Female connector and connection structure

Abstract

A female connector according to the present invention comprises: a spring member in which a first member having conductivity and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member are stacked; a female terminal that houses the spring member and is electrically connected to the first member; and a frame body that holds the female terminal. In the spring member, at least the second member is curved or bent at an intermediate part in a first direction, the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects the second member, and when a male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while being in contact with the intermediate part in the first direction of the first member, and the frame body or the female terminal includes a restriction part that restricts the movement of the spring member in the first direction by abutting the second member.

Description

Female connector and connection structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a female connector and a connection structure.

[0002] A known female connector has a spring member made up of a stack of a spring for generating a load and a spring for electrical conduction, which is placed inside a frame body near the conductive member (female terminal) of the female connector, and electrical conduction is achieved by inserting the male conductive member (male terminal) into the female connector having the frame body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2023-16830 A

[0004] However, female connectors are required to prevent the spring member from coming off, especially when the male terminal is inserted or removed. They also need to be durable enough to withstand deformation caused by repeated use.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a female connector and connection structure that can simultaneously prevent the spring member from coming off the connector and achieve high durability for repeated use.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the female connector of the present invention is a female connector into which a conductive male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, and comprises a spring member formed by stacking a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, a female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects to the first member, and a frame body that holds the female terminal, wherein in the spring member, at least the second member is curved or bent in an intermediate portion in the first direction, and the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame body or the female terminal is provided with a regulating portion that abuts against the second member to regulate movement of the spring member in the first direction.

[0007] In addition, the female connector of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the frame body has a protrusion provided on the frame body and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first direction at the end of the frame body in the first direction, and the regulating portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the protrusion.

[0008] In addition, the female connector according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the regulating portion has a stepped shape with a portion protruding in the first direction and the protruding portion abutting against the second member.

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

[0010] In addition, in the female connector according to the present invention, the frame body is shaped like a cylinder with a bottom and has an opening that penetrates in the first direction.

[0011] In addition, the female connector of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the frame body comprises a main body portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a cap portion that is detachably attached to the main body portion and in which the opening is formed.

[0012] In addition, the female connector of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the regulating portion is provided on the female terminal, formed at the end of the female terminal in the first direction, and consists of a wall surface that intersects with the first direction.

[0013] In addition, the female connector of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, two spring members are provided, the two spring members are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other on opposing surfaces, the female terminals are arranged so as to sandwich the two spring members, and when the male terminal is inserted into the female connector and enters between the two spring members, in each of the two spring members, in the first member, both end portions in the first direction abut against the female terminal, and the middle portion abuts against the male terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, the connection structure of the present invention is a connection structure comprising a conductive male terminal and a female connector into which the male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, wherein the female connector comprises a spring member formed by stacking a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member, a female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects to the first member, and a frame body that holds the female terminal, wherein in the spring member, at least the second member is curved or bent in an intermediate portion in the first direction, and the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame body or the female terminal is provided with a regulating portion that abuts against the second member to regulate movement of the spring member in the first direction.

[0015] The present invention has the effect of preventing the spring member from coming off the connector and realizing high durability for repeated use.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection structure including a female connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view (part 1) showing the configuration of a spring member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the configuration of the spring member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the spring member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the spring member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of region R1 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded view for explaining the configuration of the female connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of region R2 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] In the following description, a female connector and a connection structure will be described as a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment"). The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each component, the proportions of each component, and the like may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings also include parts with different dimensions and proportions.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection structure including a female connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Connection structure 100 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention includes female connector 1, which is a first connection terminal, and male terminal 200, which is a second connection terminal inserted into female connector 1. When male terminal 200 is inserted into female connector 1, electrical conduction is established between the terminals. In the following drawings, one of three mutually orthogonal directions is referred to as the X direction (first direction), the direction orthogonal to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction (second direction), and the direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction (third direction). In the following description, the directions of each component of connection structure 100 will be aligned with the X, Y, and Z directions of connection structure 100 shown in Figure 1.

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

[0020] Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view cut along the XZ plane. Female connector 1 includes spring members 10, female terminals 20, and a frame body 30. In embodiment 1, an example in which two spring members 10 are provided will be described, but one spring member 10 may be provided, or three or more spring members may be provided.

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

[0022] The extension portion 21 is electrically connected to other devices at the end opposite to the holding portion 22 side.

[0023] The retaining portion 22 holds the spring member 10. The retaining portion 22 is cylindrical and connected to the extending portion 21 at one end in the penetration direction. The retaining portion 22 may have a slit extending in the X direction and may have a portion open in the circumferential direction, and the shape may be modified as appropriate to the extent that it can hold the spring member 10.

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

[0025] The spring member 10 includes a first member 11 and a second member 12 that are stacked on top of each other in the Z direction. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are provided in a non-bonded state (detachable) from each other over the entire area.

[0026] The first member 11 and the second member 12 each have a curved or bent central portion in the X direction. Hereinafter, in the spring member 10, the side away from the central portion in the X direction toward the end portion is referred to as the outer side, and the side away from the end portion toward the central portion is referred to as the inner side.

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

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

[0029] The second member 12 is formed of a material having a higher Young's modulus than the material forming the first member 11. The second member 12 is formed using, for example, copper (including pure copper), a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or the like.

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

[0031] The first member 11 has first contact portions 13 formed at both ends in the X direction that contact the holding portions 22, and second contact portions 14 formed at an intermediate portion in the X direction that contact another opposing spring member 10 or male terminal 200. The size of the second contact portions 14 in the Y direction is larger than the size of the first contact portions 13 in the Y direction. The area of ​​the second contact portions 14 is larger than the area of ​​the first contact portions 13. Note that the area of ​​the second contact portions 14 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first contact portions 13. The size of the second contact portions 14 in the Y direction decreases as they extend outward in the X direction.

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

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

[0034] A third abutment portion 15 that abuts against the second abutment portion 14 of the first member 11 is formed in the center of the second member 12 in the X direction. The third abutment portion 15 is located in the center of the second member 12 in the X direction and is formed in a flat plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing the Z direction. Note that the third abutment portion 15 and the second abutment portion 14 may be joined to each other, or, before the spring member 10 is provided in the holding portion 22, the third abutment portion 15 and the second abutment portion 14 may be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction.

[0035] Both ends of the first member 11 in the X direction are movably engaged with both ends of the second member 12 in the X direction. Specifically, through holes 16 are formed in at least both ends of the X direction of either the first member 11 or the second member 12, and both ends of the other member in the X direction are movably inserted through the through holes 16. In other words, through holes 16 are formed on both sides of the X direction central portion of either the first member 11 or the second member 12. In the first embodiment, through holes 16 are formed on opposite sides of the second member 12 with the third abutment portion 15 interposed therebetween.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6 , in this example, the first contact portion 13 and the connecting portion 11a of the first member 11 penetrate through a through hole 16 formed in the second member 11 from one side to the other in the Z direction, extending from the inside to the outside in the X direction. The size of the through hole 16 in the Y direction decreases toward the inside in the X direction. The opening of the through hole 16 has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the Z direction (see FIG. 5 ). Therefore, the first member 11 extends along the second member 12 and intersects with the second member 12 in the Z direction. In this case, the surface of the third contact portion 15 facing one side in the Z direction is covered by the second contact portion 14 of the first member 11. The third contact portion 15 and the second contact portion 14 abut against each other in a non-jointed state.

[0037] 6, the through-hole 16 is integrally formed over the entire area of ​​the second member 12, located between the outer edge 12a continuing to the open edge 12b in the X direction and the central portion in the X direction including the third contact portion 15. Note that the through-hole 16 may be, for example, a slit extending in the Y direction, formed only at both ends of the second member 12 in the X direction.

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

[0039] When viewed from the Z direction, the second member 12 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a line (a line extending in the Y direction) that passes through the center of the second member 12 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the second member 12 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a line (a line extending in the X direction) that passes through the center of the second member 12 in the Y direction.

[0040] When the first member 11 is assembled to the second member 12, the first member 11 is elastically deformed, and the first abutment portion 13 and the second abutment portion 14 are pressed against the second member 12 in the Z direction. Furthermore, in the assembled state, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 is positioned outward in the X direction from the open end edge 11b of the first member 11. Before the first member 11 and the second member 12 are assembled to each other, the size of the second member 12 in the Z direction is larger than the size of the first member 11 in the Z direction. The portions of the first member 11 and the second member 12 that face each other in the Z direction, excluding the through-hole 16, may abut against each other over the entire area.

[0041] 3 and the like, a plurality of first members 11 and a plurality of second members 12 are provided and are lined up in the Y direction. The number of first members 11 and second members 12 is not limited to the illustrated example and may be changed as appropriate.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3, 5, etc., first members 11 adjacent to each other in the Y direction are connected at their X-direction central portions via a connecting piece 11c. The size of the connecting piece 11c in the X direction is smaller than the size of the second contact portion 14 in the X direction. The size of the second contact portion 14 in the Y direction decreases with increasing distance from the connecting piece 11c in the X direction. In addition to a configuration in which multiple first members 11 are integrally formed in this manner, a spring member in which multiple second members 12 are separately attached may be used. Furthermore, multiple connecting pieces 11c may be provided at intervals in the X direction, or may be provided at a position away from the X-direction central portion of the first member 11.

[0043] 4, the second members 12 adjacent to each other in the Y direction are connected to each other over the entire length in the X direction. However, the second members 12 adjacent to each other in the Y direction may be connected to each other only at a portion or at multiple locations in the X direction. In addition to the configuration in which the multiple second members 12 are integrally formed in this manner, a spring member in which the multiple divided first members 11 are separately attached may be used.

[0044] In the connection structure 100, the first contact portion 13 of the spring member 10 contacts the holding portion 22, and the second contact portion 14 contacts the male terminal 200. Therefore, the first member 11 electrically connects the male terminal 200 and the female terminal 20. The second member 12 also performs a spring function that adjusts the degree of deformation of the spring member 10.

[0045] Here, in the spring member 10, the length between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction is the length L from one end to the other end in the X direction. 12 is the length L of the first member 11 11 (See FIG. 6).

[0046] 2 , the frame body 30 is cylindrical with a bottom, and the male terminal 200 is inserted and removed from one end side in the X direction. Specifically, the frame body 30 includes a cylindrical frame portion 31 that holds the holding portion 22 therein, and a flat plate portion 32 that is provided at one end side of the frame portion 31 in the penetration direction (here, the X direction) and closes the opening at one end side of the frame portion 31. The extension portion 21 penetrates the flat plate portion 32. In this case, the extension portion 21 and the flat plate portion 32 may be in close contact over the entire circumference, or may only be in partial contact.

[0047] A protruding portion 33 is formed on the frame portion 31 at an end opposite in the X direction from the side where the flat plate portion 32 is provided, protruding toward the interior of the frame portion 31 and in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the penetration direction of the frame portion 31. The protruding portion 33 is formed with an opening 30a that penetrates in the X direction and into which the male terminal 200 is inserted.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , two spring members 10 are disposed within the holding portion 22 so that their second contact portions 14 face each other. In other words, they are disposed symmetrically with respect to the opposing surface. Here, the opposing surface refers to a surface formed midway between the two spring members 10 in the Z direction and parallel to the XY plane. The female terminal 20 is disposed so that the two spring members 10 are sandwiched between the holding portion 22. When the male terminal 200 is inserted into the holding portion 22 through the opening 30a of the frame body 30, the male terminal 200 enters between the two spring members 10 and slides against the second contact portions 14 of each spring member 10, i.e., moves while in contact with them. The contact between the second contact portions 14 and the male terminal 200 electrically connects the female terminal 20 and the male terminal 200 via the spring members 10. Furthermore, when the male terminal 200 is removed from the holding portion 22 , the male terminal 200 also slides relative to the middle portion of the first member 11 in the X direction.

[0049] When the male terminal 200 is inserted, in each of the two spring members 10, the first member 11 has both end portions in the X direction abutting against the female terminal 20 (retaining portion 22), and the middle portion in the X direction abutting against the male terminal 200. In addition, the second member 12 has both end portions in the X direction pressing against the female terminal 20 via the first member 11, and the middle portion in the X direction pressing against the male terminal 200 via the first member 11.

[0050] 8 is an enlarged view of region R1 shown in FIG. 2. As an example, FIG. 8 shows a state in which male terminal 200 is inserted into frame body 30, a load is applied to spring member 10, and first member 11 and second member 12 are deformed. Here, frame portion 31 is formed with protrusion 33 to form restriction portion 331 that restricts the position of spring member 10 in the X direction. Length L of second member 12 12 is the length L of the first member 11 118, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open edge 12b of the second member 12 abuts against the restricting portion 331 with priority over the open edge 11b of the first member. The abutment of the open edge 12b against the restricting portion 331 restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the frame 30. At this time, even at the end of the spring member 10 on the flat plate portion 32 side, the open edge 12b of the second member 12 abuts against the inner wall surface of the flat plate portion 32 with priority over the open edge 11b of the first member.

[0051] In the first embodiment described above, in the spring member 10 in which the first member 11 having superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and the second member 12 having higher rigidity compared to the first member 11 are laminated, the length in the X direction, which is the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 into the female connector 1, is set to be equal to the length L of the second member 12. 12 is the length L of the first member 11. 11 The second member 12 is longer than the first member 12, so that the open edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially comes into contact with the restricting portion 331. According to the first embodiment, the highly rigid second member 12 comes into contact with the frame body 30 and is restricted in position, so that it is possible to both prevent the spring member from coming off the female connector and achieve high durability against repeated use.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, in the second member 12, the size of the through hole 16 in the Y direction becomes smaller toward the middle portion in the X direction, so that it is possible to ensure a large area for the second abutment portion 14 or the third abutment portion 15 that receives the pressing force in the Z direction in either the first member 11 or the second member 12, thereby improving durability.

[0053] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In Embodiment 2, the contact mode between the spring member and the frame portion is different from the configuration of connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same components as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Like FIG. 8, FIG. 9 shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to spring member 10, causing first member 11 and second member 12 to deform. Note that in Embodiment 2, the length between the ends of second member 12 in the X direction (see FIG. 6) in spring member 10 will be described as being equal to the length of first member 11.

[0054] The frame body according to the second embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 31A that holds the retaining portion 22 therein, and a flat plate portion 32 (see FIG. 2) that is provided at one end of the frame portion 31A in the penetration direction (here, the X direction) and closes the opening at one end of the frame portion 31A.

[0055] A protrusion 33A is formed on the frame 31A at the end opposite in the X direction from the end where the flat plate 32 is provided. The protrusion 33A protrudes toward the interior of the frame 31A in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction of the frame 31A. The protrusion 33A is provided with a convex portion 332 extending in the X direction toward the end opposite the penetration direction. The protrusion 33A also has an opening 30b formed therein for inserting the male terminal 200.

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

[0057] In the second embodiment described above, in the spring member 10 formed by stacking the first member 11, which has superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12, and the second member 12, which has higher rigidity compared to the first member 11, a restricting portion 333 is formed at the open end of the frame portion 31A, and the open edge 12b of the second member 12 is preferentially brought into contact with the restricting portion 333. According to the second embodiment, the highly rigid second member 12 is brought into contact with the frame body 30 and restricted in position, so that it is possible to both prevent the spring member from coming off the female connector and realize high durability for repeated use.

[0058] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example has been described in which the ends of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are at the same position in the X direction. However, the first member 11 may be longer than the second member 12 in the X direction as long as the open edge 12b of the second member abuts against the frame body (regulating portion 333) in priority to the first member 11.

[0059] (Modification of Second Embodiment) Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the contact mode between the spring member and the frame portion is different from the configuration of the connection structure 100 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Like Fig. 8, Fig. 10 shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to the spring member 10, causing the first member 11 and the second member 12 to deform.

[0060] In the spring member 10, the length L between the ends of the second member 12 in the X direction 12 The length L of the first member 11 11 6, when the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 10, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 comes into contact with the restricting portion 333 preferentially.

[0061] In the above-described modified example, the highly rigid second member 12 more reliably abuts against the frame body 30 and regulates its position compared to the above-described second embodiment, thereby more reliably preventing the spring member from coming off the female connector and realizing high durability for repeated use.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a portion of a female connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In Embodiment 3, the contact mode between the spring member and the frame portion is different from the configuration of connection structure 100 according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same components as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Like FIG. 8 , FIG. 11 shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to spring member 10, causing first member 11 and second member 12 to deform. Note that in Embodiment 3, the length between the ends of second member 12 in the X direction (see FIG. 6 ) in spring member 10 will be described as being equal to the length of first member 11.

[0063] The frame body according to the third embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 31B that holds the retaining portion 22 therein, and a flat plate portion 32 (see FIG. 2) that is provided at one end of the frame portion 31B in the penetration direction (here, the X direction) and closes the opening at one end of the frame portion 31B.

[0064] A protruding portion 33B is formed on the frame portion 31B at an end opposite in the X direction from the end where the flat plate portion 32 is provided. The protruding portion 33B protrudes toward the interior of the frame portion 31B in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction of the frame portion 31B. The protruding portion 33B has an inclined surface 334 provided in a portion facing the second member 12. The protruding portion 33B also has an opening 30c formed therein, into which the male terminal 200 is inserted.

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

[0066] In the above-described third embodiment, in the spring member 10 formed by stacking the first member 11 having superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and the second member 12 having higher rigidity compared to the first member 11, the restricting portion 335 is formed at the open end of the frame portion 31A, and the open edge 12b of the second member 12 is preferentially brought into contact with the sloped portion 334 of the restricting portion 335. According to the third embodiment, the highly rigid second member 12 is brought into contact with the frame body 30 and restricted in position, so that it is possible to both prevent the spring member from coming off the female connector and realize high durability for repeated use.

[0067] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, an example has been described in which the ends of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are at the same position in the X direction. However, as long as the open edge 12b of the second member abuts against the frame body (regulating portion 333) in preference to the first member, the end of the first member may be longer or shorter than the end of the second member in the X direction.

[0068] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded view for explaining the configuration of a female connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of region R2 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 shows a state in which, for example, a load is applied to spring member 10, causing first member 11 and second member 12 to deform. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the frame body is different from the configuration of connection structure 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The frame body 30A according to this fourth embodiment comprises a cylindrical frame portion 34 that holds the retaining portion 22 therein, and a flat plate portion 32 that is provided at one end of the frame portion 34 in the penetration direction (here, the X direction) and closes the opening at one end of the frame portion 34.

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

[0071] When the cap portion 342 is connected to the cylindrical portion 341, the end surface of the cap portion functions as a restricting portion 343 that restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the X direction. This restricting portion 343 protrudes in the Z direction beyond the holding portion 22 (see FIGS. 12 and 14). When the spring member 10 is displaced in the X direction, the open end edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially abuts against the restricting portion 331. The abutment of the open end edge 12b against the restricting portion 331 restricts the position of the spring member 10 in the frame body 30A.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment described above, in the spring member 10 in which the first member 11 having superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and the second member 12 having higher rigidity compared to the first member 11 are laminated, the length in the X direction, which is the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 into the female connector 1, is set to be equal to the length L of the second member 12. 12 is the length L of the first member 11. 11 The second member 12 is longer than the first member 12, so that the open edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially comes into contact with the restricting portion 343. According to the fourth embodiment, the highly rigid second member 12 comes into contact with the frame body 30A and is restricted in position, so that it is possible to both prevent the spring member from coming off the female connector and achieve high durability against repeated use.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the size of the opening 34 a can be adjusted because the cap portion 342 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 341. This allows the amount of protrusion of the restricting portion 343 from the holding portion 22 to be adjusted according to the thicknesses of the first member 11 and the second member 12 of the spring member 10.

[0074] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a female connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the configuration of the female connector is different from the configuration of the connection structure 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

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

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

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

[0078] The frame 30B is cylindrical and has a bottom, and accommodates the holding portion 22A in its hollow portion. At this time, the extension portion 21 penetrates the bottom of the frame 30B and extends to the outside of the frame 30B.

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

[0080] In the above-described fifth embodiment, in the spring member 10 in which the first member 11 having superior electrical conductivity compared to the second member 12 and the second member 12 having higher rigidity compared to the first member 11 are laminated, the length in the X direction, which is the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 into the female connector 1, is set to be equal to the length L of the second member 12. 12 is the length L of the first member 11. 11 The second member 12 is longer than the first member 12, so that the open edge 12b of the second member 12 preferentially comes into contact with the restricting portion 223. According to the fifth embodiment, the highly rigid second member 12 comes into contact with the restricting portion 223 of the holding portion 22A and is restricted in position, so that it is possible to both prevent the spring member from coming off the female connector and achieve high durability against repeated use.

[0081] As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments not described herein, and various design changes can be made without departing from the technical concept defined by the claims. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, the open end edge 11b in the X direction of the first member 11 extends in the X direction so as to face outward in the X direction, but it may also extend inward in the X direction.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a female connector is constructed using two spring members 10 has been described, but the number of spring members 10 is not limited to two and may be one, or three or more may be arranged depending on the shape of the retaining portion 22 of the female terminal 20. In a configuration including one spring member 10, the male terminal 200 comes into contact with and is pressed against the middle portion of the first member 11 of the spring member 10 in the X direction, and is brought into pressure contact with the female terminal 20 (retaining portion 22).

[0083] As described above, the female connector and connection structure according to the present invention are suitable for both preventing separation from the terminal and realizing high durability for repeated use.

[0084] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A Female connector 10 Spring member 11 First member 12 Second member 13 First contact portion 14 Second contact portion 15 Third contact portion 16 Through hole 20, 20A Female terminal 21 Extension portion 22, 22A Holding portion 30, 30A, 30B Frame body 31, 31A, 31B, 34 Frame portion 32 Flat portion 33, 33A Protruding portion 100 Connection structure 200 Male terminal 221 First cylindrical portion 222 Second cylindrical portion 223, 331, 333, 335, 343 Restricting portion 332 Convex portion 334 Inclined portion 341 Cylindrical portion 342 Cap portion

Claims

1. A female connector into which a conductive male terminal is inserted in a first direction to electrically connect with the male terminal, comprising: a spring member formed by laminating a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member; a female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects with the first member; and a frame body that holds the female terminal, wherein in the spring member, at least the second member is curved or bent at a middle portion in the first direction, and the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the middle portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame body or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that abuts against the second member to restrict movement of the spring member in the first direction.

2. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame body has a protruding portion provided on the frame body and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first direction at the end of the frame body in the first direction, and the restricting portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the protruding portion.

3. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion has a stepped shape with a portion protruding in the first direction and the protruding portion abuts against the second member.

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

5. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a cylindrical body with a bottom and an opening that penetrates in the first direction.

6. The female connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame comprises: a main body portion having a cylindrical shape with a bottom; and a cap portion that is detachably attached to the main body portion and in which the opening is formed.

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

8. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: two spring members are provided; the two spring members are arranged symmetrically with respect to the opposing surfaces; the female terminals are arranged so as to sandwich the two spring members; and when the male terminal is inserted into the female connector and enters between the two spring members, in each of the two spring members, in the first member, both end portions in the first direction abut against the female terminal, and an intermediate portion in the first direction abuts against the male terminal.

9. A connection structure comprising: a conductive male terminal; and a female connector into which the male terminal is inserted in a first direction and electrically connected to the male terminal, wherein the female connector comprises: a spring member formed by laminating a conductive first member and a second member having higher rigidity than the first member; a female terminal that houses the spring member and electrically connects to the first member; and a frame body that holds the female terminal, wherein, in the spring member, at least the second member is curved or bent at an intermediate portion in the first direction, and the first member extends along the second member in the first direction and intersects with the second member, and when the male terminal is inserted into or removed from the female connector, the male terminal moves while contacting the intermediate portion of the first member in the first direction, and the frame body or the female terminal is provided with a restricting portion that abuts against the second member to restrict movement of the spring member in the first direction.

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