Electrical connection device and terminal

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a terminal. The terminal has a piece body with a first face and a second face opposite to each other, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. The piece body is provided with a convexity formed on the first face, two fixing parts respectively formed on the two side edges and extending outwardly, and a plurality of pits formed on the first face and the second face adjacent to the bottom edge.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed by Shanghai Molex Connector Co., Ltd. and Molex Co., Ltd., filed on March 26, 2020, with application number 202010222396.X, entitled "Electrical Connection Device and Terminal". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an electrical connection device, and more particularly to an electrical connection device and terminal. Background Technology

[0003] Chinese Utility Model Patent Publication No. CN202454786U discloses an electrical connector for mating connectors to be inserted in a first direction and a second direction. However, the electrical connector and the mating connector essentially have only one mating mode; that is, regardless of whether the mating connector is inserted into the electrical connector in the first direction or the second direction, the mating connector always faces the same direction. Because there is only one mating mode between the electrical connector and the mating connector, the electrical connector lacks a positioning or locking structure that can provide positioning or locking functions in both mating modes.

[0004] Furthermore, when the mating connector mates with the electrical connector, the terminal protrusions of the clamping terminals of the electrical connector will contact the sheet terminals of the mating connector. These terminal protrusions are typically formed by stamping, so the side opposite to the raised surface is usually recessed and hollow. These terminal protrusions are prone to shrinkage and deformation after repeated impacts, making such connectors unable to withstand a high number of mating cycles. However, to overcome this weakness, another type of terminal has clamping terminals without terminal protrusions, but with a first guide portion and a second guide portion in a first direction and a second direction, respectively, for guiding the sheet terminals inward. However, clamping terminals are typically small, so forming mutually perpendicular first and second guide portions on the clamping terminals is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also increases manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection device that can improve upon at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, in some embodiments of the electrical connection device of the present invention, a first connector and a second connector are included. The first connector includes an insulating body and a plurality of first terminals disposed on the insulating body. The insulating body has a slot, a first socket communicating with the slot and facing a first direction, a second socket communicating with the slot and facing a second direction, and a stop block located between the first socket and the second socket. The stop block has a first stop surface facing the first direction and a second stop surface facing the second direction. The second connector includes an insulating shell and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the insulating shell. The insulating shell has a mating portion and a contact surface. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the first direction, the mating portion is inserted into the slot from the first socket, and the contact surface is blocked by the first stop surface of the stop block. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the second direction, the mating portion is inserted into the slot from the second socket, and the contact surface is blocked by the second stop surface of the stop block.

[0007] In some embodiments, the insulating shell further has a body portion, the mating portion extends forward from the body portion, and a shoulder portion is formed between the mating portion and the body portion, the shoulder portion forming the forward-facing contact surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, a guide groove is formed on the mating portion and connected to the shoulder portion. The contact surface is located at the rear end of the guide groove. During the mating process of the second connector with the first connector along the first direction and along the second direction, the stop is slidably accommodated in the guide groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the insulating body has a bottom wall, two side walls and a rear wall, the bottom wall, the two side walls and the rear wall together defining the slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the insulating body has two sidewalls, the first socket is defined by the first stop surface and the front end surfaces of the two sidewalls, and the second socket is defined by the second stop surface and the top surfaces of the two sidewalls.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of first terminals are sheet-like terminals extending along the first direction and the second direction, each first terminal having a guide edge formed at a position facing the first socket and the second socket, and the plurality of second terminals being clamping terminals for clamping the plurality of first terminals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insulating body has a first anti-mistake structure extending along the first direction and a second anti-mistake structure extending along the second direction. The mating portion of the insulating shell has a third anti-mistake structure corresponding to the first anti-mistake structure and a fourth anti-mistake structure corresponding to the second anti-mistake structure. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the first direction, the first anti-mistake structure and the third anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the second direction, the second anti-mistake structure and the fourth anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged.

[0013] In some implementations, the first foolproof structure is a raised key, the second foolproof structure is a guide groove, the third foolproof structure is a keyway, and the fourth foolproof structure is a raised rail.

[0014] Therefore, in some embodiments of the electrical connection device of the present invention, a first connector and a second connector are included. The first connector includes an insulating body and a plurality of first terminals disposed on the insulating body. The insulating body has a slot, a first socket communicating with the slot and facing a first direction, a second socket communicating with the slot and facing a second direction, and a first positioning structure and a second positioning structure formed on the inner wall surface of the slot. The second connector includes an insulating shell and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the insulating shell. The insulating shell has a mating portion and a third positioning structure formed on the mating portion. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the first direction, the mating portion is inserted into the slot from the first socket, and the third positioning structure and the first positioning structure are correspondingly engaged. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the second direction, the mating portion is inserted into the slot from the second socket, and the third positioning structure and the second positioning structure are correspondingly engaged.

[0015] In some embodiments, the insulating body has a bottom wall, two side walls and a rear wall, the bottom wall, the two side walls and the rear wall together defining the slot, a first positioning structure is formed on the rear wall, a second positioning structure is formed on the bottom wall and a third positioning structure is formed at the front end of the mating portion of the insulating shell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are a positioning recess, and the third positioning structure is a positioning protrusion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of first terminals are sheet-like terminals extending along the first direction and the second direction, each first terminal having a guide edge formed at a position facing the first socket and the second socket, and the plurality of second terminals being clamping terminals for clamping the plurality of first terminals.

[0018] In some embodiments, the insulating body has a first anti-mistake structure extending along the first direction and a second anti-mistake structure extending along the second direction. The mating portion of the insulating shell has a third anti-mistake structure corresponding to the first anti-mistake structure and a fourth anti-mistake structure corresponding to the second anti-mistake structure. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the first direction, the first anti-mistake structure and the third anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the second direction, the second anti-mistake structure and the fourth anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged.

[0019] In some implementations, the first foolproof structure is a raised key, the second foolproof structure is a guide groove, the third foolproof structure is a keyway, and the first foolproof structure is a raised rail.

[0020] Therefore, in some embodiments of the electrical connection device of the present invention, a first connector and a second connector are included. The first connector includes an insulating body and a plurality of first terminals disposed on the insulating body. The insulating body has a slot, a first socket communicating with the slot and facing a first direction, a second socket communicating with the slot and facing a second direction, and a locking recess formed on the inner wall surface of the slot. The second connector includes an insulating shell and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the insulating shell. The insulating shell has an elastic locking strip with both ends integrally connected to the insulating shell and pressable. The elastic locking strip has a locking protrusion. When the second connector mates with the first connector in the second direction along the first direction, the locking protrusion engages with the locking recess, so that the insulating shell is locked onto the insulating body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the insulating body has two sidewalls defining the slot, and the latching recess is formed on the sidewalls.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of first terminals are sheet-like terminals extending along the first direction and the second direction, each first terminal having a guide edge formed at a position facing the first socket and the second socket, and the plurality of second terminals being clamping terminals for clamping the plurality of first terminals.

[0023] In some embodiments, the insulating body has a first anti-mistake structure extending along the first direction and a second anti-mistake structure extending along the second direction. The mating portion of the insulating shell has a third anti-mistake structure corresponding to the first anti-mistake structure and a fourth anti-mistake structure corresponding to the second anti-mistake structure. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the first direction, the first anti-mistake structure and the third anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged. When the second connector mates with the first connector along the second direction, the second anti-mistake structure and the fourth anti-mistake structure are correspondingly engaged.

[0024] In some implementations, the first foolproof structure is a raised key, the second foolproof structure is a guide groove, the third foolproof structure is a keyway, and the first foolproof structure is a raised rail.

[0025] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a terminal that can improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0026] Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the terminal has a sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. The sheet has a protrusion formed on the first surface, two fixing portions formed on the two side edges and extending outward, and a plurality of recesses formed on the first surface and the second surface near the bottom edge.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses are located between the convex bulge and the bottom edge.

[0028] In some embodiments, the convex shape is formed by stamping such that the second surface has a recess corresponding to the convex shape, and the plurality of recesses are located between the recess and the bottom edge.

[0029] Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the terminal has a mating section having a forward-extending base plate and two side plates connected to both sides of the base plate. The base plate and the two side plates together define a mating space having a pair of forward-facing interfaces. Each side plate has a frame, at least one elastic arm, and a plurality of contact portions extending into the mating space. Each frame has a side frame strip spaced apart from the base plate. One of the plurality of contact portions of each side plate is formed in the side frame strip of the two side plates, and the remainder of the plurality of contact portions are formed in the at least one elastic arm. Furthermore, at least two of the distances between the plurality of contact portions and the mating interface are of different lengths.

[0030] In some embodiments, the frame also has a front frame and a rear frame that connect the side frame and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other, and at least one elastic arm extends from the rear frame toward the front frame and has the contact portion formed at its end.

[0031] In some embodiments, the contact portion of the at least one elastic arm is closer to the interface than the contact portion of the side frame strip. The at least one elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm is located between the second elastic arm and the side frame strip, and the contact portion of the first elastic arm is closest to the interface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the frame further includes a front frame strip and a rear frame strip that connect the side frame strip and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other. The at least one elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm that extend from the rear frame strip toward the front frame strip and have the contact portion formed at their ends. The contact portion of the first elastic arm or the contact portion of the second elastic arm is closer to the interface than the contact portion of the side frame strip.

[0033] In some embodiments, the frame also has a front frame strip and a rear frame strip that connect the side frame strip and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other. The elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm that extend from the rear frame strip toward the front frame strip and have the contact portion formed at their ends. The distances between the contact portion of the first elastic arm, the contact portion of the second elastic arm, and the contact portion of the side frame strip and the interface are all different.

[0034] In some embodiments, a stop is formed between the ends of the rear frame strips of the two side plates that are away from the base plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the terminal also has a connecting segment attached to the rear end of the mating section for electrically connecting a wire.

[0036] In some embodiments, the at least one resilient arm of each side panel is connected to and surrounded by the frame.

[0037] The electrical connection device of the present invention enables the second connector to mate with the first connector in different directions by means of the first socket and the second socket facing different directions of the first connector. Regardless of whether the second connector mates with the first connector in the first direction or the second direction, the stop of the first connector and the contact surface and guide groove of the second connector provide blocking and guiding functions.

[0038] The first positioning structure and the second positioning structure of the first connector of the electrical connection device of the present invention, as well as the third positioning structure of the second connector, can provide positioning function regardless of whether the second connector is mated with the first connector along the first direction or along the second direction.

[0039] The electrical connection device of the present invention provides a locking function when the second connector and the first connector are mated along the first direction and the second direction through the locking protrusion of the elastic locking strip of the second connector and the locking recess of the first connector, thereby preventing the second connector from detaching from the first connector. Furthermore, since both ends of the elastic locking strip are integrally connected to the insulating shell, it can prevent the elastic locking strip from becoming entangled or pulled with other cables.

[0040] The terminal of this invention, through the design of the convex bulge and the multiple recesses, provides better retention force and avoids the problem of excessive solder creep during soldering.

[0041] The terminal of this invention provides contact portions for contact through the frame of the plurality of side plates, increasing the overall structural strength of the terminal and simultaneously protecting the elastic arm. Furthermore, since at least two of the plurality of contact portions are at different distances from the interface, the electrical sparks during hot-plugging tend to occur only at the contact portion closest to the interface, preventing the electrical sparks from affecting other contact portions. Additionally, the plurality of contact portions at different distances from the interface can also reduce the insertion force during mating. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features and technical effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical connection device of the present invention, in which the first connector and the second connector are mated in the front-to-back direction;

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded diagram;

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional exploded view from another perspective;

[0046] Figure 4 Therefore Figure 2 A more advanced exploded view based on the foundation;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional exploded view from another perspective;

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the embodiment, in which the first connector and the second connector are mated in the vertical direction;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional exploded diagram;

[0050] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view illustrating the mating relationship between the locking recess of the first connector and the locking protrusion of the elastic locking strip of the second connector;

[0051] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view illustrating the mating relationship between the locking recess of the first connector and the locking protrusion of the elastic locking strip of the second connector;

[0052] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the first terminal of the first connector in this embodiment;

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A stereoscopic image viewed from another perspective;

[0054] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the second terminal of the second connector in this embodiment;

[0055] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A stereoscopic image viewed from another perspective;

[0056] Figure 14 This is a side view of the second terminal of the second connector in this embodiment;

[0057] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the second connector in this embodiment, illustrating the mating relationship between the snap-fit ​​spring arm of the insulating shell of the second connector and the stop portion of the second terminal;

[0058] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the first and second terminals of this embodiment, illustrating the mating relationship between the first and second terminals when the first and second connectors of this embodiment are mated in the front-to-back direction; and

[0059] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the first terminal and the second terminal of this embodiment, illustrating the mating relationship between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first connector and the second connector of this embodiment are mated in the vertical direction.

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0061] 100····Electrical connection device

[0062] 1······First Connector

[0063] 11·····Insulation Body

[0064] 111···· Slot

[0065] 112····First socket

[0066] 113····Second Socket

[0067] 114····stop

[0068] 114a··First stop

[0069] 114b··Second Baffle

[0070] 115····Bottom wall

[0071] 115a··Second Positioning Structure

[0072] 115b··First Fixing Slot

[0073] 116····Sidewall

[0074] 116a··Lock recess

[0075] 116b··First foolproof construction

[0076] 116c··Second foolproof structure

[0077] 117····Rear Wall

[0078] 117a··First Positioning Construction

[0079] 12·····First Terminal

[0080] 121····Piece

[0081] 121a··First page

[0082] 121b··Second page

[0083] 121c··Top Edge

[0084] 121d··bottom edge

[0085] 121e··lateral edge

[0086] 121f···convex hull

[0087] 121g··Fixed part

[0088] 121h··Pit

[0089] 121i···Recessed area

[0090] 121j···Guiding Edge

[0091] 13····· Buckle parts

[0092] 2······Second Connector

[0093] 21·····Insulating Shell

[0094] 211····Ontology Department

[0095] 212···· Docking Section

[0096] 212a··Guide slot

[0097] 212b··Third Positioning Construction

[0098] 212c··Third foolproof structure

[0099] 212d··Fourth foolproof structure

[0100] 212e··Mating Hole

[0101] 213····Shoulder

[0102] 214····Contact Surface

[0103] 215····Second Reception Slot

[0104] 215a··Snap-on spring arm

[0105] 22·····Second Terminal

[0106] 221···· Docking Section

[0107] 222····Substrate

[0108] 223····Side panel

[0109] 223a··Frame

[0110] 223b··Side frame strip

[0111] 223c Front Frame Strip

[0112] 223d··Rear Frame Strip

[0113] 223e··elastic arm

[0114] 223f···First elastic arm

[0115] 223g··Second elastic arm

[0116] 223h··Contact Section

[0117] 223i···stop section

[0118] 224···· Docking Space

[0119] 224a·· interface

[0120] 225···· Wiring section

[0121] 23····· Elastic locking strip

[0122] 231····Lock protrusion

[0123] 232···· Pressing part

[0124] 200 circuit boards

[0125] 200a··Circuit contacts

[0126] 300···· conductor

[0127] D1·····Front and Back Direction

[0128] D2·····Up and down direction

[0129] D3 left and right direction Detailed Implementation

[0130] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that similar elements are represented by the same numbers in the following description.

[0131] See Figures 1 to 3 One embodiment of the electrical connection device 100 of the present invention includes a first connector 1 and a second connector 2.

[0132] See Figures 1 to 5 The first connector 1 includes an insulating body 11 and a plurality of first terminals 12 disposed on the insulating body 11. The insulating body 11 is fixed to a circuit board 200 by two snap fasteners 13, and the plurality of first terminals 12 are electrically and mechanically connected to a plurality of circuit contacts 200a of the circuit board 200 by means of, for example, soldering. The insulating body 11 has a slot 111, a first socket 112 communicating with the slot 111 and facing forward in a front-rear direction D1, a second socket 113 communicating with the slot 111 and facing upward in a vertical direction D2, and a stop 114 located between the first socket 112 and the second socket 113. The stop 114 has a first stop surface 114a facing the front-rear direction D1 and a second stop surface 114b facing the vertical direction D2. It should be noted that although in this embodiment the first socket 112 and the second socket 113 face forward and upward respectively, in other embodiments the first socket 112 and the second socket 113 may also face two other different directions, not limited to this embodiment. Specifically, the insulating body 11 has a bottom wall 115 located at the bottom, two side walls 116 extending upward from both sides of the bottom wall 115 in a left-right direction D3, and a rear wall 117 connecting the rear edges of the bottom wall 115 and the two side walls 116. The bottom wall 115, the two side walls 116, and the rear wall 117 together define the slot 111. In this embodiment, there are two stops 114, and the two stops 114 are formed by extending inward from the top front end of the two side walls 116. The first socket 112 is defined by the first stop surface 114a, the front end surface of the bottom wall 115 and the front end surfaces of the two side walls 116, and the second socket 113 is defined by the second stop surface 114b, the top surface of the bottom wall 115 and the top surfaces of the two side walls 116.

[0133] The second connector 2 includes an insulating shell 21 and a plurality of second terminals 22 disposed on the insulating shell 21. The plurality of second terminals 22 are electrically and mechanically connected to a plurality of wires 300. In this embodiment, the insulating shell 21 has a body portion 211 and a mating portion 212 extending forward from the body portion 211. Two shoulders 213 are formed between the mating portion 212 and the body portion 211. The two shoulders 213 each form two forward-facing contact surfaces 214, and the mating portion 212 has two guide grooves 212a connected to the two shoulders 213. The two contact surfaces 214 are located on the inner wall surface at the rear end of the two guide grooves 212a. It should be noted that the two contact surfaces 214 may also be formed on other parts of the insulating shell 21 instead of the two shoulders 213.

[0134] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the front-rear direction D1, the mating part 212 is inserted into the slot 111 from the first socket 112, and the two contact surfaces 214 are blocked by the first blocking surface 114a of the two stops 114. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the vertical direction D2, the mating part 212 is inserted into the slot 111 from the second socket 113, and the two contact surfaces 214 are blocked by the second blocking surface 114b of the two stops 114. During the mating process of the second connector 2 with the first connector 1 along the front-rear direction D1 and along the vertical direction D2, the two stops 114 are slidably accommodated in the two guide grooves 212a. The first connector 1, with its first socket 112 and second socket 113 facing different directions, allows the second connector 2 to mate with the first connector 1 in different directions. Regardless of whether the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 in the front-back direction D1 or the up-down direction D2, the stop 114 of the first connector 1 and the contact surface 214 and guide groove 212a of the second connector 2 provide blocking and guiding functions. It should be noted that when describing the direction of the second connector 2, "forward" means that the second connector 2 is relatively facing the first connector 1 during mating, and "backward" means that the second connector 2 is relatively facing away from the first connector 1 during mating. Furthermore, although the number of stop 114, guide groove 212a, shoulder 213, and contact surface 214 is two in this embodiment, it is understood that in other embodiments, the number may be one or more, and this embodiment should not be considered a limitation.

[0135] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 7 to 9Regarding the positioning function between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1 further has a plurality of first positioning structures 117a and a plurality of second positioning structures 115a formed on the inner wall surface of the slot 111. Specifically, the plurality of first positioning structures 117a are formed on the rear wall 117, and the plurality of second positioning structures 115a are formed on the bottom wall 115. The insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 further has a plurality of third positioning structures 212b formed on the mating portion 212. Specifically, the plurality of third positioning structures 212b are formed at the front end of the mating portion 212 of the insulating shell 21. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the front-to-back direction D1, the mating portion 212 is inserted into the slot 111 from the first insertion port 112, and the plurality of third positioning structures 212b and the plurality of first positioning structures 117a are correspondingly engaged in a concave-convex fit. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the vertical direction D2, the mating portion 212 is inserted into the slot 111 from the second insertion port 113, and the plurality of third positioning structures 212b and the plurality of second positioning structures 115a are correspondingly engaged in a concave-convex fit. In this embodiment, the plurality of first positioning structures 117a and the plurality of second positioning structures 115a are positioning recesses, and the plurality of third positioning structures 212b are positioning protrusions. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of first positioning structures 117a and the plurality of second positioning structures 115a may also be positioning protrusions, in which case the plurality of third positioning structures 212b are positioning recesses. Furthermore, although in this embodiment there are four of each of the first positioning structure 117a, the second positioning structure 115a, and the third positioning structure 212b, in other embodiments, the number of each of the first positioning structure 117a, the second positioning structure 115a, and the third positioning structure 212b may be one, two, three, or more than five, and is not limited thereto. Through the first positioning structure 117a and the second positioning structure 115a of the first connector 1, and the third positioning structure 212b of the second connector 2, positioning functionality can be provided regardless of whether the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the front-back direction D1 or along the up-down direction D2.

[0136] Regarding the locking function between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1 also has two locking recesses 116a formed on the inner wall surface of the slot 111. Specifically, the two locking recesses 116a are formed on the two side walls 116. The insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 has two elastic locking strips 23 on both sides in the left-right direction D3, each end of which is integrally connected to the insulating shell 21 and can be pressed. The two elastic locking strips 23 extend front-back, and each elastic locking strip 23 has a locking protrusion 231 located at the front and a pressing part 232 located behind the locking protrusion 231 and can be pressed. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 in the up-down direction D2 along the front-back direction D1, the locking protrusions 231 of the two elastic locking strips 23 are inserted into the two locking recesses 116a, so that the insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 is locked to the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1. At this time, when the user presses the pressing part 232 of the two elastic locking strips 23, the locking protrusions 231 of the two elastic locking strips 23 will disengage from the two locking recesses 116a, thereby unlocking the insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 from the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1. The locking protrusions 231 of the elastic locking strips 23 of the second connector 2 and the locking recesses 116a of the first connector 1 provide a locking function when the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are mated along the front-back direction D1 and along the vertical direction D2, preventing the second connector 2 from detaching from the first connector 1. Furthermore, since both ends of the elastic locking strips 23 are integrally connected to the insulating shell 21, it can prevent the two elastic locking strips 23 from becoming entangled or pulled with other cables. It should also be noted that the number of locking recesses 116a and elastic locking strips 23 may be only one or even more than three in other variations, and should not be limited to the number in this embodiment.

[0137] See Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 7Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1 has two first anti-foolproof structures 116b extending along the front-rear direction D1 and two second anti-foolproof structures 116c extending along the vertical direction D2. Specifically, the two first anti-foolproof structures 116b are two protruding keys formed on the inner surfaces of the two sidewalls 116 and extending along the front-rear direction D1, and the two second anti-foolproof structures 116c are two guide grooves formed on the inner surfaces of the two sidewalls 116 and extending along the vertical direction D2. In this embodiment, the two guide grooves communicate with the two locking recesses 116a. The mating portion 212 of the insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 has two third anti-foolproof structures 212c corresponding to the two first anti-foolproof structures 116b and two fourth anti-foolproof structures 212d corresponding to the two second anti-foolproof structures 116c. In detail, the two third anti-mistake structures 212c are two keyways that extend front to back and mate with the two first anti-mistake structures 116b (the two protruding keys). In this embodiment, the two keyways are defined by the bottom of the two elastic locking strips 23 and the outer side of the mating portion 212 of the insulating shell 21. The two fourth anti-mistake structures 212d are two protruding rails that extend front to back and mate with the two second anti-mistake structures 116c (the two guide grooves). In this embodiment, the two protruding rails are formed on the outer side of the mating portion 212 and are located above the two elastic locking strips 23. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the front-back direction D1, the two first anti-mistake structures 116b and the two third anti-mistake structures 212c are correspondingly mated. When the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 along the vertical direction D2, the two second anti-mistake structures 116c and the two fourth anti-mistake structures 212d are correspondingly mated. The mating relationship between the first anti-mistake structure 116b and the third anti-mistake structure 212c, and the mating relationship between the second anti-mistake structure 116c and the fourth anti-mistake structure 212d, prevents the mating portion 212 of the insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 from being incorrectly inserted into the slot 111 of the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1 in the front-back direction D1 and the vertical direction D2. Furthermore, it should be noted that the number of the first anti-mistake structure 116b and the third anti-mistake structure 212c, as well as the number of the second anti-mistake structure 116c and the fourth anti-mistake structure 212d, can be adjusted according to requirements, and their numbers can be one or more each; the number in this embodiment should not be considered a limitation.

[0138] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11Each first terminal 12 is a sheet-like terminal extending along the front-rear direction D1 and the vertical direction D2, and has a sheet body 121. The sheet body 121 has a first surface 121a and a second surface 121b, a top edge 121c, a bottom edge 121d, and two side edges 121e. The sheet body 121 is provided with a protrusion 121f formed on the first surface 121a, two fixing portions 121g respectively formed on the two side edges 121e and extending outward, and a plurality of recesses 121h formed on the first surface 121a and the second surface 121b near the bottom edge 121d. The bottom wall 115 of the insulating body 11 of the first connector 1 is formed through a plurality of first fixing grooves 115b for fixing the plurality of first terminals 12. The two fixing parts 121g of each first terminal 12 are fixed in the corresponding first fixing groove 115b, and the protrusion 121f interferes with the inner wall surface of the corresponding first fixing groove 115b. The bottom edges 121d of the plurality of first terminals 12 are soldered to the circuit board 200 by soldering. The plurality of recesses 121h located on the first surface 121a are located between the protrusion 121f and the bottom edge 121d. The plurality of recesses 121h can accommodate solder to prevent the solder from climbing too high. In this embodiment, the protrusion 121f is formed by stamping and is located approximately between the two fixing portions 121g, such that the second surface 121b has a recess 121i corresponding to the protrusion 121f, and the plurality of recesses 121h located on the second surface 121b are located between the recess 121i and the bottom edge 121d. By interfering with the inner wall surface of the first fixing groove 115b, the holding force between the plurality of first terminals 12 and the insulating body 11 can be further increased. Therefore, the design of the protrusion 121f and the plurality of recesses 121h provides better holding force and avoids the problem of excessive solder creep during soldering.

[0139] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 12 to 14The plurality of second terminals 22 are clamping terminals for clamping the plurality of first terminals 12, and each second terminal 22 has a mating section 221 and a wiring section 225. The insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2 has a plurality of second receiving grooves 215 formed from the rear end face forward, and the front end of the mating portion 212 of the insulating shell 21 has a plurality of mating holes 212e that are respectively connected to the plurality of second receiving grooves 215 and open at the bottom. The plurality of second terminals 22 are disposed in the plurality of second receiving grooves 215 from back to front, and the mating sections 221 of the plurality of second terminals 22 are accommodated in the plurality of mating holes 212e. When the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are mated, the first terminal 12 of the first connector 1 enters from the corresponding mating hole 212e and is clamped by the mating section 221 of the second terminal 22 in the corresponding mating hole 212e and mats with each other. The terminal block 225 is connected to the rear end of the docking section 221 and is used to electrically connect the corresponding wire 300.

[0140] In detail, the mating section 221 has a forward-extending base plate 222 and two side plates 223 connected to both sides of the base plate 222. The base plate 222 and the two side plates 223 together define a mating space 224 into which the first terminal 12 extends and has a pair of forward-facing interfaces 224a. Each side plate 223 has a frame 223a, at least one elastic arm 223e, and a plurality of contact portions 223h extending into the mating space 224. Each frame 223a has a side frame strip 223b spaced side-by-side with the base plate 222, and a front frame strip 223c and a rear frame strip 223d connecting the side frame strip 223b and the base plate 222 and spaced side-by-side with each other. The at least one elastic arm 223e extends from the rear frame strip 223d toward the front frame strip 223c. One of the plurality of contact portions 223h of each side plate 223 is formed in the side frame strip 223b of the two side plates 223, and the remainder of the plurality of contact portions 223h are formed in the at least one elastic arm 223e. The frame 223a of the plurality of side plates 223 provides contact portions 223h for contact, increases the overall structural strength of the terminal, and simultaneously protects the at least one elastic arm 223e. At least two of the distances between the plurality of contact portions 223h and the interface 224a are of different lengths, thereby ensuring that electrical sparks during hot-plugging tend to occur only in the contact portion 223h closest to the interface 224a, preventing electrical sparks during hot-plugging from affecting other contact portions 223h. Furthermore, the plurality of contact portions 223h at different distances from the interface 224a can also reduce the insertion force during mating. In addition, the contact resistance between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 22 can be reduced by the multiple contact portions 223h of the two side plates 223.

[0141] The contact portion 223h of the at least one elastic arm 223e is closer to the mating interface 224a than the contact portion 223h of the side frame strip 223b, and the contact portion 223h of the at least one elastic arm 223e is formed at the end of the at least one elastic arm 223e. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic arm 223e includes a first elastic arm 223f and a second elastic arm 223g. The first elastic arm 223f is located between the second elastic arm 223g and the side frame strip 223b, and the contact portion 223h of the first elastic arm 223f is closest to the mating interface 224a. That is, the distances between the contact portions 223h of the first elastic arm 223f, the second elastic arm 223g, and the side frame strip 223b and the mating interface 224a are all different, thereby further reducing the insertion force during mating. Furthermore, since the first contact portion 223h of the first elastic arm 223f is the first to contact the first terminal 12 during the docking process, followed by the contact portion 223h of the second elastic arm 223g, and finally the contact portion 223h of the side frame strip 223b, the contact portions 223h of the side frame strip 223b and the second elastic arm 223g can serve as primary contacts less affected by electrical sparks, while the contact portion 223h of the first elastic arm 223f serves as a secondary contact. In a variant embodiment, only one of the elastic arms 223e may be adjacent to the interface 224a compared to the contact portion 223h of the side frame strip 223b. For example, only the contact portion 223h of the first elastic arm 223f or the contact portion 223h of the second elastic arm 223g may be adjacent to the interface 224a compared to the contact portion 223h of the side frame strip 223b. In this embodiment, the first elastic arm 223f and the second elastic arm 223g are connected to and surrounded by the frame 223a. However, in a variant embodiment, one of the first elastic arm 223f and the second elastic arm 223g may also be formed outside the frame 223a, that is, one of the first elastic arm 223f and the second elastic arm 223g may not be surrounded by the frame 223a. In this embodiment, the one of the first elastic arm 223f and the second elastic arm 223g that is not surrounded by the frame 223a may also not be connected to the frame 223a. Therefore, the implementation method in this embodiment should not be considered as a limitation.

[0142] See Figure 13 and Figure 15In addition, in this embodiment, a stop portion 223i is formed between the ends of the rear frame strips 223d of the two side plates 223 that are away from the substrate 222, and is spaced apart from the substrate 222. A snap-fit ​​spring arm 215a is provided in the second receiving groove 215 of the insulating shell 21 of the second connector 2. When each second terminal 22 is inserted into the corresponding second receiving groove 215, the stop portion 223i is snapped into the snap-fit ​​spring arm 215a, so that the second terminal 22 is fixed in the second receiving groove 215.

[0143] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 Furthermore, each of the first terminal 12's sheet body 121 has a guide edge 121j formed at the side edge 121e facing the first socket 112 and the top edge 121c facing the second socket 113. Through the guide edge 121j, the insertion force between the second terminal 22 and the first terminal 12 can be reduced when the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 in either the front-back direction D1 or the up-down direction D2, so that the mating is smoother.

[0144] In summary, the electrical connection device 100 of the present invention, through the first socket 112 and the second socket 113 facing different directions of the first connector 1, enables the second connector 2 to mate with the first connector 1 in different directions. Regardless of whether the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 in the front-back direction D1 or the vertical direction D2, the stop 114 of the first connector 1 and the contact surface 214 and guide groove 212a of the second connector 2 all provide blocking and guiding functions. Furthermore, through the first positioning structure 117a and the second positioning structure 115a of the first connector 1, and the third positioning structure 212b of the second connector 2, positioning functions are provided regardless of whether the second connector 2 mates with the first connector 1 in the front-back direction D1 or the vertical direction D2. Furthermore, the locking protrusion 231 of the elastic locking strip 23 of the second connector 2 and the locking recess 116a of the first connector 1 provide a locking function when the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are mated along the front-to-back direction D1 and along the vertical direction D2, preventing the second connector 2 from detaching from the first connector 1. Also, since both ends of the elastic locking strip 23 are integrally connected to the insulating shell 21, it prevents the elastic locking strip 23 from becoming entangled or pulled with other cables. Secondly, the design of the protrusion 121f and the multiple recesses 121h provides better holding force and avoids excessive solder creep during soldering. Finally, the frame 223a of the multiple side plates 223 provides contact portions 223h for contact, increasing the overall structural strength of the terminal and simultaneously protecting the elastic arm 223e. Furthermore, since at least two of the distances between the plurality of contact portions 223h and the interface 224a are of different lengths, the electrical sparks during hot-plugging tend to be generated only at the contact portion 223h closest to the interface 224a, thus preventing the electrical sparks during hot-plugging from affecting other contact portions 223h. In addition, the plurality of contact portions 223h at different distances from the interface 224a can also reduce the insertion force of the mating.

[0145] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and patent specification of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal having a mating section having a forward-extending base plate and two side plates connected to both sides of the base plate, the base plate and the two side plates defining a mating space having a pair of forward-extending interfaces, each side plate having a frame, at least one resilient arm, and a plurality of contact portions extending into the mating space, each frame having a side frame strip spaced apart from the base plate, one of the plurality of contact portions of each side plate being formed in the side frame strip, the remainder of the plurality of contact portions being formed in the at least one resilient arm, and at least two of the distances between the plurality of contact portions and the mating interfaces being different lengths.

2. The terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frame also has a front frame and a rear frame that connect the side frame and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other. At least one elastic arm extends from the rear frame toward the front frame and has a contact portion at its end.

3. The terminal as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The contact portion of the at least one elastic arm is closer to the interface than the contact portion of the side frame strip. The at least one elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm is located between the second elastic arm and the side frame strip, and the contact portion of the first elastic arm is closest to the interface.

4. The terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frame also has a front frame and a rear frame that connect the side frame and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other. The at least one elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm that extend from the rear frame towards the front frame and have the contact portion formed at the end. The contact portion of the first elastic arm or the contact portion of the second elastic arm is closer to the interface than the contact portion of the side frame.

5. The terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frame also has a front frame strip and a rear frame strip that connect the side frame strip and the substrate and are spaced apart from each other. The elastic arm includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm that extend from the rear frame strip toward the front frame strip and have the contact portion formed at the end. The distances between the contact portion of the first elastic arm, the contact portion of the second elastic arm, and the contact portion of the side frame strip and the interface are all different.

6. The terminal as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, A stop is formed between the ends of the rear frame strips of the two side plates that are away from the base plate.

7. The terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The terminal also has a connecting segment at the rear end of the mating section for electrically connecting the wire.

8. The terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one elastic arm of each side panel is connected to and surrounded by the frame.

9. A mating terminal for mating with a terminal according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the mating terminal is inserted through the mating space of the terminal and is clamped by the mating section of the terminal and contacts the contact portion to mate with each other. in, The docking terminal has a piece having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. The piece has a protrusion formed on the first surface, two fixing portions formed on the two side edges and extending outward, and a plurality of recesses formed on the first surface and the second surface near the bottom edge.

10. The terminal as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The plurality of recesses are located between the convex bulge and the bottom edge.

11. The terminal as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The convex bulge is formed by stamping, such that the second surface has a recess corresponding to the convex bulge, and the plurality of pits are located between the recess and the bottom edge.

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