Connector terminal, electric connection assembly and connector

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector terminal, an electric connection assembly and a connector. The connector terminal comprises a terminal body and an elastic piece. The terminal body comprises a matching part, and the matching part is provided with an insertion cavity allowing a matching terminal to be inserted and a first elastic arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic piece is fixed to the matching part and provided with a second elastic arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic piece is made of a material with higher strength compared with the terminal body, and the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are used for clamping a matching terminal inserted between the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm so as to be in electric contact with the matching terminal. According to the connector terminal, the surface of the contact on the elastic piece of the connector terminal is very smooth, so that the insertion and extraction force when the connector terminal is matched with the matched terminal can be obviously reduced. And the elastic piece has excellent toughness and stress relaxation resistance, so that the forward contact pressure can be improved, and the contact resistance can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector terminal, an electrical connection assembly including the connector terminal, and a connector including the connector terminal or the electrical connection assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, large-sized connector terminals typically have a first and a second spring arm facing each other. To ensure conductivity, the connector terminal substrate is usually copper. To improve electrical contact performance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, a metal plating layer, which can be a nickel plating or a silver plating, is usually formed on the copper substrate of the first and second spring arms to serve as electrical contacts. However, existing electrical contacts suffer from high surface roughness, excessive insertion and extraction forces when mating with the mating terminals, and high contact resistance. Furthermore, to ensure good electrical contact performance even after material aging, materials with good stress relaxation resistance are typically used, leading to higher costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes a terminal body and a resilient member. The terminal body includes a mating portion having an insertion cavity allowing insertion of a mating terminal and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The resilient member is fixed to the mating portion and has a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The resilient member is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body, and the first and second spring arms are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted therebetween for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate of the terminal body is copper, the first spring arm has a first contact plated on the copper substrate for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal; the elastic element is an integral stainless steel part, and the second spring arm has a second contact for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact includes a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm, wherein the metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact includes a first metal plating layer electroplated on a copper substrate of the first spring arm and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer, wherein the first metal plating layer is a nickel plating layer and the second metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer or a gold plating layer.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body is a one-piece stamped part; and / or the elastic element is a one-piece stamped part.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion of the terminal body includes a top wall and a bottom wall opposite each other in its height direction and a pair of side walls opposite each other in its lateral direction, the top wall, the bottom wall and the pair of side walls surrounding the insertion cavity; the first elastic arm is formed on the bottom wall of the mating portion, and the elastic element is fixed to the top wall of the mating portion.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed on the top wall of the mating portion, and the second elastic arm of the elastic member protrudes into the insertion cavity through the opening to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two windows adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating part are formed on the bottom wall of the mating part, and the mating part includes two sets of first elastic arms suspended in the two windows respectively; each set of first elastic arms includes a plurality of front cantilever arms and a plurality of rear cantilever arms arranged alternately in the transverse direction of the mating part, and the front cantilever arms and the rear cantilever arms are respectively connected to the front side and the rear side of the window.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member includes a rectangular frame fixed to the mating portion, the rectangular frame having a pair of crossbeams opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating portion and a pair of longitudinal beams opposite each other in the transverse direction of the mating portion; the second elastic arm is located in the rectangular frame, and the two ends of the second elastic arm are respectively connected to the pair of crossbeams of the rectangular frame.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rectangular frame is riveted, crimped, or welded to the top wall of the mating portion to secure the elastic element to the top wall of the mating portion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rivet piece is formed on the crossbeam of the rectangular frame, and a rivet groove is formed on the top wall of the mating part. The rivet piece passes through the rivet groove and is bent and riveted to the top wall of the mating part.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a welding piece is also formed on the crossbeam of the rectangular frame, the welding piece being supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall of the mating part; a pair of riveting pieces are formed on the crossbeam of the rectangular frame, the welding piece being located between the pair of riveting pieces.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member includes a plurality of second elastic arms arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the mating portion of the terminal body.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, the mating portion being for mating with a mating terminal inserted from its front port; the terminal body further includes a crimping portion connected to the rear end of the mating portion for crimping onto one end of a cable. When the crimping portion is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion includes: a first crimping portion for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping portion for crimping onto the outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping portion is located between the rear end of the mating portion and the second crimping portion.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction and two sides opposite each other in its transverse direction, the mating portion being used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further includes a crimping portion connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating portion for crimping onto one end of a cable. When the crimping portion is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion includes: a first crimping portion for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping portion for crimping onto the outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping portion is located between one side of the bottom wall of the mating portion and the second crimping portion.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part has a single-layer plate structure, and the pressing part is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part includes an upper plate and a lower plate stacked together, the front ends or rear ends of the upper plate and the lower plate being connected to each other; the first elastic arm is formed on the upper plate, and the pressing part is connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, the mating portion being for mating with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further includes: a crimping portion for crimping onto one end of a cable; and a connecting portion connecting the rear end of the mating portion and the crimping portion. When the crimping portion is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion includes: a first crimping portion for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping portion for crimping onto the outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the mating portion.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, the mating portion being used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further includes a welding portion, which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall of the mating portion, for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding portion, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction and two sides opposite each other in its transverse direction, the mating portion being used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further includes a welding portion, which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating portion, for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding portion, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding part is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part includes an upper plate and a lower plate stacked together, the front ends or rear ends of the upper plate and the lower plate being connected to each other; the first elastic arm is formed on the upper plate, and the welded part is connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly includes: the aforementioned connector terminals; and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing; and the aforementioned connector terminals or the aforementioned electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted in the housing.

[0031] In some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the elastic element of the connector terminal is made of stainless steel. The surface of the contacts on the stainless steel elastic element is very smooth, which can significantly reduce the insertion and extraction force when mating with the mating terminals. Moreover, the stainless steel elastic element has excellent toughness and resistance to stress relaxation, which can improve the positive contact pressure and reduce the contact resistance.

[0032] Furthermore, in some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the stainless steel elastic element greatly improves the electrical contact performance of the connector terminal, the electrical contacts on the side of the connector terminal opposite to the elastic element can be made of a metal plating with general performance, thereby further reducing the cost of the connector terminal.

[0033] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 2 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 3 An exploded view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 Showing an anatomical view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 7 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 8 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 9 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 10A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 11 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 12 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 13 A perspective view of the connector terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 14 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 15 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 16 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0037] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes a terminal body and a resilient member. The terminal body includes a mating portion having an insertion cavity allowing insertion of a mating terminal and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The resilient member is fixed to the mating portion and has a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The resilient member is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body, and the first and second spring arms are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0038] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly includes: the aforementioned connector terminals; and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0039] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing; and the aforementioned connector terminals or the aforementioned electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted in the housing.

[0040] Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 2 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. Figure 3 An exploded view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 This shows an anatomical view of the connector terminals according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is disclosed. The connector terminal includes a terminal body 1 and an elastic member 2. The terminal body 1 includes a mating portion 10 having an insertion cavity 101 allowing insertion of a mating terminal and a first spring arm 11 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic member 2 is fixed to the mating portion 10 and has a second spring arm 21 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic member 2 is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body 1; for example, the elastic member 2 can be stainless steel. The first spring arm 11 and the second spring arm 21 are used to clamp the mating terminal (not shown) inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base material of the terminal body 1 is copper, and the first spring arm 11 has a first contact 11a electroplated on the copper base material for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal. The elastic member 2 is a one-piece stainless steel component, and the second spring arm 21 has a second contact 21a for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact 11a may include a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11, which may be a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer or a gold plating layer.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact 11a may include a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11 and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer. The first metal plating layer may be a nickel plating layer, and the second metal plating layer may be a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, terminal body 1 is a one-piece stamped part. Elastic member 2 is also a one-piece stamped part.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 of the terminal body 1 includes a top wall 12 and a bottom wall 13 opposite each other in its height direction Z, and a pair of side walls 14 opposite each other in its transverse direction X. The top wall 12, the bottom wall 13, and the pair of side walls 14 form an insertion cavity 101. A first elastic arm 11 is formed on the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10, and the elastic member 2 is fixed to the top wall 12 of the mating portion 10.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 102 is formed on the top wall 12 of the mating portion 10, and the second elastic arm 21 of the elastic member 2 protrudes into the insertion cavity 101 through the opening 102 to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, two windows 103 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10 are formed on the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10. The mating portion 10 includes two sets of first spring arms 11 suspended in the two windows 103 respectively. Each set of first spring arms 11 includes a plurality of front cantilever arms 11' and a plurality of rear cantilever arms 11" arranged alternately in the transverse direction X of the mating portion 10. The front cantilever arms 11' and the rear cantilever arms 11" are respectively connected to the front side and the rear side of the window 103.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 2 includes a rectangular frame 22 fixed to the mating portion 10. The rectangular frame 22 has a pair of crossbeams 221 facing each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10 and a pair of longitudinal beams 222 facing each other in the transverse direction X of the mating portion 10. A second elastic arm 21 is located in the rectangular frame 22, and both ends of the second elastic arm 21 are respectively connected to the pair of crossbeams 221 of the rectangular frame 22.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular frame 22 can be riveted, crimped, or welded to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10 to fix the elastic element 2 to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a rivet piece 22a is formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and a rivet groove 12a is formed on the top wall 12 of the mating part 10. The rivet piece 22a passes through the rivet groove 12a and is bent and riveted to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a welding piece 22b is also formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22. The welding piece 22b is supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall 12 of the mating part 10. A pair of rivet pieces 22a are formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and the welding piece 22b shown is located between the pair of rivet pieces 22a.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 2 includes a plurality of second elastic arms 21, which are arranged side by side in the transverse X direction of the mating portion 10 of the terminal body 1.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction Y. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a crimp portion 15 connected to the rear end of the mating portion 10 for crimping onto one end of a cable (not shown). When the crimp portion 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 is located between the rear end of the mating portion 10 and the second crimping portion 152.

[0056] Figure 6 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 7 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0057] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The connector terminals of the second embodiment shown are Figures 1 to 5 The main difference between the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown is the different connection structure with the cable.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction Y and two sides opposite each other in its transverse direction X. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a crimping portion 15 connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 for crimping onto one end of a cable. When the crimping portion 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0059] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 is located on one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 and between the second crimping portion 152.

[0060] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the pressing portion 15 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; for example, the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 may also have… Figure 8 and Figure 9 The double-layer plate structure shown.

[0061] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 6 and Figure 7 Other technical features of the connector terminals in the second embodiment shown are similar to Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals shown in the first embodiment are basically the same and can be referred to. Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals of the first embodiment shown.

[0062] Figure 8 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 9 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0063] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The connector terminals of the third embodiment shown are Figure 6 and Figure 7 The main difference between the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown is the different structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10.

[0064] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a double-layer plate structure, including an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 131 stacked together. The front ends or rear ends of the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 131 are connected to each other. A first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and a pressing part 15 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0065] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 8 and Figure 9 Other technical features of the connector terminals shown in the third embodiment are similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The connector terminals shown in the second embodiment are basically the same and can be referred to. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The connector terminals of the second embodiment shown.

[0066] Figure 10 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top.

[0067] Figure 10 The connector terminals of the fourth embodiment shown are Figures 1 to 5 The main difference between the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown is the different connection structure with the cable.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction Y. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a crimping portion 15 and a connecting portion 16. The crimping portion 15 is used to crimp onto one end of a cable. The connecting portion 16 connects between the rear end of the mating portion 10 and the crimping portion 15. When the crimping portion 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 and the second crimping portion 152 are arranged side by side in the transverse X direction of the mating portion 10.

[0070] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 10 Other technical features of the connector terminals in the fourth embodiment shown are similar to Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals shown in the first embodiment are basically the same and can be referred to. Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals of the first embodiment shown.

[0071] Figure 11A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 12 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0072] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The connector terminals of the fifth embodiment shown are Figures 1 to 5 The main difference between the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown is the different connection structure with the cable.

[0073] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction Y. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a solder portion 17, which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10, for soldering to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is soldered to the solder portion 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0074] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 11 and Figure 12 Other technical features of the connector terminals shown in the fifth embodiment are similar to Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals shown in the first embodiment are basically the same and can be referred to. Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals of the first embodiment shown.

[0075] Figure 13 A perspective view of the connector terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 14 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0076] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown are Figures 1 to 5 The main difference between the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown is the different connection structure with the cable.

[0077] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction Y and two opposite sides in its transverse direction X. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a soldering portion 17, which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 for soldering to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is soldered to the soldering portion 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0078] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding part 17 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; for example, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 may also have… Figure 15 and Figure 16 The double-layer plate structure shown.

[0079] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 13 and Figure 14 Other technical features of the connector terminals in the sixth embodiment shown are similar to Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals shown in the first embodiment are basically the same and can be referred to. Figures 1 to 5 The connector terminals of the first embodiment shown.

[0080] Figure 15 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top; Figure 16 A perspective view of the connector terminals according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0081] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The connector terminals of the seventh embodiment shown are Figure 13 and Figure 14 The main difference between the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown is the different structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10.

[0082] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a double-layer plate structure, including an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 131 stacked together, with the front ends or rear ends of the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 131 connected to each other. A first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and a welding part 17 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0083] In addition to the differences mentioned above Figure 15 and Figure 16 Other technical features of the connector terminals in the seventh embodiment shown are similar to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The connector terminals shown in the sixth embodiment are basically the same.

[0084] like Figures 1 to 16 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed. This electrical connection assembly includes the aforementioned connector terminals and a cable. One end of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0085] like Figures 1 to 16 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing (not shown) and the aforementioned connector terminals or the aforementioned electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted within the housing.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0087] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0088] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0089] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, characterized in that, include: Terminal body (1) includes: The mating part (10) has an insertion cavity (101) that allows the mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm (11) protruding into the insertion cavity (101). and An elastic element (2), fixed to the mating part (10) and having a second elastic arm (21) protruding into the insertion cavity (101), the elastic element (2) being made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body (1), The first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (21) are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base material of the terminal body (1) is copper, and the first spring arm (11) has a first contact (11a) electroplated on the copper base material for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal. The elastic element (2) is a one-piece stainless steel component, and the second elastic arm (21) has a second contact (21a) for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first contact (11a) includes a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11), wherein the metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer or a gold plating layer.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first contact (11a) includes a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11) and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer. The first metal plating layer is a nickel plating layer, and the second metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

5. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal body (1) is a one-piece stamped part; and / or The elastic element (2) is an integral stamped part.

6. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating portion (10) of the terminal body (1) includes a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13) opposite each other in its height direction (Z) and a pair of side walls (14) opposite each other in its transverse direction (X), the top wall (12), the bottom wall (13) and the pair of side walls (14) forming the insertion cavity (101). The first elastic arm (11) is formed on the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), and the elastic element (2) is fixed to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10).

7. The connector terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: An opening (102) is formed on the top wall (12) of the mating part (10), and the second elastic arm (21) of the elastic member (2) protrudes into the insertion cavity (101) through the opening (102) to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

8. The connector terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two windows (103) are formed on the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10), and the mating part (10) includes two sets of first spring arms (11) respectively suspended in the two windows (103). Each set of first spring arms (11) includes a plurality of front cantilever arms (11') and a plurality of rear cantilever arms (11") arranged alternately in the transverse (X) direction of the mating part (10), the front cantilever arms (11') and the rear cantilever arms (11") being connected to the front side and the rear side of the window (103), respectively.

9. The connector terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic element (2) includes a rectangular frame (22) fixed to the mating part (10), the rectangular frame (22) having a pair of crossbeams (221) opposite each other in the longitudinal (Y) direction of the mating part (10) and a pair of longitudinal beams (222) opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction of the mating part (10). The second spring arm (21) is located in the rectangular frame (22), and the two ends of the second spring arm (21) are respectively connected to a pair of crossbeams (221) of the rectangular frame (22).

10. The connector terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rectangular frame (22) is riveted, crimped or welded to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10) to fix the elastic element (2) to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10).

11. The connector terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that: A rivet piece (22a) is formed on the crossbeam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and a rivet groove (12a) is formed on the top wall (12) of the mating part (10). The rivet piece (22a) passes through the rivet groove (12a) and is bent and riveted to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10).

12. The connector terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that: Welding pieces (22b) are also formed on the crossbeams (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and the welding pieces (22b) are supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall (12) of the mating part (10); A pair of rivet tabs (22a) are formed on the crossbeam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and the weld tab (22b) shown is located between the pair of rivet tabs (22a).

13. The connector terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic element (2) includes a plurality of second elastic arms (21) arranged side by side in the transverse (X) direction of the mating portion (10) of the terminal body (1).

14. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The mating part (10) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), and the mating part (10) is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); The terminal body (1) also includes: The crimping part (15) is connected to the rear end of the mating part (10) and is used to crimp to one end of the cable. When the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

15. The connector terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that: The crimping portion (15) includes: The first crimping part (151) is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable; and The second crimping part (152) is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping portion (151) is located between the rear end of the mating portion (10) and the second crimping portion (152).

16. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The mating part (10) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y) and two sides opposite each other in its transverse direction (X), the mating part (10) being used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); The terminal body (1) also includes: The crimping part (15) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) and is used to crimp to one end of the cable. When the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

17. The connector terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that: The crimping portion (15) includes: The first crimping part (151) is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable; and The second crimping part (152) is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part (151) is located between one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) and the second crimping part (152).

18. The connector terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that: The bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) has a single-layer plate structure, and the pressing part (15) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10).

19. The connector terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that: The bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) includes an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked together, with the front end or rear end of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) connected to each other. The first spring arm (11) is formed on the upper plate (132), and the pressing part (15) is connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

20. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The mating part (10) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), and the mating part (10) is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); The terminal body (1) also includes: A crimping part (15) is used to crimp onto one end of a cable; and A connecting part (16) is connected between the rear end of the mating part (10) and the crimping part (15). When the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

21. The connector terminal according to claim 20, characterized in that: The crimping portion (15) includes: The first crimping part (151) is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable; and The second crimping part (152) is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part (151) and the second crimping part (152) are arranged side by side in the transverse (X) direction of the mating part (10).

22. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The mating part (10) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), and the mating part (10) is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); The terminal body (1) also includes: The welding part (17), which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), is used for welding to one end of the cable. When one end of the cable is soldered to the welding part (17), the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

23. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: The mating part (10) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y) and two sides opposite each other in its transverse direction (X), the mating part (10) being used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); The terminal body (1) also includes: The welding part (17), which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), is used for welding to one end of the cable. When one end of the cable is soldered to the welding part (17), the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

24. The connector terminal according to claim 23, characterized in that: The bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding part (17) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10).

25. The connector terminal according to claim 23, characterized in that: The bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) includes an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked together, with the front end or rear end of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) connected to each other. The first spring arm (11) is formed on the upper plate (132), and the welded part (17) is connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

26. An electrical connection assembly, characterized in that, include: Connector terminals as described in any one of claims 1-25; and A cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

27. A connector, characterized in that, include: case; and The connector terminal of any one of claims 1-25 or the electrical connection assembly of claim 26, The connector terminals are mounted in the housing.

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