Terminal contact member, terminal, and electrical connection device

Abstract

To provide a terminal contact member, a terminal, and an electrical connection device.SOLUTION: A terminal contact member includes a pair of end rings 31, 32 and a plurality of elastic arms 34. Each end ring is at an axial end of the terminal contact member 3. The elastic arms are connected between the end rings 31, 32 and distributed at intervals in a circumferential direction of the terminal contact member 3. Each elastic arm 34 has elastic contact parts 340 connected in series in an axial direction of the terminal contact member 3, and an arc-shaped support part 34a connected between two adjacent elastic contact parts 340. The elastic contact parts 340 of each elastic arm 34 are used to form electric contact with an outer peripheral surface of an inserted mating terminal, thereby forming multiple electrical contact points between each elastic arm 34 and the mating terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202323354315.X, filed on December 8, 2023, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal contact member, a terminal comprising the terminal contact member, and an electrical connection device comprising the terminal.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, a female terminal in an electrical connector may include a terminal body and a terminal contact member assembled to the terminal body. The terminal contact member is usually cage - shaped (or referred to as a crown spring) and is inserted into the inner cavity of the terminal body for electrical contact with the inserted male terminal. The terminal contact member as a bridge and hub for connecting the male and female terminals in the electrical connector is the most important component in the entire electrical connector. Under the current technical background, especially in the process of high - current transmission, the terminal contact member is an indispensable and important component. Most of the elastic arms of the existing terminal contact members are single - arch - shaped, the highest point of the arch is in electrical contact with the outer surface of the male terminal, and the annular portions at both ends of the existing terminal contact members are in electrical contact with the inner surface of the terminal body. For the same size, the existing terminal contact members have a relatively small number of electrical contact points and a small electrical contact area. As a result, the contact resistance and temperature rise of the electrical connector when passing the rated current are high.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above - mentioned difficulties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal contact member is provided. The terminal contact member includes a pair of end rings disposed at axial end portions of the terminal contact member, respectively, and a plurality of elastic arms connected between the pair of end rings and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member. Each elastic arm includes a plurality of elastic contact portions connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member, and an arcuate support portion connected between two adjacent elastic contact portions. The pair of end rings and all the arcuate support portions are used for electrical contact with the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body. The plurality of elastic contact portions of each elastic arm are used to form electrical contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inserted mating terminal. Therefore, there are a plurality of electrical contact points between each elastic arm and the mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate support portions extend along the periphery of the terminal contact member, and the arcuate support portions disposed at the same axial position in the plurality of elastic arms at the same axial position are spaced apart and aligned with each other around the terminal contact member.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each elastic arm includes two elastic contact portions connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member, the arcuate support portion extends along the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member, and the arcuate support portions of the plurality of elastic arms are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end ring has a notch that forms the end ring into a C shape, enabling the end ring to undergo elastic deformation in the radial direction.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact portion is arched toward the inside of the terminal contact member, and the apex of the elastic contact portion functions as an electrical contact point for forming electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inserted mating terminal. Therefore, each elastic arm has a plurality of electrical contact points.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end ring and the arcuate support portion have a smooth outer surface, and the outer surfaces of the end ring and the arcuate support portion are used for electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal contact member is an integral stamped part.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes a terminal body having a hollow internal cavity and the above-described terminal contact member inserted into the internal cavity of the terminal body. A pair of end rings and all arcuate support portions of the terminal contact member are in electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two annular positioning steps located on opposite sides in the axial direction of the terminal body are formed on the terminal body, and the two annular positioning steps are configured to axially abut against the end faces of a pair of end rings of the terminal contact member, respectively, for axially positioning the terminal contact member.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body has an insertion port that enables a mating terminal to be inserted into the terminal contact member, and the insertion port has a trumpet shape that expands outward to guide the mating terminal to be inserted into the terminal contact member.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the two annular positioning steps include a first annular positioning step disposed near the insertion port and a second annular positioning step axially opposite to the first annular positioning step, and a pair of end rings includes a first end ring and a second end ring. The first annular positioning step and the second annular positioning step are axially pressed against the end faces of the first end ring and the second end ring, respectively.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body is an integral part.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection device is provided. The electrical connection device includes a housing and the above-described terminal installed in the housing.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body of the terminal has a welding end portion configured to be welded to the conductor of the cable in order to electrically connect the terminal to the cable.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection device further includes a cable including a conductor and an external insulating layer wound around the conductor. The welding end portion of the terminal body is tubular and is attached to and welded to one end of the conductor of the cable.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection device is a charging pedestal, a charging gun, or an electrical connector.

[0021] In the above-described exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, each elastic arm of the terminal contact member has a plurality of electrical contact points with the inserted mating terminal, whereby the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the mating terminal is increased, the contact resistance between the two is reduced, and as a result, the temperature rise of the terminal and the mating terminal when passing the rated current is lowered.

[0022] In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the pair of end rings and all the arcuate support portions of the terminal contact member are in electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body, whereby the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the terminal body is increased, the contact resistance between them is reduced, and as a result, the temperature rise of the terminal when passing the rated current is lowered.

[0023] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing its exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] With reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In the following detailed description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawing.

[0027] According to a general concept of the present invention, a terminal contact member is provided. The terminal contact member includes a pair of end rings respectively disposed at axial ends of the terminal contact member, and a plurality of elastic arms connected between the pair of end rings and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member. Each elastic arm includes a plurality of elastic contact portions connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member, and an arcuate support portion connected between two adjacent elastic contact portions. The pair of end rings and all the arcuate support portions are used for electrical contact with the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body. The plurality of elastic contact portions of each elastic arm are used for forming electrical contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inserted mating terminal. Therefore, there are a plurality of electrical contact points between each elastic arm and the mating terminal.

[0028] According to another general concept of the present invention, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes a terminal body having a hollow internal cavity, and the above-described terminal contact member inserted into the internal cavity of the terminal body. The pair of end rings and all the arcuate support portions of the terminal contact member are in electrical contact with the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member and the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body.

[0029] According to another general concept of the present invention, an electrical connection device is provided. The electrical connection device includes a housing, and the above-described terminal installed in the housing.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an explanatory perspective view of the terminal contact member 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal contact member 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an explanatory perspective view of the terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an explanatory view of the terminal contact member 3 and the mating terminal 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an explanatory view of the terminal and the mating terminal 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal contact member 3 is disclosed. The terminal contact member 3 includes a pair of end rings 31, 32 and a plurality of elastic arms 34. The pair of end rings 31 and 32 are respectively disposed at the axial ends of the terminal contact member 3. The plurality of elastic arms 34 are connected between the pair of end rings 31, 32 and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member 3. Each elastic arm 34 includes a plurality of elastic contact portions 340 connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member 3 and an arcuate support portion 34a connected between two adjacent elastic contact portions 340.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of end rings 31, 32 and all the arcuate support portions 34a are used to form an electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 1 in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 1. Therefore, the present invention reduces the contact resistance between the terminal contact member 3 and the terminal body 1, and as a result, the temperature rise of the terminal when passing the rated current is reduced.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elastic contact portions 340 of each elastic arm 34 are used to form electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inserted mating terminal 2. Therefore, there are a plurality of electrical contact points between each elastic arm 34 and the mating terminal 2. As a result, the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member 3 and the mating terminal 2 is increased, the contact resistance between them is reduced, and as a result, the temperature rise of the terminal and the mating terminal 2 when passing the rated current is lowered.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the arc-shaped support portion 34a extends along the periphery of the terminal contact member 3, and the arc-shaped support portions 34a at the same axial position in the plurality of elastic arms 34 are spaced apart and aligned with each other around the terminal contact member 3.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, each elastic arm 34 includes two elastic contact portions 340 connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member 3. The arc-shaped support portion 34a extends along the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member 3, and the arc-shaped support portions 34a of the plurality of elastic arms 34 are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, each elastic arm 34 may include three or more elastic contact portions 340.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the end rings 31 and 32 have notches, and therefore, the end rings 31 and 32 are C-shaped to enable elastic deformation in the radial direction of the end rings 31 and 32.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic contact portion 340 is arched toward the inside of the terminal contact member 3, and the apex of the elastic contact portion 340 functions as an electrical contact point 34a for electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inserted mating terminal 2. Therefore, each elastic arm 34 has a plurality of electrical contact points 34a.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the end rings 31, 32 and the arcuate support portions 34a have smooth outer surfaces, and the outer surfaces of the end rings 31, 32 and the arcuate support portions 34a are used for electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 1.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal contact member 3 is an integrally formed press-molded part. Thereby, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal is also disclosed. The terminal mainly includes a terminal body 1 and a terminal contact member 3. The terminal body 1 has a hollow internal cavity 101. The terminal contact member 3 is inserted into the internal cavity 101 of the terminal body 1. A pair of end rings 31, 32 and all the arcuate support portions 34a of the terminal contact member 3 are in electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 1 in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 1.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, two annular positioning steps 11 and 12 are formed on the terminal body 1, and the two annular positioning steps 11 and 12 are on opposite sides in the axial direction of the terminal body 1. The two annular positioning steps 11 and 12 are suitable for axially pressing against the end faces of a pair of end rings 31 and 32 of the terminal contact member 3 respectively to axially position the terminal contact member 3.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 has an insertion port 13a that enables the mating terminal 2 to be inserted into the terminal contact member 3, and the insertion port 13a has a trumpet shape that expands outward to guide the mating terminal 2 to be inserted into the terminal contact member 3.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the two annular positioning steps 11 and 12 include a first annular positioning step 11 near the insertion port 101a and a second annular positioning step 12 on the opposite side in the axial direction from the first annular positioning step 11. The pair of end rings 31, 32 includes a first end ring 31 and a second end ring 32. The first annular positioning step 11 and the second annular positioning step 12 are axially pressed against the end faces of the first end ring 31 and the second end ring 32, respectively.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 is an integral part. For example, this may be an integral machined part or an integral press-molded part.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection device is also disclosed. The electrical connection device mainly includes a housing (not shown) and the above-described terminal installed in the housing.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an explanatory diagram of the terminal body 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the two ends of the terminal body 1 are perpendicular to each other, and the terminal contact member 3 is inserted into the internal cavity 101 at one end of the terminal body 1. The other end of the terminal body 1 is a welding end 1a used for welding a conductor (not shown) of a cable to electrically connect the terminal to the cable (not shown).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection device further includes a cable including a conductor and an external insulating layer wound around the conductor. The welding end 1a of the terminal body 1 is tubular and is attached to and welded to one end of the conductor of the cable.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection device may be a charging pedestal, a charging gun, or an electrical connector.

[0050] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without conflicting in terms of structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0051] Although some exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0052] As used herein, an element described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to include the plural of such elements or steps unless explicitly stated to the contrary to exclude them. Further, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Further, unless explicitly stated otherwise, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" one element or a plurality of elements with a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A terminal contact member (3), a pair of end rings (31, 32) respectively arranged at axial ends of the terminal contact member (3); a plurality of resilient arms (34) connected between the pair of end rings (31, 32) and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member (3); Equipped with Each elastic arm (34) includes a plurality of elastic contact portions (340) connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member (3), and an arc-shaped support portion (34a) connected between two adjacent elastic contact portions (340); the pair of end rings (31, 32) and all of the arc-shaped support portions (34a) are used for electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body (1) in order to increase the electrical contact area between the terminal contact member (3) and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body (1); The multiple elastic contact portions (340) of each elastic arm (34) are used to form electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal (2) to be inserted, and are configured so that multiple electrical contact points exist between each elastic arm (34) and the mating terminal (2). Terminal contact member.

2. The arc-shaped support portion (34a) extends along the circumference of the terminal contact member (3), and the arc-shaped support portions (34a) arranged at the same axial position on the multiple elastic arms (34) are spaced apart and aligned with each other around the circumference of the terminal contact member (3). The terminal contact member according to claim 1 .

3. Each elastic arm (34) has two elastic contact portions (340) connected in series in the axial direction of the terminal contact member (3); The arc-shaped support portion (34a) extends along the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member (3), and the arc-shaped support portions (34a) of the multiple elastic arms (34) are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the terminal contact member (3). The terminal contact member according to claim 1 .

4. The end rings (31, 32) have a notch that makes the end rings (31, 32) C-shaped, allowing the end rings (31, 32) to undergo elastic deformation in the radial direction. The terminal contact member according to claim 1 .

5. The elastic contact portion (340) is arched toward the inside of the terminal contact member (3), and the apex of the elastic contact portion (340) functions as an electrical contact point (34a) for forming an electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the mating terminal (2) to be inserted, and therefore each elastic arm (34) has a plurality of electrical contact points (34a). The terminal contact member according to claim 1 .

6. the end rings (31, 32) and the arc-shaped support portion (34a) have smooth outer surfaces, and the outer surfaces of the end rings (31, 32) and the arc-shaped support portion (34a) are used for electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body (1); The terminal contact member according to claim 1 .

7. The terminal contact member (3) is an integrally formed press-molded part. A terminal contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a terminal body (1) having a hollow internal cavity (101); - the terminal contact member (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is inserted into the internal cavity (101) of the terminal body (1); Equipped with the pair of end rings (31, 32) and all of the arc-shaped support portions (34a) of the terminal contact member (3) are in electrical contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body (1) to increase an electrical contact area between the terminal contact member (3) and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body (1); Terminal.

9. Two annular positioning steps (11, 12) on opposite sides of the terminal body (1) in the axial direction are formed on the terminal body (1); The two annular positioning steps (11, 12) are configured to axially abut end surfaces of the pair of end rings (31, 32) of the terminal contact member (3), respectively, in order to position the terminal contact member (3) in the axial direction. The terminal according to claim 8.

10. The terminal body (1) has an insertion port (101a) that allows a mating terminal (2) to be inserted into the terminal contact member (3), The insertion port (101a) is trumpet-shaped and flares outward to guide the mating terminal (2) to be inserted into the terminal contact member (3). The terminal according to claim 9.

11. The two annular positioning steps (11, 12) include a first annular positioning step (11) located near the insertion port (101a) and a second annular positioning step (12) located axially opposite the first annular positioning step (11); The pair of end rings (31, 32) includes a first end ring (31) and a second end ring (32), the first annular positioning step (11) and the second annular positioning step (12) are axially pressed against end faces of the first end ring (31) and the second end ring (32), respectively; The terminal according to claim 10.

12. The terminal body (1) is a one-piece body. A terminal according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. Housing and The terminal according to any one of claims 8 to 12, which is installed in the housing; An electrical connection device comprising:

14. The terminal body (1) of the terminal has a welding end (1a) configured to be welded to a conductor of the cable to electrically connect the terminal to the cable. The electrical connection device of claim 13.

15. A cable comprising a conductor and an outer insulating layer wrapped around the conductor. Further equipped with The welding end (1a) of the terminal body (1) is tubular and is attached and welded to one end of the conductor of the cable. The electrical connection device of claim 14.

16. The electrical connection device is a charging base, a charging gun, or an electrical connector.

16. An electrical connection device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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