Female terminal and connector

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a female terminal capable of suppressing displacement of a columnar connection part inside a cylindrical connection part. This female terminal (31) includes: a first peripheral wall (40) having a first cylindrical part (41); a second peripheral wall (50) having a second cylindrical part (51) facing the first cylindrical part (41); and a cylindrical connection part (60) configured from the first cylindrical part (41) and the second cylindrical part (51). The first cylindrical part (41) has a plurality of first divided cylindrical parts (42) divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection part (60). Each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical parts (42) has a first inner surface facing the second cylindrical part (51), and a plurality of linear contact parts (45) protruding inward in a radial direction of the cylindrical connection part (60) from the first inner surface. The plurality of linear contact parts (45) are provided at positions separated from each other in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection part (60). Each of the plurality of linear contact parts (45) extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connection part (60).

Description

Female terminal and connector

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

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

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

[0004] By the way, in the above connector, it is desired to suppress the displacement of the columnar connection portion inside the cylindrical connection portion. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a female terminal and a connector capable of suppressing the displacement of the columnar connection portion inside the cylindrical connection portion. <0000_{009}>

[0005] The female terminal of the present disclosure includes a first peripheral wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second peripheral wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion, and a cylindrical connection portion constituted by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The cylindrical connection portion is a portion where the columnar connection portion of the male terminal is inserted therein and is electrically connected to the columnar connection portion. The first cylindrical portion has a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion. Each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions has a first inner surface facing the second cylindrical portion and a plurality of linear contact portions provided on the first inner surface. The plurality of linear contact portions are provided at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection portion, and each of the plurality of linear contact portions extends along the axial direction.

[0006] According to the female terminal and the connector of the present disclosure, there is an effect that the displacement of the columnar connection portion inside the cylindrical connection portion can be suppressed.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 5 is a plan view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 6 is a plan view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment (cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in Figures 5 and 6). Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a female terminal of one embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment (cross-sectional view along line 9-9 in Figures 5 and 6). Figure 10 is a plan view showing a part of a wire harness of one embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Embodiments of the Present Disclosure will be described by listing them. [1] The female terminal of the Present Disclosure comprises a first circumferential wall having a first cylindrical portion, a second circumferential wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion, and a cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is the portion into which the columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, the first cylindrical portion has a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions has a first inner surface facing the second cylindrical portion and a plurality of linear contact portions provided on the first inner surface, the plurality of linear contact portions are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion, and each of the plurality of linear contact portions extends along the axial direction.

[0009] With this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, the linear contact portions provided on the first inner surface of each of the multiple first divided cylindrical portions are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connector at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, even if oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal, for example, the displacement of the male terminal due to that oscillation can be effectively prevented by the contact of the multiple linear contact portions with the male terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the first cylindrical portion is divided into a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions, and a plurality of linear contact portions are provided on the first inner surface of each of these plurality of first divided cylindrical portions. This makes it possible to individually deform and displace each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions. Therefore, even if the female terminal rotates relative to the male terminal inserted into the cylindrical connection portion due to the reaction force of the electric wire connected to the female terminal, the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions can be individually made to follow the male terminal. For this reason, the plurality of linear contact portions provided on each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions can be suitably brought into contact with the outer surface of the columnar connection portion of the male terminal. As a result, even if the female terminal rotates relative to the male terminal, the displacement of the columnar connection portion inside the cylindrical connection portion can be suppressed by the contact pressure from the plurality of linear contact portions.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the plurality of first divided cylindrical parts are two first divided cylindrical parts, and the first cylindrical part has a first slit that divides the two first divided cylindrical parts, and the first slit may be provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting part in the axial direction.

[0012] In this configuration, a first slit that divides the two first cylindrical sections is provided at the axial center of the cylindrical connector. When the columnar connector of the male terminal inserted into the cylindrical connector is displaced, the columnar connector rotates around the axial center of the cylindrical connector as the center of rotation. A linear contact portion is provided at a position different from this center of rotation. Therefore, the linear contact portion and the columnar connector can be brought into contact at a position different from the center of rotation in the displacement of the columnar connector. This allows the contact pressure from the linear contact portion to act effectively as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connector. As a result, the displacement of the columnar connector inside the cylindrical connector can be effectively suppressed by the contact pressure from multiple linear contact portions.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the first peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, the second peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction, the first inner surface is provided opposite to the second cylindrical portion in the second direction intersecting the first direction, the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion extends along the third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, the first slit extends from the edge of the first peripheral wall in the first direction along the first opposite direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction, the first slit penetrates the first peripheral wall in the second direction, and the first slit may open in the first direction.

[0014] In this configuration, the end of the first peripheral wall including the first cylindrical portion in the first direction is formed in a bifurcated shape by the first slit. As a result, the two first divided cylindrical portions are formed as independent structures. This allows the multiple first divided cylindrical portions to individually follow the male terminal appropriately when the female terminal rotates relative to the male terminal. Therefore, the multiple linear contact portions provided on each of the multiple first divided cylindrical portions can be brought into appropriate contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion.

[0015] [4] In the above [3], the female terminal further comprises a protective portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed so as to fold back from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion having an extension portion extending from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward a second direction, and a protective wall extending from the end of the extension portion in the second direction toward a first opposite direction, the protective wall being provided opposite to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction in the second direction, the protective wall being provided at a distance from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the first slit being formed to extend along the entire length of the protective portion from the first peripheral wall through the extension portion to the first opposite end of the protective wall.

[0016] In this configuration, the first slit is formed to extend along the entire length of the protective portion. As a result, the end of the first peripheral wall including the first cylindrical portion in the first direction and the protective portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction are divided into two parts by the first slit. Therefore, even when a protective portion is provided, the two first divided cylindrical portions can be suitably formed as independent structures. Consequently, when the female terminal rotates relative to the male terminal, the multiple first divided cylindrical portions can be individually made to follow the male terminal suitably. As a result, the multiple linear contact portions provided on each of the multiple first divided cylindrical portions can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion.

[0017] [5] In the above [3] or [4], the two first divided cylindrical portions may be formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the first slit in the third direction and is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0018] In this configuration, the two first divided cylindrical portions are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the two first divided cylindrical portions provided on both sides of the first slit can ensure equal contact pressure with each other.

[0019] [6] In any one of [3] to [5] above, the second cylindrical portion has two second divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction and a second slit that divides the two second divided cylindrical portions, and each of the two second divided cylindrical portions has a second inner surface facing the first inner surface and a projection that protrudes from the second inner surface radially inward of the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc shape in cross-section, the second slit is provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction, and the second slit may be provided so as to overlap with the first slit in a plan view seen in the second direction.

[0020] In this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, the protrusions provided on the second inner surface of each of the two second divided cylindrical sections come into contact with the outer surface of the columnar connector. As a result, in the cylindrical connector, multiple protrusions come into contact with the outer surface of the columnar connector at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction. This effectively prevents displacement of the male terminal due to oscillation, even when oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal, by the contact of multiple protrusions with the columnar connector. Specifically, compared to the case where only one protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the second cylindrical section, the contact pressure from multiple protrusions can suppress the displacement of the columnar connector inside the cylindrical connector.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the female terminal further comprises a winding restraint portion that limits the distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, wherein the winding restraint portion is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall, and the winding restraint portion is folded back from the first circumferential wall, embracing the edge of the second circumferential wall inward, and may also be in contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall.

[0022] With this configuration, when the columnar connector of the male terminal is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector, the winding and pressing portion restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the cylindrical connector from becoming too large. This restriction by the winding and pressing portion allows the protrusion and linear contact portion to make suitable contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector. As a result, the contact state between the cylindrical connector and the columnar connector can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding and pressing portion is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall. Therefore, the contact state between the cylindrical connector and the columnar connector can be maintained with a simpler structure compared to when separate parts such as a coil spring are used. In other words, the structure of the female terminal can be simplified compared to when separate parts such as a coil spring are used.

[0023] [8] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a female terminal as described in any one of [1] to [7] above, and a housing that houses the female terminal inside. This configuration provides the same effects as the female terminal of [1] above.

[0024] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the female terminals and connectors of the Disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for the sake of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are roughly parallel or orthogonal within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. As used in this description, "cylindrical" includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts to form a cylinder, and those having notches or other cutouts in the circumferential direction, such as C-shapes or U-shapes. The shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "facing" means that faces or members are in a position facing each other. Also, in this specification, "facing" includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, the term "opposing" in this specification includes both cases where a component other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts. Also, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0025] (Overall configuration of wire harness W1) As shown in Figure 1, the wire harness W1 comprises one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20 and a connector C1 attached to the end of the electric wires 20. The wire harness W1 is used, for example, to electrically connect electrical equipment for a vehicle. Examples of electrical equipment for a vehicle include inverters and motors for wheel drive. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the connector C1 is electrically connected to a mating connector provided on the electrical equipment. The mating connector comprises, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) mating terminals, which are male terminals 200 (see Figure 4), and a mating housing that holds the two male terminals 200.

[0026] (Overall configuration of connector C1) As shown in Figure 2, connector C1 comprises a housing 30 and a plurality of female terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20. The housing 30 holds the plurality of female terminals 31. The housing 30 has a housing body 110 that houses the plurality of female terminals 31 inside, and a retainer 120 attached to the housing body 110. Note that each drawing shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The drawing shows a first direction X1 which is one direction along the first axis X, and a first opposite direction X2 which is another direction along the first axis X and the opposite direction of the first direction X1. The drawing shows a second direction Y1 which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a second opposite direction Y2 which is another direction along the second axis Y and the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. The drawings illustrate a third direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z and is opposite to the third direction Z1. Unless otherwise specified, the directions described above refer to the direction when the connector C1 is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the orientation of the connector C1 and wire harness W1 when in use.

[0027] The female terminal 31 and the electric wire 20 are inserted into the housing body 110 along the first direction X1. A retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1. For example, a mating connector is connected to the connector C1 along the third direction Z1. For example, the male terminal 200 (see Figure 4) of the mating connector is inserted into the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1.

[0028] (Structure of the electric wire 20) Each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer circumference of the core wire 21 and provides insulation. As the core wire 21, for example, a stranded wire made by twisting together a plurality of metal strands or a single-core wire made of a single conductor can be used. The insulating coating 22 covers the outer surface of the core wire 21 around its entire circumference.

[0029] The end of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 is exposed from the insulating coating 22. A female terminal 31 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 in the first direction X1 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22. As shown in Figure 3, the end of the electric wire 20 in the first direction X1 is housed inside the housing body 110. The electric wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2 from the end of the housing body 110 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0030] (Configuration of the female terminal 31) As shown in Figure 2, the two female terminals 31 are electrically connected to each of the two electric wires 20. The two female terminals 31 are arranged side by side along the second axis Y, for example. The two female terminals 31 have, for example, identical structures. Here, we will focus on the female terminal 31 provided on the second direction Y1 side of the two female terminals 31.

[0031] Each female terminal 31 has a wire connection portion 32 that connects to the end of the electric wire 20, and a terminal connection portion 33 that extends toward the first direction X1 from the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, a single component in which the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33 are continuously and integrally formed. Each female terminal 31 is constructed, for example, by bending or combining a metal plate. Each female terminal 31 in this embodiment is constructed by bending a single metal plate. Each female terminal 31 is, for example, made of metal. As the material for each female terminal 31, for example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used.

[0032] The wire connection portion 32 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating coating 22. The wire connection portion 32 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The wire connection portion 32 extends in a strip shape along, for example, the first axis X. The wire connection portion 32 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. In this way, the wire connection portion 32 and the core wire 21 are electrically and mechanically connected.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal connection portion 33 is a female terminal portion that connects to the male terminal 200 of the mating connector. Here, the male terminal 200 has a columnar connection portion 201. In this embodiment, the columnar connection portion 201 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0034] The terminal connection portion 33 has a first circumferential wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second circumferential wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connection portion 60. The terminal connection portion 33 has, for example, a connecting portion 70, a protruding portion 80, a winding and pressing portion 90, and a protective portion 100. The first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 face each other along the second axis Y.

[0035] (Configuration of the first and second peripheral walls 40 and 50) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction X1. The first peripheral wall 40 extends from the end of the wire connection portion 32 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. In other words, the wire connection portion 32 extends from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The first peripheral wall 40 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined width along the third axis Z. As shown in Figure 4, the first peripheral wall 40 has a predetermined thickness along the second axis Y. The first peripheral wall 40 has an inner surface facing the second peripheral wall 50 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface along the second axis Y.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second circumferential wall 50 is formed in a strip shape extending along the first direction X1. The second circumferential wall 50 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The second circumferential wall 50 has a predetermined width along the third axis Z. As shown in Figure 4, the second circumferential wall 50 has a predetermined thickness along the second axis Y. The second circumferential wall 50 has an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first circumferential wall 40 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the inner surface along the second axis Y. The inner surface of the second circumferential wall 50 is provided, for example, at a distance from the inner surface of the first circumferential wall 40 along the second axis Y. The second circumferential wall 50 extends, for example, parallel to the first circumferential wall 40.

[0037] The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided at an intermediate position along the first axis X of the first peripheral wall 40. The first cylindrical portion 41 is provided between the winding press portion 90 and the protective portion 100 along the first axis X. The first cylindrical portion 41 is formed, for example, as a half-cylindrical shape overall. As shown in Figure 5, the first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the third axis Z. The first cylindrical portion 41 extends along the entire length of the third axis Z of the first peripheral wall 40.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the second cylindrical portion 51 is provided at an intermediate position along the first axis X of the second peripheral wall 50. The second cylindrical portion 51 is provided between the winding press portion 90 and the protective portion 100 along the first axis X. The second cylindrical portion 51 is formed, for example, as a half-cylindrical shape overall. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the third axis Z. The second cylindrical portion 51 extends along the entire length of the third axis Z of the second peripheral wall 50.

[0039] The first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51 are curved in directions that move them apart from each other. The first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51 constitute the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is the part 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 is, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 extend (here, the direction along the first axis X), and in this embodiment, in the direction along the third axis Z. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is open at both ends of the third axis Z. In this embodiment, the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 along the third direction Z1.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape overall, for example. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 has a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the columnar connecting portion 201. That is, the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is configured so that the columnar connecting portion 201 is press-fitted into it.

[0041] (Configuration of the first cylindrical portion 41) As shown in Figure 5, the first cylindrical portion 41 has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of first divided cylindrical portions 42 divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and a first slit 43 that divides the two first divided cylindrical portions 42. The two first divided cylindrical portions 42 are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, with the first slit 43 in between. The two first divided cylindrical portions 42 have, for example, the same structure. The two first divided cylindrical portions 42 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the first slit 43 on the third axis Z and is perpendicular to the third axis Z.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, each first divided cylindrical portion 42 has a first inner surface 44 facing the second cylindrical portion 51 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the first inner surface 44. The outer surface of each first divided cylindrical portion 42 is formed into a curved surface whose cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the first divided cylindrical portion 42 with a plane perpendicular to the third axis Z is curved in an arc shape. The outer surface of each first divided cylindrical portion 42 is formed so as to project in an arc shape in the radial direction outward of the cylindrical connection portion 60. Similarly, the first inner surface 44 of each first divided cylindrical portion 42 is formed so as to be recessed in an arc shape in the radial direction outward of the cylindrical connection portion 60.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of linear contact portions 45 protruding from the first inner surface 44 of each first divided cylindrical portion 42 toward the inner side in the radial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 are provided on the first inner surface 44 of each first divided cylindrical portion 42. The two linear contact portions 45 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60. The two linear contact portions 45 are provided so as to be partially opposed to each other, for example, on the first axis X. Each linear contact portion 45 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60 (here, the direction along the third axis Z). The first cylindrical portion 41 has a total of four linear contact portions 45.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the curvature of the first inner surface of the 44 having the two linear contact portions 45 is set to be smaller than the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200. Thereby, the two linear contact portions 45 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion 201. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, each linear contact portion 45 is linearly brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion 201 along the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60. That is, each linear contact portion 45 makes line contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar connection portion 201.

[0045] The first slit 43 is formed so as to penetrate the first cylindrical portion 41 along the second axis Y. The first slit 43 is provided between the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 in the axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 41. The first slit 43 is provided, for example, at the central position of the cylindrical connection portion 60 in the axial direction of the cylindrical connection portion 60.

[0046] The first slit 43 extends along the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion 41 over the entire circumferential length of the first cylindrical portion 41. The first slit 43 extends, for example, along the first direction X1 from the first divided cylindrical portion 42 to the edge of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1. The first slit 43 extends, for example, along the length direction of the protection portion 100 so as to divide the protection portion 100. The first slit 43 extends, for example, along the first opposite direction X2 from the first divided cylindrical portion 42. In other words, the first slit 43 extends from the protection portion 100 along the first opposite direction X2 to a position further in the first opposite direction X2 than the first divided cylindrical portion 42. The first slit 43 of the present embodiment extends from the protection portion 100 to the end portion of the connecting portion 70 in the first direction X1 on the first axis X.

[0047] The first slit 43 opens toward the first direction X1. That is, the first slit 43 is formed such that the protection portion 100 and the first circumferential wall 40 are cut out from the protection portion 100 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0048] The end portion of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1 is formed in a structure divided into two branches by the first slit 43. That is, the end portion of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1 has two first divided portions 47 formed in a bifurcated shape. Each first divided portion 47 has the first divided cylindrical portion 42. Each first divided portion 47 is formed, for example, so as to be supported in a cantilevered manner with respect to the end portion of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The two first divided portions 47 have, for example, the same structure as each other. The two first divided portions 47 include the center of the first slit 43 on the third axis Z and are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane orthogonal to the third axis Z.

[0049] Here, as shown in Figure 5, in each first division portion 47, the first length L1 of the portion provided in the first opposite direction X2 to the cylindrical connection portion 60 along the first axis X is set to be longer than the second length L2 of the portion provided in the first direction X1 to the cylindrical connection portion 60. The first length L1 is the length along the first axis X from the end of the first slit 43 in the first opposite direction X2 to the end of the cylindrical connection portion 60 in the first opposite direction X2. The second length L2 is the length along the first axis X from the end of the cylindrical connection portion 60 in the first direction X1 to the end of the protective portion 100 in the first opposite direction X2. Thus, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, the first length L1 from the base portion connected to the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 to the cylindrical connection portion 60 in each first division portion 47 is formed to be long. This effectively suppresses plastic deformation of each first divided portion 47 caused by stresses, for example, that arise when the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0050] (Configuration of the second cylindrical portion 51) As shown in Figure 6, the second cylindrical portion 51 has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of second divided cylindrical portions 52 divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and a second slit 53 that divides the two second divided cylindrical portions 52. The two second divided cylindrical portions 52 are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, with the second slit 53 in between. The two second divided cylindrical portions 52 have, for example, the same structure. The two second divided cylindrical portions 52 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the second slit 53 on the third axis Z and is perpendicular to the third axis Z.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, each second divided cylindrical portion 52 has a second inner surface 54 facing the first inner surface 44 and an outer surface provided on the opposite side of the second inner surface 54. The outer surface of each second divided cylindrical portion 52 is formed as a curved surface with a cross-sectional shape curved in an arc when the second divided cylindrical portion 52 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the third axis Z. The outer surface of the second divided cylindrical portion 52 is formed to protrude radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc cross-section. Similarly, the second inner surface 54 of the second divided cylindrical portion 52 is formed to be recessed radially outward from the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in an arc cross-section.

[0052] Each second divided cylindrical portion 52 has an outer surface provided with a recessed portion 55 that extends radially inward from its outer surface towards the cylindrical connecting portion 60. As shown in Figure 6, the planar shape of the recessed portion 55 as viewed in the second direction Y1 is, for example, rectangular. The recessed portion 55 is formed, for example, along the entire axial length of the second divided cylindrical portion 52.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the second inner surface 54 of each second divided cylindrical portion 52 is provided with a projection 56 that protrudes radially inward from the second inner surface 54 toward the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The projection 56 is provided, for example, on the second inner surface 54 of the second divided cylindrical portion 52 in the portion where the recessed portion 55 is formed. The projection 56 can be formed, for example, by embossing.

[0054] The projection 56 is formed such that, for example, the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the projection 56 with a plane perpendicular to an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60, in this case perpendicular to the first axis X, is an arc shape projecting radially inward from the cylindrical connector 60. The projection 56 is formed to project radially inward from the second inner surface 54 with an arc cross-sectional shape. The projection 56 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connector 60. The projection 56 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60. The projection tip 56A of the projection 56 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200. The projection tip 56A makes point contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector 201. In other words, the projection 56, including the projection tip 56A, functions as a point contact portion. The protruding tip 56A is, for example, located at the axial center of the second divided cylindrical portion 52.

[0055] The second slit 53 is formed to penetrate the second cylindrical portion 51 along the second axis Y. The second slit 53 is located between the two second divided cylindrical portions 52 in the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion 51. The second slit 53 is located, for example, at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the second slit 53 extends along the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion 51, along its entire circumferential length. The second slit 53 extends, for example, along the first direction X1 from the second divided cylindrical portion 52 to the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1. The second slit 53 also extends, for example, from the second divided cylindrical portion 52 in the first opposite direction X2. In other words, the second slit 53 extends from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 to a position further in the first opposite direction X2 than the second divided cylindrical portion 52. In this embodiment, the second slit 53 extends along the first axis X from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 to the end of the connecting portion 70 in the first direction X1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, the second slit 53 is provided so as to overlap with the first slit 43 in a plan view in the second direction Y1. In other words, the second slit 53 is provided at the same position as the first slit 43 along the third axis Z. Therefore, the two second divided cylindrical portions 52 are provided at the same positions as the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 along the third axis Z.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the second slit 53. That is, the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 has two bifurcated second divisions 57. Each second division 57 has a second divided cylindrical portion 52. Each second division 57 is formed to be supported, for example, in a cantilevered manner with respect to the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The two second divisions 57 have, for example, identical structures. The two second divisions 57 are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the third axis Z, including the center of the second slit 53 on the third axis Z.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, each of the axial ends of the cylindrical connector 60 has, for example, a guide portion 61. Each guide portion 61 is formed such that the opening width (in this case, the inner diameter) of the cylindrical connector 60 increases as it approaches the axial opening end of the cylindrical connector 60. Each guide portion 61 is formed such that, for example, the inner surface of the cylindrical connector 60 is inclined radially outward as it approaches the opening end of the cylindrical connector 60. Each guide portion 61 is formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the first inner surface 44 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and over the entire circumference of the second inner surface 54 of the second cylindrical portion 51. Each guide portion 61 has the function of smoothly guiding the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 into the interior of the cylindrical connector 60 when the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 is inserted into the cylindrical connector 60. Since these guide portions 61 are provided at both ends of the cylindrical connector 60 in the axial direction, the change in insertion resistance can be made the same regardless of whether the insertion opening for the male terminal 200 into the cylindrical connector 60 is set at either the axial end of the cylindrical connector 60. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate restrictions on the insertion direction of the male terminal 200 in relation to the axial direction of the cylindrical connector 60.

[0060] The axial end of the first divided cylindrical portion 42 that faces the other first divided cylindrical portion 42 has, for example, a guide portion 62. Similarly, the axial end of the second divided cylindrical portion 52 that faces the other second divided cylindrical portion 52 also has, for example, a guide portion 62. Each guide portion 62 is formed such that the opening width of the first divided cylindrical portion 42 or the second divided cylindrical portion 52 increases as it approaches the other first divided cylindrical portion 42 or the other second divided cylindrical portion 52. Each guide portion 62 is formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the first inner surface 44 of the first divided cylindrical portion 42 and over the entire circumference of the second inner surface 54 of the second divided cylindrical portion 52.

[0061] (Configuration of the connecting portion 70) As shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion 70 connects the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 connects the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 to the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40 and also integrally with the second circumferential wall 50. The connecting portion 70 is formed so as to fold back from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third opposite direction Z2. The connecting portion 70 has a U-shaped fold that is convex in the direction away from the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 (here, the third opposite direction Z2). The connecting portion 70 is folded back so that the second circumferential wall 50 is positioned opposite the first circumferential wall 40. In other words, at the terminal connection section 33, the second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half and overlapped onto the first peripheral wall 40 by the connecting section 70.

[0062] (Configuration of the protruding portion 80) The protruding portion 80 is formed to protrude, for example, from the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 in the third direction Z1 toward the third direction Z1. The protruding portion 80 is formed integrally with the second circumferential wall 50 in a continuous manner.

[0063] (Configuration of the winding restraint portion 90) The winding restraint portion 90 is formed to limit the separation distance between the first inner surface 44 of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second inner surface 54 of the second cylindrical portion 51. The winding restraint portion 90 limits the separation distance between the first inner surface 44 and the second inner surface 54 to becoming larger. The winding restraint portion 90 limits the opening of the connecting portion 70. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The winding restraint portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed to fold back from the first circumferential wall 40 while embracing the edge of the second circumferential wall 50 inward. The winding restraint portion 90 is formed to fold back from the end face of the first circumferential wall 40 in the third direction Z1 while positioning the end face of the second circumferential wall 50 inward. The winding and pressing portion 90 has a U-shaped folded form that is convex in the direction away from the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 (in this case, the third direction Z1).

[0064] The winding restraint portion 90 is provided, for example, at the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The winding restraint portion 90 extends from the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. In a plan view as seen in the third direction Z1, the winding restraint portion 90 is provided in a position that overlaps with the connecting portion 70. The winding restraint portion 90 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 70 with the first circumferential wall 40 in between, along the third axis Z.

[0065] The winding press portion 90 is in contact with the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The winding press portion 90 is provided to press the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50 from the outside. The winding press portion 90 is provided to press, for example, the outer surface of the protruding portion 80 from the outside. The winding press portion 90 has a through hole 91 into which the protruding portion 80 fits. The through hole 91 penetrates the winding press portion 90 in the thickness direction. The through hole 91 is open toward the second direction Y1 and also open toward the third direction Z1. The through hole 91 is formed to a size into which the protruding portion 80 can fit.

[0066] The winding restraint portion 90 has a through hole 91 and an engaging surface 92 that engages with the projection portion 80. The engaging surface 92 is oriented, for example, in the second direction Y1. The engaging surface 92 faces the inner surface of the projection portion 80 along the second axis Y. The engaging surface 92 is in surface contact with the inner surface of the projection portion 80, for example. The outer surface of the projection portion 80 is exposed from the winding restraint portion 90, for example, through the through hole 91.

[0067] In the terminal connection portion 33 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 is pressed from the outside by the winding and pressing portion 90, and the engagement surface 92 of the winding and pressing portion 90 is pressed from the outside by the protruding portion 80. This makes it possible to stably limit the separation distance between the first peripheral wall 40 and the second peripheral wall 50 from increasing.

[0068] (Configuration of the protective part 100) The protective part 100 is provided to protect, for example, the end of the terminal connection part 33 in the first direction X1. The protective part 100 is provided at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1. The protective part 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40. The protective part 100 is formed so as to fold back from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1, while arranging the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 inside.

[0069] The protective portion 100 has an extension portion 101 extending from the end of the first circumferential wall 40 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1, and a protective wall 102 extending from the end of the extension portion 101 in the second direction Y1 toward the first opposite direction X2. The extension portion 101 is formed continuously and integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. The protective wall 102 is formed continuously and integrally with the extension portion 101. The protective portion 100, formed by the extension portion 101 and the protective wall 102, has a U-shaped folded shape that is convex toward the direction away from the second circumferential wall 50 (here, the first direction X1). The protective wall 102 is provided so as to face the end of the second circumferential wall 50 in the first direction X1 along the second axis Y. The protective wall 102 is provided at a distance from the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. That is, a gap is provided between the protective wall 102 and the outer surface of the second circumferential wall 50. The protective wall 102 is provided, for example, so as to be separated from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 50 when the columnar connecting portion 201 is inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0070] Here, the first slit 43 is formed to extend along the entire length of the U-shaped protective portion 100. In other words, the first slit 43 extends from the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 to the tip surface of the protective wall 102, that is, to the end surface of the protective wall 102 in the first opposite direction X2. The first slit 43 is formed to penetrate the extension portion 101 along the first axis X and to penetrate the protective wall 102 along the second axis Y. The first slit 43 is provided, for example, at the central position of the protective portion 100 along the third axis Z.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the protective portion 100 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the first slit 43. That is, the protective portion 100 has two bifurcated divided portions 107. The two divided portions 107 have, for example, identical structures. The two divided portions 107 include the center of the first slit 43 on the third axis Z and are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the third axis Z.

[0072] (Configuration of the housing body 110) As shown in Figure 3, the housing body 110 holds the female terminals 31 so that the electric wire 20 is led out in the first opposite direction X2. The housing body 110 houses two female terminals 31 inside. The housing body 110 is formed in the shape of a box as a whole, for example. The housing body 110 is made of synthetic resin, for example.

[0073] The housing body 110 has an opening 111 that opens in a first opposite direction X2. The electric wire 20 connected to the female terminal 31 is led out of the housing body 110 through the opening 111. The housing body 110 has, for example, a peripheral wall 112 provided in a third opposite direction Z2 and a cylindrical portion 113 provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112. The cylindrical portion 113 is a fitting cylindrical portion into which a mating housing of a mating connector (not shown) is fitted. The cylindrical portion 113 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 112 in the first direction X1. The cylindrical portion 113 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 112 toward the housing body 110 (here, in the third opposite direction Z2). The cylindrical portion 113 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, for example.

[0074] The cylindrical portion 113 has an insertion hole 114. The insertion hole 114 is formed to communicate the inside and outside of the housing body 110. For example, the insertion hole 114 penetrates the cylindrical portion 113 along the third axis Z and also penetrates the peripheral wall 112 along the third axis Z. The insertion hole 114 is formed to expose the female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 110. Here, each female terminal 31 housed inside the housing body 110 is provided such that the open end of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is exposed from the insertion hole 114.

[0075] (Configuration of retainer 120) The retainer 120 is attached to the cylindrical portion 113 of the housing body 110. The retainer 120 has a main body portion 121 and one or more (two in this embodiment) restricting portions 122 that restrict the movement of the female terminal 31 in the first opposite direction X2. The retainer 120 is, for example, a single component in which the main body portion 121 and the restricting portion 122 are formed in a continuous and integral manner. The retainer 120 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0076] The main body portion 121 is formed, for example, as a frame overall. The main body portion 121 is formed to cover, for example, the end face of the cylindrical portion 113 in the third opposite direction Z2. The main body portion 121 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 123. Each insertion hole 123 penetrates the main body portion 121 along the third axis Z. Each insertion hole 123 is formed to communicate with the insertion hole 114 of the cylindrical portion 113. The two insertion holes 123 are formed to expose, for example, the open ends of the cylindrical connecting portions 60 of the two female terminals 31 housed in the housing body 110.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the two restricting portions 122 are provided corresponding to each of the two female terminals 31. The two restricting portions 122 are arranged side by side along, for example, the second axis Y. Each restricting portion 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, in which a part of the female terminal 31 is housed. When the retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110 along the third direction Z1, the female terminals 31 are inserted into the internal space of the restricting portion 122. Once the retainer 120 is attached to the housing body 110, the movement of the female terminals 31 in the first opposite direction X2 is restricted by the restricting portions 122.

[0078] Next, the operation of the female terminal 31 will be explained. As shown in Figure 10, the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Here, for example, due to the reaction force of the electric wire 20, the female terminal 31 may rotate relative to the male terminal 200 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Specifically, due to the reaction force of the electric wire 20, the female terminal 31 may rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure with center A1, which coincides with the center position of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction, as the center of rotation. In this case, if the first slit 43 is not provided and the first cylindrical portion 41 is not divided, that is, if the linear contact portion 45 extends over substantially the entire length in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the female terminal 31 may rotate without the cylindrical connecting portion 60 following the columnar connecting portion 201. In this case, the columnar connecting portion 201 will tilt diagonally inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60. In this case, only a portion of the linear contact portion 45 is in contact with the columnar connection portion 201, meaning that a portion of the linear contact portion 45 is not in contact with the columnar connection portion 201. In this case, the distance (moment length) between the contact portion of the linear contact portion 45 and the columnar connection portion 201 and the center A1, which is the center of rotation in the displacement of the female terminal 31, becomes shorter. Consequently, the contact pressure (contact pressure) from the linear contact portion 45 to the columnar connection portion 201 hardly acts as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connection portion 201. Therefore, in this case, the linear contact portion 45 cannot effectively suppress the displacement of the columnar connection portion 201.

[0079] In contrast, in the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 41 is divided into two bifurcated first divided cylindrical portions 42, and two linear contact portions 45 are formed on the first inner surface 44 (see Figure 8) of each of these two first divided cylindrical portions 42. This makes it possible to displace the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 individually. Therefore, when the female terminal 31 rotates around the center A1 as the center of rotation due to the reaction force of the electric wire 20, the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be individually made to follow the columnar connection portion 201. As a result, the two linear contact portions 45 provided on each of the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201. Specifically, each of the four linear contact portions 45 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201 along its entire length. As a result, each linear contact portion 45 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connection portion 201 at a position separated from the center A1, which is the rotation center in the displacement of the female terminal 31. Therefore, the distance L (moment length) from the center A1, which is the rotation center in the displacement of the female terminal 31, to the contact portion between each linear contact portion 45 and the columnar connection portion 201 can be made longer than when the first slit 43 is not provided. For this reason, the contact pressure on the columnar connection portion 201 by each linear contact portion 45 can suitably act as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connection portion 201.

[0080] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. (1) The female terminal 31 comprises a first circumferential wall 40 having a first cylindrical portion 41, a second circumferential wall 50 having a second cylindrical portion 51 facing the first cylindrical portion 41, and a cylindrical connecting portion 60 composed of the first cylindrical portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 51. The cylindrical connecting portion 60 is the 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 first cylindrical portion 41 has a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42 divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42 has a first inner surface 44 facing the second cylindrical portion 51 and a plurality of linear contact portions 45 provided on the first inner surface 44. The plurality of linear contact portions 45 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Each of the multiple linear contact portions 45 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0081] With this configuration, when the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the linear contact portions 45 provided on the first inner surface 44 of each of the multiple first divided cylindrical portions 42 are pressed against the outer surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 in a linear contact state at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, even if, for example, oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal 200, the displacement of the male terminal 200 due to that oscillation can be effectively prevented by the contact of the multiple linear contact portions 45 with respect to the male terminal 200.

[0082] (2) Furthermore, the first cylindrical portion 41 is divided into a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42, and a plurality of linear contact portions 45 are provided on the first inner surface 44 of each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42. This makes it possible to displace each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42 individually. Therefore, even if the female terminal 31 rotates relative to the male terminal 200 inserted into the cylindrical connection portion 60 due to the reaction force of the electric wire 20 connected to the female terminal 31, the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be individually made to follow the male terminal 200. For this reason, the plurality of linear contact portions 45 provided on each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be suitably brought into contact with the outer surface of the columnar connection portion 201 of the male terminal 200. As a result, even if the female terminal 31 rotates, the displacement of the columnar connection portion 201 inside the cylindrical connection portion 60 can be suppressed by the contact pressure from the plurality of linear contact portions 45.

[0083] (3) Each of the multiple linear contact portions 45 can be suitably brought into linear contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the contact area between the multiple linear contact portions 45 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be increased compared to the case where a portion of the linear contact portions 45 does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201 due to the columnar connecting portion 201 being tilted diagonally inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60. Consequently, the combined contact resistance obtained by combining the contact resistances of the multiple linear contact portions 45 can be reduced. This makes it possible to improve the thermal performance of the female terminal 31.

[0084] (4) The first slit 43 that divides the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 is provided at the center A1 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. When the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 inserted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60 is displaced, the columnar connecting portion 201 rotates with the center A1 of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction as the center of rotation. In the female terminal 31 of this embodiment, a linear contact portion 45 is provided at a position different from this center of rotation. Therefore, the linear contact portion 45 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be brought into contact at a position different from the center of rotation in the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. This allows the contact pressure from the linear contact portion 45 to act suitably as a force to suppress the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the displacement of the columnar connecting portion 201 inside the cylindrical connecting portion 60 can be suitably suppressed by the contact pressure from the multiple linear contact portions 45.

[0085] (5) The first slit 43 extends from the end face of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 along the first opposite direction X2. The first slit 43 opens in the first direction X1. With this configuration, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 including the first cylindrical portion 41 in the first direction X1 is formed in a bifurcated structure by the first slit 43. As a result, the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 are formed as independent structures of each other. This makes it possible to individually and suitably follow the male terminal 200 when the female terminal 31 rotates relative to the male terminal 200.

[0086] (6) The first slit 43 is formed to extend along the entire length of the protective portion 100. As a result, the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1, which includes the first cylindrical portion 41, and the protective portion 100 provided at the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1 are divided into two parts by the first slit 43. Therefore, even when the protective portion 100 is provided, the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be suitably formed as independent structures of each other. Accordingly, when the female terminal 31 rotates relative to the male terminal 200, the multiple first divided cylindrical portions 42 can be individually made to suitably follow the male terminal 200.

[0087] (7) The two first divided cylindrical portions 42 are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 provided on both sides of the first slit 43 can ensure equal contact pressure with respect to each other. This ensures that the contact pressure is well-balanced on both sides of the first slit 43.

[0088] (8) The second cylindrical portion 51 has two second divided cylindrical portions 52 divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60, and a second slit 53 that divides the two second divided cylindrical portions 52. Each of the two second divided cylindrical portions 52 has a second inner surface 54 facing the first inner surface 44, and a projection 56 that protrudes from the second inner surface 54 in a circular arc shape in cross-section toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion 60. The second slit 53 is provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion 60 in the axial direction. The second slit 53 is provided so as to overlap with the first slit 43 in the second direction Y1.

[0089] With this configuration, when the columnar connector 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connector 60, the protrusions 56 provided on the second inner surface 54 of each of the two second divided cylindrical parts 52 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector 201. As a result, in the cylindrical connector 60, multiple protrusions 56 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connector 201 at multiple locations spaced apart in the axial direction. This effectively prevents the displacement of the male terminal 200 caused by the oscillation, even when oscillation is transmitted to the male terminal 200, by the contact of the multiple protrusions 56 with the columnar connector 201. Specifically, compared to the case where only one protrusion 56 is provided on the inner surface of the second cylindrical part 51, the contact pressure from the multiple protrusions 56 can suppress the displacement of the columnar connector 201 inside the cylindrical connector 60.

[0090] (9) When the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is press-fitted into the cylindrical connecting portion 60, the winding and pressing portion 90 restricts the separation distance between the first inner surface 44 and the second inner surface 54 constituting the cylindrical connecting portion 60 from becoming too large. This restriction by the winding and pressing portion 90 allows the projection 56 and the linear contact portion 45 to make suitable contact with the outer circumferential surface of the columnar connecting portion 201. As a result, the pressure-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, the winding and pressing portion 90 is formed integrally with the first circumferential wall 40. For this reason, the pressure-contact state between the cylindrical connecting portion 60 and the columnar connecting portion 201 can be maintained with a simpler structure compared to 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.

[0091] (Example of modification) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following examples of modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0092] - The structure of the female terminal 31 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. - In the above embodiment, the protective portion 100 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but is not limited thereto. For example, the protective portion 100 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. In this case, the protective portion 100 is formed such that, for example, it is folded back from the end of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1 toward the end of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1.

[0093] - The protective portion 100 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. - The guide portion 62 in the first divided cylindrical portion 42 and the second divided cylindrical portion 52 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted.

[0094] - The guide portion 61 in the cylindrical connection portion 60 of the female terminal 31 may be omitted. - In the female terminal 31 of the above embodiment, each projection 56 is formed along the entire axial length of the second divided cylindrical portion 52, but this is not limited to this. For example, each projection 56 may be provided only at intermediate positions in the axial direction of the second divided cylindrical portion 52.

[0095] - Three or more linear contact portions 45 may be provided on the first inner surface 44 of each first divided cylindrical portion 42 of the female terminal 31. - The structure of the first slit 43 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. The first slit 43 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it can separate adjacent first divided cylindrical portions 42. For example, the first slit 43 does not have to extend from the first divided cylindrical portion 42 to the edge of the first peripheral wall 40 in the first direction X1. For example, the first slit 43 does not have to extend from the first divided cylindrical portion 42 to the connecting portion 70. For example, the first slit 43 may be provided at a position other than the axial center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 41 has two first divided cylindrical portions 42 formed symmetrically, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding heights of the linear contact portions 45 in the two first divided cylindrical portions 42 may be set to different heights.

[0097] The number of first divided cylindrical portions 42 in the first cylindrical portion 41 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the first cylindrical portion 41 may have three or more first divided cylindrical portions 42. In this case, the first cylindrical portion 41 has two or more first slits 43.

[0098] The structure of the second slit 53 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The second slit 53 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it can separate adjacent second divided cylindrical portions 52. For example, the second slit 53 does not have to extend from the second divided cylindrical portion 52 to the end face of the second peripheral wall 50 in the first direction X1. For example, the second slit 53 does not have to extend from the second divided cylindrical portion 52 to the connecting portion 70. For example, the second slit 53 may be provided at a position other than the axial center of the cylindrical connecting portion 60.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 51 has two second divided cylindrical portions 52 formed symmetrically in plane, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding heights of the projections 56 in the two second divided cylindrical portions 52 may be set to different heights. For example, the distance between the protruding tips 56A of the two projections 56 and the center A1 may be set to different distances.

[0100] The number of second divided cylindrical portions 52 in the second cylindrical portion 51 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the second cylindrical portion 51 may have three or more second divided cylindrical portions 52. In this case, the second cylindrical portion 51 has two or more second slits 53.

[0101] - The position of the winding press portion 90 on the female terminal 31 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the winding press portion 90 may be provided at a different position from the connecting portion 70 on the first axis X. - In the above embodiment, the contact pressure with respect to the columnar connecting portion 201 is ensured by limiting the separation distance between the first inner surface 44 and the second inner surface 54 with the winding press portion 90, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a biasing member such as a coil spring separate from the first circumferential wall 40 and the second circumferential wall 50 may be used to ensure the contact pressure with respect to the columnar connecting portion 201.

[0102] - In the above embodiment, the wire connection portion 32 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 40, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the wire connection portion 32 may be formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 50. - In the female 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 second peripheral wall 50 is folded in half and superimposed on the first peripheral wall 40. The invention is not limited to this, but 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 together.

[0103] - In the above embodiment, the housing body 110 can be modified as appropriate, as long as it has a structure that can accommodate the female terminal 31. - The structure of the retainer 120 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the restricting portion 122 may be omitted.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the columnar connecting portion 201 of the male terminal 200 is embodied in a cylindrical shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, the columnar connecting portion 201 may be formed in a columnar shape other than a cylinder. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar connecting portion 201 may be formed in an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0105] This disclosure encompasses the following embodiments. For the purposes of understanding only, and not as a limitation, reference numerals representing components of the embodiments are indicated in parentheses in the following description. (Note 1) The device comprises a first circumferential wall (40) having a first cylindrical portion (41), a second circumferential wall (50) having a second cylindrical portion (51) facing the first cylindrical portion, and a cylindrical connecting portion (60) formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion (60) is the portion into which the columnar connecting portion (201) of the male terminal (200) is inserted and electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion, the first cylindrical portion (41) has a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions (42) divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion (60), each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions (42) has a first inner surface (44) facing the second cylindrical portion (51) and a plurality of linear contact portions (45) provided on the first inner surface, The plurality of linear contact portions (45) extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion (60), the second cylindrical portion (51) has a plurality of second divided cylindrical portions (52) divided in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of second divided cylindrical portions (52) has a second inner surface (54) facing the first inner surface (44) and a point contact portion (56) that protrudes from the second inner surface (54) in a cross-sectional arc shape toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical connecting portion (60), the female terminal (31).

[0106] According to Appendix 1, the male terminal is held within the cylindrical connector by a combination of multiple linear contact points and point contact points. This allows for suppression of displacement (misalignment) of the male terminal by the linear contact points, which exert a higher holding force than the point contact points, while reducing the insertion force of the male terminal into the cylindrical connector by using point contact points compared to the case where the male terminal is held by linear contact points alone.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0108] 20 Electric wire 21 Core wire 22 Insulation coating 30 Housing 31 Female terminal 32 Electric wire connection part 33 Terminal connection part 40 First peripheral wall 41 First cylindrical part 42 First divided cylindrical part 43 First slit 44 First inner surface 45 Linear contact part 47 First divided part 50 Second peripheral wall 51 Second cylindrical part 52 Second divided cylindrical part 53 Second slit 54 Second inner surface 55 Recessed part 56 Protrusion 56A Protruding tip 57 Second divided part 60 Cylindrical connection part 61 Guide part 62 Guide part 70 Connecting part 80 Protrusion 90 Winding and pressing part 91 Through hole 92 Engagement surface 100 Protective part 101 Extension part 102 Protective wall 107 Divided part 110 Housing body 111 Opening 112 Peripheral wall 113 Cylindrical section 114 Insertion hole 120 Retainer 121 Main body section 122 Regulating section 123 Insertion hole 200 Male terminal 201 Columnar connection section A1 Center C1 Connector L Distance L1 First length L2 Second length W1 Wire harness X First axis X1 First direction X2 First opposite direction Y Second axis Y1 Second direction Y2 Second opposite direction Z Third axis Z1 Third direction Z2 Third opposite direction

Claims

1. A female terminal comprising: a first circumferential wall having a first cylindrical portion; a second circumferential wall having a second cylindrical portion facing the first cylindrical portion; and a cylindrical connecting portion formed by the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical connecting portion is the portion into which the columnar connecting portion of a male terminal is inserted and electrically connected to the columnar connecting portion; the first cylindrical portion has a plurality of first divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion; each of the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions has a first inner surface facing the second cylindrical portion and a plurality of linear contact portions provided on the first inner surface; the plurality of linear contact portions are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical connecting portion; and each of the plurality of linear contact portions extends along the axial direction.

2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first divided cylindrical portions are two first divided cylindrical portions, each first cylindrical portion has a first slit that divides the two first divided cylindrical portions, and the first slit is provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction.

3. The female terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along a first direction, the second peripheral wall is formed in the shape of a strip extending along a first direction, the first inner surface is provided opposite to the second cylindrical portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the axial direction of the cylindrical connecting portion extends along a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, the first slit extends from the edge of the first peripheral wall in the first direction along a first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, the first slit penetrates the first peripheral wall in the second direction, and the first slit opens in the first direction.

4. The female terminal according to claim 3, further comprising a protective portion provided at the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction, the protective portion being integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, the protective portion being formed so as to fold back from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction while positioning the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction inside, the protective portion having an extension portion extending from the end of the first peripheral wall in the first direction toward a second direction, and a protective wall extending from the end of the extension portion in the second direction toward a first opposite direction, the protective wall being provided opposite to the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction in the second direction, the protective wall being provided spaced apart from the end of the second peripheral wall in the first direction, and the first slit being formed to extend along the entire length of the protective portion from the first peripheral wall through the extension portion to the first opposite end of the protective wall.

5. The female terminal according to claim 3, wherein the two first divided cylindrical portions are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes the center of the first slit in the third direction and is perpendicular to the third direction.

6. The female terminal according to claim 3, wherein the second cylindrical portion comprises two second divided cylindrical portions divided in the axial direction and a second slit dividing the two second divided cylindrical portions, each of the two second divided cylindrical portions having a second inner surface facing the first inner surface and a projection projecting from the second inner surface radially inward toward the cylindrical connecting portion in an arc-shaped cross-section, the second slit is provided at the central position of the cylindrical connecting portion in the axial direction, and the second slit is provided so as to overlap with the first slit in a plan view in the second direction.

7. The female terminal according to claim 6, further comprising a winding restraint portion that limits the separation distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, wherein the winding restraint portion is integrally formed with the first peripheral wall, and the winding restraint portion is folded back from the first peripheral wall while embracing the edge of the second peripheral wall inward, and is in contact with the outer surface of the second peripheral wall.

8. A connector comprising a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a housing that houses the female terminal inside.

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