Connector terminal, electrical connection assembly, and connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connector terminal, electric connection subassembly and connector. The connector terminal includes: first side wall and second side wall, opposite in the lateral direction, bottom wall is connected between the lower side of first side wall and second side wall, elastic arm is located between first side wall and second side wall and is connected with first side wall, and tongue is connected with the lower side of first side wall and extends downward relative to bottom wall. The tongue of another connector terminal which is completely same with the connector terminal is suitable for being inserted and clamped between the elastic arm and second side wall of the connector terminal to electrically connect two connector terminals. In the utility model, the connector terminal is simple in structure, low in cost, and the connector terminal is inserted into the connector shell in the inclined orientation, which can reduce the volume of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector terminal, including an electrical connection assembly of the connector terminal and a connector including the connector terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, short-circuit connectors typically include a housing, multiple terminals inserted into the housing, and a short-circuit connector inserted into the housing. The short-circuit connector electrically interconnects the multiple terminals together. However, existing short-circuit connectors have complex terminal structures, high costs, and large housing volumes. Utility Model Content

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

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes: a first sidewall and a second sidewall, laterally opposed; a bottom wall, connected between the lower edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; a resilient arm, located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and connected to the first sidewall; and a tongue, connected to the lower edge of the first sidewall and extending downward relative to the bottom wall. The tongue of another connector terminal, identical to the first sidewall, is adapted to be inserted and held between the resilient arm and the second sidewall of the first sidewall to electrically connect the two connector terminals.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the elastic arm is connected to the first sidewall, the rear end of the elastic arm is movably supported on the inner side of the first sidewall, and the elastic arm is in the shape of an arc arching toward the second sidewall.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contact protrusion is formed on the top of the elastic arm, protruding toward the second sidewall, the contact protrusion being used for electrical contact with a surface of the tongue of the other connector terminal.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tongue is flat and has a contact boss protruding toward the contact protrusion on the second sidewall, the contact boss having a contact plane adapted to abut against another surface of the tongue of the other connector terminal.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the first sidewall is greater than that of the second sidewall and a locking spring is formed on the first sidewall. The locking spring extends obliquely outward from the first sidewall for engaging with the connector housing to lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a bent locking portion is formed at the rear end of the first sidewall, the locking portion being adapted to abut against the snap hook of the resilient buckle of the connector housing to further lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further includes a crimping portion for crimping onto a cable to electrically connect with the cable. The crimping portion is connected to the lower portion of the rear end of the bottom wall and the rear end of the first and second side walls.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion is biased toward the first sidewall such that the tongue of the other connector terminal is not interfered with by the crimping portion of the connector terminal during insertion between the elastic arm of the connector terminal and the second sidewall.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal is an integrally stamped part.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly includes: a cable; and the aforementioned connector terminal. The crimp portion of the connector terminal is crimped onto the cable for electrical connection with the cable.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a connector housing having a plurality of terminal slots extending longitudinally therein; and the aforementioned connector terminals, respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal slots. A tongue of one of two adjacent connector terminals is inserted and held between a resilient arm and a second sidewall of another connector terminal, such that the plurality of connector terminals are electrically interconnected.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slot is formed on the top wall of the connector housing, extending laterally therein and communicating with the plurality of terminal slots. The connector housing also has an elastic buckle located on the outside of its top wall and connected to its top wall. The elastic buckle has a hook adapted to engage with the slot. When the hook engages with the slot, the hook abuts against the locking portion of the plurality of connector terminals to lock the plurality of connector terminals in the connector housing.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing is an integral injection molded part.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal slot is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the height direction of the connector housing to allow the connector terminal to be inserted into the terminal slot in an tilted orientation.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: a plurality of cables electrically connected to the plurality of connector terminals respectively and led out from the rear end of the connector housing.

[0019] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the connector terminal structure is simple and low in cost, and the connector terminals are inserted into the connector housing at an angle, which can reduce the size of the connector.

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top.

[0022] Figure 2 This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0023] Figure 3 Showing a cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This diagram shows a perspective view of two connector terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals are in a separated state;

[0025] Figure 5 This diagram shows a perspective view of two connector terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals are in a mating state;

[0026] Figure 6 This shows a cross-sectional view of two connector terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals are in a mating state;

[0027] Figure 7 This diagram shows a connection where the tongue of one connector terminal is inserted between the elastic arm and the second sidewall of the other connector terminal.

[0028] Figure 8An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 9 This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector terminals are not yet fully inserted into the terminal slots of the connector housing;

[0030] Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of this utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of this utility model and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0032] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0033] According to a general technical concept of this utility model, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes: a first sidewall and a second sidewall, laterally opposed; a bottom wall, connected between the lower edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; a resilient arm, located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and connected to the first sidewall; and a tongue, connected to the lower edge of the first sidewall and extending downward relative to the bottom wall. The tongue of another connector terminal, identical to the first, is adapted to be inserted and held between the resilient arm and the second sidewall of the first connector terminal to electrically connect the two connector terminals.

[0034] According to another general technical concept of this utility model, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly includes: a cable; and the aforementioned connector terminal. The crimp portion of the connector terminal is crimped onto the cable for electrical connection with the cable.

[0035] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a connector housing having a plurality of terminal slots extending longitudinally therein; and the aforementioned connector terminals, which are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal slots. The tongue of one of two adjacent connector terminals is inserted and held between the resilient arm and second sidewall of the other connector terminal, such that the plurality of connector terminals are electrically interconnected.

[0036] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of connector terminal 1 from top view according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector terminal 1 from the bottom according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Showing a cross-sectional view of connector terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This diagram shows a perspective view of two connector terminals 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals 1 are in a separated state; Figure 5 This diagram shows a perspective view of two connector terminals 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals 1 are in a mating state; Figure 6 This shows a cross-sectional view of two connector terminals 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the two connector terminals 1 are in a mating state; Figure 7 This diagram shows a connection between the tongue 15 of one connector terminal 1 of two adjacent connector terminals and the elastic arm 14 and the second sidewall 12 of the other connector terminal 1.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, a connector terminal 1 is disclosed. The connector terminal 1 includes: a first sidewall 11, a second sidewall 12, a bottom wall 13, a resilient arm 14, and a tongue 15. The first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 are opposite each other in the transverse X direction. The bottom wall 13 is connected between the lower sides of the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12. The resilient arm 14 is located between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 and is connected to the first sidewall 11. The tongue 15 is connected to the lower side of the first sidewall 11 and extends downward relative to the bottom wall 13. The tongue 15 of another connector terminal 1, identical to the connector terminal 1, is adapted to be inserted and held between the resilient arm 14 and the second sidewall 12 of the connector terminal 1 to electrically connect the two connector terminals 1.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the front end 141 of the elastic arm 14 is connected to the first sidewall 11, the rear end 142 of the elastic arm 14 is movably supported on the inner side of the first sidewall 11, and the elastic arm 14 is in the shape of an arc arching toward the second sidewall 12.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a contact protrusion 14a is formed on the top of the elastic arm 14, protruding toward the second sidewall 12. The contact protrusion 14a is used for electrical contact with a surface of the tongue 15 of another connector terminal 1.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the tongue 15 is flat and has a contact boss 120 protruding toward the contact protrusion 14a on the second sidewall 12. The contact boss 120 has a contact plane 12a adapted to abut against the other surface of the tongue 15 of another connector terminal 1.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the height of the first sidewall 11 is greater than that of the second sidewall 12, and a locking spring (or primary lock) 16 is formed on the first sidewall 11. The locking spring 16 extends outward from the first sidewall 11 at an angle for engaging with the connector housing 3 to lock the connector terminal 1 in the connector housing 3.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a bent locking portion 17 is formed at the rear end of the first sidewall 11. The locking portion 17 is adapted to abut against the hook 330 of the elastic buckle (or secondary lock) 33 of the connector housing 3 to further lock the connector terminal 1 in the connector housing 3.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminal 1 further includes a crimping portion 18 for crimping onto the cable 2 to electrically connect with the cable 2. The crimping portion 18 is connected to the lower portion of the rear end of the bottom wall 13 and the rear end of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimp portion 18 is biased toward the first sidewall 11 such that the tongue 15 of the other connector terminal 1 is not interfered with by the crimp portion 18 of the connector terminal 1 during insertion between the elastic arm 14 of the connector terminal 1 and the second sidewall 12.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, connector terminal 1 is a one-piece stamped part. This improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of this utility model, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed. The electrical connection assembly includes a cable 2 and a connector terminal 1. A crimping portion 18 of the connector terminal 1 is crimped onto the cable 2 for electrical connection with the cable 2.

[0047] Figure 8 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector terminal 1 is not yet fully inserted into the terminal slot 31 of the connector housing 3; Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a connector housing 3 and a plurality of connector terminals 1. The connector housing 3 is formed with a plurality of terminal slots 31 extending along its longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of connector terminals 1 are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal slots 31. The tongue 15 of one of two adjacent connector terminals 1 is inserted and held between the resilient arm 14 and the second sidewall 12 of the other connector terminal 1, such that the plurality of connector terminals 1 are electrically interconnected together.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a slot 32 extending laterally X and communicating with a plurality of terminal slots 31 is formed on the top wall of the connector housing 3. The connector housing 3 also has an elastic buckle 33 located on the outside of its top wall and connected to it. The elastic buckle 33 has a hook 330 adapted to engage with the slot 32. When the hook 330 engages with the slot 32, the hook 330 abuts against the locking portion 17 of the plurality of connector terminals 1 to lock the plurality of connector terminals 1 in the connector housing 3.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 3 is a one-piece injection molded part. This improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal slot 31 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the height direction Z of the connector housing 3 to allow the connector terminal 1 to be inserted into the terminal slot 31 in an tilted orientation.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector also includes a plurality of cables 2, which are electrically connected to a plurality of connector terminals 1 and led out from the rear end of the connector housing 3.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0055] While some embodiments of the general concept of this utility model have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of this utility model, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0056] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, characterized in that, include: The first sidewall (11) and the second sidewall (12) are opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction; The bottom wall (13) is connected between the lower sides of the first side wall (11) and the second side wall (12); An elastic arm (14) is located between the first sidewall (11) and the second sidewall (12) and is connected to the first sidewall (11); and The tongue (15) is connected to the lower side of the first sidewall (11) and extends downward relative to the bottom wall (13). The tongue (15) of another connector terminal (1) that is identical to the connector terminal (1) is adapted to be inserted and held between the resilient arm (14) and the second sidewall (12) of the connector terminal (1) to electrically connect the two connector terminals (1).

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end (141) of the elastic arm (14) is connected to the first sidewall (11), and the rear end (142) of the elastic arm (14) is movably supported on the inner side of the first sidewall (11). The elastic arm (14) is in the shape of an arc that arches toward the second sidewall (12).

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: A contact protrusion (14a) is formed on the top of the elastic arm (14) and protrudes toward the second sidewall (12). The contact protrusion (14a) is used to make electrical contact with a surface of the tongue (15) of the other connector terminal (1).

4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tongue (15) is flat and has a contact boss (120) protruding toward the contact protrusion (14a) on the second sidewall (12). The contact boss (120) has a contact plane (12a) adapted to abut against the other surface of the tongue (15) of the other connector terminal (1).

5. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the first sidewall (11) is greater than that of the second sidewall (12) and a locking spring (16) is formed on the first sidewall (11). The locking spring (16) extends outward from the first sidewall (11) and is used to engage with the connector housing (3) to lock the connector terminal (1) in the connector housing (3).

6. The connector terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that: A bent locking portion (17) is formed at the rear end of the first sidewall (11), the locking portion (17) being adapted to abut against the hook (330) of the elastic buckle (33) of the connector housing (3) to further lock the connector terminal (1) in the connector housing (3).

7. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: A crimping part (18) is used to crimp onto the cable (2) for electrical connection with the cable (2). The crimping part (18) is connected to the rear end of the bottom wall (13) and the lower part of the rear end of the first side wall (11) and the second side wall (12).

8. The connector terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The crimp portion (18) is biased toward the first sidewall (11) so that the tongue (15) of the other connector terminal (1) is not interfered with by the crimp portion (18) of the connector terminal (1) during insertion between the elastic arm (14) of the connector terminal (1) and the second sidewall (12).

9. The connector terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connector terminal (1) is an integral stamped part.

10. An electrical connection assembly, characterized in that, include: Cable (2); and The connector terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, The crimping portion (18) of the connector terminal (1) is crimped onto the cable (2) to electrically connect with the cable (2).

11. A connector, characterized in that, include: The connector housing (3) has a plurality of terminal slots (31) extending along its longitudinal direction (Y); and A plurality of connector terminals (1) as described in any one of claims 1-9 are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal slots (31). The tongue (15) of one of two adjacent connector terminals (1) is inserted and held between the elastic arm (14) and the second sidewall (12) of the other connector terminal (1), so that the plurality of connector terminals (1) are electrically interconnected together.

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: A slot (32) is formed on the top wall of the connector housing (3) extending laterally (X) and communicating with the plurality of terminal slots (31). The connector housing (3) also has an elastic buckle (33) located on the outside of its top wall and connected to its top wall. The elastic buckle (33) has a hook (330) adapted to engage with the slot (32). When the hook (330) engages with the slot (32), the hook (330) abuts against the locking portion (17) of the plurality of connector terminals (1) to lock the plurality of connector terminals (1) in the connector housing (3).

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The connector housing (3) is an integral injection molded part.

14. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The terminal slot (31) is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (3) to allow the connector terminal (1) to be inserted into the terminal slot (31) in an inclined orientation.

15. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple cables (2) are electrically connected to the multiple connector terminals (1) respectively and led out from the rear end of the connector housing (3).

Images