JP2023019577A - Female terminal, method of manufacturing female terminal, method of inspecting female terminal, connector, electric wire with terminal, electric wire with connector, and wire harness - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a female terminal, a method of manufacturing the female terminal, a method of inspecting the female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness that enable the quality of a welding state between side walls and an extension plate to be recognized from the exterior.SOLUTION: A female terminal 10 has a terminal main body 13 consisting of a base part 20 connected with an electric wire 3 and a spring member 30 attached to the base part 20. The base part 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval into which a male terminal 5 can be inserted. The spring member 30 has an extension part (e.g., a collar plate 33) provided along the side walls 21 in a state fitted to the side walls 21. The side walls 21 and the extension plate (the collar plate 33) are welded to form a welding part Pw. A welding confirmation part 40 is provided at a predetermined distance D from the extension plate (the collar plate 33) toward a depth direction of the welding part Pw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a female terminal for an electric circuit through which a large current flows, a method for manufacturing a female terminal, a method for inspecting a female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric device configures an electric 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 them.

For example, the connector shown in Patent Literature 1 has a female terminal accommodated in a connector housing. In such a female terminal, a terminal main body is composed of a base portion and a spring member, and a plate along which the spring member extends is provided along a pair of side walls constituting the base portion.

JP 2009-245701 A

By the way, in an electric circuit such as a driving system of an automobile, since a large current flows, it is conceivable to weld the side wall and the extension plate in order to secure good conductivity. However, if the spring member is made of a thick plate material in order to ensure better conductivity, the welding heat is easily dissipated, so the penetration becomes shallow, and there is a possibility that the welding becomes unreliable. Therefore, there has been a demand for a female terminal that allows external indication of the quality of the weld between the side wall and the contact plate.

The present invention provides a female terminal, a method for manufacturing the female terminal, an inspection method for the female terminal, a connector, an electric wire with a terminal, an electric wire with a connector, and a wire harness. intended to provide.

According to the present invention, a terminal body is provided with a base portion connected to an electric wire and a spring member attached to the base portion, and the base portion is arranged at a predetermined interval that enables insertion of a male terminal. The spring member has a pair of side walls that are connected to each other, and the spring member has a peripheral plate that is provided along the side walls in a state of being fitted to the side walls, and a welded portion is formed by welding the side walls and the peripheral plate. and a weld confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the extension plate by a predetermined distance in the depth direction of the weld portion.

It should be noted that the depth direction in the present invention represents the penetration direction of the base material in the weld zone. In addition, the predetermined distance in the present invention refers to the heat-affected zone (the portion where the base metal structure changes due to the welding heat) of the weld formed when the side wall and the peripheral plate are welded in good condition. It represents the distance in the depth direction that does not exceed the deepest point of the heat affected zone.

The present invention also provides a connector comprising the female terminal described above and a connector housing for accommodating the female terminal, and a connector connected to the female terminal described above and the base portion of the female terminal. An electric wire with a terminal provided with the electric wire is included.

Further, the present invention includes an electric wire with a connector provided with the electric wire with the terminal and a connector housing for accommodating the electric wire with the terminal, and at least one of the electric wire with the terminal and the electric wire with the connector. wiring harness shall be included.

Further, the present invention includes a welding step of welding the side wall and the peripheral plate to form a welded portion, and a detection step of detecting that the heat affected zone of the welded portion has reached the welding confirmation portion. and a female terminal inspection method characterized by judging whether the welding state is good or bad from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion.

According to this invention, the quality of the welded state between the side wall and the peripheral plate appears outside.
More specifically, in the female terminal or the like according to the present invention, the weld confirmation portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the along plate in the depth direction of the weld portion by a predetermined distance. Therefore, if welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration will appear in the welding confirmation portion. In other words, the quality of the welded state between the side wall and the peripheral plate is revealed to the outside.

As an aspect of the present invention, at least the extension plate is provided along the tip surface of the side wall, and the extension plate is welded to the tip surface of the sidewall to form the welded portion, and the weld The confirmation part may be a groove provided from the outer surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected zone of the weld.
The heat-affected zone in the present invention means a zone where the structure of the base material is changed by welding heat.

According to the present invention, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface of the groove portion, which is the welding confirmation portion. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welding state between the side wall and the peripheral plate is good or bad by checking the traces appearing on the inner surface of the groove.

In addition, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when the male terminal is inserted inside the female terminal, it is possible to easily judge whether the welding state between the side wall and the extension plate is good or bad.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, at least the side plate is provided along the outer surface of the side wall, and the side plate is welded to the outer surface of the side wall to form the welded portion, The weld confirmation part may be a groove part provided from the tip surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected area of the weld part.
It should be noted that the heat affected zone in the present invention also represents a zone in which the structure of the base material is changed by welding heat.

According to the present invention, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface of the groove portion, which is the welding confirmation portion. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welding state between the side wall and the peripheral plate is good or bad by checking the traces appearing on the inner surface of the groove.

In addition, traces can be confirmed from a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when inserting the male terminal inside the female terminal, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall and the extension plate is good or bad at the same time as the insertion work.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, at least the side wall has the side plate along the inner surface of the side wall, and the side plate is welded to the inner side surface of the side wall to form the welded portion, The weld confirmation part may be a groove part provided from the tip surface or the outer surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected area of the weld part.
It should be noted that the heat affected zone in the present invention also represents a zone in which the structure of the base material is changed by welding heat.

According to the present invention, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface of the groove portion, which is the welding confirmation portion. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welding state between the side wall and the peripheral plate is good or bad by checking the traces appearing on the inner surface of the groove.

In addition, when grooves are provided on the tip surface of the side wall, traces can be confirmed from a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when inserting the male terminal inside the female terminal, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall and the extension plate is good or bad at the same time as the insertion work. On the other hand, when the groove is provided on the outer side surface of the side wall, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal. Therefore, even when the male terminal is inserted inside the female terminal, it is possible to easily judge whether the welding state between the side wall and the extension plate is good or bad.

Further, as a mode of the present invention, the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove toward the opening side.
In addition, the groove width in the present invention represents the distance between a pair of inner surfaces facing each other among the inner surfaces forming the groove.

According to the present invention, since traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface of the inclined groove, the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace are easy to understand, and it is easy to judge the quality of the welded state. In this regard, it is preferable that the inner surface on the welded portion side is inclined with respect to the depth direction of the welded portion. Furthermore, dust and the like that have entered the groove are easily discharged.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the welded portion may be continuously formed in a predetermined direction, and the groove portion may be provided at least at a position corresponding to a welding start point of the welded portion.
In the present invention, "continuous" includes not only a solid line but also a dotted line.

According to the present invention, the rigidity of the side wall can be ensured as compared with the case where a long groove is provided along the welded portion. Furthermore, the time required for cutting to provide the grooves in the side wall is shortened, so productivity can be improved.

In addition, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point where the penetration tends to be shallowest, it can be estimated that the subsequent steps are good without confirmation. Therefore, by confirming the trace corresponding to the welding start point, it is possible to quickly judge the quality of the welded portion as a whole.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, at least the extension plate is provided along the tip surface of the side wall, and the extension plate is welded to the tip surface of the side wall to form the welded portion, The welding confirmation part may be an outer surface of the side wall that intersects the depth direction of the welding part.

According to the present invention, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface of the side wall, which is the welding confirmation portion. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welded state between the side wall and the extension plate is good or bad by checking the marks appearing on the outer surface of the side wall.

In addition, since traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface of the side wall, the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace are easy to understand, and it is easy to judge the quality of the welded state. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a groove portion or the like functioning as a welding confirmation portion on the side wall, it is possible to prevent deterioration of productivity caused by providing a groove portion or the like on the side wall.

The whole perspective view which shows a connector. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a female terminal; The perspective view of a female terminal. The side view of a female terminal. The front view of a female terminal. The top view of a female terminal. AA cross-sectional view in FIG. BB arrow cross-sectional view and CC arrow cross-sectional view in FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a state in which the male terminal is inserted inside the female terminal; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a female terminal according to another embodiment; The front view of the female terminal which concerns on other embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the production process of a female-type terminal. Explanatory drawing which shows the production process of a female-type terminal.

An embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a connector 1. FIG. In FIG. 1, the connector housing 4 that accommodates the female terminal 10 is indicated by a dashed line.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female terminal 10. FIG. 4 is a side view of the female terminal 10, FIG. 5 is a front view of the female terminal 10, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the female terminal 10. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines BB and CC in FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the female terminal 10, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the male terminal 5 inserted inside the female terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 is attached to the tip portion of the electric wire 3 that constitutes the wire harness 2 . A connector 1 has two female terminals 10 housed in parallel in a connector housing 4 .

The wire harness 2 is configured by bundling a plurality of electric wires 3 . The electric wire 3 has a conductor core 3 a covered with an insulating coating 3 b , and the exposed core 3 a 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 accommodation space 4S in which the female terminal 10 is accommodated has a substantially rectangular opening, and the projecting portion of the connector housing that accommodates the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10) 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 10 , the female terminal 10 is composed of a wire connection portion 11 and a terminal connection portion 12 . The wire connection portion 11 and the terminal connection portion 12 are provided in series on an extension line of the wire 3 . In the present application, such a direction will be described as the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. A direction parallel to the direction in which the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10) is inserted is defined as a height direction H, and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H is defined as a width direction W. .

A connection plate 111 perpendicular to the width direction W is provided in the wire connection portion 11 . A guide piece 112 is provided by bending an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the connection plate 111 . Each guide piece 112 has a role of suppressing the spread of the core wire 3 a connected to the connection plate 111 .

The terminal connecting portion 12 is provided with a terminal body 13 electrically connected to the male terminal 5 (see FIG. 10). In the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the terminal body 13 is composed of a base portion 20 integrally formed including the wire connection portion 11 and a spring member 30 attached to the base portion 20. there is Below, the base portion 20 and the spring member 30 will be described in detail.

The base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal 5 can be inserted. More specifically, the base portion 20 has a pair of side walls 21 that are perpendicular to the width direction W and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The base 20 also has a bottom wall 22 that connects the lower ends of the side walls 21 . Therefore, the base portion 20 has a substantially U shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

One side wall 21 of the base portion 20 is formed by extending the connection plate 111 in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. The side wall 21 on the other side is formed by folding back a plate material (base material of the base portion 20) to the side on which the guide piece 112 is formed. Therefore, the base portion 20 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the height direction H (see FIG. 6). In this manner, the side wall 21 on the other side of the base portion 20 is formed on the side on which the guide piece 112 is formed, thereby realizing compactness of the female terminal 10 .

Further, the guide piece 112 on the upper side of the base portion 20 is formed by bending the upper end portion of the connection plate 111, so that the side wall 21 is not distorted when the guide piece 112 is formed. 11a is provided. Similarly, the guide piece 112 on the lower side of the base portion 20 is also formed by bending the lower end portion of the connection plate 111. A notch is provided so that the side wall 21 is not distorted when the guide piece 112 is formed. A portion 11b is provided. A part of the spring member 30 is exposed at the notch portion 11b, so that the spring member 30 can be pushed out from below and removed (see FIG. 5).

In addition, the base portion 20 is formed by cutting out and bending a conductive plate material such as a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The surface of the base portion 20 is not plated, but is not limited to this. Therefore, the surface thereof may be subjected to a plating treatment such as silver plating or tin plating for improving conductivity. Alternatively, it may be partially plated. For example, one surface of the wire connection portion 11 or the terminal connection portion 12 is plated partially. Alternatively, only the wire connection portion 11 is plated, or only the terminal connection portion 12 is plated.

The spring member 30 has an inner plate 31 that extends along the inner surface 21a of the side walls 21 when fitted between the pair of side walls 21 . Further, each inner plate 31 has a flange plate 33 extending outward in the width direction W from the upper end of each inner plate 31 and extending along the tip surface 21 c of the side wall 21 . Furthermore, a bottom plate 34 is provided that connects the lower ends of the inner plates 31 and extends along the inner side surface 22 a of the bottom wall 22 . Therefore, the spring member 30 has a substantially U shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 4).

An inner plate 31 on one side of the spring member 30 extends in the longitudinal direction L along the opening edge 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 more specifically, extend obliquely downward so as to approach the side walls 21 facing each other when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, and are partially folded back including the tip edges thereof. It has a shape (see FIG. 8).

The arm springs 35 provided on the inner plate 31 on one side extend from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary portions with the inner plate 31 are base points of the arm springs 35, respectively. Pb (see FIG. 8). In the female terminal 10 , the base portion Pb is always in contact with the inner surface 21 a of the side wall 21 . However, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the inside of the female terminal 10, it may contact with the female terminal 10 as it deforms.

Further, the inner plate 31 on the other side of the spring member 30 also extends in the longitudinal direction L along the opening edge 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 more specifically, extend obliquely downward so as to approach the side walls 21 facing each other when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, and are partially folded back including the tip edges thereof. It has a shape (see FIG. 8).

The arm springs 35 provided on the inner plate 31 on the other side also extend from the lower edge of the inner plate 31 along the opening edge of the side wall 21, and the boundary portions with the inner plate 31 are base points of the arm springs 35, respectively. Pb (see FIG. 8). In the female terminal 10 , the base portion Pb is always in contact with the inner surface 21 a of the side wall 21 . However, when the male terminal 5 is inserted into the inside of the female terminal 10, it may contact with the female terminal 10 as it deforms.

In addition, the spring member 30 is in a state where the flange plate 33 is in surface contact with the tip surface 21 c of the side wall 21 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L at the central portion in the width direction W of this surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed in the flange plate 33 along the longitudinal direction L (see FIGS. 6 to 10). The welded portion Pw refers to a solidified portion Pm in which a part of the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 melts and cools and solidifies again, and a surrounding heat-affected region (a portion where the base metal structure changes due to welding heat) Ph. . In addition, although the welded portion Pw is formed by a laser welder, it is not limited to this.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined distance A groove portion 23 is provided at a position separated by D. The groove portion 23 is a concave groove provided toward the inner side in the width direction W from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the groove depth exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With such a configuration, the heat-affected region Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed. discoloration, etc.) will appear.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the groove portion 23 extends along the longitudinal direction L from edge to edge of the side wall 21 . The predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 when the welding state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 . With this configuration, traces of the solidified portion Pm (traces due to melting and cooling and solidification of the base material in addition to discoloration due to changes in the structure of the base material) appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. becomes. In any case, the groove portion 23 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, and it becomes possible to judge whether the welding state is good or bad by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

In this respect, as shown in FIG. 11A, a plated layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. As shown in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to improve the visibility of discoloration and the like, which are traces of the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph. In addition, the plated layer 24 may be formed not only on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23 but also on the entire base portion 20 . With such a configuration, it also contributes to an improvement in conductivity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove portion 23 to the opening side. Specifically, by inclining the inner surface 23s located on the side of the welded portion Pw with respect to the depth direction of the welded portion Pw (the height direction H and the penetration direction along the center line C of the welded portion Pw), The groove width may be gradually increased from the side to the opening side. By doing so, it is possible to improve the visibility of discoloration and the like, which are traces of the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 has an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 . Further, the flange plate 33 is formed with an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h that overlaps with the groove 23, which will be described later.

The outer plate 32 of the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the upper portion in the height direction H of the surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the outer plate 32 . The welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph formed therearound, as described above.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined distance D A groove portion 23 is provided at a position separated from the . The groove portion 23 is a concave groove provided downward in the height direction H from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the groove depth exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With such a configuration, the heat-affected region Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed. discoloration, etc.) will appear.

Also in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the groove portion 23 extends along the longitudinal direction L from edge to edge of the side wall 21 . The above-described predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 when the welding state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 . With this configuration, traces of the solidified portion Pm (traces due to melting and cooling and solidification of the base material in addition to discoloration due to changes in the structure of the base material) appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. becomes. Further, as described above, the plated layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove portion 23 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, and it becomes possible to judge whether the welding state is good or bad by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have the outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 , but may have the outer plate 32 . Further, the flange plate 33 is formed with an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h that overlaps with the groove 23, which will be described later.

The inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the inner surface 21 a of the side wall 21 above the base point Pb of the arm spring 35 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the upper portion in the height direction H of the surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the inner plate 31 . The welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph formed therearound, as described above.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined distance D A groove portion 23 is provided at a position separated from the . The groove portion 23 is a concave groove provided downward in the height direction H from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the groove depth exceeds at least the center line C of the welded portion Pw. With such a configuration, the heat-affected region Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed. discoloration, etc.) will appear.

Also in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the groove portion 23 extends along the longitudinal direction L from edge to edge of the side wall 21 . The predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 when the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 . With this configuration, traces of the solidified portion Pm (traces due to melting and cooling and solidification of the base material in addition to discoloration due to changes in the structure of the base material) appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. becomes. Further, as described above, the plated layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove portion 23 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, and it becomes possible to judge whether the welding state is good or bad by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have the outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 , but may have the outer plate 32 . When the outer plate 32 is provided, the outer plate 32 is formed with an opening (a so-called confirmation window) that overlaps with the groove 23 described later.

The inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the inner surface 21 a of the side wall 21 above the base point Pb of the arm spring 35 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in the upper portion in the height direction H of the surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the inner plate 31 . The welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph formed therearound, as described above.

In addition, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined distance D A groove portion 23 is provided at a position separated from the . The groove portion 23 is a concave groove provided toward the inner side in the width direction W from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the groove depth is at least the deepest point of the welded portion Pw (where the groove portion 23 is not provided). The deepest point in the case) exceeds E. With such a configuration, the heat-affected region Ph reaches the groove 23 as the welded portion Pw is formed. discoloration, etc.) will appear.

Also in the female terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the groove portion 23 extends along the longitudinal direction L from edge to edge of the side wall 21 . The predetermined distance D is determined so that the heat affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 when the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good. However, the predetermined distance D may be slightly shortened so that the solidified portion Pm of the welded portion Pw reaches the groove portion 23 . With this configuration, traces of the solidified portion Pm (traces due to melting and cooling and solidification of the base material in addition to discoloration due to changes in the structure of the base material) appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23. becomes. Further, as described above, the plated layer 24 may be formed on the inner surface 23s of the groove 23, or the groove width may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side of the groove 23 to the opening side. In any case, the groove portion 23 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, and it becomes possible to judge whether the welding state is good or bad by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 does not have the outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 , but may have the outer plate 32 . When the outer plate 32 is provided, the outer plate 32 is formed with an opening (a so-called confirmation window) that overlaps with the groove 23 described later.

The inner plate 31 of the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the tip surface 21 c of the side wall 21 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in this surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the inner plate 31 . The welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph formed therearound, as described above.

In this regard, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the center line C of the welded portion Pw is inclined, and the welded portion Pw is formed obliquely toward the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 . A heat-affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw intersects with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 . With such a configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph intersects with the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, so that traces of appropriate welding (discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material, etc.) appear on the outer surface 21b. It will happen. Therefore, the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 functions as the welding confirmation portion 40, and it becomes possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

Next, a female terminal 10 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the spring member 30 has an outer plate 32 provided along the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 . Further, the flange plate 33 is formed with an opening (so-called confirmation window) 33h that overlaps with the groove 23, which will be described later.

The outer plate 32 of the spring member 30 is in surface contact with the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 . Welding is performed along the longitudinal direction L in this surface contact region. Therefore, a linear welded portion Pw is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the outer plate 32 . The welded portion Pw refers to the solidified portion Pm and the heat affected zone Ph formed therearound, as described above.

In this regard, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the center line C of the welded portion Pw is inclined, and the welded portion Pw is formed obliquely toward the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 . A heat affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw intersects with the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 . With such a configuration, the heat-affected zone Ph intersects with the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, so that traces of appropriate welding (such as discoloration due to a change in the structure of the base material) appear on the tip surface 21c. It will happen. Therefore, the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 functions as the welding confirmation part 40, and it becomes possible to judge the quality of the welding state by visual observation or observation via a sensor or the like.

As described above, the female terminal 10 according to each embodiment includes the terminal main body 13 including the base portion 20 connected to the electric wire 3 and the spring member 30 attached to the base portion 20 . The base part 20 has a pair of side walls 21 arranged at a predetermined interval into which the male terminal 5 can be inserted, and the spring member 30 is provided along the side walls 21 while being fitted to the side walls 21 The side wall 21 and the side plate (the flange plate 33) are welded together to form a welded portion Pw. And, it is characterized in that the welding confirmation part 40 is provided at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the along plate (flange plate 33) in the depth direction of the weld part Pw.

According to such a female terminal 10, the quality of the welded state between the side wall 21 and the side plate (for example, the flange plate 33) appears outside.
More specifically, in the female terminal 10 according to the present invention, the welding confirmation portion 40 is provided at a position a predetermined distance D from the along plate (flange plate 33) in the depth direction of the weld portion Pw. there is Therefore, if welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration will appear on the welding confirmation portion 40 . In other words, the quality of the welded state between the side wall 21 and the peripheral plate (flange plate 33) is revealed to the outside.

Further, the female terminal 10 according to the first embodiment has the flange plate 33 provided along at least the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 and welded. The welding confirmation part 40 is a groove part 23 provided from the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 to at least the heat affected area Ph of the welded part Pw.

According to such a female terminal 10, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23, which is the weld confirmation portion 40. Become. Therefore, by confirming the traces appearing on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good or bad.

In addition, traces can be confirmed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5 . Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, it is possible to easily judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the collar plate 33 is good or bad.

Further, the female terminal 10 according to the second embodiment has the outer plate 32 provided along at least the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, and the outer plate 32 is welded to the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 and welded. The welding confirmation part 40 is a groove part 23 provided from the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 to at least the heat affected area Ph of the welded part Pw.

According to such a female terminal 10, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23, which is the weld confirmation portion 40. Become. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is good or bad by checking the traces appearing on the inner surface 23 s of the groove portion 23 .

In addition, traces can be confirmed from a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5 . Therefore, even when inserting the male terminal 5 inside the female terminal 10, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the outer plate 32 is good or bad at the same time as the insertion work.

Further, the female terminal 10 according to the third and fourth embodiments has an inner plate 31 provided along at least the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21, and the inner plate 31 is welded to the inner surface 21a of the side wall 21. The welding confirmation portion 40 is a groove portion 23 provided from the tip surface 21c or the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 to at least the heat affected area Ph of the weld portion Pw.

According to such a female terminal 10, when welding heat of an appropriate amount is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface 23s of the groove portion 23, which is the weld confirmation portion 40. Become. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good or bad by checking the traces appearing on the inner surface 23 s of the groove portion 23 .

In addition, when the groove portion 23 is provided on the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. FIG. Therefore, even when inserting the male terminal 5 inside the female terminal 10, it is possible to judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good or bad at the same time as the insertion work. On the other hand, when the groove portion 23 is provided on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, the trace can be confirmed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the male terminal 5. FIG. Therefore, even when the male terminal 5 is inserted inside the female terminal 10, it is possible to easily judge whether the welding state between the side wall 21 and the inner plate 31 is good or bad.

Further, in the female terminals 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the groove width of the groove portion 23 may be gradually increased from the deep bottom side to the opening side of the groove portion 23 . The groove width is the distance between a pair of inner surfaces 23s facing each other among the inner surfaces 23s forming the groove portion 23 .

According to such a female terminal 10, since traces such as discoloration appear on the inner surface 23s of the inclined groove portion 23, the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace are easy to understand, and it is easy to judge the quality of the welded state. In this regard, it is preferable that the inner surface 23s on the welded portion Pw side is inclined with respect to the depth direction of the welded portion Pw. Furthermore, dust and the like that have entered the groove 23 are easily discharged.

Further, in the female terminal 10 according to the fifth embodiment, at least the flange plate 33 is provided along the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21, and the flange plate 33 is welded to the tip surface 21c of the side wall 21 and welded. A portion Pw is formed, and the welding confirmation portion 40 is an outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 that intersects the depth direction of the welded portion Pw.

According to such a female terminal 10, when an appropriate amount of welding heat is applied at an appropriate position at an appropriate angle, traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, which is the welding confirmation portion 40. Become. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the welded state between the side wall 21 and the flange plate 33 is good or bad by checking the marks appearing on the outer surface 21 b of the side wall 21 .

In addition, since traces such as discoloration appear on the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21, the shape of the trace as well as the size of the trace are easy to understand, and it is easy to determine the quality of the welded state. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide the groove portion or the like functioning as the welding confirmation portion 40 in the side wall 21, it is possible to prevent deterioration of productivity due to the provision of the groove portion or the like in the side wall 21. FIG.

In correspondence with the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiments, the connector of the present invention corresponds to the connector 1,
and so on,
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 part corresponds to the base part 20,
the side wall corresponds to side wall 21,
The inner surface corresponds to the inner surface 21a,
The outer surface corresponds to the outer surface 21b,
The tip surface corresponds to the tip surface 21c,
The spring member corresponds to the spring member 30,
The side plate corresponds to the inner plate 31, the outer plate 32 and the collar plate 33,
The arm spring corresponds to the arm spring 35,
The welding confirmation part corresponds to the welding confirmation part 40,
The weld corresponds to the weld Pw,
Although the heat affected zone corresponds to the heat affected zone Ph,
The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and many embodiments can be obtained.

For example, in the female terminal 10 in which the groove portion 23 functions as the weld confirmation portion 40 , the groove portion 23 is formed over the entire longitudinal direction L of the side wall 21 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the groove 23 is formed in the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21 over the entire longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG.

However, the groove portion 23 may be formed only partially in the side wall 21 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the groove portion 23 may be formed only partially in the outer surface 21b of the side wall 21. As shown in FIG. In such a configuration, the groove portion 23 is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the welding start point Po of the weld portion Pw.

This is because the welding start point Po, which was at room temperature, is heated by the welding heat, and it takes time to reach an appropriate temperature. Therefore, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po, it can be estimated that the subsequent steps are good without confirmation. Therefore, it is sufficient that the groove portion 23 is formed only at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po.

As described above, in the female terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, the welded portion Pw is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction L, and the groove portion 23 corresponds at least to the welding start point Po of the welded portion Pw. It is set in a position where "Continuous" includes not only a solid line but also a dotted line.

According to such a female terminal 10, the rigidity of the side wall 21 can be ensured as compared with a terminal in which a long groove portion 23 is provided along the welded portion Pw. Furthermore, the time required for cutting to form the grooves 23 in the side wall 21 is shortened, so productivity can be improved.

In addition, if the penetration depth is appropriate at the position corresponding to the welding start point Po where the penetration tends to be shallowest, it can be estimated that the subsequent steps are good without confirmation. Therefore, by confirming the trace corresponding to the welding start point Po, it is possible to quickly judge the quality of the entire welded portion Pw.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 18, the production process of the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments includes a welding process S2 and a detection process S3 after the assembly process S1. The assembly step S1 is a step of attaching the spring member 30 to the base portion 20, and the welding step S2 welds the side wall 21 of the base portion 20 and a plate along the spring member 30 (for example, the collar plate 33). The detection step S3 is a step of detecting that the heat-affected region Ph of the welded portion Pw has reached the weld confirmation portion 40 .

In such a production process, if the detection step S3 is realized using a detection means such as a temperature sensor St, the welding step S2 and the detection step S3 can be performed in parallel. In other words, it is possible to perform welding and judgment of the quality of the welding state at the same time. In other words, the quality of the welded state is determined while welding is being performed, and the welding is performed while determining the quality of the welded state. If it can be detected that the heat-affected zone Ph of the welded portion Pw has reached the weld confirmation portion 40, it indicates that the welded state is good.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 19, the production process of the female terminal 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments may include an inspection process S4 instead of the detection process S3. The inspection step S<b>4 is a step of judging whether the welding state is good or bad from the surface properties of the welding confirmation portion 40 . Such an inspection step S4 can be applied not only to the production process but also to inspection for each production lot, inspection before shipment, and inspection after market distribution. Therefore, it can be said that the inspection method for the female terminal 10 is independent of the welding process S2 and the detection process S3 described above.

Such an inspection step S4 can be realized by using photographing means such as a camera (image sensor Si) in addition to visual inspection. For example, by photographing the welding confirmation portion 40, traces such as discoloration appearing in the welding confirmation portion 40 are confirmed. If the size of the trace appearing in the welding confirmation portion 40 is appropriate, and the mode of the trace is appropriate, it indicates that the welding state is good.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 connector 2 wire harness 3 electric wire 4 connector housing 5 male terminal 10 female terminal 13 terminal body 20 base portion 21 side wall 21a inner surface 21b outer surface 21c tip end surface 30 Spring member 31 Inner plate 32 Outer plate 33 Collar plate 35 Arm spring 40 Weld confirmation part Pw Welded part Ph Heat affected zone

Claims (13)

a base portion connected to an electric wire;
A terminal body is provided together with a spring member attached to the base,
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 extending along the side wall in a state of being fitted to the side wall;
A welded portion is formed by welding the side wall and the peripheral plate,
A female terminal provided with a welding confirmation portion at a position spaced apart from the extension plate by a predetermined distance in the depth direction of the welding portion. Having the extension plate along at least the tip surface of the side wall,
The welding part is formed by welding the along plate to the tip surface of the side wall,
2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein said weld confirming portion is a groove provided from the outer surface of said side wall to at least a heat affected area of said weld. At least the extension plate provided along the outer surface of the side wall,
The welded portion is formed by welding the peripheral plate to the outer surface of the side wall,
2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the welding confirming portion is a groove provided from the tip surface of the side wall to at least the heat affected area of the welded portion. At least the extension plate provided along the inner surface of the side wall,
The welded portion is formed by welding the peripheral plate to the inner surface of the side wall,
2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein said welding confirming portion is a groove provided from the tip surface or outer surface of said side wall to at least the heat affected area of said weld portion. 5. The female terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the groove width is gradually increased from the deep bottom side to the opening side of the groove. The welded portion is formed continuously in a predetermined direction,
6. The female terminal according to claim 2, wherein said groove is provided at a position corresponding to at least a welding start point of said weld. Having the extension plate along at least the tip surface of the side wall,
The welding part is formed by welding the along plate to the tip surface of the side wall,
2. The female terminal according to claim 1, wherein the welding confirming portion is an outer surface of the side wall that intersects the depth direction of the welding portion. A method for manufacturing a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
a welding step of welding the side wall and the peripheral plate to form the welded portion;
and a detection step of detecting that the heat affected zone of the welded portion has reached the weld confirmation portion. The method for inspecting a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:
A method for inspecting a female terminal for judging whether the welding state is good or bad from the surface properties of the weld confirmation portion. a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
and a connector housing that accommodates the female terminal. a female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
and the electric wire connected to the base portion of the female terminal. An electric wire with a terminal according to claim 11;
An electric wire with a connector provided with a connector housing that accommodates the electric wire with the terminal. A wire harness comprising at least one of the electric wire with the terminal according to claim 11 and the electric wire with the connector according to claim 12.

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