Connector terminal, terminal assembly, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector terminal, a terminal assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The connector terminal comprises of: an outer conductor (21) including a cylindrical body (210); an insulator (23) provided in the outer conductor (21); and an inner conductor (22) provided in the insulator (23). The cylindrical body (210) has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits (201) axially extending are formed on the front end of the cylindrical body (210) to separate the front end of the cylindrical body (210) into multiple main elastic arms (211); an auxiliary elastic arm (212) is formed on the main elastic arm (211), and the main elastic arm (211) and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor (21') of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor (21).

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR TERMINAL, TERMINAL ASSEMBLY, CONNECTOR AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN 202310808573.6 filed on July 3, 2023 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Field of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a connector terminal, a terminal assembly comprising the connector terminal, a connector comprising the connector terminal or terminal assembly, and a connector assembly comprising the connector.

[0007] Description of the Related Art

[0008] In the prior art, a coaxial connector typically includes a housing and a terminal installed in the housing. The terminal of the coaxial connector typically includes an outer conductor, an insulator placed in the outer conductor, and an inner conductor placed in the insulator. Four elastic arms are formed at the front end of the outer conductor for electrical contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector. The size of the elastic arm in the circumferential direction of the terminal is very small, which is prone to plastic deformation, which can lead to poor electrical contact between the terminal and the mating terminal. In addition, in the prior art, each elastic arm only has a single electrical contact, which can also lead to poor electrical contact and seriously reduce the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance of connector products.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises of: an outer conductor including a cylindrical body; an insulator provided in the outer conductor; and an inner conductor provided in the insulator. The cylindrical body has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits axially extending are formed on the front end of the cylindrical body to separate the front end of the cylindrical body into multiple main elastic arms; an auxiliary elastic arm is formed on the main elastic arm, and the main elastic arm and the auxiliary elastic arm are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first protrusion is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm, and the first protrusion is served as a first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor; a second protrusion is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm, and the second protrusion is served as a second electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body, the second protrusion is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body, and the arc length of the first protrusion is greater than the arc length of the second protrusion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion is located in front of the second protrusion and is spaced at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the cylindrical body from the second protrusion.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed on the main elastic arm, and the auxiliary elastic arm is suspended in the opening and connected to a side edge of the opening.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening has front and rear side edges opposite to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body; the root of the auxiliary elastic arm is connected to the rear side edge of the opening, and the end of the auxiliary elastic arm is close to the front side edge of the opening.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple dividing slits are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body; the multiple main elastic arms are uniformly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body; multiple auxiliary elastic arms are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number of dividing slits on the front end of the cylindrical body is three, so that the number of main elastic arms on the front end of the cylindrical body is three; the size of the main elastic arm in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body is slightly smaller than one-third of the circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more auxiliary elastic arms are formed on each of the three main elastic arms.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer conductor further comprises a support portion, which is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body and is used to rest against an inner wall of a installation hole in a connector housing to position the rear end of the connector terminal in the installation hole.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support portion comprises: a support ring with a diameter larger than the cylindrical body, used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole in the connector housing; and a conical portion which is connected between the support ring and the rear end of the cylindrical body.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer conductor is an integral stamped terminal made by stamping a single metal sheet.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple positioning flanges are formed on the cylindrical body, and the multiple positioning flanges are spaced in the axial direction of the cylindrical body; the positioning flange is used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole in the connector housing, in order to position the connector terminal in the installation hole.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an annular slot is formed on the cylindrical body, and the annular slot is defined between adjacent positioning flanges; the annular slot is used to engage with a retaining part of a terminal locking member of a connector, to lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises: an outer conductor comprising an outer shell and an inner shell assembled in the outer shell; an insulator provided in the inner shell of the outer conductor; and an inner conductor provided in the insulator. The inner shell has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits axially extending are formed on the front end of the inner shell to separate the front end of the inner shell into multiple main elastic arms; multiple auxiliary elastic arms are formed on the front end of the outer shell, and the main elastic arm and the auxiliary elastic arm are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first protrusion is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm, the first protrusion is served as a first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor; a second protrusion is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm, the second protrusion is served as a second electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the inner shell, the second protrusion is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the outer shell, and the arc length of the first protrusion is greater than that of the second protrusion.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion is located in front of the second protrusion and is spaced at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the outer conductor from the second protrusion.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed on the front end of the outer shell, and the auxiliary elastic arm is suspended in the opening and connected to the rear side edge of the opening.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly comprises of: the above connector terminal; and a cable connected to the rear end of the connector terminal. The inner conductor and the outer conductor of the connector terminal are electrically connected to a conductor core and a shielding layer of the cable, respectively.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the inner conductor is crimped onto the conductor core of the cable, and the rear end of the outer conductor is crimped onto the shielding layer of the cable.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a connector housing formed with an installation hole which extends along an axial direction of the connector housing; and the above connector terminal or the above terminal assembly, which is inserted into the installation hole of the connector housing.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slot radially extending is formed on the connector housing, and the slot is communicated with the installation hole; the connector further includes a terminal locking member, which is inserted into the slot, and the terminal locking member includes a retaining part that is engaged with the annular slot on the outer conductor of the connector terminal to lock the connector terminal in the connector housing.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector comprises: a mating housing for mating with the connector housing; and a mating terminal which is installed in the mating housing for mating with the connector terminal.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating terminal comprises: a mating outer conductor which is inserted into the outer conductor of the connector terminal and electrically contact with the main elastic arm and the auxiliary elastic arm on the outer conductor simultaneously; and a mating inner conductor which is mated with the inner conductor of the connector terminal.

[0037] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the main elastic arm and auxiliary elastic arm of the outer conductor of the connector terminal can simultaneously make electrical contact with the mating outer conductor of the mating terminal, thereby improving the electrical contact performance and electromagnetic compatibility performance between the connector terminal and the mating terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 shows an exploded schematic diagram of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 shows an exploded sectional view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the assembly of terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 shows an illustrative view of a connector terminal mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 13 shows an illustrative exploded view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 14 shows an exploded sectional view of the outer conductor of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0055] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. 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 schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0056] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises of: an outer conductor including a cylindrical body; an insulator provided in the outer conductor; and an inner conductor provided in the insulator. The cylindrical body has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits axially extending are formed on the front end of the cylindrical body to separate the front end of the cylindrical body into multiple main elastic arms; an auxiliary elastic arm is formed on the main elastic arm, and the main elastic arm and the auxiliary elastic arm are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor.

[0057] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector terminal. The connector terminal comprises: an outer conductor comprising an outer shell and an inner shell assembled in the outer shell; an insulator provided in the inner shell of the outer conductor; and an inner conductor provided in the insulator. The inner shell has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits axially extending are formed on the front end of the inner shell to separate the front end of the inner shell into multiple main elastic arms; multiple auxiliary elastic arms are formed on the front end of the outer shell, and the main elastic arm and the auxiliary elastic arm are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor.

[0058] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly comprises of: the above connector terminal; and a cable connected to the rear end of the connector terminal. The inner conductor and the outer conductor of the connector terminal are electrically connected to a conductor core and a shielding layer of the cable, respectively.

[0059] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a connector housing formed with an installation hole which extends along an axial direction of the connector housing; and the above connector terminal or the above terminal assembly, which is inserted into the installation hole of the connector housing. According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0060] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an illustrative exploded view of terminal assembly 2 and 3 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a exploded sectional view of terminal assembly 2 and 3 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the assembly of terminal assembly 2 and 3 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal 2 is disclosed. The connector terminal 2 mainly includes: an outer conductor 21 (or referred to as an outer terminal), an insulator 23, and an inner conductor 22 (or referred to as a center terminal). The outer conductor 21 includes a hollow cylindrical body 210. The insulator 23 is installed in the outer conductor 21. The inner conductor 22 is installed in the insulator 23. The insulator 23 is used to maintain the inner conductor 22 and electrically isolate the inner conductor 22 from the outer conductor 21.

[0062] Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the outer conductor 21 of connector terminal 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer conductor 21 of connector terminal 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows an illustrative view of a connector terminal 2 paired with a mating terminal 2’ of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the cylindrical body 210 has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits 201 axially extending are formed on the front end of the cylindrical body 210 to separate the front end of the cylindrical body 210 into multiple main elastic arms 211. An auxiliary elastic arm 212 is formed on the main elastic arm 211. The main elastic arm 211 and the auxiliary elastic arm 212 are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21’ of the mating connector inserted into the outer conductor 21. This can improve the electrical contact performance between the connector terminal 2 and the mating terminal 2’ of the mating connector.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, a first protrusion 211a is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm 211, which is served as the first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21’. A second protrusion 212a is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm 212, and the second protrusion 212a is served as a second electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21’.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the first protrusion 211a is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body 210, the second protrusion 212a is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body 210, and the arc length of the first protrusion 211a is greater than that of the second protrusion 212a.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the first protrusion 211a is located in front of the second protrusion 212a and is separated by a predetermined distance from the second protrusion 212a in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 210.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, an opening 213 is formed on the main elastic arm 211, and the auxiliary elastic arm 212 is suspended in the opening 213 and connected to the side edge of the opening 213.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 213 on the main elastic arm 211 has front and rear side edges opposite to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 210. The root of the auxiliary elastic arm 212 is connected to the rear side edge of the opening 213, and the end of the auxiliary elastic arm 212 is close to the front side edge of the opening 213.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, multiple dividing slits 201 are uniformly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body 210; Multiple main elastic arms 211 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body 210; And multiple auxiliary elastic arms 212 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body 210.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the number of dividing slits 201 on the front end of the cylindrical body 210 is three, resulting in three main elastic arms 211 on the front end of the cylindrical body 210. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the size of the main elastic arm 211 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 210 is slightly smaller than one-third of the circumference of the cylindrical body 210. Therefore, the main elastic arm 211 has greater strength and will not undergo plastic deformation when being mated with the mating terminal 2’, improving the reliability of electrical contact between the connector terminal 2 and the mating terminal 2’.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, one auxiliary elastic arm 212 is formed on each of the three main elastic arms 211. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, for example, multiple auxiliary elastic arms 212 can also be formed on the main elastic arm 211.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the outer conductor 21 further includes a support portion 214, which is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body 210 and is used to rest against the inner wall of an installation hole 101 in a connector housing 1 to position the rear end of the connector terminal 2 in the installation hole 101. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the support portion 214 comprises a support ring 214a and a conical portion 214b. The diameter of the support ring 214a is larger than that of the cylindrical body 210, and is used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole 101 in the connector housing 1. The conical portion 214b is connected between the support ring 214a and the rear end of the cylindrical body 210.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, multiple positioning flanges 210a are formed on the cylindrical body 210, and the multiple positioning flanges 210a are spaced apart in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 210. The positioning flange 210a is used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole 101 in the connector housing 1, in order to position the connector terminal 2 in the installation hole 101.

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, an annular slot 202 is formed on the cylindrical body 210, which is defined between adjacent positioning flanges 210a. The annular slot 202 is used to engage with a retaining part 41 on a terminal locking component 4 of the connector to lock the connector terminal 2 in the connector housing 1.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the aforementioned outer conductor 21 is an integral stamped terminal made by stamping a single metal sheet.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal assembly 2 and 3 is also disclosed. The terminal assembly 2 and 3 includes: a connector terminal 2 and a cable 3. The cable 3 is connected to the rear end of connector terminal 2. The inner conductor 22 and outer conductor 21 of connector terminal 2 are electrically connected to the conductor core 31 and shielding layer 33 of cable 3, respectively.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the rear end of the inner conductor 22 is crimped onto the conductor core 31 of the cable 3, and the rear end of the outer conductor 21 is crimped onto the shielding layer 33 and the outer insulation layer 34 of the cable 3.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes: a connector housing 1 and the aforementioned connector terminal 2 or the aforementioned terminal assembly 2 and 3. The connector housing 1 formed with an installation hole 101 axially extending. The connector terminal 2 or the terminal assembly 2 and 3 is inserted into the installation hole 101 of the connector housing 1.

[0079] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a radially extending slot 102 is formed on the connector housing 1, and the slot 102 is communicated with the installation hole

[0080] 101. The connector also includes a terminal locking member 4, which is inserted into the slot

[0081] 102. The terminal locking member 4 includes a retaining part 41 that is engaged with the annular slot 202 on the outer conductor 21 of the connector terminal 2 to lock the connector terminal 2 in the connector housing 1.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly mainly includes: a connector and a mating connector mated with the connector.

[0083] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the mating connector includes: a mating housing (not shown) and a mating terminal 2’. The mating housing is used to mate with the connector housing 1. The mating terminal 2’ is installed in the mating housing for mating with the connector terminal 2.

[0084] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiments, the mating terminal 2’ includes: a mating outer conductor 21’ and a mating inner conductor 22’. The mating outer conductor 21’ is inserted into the outer conductor 21 of the connector terminal 2 and make electrical contact with the main elastic arm 211 and auxiliary elastic arm 212 on the outer conductor 21 simultaneously. The mating inner conductor 22’ is mated with the inner conductor 22 of the connector terminal 2.

[0085] Figure 10 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the outer conductor 21 of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the outer conductor 21 of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 shows an illustrative exploded view of the outer conductor 21 of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 shows an exploded sectional view of the outer conductor 21 of a connector terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal is also disclosed. The connector terminal includes: an outer conductor 21, an insulator 23, and an inner conductor 22. The outer conductor 21 includes an outer shell 24 and an inner shell 25 assembled in the outer shell 24. The insulator 23 is installed in the inner shell 25 of the outer conductor 21. The inner conductor 22 is installed in the insulator 23. The inner shell 25 has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits 201 axially extending are formed on the front end of the inner shell 25 to separate the front end part of the inner shell 25 into multiple main elastic arms 211. Multiple auxiliary elastic arms 212 are formed on the front end of the outer shell 24. The main elastic arm 211 and auxiliary elastic arm 212 on the outer conductor 21 are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21 ’ (see Figure 8) of the mating connector inserted into the outer conductor 21.

[0087] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, a first protrusion 211a is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm 211, and the first protrusion 211a is served as the first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21’. A second protrusion 212a is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm 212, and the second protrusion 212a is served as a second electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor 21’. As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in the illustrated embodiments, the first protrusion 211a is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the inner shell 25, the second protrusion 212a is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the outer shell 24, and the arc length of the first protrusion 211a is greater than that of the second protrusion 212a.

[0088] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 211a is located in front of the second protrusion 212a and is separated by a predetermined distance from the second protrusion 212a in the axial direction of the outer conductor 21.

[0089] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 213 is formed on the front end of the housing 24, and the auxiliary elastic arm 212 is suspended in the opening 213 and connected to the rear side edge of the opening 213.

[0090] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end portion 25a of the inner shell 25 is crimped onto the shielding layer 33 of the cable 3.

[0091] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle.

[0092] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0093] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

What is claimed is,1. A connector terminal, comprising: an outer conductor (21) including a cylindrical body (210); an insulator (23) provided in the outer conductor (21); and an inner conductor (22) provided in the insulator (23), wherein the cylindrical body (210) has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits (201) axially extending are formed on the front end of the cylindrical body (210) to separate the front end of the cylindrical body (210) into multiple main elastic arms (211); wherein an auxiliary elastic arm (212) is formed on the main elastic arm (211), and the main elastic arm (211) and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor (21’) of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor (21).

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a first protrusion (211a) is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm (211), and the first protrusion (211a) is served as a first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor (21’); wherein a second protrusion (212a) is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm (212), and the second protrusion (212a) is served as a second electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor (21 ’).

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first protrusion (211a) is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body (210), the second protrusion (212a) is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the cylindrical body (210), and the arc length of the first protrusion (211a) is greater than the arc length of the second protrusion (212a).

4. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first protrusion (211a) is located in front of the second protrusion (212a) and is spaced at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the cylindrical body (210) from the second protrusion (212a).

5. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein an opening (213) is formed on the main elastic arm (211), and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) is suspended in the opening (213) and connected to a side edge of the opening (213).

6. The connector terminal according to claim 5, wherein the opening (213) has front and rear side edges opposite to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical body (210); wherein the root of the auxiliary elastic arm (212) is connected to the rear side edge of the opening (213), and the end of the auxiliary elastic arm (212) is close to the front side edge of the opening (213).

7. The connector terminal according to claim 2, wherein the multiple dividing slits (201) are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body (210); the multiple main elastic arms (211) are uniformly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body (210); multiple auxiliary elastic arms (212) are evenly spaced along the circumference of the cylindrical body (210).

8. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the number of dividing slits (201) on the front end of the cylindrical body (210) is three, so that the number of main elastic arms (211) on the front end of the cylindrical body (210) is three; and wherein the size of the main elastic arm (211) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (210) is slightly smaller than one-third of the circumference of the cylindrical body (210).

9. The connector terminal according to claim 8, wherein one or more auxiliary elastic arms (212) are formed on each of the three main elastic arms (211).

10. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the outer conductor (21) further comprises a support portion (214), which is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical body (210) and is used to rest against an inner wall of a installation hole (101) in a connector housing (1) to position the rear end of the connector terminal (2) in the installation hole (101).

11. The connector terminal according to claim 10, wherein the support portion (214) comprises: a support ring (214a) with a diameter larger than the cylindrical body (210), used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole (101) in the connector housing (1); and a conical portion (214b) which is connected between the support ring (214a) and the rear end of the cylindrical body (210).

12. The connector terminal according to claim 10, wherein the outer conductor (21) is an integral stamped terminal made by stamping a single metal sheet.

13. The connector terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein multiple positioning flanges (210a) are formed on the cylindrical body (210), and the multiple positioning flanges (210a) are spaced in the axial direction of the cylindrical body (210); wherein the positioning flange (210a) is used to rest against the inner wall of the installation hole (101) in the connector housing (1), in order to position the connector terminal (2) in the installation hole (101).

14. The connector terminal according to claim 13, wherein an annular slot (202) is formed on the cylindrical body (210), and the annular slot (202) is defined between adjacent positioning flanges (210a); wherein the annular slot (202) is used to engage with a retaining part (41) of a terminal locking member (4) of a connector, to lock the connector terminal (2) in the connector housing (1).

15. A connector terminal, comprising: an outer conductor (21) comprising an outer shell (24) and an inner shell (25) assembled in the outer shell (24); an insulator (23) provided in the inner shell (25) of the outer conductor (21); and an inner conductor (22) provided in the insulator (23), wherein the inner shell (25) has a front end and a rear end that are axially opposite, and multiple dividing slits (201) axially extending are formed on the front end of the inner shell (25) to separate the front end of the inner shell (25) into multiple main elastic arms (211); wherein multiple auxiliary elastic arms (212) are formed on the front end of the outer shell (24), and the main elastic arm (211) and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) are suitable for simultaneous electrical contact with a mating outer conductor (21’) of a mating connector inserted into the outer conductor (21).

16. The connector terminal according to claim 15, wherein a first protrusion (211a) is formed on the inner side of the end of the main elastic arm (211), the first protrusion (211a) is served as a first electrical contact point for electrical contact with the mating outer conductor (21’); wherein a second protrusion (212a) is formed on the inner side of the end of the auxiliary elastic arm (212), the second protrusion (212a) is served as a second electrical contact point forelectrical contact with the mating outer conductor (21’).

17. The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein the first protrusion (211a) is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the inner shell (25), the second protrusion (212a) is arc-shaped and extends along the circumference of the outer shell (24), and the arc length of the first protrusion (211a) is greater than that of the second protrusion (212a).

18. The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein the first protrusion (211a) is located in front of the second protrusion (212a) and is spaced at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the outer conductor (21) from the second protrusion (212a).

19. The connector terminal according to claim 16, wherein an opening (213) is formed on the front end of the outer shell (24), and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) is suspended in the opening (213) and connected to the rear side edge of the opening (213).

20. A terminal assembly, comprising: the connector terminal (2) of any one of claims 1-19; and a cable (3) connected to the rear end of the connector terminal (2), wherein the inner conductor (22) and the outer conductor (21) of the connector terminal (2) are electrically connected to a conductor core (31) and a shielding layer (33) of the cable (3), respectively.

21. The terminal assembly according to claim 20, wherein the rear end of the inner conductor (22) is crimped onto the conductor core (31) of the cable (3), and the rear end of the outer conductor (21) is crimped onto the shielding layer (33) of the cable (3).

22. A connector, comprising: a connector housing (1) formed with an installation hole (101) which extends along an axial direction of the connector housing (1); and the connector terminal (2) of any one of claims 1-19 or the terminal assembly of claims 20 or 21, which is inserted into the installation hole (101) of the connector housing (1).

23. The connector according to claim 22, wherein a slot (102) radially extending is formed on the connector housing (1), and the slot(102) is communicated with the installation hole (101); wherein the connector further includes a terminal locking member (4), which is inserted into the slot (102), and the terminal locking member (4) includes a retaining part (41) that is engaged with the annular slot (202) on the outer conductor (21) of the connector terminal (2) to lock the connector terminal (2) in the connector housing (1).

24. A connector assembly, comprising: the connector as claimed in claim 22 or 23; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

25. The connector assembly according to claim 24, wherein the mating connector comprises: a mating housing for mating with the connector housing (1); and a mating terminal (2’) which is installed in the mating housing for mating with the connector terminal (2).

26. The connector assembly according to claim 25, wherein the mating terminal (2’) comprises: a mating outer conductor (21’) which is inserted into the outer conductor (21) of the connector terminal (2) and electrically contact with the main elastic arm (211) and the auxiliary elastic arm (212) on the outer conductor (21) simultaneously; and a mating inner conductor which is mated with the inner conductor (22) of the connector terminal (2).

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