A connector terminal and a connector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector terminal and a connector. The connector terminal includes a terminal body and a locking device provided on the terminal body; the locking device includes an elastic part, the elastic part extends from a first side of the inner wall of the terminal body to a second side of the inner wall of the terminal body, the first side and the second side of the inner wall of the terminal body are opposite to each other, a gap is formed between the end of the elastic part and the inner wall of the terminal body, the gap is configured to pass through a cable, and the end of the elastic part presses against the cable passing through the gap. The connector terminal and the connector provided by the present invention can lock the cable without pressing the ground, and do not need to fix the connector terminal and the cable by other connection methods such as riveting, which can greatly improve the assembly efficiency of the connector and the cable and reduce the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of solar photovoltaic technology, and particularly relates to a connector terminal and a connector. Background Art

[0002] A photovoltaic connector is a dedicated electrical connection device designed specifically for solar photovoltaic systems, providing safe, reliable, and efficient power transmission between photovoltaic panels, junction boxes, inverters, battery storage systems, and other system components. The design of the photovoltaic connector allows for convenient and rapid connection and disconnection of circuits without the need for specialized welding or other permanent connection methods.

[0003] A photovoltaic connector generally includes a plug and a socket. The plug has protruding pins or needles, and the socket has holes or slots that match the pins of the plug. The connection between the plug and the socket mainly enables the electrical connection of the terminals inside the connector.

[0004] A connector terminal is the part in the connector that actually contacts and conducts current, and one end of the terminal is connected to a cable. Currently, most of the terminals of photovoltaic connectors are riveted to the cable. The tail of the terminal is designed in a double-wing shape, and external tools are required to complete the electrical connection, adding an additional process.

[0005] The disclosure of the above background art content is only for assisting in understanding the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this application, nor does it necessarily provide technical guidance. Without clear evidence indicating that the above content was publicly available before the filing date of this application, the above background art should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector terminal and a connector. The connector terminal can lock the cable without pressing and grounding, and does not need to fix the connector terminal and the cable through other connection methods such as riveting, which can greatly improve the assembly efficiency of the connector and the cable and reduce costs.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A connector terminal includes a terminal body and a locking device provided on the terminal body;

[0009] The locking device includes an elastic part. The elastic part extends from a first side of the inner wall of the terminal body to a second side of the inner wall of the terminal body. The first side and the second side of the inner wall of the terminal body are opposite to each other. A gap is formed between the end of the elastic part and the inner wall of the terminal body. The gap is configured to pass through a cable, and the end of the elastic part presses against the cable passing through the gap.

[0010] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the locking device includes a locking device body and the elastic part, and the locking device is disposed outside the terminal body;

[0011] One end of the elastic part is fixedly connected to the locking device body, the other end of the elastic part passes through the side wall of the terminal body and extends along the radial direction of the terminal body, and a window for the elastic part to pass through is provided on the side wall of the terminal body.

[0012] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the elastic part is formed by bending a part of the side wall of the locking device body by a preset angle towards the inside of the terminal body.

[0013] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the number of the elastic parts is multiple, and the multiple elastic parts are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the terminal body;

[0014] The directions and angles of bending of the multiple elastic parts towards the inside of the terminal body are the same; or, a part of the elastic parts are bent towards the inside of the terminal body by a first angle along a first direction, and another part of the elastic parts are bent towards the inside of the terminal body by a second angle along a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0015] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the locking device further includes one or more first clamping platforms. One end of the first clamping platform is fixedly connected to the locking device body, the other end of the first clamping platform extends away from the locking device body, and the other end of the first clamping platform is configured to be in contact connection with the connector housing.

[0016] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the number of the elastic parts is two, and the first clamping platform is disposed between the two elastic parts.

[0017] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the locking device includes a locking device body and the elastic part, and the locking device body is disposed inside the terminal body;

[0018] One end of the elastic part is fixedly connected to the locking device body, and the other end of the elastic part extends along the inside of the terminal body.

[0019] Further, based on any one of the above-described technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the terminal body and the locking device are of an integral structure, and one or more elastic parts bent towards the inside thereof are provided on the side wall of the terminal body, and the elastic parts are configured as the locking device.

[0020] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, it further includes a clamping portion disposed outside the terminal body. The clamping portion includes one or more second clamping platforms. One end of the second clamping platform is fixedly connected to the clamping portion, and the other end of the second clamping platform extends away from the terminal body. The other end of the terminal body is configured to be in abutting connection with the connector housing.

[0021] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the elastic portion extends both radially and axially along the terminal body, and the direction in which the elastic portion extends axially along the terminal body is the same as the direction in which the cable is inserted into the terminal body.

[0022] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, a first limiting platform extending inward is provided inside the terminal body, and the first limiting platform is configured to be in abutting connection with the end of the cable.

[0023] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the end of the elastic portion further includes a pressing portion extending along the axis direction of the connector terminal, and the pressing portion is in pressing connection with the cable.

[0024] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the end of the terminal body connected to the cable is provided with a flared structure that expands outward.

[0025] Further, continuing with any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions, the cross-section of the locking device body in its radial direction is arc-shaped, and a plurality of second limiting platforms and a plurality of third limiting platforms are provided on the outer wall of the terminal body;

[0026] The second limiting platforms are configured to be provided at both ends of the arc-shaped structure of the locking device body, and the third limiting platforms are configured to be provided at both ends of the locking device body in the axial center line direction.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a connector, including a first connection end and a second connection end, and at least one of the first connection end and the second connection end includes a connector terminal as described in any one of the foregoing technical solutions or a combination of multiple technical solutions;

[0028] The first connection end and the second connection end are two connection ends. A pin is provided at the end of one of the connection ends, and a drum spring is provided at the end of the other connection end. The drum spring includes a plurality of elastic arms extending in the direction of the terminal axis. The pin is inserted into the interior of the drum spring and is in pressing connection with the elastic arms. The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0029] a. By providing a locking device for locking the cable on the terminal body, the elastic part of the locking device presses against the cable, the present invention can prevent the cable from detaching from the connector terminal and realize the fixation of the cable; this connector terminal and the connector having the same can lock the cable without crimping grounding, and do not need to fix the connector terminal and the cable by other connection methods such as riveting. The installation is convenient, the operation is simple, the efficiency of assembling the connector and the cable can be greatly improved, the cost can be effectively reduced, and the manual workload can be reduced;

[0030] b. The connector terminal provided by the present invention can reliably lock the cable by providing both a radial pressing force and an axial anti-pulling force on the cable inserted into the interior of the connector terminal, ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection and mechanical connection between the cable and the connector terminal;

[0031] c. By bending the side wall of the terminal body or the side wall of the locking device body inward to form an elastic part for low-voltage cables, the connector terminal provided by the present invention has a compact structure, a simple process, and a low manufacturing cost. Description of the Drawings

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments recorded in the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the first angle structure of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the second angle structure of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a front view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a top view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 For Figure 4The schematic cross-sectional view shown in the A-A direction in [the figure];

[0038] Figure 6 The first-angle structural schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 The second-angle structural schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 The front view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 The top view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 is Figure 9 The schematic cross-sectional view shown in the B-B direction in [the figure];

[0043] Figure 11 The first-angle structural schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 12 The second-angle structural schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 13 The front view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 14 The top view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 15 is Figure 14 The schematic cross-sectional view shown in the D-D direction in [the figure];

[0048] Figure 16 The three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 17 The front view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 18 The top view schematic diagram of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 19 is Figure 18 The schematic cross-sectional view shown in the G-G direction in [the figure];

[0052] Figure 20 The top view schematic diagram of the connector terminal without a locking device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a schematic cross-sectional view shown in the F-F direction in

[0054] Figure 22 a schematic three-dimensional structure view of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 23 a front view schematic of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 24 a top view schematic of the connector terminal provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 25 is Figure 24 a schematic cross-sectional view shown in the H-H direction in

[0058] Figure 26 a schematic cross-sectional view of the separated state of the two connector ends of the connector provided in Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 27 a front view schematic of the first connection end with a housing provided in Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 28 is Figure 27 a schematic cross-sectional view shown in the J-J direction in

[0061] Figure 29 a front view schematic of the second connection end with a housing provided in Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 30 is Figure 29 a schematic cross-sectional view shown in the I-I direction in

[0063] Figure 31 a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector in the connected state of the two connection ends provided in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0064] Among them, the reference numerals include: 100 - terminal body, 110 - window, 120 - flared structure, 130 - first limiting platform, 140 - second limiting platform, 150 - third limiting platform, 160 - observation window, 200 - locking device, 210 - elastic part, 211 - pressing part, 220 - locking device body, 230 - first clamping platform, 400 - cable, 420 - cable insulation layer, 500 - clamping part, 510 - second clamping platform, 610 - pin, 611 - boss, 620 - first housing, 710 - drum spring, 711 - elastic arm, 720 - second housing. Detailed implementation manners

[0065] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0066] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present invention described here can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, device, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. Refer to Figures 1 to 31 , the connector terminal includes a terminal body 100 and a locking device 200 provided on the terminal body 100. Both the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 are made of metal materials, preferably copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. with excellent electrical properties.

[0068] Among them, the locking device 200 includes an elastic portion 210. The elastic portion 210 extends from the first side of the inner wall of the terminal body 100 to the second side of its inner wall. The first side and the second side of the inner wall of the terminal body 100 are opposite to each other. A gap is formed between the end of the elastic portion 210 and the inner wall of the terminal body 100. The gap is configured to pass through a cable 400. The end of the elastic portion 210 presses against the cable 400 passing through the gap. The cable 400 includes conductive cables such as copper wires and copper stranded wires. The elastic portion 210 presses against the cable 400, so that the upper and lower sides of the cable 400 are respectively and reliably electrically connected to the elastic portion 210 and the inner wall of the terminal body 100.

[0069] In the present invention, a locking device 200 for locking a cable is provided on the terminal body 100. The elastic part of the locking device 200 presses against the cable 400, which can prevent the cable 400 from detaching from the connector terminal and achieve cable fixation. This connector terminal can lock the cable without crimping, and does not need to fix the connector terminal and the cable through other connection methods such as riveting, which can greatly improve the assembly efficiency of the connector and the cable and effectively reduce costs. In the prior art, there are also some cable-free crimping connector terminals. However, the existing cable-free crimping connector terminals usually use a ring clamp / elastic claw and a knob to lock the cable. Their structures are complex, not only the production cost of the product is high, but also the locking process requires screwing operations, resulting in low assembly efficiency and possible unreliable connection due to improper screwing. The connector terminal proposed in this application locks the cable when it is inserted into the connector terminal, which not only has high assembly efficiency, but also has a simple structure and a simple processing technology, and can effectively reduce the product cost.

[0070] The terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 can be an integral structure or a split structure. The connector terminal with an integral structure is made of a single metal material; for the connector terminal with a split structure, the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 can be made of the same metal material or two metal materials. Preferably, the material of the terminal body 100 is copper or copper alloy, and the material of the locking device 200 is stainless steel.

[0071] If the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 are of an integral structure, the elastic part 210 is formed by bending a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 inward at a preset angle towards the inside of the terminal body 100.

[0072] If the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 are of a split structure, the locking device 200 can be arranged outside the terminal body 100 or inside the terminal body 100. The locking device 200 includes a locking device body 220 and the elastic part 210. Preferably, the elastic part 210 is formed by bending a part of the side wall of the locking device body 220 inward at a preset angle towards the inside of the terminal body 100.

[0073] The connector terminal provided by the present invention will be described in detail below through multiple embodiments. Embodiment 1

[0074] See Figures 1 to 5, in this embodiment, the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 in the connector terminal are of a split structure. Among them, the locking device 200 includes a locking device body 220 and the elastic part 210. The locking device 200 is clamped on the outer side of the terminal body 100. One end of the elastic part 210 is fixedly connected to the locking device body 220, and the other end of the elastic part 210 passes through the side wall of the terminal body 100 and extends along the radial direction of the terminal body 100. A window 110 for the elastic part 210 to pass through is provided on the side wall of the terminal body 100.

[0075] In this embodiment, the locking device body 220 is a segmental structure with an opening on one side, and the shape of its inner wall matches the shape of the outer wall of the terminal body 100. Taking Figure 1 and Figure 2 the outer wall of the terminal body 100 shown as a cylindrical shape as an example, the cross-section of the locking device body 220 in its radial direction is arc-shaped. Preferably, the central angle corresponding to the arc of the arc shape is greater than 180°, and the diameter of the arc is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the terminal body 100. Thus, the locking device body 220 can be firmly clamped on the outer wall of the terminal body 100.

[0076] As Figure 5 shown, a section of elastic piece is cut at each end of the locking device body 220 and bent 90° towards the axis direction of the locking device body 220 to form the elastic part 210. One or more first clamping platforms 230 are arranged between the two elastic parts 210. One end of the first clamping platform 230 is fixedly connected to the locking device body 220, and the other end of the first clamping platform 230 extends away from the axis direction of the locking device body 220. The other end of the first clamping platform 230 is configured to be in contact connection with the connector housing. If there are multiple first clamping platforms 230, preferably, the multiple first clamping platforms 230 are circumferentially distributed on the outer side of the locking device body 220. The end of the elastic part 210 further includes a pressing part 211 extending along the axis direction of the connector terminal. The pressing part 211 is in pressing connection with the cable 400, which can enhance the reliability of locking the cable 400.

[0077] The structure of the terminal body 100 is as Figures 1 to 5As shown, two windows 110 are correspondingly provided on the side wall of the terminal body 100. A first limiting platform 130 extending inward, i.e., toward its axis line, is provided inside the terminal body 100. A plurality of second limiting platforms 140 and a plurality of third limiting platforms 150 are provided on the outer wall of the terminal body 100. The first limiting platform 130 is formed by cutting a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 and stamping / bending it toward its axis line. The second limiting platforms 140 and the third limiting platforms 150 are formed by cutting a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 and bending it away from its axis line, or by stamping a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 outward.

[0078] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the locking device body 220 is clamped on the outer wall of the terminal body 100, and the two elastic parts 210 correspondingly pass through the two windows 110. The two sides of the arc-shaped structure of the locking device body 220 are clamped by the second limiting platforms 140 for circumferential limiting of the locking device body 220 to prevent the locking device 200 from rotating relative to the terminal body 100. The two ends, i.e., both sides, of the locking device body 220 in the axial direction of its axis line are clamped by the third limiting platforms 150 for axial limiting of the locking device body 220 to prevent the locking device 200 from moving axially relative to the terminal body 100.

[0079] An end of the terminal body 100 connected to the cable 400 is provided with a flared structure 120 that expands outward for guiding the inserted cable. The cable 400 is inserted into the terminal body 100 from one end of the flared structure 120 until its end abuts and connects with the first limiting platform 130.

[0080] In this embodiment, the locking method between the cable and the connector terminal is as follows:

[0081] Insert the cable 400 with the outer insulation layer stripped into the terminal body 100 through the cable insertion end of the connection terminal, i.e., the end with the trumpet-shaped structure 120 (hereinafter referred to as the insertion end). Under the action of the axial thrust F1 inside the connector terminal, the cable 400 passes through the gap formed between the elastic part 210 of the locking device 200 and the terminal body 100. Since the elastic part 210 has elasticity and there is no obstruction on the side of the elastic part 210 away from the cable 400, the cable 400 can pass through the gap. When the end of the cable 400 touches the first limit platform 130, stop inserting the cable 400. At this time, there is the cable 400 on both sides of the elastic part 210, and the elastic part 210 has a downward, i.e., radial, pressing force F2 on the cable 400 (realized by the gap width of the gap, that is, the distance from the end of the elastic part 210 to the inner wall of the opposite terminal body 100 is less than the maximum diameter of the cable 400). Under the action of the pressing force F2, the cable 400 is fixed to the terminal body 100 and electrical connection can be achieved.

[0082] As described above, the connector terminal provided in this embodiment can not only achieve crimping / riveting-free locking of the cable, improving the installation efficiency of the cable, but also the terminal body and the locking device are both stamped parts with a thin-wall structure, with low material costs and production costs. Embodiment 2

[0083] See Figures 6 to 10 , in this embodiment, the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 in the connector terminal are also of a split structure, which is the same as the split structure in Embodiment 1. Similarly, the locking device 200 includes a locking device body 220 and the elastic part 210. The locking device 200 is clamped on the outside of the terminal body 100. One end of the elastic part 210 is fixedly connected to the locking device body 220, and the other end of the elastic part 210 passes through the side wall of the terminal body 100 and extends along the radial direction of the terminal body 100. A window 110 for the elastic part 210 to pass through is provided on the side wall of the terminal body 100.

[0084] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the elastic part 210 extends along the radial direction of the terminal body 100 towards its interior and at the same time extends along the axial direction of the terminal body 100, and the direction in which the elastic part 210 extends along the axial direction of the terminal body 100 is the same as the direction in which the cable 400 is inserted into the terminal body 100. As Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, a section of elastic sheet is cut at both ends of the locking device body 220 and bent more than 90° and less than 180° in the direction of the axis line of the locking device body 220 to form the elastic part 210; preferably, the bending angle of the elastic part 210 is 100° to 145°.

[0085] In this embodiment, the elastic part 210 is inclined in the insertion direction of the cable 400, so that the cable 400 can be inserted into the connector terminal more smoothly; in addition, the elastic part 210 not only has a radial pressing force on the cable 400, but also has an axial pressing force to prevent the cable 400 from being pulled out, making the connection between the cable 400 and the connector terminal more reliable.

[0086] In this embodiment, the locking method between the cable and the connector terminal is as follows:

[0087] The cable 400 with the outer insulation layer stripped is inserted into the terminal body 100 from the wire inlet end of the connection terminal having a flared structure 120. Under the action of the axial thrust F1 towards the inside of the connector terminal, the cable 400 passes through the gap formed between the elastic part 210 of the locking device 200 and the terminal body 100. Since the elastic part 210 has elasticity and there is no obstruction on the side of the elastic part 210 away from the cable 400, the cable 400 can pass through the gap. When the end of the cable 400 touches the first limiting platform 130, the insertion of the cable 400 stops. At this time, the cable 400 is on both sides of the elastic part 210, and the elastic part 210 has a downward (i.e., radial) pressing force F2 on the cable 400 (realized by the gap width of the gap, that is, the distance from the end of the elastic part 210 to the inner wall of the opposite terminal body 100 is less than the maximum diameter of the cable 400). Due to the axially inclined structure of the elastic part 210, the elastic part 210 also has an axial pressing force F3 to prevent the cable 400 from being pulled outwards. Under the action of the pressing forces F2 and F3, the cable 400 is fixed to the terminal body 100 and electrical connection can be achieved. Embodiment 3

[0088] See Figures 11 to 15 , in this embodiment, the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 in the connector terminal are also of a split structure. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 lies in the structure of the elastic part 210 on the locking device 200. Different from the two elastic parts 210 in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 having the same extension direction before bending and the same bending direction, in this embodiment, the extension directions of the two elastic parts 210 before bending are opposite, so their bending directions are also different.

[0089] Specifically, as Figure 15 shown, the elastic portion 210 near the wire inlet end of the connector terminal is simply referred to as the first elastic portion 210. Its extending direction before bending is the direction close to the wire inlet end. The first elastic portion 210 is bent reversely ( Figure 15 bent in the clockwise direction shown in [the figure]) by a certain angle and is pressed against the cable 400 for connection. Preferably, the bending angle is not less than 90°. The elastic portion 210 far from the wire inlet end of the connector terminal is simply referred to as the second elastic portion 210. Its extending direction before bending is the direction away from the wire inlet end. The second elastic portion 210 is bent forward ( Figure 15 bent in the counterclockwise direction shown in [the figure]) by a certain angle and is pressed against the cable 400 for connection. Preferably, its bending angle is not greater than 90°.

[0090] For the connector terminal provided in this embodiment, the distance between the elastic portions 210 bent in two directions can be further reduced, thereby shortening the length of the locking device 200, being applicable to connector terminals with smaller sizes, and also saving more materials. Moreover, further reducing the distance between the two elastic portions 210 can also reduce the length of the cable penetrating into the terminal body portion, and can meet specific electrical performance requirements.

[0091] It should be noted that if the number of the elastic portions 210 is multiple, the multiple elastic portions 210 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the terminal body 100. And the directions and angles of the multiple elastic portions 210 bent towards the inside of the terminal body 100 can be the same as those in Embodiment 1. Or, a part of the elastic portions 210 are bent towards the inside of the terminal body 100 in the clockwise direction along the first direction by a first angle. The first angle is preferably not less than 90°. Another part of the elastic portions 210 are bent towards the inside of the terminal body 100 in the counterclockwise direction along the second direction by a second angle. The second angle is preferably not greater than 90°. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the bending methods shown in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 that the two elastic portions 210 can adopt, the two elastic portions 210 can also both adopt the bending method of the second elastic portion 210 in Embodiment 3. In addition, the first clamping platform 230 is preferably arranged between the two elastic portions 210, and can also be arranged at one end of the locking device body 220.

[0092] In this embodiment, the locking method between the cable and the connector terminal is as follows:

[0093] Insert the cable 400 with the outer insulating layer stripped into the terminal body 100 through the inlet end of the connecting terminal with a flared structure 120. Under the action of the axial thrust F1 inside the connector terminal, the cable 400 passes through the gap formed between the elastic part 210 of the locking device 200 and the terminal body 100. Since the elastic part 210 has elasticity and there is no obstruction on the side of the elastic part 210 away from the cable 400, the cable 400 can pass through the gap. When the end of the cable 400 abuts against the first limiting platform 130, stop inserting the cable 400. At this time, there is the cable 400 on both sides of the elastic part 210, and the elastic part 210 has a downward, i.e., radial, pressing force F2 on the cable 400 (achieved by the gap width of the gap, that is, the distance from the end of the elastic part 210 to the inner wall of the opposite terminal body 100 is less than the maximum diameter of the cable 400). Since the elastic part 210 has an axially inclined structure, the elastic part 210 also has an axial pressing force F3 that blocks the cable 400 from being pulled outwards. Under the action of the pressing forces F2 and F3, the cable 400 is fixed to the terminal body 100 and electrical connection can be achieved. Embodiment 4

[0094] See Figures 16 to 21 , in this embodiment, the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 in the connector terminal are also of a split structure. The locking device 200 includes a locking device body 220 and the elastic part 210. The locking device body 220 is preferably arranged and clamped inside the terminal body 100. One end (the first end / the leading end) of the elastic part 210 is fixedly connected to the locking device body 220, and the other end (the second end / the trailing end) of the elastic part 210 extends radially along the terminal body 100 and is in pressing connection with the cable 400 inserted into the terminal body 100. Preferably, while the other end / trailing end of the elastic part 210 extends radially along the terminal body 100, it also extends axially along the terminal body 100, and the direction in which the elastic part 210 extends axially along the terminal body 100 is the same as the direction in which the cable 400 is inserted into the terminal body 100.

[0095] In this embodiment, the locking device body 220 is also a segmental structure with an opening on one side, and the shape of its outer wall matches the shape of the inner wall of the terminal body 100. As Figures 16 to 21As shown, the inner wall of the terminal body 100 is circular, and the cross-section of the locking device body 220 in its radial direction is arc-shaped. Preferably, the central angle corresponding to the arc of the arc shape is greater than 180°, and the diameter of the arc is preferably not less than the inner wall diameter of the terminal body 100. Thus, the locking device body 220 can be firmly clamped on the inner wall of the terminal body 100.

[0096] As Figure 19 shown, a section of elastic piece is cut at both ends of the locking device body 220 and bent at a certain angle towards the axis line direction of the locking device body 220 to form the elastic part 210. Figure 19 As shown, the extending directions of the two elastic parts 210 before bending are towards the wire inlet end direction of the connector terminal. The bending directions of these two elastic parts are bent clockwise by an angle greater than 90° and less than 180°. It should be noted that the bending angle of these two elastic parts can also be 90°. In addition, in other embodiments, the extending directions of the two elastic parts 210 or part of the elastic parts 210 before bending can also be away from the wire inlet end of the connector terminal. For the elastic part 210 whose extending direction before bending is away from the wire inlet end of the connector terminal, its bending direction is counterclockwise, and the bending angle is preferably not greater than 90°. Preferably, the end of the elastic part 210 further includes a pressing part extending along the axis direction of the connector terminal, and the pressing part is in pressing connection with the cable 400, which can enhance the reliability of locking the cable 400.

[0097] In this embodiment, the connector terminal further includes a clamping part 500. The clamping part 500 is preferably clamped on the outside of the terminal body 100. The clamping part 500 includes one or more second clamping platforms 510. One end of the second clamping platform 510 is fixedly connected to the clamping part 500, and the other end of the second clamping platform 510 extends away from the terminal body 100. The other end of the terminal body 100 is configured to be in contact connection with the connector housing. If there are multiple second clamping platforms 510, preferably, the multiple second clamping platforms 510 are circumferentially distributed at equal intervals on the outside of the clamping part 500.

[0098] The structure of the terminal body 100 is as Figures 16 to 21 shown. A horn-shaped structure 120 that expands outwards is provided at the wire inlet end of the terminal body 100 for guiding the inserted cable. Preferably, an observation window 160 is provided at a position on the terminal body 100 close to the horn-shaped structure 120. On the one hand, the observation window 160 facilitates observing the positions of the locking device 200 and the cable 400 inside the terminal body 100, and on the other hand, it also facilitates loading the locking device 200 into the terminal body 100.

[0099] As Figure 19 and Figure 21 shown, a first limiting platform 130 extending inward, i.e., toward its axis, is provided inside the terminal body 100. It is configured to be in abutting connection with the end of the cable 400. The first limiting platform 130 is formed by cutting a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 and stamping / bending it toward its axis direction.

[0100] As Figure 19 and Figure 21 shown, a plurality of second limiting platforms 140 and a plurality of third limiting platforms 150 are provided on the inner wall of the terminal body 100. The second limiting platforms 140 and the third limiting platforms 150 are formed by cutting a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 and bending it toward the direction close to its axis, or by stamping a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 inward.

[0101] In this embodiment, the locking device body 220 is clamped on the inner wall of the terminal body 100, and the elastic part 210 extends toward the inner wall of the terminal body 100 opposite to it. The two sides of the arc-shaped structure of the locking device body 220 are clamped by the second limiting platforms 140, which are used for circumferential limiting of the locking device body 220 to prevent the locking device 200 from rotating relative to the terminal body 100. The two ends, i.e., the two sides, of the locking device body 220 in the axial direction of its axis are clamped by the third limiting platforms 150, which are used for axial limiting of the locking device body 220 to prevent the locking device 200 from moving axially relative to the terminal body 100.

[0102] In this embodiment, the locking method between the cable and the connector terminal is as follows:

[0103] Insert the cable 400 with the outer insulating layer stripped into the terminal body 100 through the inlet end of the connecting terminal with a flared structure 120. Under the action of the axial thrust F1, the cable 400 passes through the gap formed between the elastic part 210 of the locking device 200 and the terminal body 100. Since the elastic part 210 has elasticity and there is no obstruction on the side of the elastic part 210 away from the cable 400, the cable 400 can pass through the gap. When the end of the cable 400 abuts against the first limiting platform 130, stop inserting the cable 400. At this time, the cable 400 is on both sides of the elastic part 210, and the elastic part 210 has a downward, i.e., radial, pressing force F2 on the cable 400 (realized by the gap width of the gap, that is, the distance from the end of the elastic part 210 to the inner wall of the opposite terminal body 100 is less than the maximum diameter of the cable 400). Since the elastic part 210 has an axially inclined structure, the elastic part 210 also has an axial pressing force F3 that blocks the cable 400 from being pulled outwards. Under the action of the pressing forces F2 and F3, the cable 400 is fixed to the terminal body 100 and electrical connection can be achieved.

[0104] As described above, the connector terminal provided in this embodiment can not only achieve crimping / riveting-free locking of the cable, improving the installation efficiency of the cable, but also the terminal body and the locking device are both stamped parts with a thin-walled structure, with low material cost and production cost. By arranging the locking device 200 inside the terminal body 100, the volume of the connector terminal can be further reduced. Embodiment 5

[0105] In this embodiment, refer to Figures 22 to 25 , the terminal body 100 and the locking device 200 are of an integral structure. The terminal body 100 includes one or more elastic parts 210 bent towards its interior, and the elastic parts 210 are configured as the locking device 200. The bending direction and bending angle of the elastic part 210 in this embodiment can be the same as those of the elastic part described in any of the above embodiments.

[0106] In this embodiment, the connector terminal further includes a clamping portion 500 which is disposed (preferably clamped) outside the terminal body 100. The clamping portion 500 includes one or more second clamping platforms 510. One end of the second clamping platform 510 is fixedly connected to the clamping portion 500, and the other end of the second clamping platform 510 extends away from the terminal body 100. The other end of the terminal body 100 is configured to be in contact connection with the connector housing. If there are multiple second clamping platforms 510, preferably, the multiple second clamping platforms 510 are circumferentially distributed at equal intervals outside the clamping portion 500. In other embodiments, the terminal body 100, the locking device 200 and the clamping portion 500 can also be set as an integral structure, and a part of the side wall of the terminal body 100 is turned outward to form the second clamping platform 510 to constitute the clamping portion 500.

[0107] The structure of the terminal body 100 is as Figures 22 to 25 shown. A horn-shaped structure 120 that expands outward is provided at the wire inlet end of the terminal body 100 for guiding the inserted cable. Preferably, an observation window 160 is provided at a position on the terminal body 100 close to the horn-shaped structure 120. To ensure the strength of the integral-structured connector terminal, the observation window 160 is preferably provided on the side of the terminal body 100 opposite to the elastic portion 210. By providing the observation window 160, on the one hand, it is convenient to observe the positions of the locking device 200 and the cable 400 inside the terminal body 100, and on the other hand, it is also convenient to install the locking device 200 into the terminal body 100.

[0108] In this embodiment, the locking method between the cable and the connector terminal is as follows:

[0109] Insert the cable 400 with the outer insulating layer stripped into the terminal body 100 from the inlet end of the connection terminal having the horn-shaped structure 120. Under the action of the axial thrust F1, the cable 400 passes through the gap formed between the elastic part 210 of the locking device 200 and the terminal body 100. Since the elastic part 210 has elasticity and there is no obstruction on the side of the elastic part 210 away from the cable 400, the cable 400 can pass through the gap. When the end of the cable 400 abuts against the first limiting platform 130, stop inserting the cable 400. At this time, there is the cable 400 on both sides of the elastic part 210, and the elastic part 210 has a downward, i.e., radial, pressing force F2 on the cable 400 (realized by the gap width of the gap, that is, the distance from the end of the elastic part 210 to the inner wall of the opposite terminal body 100 being less than the maximum diameter of the cable 400). Because the elastic part 210 has an axially inclined structure, the elastic part 210 also has an axial pressing force F3 that blocks the cable 400 from being pulled outwards. Under the action of the pressing forces F2 and F3, the cable 400 is fixed to the terminal body 100 and electrical connection can be achieved.

[0110] In any of the above embodiments, the shape of the end / bottom of the elastic part 210 matches the shape of the inner surface of the terminal body 110, and the two shapes roughly coincide. Specifically, if the inner wall of the terminal body 110 is circular, the end of the elastic part 210 is preferably circular arc-shaped. If the end of the elastic part has an axially extending pressing part, the lower surface of the pressing part is preferably circular arc-shaped. Embodiment 6

[0111] In this embodiment, a connector is provided. The connector includes a first connection end and a second connection end that are cooperatively connected. One of the two connection ends of the first connection end and the second connection end is configured as a male end and the other is configured as a female end.

[0112] See Figures 26 to 31 , in this embodiment, both the first connection end and the second connection end include the connector terminals described in any of the above embodiments.

[0113] See Figure 26, wherein the first connection end includes a connector terminal and a pin 610 arranged at the end of the connector terminal, the pin 610 is integrally formed with the connector terminal, the inner wall of the pin 610 is contracted in the axial direction relative to the inner wall of the terminal body 110 to form a boss 611, and the boss 611 is configured to be in contact with the end of the cable 400. Therefore, for the connector terminal with a contraction structure at the end of the terminal body, there is no need to bend part of the side wall of the terminal body inward to form a first limit platform for resisting / positioning the end of the cable.

[0114] The second connection end includes a connector terminal and a drum spring 710 disposed at the end of the connector terminal, and the drum spring 710 is integrally formed with the connector terminal. The drum spring 710 includes a plurality of elastic arms 711 extending in the direction of the axial centerline of the terminal, and the plurality of elastic arms 711 are distributed circumferentially along the axial centerline of the terminal, and the middle portion of each elastic arm 711 is recessed in the direction of the axial centerline of the terminal. The plug pin 610 is configured to be inserted into the drum spring 710 and pressed against the elastic arm 711, such as Figure 31 As shown, the plurality of elastic arms 711 clamp and wrap the pin 610, thereby achieving a reliable electrical connection between the first connection end and the second connection end.

[0115] See also Figures 27 to 31 In this embodiment, the first connection end further includes a first shell 620, and the second connection end further includes a second shell 720. The first shell 620 and the second shell 720 can be as follows Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the claws are clamped in the clamping grooves, and other methods such as threaded connection can also be used to achieve reliable connection.

[0116] See also Figure 27 , 28 For the first connection end, the first clamping platform 230 on the internal connector terminal is clamped with the step inside the first shell 620, which can prevent the connector terminal from moving axially to the left relative to the first shell 620. The trumpet-shaped structure 120 on the connector terminal is abutted against another step inside the first shell 620, which can prevent the connector terminal from moving axially to the right relative to the first shell 620. In addition, the end of the first shell 620 can lock the cable insulation layer 420 outside the cable 400. In this way, reliable electrical and mechanical connections can be achieved among the cable as a whole, the connector terminal and the first shell. See Figure 29 , 30 Similarly, the cable as a whole, the connector terminal and the second housing can also be reliably electrically and mechanically connected.

[0117] In other embodiments of the present invention, one of the first connection end and the second connection end in the connector includes the connector terminal described in any of the above embodiments.

[0118] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0119] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present application, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, characterized in that, It includes a terminal body (100) and a locking device (200) provided on the terminal body (100); The locking device (200) includes an elastic part (210). The elastic part (210) extends from a first side of the inner wall of the terminal body (100) to a second side of the inner wall. The first side and the second side of the inner wall of the terminal body (100) are opposite to each other. A gap is formed between the end of the elastic part (210) and the inner wall of the terminal body (100). The gap is configured to pass through a cable (400), and the end of the elastic part (210) presses against the cable (400) passing through the gap; Both the terminal body (100) and the locking device (200) are stamping parts; The outer wall of the terminal body (100) is cylindrical. The connection section between the terminal body (100) and the locking device (200) only includes a window (110), a plurality of second limiting platforms (140) and a plurality of third limiting platforms (150). The second limiting platforms (140) and the third limiting platforms (150) are formed by stamping a part of the side wall of the terminal body (100) outward; The locking device (200) includes a locking device body (220) and the elastic part (210). The cross-section of the locking device body (220) in its radial direction is arc-shaped. The elastic part (210) is formed by bending a part of the side wall of the locking device body (220) into a preset angle towards the inside of the terminal body (100); The locking device (200) is clamped on the outer wall of the terminal body (100). One end of the elastic part (210) passes through the window (110) on the side wall of the terminal body (100) and extends along the radial direction of the terminal body (100). The two sides of the arc-shaped structure of the locking device body (220) are clamped by the second limiting platforms (140), and the two ends of the locking device body (220) in the axial direction of the axis are clamped by the third limiting platforms (150).

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein The number of the elastic parts (210) is multiple, and the multiple elastic parts (210) are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the terminal body (100); The directions and angles of bending of the multiple elastic parts (210) towards the inside of the terminal body (100) are the same; or, a part of the elastic parts (210) are bent towards the inside of the terminal body (100) at a first angle along a first direction, and another part of the elastic parts (210) are bent towards the inside of the terminal body (100) at a second angle along a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

3. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The locking device (200) further includes one or more first clamping platforms (230). One end of the first clamping platform (230) is fixedly connected to the locking device body (220). The other end of the first clamping platform (230) extends in a direction away from the locking device body (220), and the other end of the first clamping platform (230) is configured to be in contact connection with the connector housing.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, wherein, The number of the elastic parts (210) is two, and the first clamping platform (230) is arranged between the two elastic parts (210).

5. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, A first limiting platform (130) extending inwards is arranged inside the terminal body (100), and the first limiting platform (130) is configured to be in abutting connection with the end of the cable (400).

6. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The end of the elastic part (210) further includes a pressing part (211) extending along the axial direction of the connector terminal, and the pressing part (211) is in pressing connection with the cable (400).

7. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The end of the terminal body (100) connected to the cable (400) is provided with a horn-shaped structure (120) expanding outwards.

8. A connector, comprising a first connection end and a second connection end, characterized in that At least one of the first connection end and the second connection end includes a connector terminal as described in any one of claims 1-7; The first connection end and the second connection end are two connection ends, wherein a pin (610) is arranged at the end of one connection end, and a drum spring (710) is arranged at the end of the other connection end. The drum spring (710) includes a plurality of elastic arms (711) extending towards the axis of the terminal. The pin (610) is inserted inside the drum spring (710) and is in pressing connection with the elastic arms (711).

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