Patent Publication Number: US-2022231434-A1

Title: Terminal and terminal wire assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a terminal and a terminal wire assembly. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A known terminal wire assembly includes a core wire exposed at an end of the electric wire and a terminal coupled to the core wire. The terminal may include a crimping portion that is crimped on a section of the core wire that is exposed at the end of the electric wire. 
     To crimp the terminal on the core wire, the following steps may be performed. A sheet metal is pressed into a predefined shape to prepare the terminal. The terminal is placed on a lower die of dies that are movable relative to each other in the vertical direction. The section of the core wire exposed at the end of the electric wire is placed on the crimping portion of the terminal. The one of the dies or both dies are moved closer to each other. The crimping portion of the terminal is crimped on the section of the core wire by pressing the crimping portion of the terminal with a crimping portion of the upper die and a placing portion of the lower die. Through these steps, the terminal is coupled to the end section of the electric wire (see Patent Document 1). 
     RELATED ART DOCUMENT 
     Patent Document 
     [Patent Document 1] 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-50736 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     According to the technology described above, relatively large equipment including dies and a jig is required to crimp the crimping the crimping portion of the terminal onto the core wire of the electric wire. Therefore, equipment investment may be required, which may result in an increase in production cost. 
     To resolve the above problem, the following terminal may be considered. The terminal includes a terminal body and a slider. The terminal body includes a holding section that is deformable in an extending direction in which the electric wire extends. The slider is slidable relative to the terminal body in the extending direction. The slider includes a pressing portion that presses the holding section against the electric wire while the electric wired is held by the holding section. 
     To improve reliability in electric connection between the terminal and the electric wire, the holding section may include protrusions and recesses. With the protrusions and the recesses, the electric wire is properly held. However, it is not preferable that production cost increases due to formation of the protrusions and the recesses. 
     The technology described herein was made in view of the above circumstances. An object is to provide a terminal that is produced at low cost. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     A terminal described herein is coupled to an end of an electric wire on a front side with respect to an extending direction in which the electric wire extends. The terminal includes a terminal body and a slider. The terminal body includes a holding section that holds the electric wire. The slider is slidable relative to the terminal body in the extending direction. The slider includes a pressing portion that presses the holding section toward the electric wire. The terminal body is formed from a folded metal sheet. The holding section includes a holding protrusion that protrudes toward the electric wire and contacts the electric wire. The holding protrusion is formed from a folded metal sheet. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the present disclosure, a production cost of the terminal is reduced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a terminal wire assembly according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the terminal wire assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a terminal body. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view illustrating a step in which a slider at a temporary holding position relative to the terminal body is pushed forward with a jig. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a metal sheet from which the terminal body is formed. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a step in a production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a step in the production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a step in the production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a terminal body according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a right-side view of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of a terminal wire assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a terminal body according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a terminal body according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a metal sheet from which the terminal body is formed. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective of the metal sheet from which the terminal body is formed. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating a step in a production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating a step in the production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating a step in the production of the terminal body. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a terminal body according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a magnified side view a portion of the terminal body including a lower holding section. 
     
    
    
     MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Description of Embodiments according to the Present Disclosure 
     First, embodiments of embodiments according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. 
     (1) The present disclosure relates to a terminal coupled to an end of an electric wire on a front side with respect to an extending direction in which the electric wire extends. The terminal includes a terminal body and a slider. The terminal body includes a holding section that holds the electric wire. The slider is slidable relative to the terminal boy in the extending direction. The slider includes a pressing portion that presses the holding section toward electric wire. The terminal body is formed from a folded metal sheet. The holding section includes a holding protrusion that protrudes toward the electric wire and contacts the electric wire. The holding protrusion is formed from a folded metal sheet. 
     Because the holding protrusion is formed from the folded metal sheet, a production cost of the terminal can be reduced in comparison to a holding protrusion that is prepared by hammering that is performed separately. 
     (2) The terminal body may include holding section. The holding sections may include holding protrusion. The holding protrusions included in the holding sections may be displaced from each other in the extending direction. 
     The electric wire sandwiched between the holding sections are held by the holding sections with the electric wire bent by the holding protrusions that are displaced from each other in the extending direction. The electric wire may be bent in a direction crossing the extending direction. Because the electric wire is bent, edges of the holding protrusions dig into the electric wire. According to the configuration, electrical connection between the electric wire and the terminal is properly established. 
     (3) The holding protrusion may be formed from the folded metal sheet folded at a side edge that extends in the extending direction. 
     The holding protrusion of the holding section may be formed by folding the meal sheet at a side edge that extends in a direction crossing the extending direction (e.g., a rear edge). If the electric wire is pulled rearward and the holding protrusion rubs against the electric wire, the holding protrusion may be turned over toward the rear. The holding protrusion described earlier is folded at the side edge of the holding section extending in the extending direction. Therefore, the holding protrusion is less likely to be turned over. 
     (4) The holding protrusion may be formed from the folded metal sheet folded at a side edge that extends in a direction crossing the extending direction. 
     The metal sheet that protrudes in the extending direction can be used for a coupling portion coupled to a carrier. Therefore, a yield improves in comparison to a configuration in which a coupling portion protrudes in a direction of the metal sheet crossing the extending direction. 
     (5) The holding protrusion may include a rear receiving section that protrudes from a rear end of the holding protrusion in the extending direction toward the electric wire. 
     When the electric wire is pulled rearward, the holding protrusion slides rearward along with the electric wire. The holding protrusion receives a force F toward the rear and the rear receiving section contacts the holding protrusion from the rear. According to the configuration, displacement of the holding protrusion toward the rear is restricted. 
     (6) The holding section may include a fragile section at one of side edges of the holding section to form a section that is narrowed in a direction crossing the extending direction. 
     With the fragile section at a predefined position at which the holding section is designed to bend, the holding section can be bent at the predefined position. Because the electric wire is properly held by the holding section, reliability in electric connection between the terminal and the electric wire increases. 
     (7) The fragile section may include a first fragile section at a first side edge of the holding section and a second fragile section at a second side edge of the holding section. The first fragile section and the second fragile section may be displaced from each other in the extending direction. 
     Because the first fragile section and the second fragile section are displaced from each other in the extending direction, the holding sections is less likely to warp in comparison to a configuration in which the first fragile section and the second fragile section are at the same position with respect to the extending direction. According to the configuration, the holding section does not easily warp due to vibrations or any other fact. Therefore, the holding section is less likely to warp at unintended timing. 
     (8) The terminal body may include a bending restricting section that contacts the holding section and the restricts excessive bending of the holding section when the pressing portion presses the holding section. 
     Because the excessive bending of the holding section is restricted by the bending restricting section, the electric wire is held by the holding section with a proper pressure. According to the configuration, the reliability in electric connection between the terminal and the electric wire further increases. 
     (9) The terminal body may include a sidewall that projects from a side edge of the holding section. The sidewall may include a chamfered section that is sloped outward toward the rear in the extending direction. 
     During insertion of the electric wire into the terminal body, the electric wire is guided by the chamfered section from the rear to the inside of the terminal body in the extending direction. According to the configuration, work efficiency in connecting of the electric wire to the terminal improves. 
     (10) A terminal wire assembly according to any one of above (1) to (9) and an electric wire coupled to the terminal. 
     Detail of Embodiment According to the Present Disclosure 
     Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. All modifications within and equivalent to the technical scope of the claimed invention may be included in the technical scope of the present invention. 
     First Embodiment 
     A first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9 . A terminal wire assembly  10  according to this embodiment includes a terminal  12  and an electric wire  11  to which the terminal  12  is coupled. In the following description, it is considered that an Z arrow, a Y arrow, and an X arrow in the drawing point the upper side the front side, and the left side, respectively. Regarding components having the same configuration, some of the components may be indicated by reference signs and others may not be indicated by the reference signs. 
     Electric Wire  11   
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the electric wire  11  includes a core wire  13  and an insulating sheath  14  that covers an outer surface of the core wire  13 . The insulating sheath  14  is made of synthetic resin having insulating properties. At an end of the electric wire  11 , the insulating sheath  14  is ripped and a section of the core wire  13  is exposed. The core wire  13  in this embodiment is a single core wire including only one metal wire. Alternatively, a twisted wire including multiple metal fine wires that are twisted together may be used for the core wire  13 . The metal of which the metal wire is made may be selected from any kinds of meatal including copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy where appropriate. The core wire  13  in this embodiment may be made of copper or copper alloy. 
     Terminal  12   
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the terminal  12  includes a terminal body  15  and a slider  16 . The terminal body  15  is made of metal. The slider  16  is slidable relative to the terminal body  15 . 
     Terminal Body  15   
     The terminal body  15  is formed by pressing a metal sheet into a predetermined shape. The metal of which the terminal body  15  is made may be selected from any kinds of metal including aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel where appropriate. The terminal body  15  in this embodiment may be made of copper or copper alloy. Surfaces of the terminal body  15  may be plated. The plating metal may be selected from any kinds of metal such as tin, nickel, and silver where appropriate. The terminal body  15  in this embodiment is tin-plated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the terminal body  15  includes a tubular portion  17  and a wire coupling portion  20 . A mating male terminal, which is not illustrated, is inserted into the tubular portion  17 . The wire coupling portion  20  is behind the tubular portion  17  and coupled to the electric wire  11 . The wire coupling portion  20  includes an upper holding section  18 A and a lower holding section  18 B that extend rearward. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tubular portion  17  has a rectangular tubular shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The tubular portion  17  has an opening through which the mating male terminal is inserted. An elastic contact tab, which is not illustrated, projects frontward from the rear section of the tubular portion  17  inside the tubular portion  17 . When the mate terminal is inserted in the tubular portion  17  and elastic contact is established between the mate terminal and the elastic contact tab, the tubular portion  17  is electrically connected to the mate terminal. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the wire coupling portion  20  is behind the tubular portion  17 . The wire coupling portion  20  has a rectangular tubular shape. The upper holding section  18 A (an example of a holding section) projects rearward from a rear end portion of an upper wall of the wire coupling portion  20 . The lower holding section  18 B projects rearward from a rear end portion of a lower wall of the wire coupling portion  20 . The upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B have elongated shapes extending in the front-rear direction. Lengths of the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B measuring in the front-rear direction are about equal to each other. The wire coupling portion  20  includes a left wall  34  that projects from a left edge  32  of the lower holding section  18 B to a left edge  32  of the upper holding section  18 A. Further, the wire coupling portion  20  includes a right wall  35  that projects from a right edge  33  of the lower holding section  18 B to a right edge  31  of the upper holding section  18 A. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an upper holding protrusion  23 A protrudes downward from a section of a lower surface of the upper holding section  18 A in front of a rear edge of the upper holding section  18 A. The upper holding protrusion  23 A includes a section that projects from a left edge  30  of the upper holding section  18 A is folded and in close contact with a lower surface of the upper holding section  18 A. A right edge of the upper holding section  18 A does not project rightward from a right edge of the upper holding section  18 A. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a lower holding protrusion  23 B protrudes upward from a section of an upper surface of a rear edge of the lower holding section  18 B. The lower holding protrusion  23 B includes a section that projects from a rear edge of the lower holding section  18 B is folded and in close contact with an upper surface of the lower holding section  18 B. Namely, the lower holding protrusion  23 B is formed by folding the metal sheet at a rear edge  18 C of the lower holding section  18 B (a side edge that crosses the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends). An area of the lower holding section  18 B on which the lower holding protrusion  23 B is placed is reinforced by the lower holding protrusion  23 B and thus less likely to warp. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lower holding protrusion  23 B is displaced from the upper holding protrusion  23 A in the front-rear direction. A rear end of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and a front end of the lower holding protrusion  23 B are slightly separated from each other in the front-rear direction. A distance between the rear end of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the front end of the lower holding protrusion  23 B is less than the diameter of the core wire  13 . Therefore, an edge  50 A of the rear end of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and an edge  50 B of the front end of the lower holding protrusion  23 B dig into the core wire  13 . 
     A lower surface of the upper holding section  18 A and an upper surface of the lower holding section  18 B dig into an oxide layer formed on the surface of the core wire  13  and locally strip the oxide layer so that the metal surface of the core wire  13  is exposed. With the metal surface contacting the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B, the core wire  13  is electrically connected to the terminal body  15 . 
     A lower surface of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and an upper surface of the lower holding protrusion  23 B dig into the oxide layer formed on the surface of the core wire  13  and locally strip the oxide layer so that the metal surface of the core wire  13  is exposed. With the metal surface contacting the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B, the core wire  13  is electrically connected to the terminal body  15 . 
     With the edge  50 A of the rear end of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the edge  50 B of the front end of the lower holding protrusion  23 B digging into the core wire  13 , the oxide film formed on the surface of the core wire  13  is removed. Therefore, the core wire  13  is more properly electrically connected to the terminal body  15 . 
     A left fragile section  51  is formed in a front end of the lower holding section  18 B. The left fragile section  51  is a notch that is recessed rightward from the left edge  32  of the lower holding section  18 B (see  FIG. 3 ). A right fragile section  52  is formed in the front end of the lower holding section  18 B. The right fragile section  52  is a notch that is recessed leftward from a right edge  33  of the lower holding section  18 B (see  FIG. 4 ). The left fragile section  51  and the right fragile section  52  are at the same position with respect to the front-rear direction. An area of the lower holding section  18 B in which the left fragile section  51  and the right fragile section  52  are formed is narrower in the right-left direction in comparison to other area of the lower holding section  18 B. According to the configuration, the lower holding section  18 B easily bends at the area in which the left fragile section  51  and the right fragile section  52  are formed. 
     Slider  16   
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the slider  16  has a rectangular tube shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The slider  16  is formed into a predetermined shape with a known method including pressing, cutting, and casting. The metal of which the slider  16  is made may be selected from any kinds of metal including copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel where appropriate. The slider  16  in this embodiment is made of stainless steel. Surfaces of the slider  16  may be plated. Metal used for plating may be selected from any kinds of metal including tin, nickel, and silver where appropriate. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a front end of the upper wall of the slider  16  includes a jig contact section  46  that protrudes upward. A jig  45 , which will be described later, contacts the jig contact section  46  from the rear (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the rear section of the slider  16  includes an upper pressing portion  25 A (an example of a pressing portion) that protrudes downward from a lower surface of the upper wall of the slider  16 . The slider  16  includes a lower pressing portion  25 B (an example of a pressing portion) that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall of the slider  16 . A front surface of the upper pressing portion  25 A and a front surface of the lower pressing portion  25 B includes sloped surfaces. With the sloped surfaces, the rear end of the upper holding section  18 A and the rear end of the lower holding section  18 B are guided to the upper pressing portion  25 A and the lower pressing portion  25 B, respectively. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , sidewalls of the slider include temporary receiving holes  26  at positions closer to the front edge. The sidewalls of the slider  16  include permanent receiving holes  27  behind the temporary receiving holes  26 . Holding protrusions  28  on the left wall  34  and a right wall  35  of the terminal body  15  can be elastically held in the temporary receiving holes  26  or the permanent receiving holes  27 . 
     When the holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  are held in the temporary receiving holes  26  of the slider  16 , the slider  16  is held at a temporary holding position relative to the terminal body  15  (see  FIG. 1 ). At this position, the upper pressing portion  25 A and the lower pressing portion  25 B of the slider  16  are separated rearward from the rear edges of the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B of the terminal body  15 . Further, a gap between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B is greater than the diameter of the core wire  13 . 
     When the holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  are held in the permanent receiving holes  27  of the slider  16 , the slider  16  is held at the permanent holding position relative to the terminal body  15  (see  FIG. 5 ). At this position, the upper pressing portion  25 A of the slider  16  contacts the upper holding section  18 A from above. Further, the lower pressing portion  25 B of the slider  16  contacts the lower holding section  18 B from below. 
     As described above, while the slider  16  is fitted on a section of the terminal body  15  including the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B, the slider  16  is slidable in the front-rear direction between the temporary holding position and the permanent holding position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when the slider  16  is held at the permanent holding position relative to the terminal body  15 , the upper pressing portion  25 A presses the upper holding section  18 A and thus the upper holding section  18 A bends downward. Further, the lower pressing portion  25 B presses the lower holding section  18 B and thus the lower holding section  18 B bends upward. When the core wire  13  is disposed in the gap between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B to extend in the front-rear direction (an extending direction) and the slider  16  is held at the permanent holding position relative to the terminal body  15 , the core wire  13  is sandwiched between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B that are bent in the top-bottom direction. Namely, the upper holding section  18 A that is pressed downward from above by the upper pressing portion  25 A contacts the core wire  13  and the lower holding section  18 B that is pressed upward from below by the lower pressing portion  25 B contacts the core wire  13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when the slider  16  is held at the permanent holding position relative to the terminal body  15 , the upper holding protrusion  23 A of the upper holding section  18 A presses the core wire  13  from above and the lower holding protrusion  23 B of the lower holding section  18 B presses the core wire  13  from below. The core wire  13  that is pressed by the upper holding protrusion  23 A from above and by the lower holding protrusion  23 B from below is bent in the top-bottom direction (an example of a direction crossing the extending direction) because the lower holding protrusion  23 B is displaced from the upper holding protrusion  23 A in the front-rear direction. The core wire  13  is bent in a crank shape when viewed from side and held by the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B. With the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B, the core wire  13  is electrically connected to the terminal  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the jig contact section  46  is in a front end of the upper wall of the slider  16 . When the jig  45  contacts the jig contact section  46  from the rear, the slider  16  is pushed forward by the jig  45 . That is, the slider  16  moves forward. The jig  45  is smaller than a die or equipment to move the die. Therefore, an increase in cost related to the jig  45  is less likely to occur. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the slider  16  includes two drawing sections  47  at a position closer to the rear edge of the slider  16 . The drawing sections  47  protrude from the right wall and the left wall to an inner side of the slider  16 . The drawing sections  47  have a width that decreases from the rear side to the front side. With the core wire  13  sliding on inner surfaces of the drawing sections  47 , the core wire  13  is guided into the slider  16 . 
     Steps of Producing the Electric Cable  10  Including the Terminal 
     Next, steps of producing the terminal wire assembly  10  according to this embodiment will be described. The steps of the terminal wire assembly  10  are not limited to those described below. 
     A metal sheet  40  in a shape illustrated in  FIG. 6  is prepared by pressing. Then, the upper holding protrusion  23 A is folded over the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B is folded over the lower holding section  18 B as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a portion to form the upper wall of the terminal body  15  is bent. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a portion to form the left wall  34  of the terminal body  15  is bent. A portion to form the right wall  35  of the terminal body  15  is bent. Through these steps, the terminal body  15  is prepared. 
     The slider  16  is prepared by a known method. 
     The slider  16  is attached to the terminal body  15  from the rear. The front edge of the slider  16  contacts the holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  from the rear and the sidewalls of the slider  16  deform to expand. When the slider  16  is pushed further forward, the sidewalls of the slider  16  recover. As a result, the holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  are fitted in the temporary receiving holes  26  of the slider  16  and the slider  16  is held at the temporary holding position relative to the terminal body  15 . The terminal  12  is obtained (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The section of the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11  is exposed by striping the section of the insulating sheath with a known method. The front end of the core wire  13  is inserted into the slider  16  from the rear end of the slider  16 . The core wire  13  is guided into the slider  16  with the drawing sections  47  of the slider  16  contacting the core wire  13 . When the core wire  13  is pushed further forward, the front end of the core wire  13  enters the inside of the terminal body  15  and reaches the gap between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B. 
     When the slider  16  is held at the temporary holding position relative to the terminal body  15 , the gap between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B is greater than the outer diameter of the core wire  13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the jig  45  is brought into contact with the jig contact section  46  from the rear to slide the slider  16  frontward. The slider  16  is slid frontward relative to the terminal body  15 . The holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  are released from the temporary receiving holes  26  of the slider  16 . The sidewalls of the slider  16  slide on the holding protrusions  28  and thus the sidewalls of the slider  16  deform to expand. 
     When the slider  16  is moved forward, the sidewalls of the slider  16  recover and the holding protrusions  28  of the terminal body  15  are elastically fitted in the permanent receiving holes  27  of the slider  16 . As a result, the slider  16  is held at the temporary holding position relative to the terminal body  15 . 
     With the slider  16  held at the permanent holding position relative to the terminal body  15 , the upper pressing portion  25 A of the slider  16  contacts the upper holding section  18 A of the terminal body  15  from above and presses the upper holding section  18 A downward. The lower pressing portion  25 B of the slider  16  contacts the lower holding section  18 B of the terminal body  15  from below and presses the lower holding section  18 B upward. Therefore, the core wire  13  is sandwiched between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B in the top-bottom direction (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the core wire  13  is sandwiched between the lower surface of the upper holding section  18 A and the upper surface of the lower holding section  18 B. The oxide film on the surface of the core wire is striped and a metal surface of the core wire  13  is exposed. With the metal surface contacting the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B, the electric wire  11  is electrically contacted to the terminal  12 . 
     When the core wire  13  is sandwiched between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B in the top-bottom direction, the core wire  13  is sandwiched between the upper holding protrusion  23 A on the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B on the lower holding section  18 B. The core wire  13  is stretched in the front-rear direction and bent in the top-bottom direction. According to the configuration, the core wire  13  is firmly held and thus the electric wire  11  and the terminal  12  are held together with a greater force even when the electric wire  11  is pulled. The terminal wire assembly  10  is complete. 
     Operation and Effects of this Embodiment 
     Next, operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. This embodiment includes the terminal  12  coupled to the front end of the electric wire  11  with respect to the extending direction. The terminal  12  includes the terminal body  15  and the slider  16 . The terminal body  15  includes the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B that holds the electric wire  11 . The slider  16  is slidable on the terminal body  15  in the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends. The slider  16  includes the upper pressing portion  25 A and the lower pressing portion  25 B that press the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B toward the electric wire  11 , respectively. The terminal body  15  is formed from the metal sheet that is bent. The upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B include the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B, respectively. The upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B contact the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11 . The upper holding protrusion  23 A is formed by folding the metal sheet. 
     The terminal wire assembly  10  according to this embodiment includes the terminal  12  and the electric wire  11  coupled to the terminal  12 . 
     Because the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B are formed by folding the metal sheet, the production cost of the terminal  12  is reduced in comparison to holding protrusions that are prepared by hammering that is performed separately. 
     According to this embodiment, the terminal body  15  includes the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B. The upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B include the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B, respectively. The upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B are displaced from each other in the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends. 
     The core wire  13  held by the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B is bent in the direction that crosses the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends by the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B that are displaced from each other in the extending direction. With the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11  bent, the edges  50 A and  50 B of the upper holding protrusion  23 A and the lower holding protrusion  23 B dig into the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11 . According to the configuration, the terminal  12  is electrically connected to the electric wire  11  with reliability. Because the terminal body  15  is prepared by pressing the metal sheet, the edges  50 A and  50 B are sharply formed. Therefore, the edges  50 A and  50 B can easily dig into the core wire  13 . 
     The lower holding section  18 B includes the lower holding protrusion  23 B at the rear edge  18 C that is the side edge that crosses the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends. The lower holding protrusion  23 B is formed by folding the metal sheet. 
     Because the metal sheet that protrudes in the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends may be used for a coupling portion that is coupled to a carrier. In comparison to a configuration in which a coupling portion of a metal sheet protrudes in a direction crossing the extending direction in which the electric wire extends, yield improves. 
     In this embodiment, the left fragile section  51  and the right fragile section  52  are formed at the left edge  32  and the right edge  33  of the lower holding section  18 B to reduce the width of the lower holding section  18 B in the right-left direction (the direction that crosses the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends). 
     With the left fragile section  51  and the right fragile section  52  formed at a predefined position at which the lower holding section  18 B is designed to bend, the lower holding section  18 B can be bent at the predefined position. According to the configuration, the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  18 B properly holds the electric wire  11 . Therefore, the reliability in electric connection between the terminal  12  and the electric wire  11  increases. 
     In this embodiment, the upper holding section  18 A includes the upper holding protrusion  23 A that is folded at the left edge  30  of the upper holding section  18 A. 
     With the upper holding protrusion  23 A in the area of the upper holding section  18 A that is not designed to be bent, the upper holding section  18 A is less likely to be bent at an unintended position. Because the upper holding protrusion  23 A is formed by folding the metal sheet, an increase in production cost is less likely to occur. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A terminal  62  and an terminal wire assembly  60  according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 to 12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , an upper holding protrusion  73 A is formed at the left edge  30  of an upper holding section  68 A of a terminal body  65 . The upper holding protrusion  73 A projects from the left edge  30  of the upper holding section  68 A. The upper holding protrusion  73 A is folded to abut on a lower surface of the upper holding section  68 A. An area of the upper holding section  68 A in which the upper holding protrusion  73 A is provided is reinforced by the upper holding protrusion  73 A and thus less likely to warp. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a left wall  34  of a wire coupling portion  80  has a height that decreases from the front toward the rear in an area in which the upper holding protrusion  73 A is provided. A left restricting section  83  (an example of a bending restricting section) is formed at an upper edge of the left wall  34  of the wire coupling portion  80  in an area between a left fragile section  81  of the upper holding section  68 A and a left fragile section  81  of a lower holding section  68 B with respect to the front-rear direction. The left restricting section  83  slopes down toward the rear. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a right wall  35  of the wire coupling portion  80  has a height that decreases from the front toward the rear in the area in which the upper holding protrusion  73 A is provided. A right restricting section  84  (an example of a bending restricting section) is formed at a rear edge of the right wall  35  of the wire coupling portion  80  in an area between a right fragile section  82  of the upper holding section  68 A and a right fragile section  82  of the lower holding section  68 B with respect to the front-rear direction. The right restricting section  84  slopes down toward the rear. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , with the slider  16  moved to the permanent holding position relative to the wire coupling portion  80 , an upper surface of the right restricting section  84  contacts the right edge of the upper holding protrusion  73 A of the upper holding section  68 A that is pressed downward by the upper pressing portion  25 A of the slider  16 . As a result, the upper holding section  68 A is less likely to excessively warp downward. With an upper surface of the left restricting section  83  contacting the left edge of the upper holding section  68 A, although such a condition is not illustrated in detail, the upper holding section  68 A is less likely to excessively warp downward. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a rear end of the right wall  35  of the wire coupling portion  80  includes a chamfered section  85  that is sloped toward a right-rear side. With the chamfered section  85 , burrs that may be produced during pressing of the metal sheet can be removed. A rear end of the left wall  34  of the wire coupling portion  80  incudes a chamfered section  85 . 
     Other configurations are similar to the configurations of the first embodiment. Components of the second embodiment the same as the components of the first embodiment will be indicated by the reference signs that indicate the components of the first embodiment and will not be described. 
     Operation and Effects of This Embodiment 
     Next, operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the upper holding section  68 A includes the upper holding protrusion  73 A that is folded at the left edge  30  of the upper holding section  68 A. 
     With the upper holding protrusion  73 A provided in the area of the upper holding section  68 A that is not designed to be bent, the upper holding section  68 A is less likely to bend at an unintended position. The upper holding protrusion  73 A is formed by holding the metal sheet and thus the increase in production cost is less likely to occur. 
     In this embodiment, the left wall  34  and the right wall  35  of the terminal body  65  include the left restricting section  83  and the right restricting section  84 , respectively. The left restricting section  83  and the right restricting section  84  contact the upper holding section  68 A when the upper pressing portion  25 A presses the upper holding section  68 A so that the upper holding section  68 A is less likely to excessively warp. 
     Because the left restricting section  83  and the right restricting section  84  restrict the upper holding section  68 A from excessive warping, the upper holding section  68 A holds the electric wire with a proper pressure. According to the configuration, the reliability in electric connection between the terminal  62  and the electric wire  11  increases. 
     In this embodiment, the left wall  34  and the right wall  35  of the terminal body  65  project from the left edge  30  and a right edge  31  of the upper holding section  68 A. The rear ends of the left wall  34  and the right wall  35  include the chamfered sections  85  that is sloped outward from the inner side of the terminal body  65  toward the rear. 
     When the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11  is inserted into the terminal body  65  from the rear end with respect to the extending direction in which the electric wire extends, the core wire  13  is guided to the inner side of the terminal body  65  by the chamfered sections  85 . According to the configuration, work efficiency in connecting of the electric wire  11  to the terminal  62  improves. Further, because the burrs that may be produced during the pressing of the metal sheet can be removed and thus the core wire  13  is less likely to contact the burrs. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a terminal body  95  according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the upper holding section  18 A of the terminal body  95  according to this embodiment includes a first upper fragile section  96  (an example of a first fragile section) and a second upper fragile section  97  (an example of a second fragile section). The first upper fragile section  96  is recessed from the left edge  30 . The second upper fragile section  97  is recessed from the right edge  31 . The first upper fragile section  96  is more to the rear than the second upper fragile section  97 . Namely, the first upper fragile section  96  and the second upper fragile section  97  are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the lower holding section  18 B includes a first lower fragile section  98  (an example of a first fragile section) and a second lower fragile section  99  (an example of a second fragile section). The first lower fragile section  98  is at the left edge  32 . The second lower fragile section  99  is at the right edge  33 . The first lower fragile section  98  is more to the rear than the second lower fragile section  99 . Namely, the first lower fragile section  98  is displaced from the second lower fragile section  99  in the front-rear direction. 
     Other configurations are similar to the configurations of the first embodiment. Components of the third embodiment the same as the components of the first embodiment will be indicated by the reference signs that indicate the components of the first embodiment and will not be described. 
     In this embodiment, the first upper fragile section  96  is at the left edge  30  of the upper holding section  18 A and the second upper fragile section  97  is at the right edge of the upper holding section  18 A. The first upper fragile section  96  and the second upper fragile section  97  are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction (the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends). 
     Because the first upper fragile section  96  and the second upper fragile section  97  are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction, the upper holding section  18 A is less like to warp in comparison to a configuration in which the first upper fragile section  96  and the second upper fragile section  97  are at the same position with respect to the front-rear direction. Namely, the upper holding section  18 A does not easily warp due to vibrations or any other fact. Therefore, the upper holding section  18 A is less likely to warp at unintended timing. 
     In this embodiment, the first lower fragile section  98  is at the left edge  32  of the lower holding section  18 B and the second lower fragile section  99  is at the right edge of the lower holding section  18 B. The first lower fragile section  98  and the second lower fragile section  99  are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction (the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends). 
     Because the first lower fragile section  98  and the second lower fragile section  99  are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction, the lower holding section  18 B is less like to warp in comparison to a configuration in which the first lower fragile section  98  and the second lower fragile section  99  are at the same position in the front-rear direction. Namely, the lower holding section  18 B does not easily warp due to vibrations or any other fact. Therefore, the lower holding section  18 B is less likely to warp at unintended timing. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Terminal Body  105   
     A terminal body  105  according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a lower holding protrusion  123 B protrudes upward from a rear section of a lower surface of a lower holding section  118 B. 
     The lower holding protrusion  123 B is formed by folding a section that projects farther than the left edge  132  (a side edge) that extends in the front-rear direction (i.e., the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends) onto the upper surface of a lower holding section  118 B to closely contact the upper surface of the lower holding section  118 B. A structure of connection between the terminal body  105  and the electric wire  11  is similar to the first embodiment and thus the electric wire  11  is not illustrated in this embodiment. The right edge of the lower holding section  118 B does not project from a right edge  113  of the holding section  118 B. 
     Steps of Producing the Terminal Body  105   
     Next, steps of producing the terminal body  105  according to this embodiment will be described. The steps of producing the terminal body  105  are not limited to those described below. 
     A metal sheet  140  in a shape illustrated in  FIG. 16  is prepared by pressing. The metal sheet  140  in the shape illustrated in  FIG. 16  includes multiple terminal body portions  105 A that are before bending are connected to a carrier C with coupling portions  154 . The terminal body portions  105 A will be separated from the carrier C and the coupling portions  154  by cutting at cutting points P. As a result, each of the terminal body portions  105 A is prepared in a shape illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the upper holding protrusion  23 A is folded onto the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding protrusion  123 B is folded on the lower holding section  118 B. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , a portion to form the upper wall of the terminal body  105  is folded. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a portion to form the left wall  34  of the terminal body  105  is folded. Finally, a portion to form the right wall  35  of the terminal body  105  is folded. Through the steps, the terminal body  105  is prepared. 
     Other configurations are similar to the configurations of the first embodiment. Components of the fourth embodiment the same as the components of the first embodiment will be indicated by the reference signs that indicate the components of the first embodiment and will not be described. 
     In the first embodiment, the lower holding protrusion  23 B on the lower holding section  18 B is formed by folding the portion of the metal sheet at the side edge that extends in the direction that crosses the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends (e.g., the rear edge  18 C). In such a configuration, the lower holding protrusion  23 B may rub against the electric wire  11  and the lower holding protrusion  23 B may be turned over toward the rear when the electric wire  11  is pulled rearward. In this embodiment, the lower holding protrusion  123 B is folded at the left edge  132  of the lower holding section  118 B extending in the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends. Therefore, the lower holding protrusion  123 B is less likely to be turned over. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Terminal Body  205   
     A terminal body  205  according to a fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS. 21 and 22 . 
     Rear Receiving Section  253   
     A lower holding section  218 B includes a rear receiving section  253 . The rear receiving section  253  protrudes from a rear end of a lower holding protrusion  223 B (a holding protrusion) toward the electric wire  11  in the front-rear direction (i.e., the extending direction in which the electric wire  11  extends). A connecting structure of the terminal body  105  to the electric wire  11  is similar to the first embodiment and thus the electric wire  11  is not illustrated in this embodiment. The rear receiving section  253  is formed by folding a section that protrudes rearward from the rear end of the lower holding protrusion  223 B upward. 
     The rear receiving section  253  and the lower holding protrusion  223 B are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction and adjacent to each other or closely attached to each other. An upper edge of a front end of the rear receiving section  253  is at a height equal to or slightly below the upper edge of the lower holding protrusion  223 B. According to the configuration, when the core wire  13  of the electric wire  11  is inserted into the gap between the upper holding section  18 A and the lower holding section  218 B, the core wire  13  is less likely to touch the front end of the rear receiving section  253 . 
     For example, when the electric wire  11  is pulled rearward, the lower holding protrusion  223 B slides with the electric wire  11 . When the lower holding protrusion  223 B is pulled rearward along with the electric wire  11 , the lower holding protrusion  223 B receives a force F toward the rear. In such a situation, the rear receiving section  253  contacts the lower holding protrusion  223 B from the rear. 
     Other configurations are similar to the configurations of the fourth embodiment. Components of the fifth embodiment the same as the components of the fourth embodiment will be indicated by the reference signs that indicate the components of the fourth embodiment and will not be described. 
     According to this embodiment, when the electric wire  11  is pulled rearward and the lower holding protrusion  223 B slides with the electric wire  11 , the force F toward the rear is applied. Therefore, the rear receiving section  253  contacts the lower holding protrusion  223 B from the rear and thus displacement of the lower holding protrusion  223 B toward the rear is restricted. 
     Other Embodiments 
     The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above and illustrated in the drawings. The following embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the technology described herein. 
     (1) The terminal  12  may include only one holding section or three or more holding sections. 
     (2) The terminal  12  may be a male terminal that includes a male tab. 
     (3) The lower holding protrusion  123 B in the fourth embodiment protrudes from the left edge  132  of the lower holding section  118 B. However, a lower holding protrusion that protrudes from the right edge of the lower holding section may be included in the configurations. 
     EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS 
       10 ,  60 : Terminal wire assembly 
       11 : Electric wire 
       12 ,  62 : Terminal 
       13 : Core wire 
       14 : Insulating sheath 
       15 ,  65 ,  95 ,  105 ,  105 A,  205 : Terminal body 
       16 : Slider 
       17 : Tubular portion 
       18 A,  68 A: Upper holding section 
       18 B,  18 C,  68 B,  118 B,  218 B: Lower holding section 
       20 ,  80 : Wire coupling portion 
       23 A,  73 A: Upper holding protrusion (an example of a holding protrusion) 
       23 B,  123 B,  223 B: Lower holding protrusion (an example of a holding protrusion) 
       25 A: Upper pressing portion 
       25 B: Lower pressing portion 
       26 : Temporary receiving hole 
       27 : Permanent receiving hole 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 28: Holding protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 30, 32, 132: Left edge 
               
               
                   
                 31, 33, 133: Right edge 
               
               
                   
                 34: Left wall 
               
               
                   
                 35: Right wall 
               
               
                   
                 40, 140: Metal sheet 
               
               
                   
                 45: Jig 
               
               
                   
                 46: Jig contact section 
               
               
                   
                 47: Drawing section 
               
               
                   
                 50A, 50B: Edge 
               
               
                   
                 51: Left fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 52: Right fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 83: Left restricting section (an example of a bending 
               
               
                   
                 restricting section) 
               
               
                   
                 84: Right restricting section (an example of a bending 
               
               
                   
                 restricting section) 
               
               
                   
                 85: Chamfered section 
               
               
                   
                 96: First upper fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 97: Second upper fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 98: First lower fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 99: Second lower fragile section 
               
               
                   
                 154: Connecting portion 
               
               
                   
                 253: Rear receiving section 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     C: Carrier 
     P: Cutting position