Terminals, electrical connectors, wiring harnesses and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a terminal, an electrical connector, a wiring harness and a vehicle, wherein the terminal comprises an elastic force arm extending in the longitudinal direction of the terminal and used to lock the terminal in a housing, the elastic force arm comprises a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the first component extends in a preset direction and is a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the preset direction, the cross section of the first component comprises a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are stacked in the vertical direction of the terminal to support the first component to generate an elastic deformation force, the second component comprises a top wall and a side wall, the side wall is connected to one side of the top wall, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the side wall and the top wall are arranged to be arranged at a preset angle, the preset angle is greater than 0°, wherein the preset direction is at a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction. According to the terminal of the present invention, it is convenient to take into account the requirements of smooth installation and the locking requirements to avoid separation from the housing after installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of wire harness connection, and in particular to a terminal, an electric connector, a wire harness and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the wiring harness terminal includes a male end and a female end. The wiring harness terminal, as an electrical contact unit, is generally coordinated with the wiring harness sheath through an elastic force arm structure, that is, it is bent at a certain angle as a spring to achieve installation and locking through the elastic force arm, so that the elastic force arm needs to have a certain elastic deformation ability and a certain rigidity; however, it is difficult to achieve a good balance between the elastic deformation ability, rigidity and strength of the elastic force arm, resulting in the wiring harness terminal being unable to take into account both its installation convenience and locking stability. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a terminal that can meet both the requirement of smooth installation and the requirement of locking the terminal to avoid separation from the housing after installation.

[0004] The present invention also provides an electrical connector having the above-mentioned terminal.

[0005] The present invention also provides a wiring harness having the electrical connector.

[0006] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the wiring harness.

[0007] According to the terminal of the first aspect of the present invention, the embodiment includes: an elastic force arm extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal and used to lock the terminal in the shell, the elastic force arm includes a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component are arranged along the longitudinal direction, the first component extends along a preset direction and is a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the preset direction, the cross section of the first component includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are overlapped in the vertical direction of the terminal to support the first component to generate an elastic deformation force, the second component includes a top wall and a side wall, the side wall is connected to one side of the top wall, and in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the side wall and the top wall are arranged to be set at a preset angle, the preset angle is greater than 0°, wherein the preset direction forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction.

[0008] According to the terminal of the embodiment of the present invention, an elastic force arm is provided to include a first component and a second component, the first area and the second area of ​​the first component are overlapped in the vertical direction, and the side wall and the top wall of the second component are arranged at a preset angle greater than 0°, so that the elastic force arm can take into account the elastic deformation ability, strength and stiffness requirements at the same time, so that the elastic force arm can take into account the smooth installation requirement of the terminal and the locking requirement to avoid separation from the shell after the installation is completed. Therefore, during the installation process of the terminal, it has a good introduction feel, no jamming and is easy to install in place. At the same time, after the installation is completed, it is easy to meet the vibration and pulling tests.

[0009] In some embodiments, the preset angle is 90°.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first component includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion, a cross section of the first extension portion forms the first region, a cross section of the second extension portion forms the second region, and the top wall is connected to the first extension portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the side wall is connected to the second extension.

[0012] In some embodiments, the length of the first component in the preset direction is L1, the length of the second component in the longitudinal direction is L2, and 1.4≤L2 / L1≤2.2.

[0013] In some embodiments, the angle between the preset direction and the longitudinal direction is α, 10°≤α≤16°.

[0014] In some embodiments, the elastic force arm also includes a connecting component, and the first component and the second component are smoothly connected by the connecting component. The connecting component presents a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the cross section of the connecting component includes a third area and a fourth area, and the angle between the third area and the fourth area gradually decreases along the direction from the second component to the first component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the terminal further includes a stop protrusion, which is arranged at intervals on a side of the first component away from the second component in the longitudinal direction and is used to limit the terminal from being separated from the housing.

[0016] An electrical connector according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing; and a terminal according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the terminal is configured to be locked in the housing by means of the elastic force arm.

[0017] The electrical connector according to the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the above-mentioned terminal, facilitates ensuring the requirement of smooth assembly and the requirement of locking after installation.

[0018] A wiring harness according to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention comprises: an electric wire; and an electric connector according to the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the electric wire is connected to the terminal.

[0019] The wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the above-mentioned electrical connector, facilitates ensuring the requirement of smooth assembly and the requirement of locking after installation.

[0020] A vehicle according to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a wiring harness according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention.

[0021] The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention adopts the above-mentioned wiring harness, which facilitates the improvement of vehicle assembly convenience and ensures the reliability of vehicle use.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the terminal shown in ;

[0026] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A front view of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the terminal along line AA;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the terminal along line BB;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the terminal along line CC;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A top view of the terminal shown in ;

[0031] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the terminal along line DD;

[0032] Fig.10 for Figure 8 A bottom view of the terminal shown in ;

[0033] Fig.11 for Figure 8 Left side view of the terminal shown in ;

[0034] Fig.12 for Figure 8 Right side view of the terminal shown in .

[0035] Reference numerals:

[0036] Terminal 100,

[0037] Elastic force arm 30,

[0038] The first component 34, the first region 36, the second region 38, the first bending region 40, the first extension 42, the transition connection portion 44, the second extension 46,

[0039] The second component 50, the fifth region 52, the sixth region 54, the second bending region 56, the top wall 58, the connecting wall 60, the side wall 62,

[0040] The connecting member 66, the third region 68, the fourth region 70, the third extension portion 72, the fourth extension portion 74,

[0041] Stop protrusion 48,

[0042] The first connecting portion 12, the main body 20, the top wall 32 of the main body, the first side wall 22, the second side wall 24, the bottom wall 26, the reinforcing connecting plate 28,

[0043] The second connecting portion 14, the first crimping portion 16, the second crimping portion 18,

[0044] The middle bottom 78 , the free end 76 of the middle bottom, the protrusion 80 , the through hole 82 , the electric contact spring 84 , the first electric contact area 88 , the second electric contact area 90 , the groove 92 , and the top lug 94 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0046] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to implement different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention can repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides various specific processes and examples of materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0047] Hereinafter, a terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the terminal 100 includes an elastic force arm 30, and the elastic force arm 30 extends along the longitudinal direction of the terminal 100 (for example Figure 1 The elastic force arm 30 extends in the front-to-rear direction of the terminal 100, and is used to lock the terminal 100 in the housing (not shown).

[0049] The elastic force arm 30 includes a first component 34, the first component 34 extends along a preset direction, and the first component 34 is a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the preset direction, and the cross section of the first component 34 includes a first area 36 and a second area 38, and the first area 36 and the second area 38 are along the vertical direction of the terminal 100 (for example, Figure 1 The first component 34 is stacked in the vertical direction to support the first component 34 to generate elastic deformation force. The preset direction and the longitudinal direction form a non-zero angle, that is, the extension direction of the first component 34 is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the terminal 100; for example, Figure 3 In the example, an angle α is formed between the first component 34 and the longitudinal direction of the terminal 100 , and α is an acute angle.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the elastic force arm 30 also includes a second component 50, the first component 34 and the second component 50 are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the second component 50 includes a top wall 58 and a side wall 62, and the side wall 62 is connected to one side of the top wall 58, for example, the side wall 62 is connected to one side of the top wall 58 in the lateral direction of the terminal 100; in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the side wall 62 and the top wall 58 are arranged to be set at a preset angle β, and the preset angle β is greater than 0°, then one end of the side wall 62 is connected to one end of the top wall 58, and the other end of the side wall 62 is spaced apart from the top wall 58, so that a certain space is formed between the side wall 62 and the top wall 58, and the size of the space is related to the size of the preset angle, and the larger the preset angle, the larger the space.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the description of the present application, the longitudinal direction of the terminal 100 is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the terminal 100 and the lateral direction of the terminal 100 , respectively, and the vertical direction of the terminal 100 is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the terminal 100 .

[0052] For example, in Figure 1 In the example, the terminal 100 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the first component 34 extends from front to back and tilted upward, so that the first component 34 can be deflected up and down in the up and down direction relative to other parts of the terminal 100 to undergo elastic deformation, and the second component 50 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the rear end of the second component 50 is directly or indirectly connected to the front end of the first component 34.

[0053] When the terminal 100 is installed in the shell, the terminal 100 can be plugged into the sleeve of the shell from back to front. During the plugging process, the first component 34 is deflected downward due to being squeezed until the terminal 100 is plugged into the preset position, and the first component 34 is deflected upward to restore to its original state. At this time, the free end of the first component 34 (that is, the rear end of the first component 34, or the end of the first component 34 away from the second component 50) is stopped against the limiting protrusion of the sleeve, so as to limit the terminal 100 from escaping from the shell backwards through the stiffness and strength of the elastic force arm 30.

[0054] It can be seen that in the above installation process, the first component 34 can be the component that mainly undergoes elastic movement, and the first component 34 needs to have a certain elastic deformation ability to facilitate the smooth and rapid installation of the terminal 100; after the installation is completed, the first component 34 needs to have a certain rigidity and strength to limit the terminal 100 from being separated from the housing and ensure that the terminal 100 is stably locked in the housing. In the present application, the first area 36 and the second area 38 of the cross section of the first component 34 are overlapped to support the first component 34 to generate elastic deformation force, and at the same time, it is convenient to enhance the rigidity of the first component 34 to a certain extent, and at the same time, the first component 34 can keep the torque of the first component 34 relatively uniform when the force applied by the housing, and the first component 34 will not or reduce twisting to cause interference with the sheath, so as to ensure that the terminal 100 is smoothly and stably plugged during the installation process.

[0055] At the same time, the second component 50 can support the first component 34, so the structural strength and bending stiffness of the second component 50 will affect the strength and stiffness of the entire elastic force arm 30, and the second component 50 will basically not or rarely affect the elastic deformation ability of the first component 34. Since the side wall and the top wall of the second component 50 are set at a preset angle greater than 0°, it is convenient to ensure that the second component 50 has appropriate stiffness to provide stable support for the first component 34, further improve the strength and stiffness of the entire elastic force arm 30, and make it convenient for the elastic force arm 30 to take into account the elastic deformation ability, strength and stiffness requirements at the same time. The elastic force arm 30 takes into account the requirements of smooth installation of the terminal 100 and the locking requirements to avoid separation from the shell after installation. Therefore, the terminal 100 has a good introduction feel during installation, is not stuck, and is easy to install in place. At the same time, it is easy to meet vibration and pulling tests after installation, and avoids the elastic force arm 30 from being easily deformed and disengaged during use or testing, thereby preventing failure, especially in the use of small wire diameter connectors. That is to say, when the present application is used for small wire diameter connectors, the elastic force arm 30 can be prevented from being deformed and disengaged, and the elastic force arm 30 has good load-bearing capacity to keep the lock firmly.

[0056] Therefore, according to the terminal 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic force arm 30 is provided to include a first component 34 and a second component 50, the first area 36 and the second area 38 of the first component 34 are stacked in the vertical direction, and the side wall 60 and the top wall 58 of the second component 50 are arranged at a preset angle greater than 0°, then the cooperation of the first component 34 and the second component 50 facilitates the elastic force arm 30 to simultaneously take into account the elastic deformation ability, strength and stiffness requirements, so that the elastic force arm 30 simultaneously takes into account the smooth installation requirements of the terminal 100 and the locking requirements to avoid separation from the shell after the installation is completed, then during the installation process of the terminal 100, it has a good introduction feel, no jamming and is easy to install in place, and at the same time, it is easy to meet the vibration and pulling tests after the installation is completed.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in the present application, the first component 34 has a C-shaped structure in its cross section, which can be seen from Figure 5 In this case, the first region 36 and the second region 38 are connected to form a C-shaped structure, and the two regions can be connected via the first curved region 40. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first region 36 and the second region 38 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0058] It is understood that the first region 36 and the second region 38 may have the same thickness or different thicknesses, the first region 36 and the second region 38 may have the same width or different widths, and the first region 36 and the second region 38 may have the same length or different lengths. It is understood that the thickness may be along the vertical direction P of the terminal 100, the length may be along the longitudinal direction L of the terminal 100, and the width may be along the transverse direction R of the terminal 100.

[0059] Therefore, compared with the design structure of the "L"-shaped spring piece or the "I"-shaped spring piece in the related art, the present application adopts the "C"-shaped elastic force arm 30 structure, which has the following advantages:

[0060] 1. The “C”-shaped elastic force arm 30 forms a double-layer force arm, the strength and rigidity of the elastic force arm 30 are improved, and the stability of the cooperation with the shell is enhanced.

[0061] 2. Compared with the "I"-shaped spring piece, in order to ensure the reliability of the structure, it can only be suitable for thicker connector steel sheets, and the stability is poor when used for thinner connector steel sheets; the terminal 100 in the present application is an integrated part and can be suitable for thinner steel sheets;

[0062] 3. The difficulty of stamping process is reduced and the yield is improved.

[0063] 4. Compared with the "L"-shaped elastic force arm, its torque is asymmetric on the left and right, and it will be biased toward the weaker side. The accumulated tolerance has the risk of interfering with the shell. The torque generated by the "C"-shaped elastic force arm 30 of the present application is more single, and the assembly process with the shell is smoother and more stable, and the testing and use life cycle are more reliable.

[0064] The structure of the cross section of the elastic arm 30 having two regions extends over the entire length of the elastic arm 30 , ie, all cross sections of the first component 34 have a similar structure, which is a C-shaped structure in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0065] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 100 also includes a first connecting portion 12 and a second connecting portion 14, the elastic force arm 30 is arranged on the first connecting portion 12, the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 both extend in the longitudinal direction, and the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 14 are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal direction, the first connecting portion 12 is used to lock in the shell, and the first connecting portion 12 is used to electrically contact the pin contact (such as the contact of the male terminal), and the second connecting portion 14 is used to electrically connect the wire (not shown), so that the terminal 100 can realize the electrical connection between the pin contact and the wire.

[0066] Optionally, the second connecting portion 14 may include a first crimping portion 16 for crimping the conductor of the wire and a second crimping portion 18 for crimping on the electrical insulation layer of the wire. In this way, the connection strength between the terminal 100 and the wire can be stabilized through the two crimping portions, and the wire is not easy to fall off.

[0067] Optionally, the first crimping portion 16 can be welded to the conductor of the wire, for example, by compression welding. In addition, in the terminal 100 shown in the drawings, the first crimping portion 16 and the second crimping portion 18 are in a state where the wire has not yet been crimped.

[0068] In the first embodiment of the present application, in order to electrically mate with the electrical contact of the electrical connector (not shown), the first connecting portion 12 of the terminal 100 includes a main body portion 20, and the main body portion 20 includes a first side wall 22, a second side wall 24 and a bottom wall 26 (such as Figure 3 and Fig.10 ), the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 are respectively connected to the two sides of the bottom wall 26 in the transverse direction of the terminal 100, and the bottom wall 26 is connected to the first crimping part 16. The main body 20 also includes a reinforcing connecting plate 28, which connects the main body 20 and the first crimping part 16, wherein the first side wall 22, the second side wall 24 and the bottom wall 26 are all connected to the reinforcing connecting plate 28.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, one end of the elastic force arm 30 is connected to the main body portion 20, and the other end of the elastic force arm 30 extends in a direction away from the main body portion 20 so that the elastic force arm 30 bulges outward away from the main body portion 20. The elastic force arm 30 bulges outward from the top surface of the main body portion 20 and provides an elastic main lock for the terminal 100.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the preset angle β is 90°, so that the side wall 62 can effectively support the top wall 58, so as to improve the bending stiffness of the second component 50, and enhance the supporting effect of the second component 50 on the first component 34, thereby improving the overall stiffness of the elastic force arm 300 and enhancing the locking stability of the terminal 100 and the housing.

[0071] Of course, the preset angle β may also be an acute angle, or an obtuse angle, etc. For example, β may be 60°, or 100°, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, Figure 1As shown, the first component 34 includes a first extension portion 42 and a second extension portion 46. The cross-section of the first extension portion 42 forms a first area 36, ​​and the cross-section of the second extension portion 46 forms a second area 38. The top wall is connected to the first extension portion 42, and the top wall 58 is directly connected to the first extension portion 42, or the top wall 58 is indirectly connected to the first extension portion 42, so that the top wall 58 can provide stable support for the first extension portion 42.

[0073] Optionally, the first component 34 may also include a transition connection portion 44, which smoothly connects the first extension portion 42 and the second extension portion 46 on one side of the terminal 100 in the lateral direction, and the cross-section of the transition connection portion 44 constitutes a first bending area 40. The assembled first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 46 and the transition connection portion 44 form the first component 34 of the present application, wherein the first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 46 and the transition connection portion 44 are combined into one with other parts of the terminal 100, such as the first connection portion 12.

[0074] Optionally, the terminal 100 is an integrally formed part, and the elastic force arm 30 and the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 14 are an integral part.

[0075] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the side wall 62 is connected to the second extension portion 46 , and the side wall 62 is directly connected to the second extension portion 46 , or the side wall 62 is indirectly connected to the second extension portion 46 , and the side wall 62 can provide stable support to the second extension portion 46 to ensure the supporting effect of the second component 50 on the first component 34 , thereby improving the stiffness of the entire elastic force arm 30 .

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the length of the first component 34 in the preset direction is L1, and the length of the second component 50 in the longitudinal direction is L2, 1.4≤L2 / L1≤2.2. As a result, the rigidity of the second component 50 and the rigidity of the first component 34 can be well matched, which is convenient for further making the elastic force arm 30 take into account the smooth installation requirements of the terminal 100 and the locking requirements to avoid separation from the housing after installation. In the installation process of the terminal 100, it has a good introduction feel, no jamming and easy installation in place. At the same time, after the installation is completed, it is easy to meet the vibration and pull-out tests, and avoid the elastic force arm 30 from being easily deformed and disengaged during use or testing.

[0077] For example, L2 / L1 can be 1.4, or 1.6, or 1.9, or 2, or 2.2, etc.; the length of the first component 34 in the preset direction is L1, 2.5mm≤L1≤5mm, L1 can be 2.5mm, or 3mm, or 4.3mm, or 5mm, etc.

[0078] In some embodiments, Figure 3As shown, the angle between the preset direction and the longitudinal direction is α, 10°≤α≤16°, which is convenient for ensuring the elastic deformation capacity of the first component 34, and at the same time, during the installation of the terminal 100, the first component 34 can generate appropriate installation resistance to further ensure the installation feel. For example, α can be 10°, or 11°, or 12°, or 15°, or 16°, etc.

[0079] Optionally, the thickness of the first component 34 in the vertical direction is T, T≥0.3mm, so as to ensure that the first component 34 has good rigidity and strength, so as to further ensure the bearing capacity of the first component 34, so that the terminal 100 meets the use and testing requirements and prevents the terminal 100 from being separated from the housing. For example, T is 0.3mm, or 0.36mm, or 0.5mm, etc.

[0080] Optionally, the width of the first component 34 in the transverse direction of the terminal 100 is W, W ≥ 0.54 mm, so as to ensure that the first component 34 has a good load-bearing capacity, so that the terminal 100 meets the use and testing requirements and prevents the terminal 100 from being separated from the housing. For example, W is 0.54 mm, or 0.6 mm.

[0081] Optionally, the height difference between the two ends of the length of the first component 34 in the vertical direction is ΔH, 0.4mm≤ΔH≤0.6mm, so as to ensure the elastic deformation ability of the first component 34, and at the same time enable the first component 34 to generate appropriate installation resistance during the installation of the terminal 100 to further ensure the installation feel.

[0082] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 3 , Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the elastic force arm 30 also includes a connecting component 66, and the first component 34 and the second component 50 are smoothly connected through the connecting component 66, that is, the second component 50 is indirectly connected to the first component 34 through the connecting component 66, and the connecting component 66 is a continuous structure in the cross section in the vertical longitudinal direction, and the cross section of the connecting component 66 includes a third area 68 and a fourth area 70, and the angle between the third area 68 and the fourth area 70 gradually decreases along the direction from the second component 50 to the first component 34, so as to achieve a smooth transition from the second component 50 to the first component 34, so that when the first component 34 is deformed by force, the deformation of the first component 34 will not be suddenly transmitted to the second component 50, so as to achieve continuity and facilitate the improvement of the reliability of the elastic force arm 30.

[0083] For example, in Figure 1 , Figure 5-Figure 7In the example, the first component 34 includes a first extension portion 42 and a second extension portion 46, the cross section of the first extension portion 42 forms a first area 36, ​​and the cross section of the second extension portion 46 forms a second area 38. Since the first area 36 and the second area 38 are stacked along the vertical direction of the terminal 100, the angle between the first extension portion 42 and the second extension portion 46 can be understood as 0°, and the surfaces of the first extension portion 42 and the second extension portion 46 on one side opposite to each other are closely arranged; the connecting component 66 includes a third extension portion 72 and a fourth extension portion 74, The cross-section of the third extension portion 72 forms a third area 68, and the cross-section of the fourth extension portion 74 forms a fourth area 70. The third extension portion 72 is connected between the first extension portion 42 and the top wall 58, so that the top wall 58 is indirectly connected to the first extension portion 42 through the third extension portion 72. The fourth extension portion 74 is connected between the second extension portion 42 and the side wall 62, so that the side wall 62 is indirectly connected to the second extension portion 46 through the fourth extension portion 74. The angle between the third extension portion 72 and the fourth extension portion 74 can be gradually reduced from a preset angle to 0°.

[0084] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the terminal 100 further includes a stop protrusion 48, which is arranged at intervals on a side of the first component 34 away from the second component 50 in the longitudinal direction, and the stop protrusion 48 is used to limit the terminal 100 from being separated from the housing. For example, when the terminal 100 is plugged into a preset position so that the first component 34 is restored to its original state, the stop protrusion 48 can be stopped by a stop block on the housing, so that the stop protrusion 48 can limit the terminal 100 from being separated from the housing together with the elastic force arm 30. Therefore, the setting of the stop protrusion 48 can reduce the rigidity requirement of the elastic force arm 30 to a certain extent, reduce the balance between the elastic deformation capacity and the rigidity requirement of the elastic force arm 30, and facilitate the reduction of design difficulty and design cost.

[0085] Optionally, in Figure 3 In the example, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the stop protrusion 48 and the first component 34 is x, and x>0.3 mm, so that the stop protrusion 48 can avoid deformation of the first component 34.

[0086] In addition, the embodiment of the present application may not include the stop protrusion 48 connected to the main body 20 as shown in the drawings, and the elastic force arm 30 can be set on the main body 20 without the terminal 100 having to include the stop protrusion 48.

[0087] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 12 The terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with a specific embodiment. It is worth noting that the following description is only an exemplary description and is not a specific limitation of the present invention.

[0088] like Figure 1As shown, the terminal 100 is an integral stamping part, and the terminal 100 includes an elastic force arm 30, a first connecting portion 12 and a second connecting portion 14, both of which extend longitudinally, the elastic force arm 30 includes a first component 34, a second component 50 and a connecting component 66, the first component 34 includes an overlapping first extension portion 42 and a second extension portion 46, the first extension portion 42 and the second extension portion 46 are arranged on surfaces opposite to each other, the second component 50 includes a top wall 58 and a side wall 62, the connecting component 66 includes a third extension portion 72 and a fourth extension portion 74, the third extension portion 72 is connected between the first extension portion 42 and the top wall 58, and the fourth extension portion 74 is connected between the second extension portion 46 and the side wall 62.

[0089] In which, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the side wall 58 and the top wall 62 are arranged to be set at a preset angle β, the preset angle β is 90°, and the angle between the third extension portion and the fourth extension portion can be gradually reduced from 90° to 0°.

[0090] The first component 34 further includes a transition connection portion 44, the second component 50 further includes a connecting wall 60, the connecting wall 60 connects the top wall 58 and the side wall 62, the cross section of the second component 50 along the vertical longitudinal direction L further includes a second bending area 56, the cross section of the connecting wall 60 constitutes the second bending area 56, the cross section of the top wall 58 constitutes the fifth area 52, the cross section of the side wall 62 constitutes the sixth area 54, the second bending area 56 connects the fifth area 52 and the sixth area 54, and the transition connection portion 44 corresponds to the second bending area 56. Among them, the second component 50 can be connected to the main body 20 of the first connecting portion 12. Of course, the second component 50 can also be connected to the stop protrusion 48, in which case, the elastic force arm 30 configured as above partially protrudes from the stop protrusion 48.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 The three parts 58, 60 and 62 after assembly form the second component 50 of the present application, wherein each part 58, 60 and 62 is integrated with the terminal 100. In this case, the elastic force arm 30 and the main body 20 can be made into one piece or the stop projection 48 can be made into one piece.

[0092] Among them, please refer to Figure 7The cross section of the connecting member 66 along the vertical longitudinal direction L includes a third region 68 and a fourth region 70, and the third region 68 connects the fourth region 70. The connecting member 66 generates two extensions of the elastic force arm 30 in the area of ​​its cross section: a third extension 72 and a fourth extension 74, and the third extension 72 connects the fourth extension 74, wherein the cross section of the third extension 72 constitutes the third region 68, and the cross section of the fourth extension 74 constitutes the fourth region 70. The two extensions 72 and 74 after assembly form the connecting member 66 of the present application, wherein each extension 72 and 74 is integrated with the terminal 100. In this case, the elastic force arm 30 and the main body 20 can be made into one piece or made into one piece with the stop protrusion 48.

[0093] The shape of the fourth region 70 gradually changes along the longitudinal direction, so that the fourth extension portion 74 is formed into a variable cross-section structure.

[0094] The first component 34, the connecting component 66 and the second component 50 are an integral structure. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 During the process of inserting into the housing, the force-bearing surface L1 of the first component 34 rotates inwards under pressure, and the entire connecting component 66 and a part of the force-bearing surface L2 of the second component 50 bear the conversion of the former's pressure through deformation and yielding, that is, the conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy. At the moment when the snap-in stroke of inserting into the housing is completed, the first component 34 rebounds to position the free end L3 of the elastic force arm 30 to the designed assembly position, thereby locking the terminal 100 in the housing.

[0095] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the terminal 100 further includes a stopper protrusion 48, which is divided from the main body portion 20 by an intermediate bottom portion 78. In this case, the intermediate bottom portion 78 may be disposed between the main body portion 20 and the stopper protrusion 48 throughout or only at a few locations.

[0096] The main body portion 20 and the stop protrusion 48 have a common side wall, and the middle bottom 78 is fixed to the second side wall 24. In order to fix the middle bottom 78 in the central area of ​​the side wall, the middle bottom 78 includes a protrusion 80, which engages with a corresponding through hole 82 on the second side wall 24. In this way, a cubic main body portion 20 with a rectangular, preferably square, cross section extending along the longitudinal direction L is formed, and the bottom wall 26 is opposite to the middle bottom 78. Both side walls 22, 24 are perpendicular to the bottom wall 26.

[0097] Please combine Figure 3 and Fig. 9 , starting from the free end 76 of the middle bottom 78 and moving backward along the longitudinal direction L of the terminal 100, the middle bottom 78 gradually forms an electric contact spring 84, such as Fig. 9As shown. The electric contact spring 84 is used to make electrical contact with another terminal. Starting from the free end 76 of the middle bottom 78, the electric contact spring 84 tapers in the rearward direction and protrudes into the main body 20, that is, the electric contact spring 84 extends into the main body 20 away from the stop protrusion 48 arranged thereon.

[0098] At the end of the electric contact spring 84 opposite to the free end 76 of the middle bottom 78, the electric contact spring 84 is joined to the connecting portion 86 of the first side wall 22 via a transition portion formed thereon. In this case, the connecting portion 86 is cut out of the first side wall 22.

[0099] Preferably, the connecting portion 86 and the electric contact spring 84 on the first side wall 22 have an elastic design, that is, the electric contact spring 84 can move up and down in the main body portion 20 (relative to the stop protrusion 48 arranged thereon), and the connecting portion 86 on the first side wall 22 can move laterally into the main body portion 20 and out of the main body portion 20 along the transverse direction R. In this way, the pin contact of the mating plug connector can be easily inserted into the miniaturized terminal 100.

[0100] To improve electrical contact, refer to Fig. 9 The electrical contact spring 84 preferably includes a first electrical contact area 88. The bottom wall 26 also includes a second electrical contact area 90, wherein the first electrical contact area 88 and the second electrical contact area 90 are preferably directly opposite each other. The electrical contact areas 88, 90 are in the form of, for example, raised portions, ridges, beads, raised portions, ribs or protrusions.

[0101] Preferably, the middle bottom 78 extends as far as the right region of the main body portion 20 or the stop protrusion 48. In this right region, at the right of the stop protrusion 48, there is an edge or groove 92, which can be used for auxiliary locking of the terminal 100.

[0102] The stop protrusion 48 is arranged above or on the main body 20. Like the main body 20, starting from the second side wall 24, the top wall 58 of the second component 50 is engaged on the top wall 32 of the main body 20, see Figure 2 , wherein the top wall 32 of the main body portion 20 is then formed with a top lug 94, which is located above the main body portion 20. In this case, the elongated free end of the top lug 94 rests against the intermediate bottom 78 or against the transition between the intermediate bottom 78 and the first side wall 22.

[0103] Preferably, the top wall 32 and the bottom wall 26 or the middle bottom 78 of the main body portion 20 are not as wide as each other, so that the top lug 94 is not aligned with the first side wall 22 of the terminal 100, and is therefore arranged thereon at a given angle instead of 180 degrees. This creates an inclined surface, which makes one end face of the terminal 100 asymmetrical, thereby providing coding for the terminal 100 through the inclined top lug 94.

[0104] Preferably, not the entire cut-out area of ​​the elastic force arm 30 is arranged to protrude from the stop protrusion 48 portion, but only the longitudinal free end portion of the stop protrusion 48 forms the elastic force arm 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal free end portion is longer than the portion cut out from the stop protrusion 48.

[0105] The structure of the terminal 100 according to the present application is particularly suitable for snap-on contacts, which have been locked in the housing before being electrically contacted with the mating plug connector. The design of the elastic force arm 30 according to the present application produces a relatively high level of safety to prevent the twisting of the elastic force arm 30 and the wire from being entangled between the elastic force arm 30 and the terminal 100 or between the elastic force arm 30 and the stop projection 48.

[0106] An electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present application includes a housing (not shown) and a terminal 100, wherein the terminal 100 is configured to be locked in the housing by means of an elastic force arm 30. The electrical connector may be a male electrical connector or a female electrical connector, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0107] A wiring harness according to an embodiment of the present application includes electric wires and the above-mentioned electrical connector, and the electric wires are connected to the terminal 100 .

[0108] A vehicle in an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned wiring harness. Specifically, the wiring harness can be used for electrical connection between various systems of the vehicle, and electrical connection between various components, etc., which are not specifically limited here. Vehicles include but are not limited to pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, fuel vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, etc.

[0109] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A terminal, characterized in that: include: An elastic force arm extends along the longitudinal direction of the terminal and is used to lock the terminal in the housing, the elastic force arm includes a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component are arranged along the longitudinal direction, the first component extends along a preset direction and is a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the preset direction, the cross section of the first component includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are overlapped in the vertical direction of the terminal to support the first component to generate an elastic deformation force, the second component includes a top wall and a side wall, the side wall is connected to one side of the top wall, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the side wall and the top wall are arranged to be arranged at a preset angle, and the preset angle is greater than 0°, Wherein, the preset direction forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction; The elastic force arm further comprises a connecting component, and the first component and the second component are smoothly connected by the connecting component; The first component includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion, a cross section of the first extension portion forms the first region, a cross section of the second extension portion forms the second region, and the top wall is connected to the first extension portion; The side wall is connected to the second extension portion, and the side wall is connected to the second extension portion through the connecting component.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset angle is 90°.

3. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the first component in the preset direction is L1, the length of the second component in the longitudinal direction is L2, and 1.4≤L2 / L1≤2.

2.

4. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the preset direction and the longitudinal direction is α, 10°≤α≤16°.

5. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connecting component is a continuous structure in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the cross section of the connecting component includes a third area and a fourth area, and an angle between the third area and the fourth area gradually decreases along the direction from the second component to the first component.

6. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The terminal further includes a stop protrusion, which is arranged at intervals on a side of the first component away from the second component in the longitudinal direction and is used to limit the terminal from being separated from the housing.

7. An electrical connector, characterized in that: include: case; and The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is configured to be locked in the housing by means of the elastic force arm.

8. A wiring harness, characterized in that: include: electric wire; and The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein the electric wire is connected to the terminal.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: A wire harness comprising the wire harness according to claim 8.

Images