Connector terminal, electrical connection assembly and connector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector terminal, an electrical connection assembly, and a connector. The connector terminal comprises: a terminal body (1) and an elastic component (2). The terminal body (1) includes: a mating part (10) which has an insertion cavity (101) that allows a mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm (11) protruding into the insertion cavity (101). The elastic component (2) is fixed to the mating part (10) and has a second spring arm (21) protruding into the insertion cavity (101). The elastic component (2) is made of a material with higher strength compared to the terminal body (1). The first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (21) are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal. In the present invention, the surface of the contact point on the elastic component of the connector terminal is very smooth, which can significantly reduce the insertion and extraction force when mated with a mating terminal. Moreover, the elastic component has excellent toughness and stress relaxation resistance, which can increase positive contact pressure and reduce contact resistance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411421263.X filed on October 11, 2024 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector terminal, an electrical connection assembly comprising the connector terminal, and a connector comprising the connector terminal or electrical connection assembly.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, large-sized connector terminals typically have first and second spring arms facing each other. To ensure conductivity, the substrate of connector terminals is usually copper. In order to improve the electrical contact performance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, metal coatings are usually formed on the copper substrates of the first and second spring arms as electrical contact points, which can be nickel or silver coatings. However, existing electrical contact points have disadvantages such as high surface roughness, excessive insertion and extraction force when mated with mating terminals, and high contact resistance. And in order to ensure that the material of the electrical contact point still has good electrical contact performance after aging, materials with good stress relaxation resistance are usually used, which leads to higher costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises: a terminal body including a mating part which has an insertion cavity that allows a mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity; and an elastic component which is fixed to the mating part and has a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic component is made of a material with higher strength compared to the terminal body. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate of the terminal body is copper, and the first spring arm has a first contact point electroplated on the copper substrate for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal; the elastic component is an integrated stainless steel component, and the second spring arm has a second contact point for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact point comprises a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm, wherein the metal plating layer is tin plating layer, nickel plating layer, silver plating layer, or gold plating layer.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact point comprises a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer, wherein the first metal plating layer is a nickel plating layer and the second metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body is an integral stamped part; and / or the elastic component is an integral stamped part.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part of the terminal body comprises a top wall and a bottom wall that are opposite in the height direction, and a pair of side walls that are opposite in the transverse direction; the top wall, the bottom wall, and the pair of side walls enclose the insertion cavity; the first spring arm is formed on the bottom wall of the mating part, and the elastic component is fixed to the top wall of the mating part.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed on the top wall of the mating part, and the second spring arm of the elastic component protrudes into the insertion cavity through the opening to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two windows adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating part are formed on the bottom wall of the mating part, and the mating part includes two sets of first spring arms respectively suspended in the two windows; each set of first arms comprises multiple front cantilevers and multiple rear cantilevers alternately arranged in the transverse direction of the mating part, wherein the front cantilevers and the rear cantilevers are respectively connected to the front and rear sides of the window.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component comprises a rectangular frame fixed to the mating part, the rectangular frame having a pair of transverse beams opposite in the longitudinal direction of the mating part and a pair of longitudinal beams opposite in the transverse direction of the mating part; the second spring arm is located in the rectangular frame, and the two ends of the second spring arm are respectively connected to a pair of transverse beams of the rectangular frame.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rectangular frame is riveted, crimped or welded to the top wall of the mating part to fix the elastic component to the top wall of the mating part.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rivet piece is formed on the transverse beam of the rectangular frame, and a rivet slot is formed on the top wall of the mating part, the rivet piece passes through the rivet slot and is bent and riveted to the top wall of the mating part.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a welding piece is formed on the transverse beam of the rectangular frame, the welding piece is supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall of the mating part; a pair of rivet pieces are formed on the transverse beam of the rectangular frame, and the welding piece is located between the pair of rivet pieces.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component comprises multiple second spring arms arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the mating part of the terminal body.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port; the terminal body further comprises a crimping part which is connected to the rear end of the mating part for crimping onto one end of a cable. When the crimping part is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating part.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping part comprises: a first crimping part which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part is located between the rear end of the mating part and the second crimping part.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction, the mating part is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port; the terminal body further comprises a crimping part which is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part for crimping onto one end of a cable. When the crimping part is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mating part.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping part comprises: a first crimping part which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part is located between one side of the bottom wall of the mating part and the second crimping part.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping part is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part comprises an upper plate and a lower plate stacked together, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate and the lower plate are connected to each other; the first spring arm is formed on the upper plate, and the crimping part is connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further comprises: a crimping part which is used to crimp onto one end of a cable; and a connecting part connected between the rear end of the mating part and the crimping part. When the crimping part is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating part.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping part comprises: a first crimping part which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part and the second crimping part are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the mating part.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further comprises a welding part which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall of the mating part, used for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding part, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating part.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating part has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction, the mating part is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port. The terminal body further comprises a welding part which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part, used for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding part, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mating part.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding part is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating part.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating part comprises an upper plate and a lower plate stacked together, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate and the lower plate are connected to each other; the first spring arm is formed on the upper plate, and the welding part is connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connection assembly. The electrical connection assembly comprises: the above connector terminal; and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing; and the above connector terminal or the above electrical connection assembly. The connector terminal is installed in the housing.

[0032] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the elastic component of the connector terminal is made of stainless steel. The surface of the contact point on the stainless steel elastic parts is very smooth, which can significantly reduce the insertion and extraction force when mated with the mating terminal. Moreover, stainless steel elastic component has excellent toughness and stress relaxation resistance, which can increase forward contact pressure and reduce contact resistance.

[0033] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the stainless steel elastic component greatly improves the electrical contact performance of the connector terminal. Therefore, the electrical contact point on the opposite side of the connector terminal from the elastic component can be coated with a metal layer with average performance, which can further reduce the cost of the connector terminal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative exploded view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an exploded sectional view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 7 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 9 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 12 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 13 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 14 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 15 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; and Figure 16 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] 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. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0037] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises: a terminal body including a mating part which has an insertion cavity that allows a mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity; and an elastic component which is fixed to the mating part and has a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic component is made of a material with higher strength compared to the terminal body. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0038] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connection assembly. The electrical connection assembly comprises: the above connector terminal; and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

[0039] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing; and the above connector terminal or the above electrical connection assembly. The connector terminal is installed in the housing.

[0040] Figures 1 to 5 show the first embodiment according to the present invention. Among them, Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative exploded view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an exploded sectional view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is disclosed. The connector terminal includes a terminal body 1 and an elastic component 2. Terminal body 1 includes a mating part 10, which has an insertion cavity 101 that allows a mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm 11 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic component 2 is fixed to the mating part 10 and has a second spring arm 21 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. Elastic component 2 is made of a material with higher strength compared to terminal body 1. For example, elastic component 2 can be made of stainless steel. The first spring arm 11 and the second spring arm 21 are used to clamp the mating terminal (not shown) inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the substrate of the terminal body 1 is copper, and the first spring arm 11 has a first contact point 11a electroplated on the copper substrate for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal. The elastic component 2 is an integral stainless steel member, and the second spring arm 21 has a second contact point 21a for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact point 11a may include a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11, which may be a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact point 11a may include a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11 and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer. The first metal plating layer may be a nickel plating layer, and the second metal plating layer may be a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 is an integral stamped part. The elastic component 2 is an integral stamped part.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 of the terminal body 1 includes a top wall 12 and a bottom wall 13 that are opposite in its height direction Z, and a pair of side walls 14 that are opposite in its transverse direction X. The top wall 12, the bottom wall 13, and the pair of side walls 14 enclose an insertion cavity 101. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10, and the elastic component 2 is fixed to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 102 is formed on the top wall 12 of the mating part 10, and the second spring arm 21 of the elastic component 2 protrudes into the insertion cavity 101 through the opening 102 to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, two windows 103 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10 are formed on the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10. The mating part 10 includes two sets of first spring arms 11 suspended in the two windows 103, respectively. Each set of first spring arms 11 includes multiple front spring arms 11' and multiple rear spring arms 11" alternately arranged in the transverse direction X of the mating part 10. The front spring arms 11' and rear spring arms 11" are respectively connected to the front and rear sides of the window 103.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic component 2 includes a rectangular frame 22 fixed to the mating part 10, which has a pair of transverse beams 221 opposite in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10 and a pair of longitudinal beams 222 opposite in the transverse direction X of the mating part 10. The second spring arm 21 is located within the rectangular frame 22, and its two ends are connected to the pair of transverse beams 221 of the rectangular frame 22.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular frame 22 can be riveted, crimped, or welded to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10 to fix the elastic component 2 to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a rivet piece 22a is formed on the transverse beam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and a rivet slot 12a is formed on the top wall 12 of the mating part 10. The rivet piece 22a passes through the rivet slot 12a and is bent and riveted to the top wall 12 of the mating part 10.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a welding piece 22b is also formed on the transverse beam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, which is supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall 12 of the mating part 10. A pair of rivet pieces 22a are formed on the transverse beam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and the welding piece 22b is located between the pair of rivet pieces 22a.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic component 2 includes multiple second spring arms 21, which are arranged side by side in the transverse direction X of the mating part 10 of the terminal body 1.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y, and is used to mate with the mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. Terminal body 1 also includes a crimping part 15, which is connected to the rear end of mating part 10 for crimping onto one end of a cable (not shown). When the crimping part 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping part 15 includes a first crimping part 151 and a second crimping part 152. The first crimping part 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping part 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part 151 is located between the rear end of the mating part 10 and the second crimping part 152.

[0056] Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 7 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom.

[0057] The main difference between the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the connection structure with the cable.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y, and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction X. The mating part 10 is used to mate with the mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. Terminal body 1 also includes a crimping part 15, which is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 for crimping onto one end of the cable. When the crimping part 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping part 15 includes a first crimping part 151 and a second crimping part 152. The first crimping part 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping part 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part 151 is located between one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 and the second crimping part 152.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping part 15 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 may also have a double-layer plate structure as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0061] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, which can be referred to as the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 9 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom.

[0063] The main difference between the connector terminals of the third embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 and the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is the structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a double-layer plate structure, including an upper layer plate 132 and a lower layer plate 131 stacked together. The front or rear ends of the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 131 are connected to each other. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and the crimping part 15 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0065] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the third embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, which can be referred to as the connector terminal of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top.

[0067] The main difference between the connector terminal of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10 and the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the connection structure with the cable.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y, and is used to mate with the mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. Terminal body 1 also includes a crimping part 15 and a connecting part 16. The crimping part 15 is used to crimp onto one end of the cable. The connecting part 16 is connected between the rear end of the mating part 10 and the crimping part 15. When the crimping part 15 is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping part 15 includes a first crimping part 151 and a second crimping part 152. The first crimping part 151 is used to crimp onto the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping part 152 is used to crimp onto the outer insulation layer of the cable. The first crimping part 151 and the second crimping part 152 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction X of the mating part 10.

[0070] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, which can be referred to as the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0071] Figure 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 12 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom.

[0072] The main difference between the connector terminals of the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the connection structure with the cable.

[0073] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y, and is used to mate with the mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a welding part 17, which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10, for welding to one end of the cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding part 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10.

[0074] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, which can be referred to as the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0075] Figure 13 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 14 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom.

[0076] The main difference between the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the connection structure with the cable.

[0077] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 10 has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y, and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction X. The mating part 10 is used to mate with the mating terminal inserted from its front port 101a. The terminal body 1 also includes a welding part 17, which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10, for welding to one end of the cable. When one end of the cable is welded to the welding part 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating part 10.

[0078] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding portion 17 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 may have a double-layer plate structure as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0079] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, which can be referred to as the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0080] Figure 15 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 16 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom.

[0081] The main difference between the connector terminals of the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 and the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 is the structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10.

[0082] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the mating part 10 has a double-layer plate structure, including an upper layer plate 132 and a lower layer plate 131 stacked together, with the front or rear ends of the upper layer plate 132 and the lower layer plate 131 connected to each other. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and the welding part 17 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0083] Except for the aforementioned differences, the other technical features of the connector terminal of the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 are basically the same as those of the connector terminal of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0084] As shown in Figures 1 to 16, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed. The electrical connection assembly includes the aforementioned connector terminal and a cable. One end of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 to 16, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector comprises a housing (not shown) and the aforementioned connector terminal or the above electrical connection assembly. The connector terminal is installed in the housing.

[0086] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle.

[0087] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0088] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, comprising: a terminal body (1), including: a mating part (10) which has an insertion cavity (101) that allows a mating terminal to be inserted and a first spring arm (11) protruding into the insertion cavity (101); and an elastic component (2) which is fixed to the mating part (10) and has a second spring arm (21) protruding into the insertion cavity (101), wherein the elastic component (2) is made of a material with higher strength compared to the terminal body (1), wherein the first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (21) are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between them for electrical contact with the mating terminal.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the substrate of the terminal body (1) is copper, and the first spring arm (11) has a first contact point (11a) electroplated on the copper substrate for electrical contact with one side of the inserted mating terminal; wherein the elastic component (2) is an integrated stainless steel component, and the second spring arm (21) has a second contact point (21a) for electrical contact with the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first contact point (11a) comprises a metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11), wherein the metal plating layer is tin plating layer, nickel plating layer, silver plating layer, or gold plating layer; and / or wherein the first contact point (11a) comprises a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11) and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer, wherein the first metal plating layer is a nickel plating layer and the second metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal body (1) is an integral stamped part; and / or wherein the elastic component (2) is an integral stamped part.

5. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the mating part (10) of the terminal body (1) comprises a top wall (12) and a bottom wall (13) that are opposite in the height direction (Z), and a pair of side walls (14) that are opposite in the transverse direction (X); the top wall (12), the bottom wall (13), and the pair of side walls (14) enclose the insertion cavity (101); wherein the first spring arm (11) is formed on the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), and the elastic component (2) is fixed to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10).

6. The connector terminal according to claim 5, wherein an opening (102) is formed on the top wall (12) of the mating part (10), and the second spring arm (21) of the elastic component (2) protrudes into the insertion cavity (101) through the opening (102) to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal; and / or wherein two windows (103) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10) are formed on the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), and the mating part (10) includes two sets of first spring arms (11) respectively suspended in the two windows (103); wherein each set of first arms (11) comprises multiple front cantilevers (11') and multiple rear cantilevers (11") alternately arranged in the transverse direction (X) of the mating part (10), wherein the front cantilevers (11') and the rear cantilevers (11") are respectively connected to the front and rear sides of the window (103).

7. The connector terminal according to claim 5, wherein the elastic component (2) comprises a rectangular frame (22) fixed to the mating part (10), the rectangular frame (22) having a pair of transverse beams (221) opposite in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10) and a pair of longitudinal beams (222) opposite in the transverse direction (X) of the mating part (10); wherein the second spring arm (21) is located in the rectangular frame (22), and the two ends of the second spring arm (21) are respectively connected to a pair of transverse beams (221) of the rectangular frame (22), wherein the rectangular frame (22) is optionally riveted, crimped or welded to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10) to fix the elastic component (2) to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10); and / or wherein a rivet piece (22a) is optionally formed on the transverse beam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and a rivet slot (12a) is optionally formed on the top wall (12) of the mating part (10), the rivet piece (22) optionally passes through the rivet slot (12a) and is optionally bent and riveted to the top wall (12) of the mating part (10); wherein a welding piece (22b) is optionally formed on the transverse beam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), the welding piece (22b) is optionally supported and welded to the outer side of the top wall (12) of the mating part (10); wherein a pair of rivet pieces (22a) are optionally formed on the transverse beam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and the welding piece (22b) is optionally located between the pair of rivet pieces (22a); and / or wherein the elastic component (2) optionally comprises multiple second spring arms (21) arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X) of the mating part (10) of the terminal body (1).

8. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mating part (10) has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction (Y), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); wherein the terminal body (1) further comprises: a crimping part (15) which is connected to the rear end of the mating part (10) for crimping onto one end of a cable, wherein when the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10); wherein the crimping part (15) optionally comprises: a first crimping part (151) which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part (152) which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping part (151) is optionally located between the rear end of the mating part (10) and the second crimping part (152).

9. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mating part (10) has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction (Y) and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction (X), the mating part (10) is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); wherein the terminal body (1) further comprises: a crimping part (15) which is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) for crimping onto one end of a cable, wherein when the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10); wherein the crimping part (15) optionally comprises: a first crimping part (151) which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part (152) which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping part (151) is optionally located between one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) and the second crimping part (152); and / or wherein the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) optionally has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping part (15) is optionally connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10); and / or wherein the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) optionally comprises an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked together, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) are optionally connected to each other; wherein the first spring arm (11) is optionally formed on the upper plate (132), and the crimping part (15) is optionally connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

10. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mating part (10) has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction (Y), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); wherein the terminal body (1) further comprises: a crimping part (15) which is used to crimp onto one end of a cable; and a connecting part (16) connected between the rear end of the mating part (10) and the crimping part (15), wherein when the crimping part (15) is crimped onto one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10); wherein the crimping part (15) optionally comprises: a first crimping part (151) which is used to crimp onto a conductor core of the cable; and a second crimping part (152) which is used for crimping onto an outer insulation layer of the cable, wherein the first crimping part (151) and the second crimping part (152) are optionally arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X) of the mating part (10).

11. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mating part (10) has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction (Y), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); wherein the terminal body (1) further comprises: a welding part (17) which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), used for welding to one end of a cable, wherein when one end of the cable is welded to the welding part (17), the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

12. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mating part (10) has front and rear ends that are opposite in its longitudinal direction (Y) and two sides that are opposite in its transverse direction (X), the mating part (10) is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from its front port (101a); wherein the terminal body (1) further comprises: a welding part (17) which is flat and connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10), used for welding to one end of a cable, wherein when one end of the cable is welded to the welding part (17), the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating part (10).

13. The connector terminal according to claim 12, wherein the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding part (17) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10); and / or wherein the bottom wall (13) of the mating part (10) comprises an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked together, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) are connected to each other; wherein the first spring arm (11) is formed on the upper plate (132), and the welding part (17) is connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

14. An electrical connection assembly, comprising: the connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13; and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

15. A connector, comprising: a housing; and the connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-13 or the electrical connection assembly according to claim 14, wherein the connector terminal is installed in the housing.

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