A female terminal and a connector

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of terminal technology and discloses a female terminal and connector. The female terminal includes a terminal body and a spring contact. The terminal body includes a base and two contact arms. The base has two first grooves, which respectively form a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum. The two contact arms are spaced apart and opposite to each other. The spring contact includes two elastic arms and two connecting members. The two connecting members are connected between the two elastic arms, forming a first slot between the two elastic arms. A second slot communicating with the first slot is formed between the two connecting members. The two contact arms are sequentially inserted into the first slot and the second slot. The two elastic arms can extend into the corresponding first groove of the base and are confined between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. Each elastic arm is located on the side of the corresponding first fulcrum closer to the other side of the first fulcrum. The female terminal and connector provided by this utility model can effectively prevent the spring contact from shaking up and down, improving the stability of the female terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a female terminal and connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of electrical connectors, female terminals are widely used in electronic equipment, automotive industry, power systems, and other fields. Their performance directly affects the stability and reliability of the connection. Female terminals typically consist of a terminal body and a spring contact. Their working principle is to generate clamping force through the deformation of the spring contact to fix the male terminal and maintain the electrical connection, thereby fulfilling the conductivity requirement.

[0003] In related technologies, the left side of the elastic arm of the spring is located to the right of the simple fulcrum of the elastic arm of the female terminal, forming an asymmetrical force structure. Under insertion, removal, or vibration conditions, the spring is prone to wobbling up and down due to force imbalance, resulting in unstable contact pressure and eventual detachment. For example, when external tension or vibration forces are applied, the elastic deformation of the spring may exceed the design threshold, thereby causing separation of the male and female terminals, resulting in circuit interruption or poor contact. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a female terminal and connector that can effectively prevent spring contact wobbling and improve the stability of the female terminal.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A female terminal, comprising:

[0007] The terminal body includes a base and two contact arms connected to the base. The base is provided with two first grooves, which are located on both sides of the contact arms in a first direction. The two sidewalls of the first grooves in a second direction respectively form a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum. The two contact arms are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The two contact arms are used to hold male terminals.

[0008] The spring includes two elastic arms and two connectors. The two elastic arms are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a first direction, and the two connectors are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a third direction. The two connectors are connected between the two elastic arms. The two connectors correspond one-to-one with the two contact arms. A first slot is formed between the two elastic arms, and a second slot communicating with the first slot is formed between the two connectors. The two contact arms are sequentially inserted into the first slot and the second slot along the third direction. The two elastic arms can extend into the corresponding first groove of the base and are confined between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum. Each elastic arm is located on the side of the corresponding first fulcrum facing the other side of the first fulcrum. The two connectors can respectively abut against the corresponding contact arms along the third direction so that the two contact arms clamp the male terminal. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the contact arm is V-shaped and has a second groove, with two connectors located in the second groove of the corresponding contact arm and pressing against the contact arm.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic arm is U-shaped and has a first free end and a second free end. The two ends of one connector are respectively connected to the first free ends of the two elastic arms, and the two ends of the other connector are respectively connected to the second free ends of the two elastic arms.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic arm is provided with a slot, and the first groove is provided with a protrusion on both side walls in the first direction. The two slots are respectively engaged with the two protrusions to restrict the movement of the spring piece relative to the terminal body in the third direction.

[0012] Preferably, the base is provided with two guide arms, which are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a first direction, and two contact arms are located between the two guide arms. The guide arms extend along a third direction, and the two guide arms respectively abut against the two elastic arms.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the guide arm away from the base has a protrusion that abuts against the elastic arm.

[0014] Preferably, the protrusion has a guide surface for guiding the elastic arm to be inserted between the guide arm and the contact arm.

[0015] Preferably, the terminal body is provided with multiple contact arm groups, which are spaced apart along the first direction. The female terminal includes multiple spring pieces, which are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple contact arm groups.

[0016] Each contact arm group includes two contact arms spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along a second direction, and each contact arm group is respectively inserted into a corresponding spring piece along a third direction.

[0017] Preferably, the terminal body is a one-piece molded structural component;

[0018] And / or, the spring is a one-piece molded structural component.

[0019] A connector comprising a female terminal of any of the above-described technical solutions.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This utility model provides a female terminal and connector. When the spring and the terminal body are inserted, the contact arms of the terminal body are sequentially inserted into the first slot and the second slot. The two contact arms abut against the two connecting members. The male terminal can be inserted between the two contact arms. The two connecting members of the spring clamp the two contact arms so that the two contact arms can clamp the male terminal, preventing poor contact between the female terminal and the male terminal and improving the overall conductivity. At the same time, the two elastic arms of the spring can extend into the first groove of the base. The first fulcrum and the second fulcrum of the first groove limit the elastic arms, which can effectively prevent the spring from shaking up and down and improve the stability of the female terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the female terminal provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spring sheet provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the female terminal provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Terminal body; 11. Base; 111. First fulcrum; 112. Second fulcrum; 12. Contact arm; 13. Guide arm; 131. Protrusion;

[0026] 2. Spring; 21. Elastic arm; 22. Connector; 23. First slot; 24. Second slot. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0031] like Figure 1-3 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a female terminal, including a terminal body 1 and a spring piece 2. The terminal body 1 includes a base 11 and two contact arms 12 connected to the base 11. The base 11 has two first grooves located on both sides of the contact arms 12 in a first direction. The two sidewalls of the first grooves in a second direction respectively form a first fulcrum 111 and a second fulcrum 112. The two contact arms 12 are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the second direction, and are used to clamp the male terminal. The spring piece 2 includes two elastic arms 21 and two connecting members 22. The two elastic arms 21 are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the first direction, and the two connecting members 22 are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a third direction. Both connecting members 22 are connected to the two elastic arms. Between 21, two connectors 22 correspond one-to-one with two contact arms 12. A first slot 23 is formed between the two elastic arms 21, and a second slot 24 communicating with the first slot 23 is formed between the two connectors 22. The two contact arms 12 are inserted into the first slot 23 and the second slot 24 in sequence along a third direction. The two elastic arms 21 can extend into the first groove corresponding to the base 11 and are limited between the first fulcrum 111 and the second fulcrum 112. Each elastic arm 21 is located on the side of the corresponding first fulcrum 111 facing the other side of the first fulcrum 111. The two connectors 22 can abut against the corresponding contact arms 12 in a third direction to clamp the male terminal. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0032] When the spring 2 and the terminal body 1 are connected, the contact arms 12 of the terminal body 1 are sequentially inserted into the first slot 23 and the second slot 24. The two contact arms 12 abut against the two connectors 22. The male terminal can be inserted between the two contact arms 12. The two contact arms 12 are clamped by the two connectors 22 of the spring 2 so that the two contact arms 12 can clamp the male terminal, preventing poor contact between the female terminal and the male terminal and improving the overall conductivity. At the same time, the two elastic arms 21 of the spring 2 can extend into the first groove of the base 11. The first fulcrum 111 and the second fulcrum 112 of the first groove limit the elastic arms 21, which can effectively prevent the spring 2 from shaking up and down and improve the stability of the female terminal.

[0033] Optionally, the terminal body 1 is made of a conductive material, specifically a copper alloy with high conductivity.

[0034] Optionally, the spring 2 is made of highly elastic stainless steel.

[0035] Furthermore, the contact arm 12 is V-shaped and has a second groove. The two connectors 22 are respectively located in the second groove of the corresponding contact arm 12 and press against the contact arm 12. This arrangement can further ensure the positional stability between the spring 2 and the terminal body 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the elastic arm 21 is provided with a slot, and the first groove is provided with a protrusion on both side walls in the first direction. The two slots are respectively engaged with the two protrusions to restrict the movement of the spring piece 2 relative to the terminal body 1 in the third direction.

[0037] The slot and the protrusion engage to effectively prevent the spring 2 from moving unexpectedly in the third direction due to vibration, impact or insertion / extraction force, ensuring that the relative position of the spring 2 and the terminal body 1 is fixed. Combined with the side wall of the first groove limiting the elastic arm 21, the stability of the female terminal is further improved.

[0038] Furthermore, the terminal body 1 is a one-piece molded structure. One-piece molding avoids the splicing process between the base 11 and the contact arm 12, reduces the risk of poor contact caused by loosening between components, ensures the long-term stability of the male terminal clamping force, and the contact arm 12 is not prone to deformation or breakage during repeated insertion and removal, thus extending its service life.

[0039] Furthermore, the spring 2 is a one-piece molded structural component. The elastic arm 21 and the connector 22 are molded in one piece by mold, avoiding weak points in the connection caused by separate assembly, ensuring uniform force transmission when the elastic arm 21 is deformed under stress, and reducing the risk of fracture caused by stress concentration; moreover, there is no need to manufacture the elastic arm 21 and the connector 22 separately and then weld or rivet them, reducing process steps, reducing labor and equipment costs, and making it suitable for mass production.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic arm 21 is U-shaped and has a first free end and a second free end. The two ends of one connector 22 are respectively connected to the first free ends of the two elastic arms 21, and the two ends of the other connector 22 are respectively connected to the second free ends of the two elastic arms 21.

[0041] The two connectors 22 are connected by two elastic arms 21 and are elastic in the second direction. When the two elastic arms 22 are subjected to external force, they will move away from each other so as to facilitate the assembly of the spring piece 2 to the terminal body 1. At the same time, the spring piece 2 has a frame structure, which can reduce the amount of material required for manufacturing, thereby reducing the cost and also achieving the weight reduction of the female terminal.

[0042] Furthermore, the base 11 is provided with two guide arms 13, which are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along the first direction. Two contact arms 12 are located between the two guide arms 13, and the guide arms 13 extend along the third direction. The two guide arms 13 respectively abut against the two elastic arms 21.

[0043] The two guide arms 13 can completely enclose the two elastic arms 21 in the first direction, ensuring the relative position stability between the spring piece 2 and the terminal body 1, thereby ensuring that the terminal body 1 can stably clamp the male terminal. At the same time, by setting the guide arms 13, a corrective guiding function can also be provided for the inserted male terminal, and the guide arms 13 can also abut against the male terminal to increase the contact points between the female terminal and the male terminal and improve the conductivity.

[0044] Furthermore, the end of the guide arm 13 away from the base 11 is provided with a protrusion 131, which abuts against the elastic arm 21. With this arrangement, the protrusions 131 on the two guide arms 13 play a clamping role, and the protrusions 131 can limit the relative position between the spring piece 2 and the terminal body 1, ensuring the stability of the female terminal.

[0045] Furthermore, the protrusion 131 is provided with a guide surface, which is used to guide the elastic arm 21 to be inserted between the guide arm 13 and the contact arm 12. Specifically, the guide surface has an arc surface structure.

[0046] This configuration allows the two elastic arms 21 to be easily guided into the corresponding guide arm 13 and contact arm 12 via the guide surface, thus improving the smoothness of the insertion process.

[0047] Furthermore, the terminal body 1 is provided with multiple contact arm groups, which are spaced apart along a first direction. The female terminal includes multiple spring pieces 2, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple contact arm groups. Each contact arm group includes two contact arms 12 spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along a second direction, and each contact arm group is inserted into the corresponding spring piece 2 along a third direction. This arrangement can meet the width requirements of male terminals with different needs.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, two contact arm assemblies and two spring pieces 2 are provided. In other embodiments, the number of contact arm assemblies and spring pieces 2 can be set according to actual needs, and three, four or more can be provided.

[0049] An embodiment of this utility model provides a connector including the aforementioned female terminal.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A female terminal, characterized in that, include: Terminal body (1), the terminal body (1) includes a base (11) and two contact arms (12) connected to the base (11). The base (11) is provided with two first grooves. The two first grooves are located on both sides of the contact arms (12) in a first direction. The two sidewalls of the first grooves in a second direction respectively form a first fulcrum (111) and a second fulcrum (112). The two contact arms (12) are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The two contact arms (12) are used to clamp male terminals. A spring (2) includes two elastic arms (21) and two connectors (22). The two elastic arms (21) are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a first direction. The two connectors (22) are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a third direction. The two connectors (22) are connected between the two elastic arms (21). The two connectors (22) correspond one-to-one with the two contact arms (12). A first slot (23) is formed between the two elastic arms (21). A second slot (24) communicating with the first slot (23) is formed between the two connectors (22). The two contact arms (12) are spaced apart and opposite to each other along a third direction. The first slot (23) and the second slot (24) are inserted sequentially. The two elastic arms (21) can extend into the first groove corresponding to the base (11) and are limited between the first fulcrum (111) and the second fulcrum (112). Each elastic arm (21) is located on the side of the corresponding first fulcrum (111) facing the other side of the first fulcrum (111). The two connectors (22) can abut against the corresponding contact arm (12) along the third direction to clamp the male terminal. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. A female terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact arm (12) is V-shaped and has a second groove. The two connectors (22) are respectively located in the second groove of the corresponding contact arm (12) and press against the contact arm (12).

3. A female terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic arm (21) is U-shaped and has a first free end and a second free end. The two ends of one of the connectors (22) are respectively connected to the first free ends of the two elastic arms (21), and the two ends of the other connector (22) are respectively connected to the second free ends of the two elastic arms (21).

4. A female terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic arm (21) is provided with a slot, and the first groove is provided with a protrusion on both side walls in the first direction. The two slots are respectively engaged with the two protrusions to restrict the movement of the spring piece (2) relative to the terminal body (1) in the third direction.

5. A female terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (11) is provided with two guide arms (13), the two guide arms (13) are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along the first direction, the two contact arms (12) are located between the two guide arms (13), the guide arms (13) extend along the third direction, and the two guide arms (13) respectively abut against the two elastic arms (21).

6. A female terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide arm (13) has a protrusion (131) at one end away from the base (11), and the protrusion (131) abuts against the elastic arm (21).

7. A female terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protrusion (131) is provided with a guide surface, which is used to guide the elastic arm (21) to be inserted between the guide arm (13) and the contact arm (12).

8. A female terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The terminal body (1) is provided with a plurality of contact arm groups, the plurality of contact arm groups are spaced apart along the first direction, and the female terminal includes a plurality of spring pieces (2), the plurality of spring pieces (2) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of contact arm groups; Each of the contact arm groups includes two contact arms (12) spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along the second direction, and each of the contact arm groups is inserted into the corresponding spring piece (2) along the third direction.

9. A female terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that, The terminal body (1) is an integrally formed structural component; And / or, the spring piece (2) is an integrally formed structural component.

10. A connector, characterized in that, Includes the female terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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