Terminal and center electric box

Abstract

To provide a terminal and a center electric box, capable of electrically connecting two electric devices positioned on both sides of a circuit board in direct via the terminal because the terminal penetrates the circuit board, and capable of largely reducing a cost because the number of terminals is small, and a wiring for electrically connecting each terminal onto the circuit board does not need to be provided.SOLUTION: A terminal is used for being attached to a circuit board. The terminal comprises: a first termination end part; a second termination end part; and a bent part connected between the first termination end part and the second termination end part. The bent part is bent to the first termination end part and the second termination end part by a predetermined angle so as to be arranged by shifting a predetermined distance along a direction crossed to an insertion direction of the terminal to the circuit board in the first termination end part and the second termination end part. In the case where the terminal is attached to the circuit board, one of the first termination end part and the second termination end part passes the circuit board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202121622509.1, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 16, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal and a central electrical box including the terminal.

Background Art

[0003] The central electrical box is an important component used in the electrical system of an automobile. Its function is to distribute power to the electrical devices of the entire vehicle and protect the circuit. At the same time, it also has a certain logical control function.

[0004] Generally, the central electrical box mainly includes a box body (or box main body) and a circuit board installed on the box body. In the prior art, the first terminal is provided on the front surface of the circuit board and is electrically connected to the pin of the fuse, the second terminal is provided on the back surface of the circuit board and is electrically connected to the cable connector, and the circuit board also has wiring for electrically connecting the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0005] In the conventional technical method, the number of terminals is large and the cost is high. Also, it is necessary to print the wiring connecting the first terminal and the second terminal on the circuit board. These wirings will occupy the area of the circuit board, and as a result, the current - carrying load of the circuit board increases.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention is made to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above - mentioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal for mounting on a circuit board is provided. The terminal comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bent portion connected between the first end portion and the second end portion. The bent portion is bent at a predetermined angle relative to the first end portion and the second end portion so that the first end portion and the second end portion are offset by a predetermined distance along a direction transverse to the direction in which the terminal is inserted into the circuit board. When the terminal is mounted on the circuit board, one of the first end portion and the second end portion penetrates the circuit board.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bending angle of the bent portion relative to the first and second ends is equal to 90 degrees, or the bending angle of the bent portion relative to the first and second ends is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, or the bending angle of the bent portion relative to the first and second ends is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the bending angles of the bend portion relative to the first and second terminals are equal to 90 degrees and the terminals are mounted on a circuit board, the first and second terminals are perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board and the bend portion is parallel to the surface of the circuit board.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the terminal is mounted on a circuit board, the first termination is located on one side (or one side) of the circuit board and electrically connects to a first electronic device located on the side of the circuit board, and when the terminal is mounted on a circuit board, the second termination passes through the circuit board and electrically connects to a second electronic device located on the opposite side of the circuit board.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the terminal is attached to a circuit board, the first termination portion and the bent portion are located on the same side of the circuit board.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention further comprises a fixing portion connected to and positioned on the side of the bend for fixing the terminal to a circuit board, wherein the fixing portion is not parallel to the first or second termination portion.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion comprises an insertion portion adapted to be inserted in an interference fit manner into a first hole in a circuit board to fix a terminal to the circuit board, and a positioning portion having a shoulder portion (or shoulder) connected between the insertion portion and the bending portion and supported on the surface of the circuit board and adapted to be welded.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the terminal is attached to a circuit board, the shoulder portion of the positioning portion is supported on the surface of the circuit board, and the bent portion is positioned away from the surface of the circuit board (space).

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bent portion is rectangular plate-shaped and has a pair of parallel first side edges and a pair of parallel second side edges, the first and second end portions being connected to the pair of first side edges of the bent portion, respectively, and the fixing portion being connected to the second side edges of the bent portion.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second terminals are tongue-shaped, and the second terminal has a tongue-shaped portion (or tongue part) adapted to be plugged into a second electronic device, wherein the thickness and / or width of the tongue-shaped portion of the second terminal is different from that of the first terminal.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal portion has a base plate portion connected between the tongue portion and the bent portion, wherein the thickness and / or width of the base plate portion differs from that of the tongue portion, and the base plate portion is adapted to be inserted into and positioned in a second hole of a circuit board.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the other parts of the terminal, excluding the tongue-shaped portion, is the same, while the thickness of the tongue-shaped portion is different from the thickness of the other parts of the terminal.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a central electrical box is provided, comprising a box body, a circuit board installed in the box body, and the terminals attached to the circuit board.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central electrical box further comprises a connection terminal and a safety device. The connection terminal is provided on a circuit board. The safety device includes a housing having two slots and a fuse received in the housing. The first termination and the connection terminal are inserted into the two slots of the safety device, respectively, and electrically connected to two pins of the fuse.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central electrical box further comprises a cable connector having an insertion slot. The second end of the terminal is inserted into the insertion slot of the cable connector and electrically connected to the cable connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment described above according to the present invention, since the terminals pass through the circuit board, two electronic devices located on opposite sides of the circuit board can be directly electrically connected via the terminals. Consequently, the number of terminals is reduced, and there is no need to set up wiring on the circuit board to electrically connect the terminals, which can significantly reduce costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments thereof in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is an exemplary perspective view of a circuit board, terminals mounted on the circuit board, and connection terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]An exemplary perspective view of a circuit board and terminals shown in FIG. 1, where the terminals are not attached to the circuit board, is shown. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the circuit board and terminals shown in FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 4] An exemplary perspective view of one of the terminals shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 5] An exemplary perspective view of one of the terminals shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the top side.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0025] In the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is clear that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

[0026] According to the general technical concept of the present invention, a terminal for attachment to a circuit board is provided. The terminal includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bent portion connected between the first end portion and the second end portion. The bent portion is bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the first end portion and the second end portion, and the first end portion and the second end portion are displaced by a predetermined distance along a direction transverse to the direction in which the terminal is inserted into the circuit board. When the terminal is attached to the circuit board, one of the first end portion and the second end portion penetrates the circuit board.

[0027] Figure 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a circuit board 10, terminals 100 and connection terminals 200 attached to the circuit board 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the circuit board 10 and terminals 100 shown in Figure 1, with the terminals 100 not attached to the circuit board 10.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 100 is used to attach to the circuit board 10. The terminal 100 mainly includes a first termination portion 110, a second termination portion 120, and a bent portion 130. The bent portion 130 is connected between the first termination portion 110 and the second termination portion 120.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the bent portion 130 is bent at a predetermined angle relative to the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120, so that the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 are offset by a predetermined distance in a direction transverse to the direction in which the terminal 100 is inserted into the circuit board 10, that is, the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 are offset by a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board 10 (staggered). In the present invention, the offset distance between the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the bent portion 130.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, one of the first termination portion 110 and the second termination portion 120 penetrates the circuit board 10, allowing two electronic devices located on opposite sides of the circuit board 10 to be directly electrically connected via the terminal. Therefore, in the present invention, the number of terminals can be reduced, and since there is no need to install wiring on the circuit board to electrically connect these terminals, the layout of electronic devices is simplified, and costs can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, since different electronic devices are arranged on opposite sides of the circuit board 10, the positions of the termination portions 110 and 120 are different, which further simplifies the layout of electronic devices.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 10 and terminal 100 shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is an exemplary perspective view of one terminal 100 shown in Figure 1 when viewed from the bottom, and Figure 5 is an exemplary perspective view of one terminal 100 shown in Figure 1 when viewed from the top.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the bending angle of the bent portion 130 of the terminal 100 relative to the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 is equal to 90 degrees. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 are perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board 10, and the bent portion 130 is parallel to the surface of the circuit board 10.

[0033] However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, in any embodiment of the present invention, the bending angle of the bent portion 130 relative to the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In another arbitrary embodiment of the present invention, the bending angle of the bent portion 130 relative to the first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, the first termination portion 110 is located on the side (e.g., the front) of the circuit board 10 and is electrically connected to a first electronic device (e.g., a fuse) located on the side of the circuit board 10.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, the second termination portion 120 penetrates the circuit board 10 and electrically connects to a second electronic device (e.g., a cable connector) located on the opposite side (e.g., the back side) of the circuit board 10.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiments, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, the first termination portion 110 and the bent portion 130 are located on the same side of the circuit board 10. Also, in the illustrated embodiments, both the first termination portion 110 and the bent portion 130 are located on the front surface of the circuit board 10.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 100 also includes a pair of fixing portions 140. The pair of fixing portions 140 are connected to the bent portion 130 and are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the bent portion 130 in order to fix the terminal 100 to the circuit board 10.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portion 140 includes an insertion portion 141 and a positioning portion 142. The insertion portions 141 of the pair of fixing portions 140 are each inserted in a crimp-fit ​​manner into a pair of first holes 14 provided in the circuit board 10, thereby fixing the terminal 100 to the circuit board 10. Thus, it is possible to prevent the terminal 100 from separating from the circuit board 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the insertion portions 141 may also be formed as elastic latches suitable for aligning with (or pairing with or mating with, mate) the first holes 14.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning portion 142 is connected between the insertion portion 141 and the bent portion 130. The positioning portion 142 has a shoulder portion 142a adapted to be supported on the surface of the circuit board 10, and the shoulder portion 142a of the positioning portion 142 can be welded to the surface of the circuit board 10. In this way, the mechanical connection strength between the terminal 100 and the circuit board 10 can be increased, and separation of the terminal 100 and the circuit board 10 can be further prevented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the fixing portion 140 is not positioned parallel to the first termination portion 110 or the second termination portion 120 in order to have a larger welding space. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing portion 140 is positioned perpendicular to the first termination connection portion 110, the second termination connection portion 120, and the bent portion 130.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal 100 is attached to the circuit board 10, the shoulder portion 142a of the positioning portion 142 is supported on the surface of the circuit board 10, and the bent portion 130 is positioned a predetermined distance away from the surface of the circuit board 10. In other words, when the terminal is attached to the circuit board 10, the bent portion 130 does not come into contact with the surface of the circuit board 10.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the bent portion 130 is rectangular plate-shaped, having a pair of parallel first side edges and a pair of parallel second side edges. The first end portion 110 and the second end portion 120 are connected to the pair of first side edges of the bent portion 130, respectively. The pair of fixing portions 140 are connected to the pair of second side edges of the bent portion 130, respectively.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiments, the first terminal portion 110 and the second terminal portion 120 are tongue-shaped. The second terminal portion 120 has a tongue-shaped portion 121 adapted for insertion into a second electronic device. The thickness and / or width of the tongue-shaped portion 121 of the second terminal portion 120 differs from the thickness and / or width of the first terminal portion 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the thickness and width of the tongue-shaped portion 121 of the second terminal portion 120 are smaller than those of the second terminal portion 120. This expands the range of application of the terminal 100.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal portion 120 also has a base plate portion 122 connected between the tongue portion 121 and the bent portion 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness and / or width of the base plate portion 122 is different from the thickness and / or width of the tongue portion 121. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness and width of the base plate portion 122 is greater than that of the tongue portion 121. The base plate portion 122 is fitted to be inserted into and positioned in the second hole 12 of the circuit board 10.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiments, the thickness of the other parts of the terminal 100, excluding the tongue-shaped portion 121, is the same, while the thickness of the tongue-shaped portion 121 is different from the thickness of the other parts of the terminal 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness and width of the base plate portion 122 of the second terminal portion 120 are the same as the thickness and width of the first terminal portion 110.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a central electrical box is also disclosed, which comprises a box body (not shown), a circuit board 10, and the aforementioned terminals 100. The circuit board 10 is mounted in the box body. The terminals 100 are attached to the circuit board 10.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central electrical box also includes a safety device (not shown) and a connection terminal 200. The connection terminal 200 is provided on the circuit board 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 206 of the connection terminal 200 are inserted into holes 16 in the circuit board 10. The aforementioned safety device mainly includes a housing (not shown) and a fuse (not shown) housed in the housing. The housing has two slots formed therein. The first termination 110 and the connection terminal 200 are inserted into the two slots of the safety device, respectively, and electrically connected to the two pins of the fuse.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central electrical box also includes a cable connector (not shown). The tongue-shaped portion 121 of the second termination portion 120 of terminal 100 is inserted into the insertion slot of the cable connector and electrically connected to the cable connector.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the safety device and the cable connector are located on the front and back surfaces of the circuit board 10, respectively. The first termination 110 of the terminal 100 is located on the front surface of the circuit board 10 and is electrically connected to the safety device. The second termination 120 of the terminal 100 penetrates the circuit board 10 and is electrically connected to the cable connector located on the back surface of the circuit board 10.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, an inclined guide portion 110a is formed at the end of the first terminal portion 110 to guide the first terminal portion 110 so that it can be smoothly inserted into the slot of the safety device. Similarly, an inclined guide portion 121a is formed at the end of the tongue-shaped portion 121 of the second terminal portion 120 to guide the tongue-shaped portion 121 of the second terminal portion 120 so that it can be smoothly inserted into the insertion slot of the cable connector.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments and freely combine the various features described in different embodiments without contradicting their configuration or principles.

[0051] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood 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 present disclosure, the extent of which is defined in the claims and its equivalent.

[0052] Where used herein, elements described in the singular and referred to using the terms "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural form of such element or step unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" elements or elements having a particular characteristic may include other such elements that do not possess that characteristic. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 ... Circuit board 12, 14, 16… holes 100… Terminals 110 … First terminal section 120 … Second terminus 121 … tongue 121a ... Guide section 122 ... Base plate section 130 ... Bending section 140 … Fixed part 141 ... Insertion part 142 ... Positioning section 142a ... Shoulder section 200… Connection terminals 206… pin

Claims

1. A terminal for attachment to a circuit board (10), wherein the terminal (100) comprises: a first end portion (110), a second end portion (120), and a bent portion (130) connected between the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120); the bent portion (130) is bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120), such that the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) are displaced by a predetermined distance along a direction transverse to the direction of inserting the terminal (100) into the circuit board (10); when the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), one of the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) penetrates the circuit board (10).

2. The bending angle of the bent portion (130) with respect to the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) is equal to 90 degrees, or the bending angle of the bent portion (130) with respect to the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, or the bending angle of the bent portion (130) with respect to the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the terminal according to claim 1.

3. The bending angle of the bent portion (130) with respect to the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) is equal to 90 degrees; when the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), the first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) are perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board (10), and the bent portion (130) is parallel to the surface of the circuit board (10), the terminal according to claim 1.

4. when the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), the first end portion (110) is located on a side of the circuit board (10) and is electrically connected to a first electronic device located on the side of the circuit board (10); when the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), the second end portion (120) passes through the circuit board (10) and is electrically connected to a second electronic device located on the opposite surface of the circuit board (10), the terminal according to claim 1.

5. ​ When the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), the first end portion (110) and the bent portion (130) are located on the same side of the circuit board (10). The terminal according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a fixing portion (140) for fixing the terminal (100) connected to the bent portion (130) and disposed on the side of the bent portion (130) to the circuit board (10). The fixing portion (140) is not parallel to the first end portion (110) or the second end portion (120). The terminal according to claim 1.

7. The fixing portion (140) is An insertion portion (141) adapted to be inserted into the first hole (14) of the circuit board (10) in an interference fit manner to fix the terminal (100) to the circuit board (10), and A positioning portion (142) having a shoulder portion (142a) connected between the insertion portion (141) and the bent portion (130) and supported and adapted to be welded on the surface of the circuit board (10). The terminal according to claim 6, comprising.

8. When the terminal (100) is attached to the circuit board (10), the shoulder portion (142a) of the positioning portion (142) is supported on the surface of the circuit board (10), and the bent portion (130) is disposed away from the surface of the circuit board (10). The terminal according to claim 7.

9. The bent portion (130) is in the shape of a rectangular plate and has a pair of parallel first side edges and a pair of parallel second side edges. The first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) are respectively connected to the pair of first side edges of the bent portion (130). The fixing portion (140) is connected to the second side edge of the bent portion (130). The terminal according to claim 6.

10. The first end portion (110) and the second end portion (120) are tongue-shaped. The second end portion (120) has a tongue portion (121) adapted to be plug-connected to a second electronic device. The thickness and / or width of the tongue portion (121) of the second end portion (120) is different from the thickness and / or width of the first end portion (110). The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The second end portion (120) has a base plate portion (122) connected between the tongue portion (121) and the bent portion (130). The thickness and / or width of the base plate portion (122) is different from the thickness and / or width of the tongue portion (121), and the base plate portion (122) is adapted to be inserted into and positioned in the second hole (12) of the circuit board (10). The terminal according to claim 10.

12. The thicknesses of the other portions of the terminal (100) excluding the tongue portion (121) are the same, and the thickness of the tongue portion (121) is different from the thicknesses of the other portions of the terminal (100). The terminal according to claim 11.

13. Box body, A circuit board (10) installed in the box body, and The terminal according to claim 1, attached to the circuit board (10) A central electrical box comprising.

14. A connection terminal (200) provided on the circuit board (10), and Safety device Further comprising, The safety device is A housing having two slots, and A fuse received in the housing Including, The first end portion (110) and the connection terminal (200) are respectively inserted into the two slots of the safety device and are electrically connected to the two pins of the fuse. The central electrical box according to claim 13.

15. Further comprising a cable connector having an insertion slot, The second end portion (120) of the terminal (100) is inserted into the insertion slot of the cable connector and is electrically connected to the cable connector. The central electrical box according to claim 13.

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