Connector terminal and connector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector terminal and a connector. The connector terminal comprises: a cylindrical body (10) having front and rear ends opposite in the axial direction thereof; an annular portion (13) located forward of the cylindrical body (10) and axially opposite the cylindrical body (10); a plurality of first spring arms (11) connected between the cylindrical body (10) and the annular portion (13) and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10); and a plurality of second spring arms (12) extending forward from the front end of the cylindrical body (10) and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10).The two ends of the first spring arm (11) are respectively connected to the cylindrical body (10) and the annular portion (13), so that the first spring arm (11) is an articulated support; one end of the second spring arm (12) is connected to the cylindrical body (10) and the other end is freely suspended, so that the second spring arm (12) is a cantilevered support; the first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (12) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10) in order to simultaneously establish electrical contact with the outer circumferential surface of an inserted mating terminal.In the present invention, the terminal has a hybrid structure of hinged beam and cantilever beam, which can improve the reliability and stability of the electrical contact of the terminal, reduce the size of the terminal, reduce the manufacturing cost of the terminal, and reduce the insertion and withdrawal force during the joining of the terminals.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420095545.4, filed on January 15, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector terminal and a connector comprising the connector terminal. Description of related technology

[0003] In the current state of the art, there are typically two terminal structures in high-performance connectors: one is a fully cantilevered support structure and the other is a fully hinged support structure. The terminal of the fully cantilevered support structure is prone to deformation, which may lead to poor electrical contact and instability. The terminal of the fully hinged support structure exhibits excessive or insufficient insertion and withdrawal force when mating with the mating terminal, which is difficult to control, and the terminal product size is relatively large. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal comprises: a cylindrical body having front and rear ends opposite in the axial direction thereof; an annular portion located forward of the cylindrical body and axially opposite the cylindrical body; a plurality of first spring arms connected between the cylindrical body and the annular portion and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body; and a plurality of second spring arms extending forward from the front end of the cylindrical body and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body.The two ends of the first spring arm are respectively connected to the cylindrical body and the annular portion, so that the first spring arm is a hinged support; one end of the second spring arm is connected to the cylindrical body and the other end is cantilevered, so that the second spring arm is a cantilevered support; the first spring arm and the second spring arm are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body to simultaneously establish electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of an inserted mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a recess is formed between the annular portion and two adjacent first spring arms, and each second spring arm is freely suspended in a corresponding recess.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the annular portion and the cylindrical body are coaxial, and the diameter of the annular portion is smaller than that of the cylindrical body.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the annular portion has a front opening that allows insertion of a mating terminal, and a conical guide surface is formed on the inside of the front opening of the annular portion to guide insertion of the mating terminal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear ends of the first spring arm are respectively connected to the annular portion and the cylindrical body, and an inwardly projecting first contact portion is formed at the front end of the first spring arm; the rear end of the second spring arm is connected to the cylindrical body, and a second inwardly projecting contact portion is formed on the inner side of the front end of the second spring arm; when the mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal, the first contact portions of the plurality of first spring arms and the second contact portions of the plurality of second spring arms surround the mating terminal and simultaneously make electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first spring arm includes: a first axial cantilever arm having a rear end connected to the front end of the cylindrical body and extending forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body; and a first angled cantilever arm having a rear end connected to the front end of the first axial cantilever arm and extending obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body. The front end of the first angled cantilever arm is connected to the annular portion, and the first contact portion is formed on the inner side of the front end of the first angled cantilever arm.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second spring arm includes: a second axial cantilever arm having a rear end connected to the front end of the cylindrical body and extending forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body; and a second angled cantilever arm having a rear end connected to the front end of the second axial cantilever arm and extending obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body. The front end of the second angled cantilever arm is cantilevered, and the second contact portion is formed on the inner side of the front end of the second angled cantilever arm.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a circular positioning step is formed on the outer side of the rear end of the cylindrical body and serves to abut against the locking spring of the locking member inside the connector housing to lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further comprises a crimping part connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body and for crimping onto a cable for electrical connection with the cable.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping part comprises: a first crimping part that is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part that is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto an outer layer of the cable. The first crimping part is connected between the rear end of the cylindrical body and the second crimping part.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal is a one-piece stamped part.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical body has two longitudinally extending side edges spliced together, an engaging projection formed on one side edge of the cylindrical body, and an engaging slot formed on the other side edge of the cylindrical body, the engaging projection engaging with the engaging slot.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the engaging projection and the engaging slot have a dovetail shape, an inverted triangle shape, or an Ω shape so that the engaging projection and the engaging slot cannot be separated in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a connector housing formed with a terminal hole; and the above connector terminal inserted into the terminal hole.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a locking member incorporated in the connector housing and formed with a locking spring, the locking spring extending into the terminal hole and abutting against the positioning step of the cylindrical body of the connector terminal to lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0020] In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the terminal has alternately arranged first and second spring arms, wherein the first spring arm is a hinged beam and the second spring arm is a cantilever beam. This hybrid structure of the hinged beam and cantilever beam can improve the electrical contact reliability and stability of the terminals, reduce the size of the terminals, lower the manufacturing cost of the terminals, and reduce the insertion and withdrawal force during terminal mating. Short description of the drawings

[0021] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent when exemplary embodiments thereof are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from an angle; Fig. 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from a different angle; Fig. 3 shows an axial sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows an axial sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0023] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically to simplify the drawing.

[0024] According to a general aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal comprises: a cylindrical body having front and rear ends opposite in the axial direction thereof; an annular portion located forward of the cylindrical body and axially opposite the cylindrical body; a plurality of first spring arms connected between the cylindrical body and the annular portion and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body; and a plurality of second spring arms extending forward from the front end of the cylindrical body and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body.The two ends of the first spring arm are respectively connected to the cylindrical body and the annular portion, so that the first spring arm is a hinged support; one end of the second spring arm is connected to the cylindrical body and the other end is cantilevered, so that the second spring arm is a cantilevered support; the first spring arm and the second spring arm are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body to simultaneously establish electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of an inserted mating terminal.

[0025] According to another general aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a connector housing formed with a terminal hole; and the above connector terminal inserted into the terminal hole.

[0026] The Fig. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from an angle; The Fig. 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from a different angle; The Fig. 3 shows an axial sectional view of a connector terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal 1 is disclosed. The connector terminal 1 includes a cylindrical body 10, an annular portion 13, a plurality of first spring arms 11, and a plurality of second spring arms 12. The cylindrical body 10 has front and rear ends opposite each other in the axial direction thereof. The annular portion 13 is located forward of the cylindrical body 10 and axially opposite the cylindrical body 10. A plurality of first spring arms 11 are connected between the cylindrical body 10 and the annular portion 13 and are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 10. A plurality of second arms 12 extend forward from the front end of the cylindrical body 10 and are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 10.The two ends of the first spring arm 11 are respectively connected to the cylindrical body 10 and the annular portion 13, whereby the first spring arm 11 is a hinged support. One end of the second spring arm 12 is connected to the cylindrical body 10 and the other end is cantilevered, whereby the second spring arm 12 is a cantilevered support. The first spring arm 11 and the second spring arm 12 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 10 to simultaneously establish electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector.

[0028] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a recess 100 is formed between the annular portion 13 and the two adjacent first spring arms 11, and each second spring arm 12 is freely suspended in a corresponding recess 100.

[0029] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the annular portion 13 is coaxial with the cylindrical body 10, and the diameter of the annular portion 13 is smaller than that of the cylindrical body 10.

[0030] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the annular portion 13 has a front opening 130 which allows the insertion of the mating terminal, and on the inside of the front opening 130 of the annular portion 13, a conical guide surface 13a is formed to guide the insertion of the mating terminal.

[0031] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear ends of the first spring arm 11 are respectively connected to the annular portion 13 and the cylindrical body 10, and an inwardly projecting first contact portion 11a is formed at the front end of the first spring arm 11. The rear end of the second arm 12 is connected to the cylindrical body 10, and an inwardly projecting second contact portion 12a is formed on the inner side of the front end of the second arm 12. When the mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal 1, the first contact portions 11a of a plurality of first spring arms 11 and the second contact portions 12a of a plurality of second spring arms 12 surround the mating terminal and simultaneously make electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal.

[0032] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the first spring arm 11 includes a first axial cantilever arm 111 and a first angled cantilever arm 112. The rear end of the first axial cantilever arm 111 is connected to the front end of the cylindrical body 10, and the first axial cantilever arm 111 extends forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 10. The rear end of the first angled cantilever arm 112 is connected to the front end of the first axial cantilever arm 111, and the first angled cantilever arm 112 extends obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 10. The front end of the first angled cantilever arm 112 is connected to the annular portion 13, and the first contact portion 11a is formed on the inner side of the front end of the first angled cantilever arm 112.

[0033] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the second spring arm 12 includes a second axial cantilever arm 121 and a second angled cantilever arm 122. The rear end of the second axial cantilever arm 121 is connected to the front end of the cylindrical body 10, and the second axial cantilever arm 121 extends forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 10. The rear end of the second angled cantilever arm 122 is connected to the front end of the second axial cantilever arm 121, and the second angled cantilever arm 122 extends obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 10. The front end of the second angled cantilever arm 122 is cantilevered, and the second contact portion 12a is formed on the inner side of the front end of the second angled cantilever arm 122.

[0034] The Fig. 4 shows an axial sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As in the Fig. 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a circular positioning step 10d is formed on the outer side of the rear end of the cylindrical body 10. The positioning step 10d serves to press against the locking spring 30 of the locking member 3 inside the connector housing 2 to lock the connector terminal 1 in the connector housing 2.

[0036] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the connector terminal 1 in the illustrated embodiment further comprises a crimping part 14 connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body 10 to be crimped onto and electrically connected to a cable (not shown).

[0037] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the crimping part 14 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a first crimping part 141 and a second crimping part 142. The first crimping part 141 is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping part 142 is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto the outer layer of the cable. The first crimping part 141 is connected between the rear end of the cylindrical body 10 and the second crimping part 142.

[0038] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector terminal 1 in the illustrated embodiment is a one-piece stamped part. This can reduce manufacturing costs and improve production efficiency.

[0039] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the cylindrical body 10 in the illustrated embodiment has longitudinally extending side edges 10c that are spliced together. An engaging projection 10a is formed on one side edge 10c of the cylindrical body 10, and an engaging slot 10b is formed on the other side edge 10c of the cylindrical body 10. The engaging projection 10a engages with the engaging slot 10b.

[0040] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the engaging projection 10a and the engaging slot 10b have a dovetail shape, an inverted triangle shape, or an Ω shape, so that the engaging projection 10a and the engaging slot 10b cannot be separated in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 10.

[0041] As in the Fig. 1 to 4, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector includes a connector housing 2 and the above connector terminal 1. A terminal hole 20 is formed in the connector housing 2. The connector terminal 1 is inserted into the terminal hole 20.

[0042] As in the Fig. 1 to 4, the connector in the illustrated embodiment further includes a locking member 3 installed in the connector housing 2 and formed with a locking spring 30. The locking spring 30 extends into the terminal hole 20 and abuts the positioning step 10d of the cylindrical body 10 of the connector terminal 1 to lock the connector terminal 1 in the connector housing 2.

[0043] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only and not as limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments, and various features described in different embodiments can be freely combined without causing conflicts in configuration or principle.

[0044] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0045] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plurality of such elements or steps unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention should not be interpreted to preclude the existence of additional embodiments that also include the recited features. Furthermore, embodiments that "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements with a particular characteristic may include additional elements without that characteristic, unless expressly stated to the contrary. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202420095545.4

[0001]

Claims

[1] A connector terminal comprising: a cylindrical body (10) having front and rear ends opposite in the axial direction thereof; an annular portion (13) located in front of the cylindrical body (10) and axially opposite the cylindrical body (10); a plurality of first spring arms (11) connected between the cylindrical body (10) and the annular portion (13) and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10); and a plurality of second spring arms (12) extending forward from the front end of the cylindrical body (10) and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10), wherein the two ends of the first spring arm (11) are each connected to the cylindrical body (10) and the annular portion (13), so that the first spring arm (11) is an articulated support, wherein one end of the second spring arm (12) is connected to the cylindrical body (10) and the other end is free-floating, so that the second spring arm (12) is a cantilevered support, wherein the first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (12) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10) in order to simultaneously establish electrical contact with the outer circumferential surface of an inserted mating terminal. [2] The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a recess (100) is formed between the annular portion (13) and the two adjacent first spring arms (11), and each second spring arm (12) is freely suspended in a corresponding recess (100). [3] The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion (13) and the cylindrical body (10) are coaxial and the diameter of the annular portion (13) is smaller than that of the cylindrical body (10). [4] The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion (13) has a front opening (130) allowing insertion of a mating terminal, and a conical guide surface (13a) is formed on the inside of the front opening (130) of the annular portion (13) to guide insertion of the mating terminal. [5] The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the front and rear ends of the first spring arm (11) are respectively connected to the annular portion (13) and the cylindrical body (10), and an inwardly projecting first contact portion (11a) is formed at the front end of the first spring arm (11); wherein the rear end of the second spring arm (12) is connected to the cylindrical body (10), and an inwardly projecting second contact portion (12a) is formed on the inside of the front end of the second spring arm (12); wherein, when the mating terminal is inserted into the connector terminal (1), the first contact portions (11a) of the plurality of first spring arms (11) and the second contact portions (12a) of the plurality of second spring arms (12) surround the mating terminal and simultaneously make electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal. [6] The connector terminal according to claim 5, the first spring arm (11) comprising: a first axial cantilever arm (111) having a rear end connected to the front end of the cylindrical body (10) and extending forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body (10); and a first angled cantilever arm (112) having a rear end connected to the front end of the first axial cantilever arm (111) and extending obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body (10), wherein the front end of the first angled cantilever arm (112) is connected to the annular portion (13) and the first contact portion (11a) is formed on the inside of the front end of the first angled cantilever arm (112). [7] The connector terminal according to claim 5, the second spring arm (12) comprising: a second axial cantilever arm (121) having a rear end connected to the front end of the cylindrical body (10) and extending forward along the axial direction of the cylindrical body (10); and a second angled cantilever arm (122) having a rear end connected to the front end of the second axial cantilever arm (121) and extending obliquely forward relative to the axial direction of the cylindrical body (10), wherein the front end of the second angled cantilever arm (122) is cantilevered and the second contact portion (12a) is formed on the inside of the front end of the second angled cantilever arm (122). [8] The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a circular positioning step (10d) is formed on the outer side of the rear end of the cylindrical body (10) and serves to abut against the locking spring (30) of the locking member (3) inside the connector housing (2) to lock the connector terminal (1) in the connector housing (2). [9] The connector terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a crimping part (14) connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body (10) and for crimping onto a cable for electrical connection to the cable. [10] The connector terminal according to claim 9, the crimping part (14) comprising: a first crimping part (141) which is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part (142) which is U-shaped and suitable for crimping onto the outer layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping part (141) is connected between the rear end of the cylindrical body (10) and the second crimping part (142). [11] The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the connector terminal (1) is a one-piece stamped part. [12] The connector terminal according to claim 11, wherein the cylindrical body (10) has two longitudinally extending side edges (10c) spliced together, an engaging projection (10a) formed on one side edge (10c) of the cylindrical body (10), and an engaging slot (10b) formed on the other side edge (10c) of the cylindrical body (10), the engaging projection (10a) being engaged with the engaging slot (10b). [13] The connector terminal according to claim 12, wherein the engaging projection (10a) and the engaging slot (10b) have a dovetail shape, an inverted triangle shape or an Ω shape such that the engaging projection (10a) and the engaging slot (10b) cannot be separated in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (10). [14] A connector comprising: a connector housing (2) formed with a terminal hole (20); and the connector terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is inserted into the terminal hole (20). [15] The connector of claim 14, further comprising: a locking element (3) which is installed in the connector housing (2) and is formed with a locking spring (30), wherein the locking spring (30) extends into the terminal hole (20) and abuts against the positioning step (10d) of the cylindrical body (10) of the connector terminal (1) to lock the connector terminal (1) in the connector housing (2).

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