Connector terminals, electrical connection assemblies, and connectors

Abstract

The present invention discloses connector terminals, electrical connection assemblies, and connectors. [Solution] The connector terminal comprises a terminal body 1 and an elastic component 2. The terminal body 1 includes a mating portion 10, which has an insertion cavity 101 into which a mating terminal can be inserted, and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic component 2 is fixed to the mating portion 10 and has a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic component 2 is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body 1. The first and second spring arms clamp the mating terminal inserted between the first and second spring arms and make electrical contact with the mating terminal. The contact surface of the elastic component of the connector terminal is very smooth, which can significantly reduce the insertion and removal force when mating with the mating terminal. The elastic component has excellent toughness and stress relaxation resistance, which increases contact pressure and reduces contact resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411421263.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 11, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, large connector terminals generally have a first spring arm and a second spring arm facing each other. To ensure conductivity, usually, the substrate of the connector terminal is copper. To improve electrical contact performance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, usually, a metal coating is formed on the copper substrates of the first spring arm and the second spring arm as electrical contacts, which can be a nickel coating or a silver coating. However, existing electrical contacts have drawbacks such as high surface roughness, excessive insertion and extraction forces when fitting with the mating terminal, and high contact resistance. Also, to ensure that the material of the electrical contact still has good electrical contact performance after long - term changes, usually, a material with good stress relaxation characteristics is used, which increases the cost.

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 connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal is a terminal body including a mating portion, the mating portion comprising a terminal body having an insertion cavity into which a mating terminal can be inserted, and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity, and an elastic component fixed to the mating portion and having a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic component is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body. The first and second spring arms are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between the first and second spring arms and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate of the terminal body is copper, the first spring arm has a first contact electroplated on the copper substrate for electrically contacting one side of the inserted mating terminal, the elastic component is an integral stainless steel component, and the second spring arm has a second contact for electrically contacting the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact includes a metal plating layer electroplated onto a copper substrate of the first spring arm, the metal plating layer being a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact includes a first metal plating layer electroplated onto a copper substrate of a first spring arm and a second metal plating layer electroplated onto the first metal plating layer, wherein the first metal plating layer is a nickel plating layer and the second metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body is a single-piece punched component, and / or the elastic component is a single-piece punched component.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion of the terminal body includes an upper wall and a bottom wall opposite each other in the height direction, and a pair of side walls opposite each other in the lateral direction, the upper wall, the bottom wall, and the pair of side walls surrounding an insertion cavity, a first spring arm formed in the bottom wall of the mating portion, and an elastic component fixed to the upper wall of the mating portion.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed in the upper wall of the mating portion, and a second spring arm of the elastic component protrudes through the opening into the insertion cavity to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two longitudinally adjacent windows of a fitting are formed in the bottom wall of the fitting, and the fitting includes two sets of first spring arms suspended from the two windows, each set of first arms including a plurality of front cantilevers and a plurality of rear cantilevers arranged alternately in the lateral direction of the fitting, the front cantilevers and rear cantilevers being connected to the front and rear sides of the windows, respectively.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component includes a rectangular frame fixed to the mating portion, the rectangular frame having a pair of crossbeams opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating portion and a pair of longitudinal beams opposite each other in the transverse direction of the mating portion, and a second spring arm located on the rectangular frame, with the two ends of the second spring arm respectively connected to the pair of crossbeams of the rectangular frame.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rectangular frame is riveted, crimped, or welded to the upper wall of the mating portion to secure the elastic component to the upper wall of the mating portion.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rivet piece is formed on a crossbeam of a rectangular frame, a rivet slot is formed on the upper wall of the fitting portion, the rivet piece is bent through the rivet slot and riveted to the upper wall of the fitting portion.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a welded piece is formed on a crossbeam of a rectangular frame, and the welded piece is supported and welded to the outer side of the upper wall of the fitting, and a pair of rivet pieces are formed on the crossbeam of the rectangular frame, and the welded piece is located between the pair of rivet pieces.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component includes a plurality of second spring arms arranged laterally across the mating portion of the terminal body.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating portion and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port of the mating portion, and the terminal body further includes a crimping portion connected to the rear end of the mating portion for crimping to one end of a cable. When the crimping portion is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimp portion includes a first crimp portion used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable and a second crimp portion used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimp portion is located between the rear end of the mating portion and the second crimp portion.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating portion, and two sides opposite each other in the transverse direction of the mating portion, and the mating portion is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port of the mating portion, and the terminal body further includes a crimping portion connected to one side of the bottom wall of the mating portion for crimping to one end of a cable. When the crimping portion is crimped to one end of a cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimp portion includes a first crimp portion used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable and a second crimp portion used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimp portion is located between one side of the bottom wall of the mating portion and the second crimp portion.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the fitting portion has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping portion is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the fitting portion.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mating portion includes an upper plate and a lower plate stacked on top of each other, the front or rear ends of the upper plate and the lower plate being connected to each other, a first spring arm formed on the upper plate, and a crimping portion connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the mating portion and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port of the mating portion. The terminal body further includes a crimping portion used for crimping to one end of a cable and a connecting portion connected between the rear end of the mating portion and the crimping portion. When the crimping portion is crimped to one end of a cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating portion.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the crimp portion includes a first crimp portion used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable and a second crimp portion used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first and second crimp portions are arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the mating portion.

[0026] 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 of the fitting portion, and is used for fitting to a mating terminal inserted from the front port of the fitting portion. The terminal body further includes a welding portion, the welding portion is flat, is connected to the rear end portion of the bottom wall of the fitting portion, and is used for welding to one end portion of the cable. When one end portion of the cable is welded to the welding portion, the axial direction of one end portion of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fitting portion.

[0027] 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 of the fitting portion, and two side portions that are on opposite sides in the lateral direction of the fitting portion, and the fitting portion is used for fitting to a mating terminal inserted from the front port of the fitting portion. The terminal body further includes a welding portion, the welding portion is flat, is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the fitting portion, and is used for welding to one end portion of the cable. When one end portion of the cable is welded to the welding portion, the axial direction of one end portion of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fitting portion.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the fitting portion has a single-layer plate structure, and the welding portion is connected to one side of the bottom wall of the fitting portion.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the fitting portion includes an upper plate and a lower plate laminated on each other, the front end portion or the rear end portion of the upper plate and the lower plate are connected to each other, the first spring arm is formed on the upper plate, and the welding portion is connected to one side of the lower plate.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly includes the above connector terminal and a cable, and the cable is a cable, and one end portion of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminal.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing and the above connector terminal or the above electrical connection assembly. The connector terminal is attached to the housing.

[0032] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component of the connector terminal is made of stainless steel. The contact surface of the stainless steel elastic component is very smooth, which can significantly reduce the insertion and removal force when mating with the mating terminal. Furthermore, the stainless steel elastic component has excellent toughness and stress relaxation resistance, which can increase forward contact pressure and reduce contact resistance.

[0033] In addition, in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, the stainless steel elastic component significantly improves the electrical contact performance of the connector terminal. Therefore, the electrical contacts of the connector terminal opposite to the elastic component can be covered with a metal layer having average performance, further reducing the cost of the connector terminal.

[0034] The above and other features of the present invention will become clearer by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view illustrating the connector terminals according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 8]This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 15] A top-down explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and so as to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0037] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and apparatus are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0038] According to the general concept of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal is a terminal body including a mating portion, the mating portion comprising a terminal body having an insertion cavity into which a mating terminal can be inserted, and a first spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity, and an elastic component fixed to the mating portion and having a second spring arm protruding into the insertion cavity. The elastic component is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body. The first and second spring arms are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between the first and second spring arms to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0039] According to another general concept of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly is provided. The electrical connection assembly comprises the above-mentioned connector terminals and a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0040] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises a housing and the above-mentioned connector terminals or the above-mentioned electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted on the housing.

[0041] Figures 1 to 5 show a first embodiment according to the present invention. Of Figures 1 to 5, Figure 1 is an explanatory perspective view from above of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an explanatory perspective view from below of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is an explanatory exploded view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the connector terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a connector terminal is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector terminal comprises a terminal body 1 and an elastic component 2. The terminal body 1 includes a mating portion 10, which has an insertion cavity 101 into which a mating terminal can be inserted, and a first spring arm 11 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic component 2 is fixed to the mating portion 10 and has a second spring arm 21 protruding into the insertion cavity 101. The elastic component 2 is made of a material with higher strength than the terminal body 1. For example, the elastic component 2 may be made of stainless steel. The first spring arm 11 and the second spring arm 21 are used to clamp a mating terminal (not shown) inserted between the first spring arm 11 and the second spring arm 21, and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the substrate of the terminal body 1 is made of copper, and the first spring arm 11 has a first contact 11a electroplated on the copper substrate for electrically contacting one side of the inserted mating terminal. The elastic component 2 is a single stainless steel member, and the second spring arm 21 has a second contact 21a for electrically contacting the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first contact 11a may include a metal plating layer electroplated onto the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11, and the metal plating layer may be a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first contact 11a may include a first metal plating layer electroplated onto the copper substrate of the first spring arm 11 and a second metal plating layer electroplated onto the first metal plating layer. The first metal plating layer may be a nickel plating layer, and the second metal plating layer may be a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 1 is a single-piece punched component. The elastic component 2 is also a single-piece punched component.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 of the terminal body 1 includes an upper wall 12 and a bottom wall 13 that are opposite each other in the height direction Z of the mating portion 10, and a pair of side walls 14 that are opposite each other in the lateral direction X of the mating portion 10. The upper wall 12, the bottom wall 13, and the pair of side walls 14 surround the insertion cavity 101. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10, and the elastic component 2 is fixed to the upper wall 12 of the mating portion 10.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 102 is formed in the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10, and the second spring arm 21 of the elastic component 2 protrudes into the insertion cavity 101 through the opening 102 to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, two windows 103 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Y of the fitting portion 10 are formed in the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10. The fitting portion 10 includes two sets of first spring arms 11, each suspended on the two windows 103. Each set of first spring arms 11 includes a plurality of front spring arms 11' and a plurality of rear spring arms 11'' arranged alternately in the lateral direction X of the fitting portion 10. The front spring arms 11' and rear spring arms 11'' are connected to the front and rear sides of the windows 103, respectively.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic component 2 includes a rectangular frame 22 fixed to the fitting portion 10, the rectangular frame 22 having a pair of crossbeams 221 on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the fitting portion 10 and a pair of vertical beams 222 on opposite sides in the lateral direction X of the fitting portion 10. The second spring arm 21 is located within the rectangular frame 22, and the two ends of the second spring arm 21 are connected to the pair of crossbeams 221 of the rectangular frame 22.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular frame 22 can be riveted, crimped, or welded to the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10 to fix the elastic component 2 to the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a rivet piece 22a is formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and a rivet slot 12a is formed on the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10. The rivet piece 22a is bent through the rivet slot 12a and riveted to the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the welded piece 22b is also formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and the welded piece 22b is supported and welded to the outer side of the upper wall 12 of the fitting portion 10. A pair of rivet pieces 22a are formed on the crossbeam 221 of the rectangular frame 22, and the welded piece 22b is located between the pair of rivet pieces 22a.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic component 2 includes a plurality of second spring arms 21 arranged in the lateral direction X of the mating portion 10 of the terminal body 1.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port 101a of the mating portion 10. The terminal body 1 also includes a crimping portion 15 connected to the rear end of the mating portion 10 for crimping to one end of a cable (not shown). When the crimping portion 15 is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 is located between the rear end of the fitting portion 10 and the second crimping portion 152.

[0057] Figure 6 shows an explanatory perspective view from above of a connector terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows an explanatory perspective view from below of a connector terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The main difference between the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the cable connection structure.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10, and two sides that are opposite each other in the transverse direction X of the mating portion 10. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port 101a of the mating portion 10. The terminal body 1 also includes a crimping portion 15 connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 for crimping to one end of a cable. When the crimping portion 15 is crimped to one end of a cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 is located between one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10 and the second crimping portion 152.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping portion 15 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 may have a double-layer plate structure.

[0062] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, and one can refer to the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 9 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0064] The main difference between the connector terminal of the third embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 and the connector terminal of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is the structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10.

[0065] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 has a two-layer plate structure including an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 131 stacked on top of each other. The front or rear ends of the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 131 are connected to each other. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and the crimping portion 15 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0066] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the third embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, and one can refer to the connector terminals of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0067] Figure 10 shows an explanatory perspective view from above of a connector terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The main difference between the connector terminal of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10 and the connector terminal of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the cable connection structure.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port 101a of the mating portion 10. The terminal body 1 also has a crimping portion 15 and a connecting portion 16. The crimping portion 15 is used to crimp to one end of a cable. The connecting portion 16 is connected between the rear end of the mating portion 10 and the crimping portion 15. When the crimping portion 15 is crimped to one end of a cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 15 includes a first crimping portion 151 and a second crimping portion 152. The first crimping portion 151 is used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 152 is used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 151 and the second crimping portion 152 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction X of the mating portion 10.

[0071] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, and one can refer to the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0072] Figure 11 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 12 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0073] The main difference between the connector terminals of the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the cable connection structure.

[0074] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10, and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port 101a of the mating portion 10. The terminal body 1 also includes a welded portion 17, which is flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10, and is for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of a cable is welded to the welded portion 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0075] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, and one can refer to the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0076] Figure 13 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 14 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0077] The main difference between the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 and the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 is the cable connection structure.

[0078] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 10 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10, and two sides that are opposite each other in the transverse direction X of the mating portion 10. The mating portion 10 is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port 101a of the mating portion 10. The terminal body 1 also includes a welded portion 17, which is flat, connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10, and is for welding to one end of a cable. When one end of a cable is welded to the welded portion 17, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the mating portion 10.

[0079] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 has a single-layer plate structure, and the welded portion 17 is connected to one side of the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 may have a double-layer plate structure.

[0080] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, and one can refer to the connector terminals of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0081] Figure 15 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 16 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0082] The main difference between the connector terminal of the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 and the connector terminal of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 is the structure of the bottom wall 13 of the mating portion 10.

[0083] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 13 of the fitting portion 10 has a two-layer plate structure including an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 131 stacked on top of each other, with the front or rear ends of the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 131 connected to each other. The first spring arm 11 is formed on the upper plate 132, and the welded portion 17 is connected to one side of the lower plate 131.

[0084] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals of the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 are essentially the same as the other technical features of the connector terminals of the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 to 16, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connection assembly comprises the connector terminals described above and a cable. One end of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1 to 16, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector comprises a housing (not shown) and the above-described connector terminals or the above-described electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted on the housing.

[0087] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments described above without structural or principle contradictions, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0088] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0089] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is excluded. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that "compile" or "have" one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. Connector terminals, - The terminal body (1) includes a mating portion (10), the mating portion (10) having an insertion cavity (101) into which the mating terminal can be inserted, and a first spring arm (11) protruding into the insertion cavity (101), - An elastic component (2) having a second spring arm (21) fixed to the fitting portion (10) and protruding into the insertion cavity (101) and Equipped with, The elastic component (2) is made from a material with higher strength than the terminal body (1). A connector terminal in which the first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (21) are used to clamp the mating terminal inserted between the first spring arm (11) and the second spring arm (21) and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

2. The substrate of the terminal body (1) is made of copper, and the first spring arm (11) has a first contact (11a) electroplated on the copper substrate for electrically contacting one side of the inserted mating terminal. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the elastic component (2) is a single stainless steel component, and the second spring arm (21) has a second contact (21a) for electrically contacting the other side of the inserted mating terminal.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first contact (11a) includes a metal plating layer electroplated onto the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11), and the metal plating layer is a tin plating layer, a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first contact (11a) includes a first metal plating layer electroplated on the copper substrate of the first spring arm (11) and a second metal plating layer electroplated on the first metal plating layer, the first metal plating layer being a nickel plating layer and the second metal plating layer being a tin plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

5. The terminal body (1) is a single-piece punched part, and / or, The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the elastic component (2) is a single-piece punched component.

6. The fitting portion (10) of the terminal body (1) includes an upper wall (12) and a bottom wall (13) on opposite sides in the height direction (Z), and a pair of side walls (14) on opposite sides in the lateral direction (X), the upper wall (12), the bottom wall (13), and the pair of side walls (14) surround the insertion cavity (101), The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first spring arm (11) is formed on the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10), and the elastic component (2) is fixed to the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10).

7. The connector terminal according to claim 6, wherein an opening (102) is formed in the upper wall (12) of the mating portion (10), and the second spring arm (21) of the elastic component (2) protrudes into the insertion cavity (101) through the opening (102) to electrically contact the inserted mating terminal.

8. Two windows (103) adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (Y) of the fitting portion (10) are formed in the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10), and the fitting portion (10) includes two sets of first spring arms (11) suspended from the two windows (103), The connector terminal according to claim 6, wherein each set of first arms (11) includes a plurality of front cantilevers (11') and a plurality of rear cantilevers (11'') arranged alternately in the lateral direction (X) of the mating portion (10), the front cantilevers (11') and the rear cantilevers (11'') are connected to the front and rear sides of the window (103), respectively.

9. The elastic component (2) includes a rectangular frame (22) fixed to the fitting portion (10), the rectangular frame (22) having a pair of horizontal beams (221) on opposite sides of the fitting portion (10) in the vertical direction (Y), and a pair of vertical beams (222) on opposite sides of the fitting portion (10) in the horizontal direction (X), The connector terminal according to claim 6, wherein the second spring arm (21) is located on the rectangular frame (22), and the two ends of the second spring arm (21) are respectively connected to a pair of crossbeams (221) of the rectangular frame (22).

10. The connector terminal according to claim 9, wherein the rectangular frame (22) is riveted, crimped, or welded to the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10) to fix the elastic component (2) to the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10).

11. The connector terminal according to claim 9, wherein a rivet piece (22a) is formed on the crossbeam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), a rivet slot (12a) is formed on the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10), the rivet piece (22) is bent through the rivet slot (12a) and riveted to the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10).

12. A welded piece (22b) is formed on the crossbeam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and the welded piece (22b) is supported and welded to the outer side of the upper wall (12) of the fitting portion (10). A connector terminal according to claim 11, wherein a pair of rivet pieces (22a) are formed on the crossbeam (221) of the rectangular frame (22), and the welded piece (22b) is located between the pair of rivet pieces (22a).

13. The connector terminal according to claim 9, wherein the elastic component (2) includes a plurality of second spring arms (21) arranged in the lateral direction (X) of the mating portion (10) of the terminal body (1).

14. The mating portion (10) has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating portion (10), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port (101a) of the mating portion (10). The terminal body (1) further includes a crimping portion (15) connected to the rear end of the fitting portion (10) for crimping to one end of the cable, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the crimping portion (15) is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the vertical direction (Y) of the fitting portion (10).

15. The crimping portion (15) is A first crimping portion (151) used for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable, A second crimping portion (152) used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable and Includes, The connector terminal according to claim 14, wherein the first crimping portion (151) is located between the rear end of the fitting portion (10) and the second crimping portion (152).

16. The mating portion (10) has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating portion (10), and two side portions that are opposite each other in the lateral direction (X) of the mating portion (10), and the mating portion (10) is used to mate into a mating terminal inserted from the front port (101a) of the mating portion (10). The terminal body (1) further includes a crimping portion (15) connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) for crimping to one end of the cable. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the crimping portion (15) is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is perpendicular to the vertical direction (Y) of the fitting portion (10).

17. The crimping portion (15) is A first crimping portion (151) used for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable, A second crimping portion (152) used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable and Includes, The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein the first crimping portion (151) is located between one side of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) and the second crimping portion (152).

18. The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) has a single-layer plate structure, and the crimping portion (15) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10).

19. The bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) includes an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked on top of each other, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) are connected to each other. The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein the first spring arm (11) is formed on the upper plate (132) and the crimping portion (15) is connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

20. The mating portion (10) has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating portion (10), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port (101a) of the mating portion (10). The terminal body (1) is A crimping section (15) used for crimping to one end of a cable, A connecting portion (16) connected between the rear end of the fitting portion (10) and the crimping portion (15) It further includes, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the crimping portion (15) is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the vertical direction (Y) of the fitting portion (10).

21. The crimping portion (15) is A first crimping portion (151) used for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable, A second crimping portion (152) used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable and Includes, The connector terminal according to claim 20, wherein the first crimping portion (151) and the second crimping portion (152) are arranged side by side in the lateral direction (X) of the mating portion (10).

22. The mating portion (10) has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating portion (10), and is used to mate with a mating terminal inserted from the front port (101a) of the mating portion (10). The terminal body (1) further includes a welded portion (17), the welded portion (17) being flat and connected to the rear end of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10), and used for welding to one end of a cable. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when one end of the cable is welded to the welded portion (17), the axial direction of the one end of the cable is parallel to the vertical direction (Y) of the mating portion (10).

23. The mating portion (10) has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating portion (10), and two side portions that are opposite each other in the lateral direction (X) of the mating portion (10), and the mating portion (10) is used to mate into a mating terminal inserted from the front port (101a) of the mating portion (10). The terminal body (1) further includes a welded portion (17), the welded portion (17) being flat, connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10), and used for welding to one end of a cable. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when one end of the cable is welded to the welded portion (17), the axial direction of the one end of the cable is perpendicular to the vertical direction (Y) of the mating portion (10).

24. The connector terminal according to claim 23, wherein the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) has a single-layer plate structure, and the welded portion (17) is connected to one side of the bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10).

25. The bottom wall (13) of the fitting portion (10) includes an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (131) stacked on top of each other, and the front or rear ends of the upper plate (132) and the lower plate (131) are connected to each other. The connector terminal according to claim 23, wherein the first spring arm (11) is formed on the upper plate (132) and the welded portion (17) is connected to one side of the lower plate (131).

26. An electrical connection assembly, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 25, A cable, wherein one end of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminal. An electrical connection assembly comprising:

27. It is a connector, Housing and The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 25, or the electrical connection assembly according to claim 26 and Equipped with, The connector terminals are attached to the housing, forming a connector.

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