Terminal, housing, connector, electrical device, and vehicle

By designing interconnected male and female end structures in the connector and using the docking structure of the housing for plug-in and mating, the high mold cost problem caused by separation of male and female terminals is solved, and the mass production and standardized installation of connectors are realized, which reduces production costs and enhances market competitiveness.

CN223141075UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-22BYD CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422291172.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-19
Publication Date
2025-07-22
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the male terminal and the female terminal are divided into different terminals, resulting in two sets of molds required during the production process, which is relatively high, making it difficult to achieve convenient plugging and reduce product development costs.

Method used

A connector is designed, including a male end structure and a female end structure that is connected to each other. The male end structure of the terminal is plugged into each other with the female end structure of the other terminal. The docking structure of the housing is used for plugging and mating, realizing the integrated design of the terminal and reducing the number of molds.

Benefits of technology

Through integrated design, the mold cost is reduced, the mass production of connectors is realized, the unified and standardized installation process of product production is improved, and the market competitiveness is enhanced.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a terminal, a shell, a connector, electrical equipment and a vehicle, the terminal comprises a male end structure and a female end structure which are mutually connected, the male end structure of the terminal is used for being mutually plugged with the female end structure of another terminal, and the female end structure of the terminal is used for being mutually plugged with the male end structure of another terminal. According to the technical scheme, the production cost of the connector is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic connection structures, and particularly to a terminal, a housing, a connector, an electrical device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At present, with the development of technology and the progress of human culture, connectors, as electronic devices that play a connecting role between electronic products, have gradually become an indispensable part of electronic products. Generally speaking, a connector includes a male terminal and a female terminal, and the male terminal and the female terminal are docked with each other to achieve electrical connection between two electronic products. Therefore, one of the two electronic products to be connected needs to have a male terminal, and the other needs to have a female terminal.

[0003] However, in the related art, the male terminal and the female terminal belong to different terminals, and the male and female terminals are not integrated. Two sets of additional molds are required for production during the production process, and the mold cost is relatively high. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a terminal that is convenient for insertion and helps to reduce the product development cost to overcome the above defects. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a terminal, a housing, a connector, an electrical device and a vehicle, which reduce the production cost of the connector to at least partially solve the above technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present application, a connector is provided, including: a male end structure and a female end structure connected to each other, and the male end structure of the terminal is used for plugging into the female end structure of another terminal, and the female end structure of the terminal is used for plugging into the male end structure of another terminal.

[0006] Optionally, the terminal includes: a main body, a clamping portion is provided at one end of the main body, and the clamping portion forms a female end structure; a plugging portion, protruding from the main body, the plugging portion is in the same extending direction as the main body, and a male end structure is formed at one end of the plugging portion close to the clamping portion.

[0007] Optionally, the clamping portion includes two elastically contacting arm structures close to each other, the plugging portion includes two sheet metals connected to each other, and the plugging portion of the terminal is used for inserting between the two elastically contacting arm structures of another terminal, so that the clamping portion clamps and fixes the plugging portion.

[0008] Optionally, a receiving groove is further provided on the main body, and the receiving groove is used for receiving a cable.

[0009] Optionally, a fixing portion is further provided at the other end of the main body, and the fixing portion can be bent towards the receiving groove to tightly fix the cable.

[0010] Optionally, the male end structure of the terminal is used to plug into the female end structure of another terminal to form a first branch, and the female end structure of the terminal is used to plug into the male end structure of another terminal to form a second branch. The first branch and the second branch cooperate together to form a parallel branch.

[0011] Optionally, the terminal is a metal structure.

[0012] Optionally, the extending direction of the receiving groove is the same as that of the main body.

[0013] According to the second aspect of the present application, there is provided a housing for installing terminals. The housing includes a first docking structure and a second docking structure connected to each other. The first docking structure of the housing is used to plug and cooperate with the second docking structure of another housing, and the second docking structure of the housing is used to plug and cooperate with the first docking structure of another housing, so that the terminals installed in the two housings are plugged into each other.

[0014] Optionally, the housing has a receiving cavity, at least part of the terminal is arranged in the receiving cavity, a first receiving groove is arranged on the first docking structure, the first receiving groove is used to receive the female end structure of the terminal, a second receiving groove is arranged on the second docking structure, the second receiving groove is used to receive at least part of the male end structure of the terminal, and the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are communicated through the receiving cavity.

[0015] Optionally, the extending length of the first docking structure along the width of the housing is L1, and the extending length of the second docking structure along the width of the housing is L2, and L1 ≤ L2.

[0016] Optionally, the housing is an integrally formed structure.

[0017] Optionally, the housing is a plastic structure.

[0018] According to the third aspect of the present application, there is also provided a connector, including the above-mentioned terminal and the above-mentioned housing.

[0019] Optionally, the male end structure is arranged in the second docking structure, and the female end structure is arranged in the first docking structure. When two connectors are docked, the first docking structure of the connector is used to plug and cooperate with the second docking structure of another connector, and the second docking structure of the connector is used to plug and cooperate with the first docking structure of another connector.

[0020] Optionally, a protrusion is arranged in the receiving cavity, and a clamping portion is further arranged on the side of the plugging portion away from the main body. The protrusion and the clamping portion are clamped and matched to limit the position of the terminal in the housing.

[0021] Optionally, a catch is provided on the first docking structure, and a slot is provided on the second docking structure. When the two connectors are docked, the catch on one first docking structure is snap-fitted with the slot on the other second docking structure to limit the positions of the two connectors.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect of the present application, an electrical device is provided, including the connector as described above.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect of the present application, a vehicle is further provided, including the electrical device as described above.

[0024] In the connector of the embodiment of the present application, through the above technical solution, an adjacent male end structure and female end structure are provided on the terminal. At the same time, when the two terminals are docked, the first docking structure of the housing is used for plugging and mating with the second docking structure of another housing, and the second docking structure of the housing is used for plugging and mating with the first docking structure of another housing. Such an integrated design can reduce the number of molds and costs required for development, thereby facilitating the mass production of terminals, improving the uniformity and standardization of the installation process of the product during production, reducing the development cost of the product, and being conducive to increasing market competitiveness.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the subsequent specific implementation section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings without creative efforts based on these drawings.

[0027] In order to more completely understand the present application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be made in conjunction with the drawings, where the same reference numerals represent the same parts in the following description.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connector provided in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a front view of the connector provided in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal provided in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a housing provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram when two connectors are plugged into each other in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0035] 1. Connector;

[0036] 10. Housing; 11. First docking structure; 111. First receiving groove; 12. Second docking structure; 121. Second receiving groove;

[0037] 20. Terminal; 21. Male end structure; 22. Female end structure; 23. Body; 24. Clamping portion; 25. Insertion portion; 251. Latching portion;

[0038] 30. Receiving groove;

[0039] 40. Fixing portion;

[0040] 50. Accommodation cavity; 51. Protrusion portion;

[0041] 60. Hook;

[0042] 70. Card slot. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0044] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present application, a connector 1 is provided, including: a male end structure 21 and a female end structure 22 that are connected to each other, and the male end structure 21 of the terminal 20 is used to be plugged into the female end structure 22 of another terminal 20, and the female end structure 22 of the terminal 20 is used to be plugged into the male end structure 21 of another terminal 20.

[0045] In the connector 1 according to the embodiment of the present application, by the above technical solution, an adjacent male end structure 21 and female end structure 22 are provided on the terminal 20. At the same time, when two terminals 20 are docked, the first docking structure 11 of the housing 10 is used for plugging and mating with the second docking structure 12 of another housing 10, and the second docking structure 12 of the housing 10 is used for plugging and mating with the first docking structure 11 of another housing 10. Such an integrated design can reduce the number of molds and costs required for development, thereby facilitating the mass production of the connector 1, improving the uniformity and standardization of the installation process of the product during production, reducing the development cost of the product, and enhancing the market competitiveness.

[0046] Optionally, the terminal 20 includes: a main body 23, with a clamping portion 24 provided at one end of the main body 23, and the clamping portion 24 forms the female end structure 22; a plugging portion 25, protruding from the main body 23, the plugging portion 25 is in the same extending direction as the main body 23, and one end of the plugging portion 25 close to the clamping portion 24 forms the male end structure 21. With such a setting, it is not only convenient for the processing of the structure, but also can ensure the stability after the male end structure 21 and the female end structure 22 are plugged.

[0047] In the present application, the clamping portion 24 includes two elastically contacting arm structures close to each other, and the plugging portion 25 includes two sheet metals connected to each other. When two connectors 1 are docked, the plugging portion 25 is plugged and mated with the two elastically contacting arm structures close to each other, so that the clamping portion 24 clamps and fixes the plugging portion 25. When the male end structure 21 is inserted into the female end structure 22, after the male end structure 21 contacts the elastically contacting arm, a force that makes the two elastically contacting arms move away from each other will be applied to the two elastically contacting arms. Due to the reciprocity of the force, the two elastically contacting arms can clamp the male end structure 21, thereby improving the stability of their contact.

[0048] Optionally, a receiving groove 30 is further provided on the main body 23, and the receiving groove 30 is used to receive the cable. With such a setting, the cable does not need to occupy additional installation space, which is conducive to reducing the overall volume of the device, thereby realizing the miniaturization development of the device.

[0049] Optionally, a fixing portion 40 is further provided at the other end of the main body 23, and the fixing portion 40 can be bent toward the receiving groove 30 to tightly fix the cable. With such a setting, the cable can be fixed to prevent the cable from falling out of the receiving groove 30 during the operation of the device, thereby further improving the stability of the device after docking.

[0050] Optionally, the male end structure 21 of one terminal 20 is inserted into the female end structure 22 of the other terminal 20 to form a first branch, and the female end structure 22 of one terminal 20 is inserted into the male end structure 21 of the other terminal 20 to form a second branch. The first branch and the second branch cooperate together to form a parallel branch. In this way, the parallel connection of the two can be achieved.

[0051] Optionally, the terminal 20 is a metal structure. Since metal is an excellent conductor, the metal conductor inside the terminal 20 can effectively transmit current and signals, ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection. This is particularly important for high - requirement electrical systems and electrical connections. At the same time, the metal contacts of the terminal 20 have a good structural design and a stable and reliable contact holding force, which can ensure a firm and stable contact with external wires or cables, reducing electrical faults caused by poor contact.

[0052] Furthermore, the metal - structured terminal 20 is usually made of metal materials with good corrosion resistance, such as copper, aluminum, etc. These materials can still maintain stable performance in harsh environments such as humidity and corrosion, extending the service life of the terminal 20. Moreover, the metal - structured terminal 20 has high mechanical strength and can withstand certain external forces and impacts, ensuring that it will not be damaged by external forces in a harsh working environment. At the same time, metal has good thermal conductivity, and the heat generated by the terminal 20 during operation can be dissipated in time, avoiding damage to internal components or affecting electrical performance due to overheating.

[0053] Furthermore, the extending direction of the receiving groove 30 is the same as that of the main body 23. This facilitates the processing of the receiving groove 30, thereby reducing the production cost of the device.

[0054] In a second aspect, a housing 10 is provided for installing the terminal 20. The housing 10 includes a first docking structure 11 and a second docking structure 12 connected to each other. The first docking structure 11 of the housing 10 is used for plug - in cooperation with the second docking structure 12 of another housing 10, and the second docking structure 12 of the housing 10 is used for plug - in cooperation with the first docking structure 11 of another housing 10, so that the terminals 20 installed in the two housings 10 are inserted into each other. Such an integrated design can reduce the number of molds and costs required for development, thus facilitating the mass production of the housing 10.

[0055] Optionally, the housing 10 has a receiving cavity 50. The terminal 20 is at least partially disposed within the receiving cavity 50. A first receiving groove 111 is provided on the first docking structure 11, and the first receiving groove 111 is used to receive the female end structure 22 of the terminal 20. A second receiving groove 121 is provided on the second docking structure 12, and the second receiving groove 121 is used to receive the male end structure 21 of the terminal 20. The first receiving groove 111 and the second receiving groove 121 communicate with each other through the receiving cavity 50. With this arrangement, the space of the housing 10 is reasonably utilized, thereby reducing the overall volume of the device.

[0056] Optionally, the extending length of the first docking structure 11 along the width of the housing 10 is L1, and the extending length of the second docking structure 12 along the width of the housing 10 is L2, where L1 ≤ L2. With this arrangement, during the installation process, the second docking structure 12 can provide a larger installation space for the first docking structure 11, thereby facilitating the mating and insertion of the two connectors 1.

[0057] Optionally, the housing 10 is an integrally formed structure. The integrally formed process integrates multiple processes into one operation, greatly shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency. At the same time, the automated integrally formed technology uses automated equipment and process control systems to achieve full automation from raw material processing to finished product output, further enhancing production efficiency. Moreover, the integrally formed process adopts advanced mold design and manufacturing technologies to ensure that the material can accurately fill every detail of the mold during the forming process, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy and shape accuracy of the product.

[0058] Furthermore, the integral forming avoids secondary processing and gluing processes in traditional processes, reduces surface defects and flaws of the product, and improves the overall quality of the product. In addition, through appropriate heat treatment during the integral forming process, it also helps to increase the hardness and strength of the material, thereby enhancing the service life and reliability of the product.

[0059] Optionally, the housing 10 is a plastic structure. Since the plastic structure is relatively light, this gives the plastic housing 10 a significant advantage in terms of weight, especially in application scenarios where the overall weight needs to be controlled. At the same time, the production cost of the plastic structure is relatively low, which helps to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the product. Also, the processing and forming of the plastic housing 10 are relatively easy, further improving production efficiency and reducing costs.

[0060] Furthermore, plastic is an excellent insulating material. Therefore, the housing 10 can provide good electrical isolation and insulation protection in electrical and electronic devices, ensuring the safe operation of the devices. Moreover, plastic structures usually have good chemical stability and can resist the erosion of various chemical substances, thereby extending the service life of the product. In addition, the housing 10 can be manufactured into various complex shapes and structures through processes such as injection molding, meeting the design requirements of different products. The flexibility of this molding process gives the plastic housing 10 great freedom in design and manufacturing.

[0061] In a third aspect, a connector 1 is provided, including the above-mentioned terminal 20 and the above-mentioned housing 10.

[0062] Optionally, the male end structure 21 is disposed within the second docking structure 12, and the female end structure 22 is disposed within the first docking structure 11. When two connectors 1 are docked, the first docking structure 11 of the connector 1 is used for plugging and mating with the second docking structure 12 of another connector 1, and the second docking structure 12 of the connector 1 is used for plugging and mating with the first docking structure 11 of another connector 1. In the connector 1 according to the embodiment of the present application, through the above technical solution, the adjacent male end structure 21 and female end structure 22 are provided on the terminal 20. At the same time, when two connectors 1 are docked, the first docking structure 11 of one connector 1 is plugged and mated with the second docking structure 12 of another connector 1, and the male end structure 21 and the female end structure 22 are plugged into each other. With the help of the male end structure 21 and the female end structure 22, two identical connectors can be connected. Such an integrated design can reduce the number of molds and costs required for development, thereby facilitating the mass production of the connector 1, improving the uniformity and standardization of the installation process of the product during production, reducing the development cost of the product, and being conducive to increasing the market competitiveness.

[0063] Optionally, a protrusion 51 is provided within the receiving cavity 50, and a clamping portion 251 is further provided on the side of the plugging portion 25 away from the main body 23. The protrusion 51 is in clamping cooperation with the clamping portion 251 to limit the position of the terminal 20 within the housing 10. This can ensure the stability when the terminal 20 is connected to the housing 10, thereby improving the stability of the connector 1 during use.

[0064] Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the positions of the protrusion 51 and the clamping portion 251 can be interchanged. The specific setting should be selected according to the actual situation of the device, which can improve the applicability and scope of application of the device.

[0065] Optionally, a catch 60 is further provided on the first docking structure 11, and a slot 70 is further provided on the second docking structure 12. When the two connectors 1 are docked, the catch 60 on one first docking structure 11 is engaged with the slot 70 on the other second docking structure 12 to limit the positions of the two connectors 1. By providing the above structure, when the two connectors 1 are plugged and mated, the connection strength between the two can be ensured through the engagement of the catch 60 and the slot 70. At the same time, the snap fit does not require the use of high-temperature welding equipment, avoiding the risk of open flame operation at the installation site and improving construction safety. Also, it reduces the harmful substances that may be generated during the welding process, making it more environmentally friendly. Moreover, the snap fit is simple and quick to operate, eliminating the cumbersome preparation work and waiting time, and greatly improving the construction efficiency. This is particularly important for occasions where rapid installation and replacement of components are required. The snap fit fixes the two components together through the fastening force of the structure and has high seismic resistance. This characteristic enables the snap fit to maintain the stability and reliability of the connection in an environment with frequent earthquakes or large vibrations.

[0066] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided an electrical device including the connector 1 as described above.

[0067] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is also provided a vehicle including the electrical device as described above.

[0068] In the connector 1 of the embodiment of the present application, through the above technical solution, an adjacent male end structure 21 and female end structure 22 are provided on the terminal 20. At the same time, when the two connectors 1 are docked, the first docking structure 11 of one connector 1 is plugged and mated with the second docking structure 12 of the other connector 1, and the male end structure 21 and the female end structure 22 are plugged into each other. With the help of the male end structure 21 and the female end structure 22, two identical connectors can be connected. Such an integrated design can reduce the number of molds and costs required for development, thereby facilitating the mass production of the connector 1, improving the uniformity and standardization of the installation process of the product on the product, reducing the development cost of the product, and being conducive to increasing the market competitiveness.

[0069] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A terminal, characterized in that, Comprising: A male terminal structure and a female terminal structure connected to each other, wherein the male terminal structure of the terminal is used to plug into the female terminal structure of another terminal, and the female terminal structure of the terminal is used to plug into the male terminal structure of another terminal.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal comprises: A main body, with a clamping portion provided at one end of the main body, and the clamping portion forms the female terminal structure; A plugging portion protruding from the main body, the plugging portion having the same extending direction as the main body, and one end of the plugging portion close to the clamping portion forms the male terminal structure.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein The clamping portion includes two resilient contact arm structures approaching each other, the plugging portion includes two sheet metals connected to each other, and the plugging portion of the terminal is used to be inserted between the two resilient contact arm structures of another terminal, so that the clamping portion clamps and fixes the plugging portion.

4. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein A receiving groove is further provided on the main body, and the receiving groove is used to receive a cable.

5. The terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that, A fixing portion is further provided at the other end of the main body, and the fixing portion can be bent towards the receiving groove to press and fix the cable.

6. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that The male terminal structure of the terminal is used to plug into the female terminal structure of another terminal to form a first branch, and the female terminal structure of the terminal is used to plug into the male terminal structure of another terminal to form a second branch, and the first branch and the second branch cooperate together to form a parallel branch.

7. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal is a metal structure.

8. The terminal according to claim 4, wherein The extending direction of the receiving groove is the same as that of the main body.

9. A housing for mounting terminals, characterized in that, The housing includes a first docking structure and a second docking structure connected to each other. The first docking structure of the housing is used to be plugged and mated with the second docking structure of another housing, and the second docking structure of the housing is used to be plugged and mated with the first docking structure of another housing, so that the terminals installed in the two housings are plugged into each other.

10. The housing according to claim 9, wherein, The housing has a receiving cavity, at least part of the terminal is disposed in the receiving cavity, a first receiving groove is provided on the first docking structure, and the first receiving groove is used to receive the female terminal structure of the terminal; a second receiving groove is provided on the second docking structure, and the second receiving groove is used to receive at least part of the male terminal structure of the terminal, and the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are communicated through the receiving cavity.

11. The housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extending length of the first docking structure along the width of the housing is L1, and the extending length of the second docking structure along the width of the housing is L2, and L1 ≤ L2.

12. The housing according to claim 9, wherein, The housing is an integrally formed structure.

13. The housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing is a plastic structure.

14. A connector, characterized in that, Comprising: The terminal according to any one of claims 1-8 and the housing according to any one of claims 9-13.

15. The connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, The male terminal structure of the terminal is arranged in the second docking structure of the housing, and the female terminal structure of the terminal is arranged in the first docking structure of the housing. When two such connectors are docked, the first docking structure of the connector is used for plugging and mating with the second docking structure of another connector, and the second docking structure of the connector is used for plugging and mating with the first docking structure of another connector.

16. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, A protrusion is arranged in the accommodation cavity of the housing, and a clamping portion is further arranged on one side of the plugging portion of the terminal away from the main body of the terminal. The protrusion and the clamping portion are in clamping cooperation to limit the position of the terminal in the housing.

17. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, A catch is arranged on the first docking structure, and a slot is arranged on the second docking structure. When two such connectors are docked, the catch on one first docking structure is in clamping cooperation with the slot on the second docking structure of another to limit the positions of the two connectors.

18. An electrical device, characterized in that, Comprising a connector according to any one of claims 14-17.

19. A vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising an electrical device according to claim 18.