Connector and Conductive Terminal Module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector and a conductive terminal module. The connector is adapted to be electrically connected to a conductor and includes: a pair of conductive terminals, each of the conductive terminals including a U-shaped fixing portion and an elastic contact arm extending from the U-shaped fixing portion; and a pair of pressing members, each of the pressing members including a U-shaped holding portion and an elastic supporting arm extending from the U-shaped holding portion. Each of the pressing members is embedded in the U-shaped fixing portion of one of the conductive terminals through the U-shaped holding portion, and at least a part of the elastic supporting arm abuts against the elastic contact arm. In the present invention, since the pressing member is embedded in the internal space surrounded by the conductive terminals, the size of the connector can be reduced, and miniaturization of the connector is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a conductive terminal module. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a power connector generally includes a pair of conductive terminals and an insulating spacer. The insulating spacer includes a separating main body portion disposed between the pair of conductive terminals and a pair of elastic arms respectively clamped on the outer sides of the pair of conductive terminals. In addition, in the prior art, an elastic clip is sometimes provided outside the insulating spacer, and the elastic clip has a pair of elastic clamping arms clamped on the pair of elastic arms of the insulating spacer.

[0003] In the prior art, both the insulating spacer and the elastic clip are wrapped outside the conductive terminals, which increases the size of the power connector, resulting in a relatively large size of the entire power connector in the width direction and failing to meet the requirements of product miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector adapted to be electrically connected to a conductor, including: a pair of conductive terminals, each of the conductive terminals including a U-shaped fixing portion and an elastic contact arm extending from the U-shaped fixing portion; and a pair of pressing members, each of the pressing members including a U-shaped holding portion and an elastic supporting arm extending from the U-shaped holding portion. Each of the pressing members is embedded in the U-shaped fixing portion of one of the conductive terminals through the U-shaped holding portion, and at least a part of the elastic supporting arm abuts against the elastic contact arm.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes an insulating spacer disposed between the pair of conductive terminals to separate the pair of conductive terminals.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes an insulating housing, and the conductive terminals, the pressing members and the insulating spacer are installed in the insulating housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped fixing portion of each of the conductive terminals is fixed between the insulating housing and the insulating spacer.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped fixing portion of the conductive terminal is fixed between the insulating housing and the insulating spacer by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped holding portion of each of the pressing members is fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion of one of the conductive terminals.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped holding portion of the pressing member is fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion of the conductive terminal by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped fixing portion of the conductive terminal includes a plate-shaped first wall that abuts against the inner wall of the insulating housing and a plate-shaped second wall that abuts against the insulating partition.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped holding portion of the pressing member includes a plate-shaped first side wall and a plate-shaped second side wall that respectively abut against the inner sides of the first wall and the second wall of the conductive terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact arm of the conductive terminal is connected to the second wall of the U-shaped fixing portion and extends forward from the second wall of the U-shaped fixing portion; the elastic support arm of the pressing member is connected to the first wall of the U-shaped holding portion and extends forward from the first wall of the U-shaped holding portion.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support arm includes an end portion at its free end, and the end portion of the elastic support arm contacts the elastic contact arm.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the length of the elastic support arm is shorter than that of the elastic contact arm, and the elastic contact arm extends beyond the end portion of the elastic support arm.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact arm is made of a first material, the elastic support arm is made of a second material different from the first material, the electrical conductivity of the first material is better than that of the second material, and the mechanical strength of the second material is higher than that of the first material.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact arm is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the elastic support arm is made of stainless steel.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulating housing has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other in its length direction. A slot is formed on the first side of the insulating housing, and the elastic contact arms of the pair of conductive terminals are received in the slot and are adapted to make electrical contact with a conductor inserted into the slot.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the insulating spacer along the length direction is an isosceles trapezoid, the isosceles trapezoid having a first base near the second side of the insulating housing and a second base far from the second side of the insulating housing, and the length of the second base being greater than that of the first base.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact arm includes a row of elastic arms in a comb shape, the end of each elastic arm being bent outward, and limiting holes corresponding to the ends of the elastic arms are formed on the side walls on each side of the slot of the insulating housing, and the ends of the elastic arms are adapted to be inserted into the limiting holes.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive terminal further has a welding portion connected to the lower side of the U-shaped fixing portion, and the welding portion is exposed from the bottom of the insulating housing for welding to a circuit board.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of arc-shaped grooves are formed on the arc-shaped bottom wall of the U-shaped fixing portion of the conductive terminal.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulating housing has a columnar protrusion protruding from its bottom, and the columnar protrusion is adapted to be inserted into a positioning hole on a circuit board.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conductive terminal module, including: a conductive terminal including a fixing portion bent substantially in a U shape and an elastic contact arm extending from the fixing portion; and a pressing member including a holding portion bent substantially in a U shape and a support arm extending from the holding portion. The pressing member is embedded in the U-shaped bent fixing portion of the conductive terminal through the holding portion, and at least a part of the support arm abuts against the elastic contact arm.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion includes a first wall and a second wall, and the elastic contact arm extends from the second wall.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the holding portion of the pressing member includes a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall abuts against the first wall of the conductive terminal, and the second side wall abuts against the second wall of the conductive terminal, wherein the support arm extends from the first side wall.

[0028] In the foregoing various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the pressing member is embedded in the internal space surrounded by the conductive terminal, the size of the connector can be reduced, achieving miniaturization of the connector.

[0029] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will assist in a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic view showing a conductive terminal, a pressing member, and an insulating partition of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a conductive terminal and a pressing member of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side;

[0034] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a conductive terminal and a pressing member of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the other side. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will be further specifically described below by way of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0036] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form in order to simplify the drawings.

[0037] According to a general inventive concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector adapted to be electrically connected to a conductor, including: a pair of conductive terminals, each of the conductive terminals including a U-shaped fixing portion and an elastic contact arm extending from the U-shaped fixing portion; and a pair of pressing members, each of the pressing members including a U-shaped holding portion and an elastic support arm extending from the U-shaped holding portion. Each of the pressing members is embedded in the U-shaped fixing portion of one of the conductive terminals through the U-shaped holding portion, and at least a part of the elastic support arm abuts against the elastic contact arm.

[0038] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, there is provided a conductive terminal module, comprising: a conductive terminal including a fixing portion bent substantially in a U shape and an elastic contact arm extending from the fixing portion; and a pressing member including a holding portion bent substantially in a U shape and a support arm extending from the holding portion. The pressing member is embedded in the U-shaped bent fixing portion of the conductive terminal through the holding portion, and at least a part of the support arm abuts against the elastic contact arm.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective schematic view of a connector showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a connector showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic view showing the conductive terminal 20, the pressing member 30 and the insulating partition 40 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector is adapted to be electrically connected to a conductor 1. The connector mainly includes a pair of conductive terminals 20 and a pair of pressing members 30. Each conductive terminal 20 includes a U-shaped fixing portion 22 and an elastic contact arm 21 extending from the U-shaped fixing portion 22. Each pressing member 30 includes a U-shaped holding portion 32 and an elastic support arm 31 extending from the U-shaped holding portion 32. Each pressing member 30 is embedded in the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of a conductive terminal 20 through the U-shaped holding portion 32, and at least a part of the elastic support arm 31 abuts against the elastic contact arm 21.

[0041] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, each pressing member 30 is embedded in the internal space surrounded by a corresponding conductive terminal 20, that is, the conductive terminal 20 surrounds the outside of a corresponding pressing member 30. In this way, the pressing member 30 does not need to occupy the space outside the conductive terminal 20. Therefore, the size of the connector can be reduced. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, at least a part of the elastic support arm 31 of the pressing member 30 abuts against the elastic contact arm 21 to provide support for the conductive terminal 20, which can not only improve the elastic contact force between the conductive terminal 20 and the conductor 1, but also prevent the conductive terminal 20 from yielding.

[0042] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes an insulating partition 40 disposed between the pair of conductive terminals 20 to separate the pair of conductive terminals 20.

[0043] As Figures 1 to 3As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes an insulating housing 10, and conductive terminals 20, a pressing member 30, and an insulating partition 40 are installed in the insulating housing 10.

[0044] Figure 4 A perspective schematic view of a conductive terminal 20 and a pressing member 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from one side. Figure 5 A perspective schematic view of a conductive terminal 20 and a pressing member 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the other side.

[0045] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of each conductive terminal 20 is fixed between the insulating housing 10 and the insulating partition 40.

[0046] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20 is fixed between the insulating housing 10 and the insulating partition 40 by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

[0047] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped holding portion 32 of each pressing member 30 is embedded in and fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20.

[0048] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped holding portion 32 of the pressing member 30 is fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20 by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

[0049] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20 includes a plate-shaped first wall 22a abutting against the inner wall of the insulating housing 10 and a plate-shaped second wall 22b abutting against the insulating partition 40.

[0050] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped holding portion 32 of the pressing member 30 includes a plate-shaped first side wall 32a and a plate-shaped second side wall 32b respectively abutting against the inner sides of the first wall 22a and the second wall 22b of the conductive terminal 20.

[0051] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic contact arm 21 of the conductive terminal 20 is connected to the second wall 22b of the U-shaped fixing portion 22 and extends forward from the second wall 22b of the U-shaped fixing portion 22. The elastic support arm 31 of the pressing member 30 is connected to the first wall 22a of the U-shaped holding portion 32 and extends forward from the first wall 22a of the U-shaped holding portion 32.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient support arm 31 includes an end portion 31a at its free end, and the end portion 31a of the resilient support arm 31 contacts the resilient contact arm 21.

[0053] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the length of the resilient support arm 31 is shorter than that of the resilient contact arm 21, and the resilient contact arm 21 extends beyond the end portion 31a of the resilient support arm 31.

[0054] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact arm 21 is made of a first material, and the resilient support arm 31 is made of a second material different from the first material. The electrical conductivity of the first material is better than that of the second material, and the mechanical strength of the second material is higher than that of the first material.

[0055] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact arm 21 is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the resilient support arm 31 is made of stainless steel.

[0056] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating housing 10 has a first side and a second side opposite to each other in its length direction. A slot 11 is formed on the first side of the insulating housing 10, and the resilient contact arms 21 of a pair of conductive terminals 20 are received in the slot 11 and are adapted to be in electrical contact with a conductor 1 inserted into the slot 11.

[0057] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating spacer 40 has an isosceles trapezoidal cross-section along its length direction. The isosceles trapezoid has a first base near the second side of the insulating housing 10 and a second base away from the second side of the insulating housing 10, and the length of the second base is greater than that of the first base.

[0058] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact arm 21 includes a row of resilient arms 210 in a comb shape. The end portion 210a of each resilient arm 210 is bent outward, and limiting holes 11a corresponding to the end portions 210a of the resilient arms 210 are formed on the side walls on each side of the slot 11 of the insulating housing 10. The end portion 210a of the resilient arm 210 is adapted to be inserted into the limiting hole 11a.

[0059] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 20 further has a welding portion 22c connected to the lower side of the U-shaped fixing portion 22. The welding portion 22c is exposed from the bottom of the insulating housing 10 for welding to a circuit board (not shown).

[0060] AsFigures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of arc-shaped grooves 22d are formed on the arc-shaped bottom wall of the U-shaped fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20. In this way, the bending strength of the U-shaped fixing portion 22 can be reduced, facilitating bending and forming.

[0061] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating housing 10 has a columnar protruding portion 12 protruding from its bottom, and the columnar protruding portion 12 is adapted to be inserted into a positioning hole on the circuit board.

[0062] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the present invention also discloses a conductive terminal module. The conductive terminal module includes a conductive terminal 20 and a pressing member 30. The conductive terminal 20 includes a fixing portion 22 bent substantially in a U-shape and an elastic contact arm 21 extending from the fixing portion 22. The pressing member 30 includes a holding portion 32 bent substantially in a U-shape and a support arm 31 extending from the holding portion 32. The pressing member 30 is embedded in the U-shaped bent fixing portion 22 of the conductive terminal 20 through the holding portion 32, and at least a part of the support arm 31 abuts against the elastic contact arm 21.

[0063] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portion 22 includes a first wall 22a and a second wall 22b, and the elastic contact arm 21 extends from the second wall 22b.

[0064] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the holding portion 32 of the pressing member 30 includes a first side wall 32a and a second side wall 32b. The first side wall 32a abuts against the first wall 22a of the conductive terminal 20, and the second side wall 32b abuts against the second wall 22b of the conductive terminal 20, wherein the support arm 31 extends from the first side wall 32a.

[0065] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-described embodiments are all exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make improvements to them. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without conflicts in structure or principle.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0067] Although some embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present general inventive concept. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0068] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the terms "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Additionally, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector adapted to be electrically connected to a conductor (1), comprising: A pair of conductive terminals (20), each of the conductive terminals (20) comprising a U-shaped fixing portion (22) and an elastic contact arm (21) extending from the U-shaped fixing portion (22); and A pair of pressing members (30), each of the pressing members (30) comprising a U-shaped holding portion (32) and an elastic support arm (31) extending from the U-shaped holding portion (32), Characterized in that: Each of the pressing members (30) is embedded in the U-shaped fixing portion (22) of one of the conductive terminals (20) through the U-shaped holding portion (32), and at least a part of the elastic support arm (31) abuts against the elastic contact arm (21).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector further comprises an insulating partition (40), the insulating partition (40) being disposed between the pair of conductive terminals (20) to separate the pair of conductive terminals (20).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector further comprises an insulating housing (10), the conductive terminals (20), the pressing members (30) and the insulating partition (40) being mounted in the insulating housing (10).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The U-shaped fixing portion (22) of each of the conductive terminals (20) is fixed between the insulating housing (10) and the insulating partition (40).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The U-shaped fixing portion (22) of the conductive terminal (20) is fixed between the insulating housing (10) and the insulating partition (40) by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The U-shaped holding portion (32) of each of the pressing members (30) is fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion (22) of one of the conductive terminals (20).

7. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The U-shaped holding portion (32) of the pressing member (30) is fixed in the U-shaped fixing portion (22) of the conductive terminal (20) by virtue of its own elastic deformation force.

8. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The U-shaped fixing portion (22) of the conductive terminal (20) comprises a plate-shaped first wall (22a) abutting against the inner wall of the insulating housing (10) and a plate-shaped second wall (22b) abutting against the insulating partition (40).

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The U-shaped holding portion (32) of the pressing member (30) comprises a plate-shaped first side wall (32a) and a plate-shaped second side wall (32b) respectively abutting against the inner sides of the first wall (22a) and the second wall (22b) of the conductive terminal (20).

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic contact arm (21) of the conductive terminal (20) is connected to the second wall (22b) of the U-shaped fixing portion (22) and extends forward from the second wall (22b) of the U-shaped fixing portion (22); The elastic support arm (31) of the pressing member (30) is connected to the first wall (22a) of the U-shaped holding portion (32) and extends forward from the first wall (22a) of the U-shaped holding portion (32).

11. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic support arm (31) comprises an end portion (31a) at its free end, and the end portion (31a) of the elastic support arm (31) contacts the elastic contact arm (21).

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The length of the elastic support arm (31) is shorter than that of the elastic contact arm (21), and the elastic contact arm (21) extends beyond the end (31a) of the elastic support arm (31).

13. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic contact arm (21) is made of a first material, and the elastic support arm (31) is made of a second material different from the first material. The first material has better electrical conductivity than the second material, and the second material has higher mechanical strength than the first material.

14. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The elastic contact arm (21) is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the elastic support arm (31) is made of stainless steel.

15. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insulating housing (10) has a first side and a second side opposite to each other in its length direction. A slot (11) is formed on the first side of the insulating housing (10). The elastic contact arms (21) of the pair of conductive terminals (20) are received in the slot (11) and are adapted to be in electrical contact with a conductor (1) inserted into the slot (11).

16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein: The cross-section of the insulating partition (40) along the length direction is an isosceles trapezoid. The isosceles trapezoid has a first base near the second side of the insulating housing (10) and a second base far from the second side of the insulating housing (10), and the length of the second base is greater than that of the first base.

17. The connector according to claim 15, wherein: The elastic contact arm (21) includes a row of elastic arms (210) in a comb shape. The end (210a) of each elastic arm (210) is bent outward. Positioning holes (11a) corresponding to the ends (210a) of the elastic arms (210) are formed on the side walls on each side of the slot (11) of the insulating housing (10). The ends (210a) of the elastic arms (210) are adapted to be inserted into the positioning holes (11a).

18. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The conductive terminal (20) further has a welding portion (22c) connected to the lower side of the U-shaped fixing portion (22). The welding portion (22c) is exposed from the bottom of the insulating housing (10) for welding to a circuit board.

19. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of arc-shaped grooves (22d) are formed on the arc-shaped bottom wall of the U-shaped fixing portion (22) of the conductive terminal (20).

20. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The insulating housing (10) has a columnar protrusion (12) protruding from its bottom. The columnar protrusion (12) is adapted to be inserted into a positioning hole on a circuit board.

21. A conductive terminal module, comprising: A conductive terminal (20), including a fixing portion (22) bent substantially in a U shape and an elastic contact arm (21) extending from the fixing portion (22); and A pressing member (30), including a holding portion (32) bent substantially in a U shape and a support arm (31) extending from the holding portion (32), characterized in that: The pressing member (30) is embedded in the U-shaped bent fixing portion (22) of the conductive terminal (20) through the holding portion (32), and at least a part of the support arm (31) abuts against the elastic contact arm (21).

22. The conductive terminal module according to claim 21, wherein: The fixing portion (22) includes a first wall (22a) and a second wall (22b), and the elastic contact arm (21) extends from the second wall (22b).

23. The conductive terminal module according to claim 22, wherein: The holding portion (32) of the pressing member (30) includes a first side wall (32a) and a second side wall (32b). The first side wall (32a) abuts against the first wall (22a) of the conductive terminal (20), and the second side wall (32b) abuts against the second wall (22b) of the conductive terminal (20), wherein the support arm (31) extends from the first side wall (32a).

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