JP7640400B2 - Female terminals, connectors, electric wires with terminals, electric wires with connectors, and wire harnesses - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to female terminals, connectors, electric wires with terminals, electric wires with connectors, and wire harnesses for electrical circuits through which large currents flow.

Conventionally, electrical equipment forms an electrical circuit by connecting an electric device and a power supply device with a wire harness. The wire harness and the electric device, as well as the wire harness and the power supply device, are connected to each other via connectors attached to each.

For example, the connector shown in Patent Document 1 has a female terminal housed in a connector housing. The female terminal has a terminal body formed by a base and a spring member, and a plate for the spring member is provided along a pair of side walls that form the base.

JP 2009-245701 A

In the electrical circuits of the drive system of an automobile, large currents flow, so it is conceivable to weld the side walls and the supporting plate to ensure good electrical conductivity. However, if the spring member is formed from a thick plate material to ensure even better electrical conductivity, the welding heat tends to dissipate easily, resulting in shallow penetration and a risk of the welding becoming unreliable. In other words, there is a risk of the electrical conductivity becoming unstable.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a female terminal, connector, electric wire with terminal, electric wire with connector, and wire harness that can ensure good electrical conductivity by reliably welding the side wall of the base part and the contact plate of the spring member.

In this invention, a terminal body is provided by a base portion connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base portion, the base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal can be inserted, the spring member has an installation plate provided along at least one of the side walls and an arm spring extending toward the other side wall, the installation plate is provided with a hollowed-out portion of a predetermined shape, and a welded portion to the side wall is provided along the hollowed-out portion , and a plurality of the arm springs are provided in parallel, and the welded portion is The female terminal is disposed between the cutout portion and the edge of the installation plate, and the cutout portion is formed so that the parallel direction in which the multiple arm springs are arranged is longer than the perpendicular direction perpendicular to the parallel direction so as to leave the installation plate as an outer frame, and the area between the cutout portion where the weld is provided and the edge of the installation plate corresponds to a heat-affected area caused by the weld, with an extra width from the edge of the cutout portion to the outer edge of the heat-affected area being approximately 0 to 5 mm, and an extra width d from the edge of the installation plate to the outer edge of the heat-affected area being approximately 0 to 5 mm .

In the present invention, the concept of the hollowed-out portion includes notch shapes as well as hole shapes. In addition, "along the hollowed-out portion" does not necessarily mean that the welded portion is always spaced a fixed distance from the hollowed-out portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the hollowed-out portion is positioned so that the outer edge of the heat-affected region (the portion where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) formed around the welded portion overlaps with the hollowed-out portion, or there is a slight excess width, but this is not a limitation.

In addition, the distance between the hollowed-out portion and the edge of the installation plate in the present invention is not limited to the center of the hollowed-out portion and the edge of the installation plate. Also, the welded portion is not limited to always being provided at a fixed distance from the hollowed-out portion or the edge of the installation plate. Furthermore, it is preferable that the hollowed-out portion and the edge of the installation plate are in a positional relationship such that the outer edge of the heat-affected region (a portion where the base metal structure is changed by the welding heat) formed around the welded portion overlap with each other, or that a slight excess width is generated, but this is not limited to the present invention.

This invention also includes a connector having the female terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal, as well as a terminal-attached electric wire having the female terminal and the electric wire that is connected to the base portion of the female terminal.

Furthermore, this invention includes an electric wire with a connector that includes the electric wire with terminal and a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with terminal, as well as a wire harness that includes at least one of the electric wire with terminal and the electric wire with connector.

According to this invention, the side wall of the base portion and the contact plate of the spring member can be reliably welded together, thereby ensuring good electrical conductivity.
More specifically, in the female terminal etc. according to the present invention, a hollowed-out portion of a predetermined shape is provided on the installation plate, and a welded portion to the side wall is provided along the hollowed-out portion. Therefore, when the side wall and the installation plate are welded together, the welding heat is not dissipated along the installation plate at least toward the hollowed-out portion, so that the welding heat is efficiently transmitted from the installation plate to the side wall, resulting in deep penetration. Therefore, the side wall of the base part and the installation plate of the spring member can be reliably welded together, and good electrical conductivity can be ensured.

In addition, when welding the side wall and the installation plate, the welding heat does not dissipate along the installation plate toward at least the cutout portion, so a high-temperature area is formed along the cutout portion. Then, because the weld is formed in this high-temperature area, the time required to heat up is shortened, and it becomes possible to increase the welding speed (feed speed). This can therefore improve productivity.

In addition, since the welded portion is disposed between the hollow portion and the edge of the installation plate , when the side wall and the installation plate are welded together, the welding heat is not dissipated along the installation plate to the hollow portion side and the edge side of the installation plate, so that the welding heat is more efficiently transmitted from the installation plate to the side wall, resulting in deeper penetration. Therefore, the side wall of the base part and the installation plate of the spring member can be reliably welded together, and good electrical conductivity can be ensured.

In addition, when welding the side wall and the installation plate, the welding heat does not dissipate along the installation plate to the cutout portion side and the edge side of the installation plate, so a high-temperature area is formed between the cutout portion and the edge of the installation plate. Then, because the weld is formed in this high-temperature area, the time required for heating is further shortened, and it becomes possible to further increase the welding speed (feed speed). This can therefore improve productivity.

In addition, since a weld is provided between the cutout and the edge of the installation plate, even if thermal strain occurs at the weld in the installation plate or in its vicinity, the cutout and the edge of the installation plate can absorb the thermal strain. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively good flatness of the installation plate and suppress variation in the mounting position and mounting angle of the spring member.

As a further aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the lightening holes may be provided, and the welded portion may be provided between the lightening holes and other lightening holes.
In the present invention, the space between the hollowed-out portions is not limited to being in the center of the hollowed-out portions. In addition, the present invention is not limited to always providing the welded portion at a fixed distance from one hollowed-out portion or the other hollowed-out portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer edge of the heat-affected zone (a portion where the base metal structure is changed by the welding heat) formed around the welded portion overlaps with the edge of both hollowed-out portions, or that a slight excess width is generated, but this is not limited to the present invention.

With this invention, when welding the side wall and the along plate, the welding heat does not dissipate along the along plate to one of the cutouts and the other cutout, so the welding heat is transmitted more efficiently from the along plate to the side wall, resulting in deeper penetration. Therefore, the side wall of the base part and the along plate of the spring member can be reliably welded, and good electrical conductivity can be ensured.

In addition, when welding the side wall and the installation plate, the welding heat does not dissipate along the installation plate to one of the cutouts and the other cutout, so a high-temperature area is formed between the cutouts. Then, because the weld is formed in this high-temperature area, the time required to raise the temperature is further shortened, and it becomes possible to increase the welding speed (feed speed). This improves productivity.

In addition, since welds are provided between the cutouts, even if thermal strain occurs at the welds and their vicinity in the installation plate, the thermal strain can be absorbed by one cutout and the other cutout. This makes it possible to maintain relatively good flatness of the installation plate and suppress variation in the installation position and angle of the spring member.

As a further aspect of the present invention, the welded portion may be formed on a side of the hollowed portion opposite to a side on which the arm spring is disposed.
In addition, in the present invention, the side opposite to the side on which the arm spring is disposed with respect to the lightening portion means a position from the arm spring through the lightening portion.

This invention makes it possible to prevent the welding heat from reaching the arm spring through the installation plate when welding the side wall and the installation plate. This prevents the arm spring from softening, reducing the pressing force against the male terminal and making the contact with the male terminal unstable.

In another aspect of the present invention, the welded portion may be a first welded portion, a second welded portion may be formed on the side of the hollowed-out portion where the arm spring is arranged, and the second welded portion may have a shorter overall length than the first welded portion.
In the present invention, the side on which the arm spring is disposed with respect to the lightening portion means the position from the arm spring to the lightening portion.

With this invention, welding is performed at two points on the installation plate, making the welding more reliable and ensuring good electrical conductivity. Furthermore, since the overall length of the second welded portion is shorter than that of the first welded portion, which means that less heat is generated at the second welded portion, it is possible to prevent the arm spring from becoming too hot. This prevents the arm spring from softening, reducing the pressing force against the male terminal and making the contact with the male terminal unstable.

As a further aspect of the present invention , the distance from the base point of each of the arm springs to the second welded portion may be equal.

With this invention, the second welded portion close to each arm spring becomes the main path for current to flow. At this time, a parallel circuit is formed locally because the current flows from each arm spring through the second welded portion close to the respective arm spring. Therefore, the electrical resistance of these arm springs can be kept low and the conductivity can be improved. This structure is particularly suitable for electrical circuits through which large currents flow.

FIG. FIG. FIG. Front view of the female terminal. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5 . 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 6. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a male terminal inserted inside a female terminal. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a front view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a front view of a female terminal according to another embodiment. 13A and 13B are a perspective view and a front view of a female terminal according to another embodiment.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a connector 1. In Fig. 1, a connector housing 4 that accommodates female terminals 10 is shown by dashed lines.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal 10. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the female terminal 10. Figure 4 is a front view of the female terminal 10, Figure 5 is a plan view of the female terminal 10, and Figure 6 is a side view of the female terminal 10. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 5, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 6. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the male terminal 5 inserted inside the female terminal 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 is attached to the tip of the electric wires 3 that make up the wire harness 2. The connector 1 has two female terminals 10 housed in parallel in the connector housing 4.

The wire harness 2 is composed of multiple electric wires 3 bundled together. The electric wires 3 are made up of a core wire 3a, which is an electric conductor, covered with an insulating coating 3b, and the core wire 3a exposed at the tip is connected to the base portion 20 of the female terminal 10.

The connector housing 4 has an electric wire insertion portion 41 through which the electric wire 3 is inserted, and a terminal accommodating portion 42 that accommodates the female terminal 10. The accommodating space 4S that accommodates the female terminal 10 has a roughly rectangular opening, and the protruding portion of the connector housing that accommodates the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 9) is fitted into this opening. At that time, the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, and the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

As shown in Figs. 2 to 9, the female terminal 10 is composed of an electric wire connection portion 11 and a terminal connection portion 12. The electric wire connection portion 11 and the terminal connection portion 12 are arranged in series on an extension line of the electric wire 3. In this application, this direction is described as the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the direction along the side surface of the male terminal 5 (see Fig. 9) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is described as the height direction H, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H is described as the width direction W.

The electric wire connection portion 11 is provided with a connection plate 111 that is perpendicular to the width direction W. The connection plate 111 is a portion to which the core wire 3a exposed at the tip portion of the electric wire 3 is connected. The connection of the core wire 3a is performed by so-called ultrasonic bonding technology, but is not limited to this.

The terminal connection portion 12 is provided with a terminal body 13 that is electrically connected to the male terminal 5. In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the terminal body 13 is composed of a base portion 20 that is integrally formed with the electric wire connection portion 11, and a spring member 30 that is attached to the base portion 20. The base portion 20 and the spring member 30 will be described in detail below.

The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 spaced apart at a predetermined distance so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted. More specifically, the base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 spaced apart at a predetermined distance, each of which is perpendicular to the width direction W. The base portion 20 also has a bottom wall 22 that connects the lower ends of each side wall 21. Therefore, the base portion 20 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 6).

The side wall 21 on one side of the base portion 20 is formed by extending the connecting plate 111 in the longitudinal direction L. The side wall 21 on the other side is formed by bending a plate material (the base material of the base portion 20) so that it is spaced a predetermined distance from the side wall 21 on one side and parallel to the side wall 21 on the one side. Note that since the length of the side wall 21 on the other side in the longitudinal direction L is shorter than that of the side wall 21 on the one side, a hollowed-out portion 36 and a welded portion 37 (described later) are exposed when viewed from the width direction W (see FIG. 4).

In this way, the base 20 is formed by cutting out and bending a conductive plate material (base material of the base 20) such as a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The surface of the base 20 is not plated, but this is not limited to this. Therefore, the surface may be plated with silver plating or tin plating to improve conductivity. Alternatively, the surface may be partially plated. A partially plated surface may be one surface of the electric wire connection portion 11 or the terminal connection portion 12 plated. Alternatively, only the electric wire connection portion 11 or only the terminal connection portion 12 may be plated.

The spring member 30 has an inner plate 31 that is arranged along the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 while being disposed at a predetermined position. The inner plate 31 extends in the height direction H along the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, and six arm springs 35 extend from the inner plate 31 toward the opposing side wall 21 (see FIG. 7). These arm springs 35 all have the same shape, and specifically, they extend obliquely as they approach the opposing side wall 21 when viewed from the height direction H, and are partially folded back, including their tips (see FIG. 8).

Each arm spring 35 extends from the tip edge of the inner plate 31, and the boundary with the inner plate 31 is the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 (see Figures 8 and 9). In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the base point 35b is always in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. However, the base point 35b may be slightly spaced from the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 and may be in contact with the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10. In either case, the reaction force from the side wall 21 acts on the arm spring 35 via the base point 35b, so that the contact portion 35c of the arm spring 35 can be brought into close contact with the side surface of the male terminal 5 (see Figure 9).

The inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 is provided with a substantially rectangular hollow portion 36 so as to leave the inner plate 31 as an outer frame. The hollow portion 36 is located slightly toward the base end side from the center of the inner plate 31 in the longitudinal direction L, and opens from a position corresponding to the upper end edge of the uppermost arm spring 35 to a position corresponding to the lower end edge of the lowermost arm spring 35. Therefore, an inner plate piece 31p extending along the height direction H is formed between the hollow portion 36 and the base end side edge 31e of the inner plate 31. Then, this inner plate piece 31p is welded along the height direction H to provide a linear welded portion 37. In other words, the welded portion 37 is provided between the hollow portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31.

The welded portion 37 can be provided not only between the hollowed portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31, but also between the hollowed portion 36 and the upper edge or the lower edge. A protrusion that protrudes toward the side wall 21 along the hollowed portion 36 may be provided on the inner plate 31, and the welded portion 37 may be formed through this protrusion. The welded portion 37 refers to a solidified portion where a part of the side wall 21 or the inner plate 31 melts and cools and solidifies again. A heat-affected area (a part where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) is formed around the welded portion 37. In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the margin d from the edge 36e on the base end side of the hollowed portion 36 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected area is designed to be about 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 9). The margin d from the edge 31e on the base end side of the inner plate 31 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected area is also designed to be about 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 9).

This configuration can prevent the welding heat from dissipating along the inner plate 31 to the cutout 36 side and the edge 31e side of the inner plate 31. That is, on the cutout 36 side, the inner plate 31, which is a heat transfer medium, is removed by providing the cutout 36, so the welding heat is not transferred, and the welding heat is prevented from dissipating. Also, on the edge 31e side of the inner plate 31, the inner plate 31, which is a heat transfer medium, does not exist in the first place, so the welding heat is not transferred, and the welding heat is prevented from dissipating. In this way, the welding heat is retained (stored) in the inner plate 31 (inner plate piece 31p) where the weld 37 is provided, and the welding heat can be efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21 (see arrow T in FIG. 9).

Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the welded portion 37 is provided on the side opposite the side where the arm spring 35 is disposed with respect to the lightening portion 36. In other words, the welded portion 37 is provided at a position from the arm spring 35 through the lightening portion 36. This has the effect of preventing welding heat from reaching the arm spring 35 through the inner plate 31.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment, and this cross-sectional view corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the state in which the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10.

In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, two cutouts 361, 362 are provided. One cutout (first cutout) 361 and the other cutout (second cutout) 362 are provided in parallel at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction L, and both open from a position corresponding to the upper edge of the uppermost arm spring 35 to a position corresponding to the lower edge of the lowermost arm spring 35. Therefore, an inner plate piece 31p extending along the height direction H is formed between the first cutout 361 and the second cutout 362. Then, this inner plate piece 31p is welded along the height direction H to provide a linear welded portion 37. In other words, the welded portion 37 is provided between the first cutout 361 and the second cutout 362.

In addition, the welded portion 37 can be provided not only between the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362, but also between each cutout portion 361, 362 and the edge (e.g., edge 31e) of the inner plate 31. In addition, a protrusion protruding toward the side wall 21 side along each cutout portion 361, 362 may be provided on the inner plate 31, and the welded portion 37 may be formed through this protrusion. As described above, the welded portion 37 refers to the solidified portion. A heat-affected region (a region where the base material structure is changed by the welding heat) is formed around the welded portion 37. In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the margin d from the edge 361e on the tip side of the first cutout portion 361 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected region is designed to be about 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 11). Additionally, the margin d from the base end edge 362e of the second hollowed-out portion 362 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected area is designed to be approximately 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 11).

This configuration can prevent the welding heat from dissipating along the inner plate 31 to the first cutout 361 side and the second cutout 362 side. That is, on the first cutout 361 side, the first cutout 361 is provided to remove the inner plate 31, which is a heat transfer medium, so the welding heat is not transferred, and the welding heat is prevented from dissipating. Also, on the second cutout 362 side, the second cutout 362 is provided to remove the inner plate 31, which is a heat transfer medium, so the welding heat is not transferred, and the welding heat is prevented from dissipating. In this way, the welding heat is retained (stored) in the inner plate 31 (inner plate piece 31p) where the weld 37 is provided, and the welding heat can be efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21 (see arrow T in FIG. 11).

Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the welded portion 37 is provided on the side opposite the second hollowed portion 362 on which the arm spring 35 is disposed. In other words, the welded portion 37 is provided at a position from the arm spring 35 through the second hollowed portion 362. This has the effect of preventing welding heat from reaching the arm spring 35 through the inner plate 31.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a third embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment, and this cross-sectional view corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 5. Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the state in which the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10.

In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, two welds 371, 372 are provided. One weld (first weld) 371 and the other weld (second weld) 372 are provided on both sides of the hollowed-out portion 36 along the height direction H, and the first weld 371 provided on the side opposite the side where the arm spring 35 is arranged with respect to the hollowed-out portion 36 forms a straight continuous line (solid line), and the second weld 372 provided on the side where the arm spring 35 is arranged with respect to the hollowed-out portion 36 forms a straight intermittent line (broken line). The line segment 37s constituting the second weld 372 is disposed at a position corresponding to each arm spring 35. In other words, the line segment 37s constituting the second weld 372 is disposed so as to straddle the center line C of each arm spring 35.

It is possible to apply the technical idea that each weld 371, 372 is provided not only along the cutout 36 but also between the cutout 36 and the edge (e.g. edge 31e) of the inner plate 31. Also, a protruding portion protruding toward the side wall 21 side along the cutout 36 may be provided on the inner plate 31, and each weld 371, 372 may be formed through this protruding portion. As described above, the weld 37 refers to the solidified portion. A heat-affected area (a portion where the base material structure is changed by welding heat) is formed around the weld 37. In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the margin d from the edge 36e on the base end side of the cutout 36 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected area is designed to be about 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 13). Also, the margin d from the edge 36e on the tip end side of the cutout 362 to the outer edge 37e of the heat-affected area is designed to be about 0 to 5 mm (see FIG. 13).

This configuration can prevent the welding heat from dissipating at least to the cutout 36 side through the inner plate 31. In other words, the cutout 36 is provided to remove the inner plate 31, which is a heat transfer medium, so the welding heat is not transferred, and the welding heat is prevented from dissipating. In this way, the welding heat is retained (stored) in the inner plate 31 provided with the weld 37, and the welding heat can be efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21 (see arrow T in Figure 13). In this regard, it is believed that the welding heat can be more efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21 by providing a weld 371 between the cutout 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31, or by providing two cutouts and providing a weld 371 between the cutouts.

Furthermore, in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the welding pattern of the first welded portion 371 and the second welded portion 372 may both be solid lines or both may be dashed lines. However, regardless of the welding pattern, the second welded portion 372 is characterized in that its overall length (total length in the case of an intermittent line) is shorter than that of the first welded portion 371. Therefore, since welding is performed at two points on the inner plate 31, welding can be performed more reliably, and since the amount of heat generated at the second welded portion 372 is small, the effect of preventing the welding heat from reaching the arm spring 35 is achieved.

In addition, the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the distances from the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 to the second welded portion 372 are equal. In other words, the distances from the base point 35b of the arm spring 35 to the corresponding line segment 37s are equal. Therefore, a current flows from each arm spring 35 through the line segment 37s close to the respective arm spring 35, forming a local parallel circuit. Therefore, the electrical resistance in these arm springs 35 can be kept low.

As described above, the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment includes a terminal body 13 that is made up of a base portion 20 that is connected to an electric wire 3 and a spring member 30 that is attached to the base portion 20. The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 that are arranged at a predetermined distance so that the male terminal 5 can be inserted, and the spring member 30 has an inner plate 31 that is provided along at least one side wall 21 and an arm spring 35 that extends toward the other side wall 21. The inner plate 31 is provided with a hollowed-out portion 36 of a predetermined shape, and a welded portion 37 to the side wall 21 is provided along the hollowed-out portion 36.

According to such a female terminal 10, the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 can be reliably welded together, thereby ensuring good electrical conductivity.
More specifically, in the female terminal 10 according to the present invention, a predetermined shaped hollow portion 36 is provided in the inner plate 31, and a welded portion 37 with the side wall 21 is provided along the hollow portion 36. Therefore, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat is not dissipated at least toward the hollow portion 36 side through the inner plate 31, and the welding heat is efficiently transmitted from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21, resulting in deep penetration. Therefore, the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 can be reliably welded together, and good electrical conductivity can be ensured.

In addition, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat does not dissipate along the inner plate 31, at least toward the side of the hollowed-out portion 36, so a high-temperature region is formed along the hollowed-out portion 36. Then, because the welded portion 37 is formed in this high-temperature region, the time required for heating is shortened, and it becomes possible to increase the welding speed (feed speed). This improves productivity.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the first embodiment, a welded portion 37 is provided between the recessed portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31.

With this type of female terminal 10, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat does not dissipate along the inner plate 31 toward the hollowed-out portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31, so the welding heat is transmitted more efficiently from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21, resulting in deeper penetration. Therefore, the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 can be reliably welded together, thereby ensuring good electrical conductivity.

In addition, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat does not dissipate along the inner plate 31 to the cutout 36 side and the edge 31e side of the inner plate 31, so a high-temperature area is formed between the cutout 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31. Then, because the weld 37 is formed in this high-temperature area, the time required for heating is further shortened, and it is possible to further increase the welding speed (feed speed). This can therefore improve productivity.

In addition, since a weld 37 is provided between the hollowed-out portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31, even if thermal strain occurs at the weld 37 of the inner plate 31 and its vicinity, such thermal strain can be absorbed by the hollowed-out portion 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively good flatness of the inner plate 31 and suppress variation in the mounting position and mounting angle of the spring member 30.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment, two cutouts 361, 362 are provided, and a welded portion 37 is provided between the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362.

When the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together using this type of female terminal 10, the welding heat does not dissipate along the inner plate 31 to the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362, so the welding heat is more efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21, resulting in deeper penetration. This allows the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 to be reliably welded together, thereby ensuring good electrical conductivity.

In addition, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat does not dissipate along the inner plate 31 to the first cutout portion 361 side and the second cutout portion 362 side, so a high-temperature area is formed between the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362. Then, because the weld 37 is formed in this high-temperature area, the time required for heating is further shortened, and it is possible to further increase the welding speed (feed speed). This makes it possible to improve productivity.

In addition, since the welded portion 37 is provided between the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362, even if thermal strain occurs at the welded portion 37 and its vicinity in the inner plate 31, the first cutout portion 361 and the second cutout portion 362 can absorb such thermal strain. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a relatively good flatness of the inner plate 31 and suppress variations in the mounting position and mounting angle of the spring member 30.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the first and second embodiments, a welded portion 37 is formed on the side opposite to the side where the arm spring 35 is disposed relative to the lightening portion 36 (second lightening portion 362).

With this type of female terminal 10, when the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together, the welding heat can be prevented from reaching the arm spring 35 through the inner plate 31. This prevents the arm spring 35 from softening, reducing the pressing force against the male terminal 5, and making the contact with the male terminal 5 unstable.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment, the second welded portion 372 is formed on the side where the arm spring 35 is arranged relative to the hollowed-out portion 36, and the overall length of the second welded portion 372 is shorter than that of the first welded portion 371.

With this type of female terminal 10, welding is performed at two points on the inner plate 31, making it possible to more reliably weld and thus ensure good electrical conductivity. Furthermore, since the overall length of the second welded portion 372 is shorter than that of the first welded portion 371, which means that the amount of heat generated at the second welded portion 372 is smaller, it is possible to prevent the arm spring 35 from becoming too hot. This prevents the arm spring 35 from softening, reducing the pressing force against the male terminal 5 and making the contact with the male terminal 5 unstable.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the third embodiment, multiple arm springs 35 are arranged in parallel, and the distance from the base point 35b of each arm spring 35 to the second welded portion 372 is equal.

With this type of female terminal 10, the second welded portion 372 (more specifically, the line segment 37s) close to each arm spring 35 becomes the main path for current to flow. At this time, a parallel circuit is formed locally because current flows from each arm spring 35 through the second welded portion 372 close to the respective arm spring 35. Therefore, the electrical resistance of these arm springs 35 can be kept low and the conductivity can be improved. This structure is particularly suitable for electrical circuits through which large currents flow.

In the female terminal 10 according to each embodiment, the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 are welded together using a fiber laser welding machine, but welding may also be performed using an arc welding machine or the like. Welding may also be performed using a welding machine capable of ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, friction welding, or other types of welding.

In the configuration of the present invention and the above-mentioned embodiment, the connector of the present invention corresponds to the connector 1,
Similarly,
The wire harness corresponds to Wire Harness 2.
The wire corresponds to wire 3,
The connector housing corresponds to the connector housing 4,
The male terminal corresponds to the male terminal 5,
The female terminal corresponds to the female terminal 10,
The terminal body corresponds to the terminal body 13,
The base portion corresponds to the base portion 20,
The side wall corresponds to the side wall 21;
The spring member corresponds to the spring member 30,
The contact plate corresponds to the inner plate 31.
The edge of the installation plate corresponds to edge 31e.
The arm spring corresponds to the arm spring 35.
The base point of the arm spring corresponds to the base point 35b.
The cutout portion corresponds to the cutout portion 36, the first cutout portion 361, and the second cutout portion 362.
The welded portion corresponds to the welded portion 37, the first welded portion 371, and the second welded portion 372.
The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

For example, in the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the spring member 30 is attached to one side wall 21. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the spring member 30 may also be attached to the other side wall 21. Such a spring member 30 has an outer plate 32 that is provided along the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and six arm springs 35 extend from the portion that wraps around to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21 toward the opposing side wall 21.

The outer plate 32 of the spring member 30 is provided with a roughly rectangular cutout 36 so that the outer plate 32 remains as an outer frame, and an inner plate piece 32p extending along the height direction H is formed between the cutout 36 and the base end edge 32e of the outer plate 32. This inner plate piece 32p is then welded along the height direction H to provide a linear weld 37. In other words, the weld 37 is provided between the cutout 36 and the edge 32e of the outer plate 32.

The female terminal 10 configured in this manner provides the same effect as the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments with respect to the spring member 30 attached to the other side wall 21. That is, the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the outer plate 32 of the spring member 30 can be reliably welded together, thereby ensuring good electrical conductivity. In addition, it is possible to increase the welding speed (feed speed), thereby improving productivity. In addition, similar effects can be obtained depending on the embodiment of the female terminal 10.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the base end edge 36e may be aligned along the height direction H, and a triangular cutout 36 may be provided with both ends connected to a point on the tip end side. In such a configuration, a weld 37 may be provided along the edge 36e of the cutout 36. Note that it is possible to apply the technical idea of providing the weld 37 not only along the edge 36e of the cutout 36, but also between the cutout 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31.

With the female terminal 10 configured in this way, the opening area of the recessed portion 36 can be made small, ensuring the rigidity of the inner plate 31, while still achieving the benefits of providing the recessed portion 36. In other words, welding heat is efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21, resulting in deeper penetration.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, a trapezoidal cutout 36 may be provided with a long edge 36e on the base end side and a short edge 36e on the tip end side along the height direction H, connecting both ends of the long edge 36e and the short edge 36e. In such a configuration, linear welds 371, 372 can be provided along the long edge 36e and the short edge 36e. Note that the welds 371 can be provided not only along the edge 36e of the cutout 36, but also between the cutout 36 and the edge 31e of the inner plate 31, in accordance with the technical idea.

With the female terminal 10 configured in this way, the opening area of the hollowed-out portion 36 can be reduced, ensuring the rigidity of the inner plate 31, while still achieving the effects of providing the hollowed-out portion 36. In other words, welding heat is efficiently transferred from the inner plate 31 to the side wall 21, resulting in deeper penetration. In addition, since welding is performed at two points on the inner plate 31, welding can be performed more reliably, and since the amount of heat generated at the second welded portion 372 is small, the welding heat can be prevented from reaching the arm spring 35.

For example, the cutout portion 36 may be circular and the welded portion 37 may be provided along the cutout portion 36. Alternatively, the cutout portion 36 may be elliptical and the welded portion 37 may be provided along the cutout portion 36. Alternatively, the cutout portion 36 may be polygonal and the welded portion 37 may be provided along the cutout portion 36. In other words, regardless of the shape of the cutout portion 36, as long as the welded portion 37 is provided along the cutout portion 36, it falls within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Finally, the invention of this application includes a connector 1 (see FIG. 1) equipped with the aforementioned female terminal 10 and a connector housing 4 that accommodates the female terminal 10, as well as a terminal-attached electric wire 6 (see FIG. 1) equipped with the aforementioned female terminal 10 and an electric wire 3 that is connected to the base portion 20 of the female terminal 10.

Furthermore, the invention of this application includes an electric wire with connector 7 (see FIG. 1) that includes the electric wire with terminal 6 and a connector housing 4 that accommodates the electric wire with terminal 6, as well as a wire harness 2 (see FIG. 1) that includes at least one of the electric wire with terminal 6 and the electric wire with connector 7.

These also provide the same effect as the female terminal 10 according to the present invention. That is, the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the outer plate 32 of the spring member 30 can be reliably welded together, and good electrical conductivity can be ensured. In addition, similar effects can be obtained depending on the embodiment of the female terminal 10.

Reference Signs List 1...connector 2...wire harness 3...electric wire 4...connector housing 5...male terminal 6...electric wire with terminal 7...electric wire with connector 10...female terminal 13...terminal body 20...base portion 21...side wall 30...spring member 31...inner plate 31e...edge 35...arm spring 35b...base point portion 36...lightening portion 361...first lightening portion 362...second lightening portion 37...welding portion 371...first welding portion 372...second welding portion

Claims (9)

A base portion to be connected to the electric wire;
A terminal body is provided by the spring member attached to the base portion,
The base portion has a pair of side walls arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal can be inserted,
The spring member has a plate provided along at least one of the side walls and an arm spring extending toward the other side wall,
The side plate is provided with a hollowed-out portion having a predetermined shape, and a welded portion to the side wall is provided along the hollowed-out portion ,
A plurality of the arm springs are provided in parallel,
The weld portion is disposed between the hollow portion and an edge of the installation plate,
The hollow portion is formed such that a direction in which the arm springs are arranged in parallel is longer than a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the arm springs are arranged in parallel, so that the longitudinal axis of the hollow portion is left as an outer frame.
The area between the hollowed-out portion where the welded portion is provided and the edge of the installation plate corresponds to the heat-affected area by the welded portion, and the margin from the edge of the hollowed-out portion to the outer edge of the heat-affected area is about 0 to 5 mm, and the margin d from the edge of the installation plate to the outer edge of the heat-affected area is about 0 to 5 mm.
Female terminal. A plurality of the hollowed-out portions are provided,
The female terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the welded portion is provided between the lightening portion and another lightening portion. 3. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the welded portion is formed on a side of the hollowed portion opposite to a side on which the arm spring is disposed. The welded portion is a first welded portion,
a second welded portion is formed on a side of the hollowed portion where the arm spring is disposed,
The female terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the second welded portion has an overall length shorter than that of the first welded portion. 5. The female terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the distances from the base points of the arm springs to the second welded portions are equal. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
and a connector housing that receives the female terminal. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal. An electric wire with a terminal according to claim 7 ;
and a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with terminal. A wire harness comprising at least one of the electric wire with terminal according to claim 7 and the electric wire with connector according to claim 8.

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