Lock catch structure, connector terminal, connector and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a lock catch structure, a connector terminal, a connector and a vehicle. The lock catch structure comprises a lock catch body, a first lock catch piece, a second lock catch piece and a supporting piece. A cavity is formed in the lock catch body. The first lock catch piece is arranged on the lock catch body and can move towards the direction of the cavity when being stressed. The second locking fastener is spaced from the first locking fastener. At least part of the supporting piece is located in the cavity, and the supporting piece is used for supporting the second locking piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic connectors, and in particular to a locking structure, a connector terminal, a connector, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A connector typically consists of a male terminal and a female terminal. The male terminal includes a first locking member and a second locking member. When the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal to form the connector, the first locking member is fixed in the female terminal, while the second locking member abuts against the Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) in the female terminal to provide a double-secured fixation.

[0003] However, in actual use of the connector, especially in dynamic environments such as vehicle jolting, the connector may be subject to external forces. For example, when the vehicle is subjected to vibration or impact, the male terminal may be subjected to an external force that pulls it away from the female terminal. Because the second locking member abuts against the terminal position retaining member, the second locking member may be squeezed by the terminal position retaining member under the external force, causing shear deformation of the second locking member, which may destroy or even disconnect the connection between the male and female terminals, leading to connector failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a locking structure, a connector terminal, a connector and a vehicle.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a locking structure for a connector terminal. The locking structure includes a locking body, a first locking member, a second locking member, and a support member. A cavity is provided in the locking body. The first locking member is provided in the locking body and can move relative to the top wall toward the cavity when subjected to force. The second locking member is provided in the locking body and is spaced apart from the first locking member. At least a portion of the support member is located in the cavity, and the support member is used to support the second locking member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lock body includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall connecting the bottom wall and the top wall, the bottom wall, the top wall, and the side walls form the cavity, the first lock component is arranged on the top wall, and the second lock component is connected to at least one of the bottom wall, the side wall, and the top wall.

[0007] In some embodiments, one end of the support member is connected to the bottom wall, and the other end of the support member is used to interfere with the second locking member to support the second locking member when the second locking member is deformed by force.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support member and the bottom wall are an integral structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, one end of the support member is connected to the side wall, and the other end of the support member is configured to abut against the second locking member when the second locking member is deformed by force to support the second locking member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support member and the side wall are of an integral structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance L2 between the highest point of the support member and the bottom wall to the projection length L1 of the support member on the bottom wall is greater than or equal to 1 / 5 and less than or equal to 1 / 3.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first locking member includes a body portion and a latch portion. One end of the body portion is connected to the top wall. The latch portion is connected to the other end of the body portion to form a connection point. The latch portion is capable of moving relative to the body portion around the connection point toward the cavity when subjected to force.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second locking member includes a first extension wall and a second extension wall. The first extension wall extends from the bottom wall and / or the side wall. The second extension wall extends from the top wall and / or the side wall. The second extension wall is connected to the first extension wall, and the support member is configured to support the first extension wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second extension wall includes a first sub-wall and a second sub-wall. The first sub-wall is connected to the first extension wall. The second sub-wall is stacked on the first sub-wall.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second sub-wall is located on a side of the first sub-wall away from the bottom wall; or, the second sub-wall is located on a side of the first sub-wall close to the bottom wall.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector terminal. The connector terminal includes the locking structure according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connector terminal further includes a connection structure and a wire pressing structure. The connection structure is disposed on one side of the locking body and is connected to the side wall of the locking body. The connection structure is configured to connect to a housing of the connector. The wire pressing structure is disposed on the other side of the locking body and is connected to the second locking member. The wire pressing structure is configured to be electrically connected to a wire.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wire pressing structure includes a crimping body, a first crimping member, and a second crimping member. The crimping body is connected to the second locking member. The first crimping member is disposed on the crimping body and is used to crimp and fix a wire. The second crimping member is disposed on the crimping body, is located between the first crimping member and the second locking member, and is used to electrically connect to the wire.

[0019] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector. The connector includes the connector terminal according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0020] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a housing and a terminal position retaining member. The housing is provided with a first accommodation cavity, a groove, and a second accommodation cavity. The groove is located between the first accommodation cavity and the second accommodation cavity. The terminal position retaining member is accommodated in the groove and is provided with an accommodation cavity. The connector terminal passes through the housing and the terminal position retaining member. The wire pressing structure of the connector terminal is located in the accommodation cavity and the first accommodation cavity, and the locking structure is located in the second accommodation cavity. The first locking member cooperates with the inner wall of the second accommodation cavity. The second locking member cooperates with the terminal position retaining member.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the locking structure according to any one of the above embodiments, or the vehicle includes the connector terminal according to any one of the above embodiments, or the vehicle includes the connector according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0022] In the locking structure, connector terminal, connector, and vehicle provided by the embodiments of the present application, the connector terminal is a male terminal. When the male terminal is pulled out of the housing (a part of the female terminal) in the reverse direction, the second locking member in the locking structure abuts against the terminal position retaining member of the connector. The second locking member is subjected to the extrusion force of the terminal position retaining member. At this time, the support member can support the second locking member and bear part of the extrusion force of the terminal position retaining member on the second locking member, avoiding shear deformation of the second locking member, ensuring the connection between the connector terminal and the housing, and thus ensuring the connection stability of the connector.

[0023] The additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, partially become obvious from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become obvious and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, where:

[0025] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the connector terminal according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the connector terminal shown;

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of part III of the connector terminal shown;

[0028] Figure 4 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connector terminal according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connector terminal according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connector terminal according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the connector according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Cross-sectional schematic diagram when the connectors shown are assembled together;

[0033] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0034] Description of main element reference numerals:

[0035] Vehicle 10000; Connector 1000; Connector terminal 100;

[0036] Latch structure 10; Latch body 11; Bottom wall 111; Top wall 113; Side wall 115; Cavity 117; First latch 13; Body portion 131; Latch portion 133; Connection portion 135; Second latch 15; First extension wall 151; Fracture surface 1511; Second extension wall 153; First sub-wall 1531; Second sub-wall 1533; Support member 17; Connection structure 30; Wire pressing structure 50; Wire pressing body 51; First crimping member 53; Second crimping member 55; Housing 300; First accommodation cavity 310; Groove 330; Second accommodation cavity 350; Card slot 370; Terminal position holding member 500; Accommodation cavity 510; Terminal latch portion 530; Clamping portion 550. Detailed embodiments

[0037] In the description of the present application, some of the disclosed content has been correspondingly shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals throughout denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The content described below by referring to the drawings is exemplary and is only used to explain the present application and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0038] In the description of the present application, many different contents or examples are disclosed to implement different structures of the present application. To simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0039] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0040] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship (such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc.) are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and facilitating the understanding of the corresponding embodiments, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0041] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0042] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present embodiment of the application provides a latching structure 10 for a connector terminal 100. The latching structure 10 includes a latching body 11, a first latching member 13, a second latching member 15, and a support member 17. The latching body 11 includes a bottom wall 111, a top wall 113, and side walls 115 connecting the bottom wall 111 and the top wall 113. The bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side walls 115 enclose a cavity 117. The first latching member 13 is disposed on the top wall 113. The first latching member 13 is capable of moving relative to the top wall 113 in the direction of the cavity 117 when subjected to force. The second latching member 15 is connected to at least one of the bottom wall 111, the side walls 115, and the top wall 113 and is spaced apart from the first latching member 13. At least a part of the support member 17 is located inside the cavity 117, and the support member 17 is used to support the second latching member 15.

[0044] Specifically, the connector 1000 ( Figure 6 as shown) generally includes a male terminal and a female terminal. The connector terminal 100 in this embodiment is a male terminal. The female terminal described below is the other part of the connector 1000 except the male terminal, such as the overall combination of the housing 300 and the terminal position holder 500. The connector terminal 100 (i.e., the male terminal) is electrically connected to the first component that needs to be electrically connected. The connector terminal 100 is then inserted into the female terminal that is electrically connected to the second component for fixation to achieve the electrical connection between the first component and the second component. Among them, in the present application, the length direction of the connector terminal 100 is the first direction X, the width direction of the connector terminal 100 is the second direction Y, and the height direction of the connector terminal 100 is the third direction Z.

[0045] The locking structure 10 of the connector terminal 100 is used to connect and fix the connector terminal 100 to the female terminal. The locking body 11 includes a bottom wall 111, a top wall 113, and a side wall 115 connecting the bottom wall 111 and the top wall 113. The bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side wall 115 can be integrally formed or separately formed. In this application, the bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side wall 115 are integrally formed. The materials of the bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side wall 115 are not limited in this application, as long as they are conductive materials. The cavity 117 surrounded by the bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side wall 115 can be in the shape of a cylinder or a cuboid, etc., and is not limited in this application.

[0046] When the connector terminal 100 is inserted into the female terminal, the first locking member 13 is deformed by the extrusion force of the inner wall of the female terminal and moves relative to the top wall 113 toward the inner side of the cavity 117, so that the dimension of the connector terminal 100 in the third direction Z is reduced, so that the connector terminal 100 can be inserted into the female terminal along the installation direction ( Figure 7 the positive direction of the first direction X shown). After the connector terminal 100 enters the female terminal, the first locking member 13 moves relative to the top wall 113 toward the outer side of the cavity 117 and returns to its original position. At this time, in the first direction X, the first locking member 13 abuts against the inner wall of the female terminal to form a primary fixation of the connector terminal 100, preventing the connector 1000 from being pulled out of the female terminal in the reverse direction ( Figure 8 the negative direction of the first direction X shown). After the connector 1000 is inserted into the female terminal along the installation direction, the second locking member 15 and the terminal position holder 500 in the female terminal abut against each other in the first direction X. When the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction, the second locking member 15 can withstand the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500, preventing the connector terminal 100 from being pulled out of the female terminal in the reverse direction. It should be noted that when the first locking member 13 is not inserted into the female terminal, that is, when the first locking member 13 is not deformed by the force acting on the inside of the cavity 117, the original state of the first locking member 13 can be that a part of the first locking member 13 is located outside the cavity 117, or the first locking member 13 as a whole is not inside the cavity 117. This application does not limit the original state of the first locking member 13, and only shows the embodiment in which a part of the first locking member 13 is located outside the cavity 117 in the drawings.

[0047] The second locking member 15 is connected to at least one of the bottom wall 111, the side wall 115, and the top wall 113. That is, the second locking member 15 can be connected to the bottom wall 111, the side wall 115, or the top wall 113, or can be connected to two of the bottom wall 111, the side wall 115, and the top wall 113, or can be connected to all of the bottom wall 111, the side wall 115, and the top wall 113. The second locking member 15 is spaced from the first locking member 13. Specifically, the top wall 113 is provided with a spaced space, and the second locking member 15 and the first locking member 13 are disposed at opposite ends of the spaced space. The spaced space provides a space for the first locking member 13 to deform, enabling the first locking member 13 to move inwardly relative to the top wall 113 toward the cavity 117.

[0048] At least a part of the support member 17 is located inside the cavity 117. That is, at least a part of the support member 17 protrudes inwardly into the cavity 117 to form an abutment with the second locking member 15. The support member 17 can provide a supporting force for the second locking member 15 to prevent the second locking member 15 from moving or protruding inwardly relative to the top wall 113 toward the cavity 117. More specifically, when the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction, both the first locking member 13 and the second locking member 15 are subjected to a force in the negative direction of the first direction X. Among them, the second locking member 15 abuts against the terminal latching portion 530 of the terminal position holder 500 ( Figure 8 as shown). Therefore, when the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction, the second locking member 15 is subjected to the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500. At this time, the support member 17 can support the second locking member 15 and bear part of the extrusion force of the terminal latching portion 530 on the second locking member 15, preventing the second locking member 15 from shearing deformation, ensuring the connection between the connector terminal 100 and the female terminal, and thus ensuring the connection stability of the connector 1000.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 , in some embodiments, one end of the support member 17 is connected to the bottom wall 111, and the other end of the support member 17 is used to abut against the second locking member 15 to support the second locking member 15 when the second locking member 15 is deformed by force.

[0050] Specifically, the support member 17 can be a part of the bottom wall 111 itself, or the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 can be two different structures. In one embodiment, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 are of a split structure, that is, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 are two different structures. In an example, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 can be combined together by a detachable connection method, and the detachable connection method includes but is not limited to snap connection or threaded connection, etc. In another example, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 can be combined together by a non-detachable connection method, and the non-detachable connection method includes but is not limited to bonding or welding, etc.

[0051] One end of the support member 17 that is not disposed in the cavity 117 is connected to the bottom wall 111 to fix the support member 17, and the other end of the support member 17 disposed in the cavity 117 abuts against one surface of the second locking member 15 located in the cavity 117 to provide a supporting force for the second locking member 15.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 are of an integral structure.

[0053] Specifically, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 are of an integral structure. That is, the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 are a whole structure, whereby the bonding strength between the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 can be improved, preventing the separation between the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 during the operation of the locking structure 10, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the operation of the locking structure 10. In one forming method, the support member 17 is formed by stamping the bottom wall 111, that is, the support member 17 is a part of the bottom wall 111, and the bottom wall 111 is deformed and separated under an external force to form the support member 17 bent into the cavity 117, so that the support member 17 abuts against and supports one side of the second locking member 15 located in the cavity 117, thereby providing a certain supporting effect on the second locking member 15. When the second locking member 15 is subjected to a force causing deformation or movement into the cavity 117, the support member 17 can provide a supporting force for the second locking member 15 away from the cavity 117, avoiding the deformation of the second locking member 15 in the direction of the inner side of the cavity 117.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, one end of the support member 17 is connected to the side wall 115, and the other end of the support member 17 is used to abut against the second locking member 15 to support the second locking member 15 when the second locking member 15 is deformed by force.

[0055] Specifically, the support member 17 can be a part of the side wall 115 itself, or the support member 17 and the side wall 115 can be two different structures. In one embodiment, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 are of a split structure, that is, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 are two different structures. In one example, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 can be combined together by a detachable connection method, and the detachable connection method includes but is not limited to snap connection or threaded connection, etc. In another example, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 can be combined together by a non-detachable connection method, and the non-detachable connection method includes but is not limited to bonding or welding, etc.

[0056] The other end of the support member 17 that is not disposed in the cavity 117 is connected to the side wall 115 to fix the support member 17. The other end of the support member 17 disposed in the cavity 117 abuts against one side of the second locking member 15 located in the cavity 117 to provide a supporting force for the second locking member 15.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 are of an integral structure.

[0058] Specifically, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 are of an integral structure. That is, the support member 17 and the side wall 115 are a single integral structure, whereby the bonding strength between the support member 17 and the side wall 115 can be improved, preventing the separation of the support member 17 and the side wall 115 during the operation of the locking structure 10, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the operation of the locking structure 10. In one forming method, the support member 17 is formed by stamping the side wall 115, that is, the support member 17 is a part of the side wall 115. The side wall 115 undergoes deformation and separation under an external force to form the support member 17 that bends inward into the cavity 117, so that the support member 17 abuts against and supports one side of the second locking member 15 located in the cavity 117, thereby providing a certain supporting effect on the second locking member 15. When the second locking member 15 is subjected to a force that causes deformation or movement inward into the cavity 117, the support member 17 can provide a supporting force for the second locking member 15 away from the cavity 117, preventing the second locking member 15 from deforming inward in the direction of the cavity 117.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 3 , and Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the ratio of the distance L2 between the highest point of the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 to the projected length L1 of the support member 17 on the bottom wall 111 is greater than or equal to 1 / 5 and less than or equal to 1 / 3.

[0060] Specifically, the surface where the first extension wall 151 of the second locking fastener 15 abuts against the support member 17 is the fracture surface 1511. The forming method of the fracture surface 1511 includes but is not limited to stamping. When the support member 17 is a part of the bottom wall 111, the projection length L1 of the support member 17 on the bottom wall 111, the distance L2 between the highest point of the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111, the thickness T of the bottom wall 111, and the sheet elongation ρ of the material forming the bottom wall 111 satisfy: when (((L2 - T)² + L1²)¹ / ² - L1) / L1 < ρ, the support member 17 is connected to the fracture surface 1511, that is, visually, the support member 17 is connected to the first extension wall 151 of the second locking fastener 15 without fracture; when (((L2 - T)² + L1²)¹ / ² - L1) / L1 > ρ, visually, the support member 17 is fractured from the first extension wall 151 of the second locking fastener 15 and abuts against each other. This application only shows the state where, visually, the support member 17 is fractured from the first extension wall 151 and abuts against each other. When the connector terminal 100 is subjected to a reverse pulling force, in the state where the support member 17 is fractured from the first extension wall 151, the support strength of the support member 17 to the second locking fastener 15 is greater than that when the support member 17 is not fractured from the first extension wall 151.

[0061] Among them, the ratio L2 / L1 of the distance L2 between the highest point of the support member 17 and the bottom wall 111 to the projection length L1 of the support member 17 on the bottom wall 111 can be 1 / 5, 13 / 60, 7 / 30, 1 / 4, 8 / 30, 17 / 60, 9 / 30, 19 / 60, 13 / 40 or 1 / 3. If the value range of L2 / L1 is less than 1 / 5, the included angle formed by the support member 17 and the surface of the bottom wall 111 inside the cavity 117 is too large, and the support member 17 tends to extend towards the bottom wall 111, resulting in limited support strength for the second locking fastener 15. If the value range of L2 / L1 is greater than 1 / 3, the included angle formed by the support member 17 and the surface of the bottom wall 111 inside the cavity 117 is too small. When the support member 17 is subjected to the extrusion force transmitted from the second locking fastener 15, the extrusion force has too large an included angle with the length direction of the support member 17, and the support member 17 is likely to fold inward into the cavity 117, resulting in limited support force for the second locking fastener 15. Therefore, when the value range of L2 / L1 is [1 / 5, 1 / 3], the included angle formed by the support member 17 and the surface of the bottom wall 111 inside the cavity 117 is appropriate, enabling the support member 17 to provide support force for the second locking fastener 15 and also preventing the support member 17 from folding inward into the cavity 117 itself.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6, in some embodiments, the first locking member 13 includes a body portion 131 and a latch portion 133. One end of the body portion 131 is connected to the top wall 113. The latch portion 133 is connected to the other end of the body portion 131 and forms a connection portion 135. The latch portion 133 is located outside the cavity 117 and can move relative to the body portion 131 toward the cavity 117 around the connection portion 135 when subjected to force.

[0063] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 are an integral structure, that is, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 are a single integral structure, thereby improving the bonding strength between the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 and preventing the separation of the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 during the operation of the locking structure 10, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the operation of the locking structure 10. In other embodiments, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 are a split structure, that is, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 are two different structures. In one example, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 can be combined together by a detachable connection method, and the detachable connection methods include but are not limited to snap connection or threaded connection, etc. In another example, the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 can be combined together by a non-detachable connection method, and the non-detachable connection methods include but are not limited to bonding or welding, etc.

[0064] This application will be described with the first locking member 13 and the top wall 113 being an integral structure. In this application, the first locking member 13 is a part of the top wall 113. The connection portion 135 is the boundary between the body portion 131 and the latch portion 133. In the third direction Z, the latch portion 133 is a structure formed by the top wall 113 bending and extending outward from the connection portion 135 as a fulcrum toward the outside of the cavity 117. It can be understood that the latch portion 133 can rotate around the connection portion 135. When the connector terminal 100 is inserted into the female terminal, the latch portion 133 rotates inward toward the cavity 117 under the action of the inner wall of the female terminal with the connection portion 135 as a fulcrum and forms a contact with the second locking member 15 on the spaced side; after the connector terminal 100 is inserted into the female terminal, the inner wall of the female terminal no longer applies a force to the latch portion 133, and the latch portion 133 returns to its original position under the elastic force and no longer contacts the second locking member 15, and the latch portion 133 and the second locking member 15 return to the state of being spaced apart from each other.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6, in some embodiments, the second locking member 15 includes a first extension wall 151 and a second extension wall 153. The first extension wall 151 extends from the bottom wall 111 and / or the side wall 115. The second extension wall 153 extends from the top wall 113 and / or the side wall 115. The second extension wall 153 is connected to the first extension wall 151, and the support member 17 is used to support the first extension wall 151.

[0066] Specifically, the first extension wall 151 is a part of the side wall 115 of the locking structure 10. The first extension wall 151 can be formed by extending from the bottom wall 111 towards the top wall 113 (the third direction Z), or can be formed by one side wall 115 extending towards another side wall 115 in the second direction Y. In the first direction X, one end of the first extension wall 151 is connected to the second extension wall 153, and the other end is connected to the bottom wall 111. After the connector terminal 100 is installed into the female terminal, the side of the first extension wall 151 located outside the cavity 117 can abut against a part of the inner wall of the female terminal (the terminal latch portion 530 of the terminal position retaining member 500). When the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction and subjected to a reverse (negative in the first direction X) force, the first extension wall 151 can withstand the extrusion force of the terminal latch portion 530, preventing the connector terminal 100 from being pulled out of the female terminal.

[0067] The second extension wall 153 can be formed by the top wall 113 extending in the first direction X, or can be formed by one side wall 115 extending towards another side wall 115 in the second direction Y. In the first direction X, one end of the second extension wall 153 is spaced from the first locking member 13, and the other end is connected to the first extension wall 151. The end of the second extension wall 153 connected to the first extension wall 151 can also abut against the terminal latch portion 530. When the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction and subjected to a reverse force, the second extension wall 153 can withstand the extrusion force of the terminal latch portion 530, preventing the connector terminal 100 from being pulled out of the female terminal. The end of the second extension wall 153 spaced from the first locking member 13 can limit the position of the first locking member 13. More specifically, when the connector terminal 100 is inserted into the female terminal, the latch portion 133 of the first locking member 13 takes the connection point 135 as a fulcrum and undergoes elastic deformation under the action of the inner wall of the female terminal, moving towards the inner side of the cavity 117 and forming an abutment with the side of the second extension wall 153 where they are spaced. The second extension wall 153 can limit the rotation angle of the latch portion 133 towards the inner side of the cavity 117, preventing the latch portion 133 from rotating excessively towards the inner side of the cavity 117, thereby avoiding damage to the latch portion 133 and its inability to reset.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6, in some embodiments, the second extension wall 153 includes a first sub-wall 1531 and a second sub-wall 1533. The first sub-wall 1531 is connected to the first extension wall 151. The second sub-wall 1533 is stacked on the first sub-wall 1531.

[0069] Specifically, the first sub-wall 1531 is connected to the first extension wall 151 and together with the bottom wall 111, the top wall 113, and the side wall 115 encloses a cavity 117. In one embodiment, the second sub-wall 1533 may be formed by folding the top wall 113 inwardly towards the cavity 117. In another embodiment, the first sub-wall 1531 may be formed by extending the side wall 115, and the second sub-wall 1533 may be formed by extending the top wall 113, and the second sub-wall 1533 is stacked on the first sub-wall 1531. In still another embodiment, the first sub-wall 1531 may be formed by extending the top wall 113, and the second sub-wall 1533 may be formed by extending the side wall 115, and the second sub-wall 1533 is stacked on the first sub-wall 1531. The second sub-wall 1533 being stacked on the first sub-wall 1531 includes, but is not limited to, the second sub-wall 1533 being located on a side of the first sub-wall 1531 away from the bottom wall 111, and the second sub-wall 1533 being located on a side of the first sub-wall 1531 close to the bottom wall 111.

[0070] The second sub-wall 1533 being stacked on the first sub-wall 1531 can increase the size of the second locking member 15 in the third direction Z and increase the contact area between the second locking member 15 and the terminal latch portion 530, thereby improving the connection strength between the second locking member 15 and the terminal latch portion 530 and making it difficult for the second locking member 15 to slip off the terminal latch portion 530.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the second sub-wall 1533 is located on a side of the first sub-wall 1531 away from the bottom wall 111.

[0072] Specifically, in one embodiment, the second sub-wall 1533 being located on a side of the first sub-wall 1531 away from the bottom wall 111 can increase the size of the second extension wall 153 in the third direction Z, thereby increasing the contact area between the second extension wall 153 and the terminal latch portion 530, and thus improving the connection strength between the second locking member 15 and the terminal latch portion 530 and making it difficult for the second locking member 15 to slip off the terminal latch portion 530.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the second sub-wall 1533 is located on a side of the first sub-wall 1531 close to the bottom wall 111.

[0074] Specifically, in another embodiment, the second sub-wall 1533 is located on the side of the first sub-wall 1531 close to the bottom wall 111, that is, the second sub-wall 1533 is located inside the cavity 117. The second sub-wall 1533 can provide a supporting force for the first extending wall 151 in the first direction X. When the first extending wall 151 is subjected to the squeezing force of the terminal position holder 500, the second sub-wall 1533 can support the first extending wall 151, preventing the first extending wall 151 from bending and deforming into the cavity 117, thereby improving the connection effect between the first extending wall 151 and the terminal position holder 500.

[0075] It should be noted that the forming methods and spatial relationships of the support member 17, the first extending wall 151, the first sub-wall 1531 and the second sub-wall 1533 can be arranged and combined arbitrarily. This application only shows the embodiment in which the support member 17 is provided on the bottom wall 111, the second extending wall 153 extends from the top wall 113 and the second sub-wall 1533 is located on the side of the first sub-wall 1531 far from the bottom wall 111 ( Figure 2 ), and the embodiment in which the support member 17 is provided on the side wall 115, the second extending wall 153 extends from the side wall 115 and the second sub-wall 1533 is located on the side of the first sub-wall 1531 far from the bottom wall 111 ( Figure 4 ), and the embodiment in which the support member 17 is provided on the bottom wall 111, the second extending wall 153 extends from the side wall 115 and the second sub-wall 1533 is located on the side of the first sub-wall 1531 close to the bottom wall 111 ( Figure 5 ), and the embodiment in which the support member 17 is provided on the bottom wall 111, the second extending wall 153 extends from the side wall 115 and the second sub-wall 1533 is located on the side of the first extending wall 151 close to the cavity 117 ( Figure 6 ). In other embodiments of this application, the forming methods and spatial relationships of the support member 17, the first extending wall 151, the first sub-wall 1531 and the second sub-wall 1533 can be other combinations.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 . An embodiment of this application provides a connector terminal 100. The connector terminal 100 includes the buckle structure 10 of any of the above embodiments.

[0077] Specifically, when the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction, the second locking member 15 of the connector terminal 100 abuts against the terminal position holder 500 of the connector 1000. The second locking member 15 is subjected to the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500. At this time, the support member 17 can support the second locking member 15 and bear part of the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500 on the second locking member 15, avoiding the shear deformation of the second locking member 15, ensuring the connection between the connector terminal 100 and the female terminal, and thus ensuring the connection stability of the connector 1000.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the connector terminal 100 further includes a connection structure 30 and a wire pressing structure 50. The connection structure 30 is disposed on one side of the lock body 11 and is connected to the side wall 115. The connection structure 30 is used to connect the terminal and the connector 1000. The wire pressing structure 50 is disposed on the other side of the lock body 11 and is connected to the second locking member 15. The wire pressing structure 50 is used for electrical connection with the wire.

[0079] Specifically, the volume of the connection structure 30 is smaller than the volumes of other structures of the connector terminal 100 and is located at the front end in the installation direction of the connector terminal 100, which facilitates the insertion of the connector terminal 100 into the female terminal. The wire pressing structure 50 is used for electrical connection with the wire and fixes the wire on the connector terminal 100.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the wire pressing structure 50 includes a crimping body 51, a first crimping member 53 and a second crimping member 55. The crimping body 51 is connected to the second locking member 15. The first crimping member 53 is disposed on the crimping body 51. The first crimping member 53 is used for crimping and fixing the wire. The second crimping member 55 is disposed on the crimping body 51. The second crimping member 55 is located between the first crimping member 53 and the second locking member 15. The second crimping member 55 is used for electrical connection with the wire.

[0081] Specifically, the first crimping member 53 is provided at one end of the crimping body 51 away from the cavity 117. The first crimping member 53 is used to press the insulating skin wrapped outside the wire to fix the wire and improve the connection stability between the crimping body 51 and the wire. The first crimping member 53 can be a pressing plate structure extending from the crimping body 51 to both sides. The second crimping member 55 is provided between the second locking member 15 and the first crimping member 53 on the crimping body 51. The second crimping member 55 is used to press the conductor part of the wire, that is, the crimping body 51 can be electrically connected to the wire. The second crimping member 55 can be a pressing plate structure extending from the crimping body 51 to both sides.

[0082] Please refer to Figure 7 , and Figure 2 or [[ID= or ​ or ​ , an embodiment of the present application provides a connector 1000. The connector 1000 includes the connector terminal 100 of any one of the above embodiments.

[0083] Specifically, the connector 1000 is used to electrically connect two active devices, so that an electrical connection can be formed between the two active devices to transmit electrical signals. When the connector terminal 100 of the connector 1000 is pulled backward, the second locking member 15 of the connector terminal 100 abuts against the terminal position holder 500 of the connector 1000. The second locking member 15 is subjected to the squeezing force of the terminal position holder 500. At this time, the support member 17 can support the second locking member 15 and bear part of the squeezing force of the terminal position holder 500 on the second locking member 15, avoiding shear deformation of the second locking member 15, ensuring the connection between the connector terminal 100 and the female terminal, and thus ensuring the connection stability of the connector 1000.

[0084] Please refer to ​ and ​ , and ​ or ​ or ​ or ​ , in some embodiments, the connector 1000 further includes a female terminal, and the female terminal includes a housing 300 and a terminal position holder 500. The housing 300 is provided with a first accommodation cavity 310, a groove 330, and a second accommodation cavity 350. The groove 330 is located between the first accommodation cavity 310 and the second accommodation cavity 350. The terminal position holder 500 is accommodated in the groove 330 and is provided with an accommodation cavity 510. The connector terminal 100 passes through the housing 300 and the terminal position holder 500. The locking structure 10 is located in the second accommodation cavity 350. The wire pressing structure 50 is located in the accommodation cavity 510 and the first accommodation cavity 310. The first locking member 13 cooperates with the inner wall of the second accommodation cavity 350. The second locking member 15 cooperates with the terminal position holder 500.

[0085] Specifically, the housing 300 can be made of plastic or other materials, which is not limited in this application. In the third direction Z, the housing 300 is provided with one or more layers of first accommodating cavities 310, and each layer is provided with at least one first accommodating cavity 310. For example, the housing 300 can have two, three or four layers of first accommodating cavities 310, etc., which is not limited in this application. The number of first accommodating cavities 310 in each layer can be three, eight, twelve or fifteen, etc., which is not limited in this application. The number of first accommodating cavities 310 in different layers can be the same or different. The multiple first accommodating cavities 310 are arranged at intervals, and the distances between the multiple first accommodating cavities 310 can be the same or different. This application only shows the layout of the housing 300 with two layers of first accommodating cavities 310 in the third direction Z. Each first accommodating cavity 310 can accommodate a connector terminal 100. It can be understood that for the same connector terminal 100, in the installation direction of the connector terminal 100 (the positive direction of the first direction X), the connector terminal 100 sequentially passes through the first accommodating cavity 310, the accommodating cavity 510 and the second accommodating cavity 350. Therefore, the first accommodating cavity 310, the accommodating cavity 510 and the second accommodating cavity 350 correspond to each other in space to accommodate the same connector terminal 100. Therefore, the spatial layout of the second accommodating cavity 350 is the same as that of the first accommodating cavity 310, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0086] More specifically, the terminal position holding member 500 can be made of plastic or other materials, which is not limited in this application. In the third direction Z, the terminal position holding member 500 is provided with one or more layers of accommodating cavities 510, and each layer is provided with at least one accommodating cavity 510. For example, the terminal position holding member 500 can have two, three or four layers of accommodating cavities 510, etc., which is not limited in this application. The number of accommodating cavities 510 in each layer can be three, eight, twelve or the like, which is not limited in this application. The number of accommodating cavities 510 in different layers can be the same or different. The multiple accommodating cavities 510 are arranged at intervals, and the distances between the multiple accommodating cavities 510 can be the same or different. Each accommodating cavity 510 can accommodate a connector terminal 100.

[0087] The terminal position retainer 500 is further provided with terminal latching portions 530. The inner walls of each receiving cavity 510 are provided with terminal latching portions 530 for abutting against the second locking member 15 to prevent the connector terminal 100 from detaching from the terminal position retainer 500. Further, clamping grooves 370 may be provided on both sides of the housing 300. Correspondingly, the terminal position retainer 500 is further provided with clamping portions 550 for cooperating with the clamping grooves 370 to connect the terminal position retainer 500 to the housing 300. More specifically, the terminal position retainer 500 includes a pre-installed state and a fully locked state. In the pre-locked state, the clamping portion 550 is connected to the clamping groove 370 to form a pre-locked state. After the connector terminal 100 is inserted into the female terminal, the second locking member 15 is pushed to the terminal latching portion 530 to allow the connector terminal 100 to be fully fastened within the housing 300. At this time, it is the fully locked state of the terminal position retainer 500.

[0088] The specific assembly process of the connector terminal 100 is as follows: In the installation direction of the connector terminal 100, the connector terminal 100 first passes through the first accommodating cavity 310 and then through the receiving cavity 510. At this time, the terminal position retainer 500 is already in the pre-locked position. The connector terminal 100 continues to pass through the second accommodating cavity 350 until the latching portion 133 can bounce freely. The latching portion 133 rotates inwardly towards the cavity 117 and abuts against the first extension wall 151. Then, it returns to its original position under the action of the elastic force and is fixed at the corresponding position of the housing 300. After the latching portion 133 is fixed in the second accommodating cavity 350, the terminal position retainer 500 performs secondary fixation on the connector terminal 100. Among them, there is a certain gap between the second locking member 15 and the terminal latching portion 530. When the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction, the second locking member 15 abuts against the terminal position retainer 500, and the second locking member 15 is subjected to the squeezing force of the terminal position retainer 500. At this time, due to the abutting action of the support member 17 on the second locking member 15, it can prevent the second locking member 15 from deforming inwardly towards the cavity 117, thereby enhancing the connection strength of the connector 1000.

[0089] To test the latching force of the connector terminal 100 of the present application, a comparative experiment was conducted in the present application to test whether the primary latching force corresponding to the first locking member 13 and the secondary latching force corresponding to the second locking member 15 are improved compared with the prior art. Among them, the experimental objects are the connector terminal 100 of the present application and the connector terminal of the original technology. The connector terminal 100 of the present application is ​ the connector terminal 100 shown. The difference between the connector terminal of the original technology and the connector terminal 100 of the present application is that the connector terminal 100 of the original technology does not have the support member 17, that is, the bottom wall 111 directly abuts against the first extension wall 151.

[0090] During the experiment, each type of connector terminal is grouped in tens. After each test, the average value of ten connector terminals is recorded in Table 1. Among them, the primary locking force is the pulling force required when the connector terminal 100 is pulled out from the female terminal when the female terminal does not install the terminal position retainer 500, that is, the maximum pulling force that the first locking member 13 can withstand. The secondary locking force is the pulling force required when the connector terminal 100 is pulled in the reverse direction when the female terminal installs the terminal position retainer 500, that is, the maximum pulling force that the second locking member 15 can withstand.

[0091] According to the experimental results in Table 1, first, for the same type of connector terminal (the connector terminal of the original technology or the connector terminal 100 of the present application), the connector terminal 100 having the first locking member 13 and the second locking member 15 can withstand a greater pulling force compared to the connector terminal 100 having only the first locking member 13. Second, for the connector terminal 100 of the present application provided with the support member 17, compared to the connector terminal of the original technology without the support member 17, the first locking member 13 of the connector terminal 100 of the present application can withstand a greater pulling force than the first locking member of the connector terminal of the original technology, and the second locking member 15 of the connector terminal 100 of the present application can withstand a greater pulling force than the second locking member of the connector terminal of the original technology.

[0092] It can be seen that the support member 17 can support the second locking member 15, bear part of the extrusion force of the terminal position retainer 500 on the second locking member 15, avoid shear deformation of the second locking member 15, ensure the connection between the connector terminal 100 and the female terminal, and thus ensure the connection stability of the connector 1000.

[0093] Table 1

[0094]

[0095] Please refer to ​ and ​ or ​ or ​ or ​ or, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle 10000. The vehicle 10000 includes the connector 1000 of any one of the above embodiments.

[0096] Specifically, the vehicle 10000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an extended-range vehicle, etc. The connector 1000 of any of the above embodiments is provided inside the vehicle 10000. The connector 1000 can connect two active devices inside the vehicle 10000 to form an electrical connection and can transmit electrical signals. The connector 1000 can be provided anywhere in the vehicle 10000 where electrical connection is required. Of course, the connector 1000 can also be provided in other electronic devices for current transmission or signal transmission.

[0097] When the connector terminal 100 of the connector 1000 in the vehicle 10000 is pulled reversely, the second locking part 15 of the connector terminal 100 abuts against the terminal position holder 500 of the connector 1000. The second locking part 15 is subjected to the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500. At this time, the support part 17 can support the second locking part 15 and bear part of the extrusion force of the terminal position holder 500 on the second locking part 15, avoiding the shear deformation of the second locking part 15, ensuring the connection between the connector terminal 100 and the female terminal, and thus ensuring the connection stability of the connector 1000.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the principles and purposes of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking structure for a connector terminal, characterized by: A lock body, wherein a cavity is provided in the lock body; a first locking member, which is disposed on the locking body and is capable of moving toward the cavity when subjected to force; a second locking member, the second locking member being disposed on the locking body and spaced apart from the first locking member; and A support member, at least a portion of which is located in the cavity, and the support member is used to support the second locking member.

2. The locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lock body includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a side wall connecting the bottom wall and the top wall, the bottom wall, the top wall and the side wall form the cavity, the first lock component is arranged on the top wall, and the second lock component is connected to at least one of the bottom wall, the side wall and the top wall.

3. The lock structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the support member is connected to the bottom wall, and the other end of the support member is used to contact the second locking member to support the second locking member when the second locking member is deformed by force.

4. The locking structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member and the bottom wall are an integral structure.

5. The lock structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the support member is connected to the side wall, and the other end of the support member is used to contact the second locking member to support the second locking member when the second locking member is deformed by force.

6. The locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support member and the side wall are an integral structure.

7. The locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A ratio L2 / L1 of a distance L2 between the highest point of the support member and the bottom wall to a projection length L1 of the support member on the bottom wall is greater than or equal to 1 / 5 and less than or equal to 1 / 3.

8. The locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first locking member comprises: a main body, one end of which is connected to the top wall; and The latch portion is connected to the other end of the main body portion to form a connection point. When subjected to force, the latch portion can move relative to the main body portion toward the cavity around the connection point.

9. The lock structure according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The second locking member comprises: a first extension wall, the first extension wall extending from the bottom wall and / or the side wall; A second extension wall, wherein the second extension wall extends from the top wall and / or the side wall, the second extension wall is connected to the first extension wall, and the support member is used to support the first extension wall.

10. The locking structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second extension wall includes: a first sub-wall connected to the first extension wall; and A second sub-wall, wherein the second sub-wall is stacked with the first sub-wall.

11. The locking structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second sub-wall is located on a side of the first sub-wall away from the bottom wall; or The second sub-wall is located on a side of the first sub-wall close to the bottom wall.

12. A connector terminal, characterized in that: include: The locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The connector terminal according to claim 12, wherein: The connector terminal further includes: A connecting structure, the connecting structure being provided on one side of the lock body and connected to the side wall of the lock body, the connecting structure being used to connect to the housing of the connector; and A wire pressing structure is provided on the other side of the lock body and is connected to the second lock member. The wire pressing structure is used to electrically connect to the wire.

14. The connector terminal according to claim 13, wherein: The wire pressing structure further includes: a crimping body connected to the second locking member; a first crimping member, the first crimping member being provided on the crimping body and being used for crimping and fixing the wire; The second crimping member is provided on the crimping body, the second crimping member is located between the first crimping member and the second locking member, and the second crimping member is used to be electrically connected to the wire.

15. A connector, characterized in that: include: The connector terminal according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein: The connector further comprises: A housing, wherein the housing is provided with a first accommodating cavity, a groove, and a second accommodating cavity, wherein the groove is located between the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity; and A terminal position retaining member, the terminal position retaining member is accommodated in the groove and is provided with an accommodating cavity, the connector terminal is passed through the shell and the terminal position retaining member, the wire pressing structure of the connector terminal is located in the accommodating cavity and the first accommodating cavity, the locking structure is located in the second accommodating cavity, the first locking member cooperates with the inner wall of the second accommodating cavity, and the second locking member cooperates with the terminal position retaining member.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: The locking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or The connector terminal according to any one of claims 12 to 14, or The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 16.

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