Elastic terminal ferrule, terminal assembly, and charging station

Abstract

To provide an elastic terminal ferrule capable of prolonging service life of a terminal.SOLUTION: The present invention discloses an elastic terminal ferrule, a terminal assembly, and a charging station. The elastic terminal ferrule comprises an annular body (2) having two ends (211 and 221), a limiting structure (1a and 2a) formed near the ends (211 and 221) of the annular body (2), and a mating limiting structure (1b and 2b) formed in the annular body (2) so as to mate with the limiting structure (1a and 2a). When the annular body (2) is in a radially non-expanded natural state, the limiting structure (1a and 2a) and the mating limiting structure (1b and 2b) are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, and when an outer diameter of the annular body (2) expands to a predetermined value, the limiting structure (1a and 2a) and the mating limiting structure (1b and 2b) are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202221257944.3, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on May 24, 2022. The entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an elastic terminal ferrule, a terminal assembly including the elastic terminal ferrule, and a charging stand including the terminal assembly.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, a charging stand typically includes a housing and charging terminals mounted on the housing. The charging terminals have a cylindrical portion suitable for fitting into the mating terminals of a charging gun. To enhance the reliability of electrical contact, usually, a plurality of axially extending slots are formed in the cylindrical portion of the charging terminals to divide the cylindrical portion into a plurality of elastic arms dispersed in the circumferential direction. The plurality of elastic arms can make electrical contact with the mating terminals inserted into the cylindrical portion.

[0004] However, when the insertion posture of the mating terminal is incorrect, for example, tilted, excessive radial deformation and yielding of the cylindrical portion of the charging terminal may occur. When yielding occurs, the charging terminal fails to function and prevents reliable electrical contact with the mating terminal.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, an elastic terminal ferrule is provided. The elastic terminal ferrule comprises an annular body having two ends, the ends of which are free in the circumferential direction of the annular body; a limit structure formed on the annular body near the ends of the annular body; and a mating limit structure formed on the annular body to oppose the limit structure. When the annular body is in a natural state without radial expansion, the limit structure and the mating limit structure are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and when the outer diameter of the annular body expands to a predetermined value, the limit structure and the mating limit structure come into contact with each other in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the annular body includes a first ring having a first root and a first end that is circumferentially movable relative to the first root, and a second ring axially adjacent to the first ring and connected to the first root. A limiting structure is formed on one of two adjacent edges of the first ring and the second ring, and a corresponding limiting structure is formed on the other of the two adjacent edges of the first ring and the second ring.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a notch is formed on one of two adjacent edges of a first ring and a second ring, a projection is formed on the other of two adjacent edges of the first ring and the second ring and protrudes axially into the notch, a block surface is formed inside the notch as a limiting structure and the block surface extends axially and radially, and an opposing block surface is formed on the projection as an opposing limiting structure and the opposing block surface extends axially and radially and faces the block surface in the circumferential direction, and when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the block surface contacts the opposing block surface in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second ring has a second root and a second end that is circumferentially movable relative to the second root, the second root of the second ring being connected to the first root of the first ring.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the notch includes a first notch formed near the first end around the first ring, and the projection includes a first projection formed near the second root around the second ring, wherein when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the first projection circumferentially contacts the inside of the first notch to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block surface includes a first block surface formed inside a first notch, the first block surface extending axially and radially, and the opposing block surface includes a first opposing block surface formed on a first projection, the first opposing block surface extending axially and radially, circumferentially facing the first block surface, and when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the first block surface circumferentially contacts the first opposing block surface to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the notch further includes a second notch formed near the second end on the periphery of the second ring, and the projection further includes a second projection formed near the first root on the periphery of the first ring, wherein when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the second projection circumferentially contacts the inside of the second notch to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block surface further includes a second block surface formed inside the second notch, the second block surface extending axially and radially, and the opposing block surface further includes a second opposing block surface formed on the second projection, the second opposing block surface extending axially and radially, facing the second block surface circumferentially, and when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the second block surface contacts the second opposing block surface circumferentially to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic terminal ferrule further comprises a connecting portion that connects a first root of a first ring to a second root of a second ring.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic terminal ferrule is a one-piece punched component formed by punching out a single sheet of metal.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first radial projection and a second radial projection are formed on two sides of the projection and a notch that are circumferentially opposite to each other, and when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the first radial projection comes into contact with the second radial projection in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a block surface is formed on a first radial projection, the block surface extends axially and radially, and an opposing block surface is formed on a second radial projection, the opposing block surface extends axially and radially, and faces the block surface circumferentially, and when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a predetermined value, the block surface contacts the opposing block surface circumferentially to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly comprises a terminal having a cylindrical portion located at one end and configured to mate with a mating terminal, wherein a plurality of axially elongating slots are formed in the cylindrical portion, and an elastic terminal ferrule fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion of the terminal to prevent the cylindrical portion from expanding excessively in the radial direction.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning slot is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion of the terminal, and the elastic terminal ferrule is positioned in the positioning slot to prevent axial movement of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion expands to the maximum allowable value, the projection of the elastic terminal ferrule circumferentially contacts the inside of the notch of the elastic terminal ferrule, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule and the cylindrical portion of the terminal.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the mating terminal is inserted in the correct orientation into the cylindrical portion of the terminal, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion expands to a first value smaller than the maximum allowable value, and the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to a second value smaller than a predetermined value.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the elastic terminal ferrule is in its natural state without radial expansion, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule is equal to its initial value, and when the elastic terminal ferrule is fitted into a cylindrical portion and the mating terminal is not inserted into the cylindrical portion, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule expands to be slightly larger than its initial value, thereby applying a predetermined radial clamping force to the cylindrical portion.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide slope is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion of the terminal to guide the elastic terminal ferrule to attach to the cylindrical portion of the terminal.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of axially extending slots are evenly spaced circumferentially and extend along the axial direction to the end face of the cylindrical portion of the terminal, dividing the cylindrical portion of the terminal into a plurality of elastic cantilever beams.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal also includes a flat end portion located at the other end, and the flat end portion is configured to be welded to the conductor core wire of the cable.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a charging stand is provided. The charging stand includes a housing and the above-mentioned terminal assembly mounted on the housing.

[0027] In the foregoing exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic terminal ferrule can effectively prevent excessive radial deformation of the cylindrical portion of the terminal, effectively avoid yielding deformation of the cylindrical portion of the terminal, and extend the service life of the terminal.

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is an assembly drawing for explaining a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view for explaining a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view for explaining an elastic terminal ferrule of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view for explaining a terminal assembly when a mating terminal is inserted in a correct posture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view for explaining a terminal assembly when a mating terminal is inserted in an incorrect posture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is an explanatory assembly drawing of a terminal assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the elastic terminal ferrules of the terminal assembly shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and so as to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0032] According to the general concept of the present invention, an elastic terminal ferrule is provided. The elastic terminal ferrule comprises an annular body having two ends, the ends of which are free in the circumferential direction of the annular body; a restricting structure formed in the annular body near the ends of the annular body; and a corresponding restricting structure formed in the annular body to oppose the restricting structure. When the annular body is in its natural state and not radially expanded, the restricting structure and the corresponding restricting structure are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and when the outer diameter of the annular body expands to a predetermined value, the restricting structure and the corresponding restricting structure come into contact with each other in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule.

[0033] According to another general concept of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly comprises a terminal having a cylindrical portion located at one end and configured to mate with a mating terminal, wherein a plurality of axially elongating slots are formed in the cylindrical portion, and an elastic terminal ferrule fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion of the terminal to prevent the cylindrical portion from expanding excessively in the radial direction.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, a charging stand is provided. The charging stand comprises a housing and the above-mentioned terminal assembly mounted in the housing.

[0035] Figure 1 is an explanatory assembly diagram of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an explanatory exploded view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an explanatory perspective view of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 of the terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when the mating terminal is inserted in the wrong orientation.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly comprises a terminal 10 and an elastic terminal ferrule 20. The terminal 10 is located at one end of a cylindrical portion 11 suitable for mating with a mating terminal (not shown). Multiple axial extension slots 11a are formed in the cylindrical portion 11. The elastic terminal ferrule 20 is fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 to prevent the cylindrical portion 11 from expanding excessively in the radial direction. This prevents yield deformation of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic terminal ferrule 20 includes an annular body 2. The annular body 2 has two ends 211 and 221. The two ends 211 and 221 are free in the circumferential direction of the annular body 2. The elastic terminal ferrule 20 also includes restricting structures 1a and 2a and opposing restricting structures 1b and 2b. The restricting structures 1a and 2a are formed in the annular body 2 near the ends 211 and 221 of the annular body 2. The opposing restricting structures 1b and 2b are formed in the annular body 2 to cooperate with the restricting structures 1a and 2a.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the annular body 2 is in a free state and not expanding radially, the restricting structures 1a, 2a and the opposing restricting structures 1b, 2b are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. That is, there is a certain distance in the circumferential direction between the restricting structures 21a, 22a and the opposing restricting structures 1b, 2b, and the restricting structures 1a, 2a and the opposing restricting structures 1b, 2b can move relative to each other within a certain range.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the annular body 2 expands to a predetermined value, the limiting structures 1a, 2a and the opposing limiting structures 1b, 2b come into contact with each other in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic terminal ferrule 20 includes a first ring 21 and a second ring 22. The first ring 21 has a first root 212 and a first end 211 that is circumferentially movable relative to the first root 212. The second ring 22 is axially adjacent to the first ring 21 and is connected to the first root 212 of the first ring 21.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, notches 21a and 22a are formed on one of two adjacent edges of the first ring 21 and the second ring 22, and projections 21b and 22b are formed on the other of the two adjacent edges of the first ring 21 and the second ring 22, projecting axially into the notches 21a and 22a.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, if the mating terminal is inserted into the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 in the wrong orientation, for example, at an angle, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the projections 21b and 22b contact the inside of the notches 21a and 22a in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10. In this way, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 from expanding excessively in the radial direction.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the blocking surfaces 1a and 2a are formed inside the notches 21a and 22a, and the blocking surfaces 1a and 2a extend in the axial and radial directions. The opposing blocking surfaces 1b and 2b are formed on the projections 21b and 22b, and the opposing blocking surfaces 1b and 2b extend in the axial and radial directions and face the blocking surfaces 1a and 2a in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking surfaces 1a and 2a function as the aforementioned limiting structure, and the opposing blocking surfaces 1b and 2b function as the aforementioned opposing limiting structure.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the block surfaces 1a and 2a come into contact with the opposing block surfaces 1b and 2b in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the second ring 22 has a second root 222 and a second end 221 that is circumferentially movable relative to the second root 222. The second root 222 of the second ring 22 is connected to the first root 212 of the first ring 21.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned notches 21a and 22a include a first notch 21a formed around the first ring 21 near the first end 211. The aforementioned projections 21b and 22b include a first projection 22b formed around the second ring 22 near the second root 222. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the first projection 22b contacts the inside of the first notch 21a in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first block surface 1a is formed inside the first notch 21a and extends in the axial and radial directions. The first opposing block surface 2b is formed on the first projection 22b, and the first opposing block surface 2b extends in the axial and radial directions and faces the first block surface 1a in the circumferential direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the first block surface 1a comes into contact with the first opposing block surface 2b in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned notches 21a and 22a also include a second notch 22a formed around the second ring 22 near the second end 221. The aforementioned projections 21b and 22b also include a second projection 21b formed around the first ring 21 near the first root 212.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the second projection 21b contacts the inside of the second notch 22a in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the second block surface 2a is formed inside the second notch 22a, and the second block surface 2a extends in the axial and radial directions. The second opposing block surface 1b is formed on the second projection 21b, and the second opposing block surface 1b extends in the axial and radial directions and faces the second block surface 2a in the circumferential direction.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the second block surface 2a comes into contact with the second opposing block surface 1b in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic terminal ferrule 20 also includes a connecting portion 23 that connects the first base 212 of the first ring 21 and the second base 222 of the second ring 22.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned elastic terminal ferrule 20 may be a single punched-out part formed by punching out a single sheet of metal. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning slot 11b is formed on the outer surface of the end of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10, and the elastic terminal ferrule 20 is positioned in the positioning slot 11b to prevent axial movement of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 expands to its maximum allowable value, the projections 21b and 22b of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 circumferentially contact the inside of the notches 21a and 22a of the elastic terminal ferrule 20, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10. In this way, it is possible to prevent the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 from expanding beyond its maximum allowable value, thereby ensuring that the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10 does not undergo yield deformation.

[0057] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the mating terminal inserted in the correct orientation.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, when the mating terminal is inserted in the correct orientation into the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 10, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 expands to a first value smaller than the maximum allowable value, and the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a second value smaller than a predetermined value. At this point, the aforementioned block surfaces 1a, 2a and the aforementioned opposing block surfaces 1b, 2b have not yet reached a position where they contact each other in the circumferential direction; that is, a certain gap still exists in the circumferential direction between the block surfaces 1a, 2a and the opposing block surfaces 1b, 2b.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the elastic terminal ferrule 20 is in its natural state without radial expansion, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 is equal to its initial value. When the elastic terminal ferrule 20 is mounted on the cylindrical portion 11 and the mating terminal is not inserted into the cylindrical portion 11, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a slightly larger value than its initial value, applying a predetermined radial clamping force to the cylindrical portion 11.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide slope 11c is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 1, and this guide slope 11c is used to guide the elastic terminal ferrule 20 to be attached to the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 1.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of axially extending slots 11a of the cylindrical portion 11 are evenly spaced apart in the circumferential direction and extend axially to the end face of the cylindrical portion, thereby dividing the cylindrical portion 11 of the terminal 1 into a plurality of elastic cantilever beams 110.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 10 also includes a flat end 12 located at the other end. The conductor core wire of a cable (not shown) can be welded to the flat end 12 of the terminal 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flat end 12 of the terminal 10 may be riveted to the conductor core wire of the cable.

[0063] Figure 6 is an explanatory assembly diagram of a terminal assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 of the terminal assembly shown in Figure 6.

[0064] The only difference between the terminal assemblies shown in Figures 6 and 7 and those shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the structure of the elastic terminal ferrule 20, which prevents excessive radial expansion.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the first radial projection 24a and the second radial projection 24b are formed on the two sides of the notches 21a and 22a and the projections 21b and 22b, respectively, which face each other in the circumferential direction. The first radial projection 24a and the second radial projection 24b can be formed by punching.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the first radial projection 24a contacts the second radial projection 24b in the circumferential direction, preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0067] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, due to the predetermined heights of the first radial projection 24a and the second radial projection 24b projecting radially from the outer surface of the elastic terminal ferrule 20, when subjected to excessive radial expansion tension, the first radial projection 24a of the elastic terminal ferrule 10 also reliably contacts the second radial projection 24b without crossing the second radial projection 24b in the circumferential direction.

[0068] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a block surface 24a' is formed on the first radial projection 24a, and the block surface 24a' extends in the axial and radial directions. An opposing block surface 24b' is formed on the second radial projection 24b, and the opposing block surface 24b' extends in the axial and radial directions and faces the block surface 24a' in the circumferential direction.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 expands to a predetermined value, the block surface 24a' comes into circumferential contact with the opposing block surface 24b', preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule 20.

[0070] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other mechanisms of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 shown in Figures 6 and 7 are essentially the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 5. For simplicity, we will not repeat this here and will simply refer to the elastic terminal ferrule 20 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0071] Although not shown in the figures, a charging stand is also disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The charging stand comprises a housing and the aforementioned terminal assembly mounted on the housing. The terminals of the terminal assembly may be charging terminals.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the annular body 2 of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 has two rings 21 and 22. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and for example, the annular body 2 of the elastic terminal ferrule 20 may have a single ring.

[0073] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments without structural or principle contradictions, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0074] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0075] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is to be excluded. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that “compile” or “have” one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. An elastic terminal ferrule, The aforementioned elastic terminal ferrule is - An annular body (2) having two ends (211, 221), wherein the ends (211, 221) are free in the circumferential direction of the annular body (2), - Restricting structures (1a, 2a) formed near the ends (211, 221) of the annular body (2), - Opposing restricting structures (1b, 2b) formed on the annular body (2) so as to oppose the restricting structures (1a, 2a), Equipped with, When the annular body (2) is in a natural state without radial expansion, the restricting structures (1a, 2a) and the opposing restricting structures (1b, 2b) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. When the outer diameter of the annular body (2) expands to a predetermined value, the limiting structures (1a, 2a) and the opposing limiting structures (1b, 2b) come into contact with each other in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). Elastic terminal ferrule.

2. The aforementioned ring-shaped body (2) is A first ring (21) having a first base (212) and a first end (211) that is movable in the circumferential direction relative to the first base (212), A second ring (22) is axially adjacent to the first ring (21) and connected to the first root (212). Includes, The restricting structures (1a, 2a) are formed on one of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22), and the opposing restricting structures (1b, 2b) are formed on the other of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 1.

3. The notches (21a, 22a) are formed on one of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22), The projections (21b, 22b) are formed on the other of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22), and protrude axially into the notches (21a, 22a), The block surfaces (1a, 2a) are formed as the limiting structures (1a, 2a) inside the notches (21a, 22a), and the block surfaces (1a, 2a) extend in the axial and radial directions. The opposing block surfaces (1b, 2b) are formed on the projections (21b, 22b) as the opposing limiting structures (1b, 2b), and the opposing block surfaces (1b, 2b) extend in the axial and radial directions, and face the block surfaces (1a, 2a) in the circumferential direction. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the block surfaces (1a, 2a) come into contact with the opposing block surfaces (1b, 2b) in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 2.

4. The second ring (22) has a second base (222) and a second end (221) that is movable in the circumferential direction relative to the second base (222), The second base (222) of the second ring (22) is connected to the first base (212) of the first ring (21). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 3.

5. The notches (21a, 22a) include a first notch (21a) formed around the first ring (21) near the first end (211), The projections (21b, 22b) include a first projection (22b) formed around the second ring (22) near the second base (222), When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the first projection (22b) comes into circumferential contact with the inside of the first notch (21a) to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 4.

6. The block surfaces (1a, 2a) include a first block surface (1a) formed inside the first notch (21a), and the first block surface (1a) extends in the axial and radial directions. The opposing block surfaces (1b, 2b) include a first opposing block surface (2b) formed on the first projection (22b), the first opposing block surface (2b) extending in the axial and radial directions, and facing the first block surface (1a) in the circumferential direction. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the first block surface (1a) comes into contact with the first opposing block surface (2b) in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 5.

7. The notches (21a, 22a) further include a second notch (22a) formed around the second ring (22) near the second end (221), The projections (21b, 22b) further include a second projection (21b) formed around the first ring (21) near the first base (212), When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to a predetermined value, the second projection (21b) comes into circumferential contact with the inside of the second notch (22a) to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 5.

8. The block surfaces (1a, 2a) further include a second block surface (2a) formed inside the second notch (22a), the second block surface (2a) extending in the axial and radial directions, The opposing block surfaces (1b, 2b) further include a second opposing block surface (1b) formed on the second projection (21b), the second opposing block surface (1b) extending in the axial and radial directions, and facing the second block surface (2a) in the circumferential direction. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the second block surface (2a) comes into contact with the second opposing block surface (1b) in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 7.

9. The device further includes a connecting portion (23) that connects the first base (212) of the first ring (21) and the second base (222) of the second ring (22). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 4.

10. The elastic terminal ferrule (20) is a one-piece punched part formed by punching out a single sheet of metal. The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 1.

11. The first radial projection (24a) and the second radial projection (24b) are formed on the two sides of the notches (21a, 22a) and the projections (21b, 22b) that face each other in the circumferential direction, When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the first radial projection (24a) comes into contact with the second radial projection (24b) in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

12. The block surface (24a') is formed on the first radial projection (24a), and the block surface (24a') extends in the axial and radial directions. The opposing block surface (24b') is formed on the second radial projection (24b'), and the opposing block surface (24b') extends in the axial and radial directions, and faces the block surface (24a') in the circumferential direction. When the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to the predetermined value, the block surface (24a') comes into contact with the opposing block surface (24b') in the circumferential direction to prevent further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The elastic terminal ferrule according to claim 11.

13. A terminal assembly, The aforementioned terminal assembly is. - A terminal (10) including a cylindrical portion (11) located at one end and configured to fit into a mating terminal, wherein a plurality of axially elongated slots (11a) are formed in the cylindrical portion (11), - The elastic terminal ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (10) to prevent the cylindrical portion (11) from expanding excessively in the radial direction, Equipped with, Terminal assembly.

14. A positioning slot (11b) is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (10), and the elastic terminal ferrule (20) is positioned in the positioning slot (11b) to prevent axial movement of the elastic terminal ferrule (20). The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

15. The annular body (2) is A first ring (21) having a first base (212) and a first end (211) that is movable in the circumferential direction relative to the first base (212), A second ring (22) is axially adjacent to the first ring (21) and connected to the first root (212). Includes, Notches (21a, 22a) are formed on one of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22), The projections (21b, 22b) are formed on the other of the two adjacent edges of the first ring (21) and the second ring (22), and protrude axially into the notches (21a, 22a), When the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion (11) expands to the maximum allowable value, the projections (21b, 22b) of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) contact the inside of the notches (21a, 22a) of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing further radial expansion of the elastic terminal ferrule (21a, 22a) and the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (10). The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

16. When the mating terminal is inserted in the correct orientation into the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (10), the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion (11) expands to a first value smaller than the maximum allowable value, and the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to a second value smaller than the predetermined value. The terminal assembly according to claim 15.

17. When the elastic terminal ferrule (20) is in its natural state without radial expansion, the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) is equal to its initial value. When the elastic terminal ferrule (20) is fitted into the cylindrical portion (11) and the mating terminal is not inserted into the cylindrical portion (11), the outer diameter of the elastic terminal ferrule (20) expands to be slightly larger than the initial value, thereby applying a predetermined radial tightening force to the cylindrical portion (11). The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

18. A guide slope (11c) is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (1) to guide the elastic terminal ferrule (20) to be attached to the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (1). The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

19. The plurality of axially elongated slots (11a) are evenly spaced apart in the circumferential direction and extend along the axial direction to the end face of the cylindrical portion (11), dividing the cylindrical portion (11) of the terminal (1) into a plurality of elastic cantilever beams (110). The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

20. The terminal (10) also includes the flat end (12) located at the other end. The flat end (12) is configured to be welded to the conductor core of the cable. The terminal assembly according to claim 13.

21. It is a charging dock, Housing and The terminal assembly described in claim 13 is mounted on the housing, Equipped with, Charging stand.

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