Conductive terminal, terminal assembly, connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a conductive terminal, a terminal assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The conductive terminal comprises a main body part and a cylindrical end part connected to one end of the main body part, a front end surface of the cylindrical end part is an electric contact surface for electric connection, and the main body part extends from a rear end of the cylindrical end part along an axial direction of the cylindrical end part; the conductive terminal is an integral part. In the application, the conductive terminal is electrically connected with a cable terminal through the cylindrical end part, so that the electric conductivity of the conductive terminal is improved, the volume of the conductive terminal is reduced, and the miniaturization of the connector is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive terminal, a terminal assembly including the conductive terminal, a connector including the terminal assembly, and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, high-voltage connectors typically include a housing, conductive terminals, and a connecting assembly. The conductive terminals are housed within the housing. The connecting assembly securely connects the conductive terminals to cable terminals to achieve an electrical connection between the conductive terminals and the cable terminals.

[0003] In the prior art, conductive terminals include a flat connecting end that is bent at 90 degrees relative to its body, and this connecting end is electrically connected to a cable terminal. Such existing conductive terminals have poor conductivity and are relatively large, which is detrimental to connector miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a conductive terminal is provided, comprising: a main body portion; and a cylindrical end portion connected to one end of the main body portion, wherein the front end face of the cylindrical end portion is an electrical contact surface for electrical connection, and the main body portion extends from the rear end portion of the cylindrical end portion along the axial direction of the cylindrical end portion; the conductive terminal is an integral piece.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive terminal further includes: a flat end connected to the other end of the main body portion, the outer surface of the flat end being an electrical connection surface for electrical connection, and the flat end extending axially along the cylindrical end portion.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one end of the main body is semi-circular and connected to the rear end face of the cylindrical end; the other end of the main body is flat and connected to the flat end; the cross-sectional shape of the main body gradually changes from the semi-circular shape of the one end to the flat shape of the other end.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive terminal is an integrally formed part made by stamping a single sheet of metal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conductive terminal further includes a connecting member, which engages with the cylindrical end of the conductive terminal for connection with a threaded connector.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear end face of the cylindrical end is configured as a fixed face for contacting and positioning the connecting member.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned conductive terminal; a connecting member, engaged in a cylindrical end portion of the conductive terminal for connection with a threaded connector; and an electrical connector for electrically connecting the conductive terminal and a cable terminal. When the threaded connector is tightened onto the connecting member, the electrical connector is pressed between a front end face of the cylindrical end portion and a surface of the cable terminal to electrically connect the conductive terminal and the cable terminal.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector is cylindrical and has two end faces, the two end faces of the electrical connector being adapted to make electrical contact with the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal, respectively; when the threaded connector is tightened onto the connecting member, the two end faces of the electrical connector make pressure contact with the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal, respectively.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member includes: a columnar portion passing axially through the inner hole of the cylindrical end and having a threaded connection portion adapted to be connected with the threaded connector; and a positioning portion connected to the columnar portion and positioned outside the rear end of the cylindrical end for preventing the connecting member from rotating relative to the conductive terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the threaded connection portion is a threaded hole or external thread formed on the columnar portion of the connecting member.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the columnar portion of the connecting member is interference-fitted with the inner hole of the cylindrical end to fix the connecting member to the cylindrical end.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the positioning portion includes a first positioning surface that extends radially along the cylindrical end and abuts against the rear end face of the cylindrical end to prevent the connecting member from being pulled out of the cylindrical end in a direction toward the electrical connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning portion further includes a second positioning surface extending axially along the cylindrical end; a third positioning surface adapted to cooperate with the second positioning surface is formed on the main body portion of the conductive terminal, the third positioning surface abutting against the second positioning surface to prevent the connecting member from rotating relative to the conductive terminal.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning portion of the connecting member is semi-annular and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the columnar portion of the connecting member.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the front end of the connecting member extends from the cylindrical end, and the terminal assembly further includes an insulating end cap fitted onto the front end of the connecting member to prevent contact with the front end of the connecting member.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes an insulating sleeve fitted onto the body portion of the conductive terminal to prevent contact with the body portion of the conductive terminal.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulating sleeve is a heat-shrinkable tube that is heat-shrinkable onto the body portion of the conductive terminal.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive terminal and the electrical connector are made of a first conductive material, and the connecting component is made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; the first conductive material has better conductivity than the second conductive material, and the second conductive material has better mechanical properties than the first conductive material.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising: a housing for mating into a mating housing of a mating connector, the housing having a first port and a second port; and the aforementioned terminal assembly disposed in the housing. A cylindrical end portion of the terminal assembly extends to the first port for electrical connection with the mating connector; a body portion of the terminal assembly extends out to the second port for electrical connection.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a portion of the housing extends from the mating housing to be inserted into a mounting hole of the mounting panel; the connector further includes a sealing sleeve fitted onto the housing and adapted to be radially pressed between the inner walls of the housing and the mounting hole of the mounting panel to seal the gap between the inner walls of the housing and the mounting hole.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a portion of the sealing sleeve extends into the mating housing and is radially pressed between the outer wall of the housing and the inner wall of the mating housing to seal the gap between the outer wall of the housing and the inner wall of the mating housing.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating housing; and a cable assembly including a cable and cable terminals connected to the cable, the cable terminals being disposed within the mating housing and fixedly connected to conductive terminals of the terminal assembly to achieve an electrical connection between the cable terminals and the conductive terminals.

[0027] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the conductive terminal is electrically connected to the cable terminal through a cylindrical end, thereby improving the conductivity of the conductive terminal and reducing its volume, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the connector.

[0028] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a connector assembly, a cable assembly, and a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly, including a connection component, a cable assembly, and a terminal assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 An exploded schematic diagram of the connection components of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 An exploded schematic diagram of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 9A cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this 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 overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0040] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a conductive terminal is provided, comprising: a main body portion; and a cylindrical end portion connected to one end of the main body portion, wherein the front end face of the cylindrical end portion is an electrical contact surface for electrical connection, and the main body portion extends from the rear end portion of the cylindrical end portion along the axial direction of the cylindrical end portion; the conductive terminal is an integral piece.

[0041] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned conductive terminal; a connecting member, engaged in the cylindrical end of the conductive terminal for connection with a threaded connector; and an electrical connector for electrically connecting the conductive terminal and a cable terminal. When the threaded connector is tightened onto the connecting member, the electrical connector is pressed between the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal to electrically connect the conductive terminal and the cable terminal.

[0042] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising: a housing for mating into a mating housing of a mating connector, the housing having a first port and a second port; and the aforementioned terminal assembly disposed in the housing. The cylindrical end of the terminal assembly extends to the first port for electrical connection with the mating connector; the body portion of the terminal assembly extends to the second port for electrical connection.

[0043] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view showing a connector assembly 30, a cable assembly 10, and a terminal assembly 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4A cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly 30, a cable assembly 10, and a terminal assembly 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes a connector 1, a mating connector 2 adapted to mate with the connector 1, and a connecting assembly 30. The connector 1 mainly includes a housing 110 and a terminal assembly 20. The mating connector 2 mainly includes a mating housing 100 and a cable assembly 10. The mating housing 100 is made of conductive material and has a mounting port 101. The housing 110 can be mated into the mating housing 100. A portion of the terminal assembly 20 is disposed within the housing 110. The cable assembly 10 includes a cable 11 and a cable terminal 12 electrically connected to one end of the cable 11. The cable terminal 12 is disposed within the mating housing 100. The connecting assembly 30 enters the mating housing 100 via the mounting port 101 and securely connects the conductive terminal 21 of the terminal assembly 20 to the cable terminal 12 of the cable assembly 10.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting component 30 is a separate component from the connector 1 and the mating connector 2. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the connecting component 30 may also be part of the connector 1 or the mating connector 2.

[0046] Figure 5 An exploded schematic diagram of the connector assembly 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connection assembly 30 includes threaded fasteners 31 and 32 and electromagnetic shielding elements 33 and 34. The threaded fasteners 31 and 32 securely connect the cable assembly 10 to the terminal assembly 20. The electromagnetic shielding elements 33 and 34 engage with the threaded fasteners 31 and 32, allowing the threaded fasteners 31 and 32 to be tightened or loosened by rotating the electromagnetic shielding elements 33 and 34.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding components 33 and 34 include a shielding cap 34 and a first insulating member 33. The shielding cap 34 is adapted to be fitted onto the mounting port 101 of the mating housing 100 for mounting the connecting assembly 30. The first insulating member 33 engages between the shielding cap 34 and the threaded fasteners 31 and 32 and electrically isolates the two.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 6As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first insulating member 33 is molded onto the shielding cap 34 by embedding injection molding, so that the electromagnetic shielding members 33 and 34 become a single piece.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a joint hole 342 is formed on the shielding cap 34, and the first insulating member 33 includes a joint portion 332 embedded in the joint hole 342 to enhance the joint strength between the first insulating member 33 and the shielding cap 34.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the joining hole 342 and the joining portion 332 are conical in shape, and the diameter of the joining hole 342 and the joining portion 332 gradually increases from the inside to the outside of the shielding cap 34.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shielding cap 34 includes an end wall 34a and a peripheral wall 34b. The peripheral wall 34b is connected around the end wall 34a. The peripheral wall 34b is adapted to make electrical contact with the outer wall of the mounting port 101 of the mating housing 100. For example, an annular protrusion adapted to make electrical contact with the outer wall of the mounting port 101 may be formed on the inner side of the peripheral wall 34b.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the shielding cap 34 further includes a protrusion 34c and a blind slot 341. The protrusion 34c is formed on the inner surface of the end wall 34a. The blind slot 341 is formed on the outer surface of the end wall 34a and extends partially into the protrusion 34c. The blind slot 341 is adapted to engage with an external tool, thereby enabling the electromagnetic shielding elements 33 and 34 to rotate via the external tool. The cross-sectional shape of the blind slot 341 can be a quincunx shape or other suitable shape, for example, a regular polygon.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first blind hole 331 is formed on one end of the first insulating member 33, which engages with the protrusion 34c of the shielding cap 34.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting assembly 30 further includes a sealing ring 35, which is fitted onto the first insulating member 33 and adapted to be radially pressed between the first insulating member 33 and the inner wall of the mounting port 101 of the mating housing 100 to seal the mounting port 101. Note that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; the connecting assembly 30 may not include the sealing ring 35. For example, the sealing ring 35 may be a component of the mating connector 2. In this case, the sealing ring 35 can be installed separately in the mounting port 101 of the mating housing 100.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6As shown in the illustrated embodiment, one end of the first insulating member 33 forms a radially extending flange 33a, which is adapted to abut against one end of the sealing ring 35 to position one end of the sealing ring 35.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded fasteners 31 and 32 include a threaded connector 31 and a second insulator 32. The threaded connector 31 is made of a conductive material, such as iron. The second insulator 32 is engaged between the threaded connector 31 and the first insulator 33. The threaded connector 31 and the shielding cap 34 are electrically isolated by the first insulator 33 and the second insulator 32.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second insulating member 32 is molded onto the threaded connector 31 by an embedded injection molding method, so that the threaded fasteners 31 and 32 become a single piece.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second insulating member 32 includes a circumferential insulating portion 322. The circumferential insulating portion 322 is disposed around the first insulating member 33 to increase the creepage distance between the threaded connector 31 and the electromagnetic shielding cap 34.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second insulating member 32 further includes a central protrusion 321. A circumferential insulating portion 322 surrounds and is connected to the central protrusion 321.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first insulating member 33 is joined between the circumferential insulating portion 322 and the intermediate protrusion 321 of the second insulating member 32, such that the first insulating member 33 cannot rotate relative to the second insulating member 32. In the illustrated embodiment, a second blind hole 333 is formed on the first insulating member 33, suitable for engaging with the intermediate protrusion 321 of the second insulating member 32. The cross-sectional shape of the intermediate protrusion 321 and the second blind hole 333 is a quincunx shape or other suitable shape.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded connector 31 is engaged in the intermediate protrusion 321 of the second insulator 32, such that the threaded connector 31 cannot rotate relative to the second insulator 32.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded connector 31 includes a head 311 and a screw portion 312. The head 311 of the threaded connector 31 is engaged with the second insulating member 32. The screw portion 312 is adapted to be threadedly connected to the terminal assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded connector 31 is a bolt.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting assembly 30 further includes an insulating cap 36. The insulating cap 36 is fitted onto the end 313 of the threaded connector 31 opposite the head 311 to prevent contact with the end 313 of the threaded connector 31.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shielding cap 34 of the connecting assembly is fitted onto the mounting port 101 of the mating housing 100 to seal the gap between the outer wall of the mounting port 101 and the shielding cap 34. The sealing ring 35 of the connecting assembly is radially pressed between the inner wall of the mounting port 101 and the first insulating member 33 to seal the gap between the inner wall of the mounting port 101 and the first insulating member 33.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the housing 110 extends from the mating housing 100 to be inserted into a mounting hole in the mounting panel. The connector also includes a sealing sleeve 102, which is fitted onto the housing 110 and adapted to be radially pressed between the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mounting hole in the mounting panel to seal the gap between the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mounting hole.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the sealing sleeve 102 extends into the mating housing 100 and is radially pressed between the outer wall of the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mating housing 100 to seal the gap between the outer wall of the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mating housing 100.

[0068] Figure 7 A perspective view of a terminal assembly 20 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 An exploded view of the terminal assembly 20 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a terminal assembly 20 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0069] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 21 includes a main body 213 and a cylindrical end portion 211. The cylindrical end portion 211 is connected to one end of the main body 213. The front end face 211a of the cylindrical end portion 211 is an electrical contact surface for electrical connection, and the main body 213 extends axially from the rear end of the cylindrical end portion 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 21 is a single piece. For example, the conductive terminal 21 can be a single-piece stamped part or a single-piece machined part.

[0070] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 21 further includes a flat end 212. The flat end 212 is connected to the other end of the main body 213. The outer surface of the flat end 212 is an electrical connection surface for electrical connection, and the flat end 212 extends axially along the cylindrical end 211. For example, the flat end 212 can be bolted to the busbar or directly welded to the busbar.

[0071] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, one end of the main body 213 is semi-annular and connected to the rear end face 211b of the cylindrical end 211. The other end of the main body 213 is flat and connected to the flat end 212. The cross-sectional shape of the main body 213 gradually changes from semi-annular at one end to flat at the other end.

[0072] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 21 is a one-piece molded part made by stamping a single sheet of metal. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0073] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal assembly is also disclosed, comprising: a conductive terminal 21, a connecting member 22, and an electrical connector 23. The connecting member 22 engages in the cylindrical end 211 of the conductive terminal 21 for connection with a threaded connector 31. The electrical connector 23 is used for electrically connecting the conductive terminal 21 and a cable terminal 12.

[0074] Please note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The terminal assembly 20 may also exclude the connecting member 22. For example, the connecting member 22 may be a component of the connecting assembly 30. Furthermore, in this application, the terminal assembly 20 may also exclude the electrical connector 23. For example, the electrical connector 23 may be a component of the mating connector 2.

[0075] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the threaded connector 31 is tightened onto the connecting member 22, the electrical connector 23 is pressed between the front end face 211a of the cylindrical end 211 and the surface of the cable terminal 12 to electrically connect the conductive terminal 21 and the cable terminal 12.

[0076] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 23 is cylindrical and has two end faces, which are adapted to make electrical contact with the front end face 211a of the cylindrical end 211 and the surface of the cable terminal 12, respectively. When the threaded connector 31 is tightened onto the connecting member 22, the two end faces of the electrical connector 23 make pressure contact with the front end face 211a of the cylindrical end 211 and the surface of the cable terminal 12, respectively.

[0077] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 22 includes a columnar portion 221 and a positioning portion 222. The columnar portion 221 passes axially through the inner hole of the cylindrical end portion 211 and forms a threaded connection portion 225 suitable for connection with the threaded connector 31. The positioning portion 222 is connected to the columnar portion 221 and positioned outside the rear end of the cylindrical end portion 211 to prevent the connecting member 22 from rotating relative to the conductive terminal 21.

[0078] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded connection portion 225 is a threaded hole or external thread formed on the columnar portion 221 of the connecting member 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 22 is a threaded sleeve with a threaded hole.

[0079] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the columnar portion 221 of the connecting member 22 is interference-fitted with the inner hole of the cylindrical end 211 to fix the connecting member 22 to the cylindrical end 211.

[0080] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning part 222 includes a first positioning surface 223, which extends radially along the cylindrical end 211 and abuts against the rear end face 211b of the cylindrical end 211 to prevent the connecting member 22 from being pulled out of the cylindrical end 211 in the direction toward the electrical connector 23.

[0081] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning portion 222 further includes a second positioning surface 224, which extends axially along the cylindrical end portion 211. A third positioning surface 213a is formed on the main body portion 213 of the conductive terminal 21 to cooperate with the second positioning surface 224. The third positioning surface 213a abuts against the second positioning surface 224 to prevent the connecting member 22 from rotating relative to the conductive terminal 21.

[0082] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning portion 222 of the connecting member 22 is semi-circular and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the columnar portion 221 of the connecting member 22.

[0083] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front end 26 of the connecting member 22 extends from the cylindrical end 211, and the terminal assembly 20 also includes an insulating end cap 25 fitted onto the front end 26 of the connecting member 22 to prevent contact with the front end 26 of the connecting member 22.

[0084] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 20 further includes an insulating sleeve 24. This insulating sleeve 24 is fitted onto the body portion 213 of the conductive terminal 21 to prevent contact with the body portion 213 of the conductive terminal 21. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the insulating sleeve 24 may be a heat-shrink tubing heat-shrinkable onto the body portion 213 of the conductive terminal 21.

[0085] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive terminal 21 and the electrical connector 23 are made of a first conductive material, and the connecting component 22 is made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material. The first conductive material has better electrical conductivity than the second conductive material, and the second conductive material has better mechanical properties than the first conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conductive terminal 21 and the electrical connector 23 may be made of, but are not limited to, copper, and the connecting component 22 may be made of, but is not limited to, steel.

[0086] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing 110 and a terminal assembly 20. The housing 110 is adapted to mate into a mating housing 100 of a mating connector 2. The terminal assembly 20 is disposed within the housing 110. A threaded connector 31 is threadedly connected to a connecting member 22 of the terminal assembly 20 for securingly connecting the conductive terminals 21 of the terminal assembly 20 to the cable terminals 12 of the mating connector 2.

[0087] like Figure 1-4 and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the housing 110 extends from the mating housing 100 to be inserted into a mounting hole in the mounting panel. The connector also includes a sealing sleeve 102, which is fitted onto the housing 110 and adapted to be radially pressed between the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mounting hole in the mounting panel to seal the gap between the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mounting hole.

[0088] like Figure 1-4and Figure 7-9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the sealing sleeve 102 extends into the mating housing 100 and is radially pressed between the outer wall of the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mating housing 100 to seal the gap between the outer wall of the housing 110 and the inner wall of the mating housing 100.

[0089] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is also disclosed. The connector 1 includes a housing 110 and a terminal assembly 20. The housing 110 is for mating into a mating housing 100 of the mating connector 2. The housing 110 has a first port 111 and a second port 112. The terminal assembly 20 is disposed within the housing 110. A cylindrical end 211 of the terminal assembly 20 extends to the first port 111 for electrical connection with the mating connector 2. A main body 213 of the terminal assembly 20 extends to the second port 112 for electrical connection.

[0090] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector 1 and a mating connector 2 adapted to mate with the connector 1. The mating connector 2 includes: a mating housing 100 and a cable assembly 10. The cable assembly 10 includes a cable 11 and a cable terminal 12 connected to the cable 11. The cable terminal 12 is disposed within the mating housing 100 and is fixedly connected to a conductive terminal 21 of the terminal assembly 20 via a connecting assembly 30 to achieve an electrical connection between the cable terminal 12 and the conductive terminal 21.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0092] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0093] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0094] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A conductive terminal, characterized in that, include: Main body; A cylindrical end portion is connected to one end of the main body portion; and The flat end connects to the other end of the main body. The front end face of the cylindrical end is an electrical contact surface for electrical connection, and the main body extends from the rear end of the cylindrical end along the axial direction of the cylindrical end. The outer surface of the flat end is an electrical connection surface for electrical connection, and the flat end extends axially along the cylindrical end. One end of the main body is semi-circular and connected to the rear end face of the cylindrical end; the other end of the main body is flat and connected to the flat end; the cross-sectional shape of the main body gradually changes from the semi-circular shape at one end to the flat shape at the other end. The conductive terminal is a single piece.

2. The conductive terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive terminal is an integrally molded part made by stamping a single piece of metal sheet.

3. The conductive terminal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A connecting component, which engages with the cylindrical end of the conductive terminal, for connection with a threaded connector.

4. The conductive terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rear end face of the cylindrical end is configured as a fixed surface for contacting and positioning the connecting component.

5. A terminal assembly, characterized in that, include: The conductive terminal as described in claim 1 or 2; A connecting component, which engages with the cylindrical end of the conductive terminal, for connection with a threaded connector; and Electrical connectors are used to electrically connect the conductive terminals and the cable terminals. When the threaded connector is tightened onto the connecting member, the electrical connector is pressed between the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal to electrically connect the conductive terminal and the cable terminal.

6. The terminal assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrical connector is cylindrical and has two end faces, which are adapted to make electrical contact with the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal, respectively. When the threaded connector is tightened onto the connecting component, the two end faces of the electrical connector make pressure contact with the front end face of the cylindrical end and the surface of the cable terminal, respectively.

7. The terminal assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting component includes: A columnar portion, extending axially through the inner hole of the cylindrical end and forming a threaded connection portion suitable for connection with the threaded connector; and A positioning part, connected to the columnar part and positioned outside the rear end of the cylindrical end, is used to prevent the connecting part from rotating relative to the conductive terminal.

8. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The threaded connection portion is a threaded hole or external thread formed on the columnar portion of the connecting component.

9. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The columnar portion of the connecting component is interference-fitted with the inner hole of the cylindrical end to fix the connecting component to the cylindrical end.

10. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positioning part includes a first positioning surface that extends radially along the cylindrical end and abuts against the rear end face of the cylindrical end to prevent the connecting member from being pulled out of the cylindrical end in the direction toward the electrical connector.

11. The terminal assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The positioning part further includes a second positioning surface, which extends axially along the cylindrical end. A third positioning surface is formed on the main body of the conductive terminal, which is adapted to mate with the second positioning surface. The third positioning surface abuts against the second positioning surface to prevent the connecting member from rotating relative to the conductive terminal.

12. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positioning part of the connecting component is semi-circular and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the columnar part of the connecting component.

13. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The front end of the connecting member extends from the cylindrical end, and the terminal assembly further includes an insulating end cap fitted onto the front end of the connecting member to prevent contact with the front end of the connecting member.

14. The terminal assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: An insulating sleeve is fitted onto the main body of the conductive terminal to prevent contact with the main body of the conductive terminal.

15. The terminal assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The insulating sleeve is a heat-shrinkable tube that is heat-shrinkable onto the main body of the conductive terminal.

16. The terminal assembly according to any one of claims 5-15, characterized in that: The conductive terminal and the electrical connector are made of a first conductive material, and the connecting component is made of a second conductive material different from the first conductive material; The first conductive material has better electrical conductivity than the second conductive material, and the second conductive material has better mechanical properties than the first conductive material.

17. A connector, characterized in that, include: Housing, used to mate with the mating housing of the mating connector; The housing is provided with a first port and a second port; and The terminal assembly as described in any one of claims 5 to 16 is disposed within the housing. The cylindrical end of the terminal assembly extends to the first port for electrical connection with a mating connector; the main body of the terminal assembly extends to the second port for electrical connection.

18. The connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: A portion of the housing extends from the mating housing to be inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting panel; The connector also includes a sealing sleeve fitted onto the housing and adapted to be radially pressed between the inner walls of the housing and the mounting holes of the mounting panel to seal the gap between the inner walls of the housing and the mounting holes.

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: A portion of the sealing sleeve extends into the mating housing and is radially pressed between the outer wall of the housing and the inner wall of the mating housing to seal the gap between the outer wall of the housing and the inner wall of the mating housing.

20. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19; and Mating connector, adapted to mate with the connector. The mating connector includes: Matching housings; and A cable assembly includes a cable and cable terminals connected to the cable. The cable terminal is disposed within the mating housing and is fixedly connected to the conductive terminal of the terminal assembly to realize the electrical connection between the cable terminal and the conductive terminal.

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