Connector assembly and terminal

Abstract

The invention provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a terminal and a connector shell. The terminal is configured to be connected with a cable and comprises a cable connecting part which can be electrically connected with the cable and a limiting part which is arranged on one side of the cable connecting part. The connector housing comprises a body and a cover body. The body includes a receiving channel configured to receive the terminal. The cover body is movably arranged on the body, and a blocking part is arranged on the cover body. Wherein the cover body can be movably operated to enable the blocking part to be opposite to the limiting part, so that the cable is fixed between the blocking part and the limiting part. Compared with the prior art, the assembly process using the connector assembly does not have a wire stripping step, and the steps of crimping and fixing the cable can be realized by a machine. Obviously, by using the connector assembly, the assembly time and cost can be saved, and the connector assembly is more suitable for large-scale production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrical connection technology, specifically to a connector assembly and a terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies used to achieve electrical connections typically include a connector housing and connector terminals. The connector terminals are used to connect external cables, and the connector housing houses the terminals. In existing technology, the insulation of the cable must be manually stripped to electrically connect the exposed metal core to the terminals. Furthermore, securing the cable to the terminals also requires manual operation. Clearly, this is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and detrimental to automated industrial assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this disclosure proposes a connector assembly that facilitates automated assembly.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a connector assembly including terminals and a connector housing. The terminals are configured for connecting a cable and include: a cable connection portion for electrical connection with the cable; and a limiting portion disposed on one side of the cable connection portion. The connector housing includes: a body including a receiving channel configured to receive the terminals; and a cover movably disposed on the body, having a blocking portion thereon. The cover is movably operable such that the blocking portion faces the limiting portion, thereby securing the cable between the blocking portion and the limiting portion.

[0005] Compared to existing technologies, the assembly process using this connector assembly eliminates the wire stripping step, and the crimping and securing of the cables can be performed by machine. Clearly, using this connector assembly saves assembly time and costs, making it more suitable for mass production.

[0006] In one embodiment, the limiting portion includes a first limiting arm and a second limiting arm that are distributed opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm and the second limiting arm is smaller than the wire diameter of the cable.

[0007] In one embodiment, the blocking portion includes an arc-shaped notch at its end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cable connector includes a first pair of blade arms distributed opposite to each other, wherein, during the process of the cable entering between the first pair of blade arms, the first pair of blade arms establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamps the cable therebetween.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cable connection further includes a second pair of blade arms that are relatively distributed along the extension direction of the cable relative to the first pair of blade arms. During the process of the cable entering between the second pair of blade arms, the second pair of blade arms establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamps the cable therebetween.

[0010] In one embodiment, the terminal further includes a terminal body with a dovetail groove and a dovetail tenon, wherein the terminal body with the dovetail groove is directly connected to the first pair of blade-type subarms, and the dovetail tenon is directly connected to the second pair of blade-type subarms, wherein the dovetail tenon is embedded in the dovetail groove so that the second pair of blade-type subarms is fixed relative to the first pair of blade-type subarms.

[0011] In one embodiment, the blocking portion includes a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion, wherein the second blocking portion is disposed relative to the first blocking portion along the extension direction of the cable.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cover is hinged to the body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector housing is integrally molded via a die.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cover includes a snap-fit ​​portion disposed thereon, and the body includes a snap-fit ​​engagement portion disposed thereon, wherein the snap-fit ​​portion is used to engage with the snap-fit ​​engagement portion to fix the cover onto the body.

[0015] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal for connecting a cable, comprising: a cable connection portion for electrically connecting to the cable; and a limiting portion disposed on one side of the cable connection portion. The limiting portion is capable of opposing a blocking portion of a connector housing to secure the cable between the blocking portion and the limiting portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting portion includes a first limiting arm and a second limiting arm that are distributed opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm and the second limiting arm is smaller than the wire diameter of the cable.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cable connector includes a first pair of blade arms distributed opposite to each other, wherein, during the process of the cable entering between the first pair of blade arms, the first pair of blade arms establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamps the cable therebetween.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cable connection further includes a second pair of blade arms that are relatively distributed along the extension direction of the cable relative to the first pair of blade arms. During the process of the cable entering between the second pair of blade arms, the second pair of blade arms establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamps the cable therebetween.

[0019] In one embodiment, the terminal further includes a terminal body with a dovetail groove and a dovetail tenon. The terminal body with the dovetail groove is directly connected to the first pair of blade arms, and the dovetail tenon is directly connected to the second pair of blade arms. The dovetail tenon is embedded in the dovetail groove so that the second pair of blade arms is fixed relative to the first pair of blade arms. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Features, advantages, and other aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in which several embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, in the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the terminals and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a partially enlarged schematic diagram M cut along plane AA.

[0024] Figure 4 Another assembly schematic diagram of the terminal and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a partially enlarged schematic diagram N cut along the BB plane and a partially enlarged schematic diagram L cut along the CC plane.

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a terminal clamping wire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from its bottom view.

[0027] Figure 7 Another assembly diagram of the terminals and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 Another assembly schematic diagram of the terminals and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments that can implement this disclosure. The exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to this disclosure. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts. It will be understood that other embodiments and structural modifications may be utilized without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0030] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms used herein should be understood as open-ended terms, meaning “including / including but not limited to,” implying that other contents may also be included. The term “one embodiment” means “at least one embodiment”; the term “another embodiment” means “at least one additional embodiment,” and so on.

[0031] It should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The terms used in describing the various components, such as top, bottom, left, right, top, and bottom, are not absolute but relative. These terms are appropriate when the components are arranged as shown in the figures, but will change accordingly when the positions of the components in the figures change.

[0032] This disclosure proposes a connector assembly including a terminal 10 and a connector housing 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Terminals and connector housings according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively. Terminal 10 may be made of a metal such as copper, and connector housing 20 may be made of plastic. Terminal 10 is configured for connecting a cable and includes a cable connection portion 101 and a limiting portion 102. The cable connection portion 101 is used for electrical connection with a cable, and the limiting portion 102 is disposed on one side of the cable connection portion 101. Connector housing 20 includes a body 201 and a cover 202. The body 201 includes a receiving channel 2011 configured to receive the terminal 10. The cover 202 is movably disposed on the body 201 and has a blocking portion 2021 thereon. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly of terminals and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a partially enlarged schematic diagram M cut along plane AA. Reference Figure 3 The connector housing 20 can accommodate the terminal 10 that is connected to the cable 30, and the limiting part 102 of the terminal 10 limits the lower surface of the cable 30. Figure 4Another assembly schematic diagram of the terminal and connector housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including a partially enlarged schematic diagram N cut along the BB plane and a partially enlarged schematic diagram L cut along the CC plane. Reference Figure 4 The cover 202 of the connector housing 20 is operable so that the blocking portion 2021 of the housing 20 faces the limiting portion 102, thereby fixing the cable 30 between the blocking portion 2021 and the limiting portion 102. Specifically, the cover 202 of the connector housing 20 can be flipped downwards, and the blocking portion 2021 located thereon limits the upper surface of the cable 30. The combination of the limiting portion 102 and the blocking portion 2021 can prevent the cable 30 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 In view L, the limiting portion 102 includes a first limiting arm 1021 and a second limiting arm 1022 that are distributed opposite to each other. At least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm 1021 and the second limiting arm 1022 is less than the diameter of the cable 30 to prevent the cable 30 from moving downwards. In other embodiments, the limiting portion 102 can be any other suitable structure, as long as it can limit the lower surface of the cable 30. For example, the first limiting arm 1021 in the limiting portion 102 can be connected to the second limiting arm 1022.

[0034] In this embodiment, reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 In view L, the blocking portion 2021 includes an arc-shaped notch 2022 at its end. This arc-shaped notch 2022 is positioned as close as possible to the upper surface of the cable 30, increasing the contact area and improving the blocking effect. In other embodiments, the blocking portion 2021 may not include the arc-shaped notch 2022, and may employ any other suitable structure as long as it prevents the cable 30 from moving upwards.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a terminal clamping wire according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This view conceals the limiting portion of the terminal 10 to facilitate observation of the structure of the terminal 10 for clamping the wire 30. It can be seen that the cable connection portion 101 of the terminal 10 includes a first pair of oppositely distributed blade-type sub-arms 1011. The spacing between the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011 gradually decreases downwards. During the process of the cable 30 (e.g., by manual or automated crimping) entering between the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011, the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011 establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable 30 and clamps the cable 30 therebetween, preventing the cable 30 from moving horizontally.

[0036] In this embodiment, reference Figure 1 , Figure 3View M in the middle, and Figure 5 The cable connector 101 further includes a second pair of blade-type arms 1012 distributed opposite to each other, the second pair of blade-type arms 1012 being arranged along the extension direction of the cable 30 relative to the first pair of blade-type arms 1011. The spacing between the second pair of blade-type arms 1012 gradually decreases downwards. During the process of the cable 30 entering between the second pair of blade-type arms 1012, the second pair of blade-type arms 1012 establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable 30 and clamps the cable 30 therebetween. In this embodiment, the cable connector 101 is configured with a structure having two pairs of blade-type arms, so that the terminal 10 can clamp the cable 30 at multiple contact points to maintain the straight shape of the cable. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the cable connector 101 may not include the second pair of blade-type arms 1012.

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from its bottom view. Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 The terminal 10 also includes a terminal body 103 with a dovetail groove 1031 and a dovetail tenon 104. The terminal body 103 with the dovetail groove 1031 is directly connected to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011, and the dovetail tenon 104 is directly connected to the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012. The dovetail tenon 104 is embedded in the dovetail groove 1031 so that the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 is fixed relative to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011. For example, the mating structure of the dovetail groove 1031 and the dovetail tenon 104 can keep the distance between the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011 and the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 substantially constant.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 In view N, the blocking part 2021 includes a first blocking part 2023 and a second blocking part 2024, wherein the second blocking part 2024 is disposed relative to the first blocking part 2023 along the extension direction of the cable 30. For example, under conditions of temperature change, the shape of the cable 30 may change due to the effect of thermal expansion and contraction; or, for example, the user may pull or move the cable 30 during use. To address these situations, providing two blocking parts can enhance the fixing effect on the cable 30.

[0039] In this embodiment, reference Figure 4 The cover 202 of the connector housing 20 is hinged to the body 201. Specifically, the connector housing 20 also includes a hinge shaft 203, through which the cover 202 and the body 201 are movably connected. This allows the cover 202 to be... Figure 2 The state shown is flipped down to Figure 4The cover 202 remains connected to the body 201 throughout the process, facilitating user operation. In other examples, the movable connection between the cover 202 and the body 201 can be other suitable methods readily conceived by those skilled in the art, such as threaded connections. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector housing 20 is integrally molded (e.g., via injection molding).

[0040] Further, refer to Figure 2 The cover 202 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 2025 (e.g., a snap-fit ​​groove) disposed thereon, and the body 201 includes a snap-fit ​​engagement portion 2012 (e.g., a snap hook structure) disposed thereon. The snap-fit ​​portion 2025 is used to engage with the snap-fit ​​engagement portion 2012 to fix the cover 202 onto the body 201.

[0041] The assembly process of the connector assembly is briefly described below. First, refer to... Figure 7 Insert terminal 10 into the receiving channel 2011 of connector housing 20. Then, refer to Figure 8 Using a crimping tool, the cable 30 is pressed into the terminal 10, establishing an electrical connection between the terminal 10 and the cable 30. Finally, refer to... Figure 4 The cover 202 of the connector housing 20 is flipped down to secure the cable 30 within the connector assembly. This assembly process can be fully automated. Compared to existing technologies, this assembly process eliminates the wire stripping step, and the crimping and securing of the cable 30 can be performed by machine. Clearly, using this connector assembly saves assembly time and costs, making it more suitable for mass production.

[0042] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a terminal 10 for connecting a cable 30. (See reference) Figure 1 The terminal 10 includes a cable connection portion 101 and a limiting portion 102. The cable connection portion 101 is used for electrical connection with a cable, and the limiting portion 102 is disposed on one side of the cable connection portion 101. The limiting portion 102 can oppose the blocking portion 2021 of the connector housing 20 to fix the cable 30 between the blocking portion 2021 and the limiting portion 102. This terminal 10 can be used to achieve automated assembly, saving assembly time and costs.

[0043] Furthermore, the limiting part 102 includes a first limiting arm 1021 and a second limiting arm 1022 that are relatively distributed. At least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm 1021 and the second limiting arm 1022 is less than the diameter of the cable 30, so as to prevent the cable 30 from moving downward.

[0044] refer to Figure 5The cable connection portion 101 of the terminal 10 includes a first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011 that are relatively distributed. During the process of the cable 30 entering between the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011, the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011 achieves a piercing electrical connection with the cable 30 and clamps the cable 30 therebetween.

[0045] Furthermore, the cable connector 101 also includes a second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 distributed opposite to each other, the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 being arranged along the extension direction of the cable 30 relative to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011. During the process of the cable 30 entering between the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012, the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 establishes a piercing electrical connection with the cable 30 and clamps the cable 30 therebetween.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 Terminal 10 also includes a mating terminal connection portion 105, which is configured to accommodate a mating terminal (e.g., a pin terminal) and make an electrical connection with the mating terminal.

[0047] refer to Figure 6 The terminal 10 also includes a terminal body 103 with a dovetail groove 1031 and a dovetail tenon 104. The terminal body 103 with the dovetail groove 1031 is directly connected to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011, and the dovetail tenon 104 is directly connected to the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012. The dovetail tenon 104 is embedded in the dovetail groove 1031 so that the second pair of blade-type sub-arms 1012 is fixed relative to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms 1011.

[0048] For technical details of terminal 10, please refer to the above description of terminal 10 in the connector assembly, which will not be repeated here.

[0049] It should be noted that the above examples are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is obviously not limited to the above embodiments, with many similar variations. All modifications that can be directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this invention should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: Terminals, configured for connecting cables, include: Cable connector, which can be electrically connected to the cable; and A limiting part is provided on one side of the cable connection part; and Connector housing, including: The body includes a receiving channel configured to receive the terminal; and A cover body, which is movably disposed on the main body, and a blocking part is provided thereon; The cover is operable to make the blocking part face the limiting part, thereby fixing the cable between the blocking part and the limiting part.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the limiting portion comprises a first limiting arm and a second limiting arm that are relatively distributed, wherein, At least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm and the second limiting arm is smaller than the diameter of the cable.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the blocking portion includes an arcuate notch disposed at its end.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable connection portion includes a first pair of oppositely distributed blade-type sub-arms, wherein, During the process of the cable entering between the first pair of blade arms, the first pair of blade arms establish a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamp the cable therebetween.

5. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein the cable connection portion further comprises a second pair of blade-type arms distributed opposite to each other, the second pair of blade-type arms being disposed relative to the first pair of blade-type arms along the extension direction of the cable, wherein, During the process of the cable entering between the second pair of blade arms, the second pair of blade arms establish a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamp the cable therebetween.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the terminal further comprises a terminal body with a dovetail groove and a dovetail tenon, the terminal body with the dovetail groove being directly connected to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms, and the dovetail tenon being directly connected to the second pair of blade-type sub-arms, wherein, The dovetail tenon is inserted into the dovetail groove so that the second pair of blade arms are fixed relative to the first pair of blade arms.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the blocking portion comprises a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion, wherein, The second blocking portion is disposed relative to the first blocking portion along the extension direction of the cable.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cover is hinged to the body.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector housing is manufactured by integral molding using a mold.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the cover includes a snap-fit ​​portion disposed thereon, and the body includes a snap-fit ​​engagement portion disposed thereon, wherein, The latching part is used to cooperate with the latching engagement part to fix the cover to the body.

11. A terminal for connecting a cable, comprising: A cable connector, which can be used for electrical connection with the cable; as well as A limiting part is provided on one side of the cable connection part; The limiting part can be opposite to the blocking part of the connector housing to fix the cable between the blocking part and the limiting part.

12. The terminal according to claim 11, wherein the limiting portion comprises a first limiting arm and a second limiting arm distributed opposite to each other, wherein, At least a portion of the distance between the first limiting arm and the second limiting arm is smaller than the diameter of the cable.

13. The terminal according to claim 11, wherein the cable connector includes a first pair of oppositely distributed blade-type sub-arms, wherein, During the process of the cable entering between the first pair of blade arms, the first pair of blade arms establish a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamp the cable therebetween.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the cable connection further comprises a second pair of blade arms distributed opposite to each other, the second pair of blade arms being disposed relative to the first pair of blade arms along the extension direction of the cable, wherein, During the process of the cable entering between the second pair of blade arms, the second pair of blade arms establish a piercing electrical connection with the cable and clamp the cable therebetween.

15. The connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the terminal further comprises a terminal body with a dovetail groove and a dovetail tenon, the terminal body with the dovetail groove being directly connected to the first pair of blade-type sub-arms, and the dovetail tenon being directly connected to the second pair of blade-type sub-arms, wherein, The dovetail tenon is inserted into the dovetail groove so that the second pair of blade arms are fixed relative to the first pair of blade arms.

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