Terminal, electric connection module, and connector

Abstract

To provide a terminal which secures sure and stable electrical contact, an electric connection module, and a connector.SOLUTION: A terminal comprises a fitting part including an insertion cavity extending in a length direction of the terminal and a first cantilever 113 disposed in the insertion cavity. The first cantilever 113 includes a plurality of first electric contacts 113a, and the plurality of first electric contacts 113a are isolated from each other in a length direction so as to be simultaneously in electric contact with one side of a mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity. A free end 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed to an inner wall surface of the insertion cavity, and the fitting part also includes a primary lock configured to be engaged with a housing of a connector and a secondary lock mechanism configured to be engaged with a secondary lock which is inserted into a housing. The terminal is locked to the housing through the primary lock and the secondary lock.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420097793.2, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on January 15, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal, an electrical connection module including the terminal, and an electrical connector including the electrical connection module.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, the terminal of a connector usually has only a single cantilever and a single electrical contact formed on the single cantilever. Therefore, the electrical contact between the terminal of the connector and the terminal of the mating connector becomes unstable and the reliability is low.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes a fitting portion having an insertion cavity extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal and a first cantilever disposed in the insertion cavity. The first cantilever has a plurality of first electrical contacts, and the plurality of first electrical contacts are longitudinally spaced apart from each other so as to be in electrical contact with one side of a mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity simultaneously. The free end of the first cantilever is pressed against the inner wall surface of the insertion cavity. The fitting portion also has a primary lock configured to engage with the housing of the connector and a secondary lock mechanism configured to engage with a secondary lock inserted into the housing, and locks the terminal to the housing through the primary lock and the secondary lock.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fitting portion includes a bottom plate and an upper plate that are on opposite sides in the height direction of the terminal, and a pair of side plates that are on opposite sides in the lateral direction of the terminal, and the insertion cavity is surrounded by the upper plate, the bottom plate, and the pair of side plates.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fitting portion has a front end portion and a rear end portion that are on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction, the first cantilever extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion, the fixed end portion of the first cantilever is connected to the front end portion of the upper plate, and the free end portion of the first cantilever is pressed inside the rear end portion of the upper plate.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second electrical contacts are formed inside the bottom plate, and the plurality of second electrical contacts are used to make electrical contact simultaneously with the other side of the mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second electrical contacts correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts in the height direction.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first cantilever also has a support portion that protrudes toward the upper plate, the support portion is disposed between two adjacent first electrical contacts in the longitudinal direction, and when the mating terminal is inserted into the insertion cavity of the fitting portion, the support portion and the free end portion of the first cantilever simultaneously contact the inside of the upper plate.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fitting portion further includes a second cantilever that is disposed in the insertion cavity and is on the opposite side of the first cantilever in the height direction, the second cantilever has a plurality of second electrical contacts, and the plurality of second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction so as to make electrical contact simultaneously with the other side of the mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second cantilever extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion, the fixed end portion of the second cantilever is connected to the front end portion of the bottom plate, and the free end portion of the second cantilever contacts the inside of the rear end portion of the bottom plate.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second electrical contacts correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts in the height direction.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the primary lock is an elastic arm formed on the upper plate. The primary lock extends obliquely rearward and outward from the front end portion of the upper plate and contacts a limiting step portion in the housing, and is used to prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal further includes a support ring fixed between the primary lock and the first cantilever to support the first cantilever. The support ring is on the opposite side of the first electrical contact closest to the free end portion of the first cantilever among the plurality of first electrical contacts.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second electrical contacts are formed inside the bottom plate, and the plurality of second electrical contacts are used to make electrical contact with the other side of the mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity simultaneously.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second electrical contacts correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts in the height direction.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fitting portion further includes a guide rib that extends along the longitudinal direction of the terminal and is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the terminal. The guide rib is disposed on one side in the lateral direction of the fitting portion and is used to guide the terminal to be inserted into the housing in the correct orientation in cooperation with a guide slot of the housing of the connector.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the secondary locking mechanism is a stop step formed at the rear end of the fitting portion suitable for abutting against the secondary lock.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal further includes a crimping portion used for crimping to the cable, and the fitting portion and the crimping portion are respectively arranged at both longitudinal ends of the terminal and are connected to each other.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion includes a first crimping portion used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable and a second crimping portion used for crimping to the outer layer of the cable.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal is an integrally punched part.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection module is provided. The electrical connection module is composed of the above terminal and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the terminal.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing in which a terminal hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing and a secondary lock slot extending along the lateral direction of the housing and communicating with the terminal hole are formed, the above terminal inserted into the terminal hole, or the above electrical connection module inserted into the terminal hole, and a secondary lock inserted into the secondary lock slot and engaging with the secondary locking mechanism of the terminal to lock the terminal in the terminal hole.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a limiting step perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed inside the housing, and the limiting step is configured to abut against the rear end of the primary lock of the terminal to lock the terminal in the terminal hole.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the secondary locking mechanism of the terminal is a stop step perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the secondary lock is configured to abut against the stop step to lock the terminal in the terminal hole.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide slot extending along the longitudinal direction is formed in the housing, and the guide slot is used in cooperation with the guide rib of the terminal to guide the terminal to be inserted into the housing in the correct orientation.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal holes are formed in the housing, the secondary lock slot communicates with the plurality of terminal holes, the connector includes a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holes, and the secondary lock engages with the secondary locking mechanisms of the plurality of terminals simultaneously to lock the plurality of terminals in the housing simultaneously.

[0029] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the terminals of the connector have a plurality of electrical contacts to ensure reliable and stable electrical contact with the terminals of the mating connector.

[0030] Furthermore, in the foregoing exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the terminals of the connector also have a primary lock, a secondary locking mechanism, and a guide rib for preventing misoperation, reducing the manufacturing cost of the connector.

[0031] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing its exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Instead, 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.

[0034] In the following detailed description, for purposes of illustration, 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.

[0035] According to a general concept of the present invention, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes a fitting portion having an insertion cavity extending along the longitudinal direction of the terminal and a first cantilever disposed in the insertion cavity. The first cantilever has a plurality of first electrical contacts. The plurality of first electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction so as to be in electrical contact with one side of a mating terminal inserted into the insertion cavity at the same time. The free end of the first cantilever is pressed against the inner wall surface of the insertion cavity. The fitting portion also has a primary lock configured to engage with the housing of the connector and a secondary lock mechanism configured to engage with a secondary lock inserted into the housing, and locks the terminal to the housing through the primary lock and the secondary lock.

[0036] According to another general concept of the present invention, an electrical connection module is provided. The electrical connection module is composed of the above terminal and a cable, one end of the cable being electrically connected to the terminal.

[0037] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing having a terminal hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing and a secondary lock slot extending along the lateral direction of the housing and communicating with the terminal hole, the terminal inserted into the terminal hole, or the electrical connection module inserted into the terminal hole, and a secondary lock inserted into the secondary lock slot and engaging with the secondary lock mechanism of the terminal to lock the terminal to the terminal hole.

[0038] First Embodiment Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment according to the present invention. Among them, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of the terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a front view. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a rear view. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 and the mating terminal 1' according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of an example of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal 1 is disclosed. The terminal 1 includes a fitting portion 11 for fitting with a mating terminal 1' of a mating connector. The fitting portion 11 has an insertion cavity 101 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1, and a first cantilever 113 disposed in the insertion cavity 101. The first cantilever 113 has a plurality of first electrical contacts 113a, and the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y so as to be in electrical contact with one side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the insertion cavity 101 at the same time. The free end 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the insertion cavity 101. Thereby, a stable and reliable electrical contact between the first cantilever 113 and the mating terminal 1' is ensured.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 also has a primary lock 111 configured to engage with the housing 3 of the connector, and a secondary lock mechanism 112 configured to engage with a secondary lock 4 inserted into the housing 3, and the terminal 1 can be locked to the housing 3 through the primary lock 111 and the secondary lock 4.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 includes a bottom plate 115 and an upper plate 116 that are on opposite sides in the height direction Z of the terminal 1, and a pair of side plates 110 that are on opposite sides in the lateral direction X of the terminal 1. The aforementioned insertion cavity 101 is surrounded by the upper plate 116, the bottom plate 115, and the pair of side plates 110.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 has a front end portion and a rear end portion that are on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y, and the first cantilever 113 extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11. The fixed end portion 113d of the first cantilever 113 is connected to the front end portion of the upper plate 116, and the free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed inside the rear end portion of the upper plate 116.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protruding second electrical contacts 115a are formed inside the bottom plate 115, and the plurality of protruding second electrical contacts 115a are used to make electrical contact simultaneously with the other side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the aforementioned insertion cavity 101.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second electrical contacts 115a correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a in the height direction Z.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the first cantilever 113 also has a support portion 113b that protrudes toward the upper plate 116, and the support portion 113b is disposed between two adjacent first electrical contacts 113a in the longitudinal direction Y. When the mating terminal 1' is inserted into the insertion cavity 101 of the fitting portion 11, the support portion 113b and the free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 simultaneously press inside the upper plate 116.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock 111 is an elastic arm formed on the upper plate 116. The lock 111 extends obliquely rearward and outward from the front end of the upper plate 116 and abuts against the limiting step 31 in the housing 3, and is used to prevent the terminal 1 from being pulled out of the housing 3.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 further includes a guide rib 117 that extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1 and is perpendicular to the transverse direction X of the terminal 1. The guide rib 117 is disposed on one side in the transverse direction X of the fitting portion 11 and is used in cooperation with the guide slot 37 of the connector housing 3 to guide the terminal 1 to be inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation. Thereby, the terminal 1 can be prevented from being inserted into the housing 3 in the wrong orientation.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 is a stop step formed at the rear end of the fitting portion 11 that is suitable for abutting against the secondary lock 4.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 further includes a crimping portion 12 for crimping to the cable 2. The fitting portion 11 and the crimping portion 12 are respectively disposed at both longitudinal ends of the terminal 1 and are connected to each other.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 12 includes a first crimping portion 12a and a second crimping portion 12b. The first crimping portion 12a is used to crimp to the conductor core 22 of the cable 2 for electrical connection with the cable 2. The second crimping portion 12b is used to crimp to the outer layer 21 of the cable 2.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 is an integrally punched part. Thereby, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection module is also disclosed. The electrical connection module mainly includes a terminal 1 and a cable 2. One end of the cable 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes a housing 3, a secondary lock 4, and the aforementioned terminal 1 or electrical connection module. The housing 3 has a terminal hole 301 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3 and a secondary lock slot 302 extending along the transverse direction X of the housing 3 and communicating with the terminal hole 201. The terminal 1 or the electrical connection module is inserted into the terminal hole 301. The secondary lock 4 is inserted into the secondary lock slot 302 and engages with the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting step 31 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y is formed inside the housing 3. The limiting step 31 is configured to abut against the rear end portion of the primary lock 111 of the terminal 1 to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 is a stopping step perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3, and the secondary lock 4 is configured to abut against the stopping step to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide slot 37 extending along the longitudinal direction Y is formed in the housing 3. The guide slot 37 is used in cooperation with the guide rib 117 of the terminal 1 to guide the terminal 1 to be inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 301 are formed in the housing 3, and the secondary lock slot 302 communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 301. The connector includes a plurality of terminals 1, and the plurality of terminals 1 are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holes 301. The secondary lock 4 engages with the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the plurality of terminals 1 at the same time to lock the plurality of terminals 1 to the housing 3 at the same time.

[0058] Second Embodiment FIGS. 8 to 9 show the second embodiment of the present invention. Among them, FIG. 8 shows an exemplary perspective view of the terminal 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 and the mating terminal 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The main difference between the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 is the addition of the second cantilever 114. Other technical features of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, and reference can be made to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal 1 of a connector is disclosed. The terminal 1 includes a fitting portion 11 for fitting with a mating terminal 1' of a mating connector. The fitting portion 11 has an insertion cavity 101 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1 and a first cantilever 113 disposed in the insertion cavity 101. The first cantilever 113 has a plurality of first electrical contacts 113a, and the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y so as to be in electrical contact with one side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the insertion cavity 101 at the same time. The free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the insertion cavity 101. Thereby, a stable and reliable electrical contact between the first cantilever 113 and the mating terminal 1' is ensured.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 also has a primary lock 111 configured to engage with the housing 3 of the connector, and a secondary lock mechanism 112 configured to engage with a secondary lock 4 inserted into the housing 3. The terminal 1 can be locked to the housing 3 by the primary lock 111 and the secondary lock 4.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 includes a bottom plate 115 and a top plate 116 that are on opposite sides in the height direction Z of the terminal 1, and a pair of side plates 110 that are on opposite sides in the lateral direction X of the terminal 1. The aforementioned insertion cavity 101 is surrounded by the top plate 116, the bottom plate 115, and the pair of side plates 110.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 has a front end portion and a rear end portion that are on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y, and the first cantilever 113 extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11. The fixed end portion 113d of the first cantilever 113 is connected to the front end portion of the top plate 116, and the free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed inside the rear end portion of the top plate 116.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 also includes a second cantilever 114. The second cantilever 114 is disposed in the insertion cavity 101 and is on the opposite side of the first cantilever 13 in the height direction Z. The second cantilever 114 has a plurality of second electrical contacts 115a, and the plurality of second electrical contacts 115a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y so as to be in electrical contact with the other side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the aforementioned insertion cavity 101 at the same time.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the second cantilever 114 extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11, the fixed end portion 114d of the second cantilever 114 is connected to the front end portion of the bottom plate 115, and the free end portion 114c of the second cantilever 114 contacts the inside of the rear end portion of the bottom plate 115.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of second electrical contacts 115a correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a in the height direction Z.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock 111 is an elastic arm formed on the upper plate 116. The primary lock 111 extends obliquely rearward and outward from the front end portion of the upper plate 116 and abuts against the limiting step portion 31 in the housing 3 and is used to prevent the terminal 1 from being pulled out of the housing 3.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 further includes a guide rib 117 that extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1 and is perpendicular to the lateral direction X of the terminal 1. The guide rib 117 is disposed on one side in the lateral direction X of the fitting portion 11 and is used to guide the terminal 1 to be inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide slot 37 of the connector housing 3. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the terminal 1 from being inserted into the housing 3 in the wrong orientation.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 is a restraining step portion formed at the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11 that is suitable for abutting against the secondary lock 4.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 further includes a crimping portion 12 for crimping to the cable 2. The fitting portion 11 and the crimping portion 12 are respectively disposed at both longitudinal ends of the terminal 1 and are connected to each other.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 12 includes a first crimping portion 12a and a second crimping portion 12b. The first crimping portion 12a is used to crimp to the conductor core 22 of the cable 2 for electrical connection with the cable 2. The second crimping portion 12b is used to crimp to the outer layer 21 of the cable 2.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 is an integrally punched part. Thereby, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection module is also disclosed. The electrical connection module mainly includes a terminal 1 and a cable 2, one end of the cable 2 being electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes a housing 3, a secondary lock 4, and the aforementioned terminal 1 or electrical connection module. The housing 3 has a terminal hole 301 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and a secondary lock slot 302 extending along the transverse direction X and communicating with the terminal hole 201. The terminal 1 or the electrical connection module is inserted into the terminal hole 301. The secondary lock 4 is inserted into the secondary lock slot 302 and engages with the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting step 31 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y is formed inside the housing 3. The limiting step 31 is configured to abut against the rear end portion of the primary lock 111 of the terminal 1 to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 is a stopping step perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3, and the secondary lock 4 is configured to abut against the stopping step to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide slot 37 extending along the longitudinal direction Y is formed in the housing 3. The guide slot 37 is used to guide the terminal 1 so that it is inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide rib 117 of the terminal 1.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 301 are formed in the housing 3, and the secondary lock slot 302 communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 301. The connector includes a plurality of terminals 1, and the plurality of terminals 1 are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holes 301. The secondary lock 4 engages with the secondary lock mechanisms 112 of the plurality of terminals 1 simultaneously to lock the plurality of terminals 1 to the housing 3 simultaneously.

[0079] The Third Embodiment FIGS. 11 to 13 show a third embodiment according to the present invention. Among them, FIG. 11 shows an exemplary perspective view of the terminal 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fitting portion 11 of the terminal 1 and the mating terminal 1' according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The main difference between the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 is the addition of the support ring 118. Other technical features of the third embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment and can be referred to in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal 1 of a connector is disclosed. The terminal 1 includes a fitting portion 11 for fitting with a mating terminal 1' of a mating connector. The fitting portion 11 has an insertion cavity 101 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1 and a first cantilever 113 disposed in the insertion cavity 101. The first cantilever 113 has a plurality of first electrical contacts 113a, and the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y so as to be in electrical contact with one side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the insertion cavity 101 at the same time. The free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the insertion cavity 101. Thereby, stable and reliable electrical contact between the first cantilever 113 and the mating terminal 1' is ensured.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 also has a primary lock 111 configured to engage with the housing 3 of the connector and a secondary lock mechanism 112 configured to engage with a secondary lock 4 inserted into the housing 3, and the terminal 1 can be locked to the housing 3 by the primary lock 111 and the secondary lock 4.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 includes a bottom plate 115 and an upper plate 116 on opposite sides in the height direction Z of the terminal 1, and a pair of side plates 110 on opposite sides in the lateral direction X of the terminal 1. The aforementioned insertion cavity 101 is surrounded by the upper plate 116, the bottom plate 115, and the pair of side plates 110.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 has a front end portion and a rear end portion on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y, and the first cantilever 113 extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11. The fixed end portion 113d of the first cantilever 113 is connected to the front end portion of the upper plate 116, and the free end portion 113c of the first cantilever 113 is pressed against the inside of the rear end portion of the upper plate 116.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of second electrical contacts 115a are formed inside the bottom plate 115, and the plurality of second electrical contacts 115a are used to make electrical contact simultaneously with the other side of the mating terminal 1' inserted into the aforementioned insertion cavity 101.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of second electrical contacts 115a correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a in the height direction Z.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock 111 is an elastic arm formed on the upper plate 116. The lock 111 extends obliquely rearward and outward from the front end of the upper plate 116 and abuts against the limiting step 31 in the housing 3, and is used to prevent the terminal 1 from being pulled out of the housing 3.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 further includes a support ring 118 fixed between the primary lock 111 and the first cantilever 113 to support the first cantilever 113. The support ring 118 is on the opposite side of the first electrical contact 113c closest to the free end 113c of the first cantilever 113 among the plurality of first electrical contacts 113a.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the fitting portion 11 further includes a guide rib 117 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the terminal 1 and perpendicular to the transverse direction X of the terminal 1. The guide rib 117 is disposed on one side in the transverse direction X of the fitting portion 11 and is used to guide the terminal 1 to be inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide slot 37 of the connector housing 3. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the terminal 1 from being inserted into the housing 3 in the wrong orientation.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 is a stop step portion formed at the rear end portion of the fitting portion 11 that is suitable for abutting against the secondary lock 4.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 1 further includes a crimping portion 12 for crimping to the cable 2. The fitting portion 11 and the crimping portion 12 are respectively disposed at both longitudinal ends of the terminal 1 and are connected to each other.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 12 includes a first crimping portion 12a and a second crimping portion 12b. The first crimping portion 12a is used for crimping to the conductor core 22 of the cable 2 for electrical connection with the cable 2. The second crimping portion 12b is used for crimping to the outer layer 21 of the cable 2.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection module is also disclosed. The electrical connection module mainly includes a terminal 1 and a cable 2, and one end of the cable 2 is electrically connected to the terminal 1.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes a housing 3, a secondary lock 4, and the aforementioned terminal 1 or electrical connection module. The housing 3 has a terminal hole 301 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and a secondary lock slot 302 extending along the lateral direction X and communicating with the terminal hole 201. The terminal 1 or the electrical connection module is inserted into the terminal hole 301. The secondary lock 4 is inserted into the secondary lock slot 302 and engages with the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 to lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting step portion 31 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y is formed inside the housing 3. The limiting step portion 31 is configured to abut against the rear end portion of the primary lock 111 of the terminal 1 and lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock mechanism 112 of the terminal 1 is a stopping step portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3, and the secondary lock 4 is configured to abut against the stopping step portion and lock the terminal 1 in the terminal hole 201.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide slot 37 extending along the longitudinal direction Y is formed in the housing 3. The guide slot 37 is used to guide the terminal 1 to be inserted into the housing 3 in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide rib 117 of the terminal 1.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 301 are formed in the housing 3, and the secondary lock slot 302 communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 301. The connector includes a plurality of terminals 1, and the plurality of terminals 1 are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holes 301. The secondary lock 4 engages with the secondary lock mechanisms 112 of the plurality of terminals 1 simultaneously to lock the plurality of terminals 1 in the housing 3 simultaneously.

[0099] It should be understood by those skilled in the art 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 structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0100] Although several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art 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.

[0101] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" are to be understood as not excluding the plural of such elements or steps, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Further, reference to "one embodiment" of the present invention is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Further, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "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, comprising: a fitting portion (11) having an insertion cavity (101) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the terminal (1), and a first cantilever (113) disposed in the insertion cavity (101); the first cantilever (113) has a plurality of first electrical contacts (113a), the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) so as to be in electrical contact with one side of a mating terminal (1') inserted into the insertion cavity (101) at the same time, and a free end portion (113c) of the first cantilever (113) is pressed against an inner wall surface of the insertion cavity (101); the fitting portion (11) also has a primary lock (111) configured to engage with a housing (3) of a connector, and a secondary lock mechanism (112) configured to engage with a secondary lock (4) inserted into the housing (3), and locks the terminal (1) to the housing (3) through the primary lock (111) and the secondary lock (4).

2. The fitting portion (11) includes a bottom plate (115) and a top plate (116) on opposite sides in the height direction (Z) of the terminal (1), and a pair of side plates (110) on opposite sides in the lateral direction (X) of the terminal (1), and the insertion cavity (101) is surrounded by the top plate (116), the bottom plate (115), and the pair of side plates (110). The terminal according to Claim 1.

3. The fitting portion (11) has a front end portion and a rear end portion on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y), and the first cantilever (113) extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion (11); a fixed end portion (113d) of the first cantilever (113) is connected to a front end portion of the top plate (116), and the free end portion (113c) of the first cantilever (113) is pressed against the inside of a rear end portion of the top plate (116). The terminal according to Claim 2.

4. A plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) are formed inside the bottom plate (115), and the plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) are used to make electrical contact with the other side of the mating terminal (1') inserted into the insertion cavity (101) at the same time. The terminal according to Claim 3.

5. The plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) in the height direction (Z). The terminal according to claim 4.

6. The first cantilever (113) also has a support portion (113b) protruding toward the upper plate (116), and the support portion (113b) is disposed between two adjacent first electrical contacts (113a) in the longitudinal direction (Y). When the mating terminal (1') is inserted into the insertion cavity (101) of the fitting portion (11), the support portion (113b) and the free end portion (113c) of the first cantilever (113) simultaneously contact the inside of the upper plate (116). The terminal according to claim 2.

7. The fitting portion (11) further includes a second cantilever (114) disposed in the insertion cavity (101) and on the opposite side of the first cantilever (13) in the height direction (Z). The second cantilever (114) has a plurality of second electrical contacts (115a), and the plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) so as to simultaneously make electrical contact with the other side of the mating terminal (1') inserted into the insertion cavity (101). The terminal according to claim 3.

8. The second cantilever (114) extends between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the fitting portion (11), the fixed end portion (114d) of the second cantilever (114) is connected to the front end portion of the bottom plate (115), and the free end portion (114c) of the second cantilever (114) contacts the inside of the rear end portion of the bottom plate (115). The terminal according to claim 7.

9. The plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) in the height direction (Z). The terminal according to claim 7.

10. The primary lock (111) is an elastic arm formed on the upper plate (116), the primary lock (111) obliquely extends rearward and outward from the front end portion of the upper plate (116), and contacts a limiting step portion (31) in the housing (3) and is used to prevent the terminal (1) from being pulled out of the housing (3). The terminal according to claim 3.

11. Further comprising a support ring (118) fixed between the primary lock (111) and the first cantilever (113) to support the first cantilever (113), The support ring (118) is on the opposite side of the first electrical contact (113c) closest to the free end (113c) of the first cantilever (113) among the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a), the terminal according to claim 10.

12. A plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) are formed inside the bottom plate (115), and the plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) are used to make electrical contact simultaneously with the other side of the mating terminal (1') inserted into the insertion cavity (101), the terminal according to claim 11.

13. The plurality of second electrical contacts (115a) correspond to the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) and are respectively aligned with the plurality of first electrical contacts (113a) in the height direction (Z), the terminal according to claim 12.

14. The fitting portion (11) Further comprises a guide rib (117) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the terminal (1) and perpendicular to the lateral direction (X) of the terminal (1), The guide rib (117) is arranged on one side in the lateral direction (X) of the fitting portion (11) and is used to guide the terminal (1) to be inserted into the housing (3) in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide slot (37) of the housing (3) of the connector, the terminal according to claim 1.

15. The secondary locking mechanism (112) is a stop step formed at the rear end portion of the fitting portion (11) suitable for abutting against the secondary lock (4), the terminal according to claim 3.

16. Further comprising a crimping portion (12) used for crimping the cable (2), The fitting portion (11) and the crimping portion (12) are respectively arranged at both longitudinal ends of the terminal (1) and are connected to each other, the terminal according to claim 1.

17. The crimping portion (12) Comprises a first crimping portion (12a) used for crimping the conductor core (22) of the cable (2) and A second crimping portion (12b) used for crimping the outer layer (21) of the cable (2), The terminal according to claim 16.

18. The terminal (1) is an integrally punched part, the terminal according to claim 17.

19. The terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and a cable (2), one end of the cable (2) being electrically connected to the terminal (1), the cable (2) and an electrical connection module comprising.

20. A housing (3), a terminal hole (301) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (3), and a secondary lock slot (302) extending along the lateral direction (X) of the housing (3) and communicating with the terminal hole (201) being formed, the housing (3), and the terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 inserted into the terminal hole (301), or the electrical connection module according to claim 19 inserted into the terminal hole (301), and a secondary lock (4) inserted into the secondary lock slot (302) and engaging with the secondary lock mechanism (112) of the terminal (1) to lock the terminal (1) in the terminal hole (201) and a connector comprising.

21. A limiting step portion (31) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) is formed inside the housing (3), and the limiting step portion (31) is configured to abut against the rear end portion of the primary lock (111) of the terminal (1) to lock the terminal (1) in the terminal hole (201), the connector according to claim 20.

22. The secondary lock mechanism (112) of the terminal (1) is a stop step portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (3), and the secondary lock (4) is configured to abut against the stop step portion to lock the terminal (1) in the terminal hole (201), the connector according to claim 20.

23. A guide slot (37) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is formed in the housing (3), and the guide slot (37) is used to guide the terminal (1) to be inserted into the housing (3) in the correct orientation in cooperation with the guide rib (117) of the terminal (1), the connector according to claim 20.

24. A plurality of terminal holes (301) are formed in the housing (3), and the secondary lock slot (302) communicates with the plurality of terminal holes (301), The connector according to claim 20, comprising a plurality of terminals (1), wherein the plurality of terminals (1) are respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holes (301), and the secondary lock (4) engages with the secondary lock mechanisms (112) of the plurality of terminals (1) simultaneously to lock the plurality of terminals (1) to the housing (3) simultaneously.

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