Electrical Connector Locking and Contact Section Segmentation

The invention divides the terminal structure into distinct functional sections: locking sections (with locking protrusions and locking recesses) and contact sections (with contact protrusions and contact recesses). These sections are positioned at different locations along the terminal, allowing the locking function and electrical contact function to be independently optimized. The locking sections engage in the insertion/removal direction to provide locking force, while the contact sections are positioned to ensure stable electrical connection without being compromised by the locking mechanism.

The invention transitions from a single-dimension positioning approach to a multi-dimensional arrangement. The locking sections and contact sections are positioned at different locations along the terminal length, and the contact sections are configured to contact in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction. This dimensional change allows both locking strength and contact pressure to be optimized independently, as the contact force is applied perpendicular to the locking force direction rather than being compromised by the locking interference.

The terminal is segmented into locking sections and contact sections with distinct functions. The locking sections provide reliable locking through interference fitting in the insertion/removal direction, while the contact sections are positioned and oriented to maintain stable electrical contact. By separating these functions spatially and orienting the contact sections perpendicular to the locking direction, the invention prevents deformation under external forces from affecting both functions simultaneously, thus maintaining both locking reliability and contact stability.

The invention makes the terminal structure multi-functional by incorporating both locking sections and contact sections into the same terminal component. The terminal simultaneously performs locking function (through locking protrusions and recesses engaging in the insertion/removal direction) and electrical contact function (through contact protrusions and recesses engaging perpendicular to the insertion direction). This multi-functionality approach maintains relatively simple connector structure while ensuring reliable electrical connection, as both locking and contact functions are integrated into the terminal design rather than requiring separate mechanisms.