End face contact assembly, electrical connector and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a side contact finger, which comprises a terminal body, a movable contact, a side contact finger, a terminal surface contact spring and a reset spring, the side contact finger and the reset spring are located in the terminal body, one end of the movable contact is connected with the reset spring in abutment after penetrating through the side contact finger, the movable contact and the inner wall of the terminal body are in contact with the side contact finger, the other end of the movable contact is located outside the terminal body, and the terminal surface contact spring is installed on the terminal surface of the other end of the movable contact. The embodiment of the application increases the contact area of electrical contact through the terminal surface contact spring and the side contact finger, so that the current carrying capacity of the product is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to an end-face contact assembly, an electrical connector, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] The end-face contact assemblies currently used in the market generally consist of a terminal body, a moving contact, and a spring. One end of the moving contact extends into the terminal body and abuts against the spring installed inside the terminal body. The other end of the moving contact is set as a flat or dome surface to make surface-to-surface contact with the mating terminal, thereby achieving contact and electrical contact.

[0003] The electrical connection between the moving contact and the terminal body is achieved through the cooperation between the spring and the end face of the moving contact, and the contact between the side of the moving contact and the side of the terminal body.

[0004] Due to the small contact area, this type of terminal is mainly used for signal or low-current power transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an end-face contact assembly, an electrical connector, and an electronic device to increase the contact area of ​​electrical contacts and improve the current carrying capacity of the product.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention discloses an end-face contact assembly, which includes a terminal body, a moving contact, a side contact finger, an end-face contact spring, and a return spring. The side contact finger and the return spring are both located within the terminal body. One end of the moving contact passes through the side contact finger and abuts against the return spring. The moving contact and the inner wall of the terminal body are both in contact with the side contact finger. The other end of the moving contact is located on the outer side of the terminal body, and the end-face contact spring is mounted on the other end face of the moving contact.

[0007] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of the present invention, the end face contact spring is mounted on the other end face of the moving contact via a contact finger fixing bracket.

[0008] As an optional implementation, in the first aspect of the present invention, a mounting groove is provided on the other end face of the moving contact, the end face contact spring passes through the contact finger fixing bracket, and the two ends of the contact finger fixing bracket are inserted, welded or snapped into the mounting groove.

[0009] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal section of the end face contact spring includes a lower section and an upper section located above the lower section. The lower section and the upper section are integrally formed. The lower section is arc-shaped and is adapted to the contact finger fixing bracket. The lower section is installed in the mounting groove through the contact finger fixing bracket. The upper end of the upper section has at least two protrusions; or / and, the longitudinal section of the mounting groove is arc-shaped; or / and, the mounting groove is spiral-shaped.

[0010] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of the present invention, the moving contact includes a head and a tail. A boss is provided at the lower end of the head, and the boss is adapted to a tightening opening provided at the upper end of the terminal body. The tail includes an abutment portion and a sleeve portion. The abutment portion and the sleeve portion are integrally formed, welded, or interference-fitted. A side contact finger is sleeved on the sleeve portion and contacts the sleeve portion. The end of the sleeve portion away from the abutment portion is interference-fitted or welded to the lower end of the head. The abutment portion cooperates with the return spring, and the end face contact spring is mounted on the upper surface of the head. The diameters of both the abutment portion and the boss are larger than the diameter of the sleeve portion.

[0011] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of the present invention, the end face contact assembly further includes a plug, the moving contact includes a head, a connecting portion, and a sleeve portion, the internal space of the terminal body includes a first part and a second part that are interconnected, the first part is located above the second part, the diameter of the first part is larger than the diameter of the second part, an annular step is formed between the first part and the second part, the return spring is located in the second part, the plug is threaded, snapped, or fastened to the upper end of the first part; the side contact finger is installed in the first part, and its upper and lower ends are respectively in contact with the plug and the annular step, the plug has a through hole, the two ends of the connecting portion are respectively fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the head and the sleeve portion, the sleeve portion passes through the side contact finger and contacts the side contact finger, the bottom of the sleeve portion extends into the second part and cooperates with the return spring, the connecting portion is located in the plug, and the length of the connecting portion is greater than the length of the plug, the diameter of the head and the sleeve portion are both greater than the diameter of the through hole, and the end face contact spring is installed on the upper end face of the head away from the connecting portion.

[0012] As an optional implementation, in a first aspect of the present invention, the side contact finger contact includes a bracket and a plurality of contact pieces. The bracket strings the plurality of contact pieces together to form an annular structure. Each contact piece includes a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm, and a third elastic arm. The first elastic arm is located in the middle of the contact piece and inside the annular structure. The second and third elastic arms are located at both ends of the contact piece. The bracket passes through the second and third elastic arms. The moving contact is sleeved in the annular structure and contacts the first elastic arm.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention discloses an electrical connector, which includes the end face contact assembly described in the first aspect of the present invention and a mating terminal, wherein the end face contact assembly contacts the end face of the mating terminal through the end face contact spring.

[0014] As an optional implementation, in a second aspect of the present invention, the compression force of the reset spring is set as a first force, the insertion and extraction force of the moving contact and the side contact finger is set as a second force, and the compression force of the end face contact spring is set as a third force, wherein the sum of the first force and the second force is greater than the third force.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention discloses an electronic device that includes the electrical connector described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. By using end-face contact springs and side contact fingers, the contact area of ​​electrical contact is increased, thereby improving the current carrying capacity of the product.

[0018] 2. By using end-face contact springs, a zero insertion / extraction force solution can be achieved, which can greatly improve the service life of the terminals and also improve the user experience of the connector.

[0019] 3. By using end-face contact springs, the product's fault tolerance can be improved, allowing for greater design freedom in connector products.

[0020] 4. The end-face contact spring greatly reduces the requirements for terminal length, which can meet the needs of high current connection in a small space, and at the same time makes the overall connector design more flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the end face contact assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposed structure;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of area A;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end-face contact spring according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving contact in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the head structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the head of the device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the contact finger fixing bracket according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the side contact finger of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the contact piece of the present invention in one direction;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the contact piece of the present invention from another direction;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reset spring of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the end face contact assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the moving contact in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0038] In the diagram: 10. Terminal body; 11. Terminal sleeve; 12. Tightening opening; 13. Accommodating space; 20. Side contact finger; 21. Contact piece; 211. First elastic arm; 2111. First arc-shaped portion; 2112. Second connecting section; 2113. Second arc-shaped portion; 2114. Third connecting section; 2115. First connecting section; 212. Second elastic arm; 2121. First end; 2122. First annular body; 213. Third elastic arm; 2131. Second end; 2132. Second annular body; 22. Support; 31. Head Part; 311, Mounting slot; 312, First insertion hole; 313, Second insertion hole; 314, Boss; 315, Receiving groove; 32, Tail end; 321, Sleeve part; 322, Abutting part; 33, Moving contact; 331, Head; 332, Connecting part; 333, Sleeve part; 40, Contact finger fixing bracket; 41, Bracket body; 42, First insertion part; 43, Second insertion part; 50, End face contact spring; 51, Lower section; 52, First upper section; 53, Second upper section; 54, Third upper section; 60, Return spring; 70, Plug. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the materials and equipment used in this embodiment are commercially available. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise precisely specified.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a connection through an intermediary, or a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] An end-face contact assembly, please refer to Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes a terminal body 10, a moving contact, a side contact finger 20, an end face contact spring 50, and a return spring 60. The side contact finger 20 and the return spring 60 are both located within the accommodating space 13 of the terminal body 10. One end of the moving contact passes through the side contact finger 20 and abuts against the return spring 60. The moving contact and the inner wall of the terminal body 10 are both in contact with the side contact finger 20. The other end of the moving contact is located on the outside of the terminal body 10. The end face contact spring 50 is installed on the other end face of the moving contact.

[0045] The end face contact assembly can be called the female terminal. It makes contact with the matching terminal, i.e. the male terminal, through the end face contact spring 50 to form an electrical connector. The contact scheme inside the female terminal is that the moving contact makes contact with the terminal body 10 through the side contact finger 20.

[0046] By using end-face contact spring 50 and side contact finger 20, the contact area of ​​electrical contact can be increased, thereby improving the current carrying capacity of the product.

[0047] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5-9 As shown, a mounting groove 311 is provided on the other end face of the moving contact (i.e., the upper end face of the head), and the end face contact spring 50 is installed in the mounting groove 311 through the contact finger fixing bracket 40; the cooperation relationship between the contact finger fixing bracket 40 and the mounting groove 311 can be that the two ends of the contact finger fixing bracket 40 are inserted, welded or snapped into the mounting groove 311.

[0048] For example, please refer to Figure 7 and 9As shown, a first insertion hole 312 and a second insertion hole 313 are respectively provided at both ends of the mounting groove 311. The contact finger fixing bracket 40 includes a bracket body 41 and a first insertion part 42 and a second insertion part 43 located at both ends of the bracket body 41 and extending to the same side. The first insertion part 42 is inserted into the first insertion hole 312, and the second insertion part 43 is inserted into the second insertion hole 313.

[0049] The mounting groove 311 can be one or more annular rings (e.g., multiple nested annular rings) or a spiral shape, preferably a spiral shape, to increase the turning radius of the end face contact spring 50 when it bends along its path, thus avoiding deformation of the contact finger during assembly. At the same time, the spiral shape design allows for the mounting of a longer end face contact spring 50 on the same size moving contact while ensuring the bending radius, thereby increasing the contact area.

[0050] For ease of manufacturing, the end-face contact spring 50 is preferably wound into a strip shape. The end-face contact spring 50 is made of high-conductivity, high-elasticity alloy copper wire, and has a large number of turns, thereby increasing the contact area.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 4 and 8 As shown, the longitudinal section of the end face contact spring 50 (in this invention, the longitudinal section refers to the axial section or the section in the height direction of the terminal body 10) includes a lower section 51 and an upper section located above the lower section 51. The lower section 51 and the upper section are integrally formed. The lower section 51 is arc-shaped and is adapted to the contact finger fixing bracket 40. The lower section 51 is located in the mounting groove 311. The upper end of the upper section has at least two protrusions.

[0052] The upper end of the upper section has at least two protrusions, which can make contact with the mating terminal when in contact with the mating terminal, thereby forming multiple contact points, thereby increasing the electrical contact area and improving the current carrying capacity.

[0053] Specifically, the upper section can be designed in a wavy shape. For example, when there are two protrusions, the upper section can be designed with a structure that is slightly concave in the middle and convex on both sides. Figure 4 The upper section is divided into three parts, namely the first upper section 52, the second upper section 53 ( Figure 4 The portion between B and C) and the third upper section 54; wherein, one end of the first upper section 52 is integrally formed with one end of the lower section 51, the other end of the first upper section 52 is integrally formed with one end of the third upper section 54 via the second upper section 53, the other end of the third upper section 54 is integrally formed with the other end of the adjacent rear lower section, and the other end of the lower section 51 is integrally formed with the other end of the adjacent front third upper section 54, thereby forming a wound end-face contact spring 50 structure ( Figure 4The shape is only used to represent the structure; it is not actually a closed ring structure.

[0054] Both the first upper section 52 and the third upper section 54 are designed as upwardly convex arc-shaped structures, while the second upper section 53 is designed as a downwardly concave arc-shaped structure. Simultaneously, the connecting section between the end face contact spring 50 (between the lower section 51 and the first upper section 52, and between the lower section 51 and the second upper section) is designed as an inwardly concave arc-shaped structure (forming a hyperboloid structure between the two connecting sections, to...). Figure 4 The distance between the two connecting segments at line D is the smallest, and the distance between the two connecting segments going up or down gradually increases. Its main purpose is to ensure that when the protrusion is compressed by the end face of the matching terminal, the direction of displacement of the end face contact spring 50 is mainly the height direction of the terminal body 10. The structure of this connecting segment can give the contact pair a certain positive pressure, thereby reducing the contact resistance.

[0055] In addition, the connecting section is also used to cooperate with the mounting groove 311 to assist in the installation and positioning of the end face contact spring 50. The lower section 51 of the end face contact spring 50 is set in an arc-shaped structure, such as a semi-circle, a major arc, or a minor arc, mainly to cooperate with the mounting bracket to achieve the installation and positioning of the contact finger.

[0056] Of course, in other embodiments, end-face contact springs 50 of other shapes may also be used.

[0057] The end face contact spring 50 is threaded onto the contact finger fixing bracket 40, and the end face contact spring 50 and the contact finger fixing bracket 40 are embedded in the mounting groove 311 corresponding to the end face of the moving contact.

[0058] The longitudinal section of the mounting groove 311 is an arc, meaning it is designed as an open C-shaped circle, with the opening slightly smaller than the diameter of the circle. During assembly, the end-face contact spring 50 is forcefully inserted into the open groove. This provides auxiliary positioning for the end-face contact spring 50. When the male and female terminals are matched, the pressure at their contact point (the protrusion) will cause the lower section of the end-face contact spring 50 to fit tightly against the mounting groove 311, increasing the contact points between the end-face contact spring 50 and the moving contact, thereby increasing current carrying capacity.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 6-10As shown, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the moving contact includes a head 31 and a tail 32. A boss 314 is provided at the lower end of the head 31. The boss 314 is located within the accommodating space 13 of the terminal body 10, and it is adapted to the tightening opening 12 provided at the upper end of the terminal body 10, preventing the boss 314 from sliding out of the accommodating space 13. The tail 32 includes an abutment portion 322 and a sleeve portion 321. The abutment portion 322 and the sleeve portion 321 are integrally formed, welded, or connected by an interference fit. A side contact finger 20 is sleeved on the sleeve portion 321 and contacts it. The end of the sleeve portion 321 away from the abutment portion 322 is connected to the lower end of the head 31 by an interference fit or welding, for example... Figure 6 In the middle, the socket and the receiving groove 315 at the lower end of the head 31 are interference fit; the abutment 322 is fitted with the return spring 60, and the end face contact spring 50 is installed on the upper end face of the head 31; the diameters of the abutment 322 and the boss 314 are both larger than the diameter of the socket 321.

[0060] An end face contact spring 50 is installed on the upper end face of the head 31. As described above, an installation groove 311 is opened on the upper end face of the head 31. The end face contact spring 50 is installed by the cooperation of the end face contact spring 50, the contact finger fixing bracket 40 and the installation groove 311.

[0061] During installation, first place the return spring 60 at the bottom of the accommodating space 13 (please refer to...). Figure 15 As shown, when using a wave spring, it can be placed directly at the bottom of the accommodating space 13. When using a compression spring, it can be placed directly at the bottom of the accommodating space 13 or one end of the compression spring can be fixedly connected to the bottom of the accommodating space 13. Then, the side contact finger 20 is sleeved on the sleeve part 321. Then, the lower ends of the sleeve part 321 and the head 31 (which has already been installed with the end face contact spring 50) are welded or installed by interference fit. Then, the abutment part 322 is inserted into the accommodating space 13. When the boss 314 is located in the accommodating space 13, the upper end of the terminal body 10 is closed to form a closed part, and the installation is completed.

[0062] The side contact finger 20 primarily serves to connect the moving contact to the terminal sleeve 11. This completes the mechanical and electrical contact link between the matching terminal face via the face contact spring 50, the moving contact, the side contact finger 20, and the terminal body 10. Because the moving contact will cause the side contact finger 20 to slide relative to the terminal body 10 under the compression force of the face contact spring 50, the side contact finger 20 needs to have a high service life. As a crucial link in the electrical contact process, it must possess reliable electrical contact.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 11-14As shown, the side contact finger 20 mainly includes a bracket 22 and contact pieces 21. There are multiple contact pieces 21, which are strung together by the bracket 22, so that the side contact finger 20 is in the form of a ring structure. The moving contact is inserted into the ring structure. Specifically, the sleeve part 321 is inserted into the ring structure and contacts the ring structure.

[0064] The contact piece 21 is preferably formed by winding a spring. The wound contact piece has a first elastic arm 211, a second elastic arm 212, and a third elastic arm 213. The first elastic arm 211 is located in the middle of the contact piece 21 and inside the annular structure. The second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213 are located at the two ends of the contact piece 21, respectively. The first elastic arm 211 is used to insert with the moving contact to achieve side contact function. It can be seen that when the moving contact is inserted into the side contact finger 20, it makes contact with the first elastic arm 211 of all contact pieces 21. Using the assembled spring-type contact piece 21 (each contact piece 21 is similar to an individual spring) design can ensure that even if a single piece breaks, the other contact pieces 21 can still make effective contact, ensuring the reliability of the contact scheme.

[0065] In some other embodiments, the contact pads can also be fabricated in other ways, such as by stamping.

[0066] The second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213 are used to cooperate with the bracket 22 to complete the assembly of the side contact finger 20. On the other hand, they can also realize the linkage contact between the contact pieces 21. At the same time, the second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213 are also used to abut against the inner wall of the terminal body 10 during assembly. When the moving contact is inserted into the side contact finger, it contacts the first elastic arm 211. It can be understood that the second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213 have a certain elasticity, which can adjust the insertion and extraction force between the moving contact and the side contact finger.

[0067] The first elastic arm 211 preferably adopts a C-shaped structure. The two ends of the C-shaped structure are arc-shaped with outward convexity. The radius of the circle corresponding to the arc is large, which can reduce stress concentration when deformed under force and improve the service life of the side contact finger 20.

[0068] The second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213 can be circular or elliptical. When in contact with the terminal body, the outer space of the circle or ellipse can be reasonably utilized to increase the contact points between the terminal body 10 and the contact piece 21, thereby reducing the contact resistance and improving the current carrying capacity of the product.

[0069] The initial contact piece 21 can be made from a section of cylindrical conductive material, which is wound by a spring machine to form a first elastic arm 211, a second elastic arm 212, and a third elastic arm 213. It is understood that the final contact piece 21 is also a one-piece molded structure. Of course, if cost is not a concern, it can also be fixed together by means of multiple sections of conductive material, such as welding or thermoforming.

[0070] Specifically, please refer to Figure 12 and 13 As shown, the initial contact piece 21 can be divided into a first end 2121, a second end 2131, a first connecting segment 2115, a second connecting segment 2112, a third connecting segment 2114, a first arc-shaped portion 2111, and a second arc-shaped portion 2113, wherein the first arc-shaped portion 2111 and the second arc-shaped portion 2113 are formed into an arc-shaped structure by winding.

[0071] One end of the first connecting segment 2115 is wound around to form a first ring 2122 and then integrally formed with the first end 2121. The other end of the first connecting segment 2115 is integrally formed with one end of the second connecting segment 2112 through a first arc-shaped portion 2111. The other end of the second connecting segment 2112 is integrally formed with one end of the third connecting segment 2114 through a second arc-shaped portion 2113. The other end of the third connecting segment 2114 is wound around to form a second ring 2132 and then integrally formed with the second end 2131. The second connecting segment 2112 together with the first arc-shaped portion 2111 and the second arc-shaped portion 2113 at both ends constitutes the first elastic arm 211. The first ring 2122 and the second ring 2132 respectively constitute the second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213.

[0072] Both the first arc-shaped portion 2111 and the second arc-shaped portion 2113 protrude outward from the first elastic arm 211. A complete loop can also be made by winding or stamping.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting segment 2115, the second connecting segment 2112, the third connecting segment 2114, the first end 2121, and the second end 2131 can all be straight segments. The first connecting segment 2115, the third connecting segment 2114, the first end 2121, and the second end 2131 are located in the same plane, and the second connecting segment 2112 and the first connecting segment 2115 are parallel.

[0074] Of course, in other embodiments, the first connecting segment 2115, the second connecting segment 2112, the third connecting segment 2114, the first end 2121, and the second end 2131 may be configured as line segments with a slight curvature, as needed. The first connecting segment 2115 and / or the second connecting segment 2112 may also contact the terminal body 10.

[0075] It is understandable that since the bracket 22 strings the contact pieces 21 together to make the side contact fingers 20 form a ring structure, the bracket 22 should also be a ring structure. The bracket 22 is set according to the spatial shape of the space inside the terminal body 10 that accommodates the side contact fingers 20, and can be circular, rectangular or other shapes, which are not limited here.

[0076] Two supports 22 are provided, which are respectively inserted into the second elastic arm 212 and the third elastic arm 213. Please refer to... Figure 14 As shown, the bracket 22 has a break, which allows the number of contact pieces 21 on the entire side contact finger 20 to fluctuate and adjust within a certain range, ensuring the reliability of the connection. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end faces of the bracket 22 on both sides of the break are inclined surfaces.

[0077] The side contact design (20) utilizes an assembled spring-loaded contact piece design, ensuring that even if one contact piece breaks, the others can still maintain effective contact, guaranteeing the reliability of the contact solution. It also increases the contact area, effectively reducing contact resistance. This increases terminal current carrying capacity while maintaining the low insertion and extraction force characteristic of a spring, thus achieving the dual goals of increasing current carrying capacity and extending service life. Furthermore, the overall contact solution has fewer components, facilitating fully automated assembly and meeting both production capacity and price requirements.

[0078] The return spring 60 is crucial for ensuring compatibility with the tolerances of all components in this design. Since electrical connectors are composed of numerous parts, each part has inherent manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Because the end-face contact assembly has face-to-face contact, these tolerances cannot be accommodated by the mating length alone. Therefore, the return spring 60 is necessary to accommodate these manufacturing tolerances. When the distance between the end faces of the male and female terminals is too small, the contact pressure between the terminals will push the moving contact to compress the return spring 60, thereby adjusting the distance between the contact surfaces of the male and female terminals. After the mating terminal is removed, the return spring 60 will reset the moving contact, preparing it for the next contact.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the return spring 60 can be selected as a wave spring according to the stroke requirements; of course, a compression spring can also be used. The compression force of the return spring 60 is set as the first force, the insertion and extraction force of the moving contact and the side contact finger 20 is set as the second force, and the compression force of the end face contact spring is set as the third force. The sum of the first and second forces is greater than the third force to ensure good and reliable contact between the end face contact spring 50 and the end face of the mating terminal.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] The main difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 lies in the structure of the moving contact. In Embodiment 2, the moving contact is engaged with the terminal body 10 and the side contact finger 20 via the plug 70. Other structures (mainly the structure of the end face contact spring 50, the mounting structure of the end face contact spring 50 and the moving contact, and the structure of the side contact finger 20) are similar to Embodiment 1 and will not be described in detail here.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 16 and 17 As shown, the end face contact assembly also includes a plug 70, and the moving contact 33 includes a head 331, a connecting portion 332, and a sleeve portion 333. The accommodating space 13 of the terminal body 10 can be divided into a first part and a second part that are interconnected. The first part is located above the second part, and the diameter of the first part (understandably, when the accommodating space 13 is square or other shapes, the diameter of the first part refers to the lateral width of the first part) is larger than the diameter of the second part, forming an annular step between the first part and the second part. The return spring 60 is located in the second part, and the plug 70 is threaded, snapped, or fastened to the upper end of the first part; the side contact finger 20 Installed within the first part, with its upper and lower ends respectively contacting and connecting to the plug 70 and the annular step. The plug 70 has a through hole. The two ends of the connecting part 332 are respectively fixedly connected to or integrally formed to the head 331 and the sleeve part 333. The sleeve part 333 passes through the side contact finger 20 and contacts the side contact finger 20. The bottom of the sleeve part 333 extends into the second part and cooperates with the return spring 60. The connecting part 332 is located in the plug 70, and the length of the connecting part 332 is greater than the length of the plug 70. The diameters of the head 331 and the sleeve part 333 are both greater than the diameter of the through hole. The end face contact spring 50 is installed on the upper end face of the head 331 away from the connecting part 332.

[0083] The assembly process is as follows: first, the plug 70 is put on the connecting part 332, then the return spring 60 is placed at the bottom of the second part, then the side contact finger 20 is placed on the annular step and contacts the terminal body 10, and finally the sleeve part 333 is inserted into the side contact finger 20, and the plug 70 is installed at the upper end of the first part.

[0084] It should be noted that the terminal body's accommodating space and side contact fingers in the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are all cylindrical, and the plug uses a combination of multiple cylinders to explain and illustrate the structure of the present invention. In fact, in other embodiments, the above structure can also be of other shapes. For example, a polyhedral structure can be used. For instance, when a cuboid structure is used, the diameter of the cylindrical structure is converted into the lateral width (length or width of the lateral section) of the cuboid structure, which is adapted to the diametrical direction of the cylinder. That is, as long as the shapes of the components at the mating positions are compatible, it is acceptable.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] Example 3 involves applying the end-face contact assembly from Example 1 or Example 2 to an electrical connector, where it contacts the mating terminal via an end-face contact spring to form an electrical connector structure.

[0087] Example 4

[0088] Embodiment 4 discloses an electronic device, which can be any electrical device or power supply device with the above-mentioned electrical connector. Of course, in some embodiments, it may also be an electronic device that realizes signal transmission through the above-mentioned electrical connector.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely optional embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An end-face contact assembly, characterized in that, It includes a terminal body, a moving contact, a side contact finger, an end face contact spring, and a return spring. The side contact finger and the return spring are both located inside the terminal body. One end of the moving contact passes through the side contact finger and abuts against the return spring. The moving contact and the inner wall of the terminal body are both in contact with the side contact finger. The other end of the moving contact is located outside the terminal body. The end face contact spring is installed on the end face of the other end of the moving contact. The longitudinal section of the end face contact spring includes a lower section and an upper section located above the lower section. The lower section and the upper section are integrally formed. The lower section is arc-shaped, and the upper end of the upper section has at least two protrusions. The end face contact spring is designed with an inwardly concave arc-shaped structure in the middle.

2. The end-face contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face contact spring is mounted on the other end face of the moving contact via a contact finger fixing bracket.

3. The end-face contact assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end face of the moving contact is provided with a mounting groove, the end face contact spring passes through the contact finger fixing bracket, and the two ends of the contact finger fixing bracket are inserted, welded or snapped into the mounting groove.

4. The end-face contact assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower section is adapted to the contact finger fixing bracket, and the lower section is installed in the mounting groove through the contact finger fixing bracket; or / and, the longitudinal section of the mounting groove is an arc; or / and, the mounting groove is spiral.

5. The end-face contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving contact includes a head and a tail. The lower end of the head is provided with a boss, which is adapted to a tightening opening provided on the upper end of the terminal body. The tail includes an abutment part and a sleeve part. The abutment part and the sleeve part are integrally formed, welded, or connected by an interference fit. The side contact finger is sleeved on the sleeve part and contacts the sleeve part. The end of the sleeve part away from the abutment part is connected to the lower end of the head by an interference fit or welding. The abutment part cooperates with the return spring, and the end face contact spring is installed on the upper end face of the head. The diameters of the abutment part and the boss are both larger than the diameter of the sleeve part.

6. The end-face contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face contact assembly further includes a plug. The moving contact includes a head, a connecting part, and a sleeve part. The internal space of the terminal body is divided into a first part and a second part that are interconnected. The first part is located on the upper side of the second part. The diameter of the first part is larger than the diameter of the second part. An annular step is formed between the first part and the second part. The return spring is located in the second part. The plug is threaded, snapped, or fastened to the upper end of the first part. The side contact finger is installed in the first part, and the upper and lower ends of the side contact finger are respectively in contact with the plug and the annular step. The plug has a through hole. The two ends of the connecting part are respectively fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the head and the sleeve part. The sleeve part passes through the side contact finger and contacts the side contact finger. The bottom of the sleeve part extends into the second part and cooperates with the return spring. The connecting part is located in the plug, and the length of the connecting part is greater than the length of the plug. The diameters of the head and the sleeve part are both greater than the diameter of the through hole. The end face contact spring is installed on the upper end face of the head away from the connecting part.

7. The end-face contact assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The side contact refers to the contact including a bracket and multiple contact pieces. The bracket strings the multiple contact pieces together to form a ring structure. Each contact piece includes a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm, and a third elastic arm. The first elastic arm is located in the middle of the contact piece and inside the ring structure. The second and third elastic arms are located at both ends of the contact piece. The bracket passes through the second and third elastic arms. The moving contact is sleeved in the ring structure and contacts the first elastic arm.

8. An electrical connector, characterized in that, It includes the end face contact assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7 and a mating terminal, wherein the end face contact assembly contacts the end face of the mating terminal via the end face contact spring.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The compression force of the reset spring is set as the first force, the insertion and extraction force of the moving contact and the side contact finger is set as the second force, and the compression force of the end face contact spring is set as the third force. The sum of the first force and the second force is greater than the third force.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes the electrical connector as described in claim 8 or 9.

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