Electrical connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of electric connectors, it is related to electronic component technical field, wherein, electric connector includes sleeve, contact spring and conducting terminal, wherein, sleeve includes cylinder and multiple elastic supporting arms, multiple elastic supporting arms are evenly spaced and located in one end of cylinder, and the inside of multiple elastic supporting arms forms accommodating space;Contact spring is accommodated in accommodating space, and the end of contact spring away from cylinder is provided with flanging structure, flanging structure is turned to the outside of elastic supporting arm and is fixedly connected with elastic supporting arm, and the inside of contact spring is used to accommodate external butt joint terminal;Conducting terminal is fixedly arranged in the inside of cylinder, and extend in the direction away from elastic supporting arm.The technical scheme provided by the utility model improves the contact reliability of contact spring and sleeve in existing connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic components technology, and in particular to an electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electronic equipment, communication systems, power transmission, and various automation control fields, electrical connectors are key basic components for realizing the transmission, conversion, and distribution of electrical signals or power. A typical structure of a traditional electrical connector includes an insulating shell and conductive contact springs housed within it. To achieve spring assembly, existing connectors generally use a metal cap as the spring carrier: the conductive contact springs are first fixed to the metal cap to form a pre-assembled assembly, and then this pre-assembled assembly is fitted onto the outside of the insulating shell, allowing the springs to extend into the internal cavity of the shell.

[0003] However, existing cap structures, snap-fit ​​structures, welded structures, and slotted terminals mostly use "clamping" or "limiting" methods to fix the contact spring, and there is no additional fixing between the contact spring and the inner wall of the sleeve. This fixing method may maintain the position of the contact spring under static conditions, but when subjected to environmental stresses such as external vibration, impact, or thermal expansion and contraction, the contact spring is prone to slight displacement within the allowable gap of the outer shell. This instability can easily lead to poor electrical contact. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to propose an electrical connector that aims to improve the contact reliability between the contact spring and the sleeve in existing connectors.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electrical connector comprising:

[0006] A sleeve includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic arms, wherein the plurality of elastic arms are evenly spaced at one end of the cylindrical body and the interior of the plurality of elastic arms forms a receiving space.

[0007] A contact spring is housed within the receiving space. The end of the contact spring away from the cylinder has a flanged structure. This flanged structure extends to the outside of the elastic support arm and is fixedly connected to it. The interior of the contact spring is used to house an external mating terminal.

[0008] The conductive terminal is fixedly disposed inside the cylinder and extends away from the elastic support arm.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flange structure is configured as an inverted buckle, and the end of the elastic support arm away from the cylinder is provided with a recessed groove, and the inverted buckle is fixed in the recessed groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the number of elastic arms is greater than or equal to the number of buckles.

[0011] In one embodiment, the contact spring is provided with contact ribs that extend radially or axially along the contact spring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the contact spring has a slit that extends axially along the contact spring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the contact spring gradually increases from the middle to both ends.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a fastening sleeve that is fitted over the outside of the plurality of resilient arms to bring the resilient arms toward one side of the contact spring.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fastening sleeve is made of an elastic material; and / or, the fastening sleeve is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0016] In one embodiment, the conductive terminal is configured as a pressure plate terminal, with one end of the pressure plate terminal extending into the cylinder having an opening communicating with the receiving space, and the other end of the pressure plate terminal extending out of the cylinder having a closed pressure plate structure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the conductive terminal is configured as a wire clamping tube, with openings at both ends of the wire clamping tube, the openings communicating with the receiving space to allow the passage of a power wire.

[0018] In this invention, the sleeve is provided with multiple elastic arms, which are evenly spaced to form an expandable or retractable receiving space for the insertion of external mating terminals. A flanged structure is provided at the head of the contact spring, which is mechanically locked to the end of the elastic arm through riveting or welding. Compared to traditional spot welding or partial snap-fit ​​connections, the flanged structure and the elastic arm form a continuous annular contact surface, increasing the cross-sectional area for current conduction and ensuring efficient and stable power or signal transmission. Furthermore, mating terminals are installed inside the contact spring, and conductive terminals are installed inside the sleeve. The ends of the conductive terminals away from the sleeve extend away from the elastic arms, creating a compact, straight-through current path from the mating terminals, contact spring, sleeve to the conductive terminals. This avoids the need for additional external connection structures on the connector, enabling more reliable electrical connections within a limited space. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structure in which the conductive terminal of the electrical connector provided by this utility model adopts a wire clamping cylinder;

[0021] Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure of the electrical connector provided by this utility model, wherein the conductive terminal adopts a pressure plate terminal;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the contact spring in another embodiment of the electrical connector provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a structure in another embodiment of the electrical connector provided by this utility model, wherein the conductive terminal adopts a pressure plate terminal;

[0024] Figure 5 An exploded view of the structure of the electrical connector provided by this utility model, wherein the conductive terminal adopts a pressure plate terminal.

[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0026] 100. Electrical connector; 1. Sleeve; 11. Cylinder; 12. Elastic support arm; 121. Recessed groove; 2. Contact spring; 20. Receiving space; 21. Flanged structure; 22. Contact rib; 23. Slit; 3. Pressure plate terminal; 4. Wire pressure tube.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0031] Existing cap structures mostly use "clamping" or "limiting" methods to fix the contact spring, rather than "forceful clamping." Furthermore, no additional fixing is used between the contact spring and the inner wall of the sleeve. This fixing method may maintain the position of the contact spring under static conditions, but when subjected to environmental stresses such as external vibration, impact, or thermal expansion and contraction, the contact spring is prone to slight displacement, loosening, or even shaking within the allowable gap of the outer shell. This instability can easily lead to poor electrical contact.

[0032] This utility model proposes an electrical connector.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the electrical connector 100 includes:

[0034] Sleeve 1 includes a cylindrical body 11 and a plurality of elastic arms 12. The plurality of elastic arms 12 are evenly spaced at one end of the cylindrical body 11, and the interior of the plurality of elastic arms 12 forms a receiving space 20.

[0035] A contact spring 2 is housed within a receiving space 20. The end of the contact spring 2 furthest from the cylinder 11 has a flanged structure 21, which is turned outwards to the outside of the elastic support arm 12 and fixedly connected to it. The interior of the contact spring 2 is used to house external mating terminals.

[0036] The conductive terminal is fixed inside the cylinder 11 and extends away from the elastic support arm 12.

[0037] In this invention, the sleeve 1 is provided with multiple elastic arms 12, which are evenly spaced to form an expandable or retractable receiving space 20 for the insertion of external mating terminals. A flanged structure 21 is provided at the head of the contact spring 2, which is mechanically locked to the end of the elastic arm 12 by riveting or welding. Compared to traditional spot welding or partial snap-fit ​​connections, the flanged structure 21 and the elastic arm 12 form a continuous annular contact surface, increasing the cross-sectional area for current conduction and ensuring efficient and stable power or signal transmission. Furthermore, mating terminals are installed inside the contact spring 2, and conductive terminals are installed inside the cylinder 11. The conductive terminals extend away from the sleeve 1 towards the direction away from the elastic arm 12, forming a compact, straight-through current path from the mating terminals, contact spring 2, sleeve 1 to the conductive terminals. This avoids the need for additional external connection structures on the connector, enabling more reliable electrical connections within a limited space.

[0038] Specifically, the sleeve 1 consists of a cylindrical body 11 and multiple elastic arms 12. The cylindrical body 11 is the main body of the sleeve 1, and is a hollow cylindrical structure. Its main function is to provide structural support and serve as a base for subsequent connection with circuit boards or cables. The inner wall of the cylindrical body 11 may be provided with threads or grooves for fixing other components or connecting with external equipment. In this embodiment, the opening of the sleeve 1 is not a circular port, but is uniformly cut into four, six, or eight slender "finger-like" structures. These "finger-like" structures are the elastic arms 12. Optionally, the elastic arms 12 and the cylindrical body 11 are integrally formed by injection molding or extrusion. The elastic arms 12 are made of elastic conductive material and can open slightly inward or outward. The gaps naturally formed between these elastic arms 12, and the internal space they enclose together, constitute the receiving space 20. The contact spring 2 can be a straight spring, a non-circular spring, a wire spring, or a coil spring, as long as it has a flanged structure 21 fixed to the elastic arm 12. In this embodiment, the contact spring 2 can be a thin cylinder made of a highly elastic metal sheet. The contact spring 2 is inserted into the receiving space 20 formed by multiple elastic arms 12. Due to its own elasticity, it will adhere tightly to the inner wall of the elastic arm 12, forming a preliminary fixation and electrical connection. The flange structure 21 folds its edge outward and backward (towards the cylinder 11) at an angle of 90° or greater, forming a structure similar to a "brim". When the contact spring 2 is inserted into the receiving space 20, this "brim" will fold over the top of the elastic arm 12, like a hat, and fasten onto the outside of the elastic arm 12. Then, by riveting, welding, or laser welding, this flange is firmly fixed to the outer surface of the elastic arm 12.

[0039] The flanged structure 21 on the contact spring 2 in this design is crucial for achieving mechanical locking and high-current conduction between the contact spring 2 and the sleeve 1. In other embodiments, the contact spring 2 and the elastic support arm 12 can be assembled by twisting, riveting, or pressing. In this embodiment, the conductive terminal can be a hollow metal rod or a partially solid metal plate, such as a DIP-type through-hole pin or an SMT-type pad. One end of the conductive terminal can be press-fitted or welded to the inside of the cylinder 11, and the other end can be welded to the PCB board or crimped with a cable. It is worth noting that the materials of the contact spring 2, sleeve 1, and conductive terminal can be aluminum, copper, steel, copper-steel, or other conductive materials.

[0040] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The flange structure 21 is configured as an inverted buckle, and the end of the elastic support arm 12 away from the cylinder 11 is provided with a recess 121, in which the inverted buckle is fixed. The inverted buckle can be a barb or a cat's claw. The material at the end of the contact spring 2 is folded outward, but after folding, it is not flat against the outer surface of the elastic support arm 12, but is bent inward and downward again to form a hook-shaped or claw-shaped structure. The recess 121 can be a small step recessed at the end of the elastic support arm 12. When the contact spring 2 is installed into the receiving space 20, this inverted buckle will snap down from the top of the elastic support arm 12, and its claw tip or hook part will fit into and be stuck in the recess 121 at the end of the elastic support arm 12. This structure of the inverted buckle and the recess 121 has the characteristics of self-alignment and self-locking. When the inverted buckle is pressed into the recess 121, the two will naturally guide to the correct mating position.

[0041] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The number of elastic support arms 12 is greater than or equal to the number of undercuts. Assuming the contact spring 2 has four undercuts, and the sleeve 1 has six or eight elastic support arms 12, these multiple elastic support arms 12 are still evenly and symmetrically distributed around the axis of the cylinder 11, and each elastic support arm 12 also has a groove 121 of the same shape and size at its top. This allows for a fuzzy alignment assembly process. During assembly, the worker only needs to pick up the contact spring 2, roughly align it with the opening of the sleeve 1, and then press it in firmly.

[0042] During operation, if, during pressing, the four buckles of the contact spring 2 happen to fall into any four of the six recesses 121 on the sleeve 1, the buckles will immediately engage with the recesses 121, achieving perfect fixation. If, during pressing, one of the buckles of the contact spring 2 is not aligned with a recess 121 but instead rests against the top plane of the elastic support arm 12, since both the elastic support arm 12 and the spring body of the contact spring 2 have a certain degree of elasticity, when the worker continues to apply pressure, this misaligned buckle will cause the contact spring 2 to undergo a slight, automatic rotation or translation. Because the spacing between all the recesses 121 is equal, and the spacing between the buckles is also equal, this slight adjustment will cause all the buckles to slide into the nearest recess 121 almost simultaneously, easily achieving fixation between the buckles and the recesses 121.

[0043] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The contact spring 2 is provided with contact ribs 22, which extend radially or axially along the contact spring 2. The contact spring 2 can be a thin-walled cylindrical mechanism that relies on its own elastic deformation to clamp the mating terminals, generating and maintaining sufficient contact pressure. Several parallel, slender protrusions or grooves can be machined on the cylindrical outer wall of the contact spring 2. These protrusions / grooves extend along the length direction (i.e., axial direction) of the contact spring 2, like welding several "keels" onto this thin-walled cylinder. Through these "keels," effective electrical contact can be made with the mating terminals inside the contact spring 2. Of course, in other embodiments, one or more ring-shaped or arc-shaped protrusions can also be provided in the circumferential direction of the contact spring 2, so that the contact spring 2 tightly fits around the outer periphery of the mating terminals, preventing them from expanding radially outward.

[0044] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 The contact spring 2 has a slit 23 that extends axially along the contact spring 2. The slit 23 can extend from one end of the contact spring 2 with the flanged structure 21 to the other end, or it can be only provided at the end of the contact spring 2 with the flanged structure 21. In this way, when an external mating terminal is inserted, the slit 23 will be expanded, thereby increasing the internal space of the contact spring 2 and facilitating the insertion of the mating terminal. After insertion, the contact spring 2 will return to its original shape under its own elastic force, so that the mating terminal (especially terminals with fine pins or precise structures) is subjected to less mechanical stress and wear during the insertion process.

[0045] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3The inner diameter of contact spring 2 gradually increases from the middle to both ends. This variable diameter structure, with a smaller inner diameter in the middle and larger inner diameter at both ends, makes the inner diameter of the middle part the smallest, which is the area where contact spring 2 makes main contact with the mating terminal. After the mating terminal is inserted into place, its outer surface will fit tightly against the inner wall of the spring in this area, generating stable contact pressure and ensuring effective electrical conduction.

[0046] In an embodiment of this utility model, the electrical connector 100 further includes a fastening sleeve (not shown), which is sleeved on the outside of a plurality of elastic arms 12 to bring the elastic arms 12 closer to the contact spring 2. The fastening sleeve can be a metal tube, providing a reinforcing layer on the outside of the elastic arms 12 to which radial force can be applied, tightly binding the core components such as the internal elastic arms 12 and contact spring 2 together to form a rigid and highly integrated electrical connection unit. The number of fastening sleeves is not specifically limited; for example, at least two can be spaced apart.

[0047] In embodiments of this invention, the fastening sleeve is made of an elastic material, such as high-strength engineering plastics (e.g., nylon PA66, PBT), metal, silicone, or a highly elastic special rubber, for example, a steel ring or silicone sleeve. When the connector is subjected to vibration or thermal expansion and contraction, the internal elastic support arm 12 and contact spring 2 may experience slight displacement or deformation. A rigid metal sleeve cannot adapt to such changes, potentially leading to stress concentration or loosening of the connection. This elastic fastening sleeve, however, acts like a dynamic buffer, expanding and contracting in real time to follow the minute changes in the internal structure, maintaining a stable and appropriate clamping force to ensure long-term connection stability.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fastening sleeve is provided with anti-slip texture, which can be a raised texture formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fastening sleeve by mold processing or subsequent processes. These textures can be mesh patterns, straight stripes, diamond patterns or dotted protrusions. When the operator installs or removes the fastening sleeve by hand, the skin of the fingers will sink into the grooves of these stripes, which greatly increases the friction between the fingers and the fastening sleeve, making it easier to put on and take off the fastening sleeve.

[0049] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The conductive terminal is configured as a pressure plate terminal 3. One end of the pressure plate terminal 3 extending into the cylinder 11 has an opening communicating with the receiving space 20, and the other end of the pressure plate terminal 3 extending out of the cylinder 11 has a closed pressure plate structure. One end of the pressure plate terminal 3 has an opening to facilitate the crimping and fixing of mating terminals or other wires; the other end of the pressure plate terminal 3 has a pressure plate structure, which can be a flat metal sheet with a certain width and thickness, which can be directly inserted into the pads of the PCB board for soldering by wave soldering or reflow soldering.

[0050] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conductive terminal is configured as a wire clamping cylinder 4, with openings at both ends that communicate with the receiving space 20 for the passage of the power cable. In other words, the wire clamping cylinder 4 is a hollow metal tube; one open end faces the receiving space 20 of the contact spring 2, while the other open end extends out of the connector cylinder 11, serving as the cable entry point. During assembly, the operator simply inserts a stripped wire directly into the open end of the wire clamping cylinder 4. The wire smoothly passes through the entire wire clamping cylinder 4 and eventually reaches the interior space of the contact spring 2, making electrical contact with its inner wall. Furthermore, the contact spring 2, relying on its elasticity, grips the wire with uniform and stable radial pressure, enhancing the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0051] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes: A sleeve includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic arms, wherein the plurality of elastic arms are evenly spaced at one end of the cylindrical body and the interior of the plurality of elastic arms forms a receiving space. A contact spring is housed within the receiving space. The end of the contact spring away from the cylinder has a flanged structure. This flanged structure extends to the outside of the elastic support arm and is fixedly connected to it. The interior of the contact spring is used to house an external mating terminal. The conductive terminal is fixedly disposed inside the cylinder and extends away from the elastic support arm.

2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flange structure is configured as an inverted buckle, and the end of the elastic support arm away from the cylinder is provided with a groove, and the inverted buckle is fixed in the groove.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The number of elastic arms is greater than or equal to the number of buckles.

4. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact spring is provided with contact ribs, which extend radially or axially along the contact spring.

5. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact spring has a slit that extends along the axial direction of the contact spring.

6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the contact spring gradually increases from the middle to both ends.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector also includes a fastening sleeve that is fitted over the outside of the plurality of resilient arms to bring the resilient arms toward one side of the contact spring.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The fastening sleeve is made of an elastic material; and / or, the fastening sleeve is provided with anti-slip texture.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The conductive terminal is configured as a pressure plate terminal, with one end of the pressure plate terminal extending into the cylinder having an opening communicating with the receiving space, and the other end of the pressure plate terminal extending out of the cylinder having a closed pressure plate structure.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The conductive terminal is configured as a wire clamping tube, with openings at both ends of the wire clamping tube. The openings are connected to the receiving space to allow the power wire to pass through.

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