an intermediate position of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the protective portion has an extension portion extending from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward the second direction, the protective wall extending from the end of the extension portion in the second direction toward the first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, and an opening that penetrates the extension portion in the first direction and exposes the end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the opening may be formed to expose the edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and the edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction.

[0024] In this configuration, an opening is provided that penetrates the extension of the protective part in a first direction and exposes the second edge of the first peripheral wall in a second direction and the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall. This allows, for example, a laser to be irradiated onto the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall through the opening. That is, a laser can be irradiated onto the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall of the female terminal from a position located away from the end face of the female terminal in a first direction in the first direction. By irradiating with a laser in this way, the distance between the second edge of the first peripheral wall in a second direction and the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall can be measured. That is, the gap between the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall can be measured by irradiating with a laser.

[0025] [9] In the above [8], the second cylindrical portion has two divided cylindrical portions separated in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and a slit that separates the two divided cylindrical portions, and each of the plurality of divided cylindrical portions has the second inner surface and a projection that protrudes from the second inner surface toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc shape in cross-section, and the slit may be provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0026] In this configuration, a slit that divides the two cylindrical sections is provided at the axial center of the cylindrical connector. When the columnar connector of the male terminal inserted into the cylindrical connector is displaced, the columnar connector rotates around the axial center of the cylindrical connector as the center of rotation. If the contact point between the projection and the columnar connector is located at such a center of rotation, the contact pressure from the projection cannot be used as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connector. In contrast, in the above configuration, the projection is provided at a position different from the slit located at the axial center of the cylindrical connector. Therefore, the projection and the columnar connector can be brought into contact at a position different from the center of rotation in the displacement of the columnar connector. This allows the contact pressure from the projection to be effectively used as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connector. As a result, the displacement of the columnar connector inside the cylindrical connector can be effectively suppressed by the contact pressure from multiple projections. Furthermore, in the cylindrical connector, two projections contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector at two locations spaced apart in the axial direction. As a result, compared to the case where only one protrusion is provided on the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, the contact pressure from the two protrusions can suppress the displacement of the columnar connection portion inside the cylindrical connection portion.

[0027]

[10] In the above [9], the slit is formed to extend from the end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction toward the first opposite direction, the second peripheral wall has two divided portions separated by the slit, and the opening may be formed to expose the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall in each of the two divided portions.

[0028] In this configuration, the opening is formed so as to expose the second opposite edge of the second circumferential wall in each of the multiple divisions. Therefore, by irradiating the first and second circumferential walls with a laser through the opening, the distance between the second opposite edge of the second circumferential wall and the second edge of the first circumferential wall in each of the multiple divisions can be measured.

[0029]

[11] In any of the above [6] to

[10] , the female terminal further comprises a wire connection portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first opposite direction, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction, the wire connection portion being a second connection portion electrically connected to a wire, the wire connection portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, and the wire connection portion may extend from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first opposite direction toward the first opposite direction.

[0030] In this configuration, the wire connection portion, which is electrically connected to the wire, is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall. Therefore, the number of parts in the female terminal can be reduced, and the structure of the female terminal can be simplified.

[0031]

[12] In any of the above [1] to

[11] , the cylindrical connecting portion has a plurality of linear contact portions that protrude radially inward from the first inner surface and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and each of the plurality of linear contact portions may extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion.

[0032] In this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, the linear contact portions provided on the first inner surface constituting the cylindrical connector are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector at multiple points spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, even if oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal, for example, the displacement of the male terminal due to that oscillation can be prevented by the male terminal contacting the multiple linear contact portions.

[0033]

[13] In any of the above [1] to [8], the second inner surface is formed to be recessed in a circular arc shape in cross-section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and the cylindrical connecting portion may have a projection that protrudes from the second inner surface toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion in a circular arc shape in cross-section.

[0034] In this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, a projection that extends radially inward from the second inner surface of the cylindrical connector in an arc-shaped cross-section is pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector. As a result, the projection can be pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector with high contact pressure, thereby stably maintaining the pressed-fit state between the cylindrical connector and the columnar connector.

[0035]

[14] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a female terminal as described in any of [1] to

[13] above, and a housing that houses the female terminal inside. This configuration allows for the same effect as the female terminal described in [1] above.

[0036] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the female terminals and connectors of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for the sake of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately parallel or orthogonal within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. In this specification, "equal" includes not only cases where they are exactly equal, but also cases where there are some differences between the comparison objects due to the influence of dimensional tolerances, etc. As used in this description, "cylindrical" includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts to form a cylinder, and those having notches or other features in the circumferential direction, such as C-shapes or U-shapes. The shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "facing" means that two faces or members are in a position facing each other, including not only when they are completely facing each other, but also when they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" includes both cases where another member is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0037] (First Embodiment) The following describes a first embodiment of the female terminal and connector. (Overall configuration of wire harness W1) As shown in Figure 1, the wire harness W1 comprises one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20 and a connector C1 attached to the end of the electric wires 20. The wire harness W1 is used, for example, to electrically connect electrical equipment for a vehicle. Examples of electrical equipment for a vehicle include inverters and motors for wheel drives. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the connector C1 is electrically connected to a mating connector provided on the electrical equipment. The mating connector comprises, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) mating terminals, which are male terminals 200 (see Figure 4), and a mating housing that holds the two male terminals 200. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the orientation of the connector C1 and wire harness W1 when in use.

[0038] (Overall configuration of connector C1) As shown in Figure 2, the connector C1 comprises a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of female terminals 31. The housing 30 has a housing body 110 that houses the plurality of female terminals 31 inside, and a retainer 120 attached to the housing body 110. Note that each drawing shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. Each drawing shows a first direction X1, which is one direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1. Each drawing shows a second direction Y1, which is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. Each drawing shows a third direction Z1, which is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1. Unless otherwise specified, the directions described above refer to the direction when connector C1 is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20.

[0039] The female terminal 31 and the wire 20 are inserted into the housing body 110 along the first direction X1. A retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1. A mating connector is connected to the connector C1, for example, along the third direction Z1. For example, the male terminal 200 (see Figure 4) of the mating connector is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1.

[0040] (Configuration of the 20 electric wires) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer circumference of the core wire 21 and provides insulation. As the core wire 21, for example, a stranded wire made by twisting together multiple metal strands or a single-core wire made of a single conductor can be used. As the material of the core wire 21, for example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used. The insulating coating 22 covers the outer surface of the core wire 21 around its entire circumference. The insulating coating 22 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0041] The end of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 is exposed from the insulating coating 22. A female terminal 31 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22. As shown in Figure 3, the end of the electric wire 20 in the first direction X1 is housed inside the housing body 110. The electric wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2 from the end of the housing body 110 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0042] (Configuration of female terminal 31) As shown in Figure 2, the two female terminals 31 are electrically connected to each of the two electric wires 20. The two female terminals 31 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction, for example. The two female terminals 31 have, for example, identical structures. Here, we will focus on the female terminal 31 located on the second direction Y1 side of the two female terminals 31.

[0043] Each female terminal 31 has a wire connection portion 32 that connects to the end of the electric wire 20, and a terminal connection portion 33 that extends in the first direction X1 from the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, a single component in which the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33 are continuously and integrally formed. Each female terminal 31 is constructed, for example, by bending or combining a metal plate. Each female terminal 31 in this embodiment is constructed by bending a single metal plate. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, made of metal. As the material for each female terminal 31, for example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used.

[0044] The wire connector 32 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating coating 22. The wire connector 32 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The wire connector 32 extends, for example, in a strip shape along the X-axis. The wire connector 32 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. This connects the wire connector 32 and the core wire 21 electrically and mechanically.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal connection portion 33 is a female terminal portion that connects to the male terminal 200 of the mating connector. Here, the male terminal 200 has a columnar connection portion 201. In this embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0046] The terminal connection portion 33 has a first circumferential wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, and a second circumferential wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41. The terminal connection portion 33 has a cylindrical connection portion 60 formed by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The terminal connection portion 33 has, for example, a connecting portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding and pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100. The first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] (Configuration of the first perimeter wall 40 and the second perimeter wall 50) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction X1. For example, the first peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. In other words, the wire connection portion 32 extends from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, the first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The first peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the second peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of that inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second circumferential wall 50 is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction X1. The second circumferential wall 50 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The second circumferential wall 50 has a predetermined width along the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, the second circumferential wall 50 has a predetermined thickness along the Y-axis direction. The second circumferential wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first circumferential wall 40 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of that inner surface in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is provided, for example, spaced apart from the inner surface of the first circumferential wall 40 in the Y-axis direction. The second circumferential wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the first circumferential wall 40.

[0049] The first cylindrical portion 41 is located at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the first circumferential wall 40. The first cylindrical portion 41 is located between the winding press portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 is formed, for example, as a half-cylindrical shape overall. As shown in Figure 5, the first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the Z-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the entire length of the first circumferential wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the second circumferential wall 50. The second cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding press portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 is formed, for example, as a half-cylindrical shape overall. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the Z-axis direction. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the entire length of the second circumferential wall 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the first cylindrical portion 41 has a first inner surface 42 facing the second direction Y1. The second cylindrical portion 51 has a second inner surface 52 facing the second opposite direction Y2. The first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51 are curved in directions that move them apart from each other. The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 form the internal space of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a connecting portion into which the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion 201. As shown in Figure 4, the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire 20 extends (here, the X-axis direction), and in this embodiment, along the Z-axis direction. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has openings at both ends in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 opens in the third direction Z1 and also in the third opposite direction Z2. In this embodiment, the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 along the third direction Z1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape overall. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is configured so that the columnar connecting portion 201 is press-fitted into it.

[0053] The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed as a curved surface with a cross-sectional shape that curves in an arc when the first cylindrical portion 41 is cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis direction. The outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to protrude radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is formed to be recessed radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0054] The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 is provided with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of linear contact portions 43 that project radially inward from the first inner surface 42 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided so as to partially face each other in the X-axis direction, for example. As shown in Figure 5, each linear contact portion 43 extends along the axial direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the curvature of the first inner surface 42 having two linear contact portions 43 is set to be smaller than the curvature of the outer surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. This allows the two linear contact portions 43 to be suitably brought into contact with the outer surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. At this time, each linear contact portion 43 contacts the outer surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 linearly along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. That is, each linear contact portion 43 makes linear contact with the outer surface of the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0056] The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed as a curved surface with a cross-sectional shape that curves in an arc when the second cylindrical portion 51 is cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis direction. The outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to protrude radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be recessed radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with recesses 53 that extend radially inward from its outer surface towards the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Figure 6, the planar shape of the recesses 53 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recesses 53 are provided, for example, at intermediate positions in the Z-axis direction of the second cylindrical portion 51 and at intermediate positions in the X-axis direction of the second cylindrical portion 51.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided with a projection 54 that protrudes radially inward from the second inner surface 52 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The projection 54 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51 in the portion where the recess 53 is formed. The projection 54 is formed such that, for example, the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the projection 54 with a plane parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 (here, the Z-axis direction) is such that it protrudes radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc shape. The projection 54 is formed to protrude radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from the second inner surface 52 in an arc shape in cross-section. The projection 54 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The projection 54 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The projection 54 makes point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. The protrusion 54 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 54 is formed in an embossed shape by applying pressure to the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 51 with a mold.

[0059] Each of the axial ends of the cylindrical connector 60 has, for example, a guide portion 61. Each guide portion 61 is formed such that the opening width (in this case, the inner diameter) of the cylindrical connector 60 increases as it approaches the axial opening end of the cylindrical connector 60. Each guide portion 61 is formed such that, for example, the inner surface of the cylindrical connector 60 is inclined radially outward as it approaches the opening end of the cylindrical connector 60. Each guide portion 61 is formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and over the entire circumference of the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. Each guide portion 61 has the function of smoothly guiding the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 into the interior of the cylindrical connector 60 when the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted into the cylindrical connector 60. Since these guide portions 61 are provided at both axial ends of the cylindrical connector 60, the change in insertion resistance can be made similar regardless of whether the insertion opening for the male terminal 200 into the cylindrical connector 60 is set at either the axial end of the cylindrical connector 60. Therefore, restrictions on the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60 can be eliminated.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the second circumferential wall 50 has, for example, a protrusion 55 that projects from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The protrusion 55 projects from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 toward the second direction Y1. In a plan view from the Z-axis direction, the protrusion 55 is provided at a position that overlaps with the winding press portion 90. The protrusion 55 is provided, for example, at the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 55 extends, for example, from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The protrusion 55 does not extend to the second cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 55 is provided, for example, at an intermediate position in the Z-axis direction of the second circumferential wall 50. The planar shape of the protrusion 55 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, formed in a rectangular shape. The protrusion 55 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusions 55 are formed in an embossed shape by applying pressure to the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50 with a mold.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the second peripheral wall 50 has a recess 56 on the inner surface of the portion where the convex portion 55 is formed. The recess 56 is formed so as to be recessed in the direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 from the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 50.

[0062] (Configuration of the connecting section 70) As shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion 70 connects the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40 and also integrally with the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed to extend in the second direction Y1 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed to fold back from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0063] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, at the end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 is provided at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 extends in the first direction X1 from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and also protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the connecting portion 70 has an extension portion 71 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and an extension portion 72 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 has a folded portion 73 that connects the extension portion 71 and the extension portion 72.

[0065] The extension portion 71 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The folded portion 73 is formed integrally with the extension portion 71. The folded portion 73 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the extension portion 71 toward the second circumferential wall 50. The folded portion 73 is, for example, folded back in a U shape toward a third direction Z1 from the end of the extension portion 71. The extension portion 72 extends toward the second circumferential wall 50 toward the third direction Z1 from the folded portion 73. The extension portion 72 is formed integrally with the folded portion 73 and is also formed integrally with the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 has a U-shaped folded form that is convex toward the direction away from the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Z2) by the extension portion 71, the folded portion 73 and the extension portion 72. The connecting portion 70 is folded back so that the second peripheral wall 50 is positioned opposite the first peripheral wall 40. In other words, at the terminal connection portion 33, the second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half by the connecting portion 70 and overlapped onto the first peripheral wall 40.

[0066] (Configuration of the protruding part 80) As shown in Figure 10, the projection 80 is provided on the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The projection 80 has, for example, a projection base 81 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third direction Z1, and a projection 82 extending in the third direction Z1 from a part of the projection tip surface of the projection base 81. The projection base 81 is formed integrally with the second circumferential wall 50 in a continuous manner. The projection base 81 extends along the first direction X1 from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The projection 82 is formed integrally with the projection base 81 in a continuous manner. The projection 82 protrudes in the third direction Z1 beyond the projection tip surface of the projection base 81, in this case the end face in the third direction Z1. The projection 82 is provided, for example, only at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the projection base 81. The projection 82 is formed such that, for example, in a plan view from the Y-axis direction, its width along the X-axis direction decreases as it approaches the protruding tip surface of the projection 82 from the protruding base 81.

[0067] (Configuration of the winding and pressing section 90) As shown in Figure 4, the winding restraint portion 90 is formed to limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. The winding restraint portion 90 limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 to becoming larger. The winding restraint portion 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The winding restraint portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed to fold back, for example, while embracing the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 from the first circumferential wall 40 inward. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed to fold back, for example, while positioning the end edge of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third direction Z1 inward from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The winding restraint portion 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50.

[0068] The winding clamp portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding clamp portion 90 is provided at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding clamp portion 90 extends from the end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The winding clamp portion 90 is provided, for example, in a plan view from the Z-axis direction, at a position that overlaps with the connecting portion 70. For example, the winding clamp portion 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 in the Z-axis direction, with the first circumferential wall 40 in between.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the winding and pressing portion 90 has an extension portion 91 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1, a folded portion 92 provided at the end of the extension portion 91, and a pressing portion 93 extending toward the second circumferential wall 50 from the end of the folded portion 92.

[0070] The extension portion 91 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The folded portion 92 is formed integrally with the extension portion 91. The folded portion 92 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of the extension portion 91 in the third direction Z1 toward the second circumferential wall 50. The folded portion 92 is, for example, folded back in a U shape toward the third opposite direction Z2 from the end of the extension portion 91. The pressing portion 93 is formed integrally with the folded portion 92. The pressing portion 93 extends from the folded portion 92 toward the protruding portion 80 and the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The winding pressing portion 90, formed by the extension portion 91, the folded portion 92 and the pressing portion 93, has a U-shaped folded form that is convex toward the direction away from the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 (here, the third direction Z1).

[0071] The pressing portion 93 is provided to press the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 is provided, for example, to press the outer surface of the protruding base portion 81 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 has an opposing surface 94 that faces the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends, for example, parallel to the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The opposing surface 94 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50.

[0072] Here, the first protrusion amount P1 of the winding press portion 90 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 is equal to, for example, the second protrusion amount P2 of the connecting portion 70 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. The first protrusion amount P1 is the longest distance along the Z-axis from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 to the protruding tip of the winding press portion 90. The second protrusion amount P2 is the longest distance along the Z-axis from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the protruding tip of the connecting portion 70. The length dimension of the folded portion 92 along the Y-axis is, for example, greater than the length dimension of the folded portion 73 along the Y-axis by the thickness of the second circumferential wall 50.

[0073] The amount of protrusion of the winding-retaining portion 90 along the Y-axis from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to, for example, the amount of protrusion of the convex portion 55 along the Y-axis from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. In other words, the convex portion 55 is formed such that its amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to that of the winding-retaining portion 90.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the winding press portion 90 has a through hole 95 into which the projection 82 fits. The through hole 95 penetrates the winding press portion 90 in the thickness direction. The through hole 95 extends, for example, from an intermediate position in the folded portion 92 to an intermediate position in the press portion 93. The through hole 95 is formed to a size into which the projection 82 can fit.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, the winding restraint portion 90 has an engagement surface 96 that forms a through hole 95 and engages with the projection 82. The engagement surface 96 is oriented, for example, in the second direction Y1. The engagement surface 96 faces the inner surface of the projection 82 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement surface 96 extends, for example, parallel to the inner surface of the projection 82. The engagement surface 96 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the projection 82. The outer surface of the projection 82 is exposed from the winding restraint portion 90, for example, through the through hole 95.

[0076] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the pressing portion 93 of the winding pressing portion 90, and the engagement surface 96 of the winding pressing portion 90 is pressed from the outside by the projection 82 of the protruding portion 80. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 from increasing.

[0077] (Configuration of protective section 100) As shown in Figure 4, the protective portion 100 is provided, for example, to protect the end of the terminal connection portion 33 in the first direction X1. The protective portion 100 is provided at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1. The protective portion 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, for example. The protective portion 100 is formed so as to fold back from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1, while positioning the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 inside.

[0078] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second circumferential wall 50. The extension portion 101 is formed continuously and integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed continuously and integrally with the extension portion 101. The protective portion 100, formed by the extension portion 101 and the protective wall 102, has a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward the direction away from the second circumferential wall 50 (here, the first direction X1). The protective wall 102 is provided so as to face the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. The protective wall 102 is provided at a distance from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to be separated from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 when, for example, the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The length dimension of the extension portion 101 along the Y-axis direction is greater than the length dimension of the folded portion 92 along the Y-axis direction.

[0079] (Configuration of the housing body 110) As shown in Figure 3, the housing body 110 holds the female terminals 31 so that the electric wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2. The housing body 110 houses two female terminals 31 inside. The housing body 110 is formed, for example, as a box. The housing body 110 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0080] The housing body 110 has an opening 111 that opens in a first opposite direction X2. The electric wire 20 connected to the female terminal 31 is led out of the housing body 110 through the opening 111. The housing body 110 has, for example, a peripheral wall 112 provided in a third opposite direction Z2 and a cylindrical portion 113 provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112. The cylindrical portion 113 is a fitting cylindrical portion into which a mating housing of a mating connector (not shown) is fitted. The cylindrical portion 113 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 112 in the first direction X1. The cylindrical portion 113 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112 toward the housing body 110 (here, in the third opposite direction Z2). The cylindrical portion 113 is formed, for example, in a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0081] The cylindrical portion 113 has an insertion hole 114. The insertion hole 114 is formed to communicate the inside and outside of the housing body 110. The insertion hole 114 opens in a third direction Z1 and also in a third opposite direction Z2. For example, the insertion hole 114 penetrates the cylindrical portion 113 in the Z-axis direction and also penetrates the peripheral wall 112 in the Z-axis direction. The insertion hole 114 is formed to expose the female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 110. Here, each female terminal 31 housed inside the housing body 110 is provided such that the open end of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is exposed from the insertion hole 114.

[0082] (Configuration of Retainer 120) The retainer 120 is attached to the cylindrical portion 113 of the housing body 110. The retainer 120 has a main body portion 121 and one or more (two in this embodiment) restricting portions 122 that restrict the movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2. The retainer 120 is, for example, a single component in which the main body portion 121 and the restricting portions 122 are continuously and integrally formed. The retainer 120 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0083] The main body portion 121 is formed, for example, in a frame shape overall. The outer edge of the main body portion 121 is formed, for example, in a square shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The main body portion 121 is formed to cover, for example, the end face of the cylindrical portion 113 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0084] The main body portion 121 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 123. Each insertion hole 123 penetrates the main body portion 121 in the Z-axis direction. Each insertion hole 123 is formed to communicate with the insertion hole 114 of the cylindrical portion 113. The two insertion holes 123 are formed to expose, for example, the open ends of the cylindrical connecting portions 60 of the two female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 110.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, the two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to each of the two female terminals 31. The two restricting portions 122 are arranged side by side, for example, along the Y-axis. Each restricting portion 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, in which a part of the female terminal 31 is housed. The cross-sectional shape of each restricting portion 122 is U-shaped overall. The axial direction of each restricting portion 122 extends along the X-axis. Each restricting portion 122 opens in a first direction X1 and in a first opposite direction X2. Each restricting portion 122 opens in a third direction Z1.

[0086] Each female terminal 31 is inserted into the internal space of each restrictor 122, for example, along the third opposite direction Z2. The internal space of each restrictor 122 accommodates, for example, the end of the terminal connection portion 33 of each female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2. Two female terminals 31 are housed in the two restrictor 122, for example, in different orientations. More specifically, the restrictor 122 provided on the second direction Y1 side houses the female terminal 31 with the winding press portion 90 facing the third direction Z1. The restrictor 122 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side houses the female terminal 31 with the winding press portion 90 facing the third opposite direction Z2. Specifically, the female terminal 31 provided on the second opposite direction Y2 side is housed in the restrictor 122 in a position rotated 180° from the female terminal 31 provided on the second direction Y1 side. As shown in Figure 3, each restricting portion 122 is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1 when the retainer 120 is attached to the cylindrical portion 113 of the housing body 110. At this time, each restricting portion 122 is inserted into the housing body 110 so as to accommodate the female terminal 31 inside.

[0087] As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, each restricting section 122 has a bottom wall 124, a side wall 125 protruding from the first side edge of the bottom wall 124, and a side wall 126 protruding from the second side edge of the bottom wall 124. The first side edge of the bottom wall 124 faces the bottom wall 124 of the other restricting section 122. The second side edge of the bottom wall 124 is located on the opposite side from the first side edge in the Y-axis direction. The internal space of each restricting section 122 is composed of the space enclosed by the bottom wall 124, the side wall 125, and the side wall 126.

[0088] As shown in Figure 14, each side wall 125, 126 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 124. Each side wall 125, 126 protrudes from the bottom wall 124 toward a third direction Z1. Each side wall 125, 126 is formed, for example, in a plate shape. The two side walls 125, 126 face each other, for example, in the width direction of the bottom wall 124 (here, the Y-axis direction).

[0089] The distance between the inner surface of side wall 125 and the inner surface of side wall 126 is set to a size that can accommodate, for example, the winding press portion 90. The shortest distance between the inner surface of side wall 125 and the inner surface of side wall 126 is set to be slightly greater than the longest distance of the winding press portion 90 along the Y-axis direction. Here, the protrusion 55 of the female terminal 31 is formed such that the amount of protrusion along the Y-axis direction from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is equal to the amount of protrusion along the Y-axis direction of the winding press portion 90. Therefore, the protrusion 55 can be suitably accommodated between the inner surface of side wall 125 and the inner surface of side wall 126. By providing such a protrusion 55, it is possible to suppress the gap between the female terminal 31 and the inner surfaces of side walls 125 and 126 from becoming large in the parts where the winding press portion 90 is not provided. This effectively suppresses the tilting of the female terminal 31 inside each restricting portion 122.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, each restricting portion 122 has an engaging wall 127 that engages with the female terminal 31. The engaging wall 127 is provided, for example, to close a portion of the opening of the restricting portion 122 in the first opposite direction X2. The engaging wall 127 is formed, for example, continuously and integrally with the bottom wall 124. The engaging wall 127 is formed, for example, continuously and integrally with the side wall 126. The engaging wall 127 extends, for example, from the end of the side wall 126 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the side wall 125 along the Y-axis direction. The engaging wall 127 does not extend to the side wall 125 in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The engaging wall 127 is provided so as to be able to engage with the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2 when the retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 (see Figure 2). The engaging wall 127 restricts the movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2. The restricting portion 122 having such an engaging wall 127 ensures the position of the female terminal 31 in the X-axis direction inside the housing body 110 (see Figure 2).

[0092] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained. (1-1) The female terminal 31 comprises a first circumferential wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second circumferential wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 formed by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The female terminal 31 is provided with a winding and pressing portion 90 that limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a first connecting portion into which the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion 201. The winding and pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The winding and pressing portion 90 is folded back from the first circumferential wall 40, embracing the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 inward, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50.

[0093] With this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31, the winding and pressing portion 90 restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 of the first circumferential wall 40 and the second inner surface 52 of the second circumferential wall 50 from increasing. This restriction by the winding and pressing portion 90 maintains the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 in a biased state toward each other. As a result, the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the pressure contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding and pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. Therefore, the pressure contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simpler structure compared to conventional technology that uses separate parts such as coil springs. In other words, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified compared to conventional technology that uses separate components such as coil springs.

[0094] (1-2) The first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 are connected by a connecting portion 70 which is integrally formed with both the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. This allows the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 to be formed integrally through the connecting portion 70. For this reason, the female terminal 31 can be constructed by bending or otherwise processing a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0095] (1-3) A winding restraint portion 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 with the first peripheral wall 40 in between. Therefore, the winding restraint portion 90 can effectively restrict the opening of the connecting portion 70, that is, the separation distance between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 from increasing. As a result, the winding restraint portion 90 can effectively restrict the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 from increasing.

[0096] (1-4) The first protrusion amount P1 of the winding press portion 90, which is folded back toward the second circumferential wall 50 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1, is equal to the second protrusion amount P2 of the connecting portion 70, which is folded back toward the second circumferential wall 50 from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. Therefore, the winding press portion 90 and the connecting portion 70 can be formed in a shape that is close to symmetrical. As a result, the female terminal 31 can be accommodated in the first space capable of accommodating the winding press portion 90, i.e., the internal space of the restricting portion 122, whether the winding press portion 90 is facing the internal space or the connecting portion 70 is facing the internal space. As a result, the constraint on the insertion direction of the female terminal 31 toward the internal space of the restricting portion 122 can be relaxed. Therefore, the versatility of the female terminal 31 can be improved.

[0097] (1-5) The female terminal 31 is provided with a projection 82 that protrudes toward the third direction Z1 from the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 toward the third direction Z1. The winding press portion 90 has a through hole 95 into which the projection 82 fits, and an engaging surface 96 that constitutes the through hole 95 and faces toward the second direction Y1. The engaging surface 96 is engaged with the projection 82. With this configuration, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the winding press portion 90, and the winding press portion 90 is pressed by the projection 82 as the projection 82 engages with the engaging surface 96. As a result, it is possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 from increasing.

[0098] (1-6) The protective wall 102 of the protective portion 100, which is integrally formed with the first circumferential wall 40, is provided opposite to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1, while being separated from it. Therefore, even if, for example, an excessive external force is unintentionally applied to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1, and the second circumferential wall 50 deforms to separate from the first circumferential wall 40 as a result of that external force, the deformation can be suitably prevented by the protective wall 102.

[0099] (1-7) The winding restraint portion 90 is provided at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is provided at an intermediate position between the winding restraint portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the winding restraint portion 90 is provided at a different position from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the first direction X1. The winding restraint portion 90 can limit the separation distance between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. Consequently, the winding restraint portion 90 can limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0100] (1-8) The wire connection portion 32, which is electrically connected to the electric wire 20, is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the number of parts of the female terminal 31 can be reduced and the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0101] (1-9) The cylindrical connector 60 protrudes radially inward from the first inner surface 42 and has a plurality of linear contact portions 43 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connector 60. Each of the plurality of linear contact portions 43 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60. With this configuration, when the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector 60, the linear contact portions 43 provided on the first inner surface 42 constituting the cylindrical connector 60 are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector 201 in a linear contact state at multiple circumferentially spaced locations. As a result, even if, for example, oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the oscillation can be prevented by the male terminal 200 coming into contact with the plurality of linear contact portions 43.

[0102] (1-10) The second inner surface 52 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in cross-section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has a projection 54 that protrudes in an arc shape in cross-section toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from the second inner surface 52. With this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the projection 54 that protrudes in an arc shape in cross-section toward the radially inward direction from the second inner surface 52 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the projection 54 can be pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 with high contact pressure, and the pressed-fit state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained.

[0103] (Second Embodiment) The following describes a second embodiment of the female terminal and connector. The connector in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the structure of the female terminal. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals may be used for the same or corresponding components as in the first embodiment, and some or all of the description of those components may be omitted.

[0104] (Configuration of female terminal 31A) As shown in Figure 15, the female terminal 31A has a wire connection portion 32 and a terminal connection portion 33. The terminal connection portion 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51, and a cylindrical connection portion 60 formed by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The terminal connection portion 33 has a connecting portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding and pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100.

[0105] The protective section 100 has an extension 101 extending from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50.

[0106] The protective portion 100 has an opening 103 that penetrates the extension portion 101 in a first direction X1 and exposes the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1. The opening 103 is formed to expose, for example, the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in a second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0107] As shown in Figure 16, the opening 103 exposes the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 so that the distance L1 between the edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured from the outside through the opening 103. In other words, the opening 103 is an opening window for measuring the distance L1 from the outside. Here, the distance L1 corresponds to the distance between the inner surface of the first circumferential wall 40, that is, the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1, and the inner surface of the second circumferential wall 50, that is, the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. In other words, the distance L1 is the gap between the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15, the opening 103 is provided, for example, at an intermediate position in the protective portion 100 in the Z-axis direction. The opening 103 is formed, for example, so that an intermediate portion of the protective portion 100 in the Z-axis direction is cut out. The opening 103 is formed to penetrate the extension portion 101 in the thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction). The opening 103 opens in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. The opening 103 is formed to penetrate the extension portion 101 in the extension direction (here, the Y-axis direction). The opening 103 opens in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. The opening 103 extends, for example, to an intermediate position in the protective wall 102 in the X-axis direction. For example, the opening 103 formed in the protective wall 102 is formed to overlap with the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the opening 103 is formed to expose the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 at its end in the first direction X1 (i.e., the end face in the second direction Y1). The opening 103 extends, for example, to an intermediate position in the first circumferential wall 40 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the opening 103 is formed so that the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1 is cut out. This allows the edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 to be suitably exposed from the opening 103. The opening 103 formed in the first circumferential wall 40 is formed to overlap, for example, with the opening 103 formed in the protective wall 102 in the Y-axis direction.

[0109] As shown in Figure 17, a portion of the end face of the wire connection portion 32 in the first opposite direction X2 is, for example, a cut surface 32A. The cut surface 32A is located, for example, in the middle of the wire connection portion 32 in the Z-axis direction. The cut surface 32A extends, for example, along the Z-axis direction. The cut surface 32A has a different surface roughness from the portion of the end face of the wire connection portion 32 in the first opposite direction X2 other than the cut surface 32A.

[0110] As shown in Figure 18, in an intermediate step in manufacturing the female terminal 31A, a structure 130 is formed in which multiple female terminals 31A are connected to each other by a strip-shaped carrier 131. The structure 130 is formed, for example, by pressing or bending a metal sheet. In the structure 130, the carrier 131 is connected to a part of the end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the wire connection portion 32 of each female terminal 31A. More specifically, the carrier 131 has a plurality of protruding connecting portions 132 that protrude toward the female terminal 31A and a through hole 133. Each protruding connecting portion 132 is connected to a part of the end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the wire connection portion 32 of each female terminal 31A.

[0111] Each female terminal 31A is ultimately formed by cutting off the protruding connecting portion 132 of the carrier 131. Therefore, a portion of the end face of the wire connection portion 32 in the first opposite direction X2 becomes the cut surface 32A (see Figure 17) that is exposed by the cutting off of the protruding connecting portion 132 of the carrier 131. In other words, the cut surface 32A shown in Figure 17 is the cut mark left by the cutting of the carrier 131.

[0112] The structure 130 shown in Figure 18 is wound onto a reel (not shown), for example. At this time, the through hole 133 provided in the carrier 131 is used when winding the structure 130 onto the reel. The feed direction D1 of the reel when winding the structure 130 onto the reel coincides with, for example, the third direction Z1.

[0113] To measure the gap between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 at each female terminal 31A of the structure 130, one possible method is to irradiate the female terminal 31A with a laser from the irradiation direction E2. However, in this case, the reel's feed direction D1 and the laser irradiation direction E2 are parallel to each other, making it difficult to install a measuring device, such as a laser light source and receiver. In other words, when the structure 130 is wound onto the reel along the feed direction D1, it is difficult to install a measuring device between two adjacent female terminals 31A in the feed direction D1.

[0114] Therefore, each female terminal 31A in the structure 130 is provided with an opening 103 that opens in a first direction X1 perpendicular to the reel's feed direction D1. This allows a laser to be irradiated onto the female terminal 31A, specifically the first and second peripheral walls 40 and 50, through the opening 103 from an irradiation direction E1 perpendicular to the reel's feed direction D1. The irradiation direction E1 coincides, for example, with the first opposite direction X2. By irradiating with a laser from such an irradiation direction E1, the distance L1 (see Figure 16) between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured. In this case, a measuring device, such as a laser light source and receiver, can be installed at a position away from the opening 103 of the female terminal 31A in the direction X1. Therefore, the measuring device can be installed at a position away from the female terminal 31A in a direction perpendicular to the reel's feed direction D1. Therefore, when winding the structure 130 onto the reel along the feed direction D1, contact between the female terminal 31A and the measuring device can be effectively suppressed.

[0115] By measuring the distance L1 (see Figure 16) between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2, for example, the inner diameter of the cylindrical connector 60 can be calculated based on the distance L1. Therefore, by checking whether the distance L1 is of the desired size, it is possible to check whether the inner diameter of the cylindrical connector 60 at each female terminal 31A is of the desired size. Such an inspection can be performed by irradiating the female terminals 31A, which are connected to the carrier 131, with a laser. Therefore, it is possible to easily inspect all of the female terminals 31A to see if the inner diameter of the cylindrical connector 60 at each female terminal 31A is of the desired size.

[0116] According to this embodiment described above, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-10) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved. (2-1) An opening 103 is provided that penetrates the extension 101 of the protective part 100 in the first direction X1 and exposes the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. This allows a laser to be irradiated onto the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 through the opening 103. That is, a laser can be irradiated onto the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 of the female terminal 31A from a position away from the end face of the female terminal 31A in the first direction X1, in the direction of the first direction X1. By irradiating with such a laser, the distance L1 between the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 can be measured.

[0117] (2-2) The opening 103 is formed to cut out the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 can be suitably exposed to the outside through the opening 103. This allows the laser to be suitably irradiated onto the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 through the opening 103.

[0118] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment of the female terminal and connector will be described below. The connector of this embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment in the structure of the female terminal. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals may be used for components that are the same as or corresponding to those in the second embodiment, and some or all of the description of those components may be omitted.

[0119] (Configuration of female terminal 31B) As shown in Figure 19, the female terminal 31B has a wire connection portion 32 and a terminal connection portion 33. The terminal connection portion 33 has a first peripheral wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second peripheral wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51A, and a cylindrical connection portion 60 formed by the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51A. The terminal connection portion 33 has a connecting portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding and pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100.

[0120] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the second cylindrical portion 51A has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of divided cylindrical portions 152 that are divided in the axial direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and a slit 153 that separates the two divided cylindrical portions 152. The two divided cylindrical portions 152 are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, with the slit 153 in between. The two divided cylindrical portions 152 have, for example, the same structure.

[0121] As shown in Figure 21, each divided cylindrical portion 152 has a second inner surface 154 facing the second opposite direction Y2 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the second inner surface 154. The outer surface of each divided cylindrical portion 152 is formed as a curved surface with a cross-sectional shape curved in an arc when the divided cylindrical portion 152 is cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis direction. The outer surface of the divided cylindrical portion 152 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in a cross-sectional arc shape. Similarly, the second inner surface 154 of the divided cylindrical portion 152 is formed to be recessed radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in a cross-sectional arc shape.

[0122] As shown in Figure 22, each divided cylindrical portion 152 has a recessed portion 155 on its outer surface that extends radially inward from its outer surface towards the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Figure 20, the planar shape of the recessed portion 155 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recessed portion 155 is formed, for example, along the entire length of the divided cylindrical portion 152 in the Z-axis direction.

[0123] As shown in Figure 22, the second inner surface 154 of each divided cylindrical portion 152 is provided with a projection 156 that protrudes radially inward from the second inner surface 154 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The projection 156 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 154 of the divided cylindrical portion 152 in the portion where the recessed portion 155 is formed. The projection 156 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The projection 156 is formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the divided cylindrical portion 152 with a mold.

[0124] The projection 156 is formed such that, for example, the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the projection 156 with a plane parallel to the axial direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) of the cylindrical connector 60 is such that it protrudes in an arc shape radially inward from the cylindrical connector 60. The projection 156 protrudes from the second inner surface 154 radially inward from the cylindrical connector 60 in an arc shape crosswise. The projection 156 extends along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connector 60. The projection 156 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60. The protruding tip 156A of the projection 156 makes point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200, for example.

[0125] Each protruding tip 156A is provided, for example, at the center of the axial direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) of the divided cylindrical portion 152. Each protruding tip 156A is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0126] As shown in Figure 19, the slit 153 penetrates the second cylindrical portion 51A in the Y-axis direction. The slit 153 is provided, for example, at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0127] The slit 153 extends along the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion 51A, along its entire circumferential length. The slit 153 extends, for example, from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in a first direction X1 along a first opposite direction X2 to a position further toward the first opposite direction X2 than the divided cylindrical portion 152. The slit 153 opens in the first direction X1. That is, the slit 153 is formed to be cut out from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in a first opposite direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0128] The end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by a slit 153. That is, the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two bifurcated divisions 157. Each division 157 has a divided cylindrical portion 152. Each division 157 is formed to be supported, for example, in a cantilevered manner with respect to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two divisions 157 have, for example, identical structures. The two divisions 157 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the slit 153 in the Z-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0129] The protective section 100 has an extension 101 extending from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the second peripheral wall 50.

[0130] As shown in Figure 23, the protective portion 100 has an opening 103. The opening 103 is formed to expose, for example, the edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 and the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The opening 103 is formed to expose the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 in each of the plurality of divided portions 157. This allows the distance L1 between the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 and the edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the second direction Y1 in each of the plurality of divided portions 157 to be measured from the outside through the opening 103.

[0131] According to the embodiments described above, in addition to the effects of (1-1) to (1-10) of the first embodiment and (2-1) and (2-2) of the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0132] (3-1) The second cylindrical portion 51A has a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 which are divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Each of the plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 has a second inner surface 154 and a projection 156 which protrudes from the second inner surface 154 radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc shape in cross-section.

[0133] With this configuration, when the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector 60, the protrusions 156 provided on the second inner surface 154 of each of the multiple divided cylindrical sections 152 are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector 201. As a result, in the cylindrical connector 60, the multiple protrusions 156 are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector 201 at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction. This effectively prevents the displacement of the male terminal 200 caused by the oscillation, even when oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal 200, by the contact of the multiple protrusions 156 with respect to the columnar connector 201. In other words, compared to the case where only one protrusion 156 is provided on the second inner surface 154 of the second cylindrical section 51A, the contact pressure from the multiple protrusions 156 can suppress the displacement of the columnar connector 201 inside the cylindrical connector 60.

[0134] (3-2) The slit 153 that divides the two cylindrical sections 152 is located at the center of the cylindrical connecting section 60 in the axial direction. When the columnar connecting section 201 of the male terminal 200 inserted into the cylindrical connecting section 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting section 201 rotates with the center of the cylindrical connecting section 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation. If the contact portion between the projection 156 and the columnar connecting section 201 is located at such a center of rotation, the contact pressure of the projection 156 on the columnar connecting section 201 cannot be used as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting section 201. In contrast, in the female terminal 31B of this embodiment, the projection 156 is located at a position different from the slit 153 located at the center of the cylindrical connecting section 60 in the axial direction. Therefore, the projection 156 and the columnar connecting section 201 can be in contact at a position different from the center of rotation in the displacement of the columnar connecting section 201. This allows the contact pressure from the protrusions 156 to the columnar connecting portion 201 to act effectively as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the contact pressure from the multiple protrusions 156 effectively suppresses the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0135] (3-3) The opening 103 is formed to expose the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 in each of the multiple divisions 157. Therefore, by irradiating the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 with a laser through the opening 103, the distance L1 between the edge of the second peripheral wall 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 and the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the second direction Y1 in each of the multiple divisions 157 can be measured.

[0136] (Other embodiments) Each of the above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. Each of the above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0137] The structure of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B in each of the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. The protrusions 55 of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B may be omitted. In this case, the recesses 56 of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B are also omitted.

[0138] In each of the above embodiments, the protective portion 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protective portion 100 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective portion 100 is formed such that, for example, it is folded back from the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1, while positioning the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 inside.

[0139] The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 in the first embodiment described above may be omitted. The guide portion 61 in the cylindrical connection portion 60 of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B may be omitted.

[0140] The first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41 of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B may be provided with three or more linear contact portions 43. Multiple linear contact portions 43 and projections 54 with a circular arc cross-section may be provided on the first inner surface 42 of the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B.

[0141] The structure of the opening 103 in the female terminals 31A and 31B can be modified as appropriate. For example, the length dimension of the opening 103 along the Z-axis direction may be modified as appropriate. In the female terminal 31 of the first embodiment described above, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41, and a projection 54 with an arc-shaped cross-section is provided on the second inner surface 52 of the second cylindrical portion 51, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a projection 54 with an arc-shaped cross-section may be provided on the first inner surface 42, and a plurality of linear contact portions 43 may be provided on the second inner surface 52. For example, a linear contact portion 43 may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52. For example, a projection 54 with an arc-shaped cross-section may be provided on both the first inner surface 42 and the second inner surface 52. The female terminal 31A of the second embodiment described above can also be modified in the same manner.

[0142] In the female terminal 31B of the third embodiment described above, a plurality of linear contact portions 43 are provided on the first inner surface 42 of the first cylindrical portion 41, and the second cylindrical portion 51A has a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 and projections 156 provided on its second inner surface 154, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second cylindrical portion 51A may have a plurality of linear contact portions 43, and the first cylindrical portion 41 may have a plurality of divided cylindrical portions 152 and projections 156 provided on its second inner surface 154.

[0143] The number of divided cylindrical portions 152 in the second cylindrical portion 51A in the third embodiment described above is not particularly limited. For example, the second cylindrical portion 51A may have three or more divided cylindrical portions 152.

[0144] The structure of the slit 153 in the third embodiment described above can be modified as appropriate. The position of the winding press portion 90 at the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B may be changed as appropriate. For example, the winding press portion 90 may be provided at a different position from the connecting portion 70 in the X-axis direction.

[0145] In the embodiments described above, the wire connection portion 32 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the wire connection portion 32 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In the female terminals 31, 31A, and 31B of the above embodiments, only the terminal connection portion 33 of the wire connection portion 32 and terminal connection portion 33 is formed with a structure in which the second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half and superimposed on the first peripheral wall 40. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, both the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33 may be formed with a structure in which two plates are folded together.

[0146] The structure of the housing body 110 in each of the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, as long as the housing body 110 has a structure that can accommodate the female terminal 31, other structures can be modified as appropriate.

[0147] The structure of the retainer 120 in each of the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, the restricting portion 122 may be omitted. In the above embodiments, the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is embodied in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the columnar connecting portion 201 may be formed in a columnar shape other than a cylinder. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting portion 201 may be formed in an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0148] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 20...Electric wire, 21...Core wire, 22...Insulation coating, 30...Housing, 31,31A,31B...Female terminal, 32...Electric wire connection part (second connection part), 32A...Cut surface, 33...Terminal connection part, 40...First peripheral wall, 41...First cylindrical part, 42...First inner surface, 43...Linear contact part, 50...Second peripheral wall, 51,51A...Second cylindrical part, 52...Second inner surface, 53...Recess, 54...Protrusion, 55...Convex part, 56...Recess 60...Cylindrical connecting part (first connecting part), 61...Guiding part, 70...Connecting part, 71,72...Extending part, 73...Folded part, 80...Protruding part, 81...Protruding base part, 82...Projection, 90...Winding and pressing part, 91...Extending part, 92...Folded part, 93...Pressing part, 94...Opposite surface, 95...Through hole, 96...Engaging surface, 100...Protective part, 101...Extending part, 102...Protective wall, 103...Opening hole, 110...Housing Main body, 111...opening, 112...peripheral wall, 113...cylindrical part, 114...insertion hole, 120...retainer, 121...main body part, 122...regulating part, 123...insertion hole, 124...bottom wall, 125,126...side walls, 127...engaging wall, 130...structure, 131...carrier, 132...protruding connecting part, 133...through hole, 152...divided cylindrical part, 153...slit, 154...second inner surface, 155...recessed part, 156...Protrusion, 156A...Protruding tip, 157...Divided part, 200...Male terminal, 201...Columnar connection part, W1...Wire harness, C1...Connector, D1...Feeding direction, E1...Irradiation direction, E2...Irradiation direction, L1...Distance, P1...First protrusion amount, P2...Second protrusion amount, X1...First direction, X2...First opposite direction, Y1...Second direction, Y2...Second opposite direction, Z1...Third direction, Z2...Third opposite direction.

Claims

1. A first circumferential wall having a first cylindrical portion, A second circumferential wall having a second tubular portion opposite to the first tubular portion, A cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, A female terminal comprising a winding restraint portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second inner surface of the second cylindrical portion, The cylindrical connecting portion is a first connecting portion into which the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is inserted and which is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion. The winding and pressing portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall. The winding and pressing portion is folded back while embracing the edge of the second peripheral wall from the first peripheral wall, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall. The female terminal further comprises a connecting portion that connects the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, The connecting portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall. The first peripheral wall is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction, The second peripheral wall is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction, The first inner surface is a surface facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second inner surface is a surface facing the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. The winding restraint portion is folded back toward the second circumferential wall from the end face in the third direction that intersects both the first and second directions of the first circumferential wall. The connecting portion is formed to extend in a second direction from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction, which is opposite to the third direction, toward the end face of the second peripheral wall in the third opposite direction. The winding and pressing portion is provided in a position that overlaps with the connecting portion in a plan view from the third direction. The second cylindrical portion has two divided cylindrical portions separated in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and a slit that divides the two divided cylindrical portions. The slit is formed to extend along the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, of the first peripheral wall, from the end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction to a position in a plan view from the third direction that does not overlap with the winding press portion and the connecting portion, and is a female terminal.

2. The winding and pressing portion protrudes in the third direction more than the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction, The connecting portion protrudes in the third opposite direction from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction, The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first protrusion amount of the winding press portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third direction is equal to the second protrusion amount of the connecting portion from the end face of the first peripheral wall in the third opposite direction.

3. The female terminal further comprises a projection that protrudes toward the third direction from the end face of the second peripheral wall toward the third direction, The winding and pressing portion has a through hole into which the projection fits, and an engaging surface that constitutes the through hole and faces the second direction, The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the engaging surface is engaged with the projection.

4. The female terminal further comprises a protective portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall. The protective portion is formed so as to fold back from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion has a protective wall provided opposite the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction and in the second direction, The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the protective wall is provided at a distance from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction.

5. The winding restraint portion is provided at the end in the first opposite direction, The female terminal according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is provided at an intermediate position between the winding press portion and the protective portion in the first direction.

6. The second cylindrical portion is provided at an intermediate position of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, The protective portion includes an extension portion extending from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward the second direction, a protective wall extending from the end of the extension portion in the second direction toward the first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, and an opening that penetrates the extension portion in the first direction and exposes the end face of the second peripheral wall in the first direction. The female terminal according to claim 4, wherein the opening is formed to expose the edge of the first peripheral wall in the second direction and the edge of the second peripheral wall in the second opposite direction.

7. Each of the two divided cylindrical portions has a second inner surface and a projection that protrudes from the second inner surface radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross-section, The female terminal according to claim 6, wherein the slit is provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction.

8. The second peripheral wall has two divided portions separated by the slit, The female terminal according to claim 7, wherein the opening is formed to expose the second opposite edge of the second peripheral wall in each of the two divided portions.

9. The female terminal further comprises a wire connection portion provided at the end in the first opposite direction, The aforementioned wire connection part is a second connection part that is electrically connected to the wire, The wire connection portion is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall. The female terminal according to claim 4, wherein the wire connection portion extends from the first opposite end of the first peripheral wall toward the first opposite direction.

10. The cylindrical connecting portion has a plurality of linear contact portions that protrude radially inward from the first inner surface and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linear contact portions extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion.

11. The second inner surface is formed to be recessed in a circular arc shape in cross-section toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion has a projection that protrudes radially inward from the second inner surface of the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross-section.

12. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A connector comprising a housing that accommodates the aforementioned female terminals inside.

Images