Electrical terminal

Abstract

An electrical terminal (T) for connecting a magnetic wire (MW) to a connector (C) is provided. The electrical terminal (T) comprises a flat wire contact portion (1) for electrically connecting and accommodating a magnetic wire (MW), and a connector tab (2) for insertion into a connector (C), such as a RAST 2.5 connector (R). The connector tab (2) is bent so as to comprise at least two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) opposite each other, the at least two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) being separated by an empty space (213, 223).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical terminals. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrical terminals used in electrical appliances for connecting magnet wires, such as coil motors, to connectors, such as RAST 2.5 connectors. Background Art

[0002] In modern technology, it is often necessary to use electrical terminals to connect magnet wires (e.g., magnet wires of a coil motor of an appliance, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer) to connectors (e.g., RAST 2.5 connectors). Therefore, such electrical terminals need to be stable enough to ensure a stable and reliable electrical connection even in environments subject to strong vibrations.

[0003] The electrical terminals known from the prior art have several disadvantages. For example, in many cases, the physical properties of the materials used to produce the electrical terminals and the methods used to produce the electrical terminals do not allow the formation of the area of ​​the electrical terminal that needs to be inserted into the connector so that both the integrity and the durability of the electrical terminal simultaneously ensure a stable connection with the connector. This is mainly related to the thickness and physical properties of the materials used to produce the electrical terminals.

[0004] More specifically, on the one hand, a more sophisticated design of the electrical terminal can increase the contact area between the terminal and the connector, but it may also increase the possibility of cracks or orange peeling of the electrical terminal during its production or use. On the other hand, a too simple design of the electrical terminal can ensure its integrity and durability, but it also cannot provide a sufficiently extended contact area with the connector. This may make the disconnectability of the electrical terminal from the connector too easy, especially in an environment subjected to high vibration.

[0005] In view of the above, it would be advantageous to find a solution that would provide an electrical terminal having a design that ensures the integrity and durability of the electrical terminal and its stable connection with the connector.

[0006] The present invention faces this problem. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is based on the following concept: providing an electrical terminal for connecting a magnet wire to a connector, the electrical terminal comprising a flat wire contact portion for electrically connecting and accommodating the magnet wire, and a connector tab for inserting into a connector (e.g., a RAST 2.5 connector); wherein the electrical terminal bends the connector tab so as to include at least two parallel surfaces opposite to each other, the at least two parallel surfaces being separated by an empty space.

[0008] The design used improves the performance of the electrical terminal because it simultaneously ensures durability and stability of the electrical terminal and a large contact area with the connector. In addition, when the electrical terminal is inserted into the connector, each of its parallel surfaces is in electrical contact with the electrical spring of the connector, and the parallel surfaces, which are separated by empty spaces, are placed at a certain distance from each other so that they are stably held in the connector even when the system is subjected to strong vibrations, such as during operation of the appliance device.

[0009] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the electrical terminal is considered to define an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system as follows: the flat wire contact portion defines a YZ plane, where Z is the direction parallel to the connector tab and the X direction is the direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0010] Within the scope of the present disclosure, magnet wire is a conductive wire covered by a covering insulating material. An example of a suitable conductive material is copper. An example of a suitable covering insulating material is a polymer film material such as Formvar, polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polyester-polyimide, polyamide-polyimide (or amide-imide), and polyimide. Magnet wire is typically used in applications where a tight coil of insulated wire is required. The magnet wire to be connected to the electrical terminal can have different thicknesses, such as 0.236 mm or less. The magnet wire can be the magnet wire of a coil motor for an appliance device (such as a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer).

[0011] A RAST connector is a type of connector known to those skilled in the art. For example, a description of a RAST connector can be found in prior art document D1: "RAST CONNECTOR SYSTEM - IDC & CRIMP CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND RAST TAB HEADER", February 2016, which can be downloaded from the following link:

[0012] https: / / www.te.com / commerce / DocumentDelivery / DDEController?Action= srchrtrv&DocNm=1-1773727-3_RAST_Connector_System&DocType=CS&DocLang=EN

[0013] The teachings of D1 regarding RAST connectors are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In particular, all structural and functional characteristics of the RAST connectors described in document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. All possible sizes and functions of the RAST connectors described in document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a connector may also be employed, and the method is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0014] In particular, the RAST 2.5 connector is known to those skilled in the art. In particular, all structural and functional characteristics of the RAST 2.5 connector described on pages 120 to 131 of document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. All possible dimensions and functions of the RAST 2.5 connector described on pages 120 to 131 of document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating the connector can also be adopted, and the method is incorporated herein by reference as a whole. For example, the RAST 2.5 connector can have three terminal seats, separated by 2.5 mm from each other, each terminal seat having a size of 1.6 mm in the Y direction and a size of 1.5 mm in the X direction. There are two conductive springs inside each seat, for example, as shown in pages 13, 34 and 51 of document D1, which ensure the electrical connection of the RAST connector to the electrical terminal. In the RAST 2.5 connector, the size of the terminal seat along the X direction of 1.5 mm allows the spring in each seat to deform appropriately when the corresponding terminal is connected.

[0015] Preferably, the terminal according to the invention comprises only one single flat wire contact portion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical terminal is made of a CuNiSi (copper, nickel and silicon) alloy. Several technical studies and experiments carried out by the inventors of the present invention have shown that this material has appropriate physical properties, such as the r / t ratio (r is the bending radius and t is the thickness of the electrical terminal) to be bent to form the electrical terminal according to the present invention. More specifically, when bending the connector tabs of the electrical terminal according to this embodiment, no cracks or orange peels are generated during the production process. This is conducive to ensuring the stability and durability of the electrical connector. In fact, the presence of cracks or orange peels may cause the electrical terminal to break under stress conditions.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical terminal has a thickness less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Several technical studies and experiments carried out by the inventors of the present invention have shown that such a thickness value is optimal for forming an electrical terminal according to the present invention. More specifically, when bending the connector tabs of the electrical terminal, no cracks or orange peels will be generated during the production process. This is conducive to ensuring the stability and durability of the electrical connector. In fact, the presence of cracks or orange peels may cause the electrical terminal to break under stress conditions. An electrical terminal with such a thickness is suitable, for example, for connecting a magnetic wire with a thickness of 0.236 mm.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the line contact portion has a greater thickness relative to the connector tab, for example, the thickness of the line contact portion is equal to 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the connector tab is less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.32 mm. In order to further increase the ductility of the electrical terminal, the line contact portion and the connector tab can also be given two different thicknesses. More specifically, the thickness of the contact portion can be 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the connector tab can be reduced to a value of 0.32 mm or less by using, for example, a milling process. In this way, the bending process can be further facilitated.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the two parallel surfaces along the Y axis is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. The connector includes a terminal seat for accommodating a connector tab of an electrical connector, into which the connector tab of the electrical terminal must be inserted. Each terminal seat of the connector includes two parallel conductive springs, as shown on pages 13, 34 or 51 of document D1, and when the connector tab is inserted into a connector (such as the RAST 2.5 connector described on pages 120 to 131 of document D1), the two parallel conductive springs are in contact with the two parallel surfaces of the electrical terminal, respectively. In practice, the connector tab is inserted into the interior of the connector so that the two parallel surfaces are parallel to the two parallel conductive springs in each seat. In the RAST 2.5 connector, the dimension of the terminal seat of 1.5 mm along the X direction allows for proper deformation of the springs in each seat once the corresponding terminal is connected.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the two parallel surfaces along the X axis is at least 0.5 mm. The connector includes a terminal seat for accommodating a connector tab of an electrical connector, into which the connector tab of the electrical terminal must be inserted. Each terminal seat of the connector includes two parallel conductive springs, such as shown on pages 13, 34 or 51 of document D1, when the connector tab is inserted into the connector (such as the RAST 2.5 connector described in pages 120 to 131 of document D1), the two parallel conductive springs are respectively in contact with the two parallel surfaces of the electrical terminal. The connector tab is inserted into the interior of the connector so that the two parallel surfaces are parallel to the two parallel conductive springs in each seat. Since the distance between the two parallel surfaces is at least 0.5 mm, and each parallel surface has a thickness less than or equal to 0.5 mm, the thickness of the connector tab is 1.5 mm. When the thickness of each parallel surface is reduced, the thickness of the connector tab can also remain unchanged by increasing its distance. The electrical terminal with a connector tab of such thickness is not easy to move in its terminal seat. Therefore, the stability of the connection is guaranteed.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the parallel surfaces comprises a stopper extending into the empty space so as to prevent the two parallel surfaces from contacting when the two parallel surfaces are subjected to a compressive force tending to move them closer to each other. During the insertion of the connector tab into the terminal block, when the two parallel surfaces are subjected to a force tending to move them closer to each other, the stopper ensures that the two parallel surfaces maintain a minimum mutual distance between each other, such as a minimum mutual distance of at least 0.5 mm. Even when the system is subjected to strong vibrations, the contact area between the connector tab and the connector is not unexpectedly reduced.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stop is a protrusion, such as a hook, extending into the empty space. For example, the stop can be shaped as a hook, but any other suitable form falls within the protection field of the invention. The protrusion can be formed, for example, on the free end of the connector tab, preferably at its center, or in any other convenient position on two parallel surfaces. This particular position of the stop results in a particularly convenient avoidance of an undesired approach of two parallel surfaces.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the parallel surface of the connector tab is obtained by bending the connector tab 180° once around a 180° bending axis parallel to the Y axis. In this way, a 180° bent electrical terminal is obtained. First, in a cutting station of a production machine, an electrical terminal is cut from a metal material strip extending in the Y direction so as to include a connector tab extending in the YZ plane along the Z direction. The electrical terminals are arranged one by one on the metal strip so that they are still combined corresponding to their strip structure. Subsequently, in at least one bending station of the production machine, the connector tab of each electrical terminal is bent 180° around a 180° bending axis Y1 parallel to the Y axis. The bending process can be performed in a single step, in a single bending station, or in two or more steps in two or more different bending stations. This way of bending the metal material parallel to the extension direction Y of the metal strip is called: a good way. Finally, the strip containing the electrical terminal is wound on a transport coil to be transported. This process allows a low spacing to be maintained between two adjacent electrical connectors, resulting in a reduced production cost relative to the electrical terminals known in the prior art.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the 180° bending axis cuts the connector tab into two equal length halves, each forming one of the parallel surfaces. In this way, the two parallel surfaces have the same length along the Z direction. However, the 180° bending axis can cut the connector tab at any suitable point in order to obtain any desired ratio between the lengths of the two parallel surfaces.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the parallel surfaces are obtained by first bending the connector tab 90° around a first 90° bending axis and second bending the connector tab around a second 90° bending axis, the second 90° bending axis being parallel to the first 90° bending axis and to the Z axis, the first 90° bending axis and the second 90° bending axis having a mutual distance along the X axis, for example, a mutual distance along the X axis of less than or equal to 0.6 mm. The electrical terminal T is first cut from a metal strip in a cutting station of a production machine so as to include a connector tab extending in the YZ plane along the Z direction and having a dimension along the Y axis equal to the sum of the width of the two parallel surfaces plus the width of the perpendicular surface. The electrical terminals are arranged one after another on the metal strip so that they are still combined corresponding to their strip structure. Subsequently, in a first bending station of the production machine, the connector tab is bent 90° around a first 90° bending axis Z1 parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, in the second bending station of the production machine, the connector tab is bent again by 90° about a second 90° bending axis Z2 which is parallel to the Z axis and at least 0.5 mm away from the first 90° bending axis Z1 in the X direction. Therefore, the size of the empty space between the two parallel surfaces is related to the mutual distance between the first 90° bending axis and the second 90° bending axis. This way of bending metal material perpendicular to the extension direction Y of the metal strip is called: bad way. Therefore, the realization of this embodiment requires at least two bending steps.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wire contact portion includes a fork-shaped structure including two prongs forming an IDC slot suitable for accommodating a magnet wire. The fork-shaped structure facilitates the insertion of the magnet wire into the electrical connector. This design is suitable for magnet wires with a thickness of, for example, 0.236 mm. The size and shape of the wire contact portion can be changed as needed, such as with magnet wires of different thicknesses. The contact portion of an electrical terminal having this shape can be found, for example, in a SIAMEZE terminal.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the IDC slot comprises a V-shape to facilitate the insertion of the magnet wire. This shape is particularly convenient because it is simple to insert the magnet wire into the electrical terminal.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the IDC slot includes a stripping burr to strip the covering insulation layer of the magnet wire. The stripping burr is used to strip the covering insulation layer of the magnet wire. In this way, the exposed conductive layer can be in electrical contact with the electrical terminal.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two prongs each include a punched hole to make the prongs more flexible, thereby facilitating the termination process of the magnet wire. This design is beneficial to promote the termination of the magnet wire into the electrical terminal without damaging the electrical terminal.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a connection system comprising one or more electrical terminals according to any of the above embodiments and a connector, such as a RAST 2.5 connector.

[0031] A RAST connector is a type of connector known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] For example, a description of a RAST connector can be found in prior art document D1: "RAST Connector System - IDC & CRIMP Connector System and RAST Tab Connector", February 2016, which can be downloaded from the following link:

[0033] https: / / www.te.com / commerce / DocumentDelivery / DDEController?Action= srchrtrv&DocNm=1-1773727-3_RAST_Connector_System&DocType=CS&DocLang=EN

[0034] The teachings of D1 regarding RAST connectors are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In particular, all structural and functional characteristics of the RAST connectors described in document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. All possible sizes and functions of the RAST connectors described in document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a connector may also be employed, and the method is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0035] In particular, RAST 2.5 connectors are known to those skilled in the art. In particular, all structural and functional characteristics of the RAST 2.5 connectors described on pages 120 to 131 of document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. All possible dimensions and functions of the RAST 2.5 connectors described on pages 120 to 131 of document D1 are incorporated herein by reference. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating the connector may also be employed, and the method is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] The invention also relates to a connection assembly comprising a connection system according to the invention and one or more magnet wires, each magnet wire being inserted into an electrical terminal according to the invention. The magnet wire may be, for example, a coil of a coil motor, for example a motor of an appliance device such as a dishwasher, washing machine or dryer.

[0037] The invention also relates to an electrical appliance, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine or a dryer, comprising one or more connection assemblies according to the invention. The connection assembly according to the invention comprises an electrical terminal according to the invention, which provides an electrical connection between the magnet wire of a coil motor and a connector, such as a RAST 2.5 connector, ensuring a stable connection in a high vibration environment, such as in the case of an electrical appliance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and / or symbols designate like parts and / or similar and / or corresponding parts of the machine.

[0039] Figure 1A shows a 3D view of an electrical terminal with a connector tab bent 180° according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A side view of the electrical terminal shown in ;

[0041] Figure 2A shows a 3D view of an electrical terminal having a connector tab with double 90° bends according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A side view of the electrical terminal shown in ;

[0043] Figure 3 shows a 3D view of a connection system according to the present invention comprising three electrical terminals, which are inserted into a connector;

[0044] Figure 4A A 3D exploded view of a connection assembly according to the present invention, which is ready to be connected to an electrical terminal, is shown. The connection assembly comprises Figure 3 Connection system shown, connector cover and 3 magnet wires inserted into the conveyor ramp RM;

[0045] Figure 4B Shown in assembled state Figure 4A 3D view of the connected components shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In the following, the present invention is described with reference to specific embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the following detailed description and shown in the accompanying drawings, but the described embodiments simply illustrate several aspects of the invention, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0047] Further modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification must be considered to include all modifications and / or variations of the present invention, the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims.

[0048] For simplicity, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate the same or corresponding components.

[0049] Figure 1A A 3D view of an electrical terminal T having a connector tab 210 bent 180° according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 1A The electrical terminal T shown in FIG. 1 is an electrical terminal T for connecting the magnet wire MW to the connector C. The electrical terminal T includes a flat wire contact portion 1 for electrically connecting and accommodating the magnet wire MW, and a connector tab 2 for inserting into the connector C (eg, a RAST 2.5 connector).

[0051] The electrical terminal T defines an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, wherein the flat wire contact portion 1 defines a YZ plane. Z is a direction parallel to the connector tab 2, and the X direction is a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0052] The electrical terminal T may be made of a CuNiSi (copper, nickel and silicon) alloy. This material allows the electrical terminal T to be formed with a curved connector tab 2, as will be better explained below, without compromising the stability and integrity of the electrical terminal T.

[0053] according to Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the electrical terminal T has a thickness of 0.5 mm. The thickness of the electrical terminal T is the same for the flat wire contact portion 1 and the connector tab 2. However, this is not the only possibility, and in order to make the bending process easier to perform, the thickness of the connector tab 2 can also be less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.324 mm. This makes the bending process safer so as not to damage the connector tab 2.

[0054] The wire contact part 1 comprises a fork-shaped structure 11 comprising two prongs 11a, 11b. The two prongs 11a, 11b define an insulation displacement connector slot 12, hereinafter IDC slot 12, which is suitable for electrically connecting and accommodating a magnet wire MW. The IDC slot 12 actually forms a V-shaped profile that facilitates the insertion of the magnet wire MW.

[0055] In addition, the IDC slot 12 includes stripping burrs 13 that strip the covering insulating layer IL of the magnetic wire MW. In this way, when the magnetic wire MW is fully inserted into the IDC slot 12, the conductive layer CL of the magnetic wire MW is in electrical contact with the electrical terminal T and is held in place in the tightest part of the IDC slot 12.

[0056] according to Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the two tines 11a, 11b each include a punch hole 15. The punch hole 15 allows the tines 11a, 11b to have a more flexible structure to facilitate the insertion of the magnet wire MW into the IDC slot 12. The shape of the punch hole 15 shown is oval, but any other suitable shape falls within the scope of protection of the present patent application.

[0057] The wire contact part 1 also includes a lateral barb structure 14. The barb structure 14 has a profile determined according to the requirements of the cutting process (not shown in the figure). In practice, the electrical terminals are formed on the metal material strip, one after another along the Y axis. The electrical terminals T are not separated from each other before use, but they are packaged on the transport coil. The barb structure 14 can, for example, facilitate the packaging of the electrical terminals T on the transport coil.

[0058] The electrical terminal T also includes a connector tab 2 adapted to be inserted into the connector C.

[0059] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the connector tab 2 is a 180° bent connector tab 210. The 180° bent connector tab 210 includes two parallel surfaces 211, 212 facing each other separated by an empty space 213. The parallel surfaces 211, 212 of the connector tab 210 are obtained by bending the connector tab 210 once 180° around a 180° bending axis Y1 parallel to the Y axis.

[0060] The width W of the parallel surfaces 211, 212 along the Y axis is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. The distance d between the two parallel surfaces 211, 212 along the X axis is at least 0.5 mm. As a result, since the thickness of the electrical terminal is 0.5 mm, the thickness D of the connector tab 210 along the X direction is 1.5 mm. In the case where the thickness of the connector tab 210 is less than 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.4 mm), the distance d between the two parallel surfaces 211, 212 along the X axis is larger, e.g., 0.6 mm, so that the thickness D of the connector tab 210 along the X direction remains at 1.5 mm. The dimensions of the connector tab 210 along the X and Y directions ensure a stable connection between the electrical terminal T and the connector C using a large contact area.

[0061] The electrical terminal T is first cut in a cutting station of a production machine (not shown in the figure) so as to include a connector tab 210 extending in the YZ plane along the Z direction. Subsequently, in at least a bending station of the production machine (also not shown in the figure), the connector tab 210 is bent 180° around a 180° bending axis Y1 parallel to the Y axis. The bending process can be performed in a single step, in a single bending station, or in two or more steps in two or more different bending stations. The process allows the material strip to be bent without any cracks or orange peel on the tab surface, thereby creating a tab interface and ensuring the functionality of the terminal.

[0062] according to Figure 1AIn the embodiment shown, one of the two parallel surfaces 211, 212 includes a stop 215 extending into the empty space 213, suitable for ensuring the electrical connection of the electrical terminal T with the connector C, even when the two parallel surfaces 211, 212 are subjected to a compressive force tending to bring them closer to each other. This occurs when the connector tab 210 is inserted into the interior of the connector C (e.g., RAST 2.5 connector R). The stop 214 blocks the two parallel surfaces 211, 212 from contacting each other, so that the width D of the connector tab 210 does not shrink and ensures proper contact with the connector C. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the stop 215 protrudes from the free end of the parallel surface 211 at its center. This particular position of the stop 215 results in a particularly convenient avoidance of the undesired approach of the two parallel surfaces 211, 212.

[0063] The described bending process advantageously becomes more efficient because the CuNiSi alloy used to produce the electrical terminal T has an r / t (r is the bending radius and t is the thickness of the electrical terminal) ratio that allows the connector tab 210 of the electrical terminal T to bend without generating cracks or orange peel during the production process. Therefore, the durability and integrity of the electrical terminal T are guaranteed. In fact, the presence of cracks or orange peel may cause the electrical terminal to break under stress conditions.

[0064] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A 2 is a side view of an electrical terminal shown in . This figure more clearly shows the structure of the connector tab 210, more specifically, the two parallel surfaces 211 and 212.

[0065] Figure 2A A 3D view of an electrical terminal T having a connector tab 220 with a double 90° bend according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 2A The electrical terminal T shown in FIG. 1 is an electrical terminal T for connecting the magnet wire MW to the connector C. The electrical terminal T includes a flat wire contact portion 1 for electrically connecting and accommodating the magnet wire MW, and a connector tab 2 for inserting into the connector C (eg, a RAST 2.5 connector R).

[0067] Figure 2A The flat wire contact portion 1 of the electrical terminal shown in FIG. Figure 1A The electrical terminal T shown in FIG. 1 has the same features as those of the electrical terminal T. These features can be changed as desired, for example with a different thickness of the magnetic wire MW.

[0068] The electrical terminal T also includes a connector tab 2 adapted to be inserted into the connector C.

[0069] exist Figure 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the connector tab 2 is a double 90° bent connector tab 220. The double 90° bent connector tab 220 includes two parallel surfaces 221, 222 facing each other separated by an empty space 223. The parallel surfaces 221, 222 of the connector tab 220 are obtained by bending the connector tab 220 90° around a first 90° bending axis Z1 for the first time and around a second 90° bending axis Z2 parallel to the Z axis for the second time. The first 90° bending axis Z1 and the second 90° bending axis Z2 have a distance Dx along the X axis that is less than or equal to 0.86 mm. Due to the bending process, the final double 90° bent connector tab 220 includes two parallel surfaces 221, 222 and a vertical surface 224 bridging the two parallel surfaces 221, 222.

[0070] The width W of the parallel surfaces 221, 222 along the Y axis is less than or equal to 1.6 mm. The distance d between the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 along the X axis is at least 0.5 mm. As a result, since the thickness of the electrical terminal is 0.5 mm, the thickness D of the connector tab 220 along the X direction is 1.5 mm. In the case where the thickness of the connector tab 220 is less than 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.4 mm), the distance d between the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 along the X axis is larger, e.g., 0.7 mm, so that the thickness D of the connector tab 220 along the X direction remains at 1.5 mm. The dimensions of the connector tab 220 along the X and Y directions ensure a stable connection between the electrical terminal T and the connector C using a large contact area.

[0071] The electrical terminal T is first cut in a cutting station of a production machine (not shown in the figure) so as to include a connector tab 220 extending in the YZ plane along the Z direction and having a dimension along the Y axis equal to the sum of the widths of the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 plus the width of the vertical surface 224. Subsequently, in a first bending station (not shown in the figure) of the production machine, the connector tab 220 is bent 90° around a first 90° bending axis Z1 parallel to the Z axis. Thus, in a second bending station (not shown in the figure) of the production machine, the connector tab 220 is bent again 90° around a second 90° bending axis Z2 parallel to the Z axis and at least 0.5 mm away from the first 90° bending axis Z1 along the X direction. Therefore, the implementation of this embodiment requires at least two bending steps.

[0072] according to Figure 2AIn the embodiment shown, one of the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 includes a stopper 225 that extends into the empty space 223 and is suitable for ensuring the electrical connection of the electrical terminal T with the connector C, even when the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 are subjected to a compressive force that tends to bring them closer to each other. This is the case when the connector tab 220 is inserted into the interior of the connector C (e.g., RAST2.5 connector R). The stopper 225 blocks the two parallel surfaces 221, 222 from contacting each other, so that the width D of the connector tab 220 does not shrink, and ensures proper contact with the connector C. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the stopper 225 protrudes from the free end of the parallel surface 221 at its center. This particular position of the stopper 225 results in a particularly convenient avoidance of the undesired proximity of the two parallel surfaces 221, 222.

[0073] The described bending process advantageously becomes more efficient because the CuNiSi alloy used to produce the electrical terminal T has an r / t (r is the bending radius and t is the thickness of the electrical terminal) ratio that allows the connector tab 210 of the electrical terminal T to bend without generating cracks or orange peel during the production process. Therefore, the durability and integrity of the electrical terminal T are guaranteed.

[0074] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A 2 is a side view of an electrical terminal shown in . This figure more clearly shows the structure of the connector tab 220. More specifically, it shows two parallel surfaces 221 and 222 and a vertical surface 224.

[0075] Figure 3 A 3D view of a connection system CS according to the invention comprising three electrical terminals T which are inserted into a connector C is shown.

[0076] According to the present invention, Figure 3 The three electrical terminals T shown in FIG. 1 are electrical terminals including a connector tab 210 bent by 180°.

[0077] Connector C is the RAST 2.5 connector R. Figure 3 The RAST 2.5 connector R shown includes three terminal blocks 301 which are spaced 2.5 mm apart from each other.

[0078] Each terminal seat 301 includes two parallel conductive springs 302, which are respectively in contact with two parallel surfaces 211, 212, 221, 222 of the electrical terminal T when the connector tabs 210, 220 are inserted into the RAST 2.5 connector R. In practice, the connector tabs 210, 220 are inserted into the RAST 2.5 connector R so that the two parallel surfaces 211, 212, 221, 222 are parallel to the two parallel conductive springs 302. The dimension of 1.5 mm in the X direction of the terminal seat 301 allows for proper deformation of the spring 302 in each seat 301 once the corresponding terminal T is connected.

[0079] Therefore, the electrical terminals T according to the present invention have appropriate dimensions to fit therein. The dimensions of the electrical terminals T according to the present invention may vary depending on the dimensions of the sockets of the connectors into which they need to be inserted.

[0080] Figure 4A A 3D exploded view of a connection assembly CA according to the present invention, which is to be connected to an electrical terminal T, is shown. The connection assembly comprises Figure 3 Shown are the connection system CS, the connector cover CC and the three magnet wires inserted into the conveying ramp RM.

[0081] according to Figure 4A In the embodiment shown, three magnet wires MW from a motor (not shown in the figure) of an electrical device (e.g. a dishwasher) need to be electrically connected to a RAST 2.5 connector R. The magnet wires according to the embodiment shown have a thickness of, for example, 0.236 mm. The three magnet wires MW are each inserted into a guide of a conveying ramp RM. The conveying ramp RM collects the magnet wires MW and holds them in place so that they can be connected to three electrical terminals T according to the invention.

[0082] The connector cover CC secures the connection of the three electrical terminals T according to the invention to the RAST 2.5 connector R and the magnet wire MW.

[0083] Figure 4B Shown in assembled state Figure 4A 3D view of the connected component CA shown in .

[0084] exist Figure 4B , three electrical terminals T are each connected to three magnetic wires MW. More specifically, each magnetic wire MW is inserted into a corresponding IDC slit 12 of a flat wire contact portion 1 of a corresponding electrical terminal T. The stripping burr 13 has cut the insulating layer IL of the magnetic wire MW, and the conductive layer CL is in electrical contact with the electrical terminal T.

[0085] Furthermore, the connector tab 2 of each electrical terminal T is inserted into the corresponding terminal seat 301 of the RAST 2.5 connector R.

[0086] Finally, a connector cover CC closes the system to secure the connection of the three electrical terminals T according to the invention with the magnet wires MW of the coil motor of the appliance device and the RAST 2.5 connector R.

[0087] Further modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification must be considered to include all modifications and / or variations of the present invention, the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the present invention according to the teachings above and in the appended claims without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0089] For example, the shape of the flat wire contact parts 1 may be modified with respect to that shown in the figures in order to adapt to the specific necessities of the system in which they are to be used, for example in the case of magnet wires with different dimensions.

[0090] Furthermore, the number of terminal blocks of the connector may be of different numbers and may have different sizes. The size and number of the electrical terminals may vary accordingly.

[0091] Finally, in order to avoid overly obscuring the description of the present invention, those aspects considered known by a person skilled in the art have not been described. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is only limited by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0092] Reference numerals

[0093] T electrical terminal

[0094] 1Flat wire contact part

[0095] 11 Fork-shaped structure

[0096] 11a, 11b fork tines

[0097] 12IDC Slit

[0098] 13. Peel off burrs

[0099] 14 Barb structure

[0100] 15 Punching

[0101] 2 Connector tabs

[0102] 210180° bent connector tab

[0103] 211, 212 parallel surfaces

[0104] 213 Empty Space

[0105] 215 stopper

[0106] Y1180° bending axis

[0107] 220 double 90° bent connector tabs

[0108] 221, 222 parallel surfaces

[0109] 223 Empty Space

[0110] 224 vertical surface

[0111] 225 stopper

[0112] Z1 The first 90° bending axis

[0113] Z2 Second 90° bending axis

[0114] C Connector

[0115] CC Connector Cover

[0116] RRAST 2.5

[0117] RCRAST 2.5 Cover

[0118] 301 terminal block

[0119] 302 conductive plate

[0120] W parallel surface width

[0121] dParallel surface distance

[0122] DThickness of connector tab along X direction

[0123] MW Magnetic Wire

[0124] IL covers the insulation layer

[0125] CL Conductive Layer

[0126] RM conveyor ramp

[0127] CS Connection System

[0128] CA Connection Components

Claims

1. An electrical terminal (T) for connecting a magnetic wire (MW) to a connector (C), the electrical terminal (T) comprising a flat wire contact portion (1) for electrically connecting and accommodating the magnetic wire (MW) and a connector tab (2) for inserting into the connector (C), the connector (C) being, for example, a RAST 2.5 connector (R); wherein, The electrical terminal (T) defines an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, wherein the flat wire contact portion (1) defines a YZ plane, wherein Z is a direction parallel to the connector protrusion (2), and X is a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane; characterized in that: the connector protrusion (2) is bent to include at least two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) opposite to each other, and the at least two parallel surfaces are separated by an empty space (213, 223).

2. The electrical terminal (T) according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal (T) is made of CuNiSi (copper nickel silicon) alloy.

3. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The terminal (T) has a thickness less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

4. The electrical terminal (T) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The line contact portion (1) has a greater thickness relative to the connector tab (2), for example, the thickness of the line contact portion (1) is equal to 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the connector tab (2) is less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.4 mm.

5. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A width (W) of the two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) along the Y axis is less than or equal to 1.6 mm.

6. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The distance (d) between the two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) along the X-axis is at least 0.5 mm.

7. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) includes a stopper (215, 225) extending into the empty space (213, 223) to prevent the two parallel surfaces (211, 212, 221, 222) from contacting when the two parallel surfaces are subjected to a compressive force tending to bring the two parallel surfaces closer to each other.

8. The electrical terminal (T) according to claim 7, wherein: The stopper (215, 225) is a protrusion extending into the empty space (213, 223), such as a hook.

9. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The parallel surfaces (211, 212) are obtained by bending the connector tab (210) once 180° around a 180° bending axis (Y1) parallel to the Y axis.

10. The electrical terminal (T) according to claim 9, wherein: The 180° bending axis (Y1) cuts the connector tab (210) into two equal halves, each half forming one of the parallel surfaces (211, 212).

11. The electrical terminal (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The parallel surfaces (221, 222) are obtained by bending the connector tab (220) 90° for a first time around a first 90° bending axis (Z1) and for a second time around a second 90° bending axis (Z2), wherein the second 90° bending axis is parallel to the first 90° bending axis and to the Z axis, the first 90° bending axis and the second 90° bending axis having a mutual distance (Dx) along the X axis, for example, the mutual distance (Dx) along the X axis is less than or equal to 0.86 mm.

12. A connection system (CS) comprising one or more electrical terminals (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a connector (C), such as a RAST 2.5 connector (R).

13. A connection assembly (CA) comprising a connection system according to claim 12 and one or more magnet wires (MW), each magnet wire being inserted into one of the electrical terminals (T).

14. An electrical appliance, such as a dishwasher, washing machine or drying machine, comprising one or more connection assemblies according to claim 13.

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