Connector terminal and connector

Abstract

To delete the cost and the weight of a connector terminal.SOLUTION: The connector terminal includes: an aluminum component 1 used to electrically connect to a cable conductor; and a copper component 2 used to engage with the other terminal of the other connector. The aluminum component and the copper component are welded together by frictional welding. A part of the connector terminal is formed of aluminum and the other part thereof is formed of copper. The cost and weight of the connector terminal can be thus reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202322208578.3, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Office on August 16, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector terminal and a connector including a connector terminal. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, connector terminals are usually made entirely of copper, which makes the cost and weight of the connector terminals larger, and in addition, nickel and silver coatings need to be electroplated on the outer surface of the copper connector terminals, which further increases the cost. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention is directed to overcoming or alleviating at least one aspect of the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided, the connector terminal comprising an aluminum part used for electrically connecting with a cable conductor and a copper part used for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector, the aluminum part and the copper part being welded together by friction welding.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum part comprises a columnar portion having axially opposed front and rear ends and a flat portion connected to the rear end of the columnar portion, the flat portion of the aluminum part being used for welding to a cable conductor.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the copper part is cylindrical and has a hollow internal cavity for inserting a mating terminal, and the rear end of the copper part is welded to the front end of the post of the aluminum part by friction welding.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further comprises a resilient contact element disposed in an internal cavity of the copper part for electrical contact with a mating terminal that is inserted into the internal cavity of the copper part to electrically connect the mating terminal to the copper part.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a resilient contact element includes a first annular end, a second annular end, and a plurality of resilient arms connected between the first and second annular ends, the plurality of resilient arms being uniformly spaced circumferentially about the resilient contact element for electrical contact with a mating terminal to be inserted therein.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first and second axially opposite annular steps are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the copper component, the first and second annular steps being used to abut against the first and second annular ends, respectively, to axially position the resilient contact element in the inner cavity of the copper component.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the first annular end and the second annular end is formed into a C-shaped ring having a notch, which allows the first annular end and the second annular end to elastically deform in their radial directions.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blind hole is formed in the front end surface of the column of the aluminum part, the blind hole communicating with the internal cavity of the copper part, and a drain hole radially connecting to the blind hole is formed in the front end of the column of the aluminum part to drain water entering the internal cavity of the copper part.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of drainage holes are formed in a front end of a column of an aluminum component, the plurality of drainage holes being uniformly spaced circumferentially about the column.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the post of the aluminum part is coaxial with the copper part, and the outer diameter of the post of the aluminum part is equal to the outer diameter of the copper part.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the internal cavity of the copper part and the blind hole of the aluminum part are coaxial, and the diameter of the internal cavity of the copper part is equal to the diameter of the blind hole of the aluminum part.

[0016] According to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum part is an integral machined piece, an integral cold forged piece, or an integral stamped piece.

[0017] According to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the copper part is a one-piece machined part, a one-piece cold forged part, or a one-piece pressed part.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the copper component is coated and the outer surface of the aluminum component is uncoated.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a nickel coating is formed on the exterior surface of a copper component, and a silver coating is formed on the nickel coating.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a housing and the above-described connector terminal disposed in the housing.

[0021] In the above-described exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the connector terminal is made of aluminum and another portion is made of copper, thus reducing the cost and weight of the connector terminal.

[0022] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is an exemplary exploded view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0025] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0026] In accordance with a general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal comprising an aluminum part used for electrically connecting with a cable conductor and a copper part used for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector, the aluminum part and the copper part being welded together by friction welding.

[0027] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a housing and the above-described connector terminals mounted in the housing.

[0028] FIG 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG 2 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG 4 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a connector terminal is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector terminal includes an aluminum part 1 and a copper part 2. The aluminum part 1 is used for electrically connecting with a cable conductor (not shown). The copper part 2 is used for mating with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector. The aluminum part 1 and the copper part 2 are welded to each other by friction welding.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the aluminum part 1 includes a columnar portion 11 and a flat portion 12. The columnar portion 11 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite to each other in the axial direction. The flat portion 12 is connected to the rear end of the columnar portion 11. The flat portion 12 of the aluminum part 1 is used for welding to a cable conductor.

[0031] 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, the copper part 2 is cylindrical and has a hollow internal cavity 201 for allowing insertion of a mating terminal. The rear end of the copper part 2 is welded to the front end of the columnar part 11 of the aluminum part 1 by friction welding.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, the connector terminal further includes a resilient contact element 3, which is disposed in an internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2 for electrical contact with a mating terminal that is inserted into the internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2 to electrically connect the mating terminal to the copper part 2.

[0033] 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, the resilient contact element 3 includes a first annular end 31, a second annular end 32, and a plurality of resilient arms 33. The plurality of resilient arms 33 are connected between the first annular end 31 and the second annular end 32. The plurality of resilient arms 33 are evenly spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the resilient contact element 3 for electrical contact with a mating terminal to be inserted.

[0034] 1 to 4, in the illustrated mounting form, a first annular step 21 and a second annular step 22, which are opposite to each other in the axial direction, are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the copper part 2. The first annular step 21 and the second annular step 22 are used to abut against the first annular end 31 and the second annular end 32, respectively, to axially position the elastic contact part 3 in the inner cavity 201 of the copper part 2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, each of the first annular end 31 and the second annular end 32 is formed into a C-shaped ring having a notch, which allows the first annular end 31 and the second annular end 32 to elastically deform in their radial directions.

[0036] 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, a blind hole 101 is formed in the front end surface of the columnar portion 11 of the aluminum part 1, and the blind hole 101 is connected to the internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2. A drainage hole 102 is formed in the front end of the columnar portion 11 of the aluminum part 1, and the drainage hole 102 is radially connected to the blind hole 101 to drain water entering the internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, a plurality of drainage holes 102 are formed in the front end of the columnar portion 11 of the aluminum part 1, and the plurality of drainage holes 102 are uniformly spaced apart along the circumference of the columnar portion 11.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the illustrated mounting form, the columnar portion 11 of the aluminum part 1 is coaxial with the copper part 2 , and the outer diameter of the columnar portion 11 of the aluminum part 1 is equal to the outer diameter of the copper part 2 .

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementation, the internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2 and the blind hole 101 of the aluminum part 1 are coaxial, and the diameter of the internal cavity 201 of the copper part 2 is equal to the diameter of the blind hole 101 of the aluminum part 1.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the illustrated implementation, the aluminum part 1 may be an integral machined product, an integral cold forged product, or an integral pressed product.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the illustrated implementations, the copper part 2 may be an integral machined product, an integral cold forged product, or an integral pressed product.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, in the illustrated mounting form, a coating is formed on the outer surface of the copper part 2, whereas no coating is formed on the outer surface of the aluminum part 1.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the illustrated mounting form, a nickel coating is formed on the outer surface of a copper component 2, and a silver coating is formed on the nickel coating.

[0044] 1 to 4, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing (not shown) and the above-mentioned connector terminal. The connector terminal is disposed in the housing.

[0045] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in structure or principle.

[0046] 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 to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure being defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0047] As used herein, elements described in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Moreover, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Also, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include such additional elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. An aluminum part (1) used for electrical connection with a cable conductor; A copper part (2) used for fitting with a mating terminal of a mating connector, The connector terminal, wherein the aluminum part (1) and the copper part (2) are welded together by friction welding.

2. The aluminum part (1) is A columnar portion (11) having a front end and a rear end that are opposite to each other in an axial direction of the columnar portion (11); a flat portion (12) connected to the rear end of the columnar portion (11); 2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the flat portion (12) of the aluminum part (1) is used for welding to the cable conductor.

3. The copper part (2) is cylindrical and has a hollow internal cavity (201) for inserting the mating terminal, 3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the rear end of the copper part (2) is welded to the front end of the post (11) of the aluminum part (1) by friction welding.

4. 4. The connector terminal of claim 3, further comprising a resilient contact element (3) disposed in the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2) for electrical contact with a mating terminal inserted into the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2) to electrically connect the mating terminal to the copper part (2).

5. The elastic contact element (3) is A first annular end (31); A second annular end (32); and a plurality of resilient arms (33) connected between the first annular end (31) and the second annular end (32); 5. The connector terminal according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of resilient arms (33) are uniformly spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the resilient contact element (3) for electrical contact with the mating terminal to be inserted therein.

6. a first annular step (21) and a second annular step (22) that are opposite to each other in the axial direction are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the copper part (2); 6. The connector terminal of claim 5, wherein the first annular step (21) and the second annular step (22) are used to abut against the first annular end (31) and the second annular end (32), respectively, to axially position the elastic contact element (3) in the internal cavity (201) of the copper element (2).

7. 6. The connector terminal of claim 5, wherein each of the first annular end (31) and the second annular end (32) is formed into a C-shaped ring having a notch, thereby allowing the first annular end (31) and the second annular end (32) to elastically deform in their radial directions.

8. A blind hole (101) is formed in the front end surface of the columnar portion (11) of the aluminum part (1), and the blind hole (101) communicates with the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2); 4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, wherein a drain hole (102) radially connected to the blind hole (101) is formed at the front end of the columnar portion (11) of the aluminum part (1) for draining water entering the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2).

9. 9. The connector terminal of claim 8, wherein a plurality of drainage holes (102) are formed in the front end of the columnar portion (11) of the aluminum part (1), and the plurality of drainage holes (102) are uniformly spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the columnar portion (11).

10. 9. The connector terminal according to claim 8, wherein the columnar portion (11) of the aluminum part (1) is coaxial with the copper part (2), and the outer diameter of the columnar portion (11) of the aluminum part (1) is equal to the outer diameter of the copper part (2).

11. 9. The connector terminal according to claim 8, wherein the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2) and the blind hole (101) of the aluminum part (1) are coaxial, and the diameter of the internal cavity (201) of the copper part (2) is equal to the diameter of the blind hole (101) of the aluminum part (1).

12. 2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum part (1) is an integral machined part, an integral cold forged part, or an integral pressed part.

13. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the copper part (2) is an integral machined part, an integral cold forged part, or an integral pressed part.

14. 14. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a coating is formed on an outer surface of the copper part (2) and a coating is not formed on an outer surface of the aluminum part (1).

15. 15. The connector terminal according to claim 14, wherein a nickel coating is formed on the outer surface of the copper part (2), and a silver coating is formed on the nickel coating.

16. A connector, Housing and A connector comprising: a connector terminal according to claim 1 mounted in the housing.

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