Connector terminal and connector

Abstract

To provide a structure of a first annular terminal of an elastic contact that is fixed to one end of a fitting part of a terminal main body, and effectively prevents the elastic contact from being separated from a terminal main body.SOLUTION: A connector terminal comprises: a terminal main body 1; and an elastic contact 2. The terminal main body contains a fitting part 11 that is used for being fitted with a mating side terminal while having a hollow cylinder shape. The elastic contact 2 contains: a plurality of first elastic arms 231 that are distributed to a peripheral direction of a pair of annular ends containing a first annular end 21 and a second annular end 22 that are existed on the side opposite to a shaft line direction each other and a pair of annular ends that is connected to between the pair of annular ends; and a fixing blade 24 that is connected to each first annular end, and is fixed to one end of the fitting part. The elastic contact is inserted into the fitting part, and the first elastic arm is used for an electric contact with a mating side terminal inserted into the fitting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202311052886.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Office on August 18, 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, the connector of the charging gun or the connector of the charging seat typically includes a housing and a terminal installed in the housing. The terminal typically includes a terminal body and a resilient contact inserted into the terminal body. The resilient contact is used for electrical contact with a mating terminal inserted into the terminal body. In the prior art, in order to position the resilient contact in the terminal body, a first positioning protrusion and a second positioning protrusion are usually formed on the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body and are opposite to each other in the axial direction of the terminal body. The first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion are suitable for abutting against two ends of the resilient contact, respectively, to position the resilient contact in the axial direction. However, in order to allow elastic deformation of the resilient contact, the axial distance between the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion is usually slightly larger than the distance between the two end faces of the resilient contact, so that the resilient contact can move in the axial direction in the terminal body, which may pose a risk of separation between the resilient contact and the terminal body, particularly when the mating terminal is inserted at an angle, and may make the resilient contact easily separate from the terminal body. 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 includes a terminal body and a resilient contact. The terminal body has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes a mating portion used for mating with a mating terminal. The resilient contact includes a pair of annular ends including a first annular end and a second annular end that are axially opposite to each other, a plurality of first resilient arms connected between the pair of annular ends and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pair of annular ends, and a fixed wing connected to the first annular end and fixed to one end of the mating portion. The resilient contact is inserted into the mating portion, and the first resilient arm is used for electrical contact with the mating terminal inserted into the mating portion.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the stator has a bend that is bent outwardly relative to the first annular end, and the bend is riveted or welded to one end of the mating portion.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resilient contact includes a plurality of stator wings spaced circumferentially about the first annular end.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first annular end has a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge that are opposite each other in an axial direction of the first annular end, the first resilient arm is connected to the first circumferential edge of the first annular end, and the fixed wing is connected to the second circumferential edge of the first annular end.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of slots are formed in an end face at one end of the mating portion, the plurality of slots are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the mating portion, and the bending portions of the plurality of fixed wings of the resilient contact are respectively disposed in and fixed to the plurality of slots.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two rivet fixing portions are formed on two inner walls of the slot, respectively, and the rivet fixing portions are riveted to the side edges of the bent portion, respectively, so that the bent portion is fixed in the slot.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixed wing also has a connection portion connected between the bend portion and the first annular end, the connection portion being arc-shaped and extending along the axial direction of the first annular end, and an inner surface of the connection portion being flush with the inner surface of the first annular end.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bend of the stator is bent perpendicularly to the connection, such that the bend is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first annular end.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second annular end of the elastic contact is slidably supported on an inner circumferential surface of the mating portion, and when the first elastic arm elastically deforms, the second annular end moves along the axial direction of the mating portion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a limiting protrusion is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion, and the limiting protrusion is suitable for abutting against an end surface of the second annular end so as to limit an axial movement distance of the second annular end and an elastic deformation of the first elastic arm.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of limiting protrusions are formed on an inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion, and the plurality of limiting protrusions are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the fitting portion.

[0016] 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 to allow elastic radial deformation of the first annular end and the second annular end.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body further includes a crimping portion connected to the other end of the mating portion for crimping onto the cable to electrically connect with the cable.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resilient contact further includes a second resilient arm, one end of which is connected to the first annular end and the other end of which is suspended and adjacent to the second annular end, the second resilient arm being used for electrical contact with a mating terminal inserted into the mating portion.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resilient contact includes a plurality of second resilient arms, the plurality of second resilient arms being circumferentially spaced apart about a pair of annular ends, and the plurality of first resilient arms and the plurality of second resilient arms being circumferentially alternately arranged.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first resilient arm has a first electrical contact for electrical contact with a mating terminal, and the second resilient arm has a second electrical contact for electrical contact with a mating terminal, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact being spaced apart in the axial direction by a predetermined distance.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the terminal body and the resilient contact is an integral stamped piece.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first annular end of the resilient contact is fixed to one end of the mating portion of the terminal body, thereby effectively preventing the resilient contact from separating from the terminal body.

[0024] 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]

[0025] [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 axial cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the resilient contact has not yet been installed in the terminal body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes a terminal body and a resilient contact. The terminal body has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes a mating portion used for mating with a mating terminal. The resilient contact includes a pair of annular ends including a first annular end and a second annular end that are axially opposite to each other, a plurality of first resilient arms connected between the pair of annular ends and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pair of annular ends, and a fixed wing connected to the first annular end and fixed to one end of the mating portion. The resilient contact is inserted into the mating portion, and the first resilient arm is used for electrical contact with the mating terminal inserted into the mating portion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a housing and the above-mentioned connector terminal disposed in the housing.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary exploded view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows an axial cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the resilient contacts 2 have not yet been installed in the terminal body 1.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is disclosed. The connector terminal includes a terminal body 1 and a resilient contact 2. The terminal body 1 includes a fitting portion 11 having a hollow cylindrical shape and used to fit with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown). The resilient contact 2 includes a pair of annular ends 21 and 22, a plurality of first resilient arms 231, and a fixed wing 24. The pair of annular ends 21 and 22 includes a first annular end 21 and a second annular end 22 that are axially opposite to each other. The plurality of first resilient arms 231 are connected between the pair of annular ends 21 and 22 and are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pair of annular ends 21 and 22. The fixed wing 24 is connected to the first annular end 21 and is fixed to one end of the fitting portion 11. The elastic contact 2 is inserted into the fitting portion 11 , and the first elastic arm 231 is used for electrical contact with a mating terminal inserted into the fitting portion 11 .

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the stator 24 has a bent portion 24a that is bent outwardly toward the first annular end 21, and the bent portion 24a is riveted or welded to one end of the mating portion 11.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact 2 includes a plurality of stator wings 24 spaced circumferentially about the first annular end 21. As shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the first annular end 21 has a first periphery and a second periphery that are opposite each other in the axial direction, the first elastic arm 231 is connected to the first periphery of the first annular end 21, and the fixed wing 24 is connected to the second periphery of the first annular end 21.

[0035] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of slots 14 are formed in an end face 13 at one end of the fitting portion 11, and the plurality of slots 14 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the fitting portion 11. The bent portions 24a of the plurality of fixed wings 24 of the resilient contact 2 are disposed in and fixed to the plurality of slots 14, respectively.

[0036] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, two riveted portions 11a are formed on two inner walls of the slot 14, respectively. The riveted portions 11a are riveted to the side edges of the bent portion 24a, respectively, so that the bent portion 24a is fixed to the slot 14.

[0037] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the stator 24 also has a connecting portion 24b connected between the bent portion 24a and the first annular end 21. The connecting portion 24b has an arc-shaped plate shape and extends along the axial direction of the first annular end 21. The inner surface of the connecting portion 24b is flush with the inner surface of the first annular end 21.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the bent portion 24a of the stator 24 is bent perpendicular to the connecting portion 24b, and therefore the bent portion 24a is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first annular end 21.

[0039] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the second annular end 22 of the elastic contact 2 is slidably supported on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 11. When the first elastic arm 231 is elastically deformed, the second annular end 22 moves along the axial direction of the fitting portion 11.

[0040] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting protrusion 11b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 11. The limiting protrusion 11b is adapted to come into contact with the end surface of the second annular end 22 so as to limit the axial movement distance of the second annular end 22 and the elastic deformation amount of the first elastic arm 231.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of limiting protrusions 11b are formed on the inner surface of the fitting portion 11, and the plurality of limiting protrusions 11b are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the fitting portion 11 and are suitable for simultaneously abutting against the end face of the second annular end 22.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first annular end 21 and the second annular end 22 is formed into a C-shaped ring having a notch to enable elastic deformation of the first annular end 21 and the second annular end 22 in the radial direction.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 further includes a crimping portion 12 connected to the other end of the fitting portion 11 for crimping to the cable and electrically connecting thereto.

[0044] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact 2 further includes a second resilient arm 232. One end of the second resilient arm 232 is connected to the first annular end 21, and the other end is suspended and adjacent to the second annular end 22. The second resilient arm 232 is used for electrical contact with a mating terminal inserted into the fitting portion 11.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic contact 2 has a plurality of second elastic arms 232, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of a pair of annular ends 21 and 22, and the plurality of first elastic arms 231 and the plurality of second elastic arms 232 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the first elastic arm 231 has a first electrical contact 231a for electrical contact with a mating terminal, and the second elastic arm 232 has a second electrical contact 232a for electrical contact with a mating terminal, and the first electrical contact 231a and the second electrical contact 232a are spaced apart a predetermined distance in the axial direction.

[0047] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 and the elastic contacts 2 are each an integrally pressed product, which can reduce manufacturing costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0048] 1 to 4, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing and the above-mentioned connector terminal. The connector terminal is disposed in the housing.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminals and connectors described above can be used in a charging gun or charging base.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. 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.

[0051] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations 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.

[0052] 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. Furthermore, 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. A connector terminal, A terminal body (1), A terminal body (1) having a hollow cylindrical shape and including a fitting portion (11) used for fitting with a mating terminal; A resilient contact (2), a pair of annular ends (21, 22) including a first annular end (21) and a second annular end (22) axially opposite to each other; a plurality of first resilient arms (231) connected between the pair of annular ends (21, 22) and distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pair of annular ends (21, 22); and a fixed wing (24) connected to the first annular end (21) and fixed to one end of the fitting portion (11); and a resilient contact (2) including: A connector terminal, wherein the elastic contact (2) is inserted into the mating portion (11), and the first elastic arm (231) is used for electrical contact with the mating terminal inserted into the mating portion (11).

2. 2. The connector terminal of claim 1, wherein the fixed wing (24) has a bent portion (24a) bent outwardly relative to the first annular end (21), and the bent portion (24a) is riveted or welded to one end of the mating portion (11).

3. The connector terminal of claim 2 , wherein the resilient contact (2) includes a plurality of stationary wings (24) spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first annular end (21).

4. 4. The connector terminal of claim 3, wherein the first annular end (21) has a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge that are opposite to each other in an axial direction thereof, the first elastic arm (231) is connected to the first circumferential edge of the first annular end (21), and the fixed wing (24) is connected to the second circumferential edge of the first annular end (21).

5. A plurality of slots (14) are formed in an end face (13) at one end of the fitting portion (11), and the plurality of slots (14) are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the fitting portion (11); 4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, wherein the bent portions (24a) of the fixed wings (24) of the elastic contact (2) are respectively disposed in and fixed to the slots (14).

6. 6. The connector terminal according to claim 5, wherein two riveted portions (11a) are formed on two inner walls of the slot (14), respectively, and the riveted portions (11a) are riveted to the side edges of the bent portion (24a), respectively, thereby fixing the bent portion (24a) to the slot (14).

7. The stator (24) also has a connection portion (24b) connected between the bent portion (24a) and the first annular end (21); 4. The connector terminal of claim 3, wherein the connection portion (24b) is arc-shaped and extends along the axial direction of the first annular end (21), and an inner surface of the connection portion (24b) is flush with an inner surface of the first annular end (21).

8. 8. The connector terminal of claim 7, wherein the bent portion (24a) of the fixed wing (24) is bent perpendicular to the connection portion (24b), and thus the bent portion (24a) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first annular end (21).

9. The second annular end (22) of the elastic contact (2) is slidably supported on an inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion (11), The connector terminal according to claim 1 , wherein when the first elastic arm (231) is elastically deformed, the second annular end (22) moves along the axial direction of the fitting portion (11).

10. 10. The connector terminal of claim 9, wherein a limiting protrusion (11b) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion (11), and the limiting protrusion (11b) is suitable for abutting against an end surface of the second annular end (22) so as to limit the axial movement distance of the second annular end (22) and the elastic deformation of the first elastic arm (231).

11. The connector terminal of claim 10, wherein a plurality of limiting protrusions (11b) are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mating portion (11), and the plurality of limiting protrusions (11b) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the mating portion (11).

12. 2. The connector terminal of claim 1, wherein each of the first annular end (21) and the second annular end (22) is formed into a C-shaped ring having a notch to enable elastic deformation of the first annular end (21) and the second annular end (22) in the radial direction.

13. The terminal body (1) is The connector terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a crimping portion (12) connected to the other end of the mating portion (11) for crimping onto a cable and electrically connecting with the cable.

14. The elastic contact (2) is a second resilient arm (232), one end of the second resilient arm (232) being connected to the first annular end (21) and the other end being suspended and adjacent to the second annular end (22); The connector terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the second elastic arm (232) is used for electrical contact with the mating terminal inserted into the fitting portion (11).

15. The connector terminal of claim 14, wherein the elastic contact (2) includes a plurality of second elastic arms (232), the plurality of second elastic arms (232) being spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the pair of annular ends (21, 22), and the plurality of first elastic arms (231) and the plurality of second elastic arms (232) being alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

16. 15. The connector terminal of claim 14, wherein the first resilient arm (231) has a first electrical contact (231a) for electrical contact with the mating terminal, the second resilient arm (232) has a second electrical contact (232a) for electrical contact with the mating terminal, and the first electrical contact (231a) and the second electrical contact (232a) are spaced apart a predetermined distance in the axial direction.

17. The connector terminal according to claim 14, wherein each of the terminal body (1) and the resilient contact (2) is an integral pressed product.

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

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