Female terminal structure, electric tool battery pack and combination of battery pack and electric tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a female terminal structure comprising a base and a main body, base legs connectable to a circuit board, the main body being integral with the base, having a pair of resilient plates whose clamping portions can clamp and face-contact a male terminal, extending linearly along a path of movement, one end having a first curved portion with a specific radius of curvature R, and the other end having a second curved portion with a specific radius of curvature R, and then the connecting part is folded to form a flaring, abutting supporting parts are arranged on the two sides of the flaring, the flaring can elastically deform to form opposite clamping force after being stressed, the flaring terminates at the end of the first bending part, the depth H is determined by R, the periphery is defined, the width is gradually decreased inwards along the depth, and the flaring leads to the clamping channel. The female terminal is simple in structure, can solve the problems of small contact area and unstable clamping in the prior art, improves the stability and reliability of connection with the male terminal by optimizing the structural design, and can effectively improve the connection performance in the application of a battery pack and an electric tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a female terminal structure, a power tool battery pack, and a combination of the battery pack and a power tool. Background Art

[0002] In the field of power tools, a reliable electrical connection and mechanical connection between a battery pack and a power tool body are crucial. There are many problems with traditional connection methods between battery packs and power tools.

[0003] From the aspect of electrical connection, in the early days, the contact methods between male and female terminals were mostly point contact or line contact, which made the stability of current transmission poor, and phenomena such as increased resistance and heat generation were likely to occur, seriously affecting the performance and service life of power tools. Moreover, with the increase in the usage frequency of power tools and the improvement of power requirements, the failures caused by this unstable electrical connection method become more frequent.

[0004] In terms of mechanical connection, the previous connection structures often had difficulty ensuring stable clamping between the male terminal and the female terminal. When the power tool is vibrating and impacted during operation, the connection between the battery pack and the tool body is likely to become loose, resulting in the interruption of power supply to the battery pack, which not only affects the work process but also may pose a safety hazard to the ongoing operation.

[0005] Therefore, patents CN104900824B, US20230344162A1, and EP3116049B1 provide female terminal structures with various structural methods to increase the contact area between the device-side terminal (male terminal) and the battery-side terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a female terminal structure with a simple structure to solve the problems of small contact area and unstable clamping in the prior art.

[0007] A female terminal structure provided in the present application is suitable for electrical and mechanical connection with a male terminal along a moving path, and includes:

[0008] A base having legs suitable for connecting to a circuit board;

[0009] A main body integrally connected to the base, including a pair of elastic plates, the pair of elastic plates including a clamping portion suitable for clamping the male terminal and maintaining surface contact therewith, the clamping portion having a clamping channel;

[0010] The clamping portion extends linearly along the direction of the moving path. One end thereof facing the male terminal is bent to form a first bending portion. The portion following the first bending portion extends in a folded manner towards the other end of the clamping portion to form a flared opening at the leading end of the clamping portion, and abutting support portions are formed on both sides of the clamping portion. The abutting support portions are adapted to elastically deform under the action of force to form an inward clamping force on both sides of the clamping portion; wherein,

[0011] The flared opening terminates at the end of the first bending portion and defines the outer periphery of the female terminal structure. The width of the flared opening gradually tapers inward along its depth direction and faces the clamping portion to lead to the clamping channel.

[0012] Further, one end of the clamping portion facing the male terminal forms a first bending portion with an arc-shaped bend having a specific radius of curvature R, and the flared opening depth H is determined by the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion.

[0013] Further, the first bending portion has an arc-shaped curved surface, and the arc-shaped curved surface encloses the flared opening. The flared opening terminates at the end of the first bending portion, and the flared opening depth H is in a proportional relationship with the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion.

[0014] Further, the flared opening depth H is equal to the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion.

[0015] Further, the first bending portion has an inclined surface, and the inclined surface encloses the flared opening. The flared opening terminates at the end of the first bending portion, and the flared opening depth H is determined by the length of the projection surface of the inclined surface in the extending direction of the clamping channel.

[0016] Further, D ≦ R < 2D, where D is the thickness of the elastic plate of the pair of elastic plates.

[0017] Further, the wall surface of the flared opening is only composed of the arc-shaped curved surface of the first bending portion.

[0018] Further, the wall surface of the flared opening is only composed of the inclined surface of the first bending portion.

[0019] Further, the clamping depth of the clamping portion is not less than the length of the male terminal along the moving path.

[0020] Further, the area of the male terminal clamped by the clamping portion is determined by the length of the male terminal along the moving path.

[0021] Further, the other end of the clamping portion bends and extends towards the connecting arm of the main body and is connected thereto. The connecting arm is connected to the base portion. The bent and extended portion forms a second bending portion, which is adapted to elastically deform under the action of force to form an opposing clamping force on both sides of the clamping portion.

[0022] Further, the abutting and supporting portion and the second bending portion are distributed on both sides of the central axis of the clamping portion.

[0023] Further, the clamping portion has an actual clamping area compared with the male terminal being clamped. The abutting and supporting portion and the second bending portion are distributed on both sides of the central axis of the actual clamping area.

[0024] Further, the clamping portion has an actual clamping area compared with the male terminal being clamped. The protrusion of the abutting and supporting portion and the second bending portion are distributed on both sides of the central axis of the actual clamping area. The protrusion is adapted to abut against the terminal connector.

[0025] Further, the axis along which the clamping portion linearly extends is arranged at an angle α with the axis in the moving path direction, where 0 ≤ α ≤ 2°.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the female terminal structure of the present invention application are as follows:

[0027] On the one hand, the clamping portion linearly extends and can maintain a surface contact with the male terminal. Compared with point contact or line contact, the contact area is greatly increased. In addition, the abutting and supporting portions on both sides of the clamping portion elastically deform under the action of force to form an opposing clamping force, ensuring that the male terminal is always in close fit with the clamping portion.

[0028] On the other hand, the flared opening, as the starting guiding portion of the clamping portion, is formed by the natural extension of the first bending portion, reducing additional connecting components or transition structures. At the same time, its flared opening depth H is determined by the curvature radius R. This design effectively saves space while realizing the guiding function, enabling the flared opening not only to guide the insertion of the male terminal but also considering minimizing the area of the male terminal that is not clamped during the insertion process, thereby further increasing the clamped contact area of the male terminal.

[0029] Furthermore, the present application provides a power tool battery pack, which can be used as a power source for a power tool and can be connected to and separated from the tool body of the power tool. It includes:

[0030] At least one battery cell;

[0031] A housing for accommodating at least one battery cell. The housing has a tool engaging portion, and the tool engaging portion is provided with a slot adapted for the male terminal to penetrate along the moving path; and,

[0032] A negative terminal, which is as described above and is electrically connected to the at least one battery cell;

[0033] When the battery pack is connected to the tool body, the positive terminal is inserted through the slot into the negative terminal to be clamped by the clamping portion and form a surface contact therewith.

[0034] Further, the first bending portion tends to be close to the slot, so that only an installation gap C remains between the first bending portion and the inner side of the slot.

[0035] Further, the installation gap C is less than 2 mm.

[0036] Furthermore, the present application also provides an electric tool battery pack, which can be used as a power source for an electric tool and can be connected to and separated from the tool body of the electric tool. It includes:

[0037] At least one battery cell;

[0038] A housing that houses at least one battery cell, the housing having a tool engagement portion, and the tool engagement portion is provided with a slot adapted for a positive terminal to penetrate along a movement path; and,

[0039] A negative terminal, which includes a clamping portion adapted to clamp the positive terminal and maintain a surface contact therewith;

[0040] The clamping portion linearly extends along the direction of the movement path, and one end thereof facing the positive terminal forms a first bending portion with a specific radius of curvature R to form a flared opening at the leading end of the clamping portion. The flared opening terminates at the end of the first bending portion. The depth H of the flared opening is determined by the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion and defines the outer periphery of the negative terminal structure. The width of the flared opening gradually tapers inward along its depth direction and faces the clamping portion to lead to a clamping channel;

[0041] The first bending portion tends to be close to the slot, so that only an installation gap C remains between the first bending portion and the inner side of the slot.

[0042] Further, the wall surface of the flared opening is only composed of the arc-shaped curved surface of the first bending portion.

[0043] Further, the wall surface of the flared opening is only composed of the inclined surface of the first bending portion.

[0044] Further, the depth H of the flared opening is equal to the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion.

[0045] Further, the area of the positive terminal clamped by the clamping portion is determined by the length of the positive terminal along the movement path.

[0046] A combination of a battery pack and a power tool provided by the present application includes a battery pack and a power tool that are adapted to be connected and separated from each other. The power tool includes a battery mounting portion having a male terminal, and the battery pack is as described above.

[0047] The power tool battery pack and the combination of the battery pack and the power tool of the present invention application have all the above beneficial technical effects, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the female terminal structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the structure before the male terminal and the female terminal structures in Embodiment 1 of the present invention come into contact;

[0051] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the structure when the male terminal and the female terminal structures in Embodiment 1 of the present invention start to come into contact;

[0052] Figure 4 : The present invention Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the enlarged partial structure;

[0053] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the structure of the male terminal and the female terminal in the clamped state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 6 : Schematic diagram of the distribution structure of the abutting support portion and the second bending portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 7 : Schematic diagram of the distribution structure of the abutting support portion and the second bending portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 8 : Schematic diagram of the distribution structure of the abutting support portion and the second bending portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 9 : Another schematic diagram of the female terminal structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 10 : Schematic diagram of the battery pack structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 11 : Schematic diagram of the partial structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 12 : Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the female terminal and the terminal connection seat in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 13 : Top view of the installation structure of the female terminal and the terminal connection seat in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 14 : Schematic diagram of the partial installation structure of the female terminal and the terminal connection seat in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 15 : Schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the battery pack and the power tool in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 16 : Schematic diagram of the female terminal structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 17 : Schematic diagram of the structure before the male terminal and the female terminal structures come into contact in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 18 : Schematic diagram of the structure when the male terminal and the female terminal structures start to come into contact in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 19 : The present invention Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the enlarged partial structure. Detailed implementation manners

[0068] Next, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0069] Embodiment 1

[0070] Refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a female terminal structure 100 is adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a male terminal 200 along a moving path. It includes a base 1 and a body 2 made of a conductive material (such as aluminum, copper, etc.). The base 1 has legs 10 for connecting to a circuit board 304. The body 2 is integrally connected to the base 1. Preferably, the body 2 and the base 1 are integrally formed, especially by integral stamping. The body 2 includes an elastic plate pair 20 composed of at least a pair of elastic plates 20a, 20b. The elastic plate pair 20 includes a clamping portion 201 adapted to clamp the male terminal 200 and maintain surface contact therewith. The clamping portion 201 has a clamping channel S;

[0071] The clamping portion 201 linearly extends along the direction of the moving path (as shown by the direction arrow B). One end thereof facing the male terminal 200 forms a first curved portion 202 with an arc-shaped bend at a specific curvature radius R (such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown). The portion following the first curved portion 202 extends in a folded manner towards the other end of the clamping portion 201 to form a flared opening 203 at the leading end of the clamping portion 201, and abutting support portions 204 are formed on both sides of the clamping portion 201. It can be understood that the abutting support portions 204 are arranged at an angle with the clamping portion 201. The abutting support portions 204 are adapted to elastically deform under the action of force to form an opposing clamping force on both sides of the clamping portion 201 (as Figure 5 shown by the arrow F); wherein,

[0072] The flared opening 203 terminates at the end of the first curved portion 202. Its flared depth H is determined by the curvature radius R of the first curved portion 202 and defines the outer periphery of the female terminal structure 100 at the end of the first curved portion 202. The width of the flared opening 203 gradually tapers inward along its depth direction and towards the clamping portion 201 to lead to the clamping channel S.

[0073] Specifically, continuing to refer to Figure 1 shown, the two plate surfaces of the clamping portion 201 face each other and present a linearly extending state in the direction of the moving path (as shown by the direction arrow B); at the same time, in the direction perpendicular to the moving path, they also remain linearly extended, so that when the clamping portion 201 cooperates with the male terminal 200, a larger contact area can be provided to achieve a more stable clamping effect.

[0074] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, it can be clearly observed that the first curved portion 202 presents a specific curvature shape with a curvature radius of R. In Figure 3 and Figure 4 , virtual circles O1, O2 with a radius of R are respectively used for intuitive illustration. These two virtual circles O1, O2 depict the curvature characteristics of the first curved portion 202. Continuing to refer to Figure 3 andFigure 4 , it can be clearly observed that the flaring 203 terminates at the end of the first bending portion 202, and the termination position point is respectively marked with end portions A1 and A2 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Moreover, at the positions marked with end portions A1 and A2, the outer periphery or boundary of the female terminal structure 100 is defined. That is, within the flaring 203 region, the positions marked with end portions A1 and A2 are at the outermost or the outermost periphery. Thus, at least part of the outer periphery of the female terminal structure 100 is defined by the end of the first bending portion 202. Further, it can be understood that at least part of the outer peripheral contour of the female terminal structure 100 is also constituted by the end contour of the first bending portion 202. At this time, from a geometric shape perspective, the flaring 203 defines its termination position based on the end of the first bending portion 202. The radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202 determines the size and shape of its arc. Since the flaring 203 terminates at the end of the first bending portion 202, and the position and shape of this end are related to the radius of curvature R, thus, the flaring depth H will be affected by the radius of curvature R, that is, the flaring depth H is determined by the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202.

[0075] Specifically, the larger the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202, the farther its arc portion extends in the moving path direction. Since the flaring depth H is measured from the end of the first bending portion 202 (i.e., the position determined by the radius of curvature R) to the bottom of the flaring 203 (the side leading to the clamping channel S), so when R increases, the flaring depth H will also increase accordingly.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5 shown, the dashed line represents the initial state of the female terminal structure 100, that is, the clamping channels are relatively close when the male terminal 200 is not inserted; the solid line represents the state after the male terminal 200 is inserted. At this time, the clamping channel S is expanded to accommodate the male terminal 200.

[0077] Referring to Figures 2 to 5 shown, when the male terminal 200 starts to approach the female terminal structure 100, the first thing it contacts is the flaring 203. Its width gradually tapers inward along the depth direction to guide the male terminal 200 to gradually approach the clamping channel S along the direction of the moving path. Thus, at the initial stage when the male terminal 200 enters the flaring 203, it will be guided by the wall surface of the flaring 203. At this time, the contact force between the male terminal 200 and the wall surface of the flaring 203 is small, and it mainly penetrates gradually along the shape of the flaring 203. As the male terminal 200 continues to penetrate deeper into the flaring 203, greater contact forces will be generated between its two sides and the wall surface of the flaring 203. This force will be transmitted to the abutting and supporting portions 204 on both sides of the clamping channel S. The abutting and supporting portions 204 have a certain elasticity and will undergo elastic deformation under the external force applied by the male terminal 200. For example, from Figures 2 to 5As can be seen, the abutting support portion 204 is similar to a cantilever structure. The thrust of the male terminal 200 will cause it to bend and deform outward, and the clamping channel S will gradually expand. From Figure 5 As can be seen from the change from the dashed line to the solid line in Figure 5 , the width of the clamping channel S increases. After the clamping channel S is gradually expanded, the male terminal 200 will continue to travel along the moving path into the interior of the clamping channel S. Since the clamping channel S has been expanded, the male terminal 200 can smoothly enter deeper into the clamping channel S.

[0078] It can be seen from this that the flaring depth H directly determines the travel distance of the male terminal 200 before entering the clamping channel S. When the flaring depth H is small, the distance that the male terminal 200 travels from the start of contacting the flare 203 to the verge of entering the clamping channel S will be correspondingly smaller. Since the smaller the flaring depth H, the smaller the travel distance of the male terminal 200 before contact, this means that when the male terminal 200 has not yet entered the clamping channel S, the unclamped part of it is relatively short. Correspondingly, when the male terminal 200 enters the clamping channel S, since the previously unclamped area is small, the area entering the clamping channel S will be relatively large. To a certain extent, this can make the male terminal 200 cause the elastic deformation of the abutting support portions 204 on both sides of the clamping channel S faster, and further increase the clamping area on the basis of surface contact clamping.

[0079] Generally speaking, the two plate surfaces of the clamping portion 201 linearly extend both in the direction of the moving path and perpendicular to the moving path. This design enables a larger contact area to be provided when the male terminal 200 cooperates with the clamping portion 201. Compared with the traditional terminal structures with point contact or small-area contact, the surface contact method can disperse the pressure more evenly, reduce local stress concentration, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection. And according to the electrical principle, the larger the contact area, the smaller the contact resistance, which can also reduce problems such as resistance and heat generation, and improve the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0080] The design of the flare 203 and the elastic deformation characteristics of the abutting support portion 204 enable the male terminal 200 to gradually expand the clamping channel S during the entry process and form an opposing clamping force after entry. When the flaring depth H is small, the area of the male terminal 200 entering the clamping channel S is relatively large. This can not only make the abutting support portion 204 deform elastically faster, but also further increase the actual clamping area on the basis of surface contact clamping. The combination of a larger clamping area and a stable clamping force can fix the male terminal 200 more firmly. Even under harsh working conditions such as vibration and impact, it can effectively prevent the male terminal 200 from loosening and ensure the long-term stability and reliability of the connection.

[0081] In addition, the width of the flared opening 203 gradually tapers inward along the depth direction. This shape can effectively guide the male terminal 200 to gradually approach the clamping channel S along the moving path. In the initial stage of inserting the male terminal 200, the smaller contact force and the guiding effect of the flared opening make the insertion process smoother, reducing the inconvenience of plugging and unplugging caused by difficult alignment or excessive insertion resistance.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the depth H of the flared opening is in a direct proportional relationship with the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202.

[0083] Specifically, from the perspective of geometric shape, the larger the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202, the farther its arc portion extends in the direction perpendicular to the moving path. Since the depth H of the flared opening is measured from the end of the first bending portion 202 (the position of this end is determined by the radius of curvature R) to the bottom of the flared opening 203 (the side leading to the clamping channel S), when R increases, based on this geometric relationship, the depth H of the flared opening will also increase accordingly. Thus, a smaller radius of curvature R results in a smaller depth H of the flared opening, making the male terminal 200 have a smaller unclamped area when entering the flared opening 203, and then the area entering the clamping channel S will be relatively larger.

[0084] Furthermore, the depth H of the flared opening is equal to the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202.

[0085] It can be understood that: when the depth H of the flared opening is equal to the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202, the distance that the male terminal 200 travels from the start of contacting the flared opening 203 to the verge of entering the clamping channel S will be equal to the depth H of the flared opening and the radius of curvature R. In this way, when the male terminal 200 has not yet entered the clamping channel S, the unclamped part will be determined by the radius of curvature R. By setting the radius of curvature R, on the basis of surface-contact clamping, the actual clamping area can be further increased when the male terminal 200 enters the clamping channel S, making the male terminal 200 be fixed more firmly.

[0086] Particularly, where D≦R<2D, D is the thickness of the elastic plates 20a, 20b of the elastic plate pair 20.

[0087] From the perspective of structural strength, when the radius of curvature R is not less than the thickness of the elastic plates 20a, 20b, it can ensure that the first bending portion 202 has enough space for arc bending. If it is less than, it may cause excessive stress concentration in the elastic plates 20a, 20b during the bending process, and even damage such as cracking may occur, affecting the service life and reliability of the female terminal structure 100.

[0088] From the perspective of the guiding function of the flared portion 203, a certain radius of curvature R (at least D) can form an effective shape of the flared portion 203, enabling the male terminal 200 to smoothly contact and be guided along the flared portion 203 into the clamping channel S. A smaller radius may not provide sufficient guiding space, resulting in difficulties in inserting the male terminal 200.

[0089] Regarding elastic deformation, restricting the radius of curvature R to be less than 2D is to ensure that the abutting support portion 204 can effectively undergo elastic deformation when the male terminal 200 is inserted. If R is too large (exceeding 2D), it may cause the depth of the flared portion 203 to be too large, such that the unclamped portion of the male terminal 200 is too long after entering the flared portion 203, thereby affecting the actual clamping area.

[0090] Furthermore, the wall surface of the flared portion 203 is only composed of the curved surface of the first bending portion 202. In this way, the wall surface of the flared portion 203 forms a single curved surface design, simplifying the design of the female terminal structure 100 and facilitating manufacturing and processing.

[0091] Furthermore, the clamping depth of the clamping portion 201 is not less than the length of the male terminal 200 along the moving path. In this way, it can be ensured that after the male terminal 200 is inserted, the front end is completely wrapped by the clamping portion 201, so that the area of the male terminal 200 clamped by the clamping portion 201 is determined by the length of the male terminal 200 along the moving path. As long as the length of the male terminal 200 remains stable within the design range, a relatively fixed contact area between the male terminal 200 and the clamping portion 201 can be ensured each time of connection. This helps to maintain the stability of the contact resistance, reduce the resistance fluctuation caused by the change of the contact area, and thus improve the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0092] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 as shown, the other end of the clamping portion 201 bends and extends towards the connecting arm 205 of the main body 2 and is connected thereto. The connecting arm 205 is connected to the base 1, and the bent and extended portion forms a second bending portion 206, which is adapted to elastically deform under the action of force to form an opposing clamping force on both sides of the clamping portion 201.

[0093] The second bending portion 206 provides an additional elastic deformation region for the clamping portion 201. Similar to the abutting and supporting portion 204, the second bending portion 206 can elastically deform under the action of force, and this deformation also helps to form an opposing clamping force on both sides of the clamping portion 201. The elastic deformations of multiple regions work together, enabling the male terminal 200 to be more effectively wrapped by the clamping portion 201 when inserted, enhancing the tightness of clamping. In addition, under harsh working conditions such as vibration and impact, the elastic deformation of the second bending portion 206 can play a buffering role. When subjected to external vibration or impact, the second bending portion 206 can absorb part of the energy and relieve the influence of the external force on the connection between the male terminal 200 and the clamping portion 201 through its own elastic deformation, effectively preventing the male terminal 200 from loosening and further improving the reliability of the connection between the male terminal 200 and the female terminal structure 100.

[0094] Further, referring to Figure 6 As shown, the abutting and supporting portion 204 and the second bending portion 206 are distributed on both sides of the central axis S1 of the clamping portion 201. In this way, when the male terminal 200 is inserted, the abutting and supporting portion 204 first elastically deforms due to the contact with the male terminal 200, providing an initial clamping force and a positioning function; as the male terminal 200 is further inserted, the second bending portion 206 also begins to elastically deform, further enhancing the clamping force to ensure that the male terminal 200 is firmly clamped.

[0095] Further, referring to Figure 7 As shown, the clamping portion 201 has an actual clamping area (such as Figure 7 the black filled area) compared to the clamped male terminal 200. The abutting and supporting portion 204 and the second bending portion 206 are distributed on both sides of the central axis S2 of the actual clamping area. It can be understood that: this actual clamping area (such as Figure 7 the black filled area) is directly related to the electrical contact area and contact quality between the male terminal 200 and the clamping portion 201. A larger actual clamping area usually means a larger electrical contact area, which helps to reduce the contact resistance, reduce power loss and heat generation.

[0096] When the male terminal 200 is inserted and clamped by the actual clamping area, the abutting and supporting portions 204 and the second bending portions 206 on both sides can provide a clamping force and elastic deformation around the actual clamping area, and can form a more stable mechanical equilibrium system when providing the clamping force. That is, when the male terminal 200 is inserted and clamped, the structures on both sides work together and act on the actual clamping area jointly, making the clamping force more evenly distributed around the male terminal 200.

[0097] Further, referring to Figure 8As shown, the clamping portion 201 has an actual clamping area compared to the male terminal 200 being clamped. The protrusion 204a of the abutting support portion 204 and the second bending portion 206 are distributed on both sides of the central axis S2 of the actual clamping area (such as Figure 8 the black filled area). The protrusion 204a is adapted to abut against the terminal connector 305. Among them, the protrusion 204a of the abutting support portion 204 is used to abut against the terminal connector 305, adding an additional fixing point and support point. When the male terminal 200 is inserted and clamped, the abutment of the protrusion 204a with the terminal connector 305 can provide stronger mechanical fixing force. During the insertion and operation of the male terminal, the structures on both sides of the central axis S2 can work together to provide uniform clamping force and elastic deformation, ensuring the stable clamping of the male terminal 200 within the actual clamping area.

[0098] In addition, referring to Figure 9 as shown, it is also worth mentioning that the axis L1 along which the clamping portion 201 linearly extends is arranged at an angle α with the axis L2 in the moving path direction, where 0 ≦ α ≦ 2°. That is, the axis L1 along which the clamping portion 201 linearly extends and the axis L2 in the moving path direction can be arranged in parallel, as shown above Figures 2 to 8 as shown, or the axis L1 along which the clamping portion 201 linearly extends and the axis L2 in the moving path direction can be designed with an inclination angle not greater than 2°, as shown in this Figure 9 as shown. This small angle can play a role in guiding the insertion of the male terminal 200, similar to a small guiding inclined plane, making it easier for the male terminal 200 to enter the clamping portion at the initial stage of insertion and reducing the insertion resistance.

[0099] Generally speaking, for the female terminal structure 100, on the one hand, the clamping portion 201 linearly extends and can maintain a surface contact with the male terminal 200. Compared with point contact or line contact, the contact area is greatly increased. In addition, the abutting support portions 204 on both sides of the clamping portion 201 elastically deform under the action of force to form an opposing clamping force, ensuring that the male terminal 200 is always closely attached to the clamping portion 201;

[0100] On the other hand, the flared portion 203, as the starting guiding part of the clamping portion 201, is formed by the natural extension of the first bending portion 202, reducing additional connecting components or transition structures. At the same time, its flared depth H is determined by the radius of curvature R. This design effectively saves space while realizing the guiding function, making the flared portion 203 not only guide the insertion of the male terminal 200 but also consider minimizing the area of the male terminal 200 that is not clamped during the insertion process, thereby further increasing the clamped contact area of the male terminal 200.

[0101] Furthermore, referring to Figures 10 to 14As shown, the present application provides a power tool battery pack 300, which can be used as a power source for a power tool 400 and can be connected to and separated from the tool body 400a of the power tool 400. It includes:

[0102] At least one battery cell;

[0103] A housing 301 that houses at least one battery cell. The housing 301 has a tool engagement portion 302, and the tool engagement portion 302 is provided with a slot 303 adapted for a male terminal 200 to penetrate along a movement path; and a female terminal, which has the female terminal structure 100 described above and is electrically connected to at least one battery cell;

[0104] When the battery pack is connected to the tool body 400a, the male terminal 200 passes through the slot 303 and is inserted into the female terminal, so as to be clamped by the clamping portion 201 and form a surface contact therewith.

[0105] Specifically, referring to Figure 11 As shown, the female terminal structure 100 is disposed in a terminal connection seat 305 and is supported together on a circuit board 304. The legs 10 of the female terminal structure 100 are electrically connected to the circuit board 304. The terminal connection seat 305 plays a role in fixing and positioning the female terminal structure 100, ensuring that the position of the female terminal in the battery pack is accurate and stable.

[0106] Continuing to refer to Figure 11 And Figure 13 As shown, the female terminal includes a positive female terminal, a negative female terminal, and a communication female terminal. Among them, preferably, the positive and negative female terminals have the female terminal structure 100 described above, and the communication female terminal is a conventional structure terminal. It can be understood that the connection of the positive and negative poles is directly related to the power transmission capacity of the battery pack and the power output of the power tool. A stable and reliable connection of the positive and negative poles can ensure that the power tool obtains stable voltage and current during operation. Thus, the positive and negative female terminals have the female terminal structure 100 described above, and this structure has good clamping force and stable surface contact; while the communication signal usually has a small current and relatively low requirements for the reliability of the connection, and the conventional structure terminal can meet the basic requirements of the communication function.

[0107] Continuing to refer to Figure 13As shown, more preferably, the flared end face P1 of the female terminal structure 100 extends beyond the opening face P2 of the terminal connection base 305. In this way, there is a travel distance before the male terminal contacts the flared end face at the initial stage of insertion, and this distance is not clamped. As the insertion progresses further, it starts to contact the flared end face and gradually enters the clamping portion to be clamped. This design enables the male terminal to reduce the travel distance at the initial stage of insertion during the insertion process, and can establish a connection relationship with the female terminal earlier. It can be known that reducing the travel distance at the initial stage of insertion can further reduce the area of the unclamped region. After the male terminal is inserted, it can provide a larger contact area and more stable positioning.

[0108] Generally speaking, the design that the flared end face P1 of the female terminal structure 100 extends beyond the opening face P2 of the terminal connection base 305 realizes the reduction of the area of the unclamped region and the increase of the contact area by reducing the travel distance at the initial stage of insertion.

[0109] Furthermore, referring to Figure 14 As shown, the first bending portion 202 tends to approach the slot 303, resulting in only an installation gap C remaining between the first bending portion 202 and the inner side of the slot 303, that is, only an installation gap C remains between the flared end face P1 formed by the first bending portion 202 and the inner wall face P3 of the slot 303.

[0110] The first bending portion 202 tending to approach the slot 303 is actually an optimization of the insertion path of the male terminal 200 on the one hand. When the male terminal 200 is inserted along the slot 303, since the first bending portion 202 is close to the slot 303, the male terminal 200 is more likely to enter the path guided by the first bending portion 202, and thus more smoothly enters the clamping portion of the female terminal. This guiding effect can reduce the deviation and resistance during the insertion of the male terminal, and improve the convenience and accuracy of plugging and unplugging; on the other hand, since the first bending portion 202 is close to the slot 303, the male terminal 200 can contact the first bending portion 202 and enter the clamping portion 201 faster, thereby reducing the travel distance of the male terminal in the unclamped state at the initial stage of insertion, and realizing the reduction of the area of the unclamped region and the increase of the contact area.

[0111] Specifically and more preferably, the installation gap C is controlled within a range less than 2 mm.

[0112] In addition, in combination with the female terminal structure 100 and the power tool battery pack 300 described above, the present application can also provide a power tool battery pack 300, which can be used as the power source of the power tool 400 and can be connected to and separated from the tool body 400a of the power tool 400. It includes:

[0113] At least one battery cell;

[0114] A housing 301 that houses at least one battery cell, the housing 301 having a tool engagement portion 302, and the tool engagement portion 302 being provided with a slot 303 adapted for a male terminal 200 to penetrate along a movement path; and,

[0115] A female terminal, which includes a clamping portion 201 adapted to clamp the male terminal 200 and maintain surface contact therewith;

[0116] The clamping portion 201 linearly extends along the direction of the movement path, and one end thereof facing the male terminal 200 forms a first bending portion 202 with a specific radius of curvature R to form a flared opening 203 at the leading end of the clamping portion 201. The flared opening 203 terminates at the end of the first bending portion 202. The flared depth H is determined by the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202 and defines the outer periphery of the female terminal structure 100. The width of the flared opening 203 gradually tapers inward along its depth direction and faces the clamping portion 201 to lead to a clamping channel;

[0117] The first bending portion 202 tends to be close to the slot 303, such that only an installation gap C remains between the first bending portion 202 and the inner side of the slot 303.

[0118] Furthermore, the wall surface of the flared opening 203 is only constituted by the curved surface of the first bending portion 202.

[0119] Furthermore, the flared depth H is equal to the radius of curvature R of the first bending portion 202.

[0120] Furthermore, the area of the male terminal 200 clamped by the clamping portion 201 is determined by the length of the male terminal 200 along the movement path.

[0121] Referring to Figure 15 As shown, the present application further relates to a combination of a battery pack 300 and a power tool 400, which includes a battery pack and a power tool 400 adapted to be connected and separated from each other. The power tool 400 includes a battery mounting portion, and the battery mounting portion has a male terminal 200. It is characterized in that: the battery pack is as described above.

[0122] Embodiment 2

[0123] Referring to Figures 16 to 19 , the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the inner wall surface of the first bending portion 202 is an inclined surface, and the inclined surfaces on the inner walls of the two first bending portions 202 enclose the flared opening 203. The flared depth H is determined by the length of the projection surface of the inclined surface in the extending direction of the clamping channel S and is defined by the end of the first bending portion 202 as the outer periphery of the female terminal structure 100. The width of the flared opening 203 gradually tapers inward along its depth direction and faces the clamping portion 201 to lead to the clamping channel S.

[0124] Specifically, continue to refer to Figure 16As shown, the two plate surfaces of the clamping portion 201 face each other. Along the direction of the moving path (as shown by the direction arrow B), these two plate surfaces present a linearly extended state; at the same time, in the direction perpendicular to the moving path, they also maintain linear extension, so that when the clamping portion 201 cooperates with the male terminal 200, a larger contact area can be provided to achieve a more stable clamping effect.

[0125] Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , it can be clearly observed that the flaring 203 terminates at the end of the first bending portion 202, and this termination position point is respectively identified as end portions A1 and A2 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Moreover, the outer periphery or boundary of the female terminal structure 100 is defined at the positions identified by the end portions A1 and A2, that is, within the flaring 203 region, the positions identified by the end portions A1 and A2 are at the outermost or the outermost periphery. Thus, at least part of the outer periphery of the female terminal structure 100 is defined by the end of the first bending portion 202. Further, it can be understood that at least part of the outer peripheral contour of the female terminal structure 100 is also constituted by the end contour of the first bending portion 202. At this time, geometrically speaking, the flaring 203 defines its termination position based on the end of the first bending portion 202. Moreover, the flaring depth H is determined by the projection surface length of the inclined surface in the extending direction of the clamping channel S. That is to say, when the length of the inclined surface itself remains unchanged, the larger the angle β formed by it with respect to the extending direction of the clamping channel S, the smaller the flaring depth H; the smaller the angle β formed by it with respect to the extending direction of the clamping channel S, the larger the flaring depth H.

[0126] Moreover, the flaring depth H is in a direct proportional relationship with the projection surface length of the inclined surface in the extending direction of the clamping channel S.

[0127] Furthermore, the wall surface of the flaring 203 is only constituted by the inclined surface on the inner side of the first bending portion 202. In this way, the wall surface of the flaring 203 forms a single inclined surface design, which simplifies the design of the female terminal structure 100 and is easy to manufacture and process.

[0128] Furthermore, the clamping depth of the clamping portion 201 is not less than the length of the male terminal 200 along the moving path. In this way, it can be ensured that after the male terminal 200 is inserted, the front end is completely wrapped by the clamping portion 201, so that the area of the male terminal 200 clamped by the clamping portion 201 is determined by the length of the male terminal 200 along the moving path. As long as the length of the male terminal 200 remains stable within the design range, a relatively fixed contact area between the male terminal 200 and the clamping portion 201 can be ensured each time of connection. This helps to maintain the stability of the contact resistance, reduce the resistance fluctuation caused by the change of the contact area, and thus improve the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A female terminal structure, suitable for electrical and mechanical connection with a male terminal along a moving path, characterized in that: include: a base having legs adapted to connect to a circuit board; A main body connected to the base as a whole, comprising a pair of elastic plates, wherein the pair of elastic plates comprises a clamping portion adapted to clamp the male terminal and maintain surface contact therewith, wherein the clamping portion has a clamping channel; The clamping portion extends linearly along the direction of the moving path, and one end of the clamping portion facing the male terminal is bent to form a first bent portion. The portion connected to the first bent portion is folded and extends toward the other end of the clamping portion to form a flared opening at the head end of the clamping portion, and abutment support portions are formed on both sides of the clamping portion. The abutment support portions are suitable for elastic deformation under the action of force to form opposite clamping forces on both sides of the clamping portion; wherein, The flared opening terminates at an end of the first bent portion and defines an outer periphery of the female terminal structure, and a width of the flared opening gradually tapers inwardly along a depth direction thereof and toward the clamping portion to lead to the clamping channel.

2. The female terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the clamping portion facing the male terminal forms a first curved portion with a specific curvature radius R, and a flaring depth H thereof is determined by the curvature radius R of the first curved portion.

3. The female terminal structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first curved portion has an arcuate surface, the arcuate surface encloses the flare, the flare terminates at the end of the first curved portion, and the flare depth H is in direct proportion to the curvature radius R of the first curved portion.

4. The female terminal structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flaring depth H is equal to the curvature radius R of the first curved portion.

5. The female terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first curved portion has an inclined surface, which encloses the flared opening. The flared opening terminates at the end of the first curved portion, and the flared opening depth H is determined by the length of the projection surface of the inclined surface in the extending direction of the clamping channel.

6. The female terminal structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: D≦R<2D, where D is the thickness of the elastic plate of the elastic plate pair.

7. The female terminal structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wall surface of the expanded opening is only composed of the arc-shaped curved surface of the first bent portion.

8. The female terminal structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wall surface of the expanded opening is constituted only by the inclined surface of the first curved portion.

9. The female terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping depth of the clamping portion is not less than the length of the male terminal along the moving path.

10. The female terminal structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The area of ​​the male terminal clamped by the clamping portion is determined by the length of the male terminal along the moving path.

11. The female terminal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the clamping portion is bent and extended toward and connected with the connecting arm of the main body, and the connecting arm is connected to the base. The bent and extended portion constitutes a second bent portion, which is suitable for elastic deformation under the action of force to form opposite clamping forces on both sides of the clamping portion.

12. The female terminal structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The abutting support portion and the second curved portion are distributed on both sides of the central axis of the clamping portion.

13. The female terminal structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The clamping portion has an actual clamping area compared to the clamped male terminal, and the abutting support portion and the second bent portion are distributed on both sides of a central axis of the actual clamping area.

14. The female terminal structure according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The clamping portion has an actual clamping area compared to the clamped male terminal, the protrusion abutting the support portion and the second curved portion are distributed on both sides of the central axis of the actual clamping area, and the protrusion is suitable for abutting against the terminal connection seat.

15. The female terminal structure according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 5 or 11, characterized in that: The axis of the clamping portion extending linearly is arranged at an angle α with the axis of the moving path direction, 0≦α≦2°.

16. A power tool battery pack, which can be used as a power source for the power tool and can be connected to and separated from the tool body of the power tool, characterized in that: include: at least one battery cell; A housing for accommodating at least one battery cell, the housing having a tool engaging portion, the tool engaging portion having a slot adapted for the male terminal to penetrate along a moving path; as well as, A female terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 above, which is electrically connected to the at least one battery cell; When the battery pack is connected to the tool body, the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal through the slot to be clamped by the clamping portion and come into surface contact therewith.

17. The power tool battery pack according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first curved portion tends to be close to the narrow slot, so that only an installation gap C remains between the first curved portion and the inner side of the narrow slot.

18. The power tool battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that: The installation gap C is less than 2 mm.

19. A power tool battery pack, which can be used as a power source for the power tool and can be connected to and separated from the tool body of the power tool, characterized in that: include: at least one battery cell; A housing for accommodating at least one battery cell, the housing having a tool engaging portion, the tool engaging portion having a slot adapted for the male terminal to penetrate along a moving path; as well as, A female terminal, comprising a clamping portion adapted to clamp the male terminal and maintain surface contact therewith; The clamping portion extends linearly in the direction of the moving path, and the end thereof facing the male terminal forms a first curved portion with a specific curvature radius R to form a flared opening at the head end of the clamping portion, the flared opening terminates at the end of the first curved portion, the flared opening depth H is determined by the curvature radius R of the first curved portion, and defines the periphery of the female terminal structure, and the width of the flared opening gradually tapers inwardly along the depth direction thereof and toward the clamping portion to lead to the clamping channel; The first curved portion tends to be close to the narrow slot, so that only an installation gap C remains between the first curved portion and the inner side of the narrow slot.

20. The power tool battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The wall surface of the expanded opening is only composed of the arc-shaped curved surface of the first bent portion.

21. The power tool battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The wall surface of the expanded opening is constituted only by the inclined surface of the first curved portion.

22. The power tool battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The area of ​​the male terminal clamped by the clamping portion is determined by the length of the male terminal along the moving path.

23. A combination of a battery pack and an electric tool, comprising a battery pack and an electric tool adapted to be connected and separated from each other, the electric tool comprising a battery mounting portion, the battery mounting portion having a male terminal, characterized in that: The battery pack is as described in any one of claims 16 to 22 above.

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