Method of connecting wire and terminal fitting

A method of connecting a terminal fitting and an elastic wire, comprising the steps of:

• providing a terminal fitting;
• providing an electric wire;
• providing a conductive connecting member formed with an insertion hole, the connecting member which includes an outer peripheral portion having a continuous cylindrical shape;
• inserting the electric wire into the insertion hole of the connecting member;
• compressing the outer peripheral portion of the connecting member radially inwardly so as to caulk an inserted portion of the electric wire uniformly over a whole periphery thereof;
• and
• thereafter
• welding the connecting member and the terminal fitting by applying ultrasonic wave;
• wherein the electric wire comprises wire elements;
• wherein the wire elements comprise a covered portion which is covered by an insulating sheath and an exposed portion which is exposed;
• wherein when the electric wire is inserted into the insertion hole of the connecting member, the connecting member covers a portion of the exposed portion and a portion of the covered portion;
• wherein when the electric wire is inserted into the insertion hole of the connecting member, the connecting member covers all of the exposed portion of the wire elements;
• and
• wherein the connecting member includes an open end into which the electric wire is inserted and a closed end opposite the open end.