Conductive terminals, conductive terminal assemblies and connectors

Abstract

This utility model discloses a conductive terminal, including a plug portion disposed at one end. The plug portion has a plug cavity for inserting a mating terminal. The sidewall of the plug cavity is divided into multiple segments extending along and inclined to the axis of the plug cavity. Each segment has two protrusions at its end facing the interior of the plug cavity. The two protrusions are respectively disposed on both sides of the end of the segment. When the mating terminal is inserted into the plug cavity, the two protrusions can contact the mating terminal to form an electrical connection. This utility model also discloses a conductive terminal assembly and a connector. In the conductive terminal according to this utility model, protrusions are respectively provided on both sides of each segment at the end of the terminal. The protrusions form contact points for contacting the mating terminal, avoiding the defect of no contact due to large size differences.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, specifically to a multi-contact circular conductive terminal, a conductive terminal assembly, and a connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing connectors, the circular terminals typically have a slit along the axis, dividing the end of the cylindrical body into two halves. When the opposing terminal is inserted, the two halves clamp the opposing terminal, with the endpoints on both sides of each half contacting the opposing terminal to form contact points. Normally, the endpoints on both sides of each half contact the opposing terminal, forming four contact points. However, when the diameters of the opposing terminal and the circular terminal do not match, for example, when the diameter of the opposing terminal is much smaller than that of the circular terminal, the contacts on both sides of each half often do not contact the opposing terminal; instead, the midpoint of the half contacts the opposing terminal. In this case, there are only two contact points, resulting in poor stability of the contact interface. Furthermore, the limited number of contact points in existing technologies restricts improvements in current-carrying capacity in terms of electrical performance. On the other hand, the existing terminal dimensions make it difficult to increase the number of contact points. In addition, since the contact points of the conductive terminal are located on both sides of each half of the terminal, the contact points are located at the stamping edge during terminal processing, where the shape is extremely unstable. This makes the circular terminal difficult to manufacture, results in low production efficiency, and makes it difficult to reduce costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned or other defects in the prior art, this utility model proposes a novel circular conductive terminal, in which protrusions are provided on both sides of each lobe at the end of the terminal. The protrusions form contact points that contact the mating terminal, thus avoiding the defect of not contacting due to large size differences.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a conductive terminal is provided, including a plug portion disposed at one end thereon, the plug portion having a plug cavity formed for inserting a mating terminal, the sidewall of the plug cavity being divided into a plurality of lobes extending along the axis of the plug cavity and inclined toward the axis, wherein each of the lobes has two protrusions at its end facing the interior of the plug cavity, the two protrusions being respectively disposed on both sides of the end of the lobe, and when the mating terminal is inserted into the plug cavity, the two protrusions can contact the mating terminal to form an electrical connection.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the flaps on the sidewall of the insertion cavity has a curved portion recessed toward the center of the insertion cavity at its end, and the protrusion is disposed on both sides of the curved portion.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the flaps on the sidewall of the insertion cavity further includes a free end adjacent to the bend, the free end extending away from the axis of the insertion cavity, such that the free ends of all the flaps can be closed to form a flare to facilitate insertion of the mating terminal into the insertion cavity.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, each of the flaps is provided with a slit extending along the axis of the insertion cavity to increase the elasticity of the flap.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the insertion portion of the conductive terminal is a single piece.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the number of the lobes on the sidewall is two, three, or four, arranged circumferentially around the insertion cavity.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the flaps has more than two protrusions at its end facing the interior of the insertion cavity, wherein two of the protrusions are respectively located on both sides of the end of the flap.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a conductive terminal assembly is provided, including a sleeve and the aforementioned conductive terminal, wherein the sleeve is sleeved outside the insertion portion of the conductive terminal and fixed to the insertion portion.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the conductive terminal assembly further includes a locking structure for securing the sleeve to the plug portion, the locking structure including a protrusion projecting from one of the sidewalls of the plug portion and the sidewall of the sleeve toward the other, the protrusion engaging with the other of the sidewalls of the plug portion and the sidewall of the sleeve to inhibit movement of the sleeve relative to the plug portion.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a connector is provided, including a housing and a conductive terminal assembly fixed within the housing, wherein the conductive terminal assembly is the conductive terminal assembly described above.

[0014] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, protrusions are respectively provided at the two ends of the two halves at the end of the conductive terminal. The protrusions form contact points that contact the opposing terminal. Since the protrusions protrude radially inward along the circular terminal, the situation where the contact points do not contact the opposing terminal due to the diameter of the opposing terminal being much smaller than the diameter of the circular terminal is avoided. In addition, the end of the cylindrical body of the circular terminal can be divided into three, four or more lobes to increase the number of contact points. A slit extending axially can also be provided in the middle of the lobes. The circular terminal of the present invention can be used alone or in conjunction with a light body protective sleeve or a lock gun protective sleeve to meet different application requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a conductive terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the insertion portion of a conductive terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a conductive terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] While the present invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings containing preferred embodiments, it should be understood before this description that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein to achieve the technical effects of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is a broad disclosure to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0020] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a full 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.

[0021] According to the general concept of this utility model, a conductive terminal is provided, including a plug portion disposed at one end thereon, wherein a plug cavity is formed on the plug portion for inserting a mating terminal, the sidewall of the plug cavity is divided into a plurality of lobes extending along the axis of the plug cavity and inclined to the axis, wherein each of the lobes has two protrusions at its end facing the interior of the plug cavity, the two protrusions being respectively disposed on both sides of the end of the lobe, and when the mating terminal is inserted into the plug cavity, the two protrusions can contact the mating terminal to form an electrical connection.

[0022] According to the overall concept of this utility model, a conductive terminal assembly is also provided, including a sleeve and the aforementioned conductive terminal, wherein the sleeve is sleeved outside the insertion portion of the conductive terminal and fixed to the insertion portion.

[0023] According to the general concept of this utility model, a connector is also provided, including a housing and a conductive terminal assembly fixed in the housing, wherein the conductive terminal assembly is the conductive terminal assembly described above.

[0024] The advantages of the charging base according to this utility model are that protrusions are respectively provided at the two ends of the two halves at the end of the conductive terminal. The protrusions form contact points that contact the opposite terminal. Since the protrusions extend inward along the radial direction of the circular terminal, the situation where the contact points do not contact the opposite terminal due to the diameter of the opposite terminal being much smaller than that of the circular terminal is avoided. In addition, the end of the cylindrical body of the circular terminal can be divided into three, four or more lobes to increase the number of contact points. A slit extending axially can also be provided in the middle of the lobes. The circular terminal of this utility model can be used alone or in conjunction with a light body protective sleeve or a lock gun protective sleeve to meet different application needs.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conductive terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the insertion portion 11 of the conductive terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the conductive terminal 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plug portion 11 disposed at one end thereon. The plug portion 11 has a plug cavity 12 formed thereon for inserting a mating terminal. The side wall 13 of the plug cavity 12 is divided into a plurality of lobes 14 extending along the axis of the plug cavity 12 and inclined to the axis. Each of the lobes 14 has two protrusions 15 at its end facing the interior of the plug cavity 12. The two protrusions 15 are respectively disposed on both sides of the end of the lobe 14. When the mating terminal is inserted into the plug cavity 12, the two protrusions 15 can contact the mating terminal to form an electrical connection. After the mating terminal is inserted, even if the diameter of the lobe 14 of the conductive terminal 1 does not match that of the mating terminal, or even if the middle part of the lobe 14 of the conductive terminal 1 contacts the mating terminal, the protrusions 15 provided on both sides of the end of the lobe 14 provide a relatively high height, so that they can also contact the mating terminal. In this way, three contact points can be formed, and the number of contact points will not decrease, but will increase.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will know that as many protrusions 15 as possible can be provided on the end of the lobe 14 of the conductive terminal 1, as long as the contact requirements can be met and the manufacturing process can be realized. For example, there can be three or more protrusions 15. This utility model does not limit this.

[0028] The end of each of the segments 14 of the sidewall 13 of the insertion cavity 12 has a curved portion 141 recessed toward the center of the insertion cavity 12, and the protrusions 15 are disposed on both sides of the curved portion 141. When the mating terminal is inserted into the insertion cavity 12, this curved portion 141 helps to hold the mating terminal.

[0029] The end of each of the petals 14 of the sidewall 13 of the insertion cavity 12 further includes a free end 142 adjacent to the curved portion 141. The free end 142 extends away from the axis of the insertion cavity 12, so that the free ends 142 of all the petals 14 can be closed to form a flared opening to facilitate the insertion of the mating terminal into the insertion cavity 12.

[0030] Each of the flaps 14 is provided with a slit 144 extending along the axis of the insertion cavity 12, in order to increase the elasticity of the flaps 14 and save material.

[0031] The insertion portion 11 of the conductive terminal 1 is a single piece. During the manufacturing process, the conductive sheet is directly cut and stamped, and finally wound to form the insertion portion 11.

[0032] The sidewall 13 has two, three, or four petals 14 arranged circumferentially around the insertion cavity 12. In this embodiment, there are three petals 14, but the number of petals 14 is not limited to this and can be more or less.

[0033] In other exemplary embodiments, each of the flaps 14 may have more than two protrusions 15 facing into the insertion cavity 12, wherein two of the protrusions 15 are respectively located on both sides of the end of the flap 14, and the other protrusions 15 may be located in the middle of the end of the flap 14, thereby increasing the number of contacts.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a conductive terminal assembly 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The conductive terminal assembly 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sleeve and the aforementioned conductive terminal 1, wherein the sleeve is sleeved outside the insertion portion 11 of the conductive terminal 1 and fixed to the insertion portion 11. For example, the sleeve may be the sleeve portion of a light body protective sleeve or a lock gun protective sleeve.

[0036] The conductive terminal assembly 2 further includes a locking structure 22 that fixes the sleeve 21 to the insertion portion 11. The locking structure 22 includes a protrusion 23 protruding from one side wall of the insertion portion 11 and the side wall of the sleeve 21 toward the other. The protrusion 23 engages with the other side wall of the insertion portion 11 and the side wall of the sleeve 21 to suppress movement of the sleeve 21 relative to the insertion portion 11. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 23 protrudes from the side wall of the sleeve 21 toward the side wall of the insertion portion 11.

[0037] The connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing and a conductive terminal assembly 2 fixed within the housing, wherein the conductive terminal assembly 2 is the conductive terminal assembly 2 described above.

[0038] The advantages of the charging base according to this utility model are that protrusions are respectively provided at the two ends of the two halves at the end of the conductive terminal. The protrusions form contact points that contact the opposite terminal. Since the protrusions protrude radially inward along the circular terminal, the situation where the contact points do not contact the opposite terminal due to the opposite terminal having a diameter much smaller than the circular terminal is avoided. In addition, the end of the cylindrical body of the circular terminal can be divided into three, four or more lobes to increase the number of contact points. A slit extending axially can also be provided in the middle of the lobes. The circular terminal of this utility model can be used alone or with a light body protective sleeve or a lock gun protective sleeve to meet different application needs.

[0039] After a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrically conductive terminal (1), characterized in that The device includes a plug portion (11) at one end, on which a plug cavity (12) for inserting a mating terminal is formed. The sidewall (13) of the plug cavity (12) is divided into a plurality of lobes (14) extending along the axis of the plug cavity (12) and inclined toward the axis. Each of the lobes (14) has two protrusions (15) at its end facing the interior of the plug cavity (12). The two protrusions (15) are respectively located on both sides of the end of the lobes (14). When the mating terminal is inserted into the plug cavity (12), the two protrusions (15) can contact the mating terminal to form an electrical connection.

2. The electrically conductive terminal (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the flaps (14) of the sidewall (13) of the insertion cavity (12) has a curved portion (141) recessed toward the center of the insertion cavity (12) at its end, and the protrusions (15) are provided on both sides of the curved portion (141).

3. The electrically conductive terminal (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Each of the flaps (14) of the sidewall (13) of the plug cavity (12) also includes a free end (142) adjacent to the bend (141), the free end (142) extending away from the axis of the plug cavity (12), so that the free ends (142) of all the flaps (14) can be closed to form a flared opening to facilitate the insertion of the mating terminal into the plug cavity (12).

4. The electrically conductive terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that Each of the said petals (14) is provided with a slit (144) extending along the axis of the insertion cavity (12) in order to increase the elasticity of the petals (14).

5. The electrically conductive terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that The insertion part (11) of the conductive terminal (1) is a single piece.

6. The conductive terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sidewall (13) has two, three, or four petals (14) arranged circumferentially around the insertion cavity (12).

7. The electrically conductive terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each of the petal portions (14) has more than two protrusions (15) facing into the insertion cavity (12) at its end, wherein two of the protrusions (15) are respectively located on both sides of the end of the petal portion (14).

8. An electrically conductive terminal assembly (2) characterized by, It includes a sleeve (21) and a conductive terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sleeve (21) is sleeved on the outside of the insertion portion (11) of the conductive terminal (1) and fixed to the insertion portion (11).

9. The electrically conductive terminal assembly (2) of claim 8, characterized in that It also includes a locking structure (22) for securing the sleeve (21) to the insertion part (11), the locking structure (22) including a protrusion (23) protruding from one of the side wall of the insertion part (11) and the side wall of the sleeve (21) toward the other, the protrusion (23) engaging with the other of the side wall of the insertion part (11) and the side wall of the sleeve (21) to inhibit movement of the sleeve (21) relative to the insertion part (11).

10. A connector characterized by comprising: It includes a housing and a conductive terminal assembly (2) fixed within the housing, wherein the conductive terminal assembly (2) is the conductive terminal assembly (2) according to claim 8 or 9.

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