Female terminal and connector

Abstract

A female terminal (31) comprises: a peripheral wall (40) that has a cylindrical portion (41); a peripheral wall (50) that has a cylindrical portion (51) facing the cylindrical portion (41); and a cylindrical connection portion (60) that is configured from the cylindrical portion (41) and the cylindrical portion (51). The cylindrical connection portion (60) is a portion into which a columnar connection portion (201) of a male terminal (200) is inserted and to which the columnar connection portion (201) is electrically connected. The cylindrical portion (41) has an inner surface facing the cylindrical portion (51), and a plurality of contact portions (44) that protrude inward from the inner surface in the radial direction of the cylindrical connection portion (60). The plurality of contact portions (44) have a contact portion (44D) that is provided to a first end portion of the inner surface in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion (60), and a contact portion (44A) that is provided to a second end portion of the inner surface in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion (60).

Description

Female Terminals and Connectors

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a female terminal and a connector.

[0002] A conventional vehicle-mounted connector includes a housing and a female terminal held in the housing. The cylindrical connecting portion of the female terminal is inserted into the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal, and the columnar connecting portion is electrically connected to the female terminal. This type of female terminal uses a biasing force from a biasing member such as a coil spring to ensure stable contact pressure with the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-28903

[0004] However, in the above connector, it is desirable to suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal and a connector that can suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion.

[0005] The female terminal of the present disclosure comprises a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposite the first cylindrical portion, and a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is a portion into which a columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and to which the columnar connecting portion is electrically connected, and the first cylindrical portion has a first inner surface opposite the second cylindrical portion and a plurality of contact portions protruding radially inward from the first inner surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, and the plurality of contact portions include a first contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a first axial end of the cylindrical connecting portion, and a second contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a second axial end of the first inner surface.

[0006] The female terminal and connector of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the wire harness of an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a female terminal of an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) showing a female terminal of an embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in Fig. 12) showing a female terminal of one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a female terminal of a modified example. Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a female terminal of a modified example.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. [1] A 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, and a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein a columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion and is electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, the first cylindrical portion has a first inner surface facing the second cylindrical portion, and a plurality of contact portions protruding from the first inner surface toward a radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, the plurality of contact portions including a first contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a first axial end of the cylindrical connecting portion and a second contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a second axial end of the first inner surface.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the first contact portion and the second contact portion provided on the first inner surface of the first tubular portion at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion. At this time, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion is displaced, the columnar connecting portion rotates around the axial center of the tubular connecting portion. If the distance from the rotation center to the contact portions is short, the contact pressure of the contact portions cannot be effectively used to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. In contrast, in the above configuration, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are provided on both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion. Therefore, the multiple contact portions can be brought into contact with the columnar connecting portion at positions spaced from the axial center of the tubular connecting portion, which serves as the rotation center for the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. This allows the contact pressure of the multiple contact portions to effectively suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple contact portions can be effectively used to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion. As a result, even if a swing is transmitted to the male terminal, the displacement of the male terminal due to the swing can be suitably prevented by the contact of the plurality of contact portions with the columnar connecting portion.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the first contact portion may be provided in a position in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion from the center of the first tubular portion toward a first direction, and the second contact portion may be provided in the circumferential direction from the center toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion, multiple contact portions each having a first contact portion and a second contact portion contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion at multiple locations that are spaced apart in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to effectively prevent displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion by contact of the multiple contact portions with the columnar connecting portion.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the plurality of contact portions may further have a third contact portion provided at the first end of the first inner surface, and the third contact portion may be provided at a position in the circumferential direction away from the center toward the first opposite direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the first and third contact portions provided at the first end of the first inner surface and the second contact portion provided at the second end of the first inner surface contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. Furthermore, the first and second contact portions are provided at different positions circumferentially of the tubular connecting portion. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion, multiple contact portions including the first, second, and third contact portions contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial and circumferential directions. This effectively prevents displacement of the columnar connecting portion within the tubular connecting portion by contact of the multiple contact portions with the columnar connecting portion. Furthermore, the increased contact area between the multiple contact portions and the columnar connecting portion reduces the combined contact resistance of the contact resistances of the multiple contact portions, thereby improving thermal performance.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the plurality of contact portions may further have a fourth contact portion provided at the second end of the first inner surface, and the fourth contact portion may be provided at a position in the circumferential direction from the center toward the first direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the first and third contact portions provided at the first end of the first inner surface and the second and fourth contact portions provided at the second end of the first inner surface come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. Furthermore, the first and second contact portions are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion, and the third and fourth contact portions are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion, the multiple contact portions, including the first, second, third, and fourth contact portions, come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction and circumferential direction. This effectively prevents displacement of the columnar connecting portion within the tubular connecting portion by the contact of the multiple contact portions with the columnar connecting portion. Furthermore, since the contact area between the multiple contact portions and the columnar connection portion can be preferably increased, the combined contact resistance obtained by combining the contact resistances at the multiple contact portions can be made smaller, thereby preferably improving thermal performance.

[0016] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], each of the plurality of contact portions may extend along the axial direction and be capable of line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion. With this configuration, each of the plurality of contact portions is capable of line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion. This allows for a larger contact area between the plurality of contact portions and the columnar connection portion than when each of the plurality of contact portions is in point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion. This allows for a smaller combined contact resistance, which is the combined contact resistance of the plurality of contact portions, and improves thermal performance.

[0017] [6] In any of [1] to [5] above, the first cylindrical portion may have a recess extending from the first inner surface toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and the recess may be provided at a central position of the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction and between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the axial direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, a recess extending from the first inner surface of the first cylindrical portion toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion is formed at a central position of the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion. This allows the central portion of the first inner surface in the axial direction to be spaced apart from the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal, thereby preventing the central portion of the first inner surface in the axial direction from contacting the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion. Therefore, the first and second contact portions provided on the first inner surface at both axial ends of the cylindrical connecting portion can be suitably contacted with the columnar connecting portion. In other words, the multiple contact portions can be suitably contacted with the columnar connecting portion at positions spaced apart from the axial center of the cylindrical connecting portion, which is the center of rotation for displacement of the columnar connecting portion.

[0019] [7] In any of [1] to [6] above, the second tubular portion may have a plurality of divided tubular portions divided in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of divided tubular portions may have a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface and a protrusion that protrudes in an arc-shaped cross section from the second inner surface radially inward of the tubular connecting portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the protrusions provided on the second inner surface of each of the plurality of divided tubular portions come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion, the plurality of protrusions come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction. As a result, even when a swing is transmitted to the male terminal, the contact of the plurality of protrusions with the columnar connecting portion can effectively prevent displacement of the male terminal due to the swing. In other words, compared to when only one protrusion is provided on the second inner surface of the second tubular portion, the contact pressure of the plurality of protrusions can more effectively prevent displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion.

[0021] [8] In the above [7], the plurality of divided tubular portions may be two divided tubular portions, the second tubular portion may have a slit separating the two divided tubular portions, and the slit may be provided at a central position of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, a slit separating the two split tubular portions is provided at the axial center of the tubular connecting portion. When the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal inserted into the tubular connecting portion is displaced, the columnar connecting portion rotates around the axial center of the tubular connecting portion. If a contact portion between the protrusion and the columnar connecting portion were provided at such a rotation center, the contact pressure of the protrusion would not act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. In contrast, in the above configuration, the protrusion is provided at a position other than the slit provided at the axial center of the tubular connecting portion. This allows the protrusion and the columnar connecting portion to come into contact at a position other than the rotation center of the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. This allows the contact pressure of the protrusion to effectively act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions can effectively suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion inside the tubular connecting portion.

[0023] [9] In the above [7] or [8], the female terminal may further include a winding clamp portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the winding clamp portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, and the winding clamp portion extending from the first peripheral wall and folded back while embracing the edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and may also be in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

[0024] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion of the male terminal is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion, the retaining portion prevents the separation distance between the first inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion and the second inner surface constituting the tubular connecting portion from increasing. This restriction by the retaining portion allows the contact portion and the protrusion to be in good contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion. As a result, the contact state between the tubular connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the retaining portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall. Therefore, the contact state between the tubular connecting portion and the columnar connecting portion can be maintained with a simpler structure than when a separate part such as a coil spring is used. In other words, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified compared to when a separate part such as a coil spring is used.

[0025]

[10] In any of the above [1] to [9], the female terminal may further include a connecting portion connecting the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, and the connecting portion may be formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and also formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

[0026] According to this configuration, the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall are connected by a connecting portion integrally formed with both the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall. This allows the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall to be integrally formed through the connecting portion. Therefore, the female terminal can be constructed by bending a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified.

[0027]

[11] A connector according to the present disclosure includes the female terminal according to any one of [1] to

[10] above and a housing for accommodating the female terminal. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the female terminal according to [1] above.

[0028] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of female terminals and connectors of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the various components may differ between the drawings. In this specification, "parallel," "orthogonal," and "horizontal" do not necessarily mean strictly parallel, orthogonal, or horizontal, but also include roughly parallel, orthogonal, or horizontal within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. In this specification, "equal" refers not only to exact equality but also to slight differences between comparable objects due to dimensional tolerances, etc. The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical object formed by combining multiple components, but also to a cylindrical object with a circumferentially continuous wall, such as a C-shape or U-shape, that has a notch in a circumferential direction. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "facing" refers to surfaces or components facing each other, including not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" includes both cases where a separate component is interposed between the two components, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two components. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used in this specification simply to distinguish between objects and do not rank the objects. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0029] (Overall Configuration of Wire Harness W1) As shown in FIG. 1 , the wire harness W1 includes one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20 and a connector C1 attached to the end of the electric wire 20. The wire harness W1 electrically connects, for example, electrical devices for a vehicle. Examples of the electrical device for a vehicle include an inverter and a wheel drive motor. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the connector C1 is electrically connected to a mating connector provided on the electrical device. The mating connector includes, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) mating male terminals 200 (see FIG. 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 the wire harness W1 during use.

[0030] (Overall Configuration of Connector C1) As shown in FIG. 2 , connector C1 includes a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20, respectively. The housing 30 holds the plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 includes a housing main body 110 that accommodates the plurality of female terminals 31 therein and a retainer 120 attached to the housing main body 110. Each drawing illustrates mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1, which is a direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1, which is a direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1, which is a direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the third direction Z1. The directions described above are directions when the connector C1 is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20 unless otherwise specified.

[0031] The female terminals 31 and the electric wires 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. For example, a mating connector is connected to the connector C1 along the third direction Z1. For example, the male terminals 200 (see FIG. 4 ) of the mating connector are inserted into the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1.

[0032] (Configuration of Electric Wire 20) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. For example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor can be used as the core wire 21. For example, the insulating coating 22 covers the outer periphery of the core wire 21 over the entire circumferential direction.

[0033] An 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 Fig. 3 , the end of the electric wire 20 in the first direction X1 is accommodated inside the housing main body 110. The electric wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2 from the end of the housing main body 110 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0034] (Configuration of female terminals 31) As shown in Fig. 2, the two female terminals 31 are electrically connected to the two electric wires 20, respectively. 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, the same structure as each other. Here, the following description focuses on the female terminal 31 of the two female terminals 31 that is arranged on the second direction Y1 side.

[0035] Each female terminal 31 has a wire connection portion 32 that is connected to an 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 in this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate. Each female terminal 31 is made of, for example, metal. For example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material can be used as the material for each female terminal 31.

[0036] The electric wire connection portion 32 is connected to an end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating coating 22. The electric wire connection portion 32 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The electric wire connection portion 32 extends, for example, in a strip shape along the X-axis direction. The electric wire connection portion 32 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. This electrically and mechanically connects the electric wire connection portion 32 and the core wire 21.

[0037] 4, the terminal connection portion 33 is a female terminal portion that is connected to a male terminal 200 of a mating connector. Here, the male terminal 200 has a columnar columnar connection portion 201. In this embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0038] The terminal connection portion 33 has a peripheral wall 40 having a cylindrical portion 41, a peripheral wall 50 having a cylindrical portion 51 facing the cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connection portion 60. The terminal connection portion 33 has, for example, a connecting portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100. The peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] (Configuration of peripheral wall 40 and peripheral wall 50) As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the end of the 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 peripheral wall 40 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. For example, the peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 40 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape. As shown in Figure 4 , the peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the peripheral wall 50 is formed in a band shape extending along the first direction X1. The peripheral wall 50 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. As shown in Figure 4, the peripheral wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the peripheral wall 40 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface in the Y-axis direction from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 50. The inner surface of the peripheral wall 50 is provided spaced apart from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 40 in the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the peripheral wall 40.

[0041] The cylindrical portion 41 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the peripheral wall 40. The cylindrical portion 41 is provided between the winding presser portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 41 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cylindrical portion 41 extends along the Z-axis direction over the entire length of the peripheral wall 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylindrical portion 51 is provided at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the peripheral wall 50. The cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding presser portion 90 and the protective portion 100 in the X-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 51 is formed in a semi-cylinder shape as a whole. The cylindrical portion 51 extends along the Z-axis direction over the entire length of the peripheral wall 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The cylindrical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 51 are curved in a direction away from each other. The cylindrical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 51 constitute a cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a 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 axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the peripheral walls 40, 50 extend (here, the X-axis direction), that is, along the Z-axis direction in this embodiment. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is open at both ends in the Z-axis direction. The columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 of this embodiment along the third direction Z1.

[0044] 7 , the tubular connecting part 60 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The tubular connecting part 60 has, for example, a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting part 201. In other words, the tubular connecting part 60 is configured so that the columnar connecting part 201 is press-fitted into the interior of the tubular connecting part 60.

[0045] The cylindrical portion 41 has an inner surface 42 facing the second direction Y1 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 42. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed into a curved surface whose cross section, obtained by cutting the cylindrical portion 41 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction, is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 protrudes in an arc shape in the radial direction outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed to be recessed in an arc shape in the radial direction outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0046] The inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) linear contact portions 43 that protrude from the inner surface 42 toward the radially inward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The two linear contact portions 43 partially oppose each other in, for example, the X-axis direction. Each linear contact portion 43 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0047] 8 , the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 is provided with a recess 45 that recesses from the inner surface 42 radially outward of the tubular connecting portion 60. The recess 45 is provided at the axial center of the tubular connecting portion 60. The recess 45 is provided so as to overlap a portion of the linear contact portion 43. The recess 45 is formed, for example, so that an intermediate portion of the linear contact portion 43 in the length direction (here, the Z-axis direction) is recessed radially outward of the tubular connecting portion 60. In other words, the recess 45 is formed so as to separate the intermediate portion of the linear contact portion 43 in the length direction from the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9 , the recess 45 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 and also along the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The recess 45 is formed, for example, to straddle two linear contact portions 43. The planar shape of the recess 45 as viewed in the Y-axis direction is formed, for example, as a rectangle. Each recess 45 is formed so that the intermediate portion of each of the two linear contact portions 43 is recessed radially outward from the tubular connecting portion 60. By forming such recesses 45, only both longitudinal ends of each of the two linear contact portions 43 function as contact portions 44. In other words, by providing the recesses 45, the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 only at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60. That is, the contact portions 44 are provided only on both axial ends of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, i.e., the end in the third direction Z1 and the end in the third opposite direction Z2, of the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41. Each contact portion 44 extends horizontally along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10 , the contact portion 44 of this embodiment has four contact portions 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D. The contact portion 44A is provided at the end of the tubular portion 41 in the third direction Z1. The contact portion 44A is provided at a position extending from the center A1 of the tubular portion 41 in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 toward the first opposite direction X2. Here, the center A1 of the tubular portion 41 is the center position of the tubular portion 41 in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 and also the center position of the tubular portion 41 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The center A1 coincides with, for example, the center of the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The contact portion 44A is spaced a distance L1 from the center A1 of the tubular portion 41.

[0050] The contact portion 44B is provided at an end of the cylindrical portion 41 in the third opposite direction Z2. The contact portion 44B is provided at a position extending from the center A1 toward the first opposite direction X2 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The contact portion 44C is provided at an end of the cylindrical portion 41 in the third direction Z1. The contact portion 44C is provided at a position extending from the center A1 toward the first direction X1 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The contact portion 44D is provided at an end of the cylindrical portion 41 in the third opposite direction Z2. The contact portion 44D is provided at a position extending from the center A1 toward the first direction X1 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The contact portions 44B, 44C, and 44D are, for example, spaced apart from the center A1 of the cylindrical portion 41 by a distance similar to the distance L1.

[0051] The recess 45 is provided between the contact portions 44A and 44C and the contact portions 44B and 44D. The contact portions 44A and 44B are separated from each other by the recess 45. The contact portions 44C and 44D are separated from each other by the recess 45.

[0052] 7 , the curvature of the inner surface 42 of the portion having the two contact portions 44, i.e., the curvature of the inner surface 42 at each axial end of the tubular connecting part 60, is set to be smaller than the curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201. This allows the two contact portions 44 to be in favorable contact with the columnar connecting part 201 at each axial end of the tubular connecting part 60. At this time, each contact portion 44 is in linear contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 along the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60. In other words, each contact portion 44 is provided so as to be able to make linear contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is provided with a protrusion 46 that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 46 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 41 in a portion where the recess 45 is formed. The recess 45 and the protrusion 46 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 46 is formed in an embossed shape by pressing the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 with a mold.

[0054] 6 , the tubular portion 51 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) divided tubular portions 52 separated in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60, and a slit 53 separating the two divided tubular portions 52. The two divided tubular portions 52 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60, with the slit 53 sandwiched between them. The two divided tubular portions 52 have, for example, the same structure. The two divided tubular portions 52 are formed symmetrically with respect to, for example, an imaginary plane that includes the center of the slit 53 in the Z-axis direction and extends in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8, each divided cylindrical portion 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the second opposite direction Y2 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface 54. As shown in Fig. 7, the outer surface of each divided cylindrical portion 52 is formed into a curved surface whose cross section, obtained by cutting the divided cylindrical portion 52 along a plane parallel to the X-axis direction, is curved in an arc. The outer surface of the divided cylindrical portion 52 protrudes in an arc-shaped cross section radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Similarly, the inner surface 54 of the divided cylindrical portion 52 is formed so as to be recessed in an arc-shaped cross section radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 8, the outer surface of each divided cylindrical portion 52 is provided with a recess 55 that is recessed from the outer surface toward the inside in the radial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Fig. 6, the planar shape of the recess 55 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The recess 55 is formed, for example, over the entire length of the divided cylindrical portion 52 in the Z-axis direction.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 8, the inner surface 54 of each divided cylindrical portion 52 is provided with a protrusion 56 that protrudes from the inner surface 54 toward the inside in the radial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 is provided, for example, on the inner surface 54 of the divided cylindrical portion 52 in the portion where the recessed portion 55 is formed. The protrusion 56 can be formed, for example, by embossing. The protrusion 56 is formed in an embossed shape by pressing the outer surface of the divided cylindrical portion 52 with a mold.

[0058] The protrusion 56 is formed, for example, so that the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 56 cut along a plane parallel to the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the tubular connecting portion 60 protrudes in an arc-like shape radially inward of the tubular connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 protrudes in an arc-like cross-section radially inward of the tubular connecting portion 60 from the inner surface 54. The protrusion 56 extends along the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The protrusion 56 extends along the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. The protruding tip 56A of the protrusion 56 comes into point contact with, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200.

[0059] Each protruding tip 56A is provided, for example, at the center in the axial direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the divided cylindrical portion 52. Each protruding tip 56A is provided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in that axial direction.

[0060] 11, the slit 53 penetrates the tubular portion 51 in the Y-axis direction. The slit 53 is provided, for example, at the center of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0061] The slits 53 extend along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51 over the entire circumferential length of the cylindrical portion 51. For example, the slits 53 extend from an end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2 to a position beyond the divided cylindrical portion 52 in the first opposite direction X2. The slits 53 open in the first direction X1. That is, the slits 53 are formed so as to be cut out from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0062] The end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the slit 53. That is, the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two bifurcated divided portions 57. Each divided portion 57 has a divided tubular portion 52. Each divided portion 57 is formed, for example, so as to be cantilevered relative to the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two divided portions 57 have, for example, the same structure as each other. The two divided portions 57 are formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the center of the slit 53 in the Z-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 8 , each of the axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60 has, for example, a guide portion 61. Each guide portion 61 is formed so that the opening width (here, inner diameter) of the tubular connecting portion 60 increases toward the open end of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. Each guide portion 61 is formed, for example, by the inner surface of the tubular connecting portion 60 inclining radially outward as it approaches the open end of the tubular connecting portion 60. Each guide portion 61 is formed, for example, around the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 and the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface 54 of the tubular portion 51. Each guide portion 61 has the function of smoothly guiding the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 into the tubular connecting portion 60 when the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the tubular connecting portion 60. Since such guide portions 61 are provided at both axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60, the change in insertion resistance can be made similar regardless of whether the insertion opening of the male terminal 200 into the tubular connecting part 60 is set at either of the axial ends of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, restrictions on the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 relative to the axial direction of the tubular connecting part 60 can be eliminated.

[0064] Of the axial ends of the split tubular portion 52, the end that faces the other split tubular portion 52 has, for example, a guide portion 62. Each guide portion 62 is formed so that the opening width of the split tubular portion 52 increases as it approaches the other split tubular portion 52. Each guide portion 62 is formed, for example, around the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface 54 of the split tubular portion 52.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4 , the peripheral wall 50 has, for example, a protrusion 58. The protrusion 58 is provided at a position overlapping the winding presser portion 90 in a plan view from the Z-axis direction. The protrusion 58 is provided, for example, at the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 58 extends, for example, from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The protrusion 58 does not extend to the cylindrical portion 51 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 58 does not extend to the slit 53 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 58 is provided, for example, at a middle position in the Z-axis direction of the peripheral wall 50. The planar shape of the protrusion 58 as viewed from the Y-axis direction is, for example, rectangular. The protrusion 58 can be formed, for example, by embossing.

[0066] (Configuration of connecting portion 70) The connecting portion 70 connects the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40 and is also formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to be folded back from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0067] The connecting portion 70 is provided, for example, at an end portion of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 70 extends in the first direction X1 from the end portion of the 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 peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and also protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 beyond the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0068] 12 , the connecting portion 70 has an extending portion 71 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2, and an extending portion 72 extending in the third opposite direction Z2 from the end face of the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 has a folded portion 73 connecting the extending portion 71 and the extending portion 72.

[0069] The extending portion 71 is formed integrally and continuously with the peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 73 is formed integrally and continuously with the extending portion 71. The folded portion 73 is formed so as to fold back from an end of the extending portion 71 toward the peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 73 is, for example, folded back in a U-shape from the end of the extending portion 71 toward the third direction Z1. The extending portion 72 extends from the folded portion 73 toward the peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The extending portion 72 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 73 and is also formed integrally and continuously with the peripheral wall 50. The connecting portion 70, consisting of the extending portion 71, the folded portion 73, and the extending portion 72, forms a U-shaped folded shape that is convex in a direction away from the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Z2). The connecting portion 70 is folded back so that the peripheral wall 50 faces the peripheral wall 40. In other words, in the terminal connection portion 33 , the peripheral wall 50 is folded in half toward the upper side of the peripheral wall 40 by the connecting portion 70 .

[0070] (Configuration of Protrusion 80) As shown in FIG. 13 , the protrusion 80 is provided on an end surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 80 has, for example, a protrusion base 81 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the third direction Z1, and a protrusion 82 extending in the third direction Z1 from a part of the protrusion tip surface of the protrusion base 81. The protrusion base 81 is formed continuously and integrally with the peripheral wall 50. The protrusion base 81 extends along the first direction X1 from the end surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 82 is formed continuously and integrally with the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 protrudes in the third direction Z1 beyond the protrusion tip surface of the protrusion base 81, i.e., beyond the end surface in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 82 is provided, for example, only at a middle position in the X-axis direction of the protrusion base 81. The protrusion 82 is formed so that, in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction, the width along the X-axis direction decreases as the distance from the protrusion base 81 approaches the protrusion tip surface of the protrusion 82, for example.

[0071] (Configuration of the Winding Presser 90) As shown in FIG. 4 , the winding presser 90 is formed to limit the separation distance between the inner surface 42 of the cylindrical portion 41 and the inner surface 54 of the cylindrical portion 51. The winding presser 90 limits the separation distance between the inner surfaces 42 and 54 from increasing. The winding presser 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The winding presser 90 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40. The winding presser 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The winding presser 90 is formed, for example, to extend from the peripheral wall 40 and fold back while embracing the edge of the peripheral wall 50 inward. The winding presser 90 is formed, for example, to fold back from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 while locating the end face of the peripheral wall 50 inward in the third direction Z1. The winding presser 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50.

[0072] The winding presser 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding presser 90 extends in the first direction X1 from the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding presser 90 is provided, for example, at a position overlapping with the connecting portion 70 in a plan view seen from the Z-axis direction. For example, the winding presser 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 in the Z-axis direction, with the peripheral wall 40 in between.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, the winding pressure portion 90 has an extension portion 91 extending in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1, a folded portion 92 provided at the end of the extension portion 91, and a pressure portion 93 extending from the end of the folded portion 92 toward the peripheral wall 50.

[0074] The extending portion 91 is formed integrally and continuously with the peripheral wall 40. The folded portion 92 is formed integrally and continuously with the extending portion 91. The folded portion 92 is formed so as to be folded back from an end of the extending portion 91 in the third direction Z1 toward the peripheral wall 50. The folded portion 92 is, for example, folded back in a U-shape from an end of the extending portion 91 in the third opposite direction Z2. The pressing portion 93 is formed integrally and continuously with the folded portion 92. The pressing portion 93 extends from the folded portion 92 toward the protruding portion 80 and the peripheral wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The extending portion 91, the folded portion 92, and the pressing portion 93 form the winding pressing portion 90 in a U-shaped folded shape that is convex in a direction away from the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 (here, the third direction Z1).

[0075] The pressing portion 93 is provided so as to press the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 is provided, for example, so as to press the outer surface of the protruding base 81 from the outside. The pressing portion 93 has an opposing surface 94 that faces the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The opposing surface 94 extends, for example, parallel to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The opposing surface 94 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example.

[0076] Here, the first protrusion amount P1 of the winding pressing portion 90 from the end face of the peripheral 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 peripheral wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2. The first protrusion amount P1 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the peripheral wall 40 in the third direction Z1 to the protruding tip of the winding pressing portion 90. The second protrusion amount P2 is the longest distance along the Z axis direction from the end face of the peripheral 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 direction is greater than the length dimension of the folded portion 73 along the Y axis direction by, for example, the thickness of the peripheral wall 50.

[0077] The amount by which the winding pressing portion 90 protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the amount by which the convex portion 58 protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the convex portion 58 is formed so that the amount by which it protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50 is equal to that of the winding pressing portion 90.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the winding presser portion 90 has a through hole 95 into which the protrusion 82 fits. The through hole 95 penetrates the winding presser portion 90 in the thickness direction. The through hole 95 extends, for example, from the middle position of the folded-back portion 92 to the middle position of the presser portion 93. The through hole 95 is formed to a size that allows the protrusion 82 to fit therein.

[0079] As shown in Figure 14, the winding presser part 90 has an engagement surface 96 that defines a through hole 95 and engages with the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 faces, for example, the second direction Y1. The engagement surface 96 faces the inner surface of the protrusion 82 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement surface 96 extends, for example, parallel to the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The engagement surface 96 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the protrusion 82. The outer surface of the protrusion 82 is exposed from the winding presser part 90 by, for example, the through hole 95.

[0080] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the 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 protrusion 82 of the protruding portion 80. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 from becoming too large.

[0081] (Configuration of protective portion 100) As shown in Fig. 4, the protective portion 100 is provided to protect, for example, the end portion in the first direction X1 of the terminal connection portion 33. The protective portion 100 is provided at the end portion in the first direction X1 of the peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed, for example, integrally with the peripheral wall 40. The protective portion 100 is formed so as to fold back from the end portion in the first direction X1 of the peripheral wall 40 while arranging the end portion in the first direction X1 of the peripheral wall 50 inside.

[0082] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from an end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from an end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the peripheral wall 50. The extension portion 101 is formed integrally and continuously with the peripheral wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed integrally and continuously with the extension portion 101. The extension portion 101 and the protective wall 102 form a U-shaped folded portion that is convex in a direction away from the peripheral wall 50 (here, in the first direction X1). The protective wall 102 is disposed opposite the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 in the Y-axis direction. The protective wall 102 is disposed spaced apart from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 50, for example, when the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The length of the extending portion 101 along the Y-axis direction is greater than the length of the folded portion 92 along the Y-axis direction.

[0083] (Configuration of Housing Body 110) As shown in Fig. 3 , the housing body 110 holds the female terminals 31 so that the electric wires 20 are led out in the first opposite direction X2. The housing body 110 accommodates two female terminals 31 therein. The housing body 110 is formed, for example, in a box shape as a whole. The housing body 110 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0084] The housing main body 110 has an opening 111 that opens in the first opposite direction X2. The electric wires 20 connected to the female terminals 31 are drawn out of the housing main body 110 through the opening 111. The housing main body 110 has, for example, a peripheral wall 112 provided in the third opposite direction Z2 and a tubular portion 113 provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112. The tubular portion 113 is a mating tubular portion into which a mating housing of a mating connector (not shown) is mated. The tubular portion 113 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 112 in the first direction X1. The tubular portion 113 protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112 radially outward of the housing main body 110 (here, in the third opposite direction Z2). The tubular portion 113 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape.

[0085] The tubular portion 113 has an insertion hole 114. The insertion hole 114 is formed to communicate between the inside and outside of the housing main body 110. The insertion hole 114 opens in the third direction Z1 and also opens in the third opposite direction Z2. For example, the insertion hole 114 penetrates the tubular 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 main body 110. Here, each female terminal 31 housed inside the housing main body 110 is arranged so that the open end of the tubular connecting portion 60 is exposed from the insertion hole 114.

[0086] (Configuration of Retainer 120) The retainer 120 is attached to the tubular portion 113 of the housing main body 110. The retainer 120 has a main body portion 121 and one or more (two in this embodiment) restricting portions 122 that restrict movement of the female terminals 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, a synthetic resin.

[0087] The main body 121 is formed, for example, in a frame shape as a whole. The outer peripheral edge of the main body 121 is formed, for example, in a quadrangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The main body 121 is formed, for example, so as to cover the end face of the tubular portion 113 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0088] The main body 121 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 123. Each insertion hole 123 penetrates the main body 121 in the Z-axis direction. Each insertion hole 123 is formed to communicate with the insertion hole 114 of the tubular portion 113. The two insertion holes 123 are formed, for example, to expose the open ends of the tubular connecting portions 60 of the two female terminals 31 housed in the housing main body 110, respectively.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 2, two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to the two female terminals 31, respectively. The two restricting portions 122 are provided side by side along the Y-axis direction, for example. Each restricting portion 122 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape that accommodates a portion of the female terminal 31. When the retainer 120 is attached to the housing main body 110 along the third direction Z1, the female terminal 31 is inserted into the internal space of the restricting portion 122. When the retainer 120 is attached to the housing main body 110, the restricting portion 122 restricts movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0090] Next, the operation of the female terminal 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10 , the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60. If a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200 from, for example, a mating electric wire (not shown), the swing may cause the columnar connecting portion 201 to be displaced in the direction of the arrow in the figure inside the tubular connecting portion 60. Specifically, the swing may cause the columnar connecting portion 201 to rotate in the direction of the arrow around center A1, which coincides with the central position of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. In this case, if the recess 45 is not provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41, the central portion of the linear contact portion 43 in the longitudinal direction may protrude radially inward of the tubular connecting portion 60 more than the other portions due to manufacturing errors, warpage, or the like. In this case, the linear contact portion 43 makes point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 only at the central portion in the longitudinal direction, thereby shortening the distance (moment length) between the point contact portion and center A1, which serves as the center of rotation for displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. In this case, the contact pressure (contact pressure) applied by the linear contact portion 43 to the columnar connecting portion 201 hardly acts as a force to suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, in this case, the linear contact portion 43 cannot effectively suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0091] In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, a recess 45 is formed on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 at the central position in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60, and multiple contact portions 44 are formed on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60. By forming the recess 45, the central portion of the inner surface 42 in the axial direction is formed to be separated from the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, even if manufacturing errors or warpage occur, the central portion of the inner surface 42 in the axial direction can be suitably prevented from contacting the columnar connecting portion 201. This allows the multiple contact portions 44 provided at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60 to suitably contact the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, each contact portion 44 can be contacted with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 at a position separated from the center A1, which is the rotation center for displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, a predetermined distance L1 can be preferably secured as the distance (moment length) from the center A1, which is the center of rotation for the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201, to the contact part 44. As a result, the contact pressure of each contact part 44 on the columnar connecting part 201 can be preferably applied as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting part 201.

[0092] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The female terminal 31 includes a peripheral wall 40 having a cylindrical portion 41, a peripheral wall 50 having a cylindrical portion 51 facing the cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 composed of the cylindrical portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 51. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is a 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 cylindrical portion 41 has an inner surface 42 facing the cylindrical portion 51 and a plurality of contact portions 44 protruding from the inner surface 42 radially inward of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The plurality of contact portions 44 includes a contact portion 44D provided on the inner surface 42 at a first axial end of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 (in this embodiment, the end in the third opposite direction Z2). The contact portions 44 include a contact portion 44A provided on the inner surface 42 at a second end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 (in this embodiment, the end portion in the third direction Z1).

[0093] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60, the contact portions 44A, 44D provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. At this time, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting portion 201 rotates around the axial center of the tubular connecting portion 60. If the distance from this rotation center to the contact portion 44 is short, the contact pressure of the contact portion 44 cannot be effectively used as a force to suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. In contrast, in the above configuration, the contact portions 44A, 44D are provided at both axial ends of the tubular connecting portion 60. Therefore, the plurality of contact portions 44A, 44D can be brought into contact with the columnar connecting portion 201 at a position spaced from the axial center of the tubular connecting portion 60, which is the rotation center for displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. This allows the contact pressure of the plurality of contact portions 44A, 44D to act favorably as a force for suppressing displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the contact pressure of the plurality of contact portions 44A, 44D can favorably suppress displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the tubular connecting portion 60. As a result, even if a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the swing can be favorably prevented by the contact of the plurality of contact portions 44A, 44D with the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the vibration resistance of the female terminal 31 can be improved.

[0094] (2) The contact portion 44D is provided at a position extending from the center A1 of the cylindrical portion 41 toward the first direction X1 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The contact portion 44A is provided at a position extending from the center A1 toward the first opposite direction X2 in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the contact portion 44A and the contact portion 44D are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Therefore, in the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the multiple contact portions 44 having the contact portions 44A and 44D contact the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. As a result, displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60 can be suitably prevented by the contact of the multiple contact portions 44A and 44D with the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0095] (3) The plurality of contact portions 44 include a contact portion 44B provided on the inner surface 42 in the third opposite direction Z2 and a contact portion 44C provided at an end of the inner surface 42 in the third direction Z1. The contact portion 44B is provided at a position in the circumferential direction from the center A1 toward the first opposite direction X2. The contact portion 44C is provided at a position in the circumferential direction from the center A1 toward the first direction X1.

[0096] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting part 201 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting part 60, the contact parts 44B, 44D provided at the end of the inner surface 42 in the third opposite direction Z2 and the contact parts 44A, 44C provided at the end of the inner surface 42 in the third direction Z1 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201. Furthermore, the contact parts 44A, 44B and the contact parts 44C, 44D are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, in the tubular connecting part 60, the multiple contact parts 44 having the contact parts 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. As a result, displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 inside the tubular connecting part 60 can be suitably prevented by the contact of the multiple contact parts 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D with the columnar connecting part 201.

[0097] (4) Furthermore, compared to when only one contact portion 44 is provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41, the contact area between the multiple contact portions 44 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be increased. This reduces the contact resistance between the tubular connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201, thereby improving the thermal performance of the female terminal 31.

[0098] (5) Each of the plurality of contact portions 44 can be in line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, the contact area between the plurality of contact portions 44 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be increased compared to when each of the plurality of contact portions 44 is in point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, the combined contact resistance, which is the combined contact resistance of the plurality of contact portions 44, can be reduced. This can improve thermal performance.

[0099] (6) A recess 45 is formed at the center of the tubular portion 41 in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60, recessing from the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41 toward the radially outward direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. This allows the central portion of the inner surface 42 in the axial direction to be spaced apart from the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200. Therefore, even if manufacturing errors, warping, or the like occur, the central portion of the inner surface 42 in the axial direction can be prevented from contacting the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, the contact portions 44 provided on the inner surface 42 at both ends of the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, the plurality of contact portions 44 can be suitably brought into contact with the columnar connecting portion 201 at positions spaced apart from the axial center of the tubular connecting portion 60, which is the rotation center for displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0100] (7) The tubular portion 51 has a plurality of divided tubular portions 52 that are divided in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. Each of the divided tubular portions 52 has an inner surface 54 that faces the inner surface 42 and a protrusion 56 that protrudes from the inner surface 54 radially inward of the tubular connecting portion 60 in an arc-shaped cross section.

[0101] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60, the protrusions 56 provided on the inner surface 54 of each of the plurality of divided tubular portions 52 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. Therefore, in the tubular connecting portion 60, the plurality of protrusions 56 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the axial direction. As a result, even when a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the swing can be suitably prevented by the contact of the plurality of protrusions 56 with the columnar connecting portion 201. In other words, compared to a case in which only one protrusion 56 is provided on the inner surface 54 of the tubular portion 51, the contact pressure of the plurality of protrusions 56 can suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0102] (8) The slit 53 separating the two split tubular portions 52 is provided at the center of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. When the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 inserted into the tubular connecting portion 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting portion 201 rotates around the center A1, which coincides with the center of the tubular connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. If the contact portion between the protrusion 56 and the columnar connecting portion 201 were provided at this rotation center, the contact pressure of the protrusion 56 on the columnar connecting portion 201 would not act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, the protrusion 56 is provided at a position different from the slit 53 provided at the center A1. Therefore, the protrusion 56 can come into contact with the columnar connecting portion 201 at a position different from the rotation center of the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. This allows the contact pressure of the protrusions 56 on the columnar connecting part 201 to act suitably as a force that suppresses displacement of the columnar connecting part 201. As a result, the contact pressure of the multiple protrusions 56 can suitably suppress displacement of the columnar connecting part 201 inside the tubular connecting part 60.

[0103] (9) When the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting portion 60, the retaining portion 90 prevents the separation distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54 of the tubular connecting portion 60 from increasing. This restriction by the retaining portion 90 allows the protrusion 56 and the linear contact portion 43 to be in good contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the press-contact state between the tubular connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the retaining portion 90 is integrally formed with the peripheral wall 40. Therefore, the press-contact state between the tubular connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simpler structure than when a separate part such as a coil spring is used. In other words, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified compared to when a separate part such as a coil spring is used.

[0104] (10) The peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 are connected by the connecting portion 70 formed integrally with both the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50. This allows the peripheral wall 40 and the peripheral wall 50 to be formed integrally through the connecting portion 70. Therefore, the female terminal 31 can be formed by bending a single metal plate. As a result, the structure of the female terminal 31 can be simplified.

[0105] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0106] The structure of the female terminal 31 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed. The structure of the recess 45 in the above embodiment can be modified as needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , a recess 47 may be formed in the tubular portion 41. The recess 47 is configured to form three contact portions 44A, 44B, and 44D. The contact portion 44 in this modified example has only three contact portions 44A, 44B, and 44D. The recess 47 has, for example, an L-shaped planar shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the recess 47 in the portion overlapping with the linear contact portion 43 on the first direction X1 side of the two linear contact portions 43 extends from the center position of the tubular portion 41 to the contact portion 44D in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60. In addition, the recess 47 in the portion that overlaps with the linear contact portion 43 of the two linear contact portions 43 provided on the first opposite direction X2 side extends from contact portion 44A to contact portion 44B in the axial direction of the tubular connecting portion 60.

[0107] According to this configuration, when the columnar connecting part 201 is press-fitted into the tubular connecting part 60, the contact parts 44B, 44D provided at the end of the inner surface 42 in the third opposite direction Z2 and the contact part 44A provided at the end of the inner surface 42 in the third direction Z1 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201. Furthermore, the contact parts 44A, 44B and the contact part 44D are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting part 60. Therefore, in the tubular connecting part 60, the multiple contact parts 44 having the contact parts 44A, 44B, 44D come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting part 201 at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction and the circumferential direction. As a result, even when a swing is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to the swing can be suitably prevented by the multiple contact parts 44A, 44B, 44D contacting the columnar connecting part 201.

[0108] 15, the positions at which the three contact portions 44 are formed may be changed as appropriate. For example, the three contact portions 44 may be embodied as contact portions 44A, 44B, and 44C, or as contact portions 44B, 44C, and 44D, or as contact portions 44A, 44C, and 44D.

[0109] For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , recesses 48 and 49 may be formed in the cylindrical portion 41. The recesses 48 and 49 are configured to form two contact portions 44A and 44D. The contact portion 44 of this modified example has only two contact portions 44A and 44D. The recesses 48 and 49 are formed independently of each other, for example. The recess 48 is arranged to overlap the linear contact portion 43 of the two linear contact portions 43 that is arranged on the first direction X1 side. The recess 48 extends from the center position of the cylindrical portion 41 to the contact portion 44D in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The recess 49 is arranged to overlap the linear contact portion 43 of the two linear contact portions 43 that is arranged on the first opposite direction X2 side. The recess 49 extends from the center position of the cylindrical portion 41 to the contact portion 44A in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0110] This configuration can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments (1), (2), and (4) to (10). In the modified example shown in Fig. 16, the recesses 48 and 49 may be formed to communicate with each other.

[0111] In the modified example shown in Fig. 16, the positions at which the two contact portions 44 are formed may be changed as appropriate. For example, the two contact portions 44 may be embodied as contact portions 44B and 44C. The two contact portions 44 are preferably provided on a diagonal line of the tubular portion 41 in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction. By adopting such a configuration, the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably held by contact between the two contact portions 44.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the contact portions 44 are formed to be able to make line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201. However, this is not limiting. For example, the contact portions 44 may be formed to be able to make point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201.

[0113] Five or more contact portions 44 may be provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, multiple contact portions 44 are provided on the inner surface 42 of the tubular portion 41, and the tubular portion 51 has multiple divided tubular portions 52 and protrusions 56 provided on the inner surface 54 thereof, but this is not limited to this. For example, the tubular portion 51 may have multiple contact portions 44.

[0114] In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, the protrusions 56 may be provided only at intermediate positions in the axial direction of the divided tubular portions 52. The number of divided tubular portions 52 included in the tubular portion 51 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the tubular portion 51 may have three or more divided tubular portions 52.

[0115] The structure of the slit 53 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The slit 53 may be omitted. In this case, the cylindrical portion 51 is not divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and has one protrusion 56 on the inner surface 54, for example.

[0116] The protrusion 58 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. The protective portion 100 in the above embodiment may be formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective portion 100 is formed, for example, so as to be folded back from the end of the peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the end of the peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1.

[0117] The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. The guiding portion 62 of the divided tubular portion 52 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. The guiding portion 61 of the tubular connecting portion 60 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted.

[0118] The position of the retaining portion 90 on the female terminal 31 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the retaining portion 90 may be provided at a position different from the connecting portion 70 in the X-axis direction. In the above embodiment, the retaining portion 90 limits the separation distance between the inner surface 42 and the inner surface 54, thereby ensuring contact pressure with the columnar connecting portion 201, but this is not limited to this. For example, a biasing member such as a coil spring separate from the peripheral walls 40, 50 may be used to ensure contact pressure with the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the wire connection portion 32 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the wire connection portion 32 may be formed integrally with the peripheral wall 50. In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, of the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33, only the terminal connection portion 33 is formed in a structure in which the peripheral wall 50 is folded in half onto the peripheral wall 40. This is not limiting, and for example, both the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33 may be formed in a structure in which two plates are folded over each other.

[0120] The structure of the housing main body 110 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate as long as it is capable of accommodating the female terminals 31. The structure of the retainer 120 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. For example, the restricting portion 122 may be omitted.

[0121] In the above embodiment, 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 cylindrical shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting portion 201 may be formed in an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 4 , in a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200 may be referred to as a linear pin. Each of the tubular portions 41, 51 may be a linear groove extending in the attachment / detachment direction (Z-axis) of the male terminal 200. Each linear groove may not contact the linear pin at the recess 45. As shown in FIG. 5 , among the multiple contact portions 44, the contact portions 44A and 44B may be aligned on the same line parallel to the attachment / detachment direction (Z-axis) of the male terminal 200, and may be spaced apart on the same line with the recess 45 sandwiched between them. The pair of contact portions 44A and 44B may be referred to as a first contact portion row. The pair of contact portions 44C and 44D may also be referred to as a second contact portion row. The first contact portion row and the second contact portion row may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0123] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0124] 20...electric wire, 21...core wire, 22...insulating coating, 30...housing, 31...female terminal, 32...electric wire connection portion, 33...terminal connection portion, 40...circumferential wall (first peripheral wall), 41...cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion), 42...inner surface (first inner surface), 43...linear contact portion, 44...contact portion, 44A...contact portion (second contact portion), 44B...contact portion (third contact portion), 44C...contact portion (fourth contact portion), 44 D...contact portion (first contact portion), 45, 47, 48, 49...recessed portion, 46...protrusion portion, 50...circumferential wall (second peripheral wall), 51...cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion), 52...divided cylindrical portion, 53...slit, 54...inner surface (second inner surface), 55...depression portion, 56...protrusion portion, 56A...protruding tip, 57...dividing portion, 58...convex portion, 60...cylindrical connecting portion, 61...guiding portion, 62...guiding portion, 70...connecting portion, 71 , 72...extension portion, 73...folded portion, 80...projection portion, 81...projection base portion, 82...projection, 90...winding pressing portion, 91...extension portion, 92...folded portion, 93...pressing portion, 94...opposing surface, 95...through hole, 96...engagement surface, 100...protection portion, 101...extension portion, 102...protection wall, 110...housing main body, 111...opening portion, 112...circumferential wall, 113...tubular portion, 114...insertion Hole, 120...retainer, 121...main body portion, 122...regulating portion, 123...insertion hole, 200...male terminal, 201...columnar connection portion, W1...wire harness, C1...connector, A1...center, 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 female terminal comprising: a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion; a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion opposing the first cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical connecting portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is a portion into which a columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and to which the columnar connecting portion is electrically connected, the first cylindrical portion having a first inner surface opposing the second cylindrical portion and a plurality of contact portions protruding radially inwardly from the first inner surface of the cylindrical connecting portion, and the plurality of contact portions including a first contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a first axial end of the cylindrical connecting portion and a second contact portion provided on the first inner surface at a second axial end of the first inner surface.

2. A female terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the first contact portion is provided at a position in the circumferential direction of the tubular connecting portion from the center of the first tubular portion toward a first direction, and the second contact portion is provided at a position in the circumferential direction from the center toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction.

3. A female terminal as described in claim 2, wherein the plurality of contact portions further include a third contact portion provided at the first end portion of the first inner surface, the third contact portion being provided at a position in the circumferential direction away from the center toward the first opposite direction.

4. A female terminal as described in claim 3, wherein the plurality of contact portions further include a fourth contact portion provided at the second end of the first inner surface, the fourth contact portion being provided at a position in the circumferential direction away from the center toward the first direction.

5. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of contact portions extends along said axial direction and is capable of line contact with the outer circumferential surface of said columnar connection portion.

6. A female terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical portion has a recess recessed from the first inner surface toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, the recess being provided at a central position of the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction and between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the axial direction.

7. A female terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the second tubular portion has a plurality of divided tubular portions divided in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of divided tubular portions has a second inner surface opposing the first inner surface, and a protrusion that protrudes from the second inner surface radially inwardly of the tubular connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross section.

8. A female terminal as described in claim 7, wherein the plurality of split tubular portions are two split tubular portions, the second tubular portion has a slit dividing the two split tubular portions, and the slit is provided at a central position of the tubular connecting portion in the axial direction.

9. A female terminal as described in claim 7, further comprising a roll pressing portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the roll pressing portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall, the roll pressing portion extending from the first peripheral wall and folded back while embracing an edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and contacting the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

10. A female terminal as described in claim 7, further comprising a connecting portion connecting the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall, the connecting portion being formed integrally with the first peripheral wall and also being formed integrally with the second peripheral wall.

11. A connector comprising: a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a housing that accommodates the female terminal therein.

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