Connector terminals, electrical connection assemblies, and connectors

Abstract

To provide a connector terminal with a simple structure, high processing efficiency, low cost, high vibration resistance, and reliable electrical contact. [Solution] The connector terminal comprises a base having two opposing sides in the lateral direction X of the base 1 and a spring arm extending along the longitudinal direction Y formed on the base, and a pair of cantilever portions 2 located above the base and connected to both sides of the base, the cantilever portions including a plurality of bent cantilevers 20 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y of the base and having their roots connected to the side edges of the base 1, and a pressing portion 21 connected to the ends of the plurality of bent cantilevers and suspended above the base. The pressing portion and the spring arm are opposed in the height direction Z and are used to clamp a mating terminal inserted between the pressing portion and the spring arm and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202422486835.4, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 14, 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 are mainly manufactured using a combined punching process. Existing large connector terminals have drawbacks such as complex structures, low processing efficiency, high costs, etc., and have few advantages in the increasingly fierce market competition. In addition, the electrical contact of existing large connector terminals is uncertain, the vibration resistance performance is low, and the insertion and extraction force when fitting with the mating terminal is too large.

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 comprises a base having two sides facing each other in the lateral direction of the base and a spring arm formed in the base and extending along the longitudinal direction of the base, and a pair of cantilever portions located above the base and connected to both sides of the base. The cantilever portions include a plurality of bent cantilevers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base and having their roots connected to the side edges of the base, and a pressing portion connected to the ends of the plurality of bent cantilevers and suspended above the base. The pressing portion and the spring arm face each other in the height direction and are used to clamp a mating terminal inserted between the pressing portion and the spring arm and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing portion has a first contact portion that protrudes toward the spring arm to electrically contact the upper side of the inserted mating terminal, the first contact portion extending a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the extension length of the first contact portion in the longitudinal direction of the base is 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the longitudinal length of the base.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the base, and the cantilever portion includes three curved cantilevers located at the front, rear, and center of the base, respectively.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of spring arms are formed on a base and arranged side by side laterally on the base to simultaneously make electrical contact with the underside of an inserted mating terminal.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed in a base, a spring arm is suspended in the opening, and both ends of the spring arm are connected to the front and rear sides of the opening, respectively.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the spring arm has a second contact portion that protrudes toward the pressing portion to electrically contact the underside of the inserted mating terminal, the second contact portion extending a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the extension length of the second contact portion in the longitudinal direction of the base is 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the longitudinal length of the base.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pair of spring arms are formed on a base, and the second contact portions of the pair of spring arms are respectively opposite the first contact portions of a pair of cantilever portions in the height direction.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the base, and the mating terminal is inserted between the base and the cantilever portion along the longitudinal direction of the base from the front end of the base, and a bent limiting portion is formed at the rear end of the pressing portion, which is used to abut against the end face of the inserted mating terminal and limit the longitudinal insertion depth of the mating terminal.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide portion is formed at the front end of the pressing portion, the guide portion extends outward and is inclined, and is used to guide the mating terminal so that it is inserted between the pressing portion and the spring arm.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal is a single-piece punched component.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further includes a crimping portion connected to the rear end of the base for crimping to one end of a cable, such that when the crimping portion is crimped to one end of the cable, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0018] 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 base and the second crimp portion.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further comprises a crimping portion used for crimping to one end of a cable, and a connecting portion connected between the rear end of a base 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 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion is an elastically deformable flexible bending portion, and the crimping portion can float relative to the base in at least one of the lateral, longitudinal, and height directions.

[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 insulating layer of the cable. The first and second crimping portions are arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the base.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further includes a joint, which is flat, connected to the rear end of a base, and used to connect to one end of a cable, such that when one end of the cable is connected to the joint, the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base.

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

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing and the above-described connector terminal or the above-described electrical connection assembly. The connector terminal is attached to the housing.

[0025] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the connector terminal has advantages such as a simple structure, high processing efficiency, low cost, high vibration resistance performance, and reliable electrical contact.

[0026] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring 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 that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to the general concept of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal comprises a base having two sides facing each other in the lateral direction of the base and a spring arm formed in the base and extending along the longitudinal direction of the base, and a pair of cantilever portions located above the base and connected to both sides of the base. The cantilever portions include a plurality of bent cantilevers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base and having their roots connected to the side edges of the base, and a pressing portion connected to the ends of the plurality of bent cantilevers and suspended above the base. The pressing portion and the spring arm face each other in the height direction and are used to clamp a mating terminal inserted between the pressing portion and the spring arm and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises a base 1 and a pair of cantilever portions 2. The base 1 has two opposing sides in the lateral direction X and forms a spring arm 11 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1. The pair of cantilever portions 2 are located above the base 1 and connected to both sides of the base 1. The cantilever portions 2 include a plurality of bent cantilevers 20 and a pressing portion 21. The plurality of bent cantilevers 20 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1 and their roots are connected to the side edges of the base 1. The pressing portion 21 is connected to the ends of the plurality of bent cantilevers 20 and is suspended above the base 1. The pressing portion 21 and the spring arm 11 face each other in the height direction Z, and are used to clamp a mating terminal (not shown) inserted between the pressing portion 21 and the spring arm 11, thereby making electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressing portion 21 has a first contact portion 210 that protrudes toward the spring arm 11 in order to electrically contact the upper side of the inserted mating terminal, and the first contact portion 210 extends for a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension length of the first contact portion 210 in the vertical direction Y of the base 1 is 1 / 3 or more of the vertical length of the base 1 and 2 / 3 or less of the vertical length of the base 1.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 1 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1. The cantilever portion 2 includes three bent cantilevers 20 located at the front end, rear end, and center end of the base 1, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of spring arms 11 are formed on the base 1 and arranged in a lateral direction X on the base 1 to simultaneously make electrical contact with the underside of the inserted mating terminal.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 101 is formed in the base 1, a spring arm 11 is suspended in the opening 101, and both ends of the spring arm 11 are connected to the front and rear sides of the opening 101, respectively.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm 11 has a second contact portion 110 that protrudes toward the pressing portion 21 in order to electrically contact the lower side of the inserted mating terminal. The second contact portion 110 extends for a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension length of the second contact portion 110 in the vertical direction Y of the base 1 is 1 / 3 or more of the vertical length of the base 1 and 2 / 3 or less of the vertical length of the base 1.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spring arms 11 are formed on the base 1, and the second contact portions 110 of the pair of spring arms 11 face the first contact portions 210 of the pair of cantilever portions 2 in the height direction Z.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 1 has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1, and the mating terminal is inserted between the base 1 and the cantilever portion 2 along the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1 from the front end of the base 1. The rear end of the pressing portion 21 has a limiting portion 21a that is bent toward the base 1, and the limiting portion 21a is used to abut against the end face of the inserted mating terminal and limit the insertion depth of the mating terminal in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide portion 21b extending diagonally outward is formed at the front end of the pressing portion 21. The guide portion 21b is used to guide the mating terminal so that it is inserted between the pressing portion 21 and the spring arm 11.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminals are integrally punched parts.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminal further includes a crimping portion 3 for crimping to one end of a cable (not shown) connected to the rear end of the base 1. When the crimping portion 3 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 base 1.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 3 includes a first crimping portion 31 and a second crimping portion 32. The first crimping portion 31 is used for crimping to the conductor core (not shown) of the cable. The second crimping portion 32 is used for crimping to the outer insulating layer (not shown) of the cable. The first crimping portion 31 is located between the rear end of the base 1 and the second crimping portion 32.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The main difference between the connector terminals shown in Figure 4 and those shown in Figures 1-3 lies in the cable connection structure.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminal further comprises a crimping portion 3 and a connecting portion 4. The crimping portion 3 is used to crimp one end of a cable. The connecting portion 4 is connected between the rear end of the base 1 and the crimping portion 3. When the crimping portion 3 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 base 1.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 4 is an elastically deformable flexible bending portion, and therefore the crimping portion 3 can float relative to the base 1 in at least one of the lateral direction X, the longitudinal direction Y, and the height direction Z. For example, the crimping portion 3 can float relative to the base 1 in the longitudinal direction Y and the height direction Z.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the crimping portion 3 includes a first crimping portion 31 and a second crimping portion 32. The first crimping portion 31 is used for crimping to the conductor core of the cable. The second crimping portion 32 is used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable. The first crimping portion 31 and the second crimping portion 32 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction X of the base 1.

[0053] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals shown in Figure 4 are essentially the same as those of the connector terminals shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the connector terminals shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be referenced.

[0054] Figure 5 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The main difference between the connector terminals shown in Figure 5 and those shown in Figures 1-3 lies in the cable connection structure.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminal further comprises a joint 5, which is flat and connected to the rear end of the base 1 for securely fixing (soldering) one end of the cable. When one end of the cable is joined to the joint 5, the axial direction of one end of the cable becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the base 1.

[0057] Aside from the differences mentioned above, the other technical features of the connector terminals shown in Figure 5 are essentially the same as those of the connector terminals shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the connector terminals shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be referenced.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an electrical connection assembly is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connection assembly comprises the above-mentioned connector terminals and a cable (not shown), one end of which is electrically connected to the connector terminals.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector comprises a housing (not shown) and the above-mentioned connector terminals or electrical connection assembly. The connector terminals are mounted on the housing.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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, A base (1) having two opposing sides in the lateral direction (X) of the base (1), and a spring arm (11) formed on the base (1) and extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the base (1), A pair of cantilever portions (2) are located above the base (1) and connected to both sides of the base (1). Equipped with, The cantilever portion (2) is A plurality of bent cantilevers (20) are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction (Y) of the base (1), and their roots are connected to the side edges of the base (1), and A pressing portion (21) is connected to the ends of the plurality of bent cantilevers (20) and suspended above the base (1). Includes, A connector terminal in which the pressing portion (21) and the spring arm (11) face each other in the height direction (Z), and is used to clamp a mating terminal inserted between the pressing portion (21) and the spring arm (11) and to make electrical contact with the mating terminal.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion (21) has a first contact portion (210) that protrudes toward the spring arm (11) in order to electrically contact the upper side of the inserted mating terminal, and the first contact portion (210) extends by a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the base (1).

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the extended length of the first contact portion (210) in the vertical direction (Y) of the base (1) is 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the vertical length of the base (1).

4. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the base (1) has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the base (1), and the cantilever portion (2) includes three bent cantilevers (20) located at the front, rear, and center of the base (1), respectively.

5. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of spring arms (11) are formed on the base (1) and arranged side by side in the lateral direction (X) of the base (1) to simultaneously make electrical contact with the lower side of the inserted mating terminal.

6. The connector terminal according to claim 5, wherein an opening (101) is formed in the base (1), the spring arm (11) is suspended in the opening (101), and both ends of the spring arm (11) are connected to the front and rear sides of the opening (101), respectively.

7. The spring arm (11) has a second contact portion (110) that protrudes toward the pressing portion (21) in order to electrically contact the lower side of the inserted mating terminal. The connector terminal according to claim 6, wherein the second contact portion (110) extends for a predetermined length along the vertical direction (Y) of the base (1).

8. The connector terminal according to claim 7, wherein the extended length of the second contact portion (110) in the vertical direction (Y) of the base (1) is 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the vertical length of the base (1).

9. A connector terminal according to claim 7, wherein a pair of spring arms (11) are formed on the base (1), and the second contact portion (110) of the pair of spring arms (11) faces the first contact portion (210) of the pair of cantilever portions (2) in the height direction (Z).

10. The base (1) has a front end and a rear end on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the base (1), and the mating terminal is inserted between the base (1) and the cantilever portion (2) from the front end of the base (1) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the base (1). A limiting portion (21a) bent toward the base (1) is formed at the rear end of the pressing portion (21), and the limiting portion (21a) is used to abut against the end face of the inserted mating terminal and to limit the insertion depth of the mating terminal in the longitudinal direction (Y), as described in claim 1.

11. The connector terminal according to claim 10, wherein a guide portion (21b) is formed at the front end of the pressing portion (21), the guide portion (21b) extends outward and is inclined, and is used to guide the mating terminal so that it is inserted between the pressing portion (21) and the spring arm (11).

12. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the connector terminal is a single-piece punched component.

13. The base (1) is further provided with a crimping portion (3) connected to the rear end for crimping to one end of a cable, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein when the crimping portion (3) 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 base (1).

14. The crimping portion (3) is A first crimping portion (31) used for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable, A second crimping portion (32) used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable and Includes, The connector terminal according to claim 13, wherein the first crimping portion (31) is located between the rear end of the base (1) and the second crimping portion (32).

15. A crimping section (3) used for crimping to one end of a cable, A connecting portion (4) is connected between the rear end of the base (1) and the crimping portion (3). Furthermore, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein when the crimping portion (3) 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 base (1).

16. The connector terminal according to claim 15, wherein the connecting portion (4) is an elastically deformable flexible bending portion, and the crimping portion (3) can float relative to the base (1) in at least one of the lateral direction (X), the vertical direction (Y), and the height direction (Z).

17. The crimping portion (3) is A first crimping portion (31) used for crimping onto the conductor core of the cable, A second crimping portion (32) used for crimping to the outer insulating layer of the cable and Includes, The connector terminal according to claim 15, wherein the first crimping portion (31) and the second crimping portion (32) are arranged side by side in the lateral direction (X) of the base (1).

18. The device further comprises a joint (5), the joint (5) being flat and connected to the rear end of the base (1), and used to connect to one end of a cable. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein when one end of the cable is joined to the joint (5), the axial direction of one end of the cable is parallel to the vertical direction (Y) of the base (1).

19. An electrical connection assembly, The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 18, A cable, wherein one end of the cable is electrically connected to the connector terminal. An electrical connection assembly comprising:

20. It is a connector, Housing and The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or the electrical connection assembly according to claim 19 Equipped with, The connector terminals are attached to the housing, forming a connector.

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