Connection terminal, finger protective cap, connection terminal assembly, cable assembly, and charging seat

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) of Chinese Patent Application No. 202221318747.8, filed on May 30, 2022.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connection terminal, a finger protective cap suitable for fitting on the end of the connection terminal, a connection terminal assembly including the connection terminal and the finger protective cap, a cable assembly including the connection terminal and the finger protective cap, and a charging seat including the connection terminal and the finger protective cap.

[0003] In the prior art, the charging terminal in the charging seat of a new energy vehicle typically includes a columnar body part, an installation part protruding from one end of the columnar body part for installing a finger protective cap, and a welding portion connected to the other end of the columnar body part. The welding portion of the charging terminal is usually welded to a cable conductor by ultrasonic welding.

[0004] In the prior art, the diameter of the installation part of the charging terminal is smaller than the columnar body part. Therefore, there is stress concentration at the root of the installation part connected to the columnar body part, and since the installation part is usually a solid body, the mass is relatively large. When ultrasonic welding is used for cable conductor and charging terminal, the charging terminal will have high-frequency vibration, which will lead to fatigue and fracture of the installation part at the end of the charging terminal.

[0005] Moreover, in the prior art, during the mating process between the charging terminal and the mating charging terminal, the finger protective cap installed on the end of the charging terminal is easily detached from the installation part of the charging terminal, which can lead to the risk of electric shock due to human fingers touching the end of the charging terminal.

[0006] A finger protective cap for fitting on an installation part at an end of a connection terminal includes a peripheral wall, an end wall connected to an end of the peripheral wall, and an insertion post located in the inner cavity and connected to the end wall. The peripheral wall and end wall define an inner cavity accommodating the installation part. The insertion post is insertable into an insertion hole on the installation part and interference fit with a hole wall of the insertion hole. The inner cavity has an opening opposite to the end wall to allow the installation part to be inserted into the finger protective cap through the opening.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0016] 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.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 includes a body part 10 and an installation part 11. The body part 10 is suitable for inserting into a mating terminal for electrical contact with the mating terminal. The installation part 11 is suitable for inserting into a finger protective cap 2 for installing the finger protective cap 2.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiments, the installation part 11 is formed on and protrudes from the end face 10a of one end of the body part 10. An insertion hole 112 is formed on the installation part 11, which is suitable for matching with an insertion post 22 in the finger protective cap 2. In the illustrated embodiment, due to the formation of an insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11, the weight of the installation part 11 is reduced, thereby preventing its fracture during high-frequency vibration.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiments, the root of the installation part 11 connected to the end face 10a of the body part 10 is formed into an arc-shaped connection part 11b. The installation part 11 and the body part 10 are connected to each other by the arc-shaped connection part 11b to prevent stress concentration at the root of the installation part 11. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, an arc-shaped chamfer 11c is formed at the root of the installation part 11 connected to the end face 10a of the body part 10 to prevent stress concentration at the root of the installation part 11. This can prevent the root of the installation part 11 from breaking due to high-frequency vibration. The insertion hole 112 reduces the mass of the installation part 11, which can effectively prevent the installation part 11 from breaking due to high-frequency vibration.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the installation part 11 extends along an axial direction of the body part 10, the end face 10a of the body part 10 extends along a radial direction of the body part 10, and the cross section of the arc-shaped chamfer 11c is an arc with a central angle equal to 90 degrees.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiments, a radial protrusion 110 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the installation part 11, and the radial protrusion 110 is suitable for being engaged in a radial recess 210 on an inner peripheral surface of the finger protective cap 2. A blocking surface 110a is formed on one side of the radial protrusion 110 of the installation part 11, and a mating blocking surface 210a is formed on one side of the radial recess 210 in the finger protective cap 2. The blocking surface 110a is suitable for leaning against the mating blocking surface 210a to prevent the finger protective cap 2 from being removed from the installation part 11.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the radial protrusion 110 on the installation part 11 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the finger protective cap 2 at the radial recess 210. When the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11, the radial protrusion 110 on the installation part 11 is interference fit with the inner peripheral surface of the finger protective cap 2 to increase the engagement force between the finger protective cap 2 and the installation part 11.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiments, when the finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11, the end face 10a of the body part 10 is pressed against the end face 21a of the open end of the finger protective cap 2 and is covered by the finger protective cap 2 to prevent human fingers from touching the end face 10a of the body part 10. In the illustrated embodiment, when the finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11, the end face 11a of the installation part 11 usually does not come into contact with the finger protective cap 2, thereby not limiting the installation position of the finger protective cap 2.

[0024] The inner diameter of the insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion post 22 in the finger protective cap 2. When the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11, the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11 is interference fit with the insertion post 22 in the finger protective cap 2.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 further includes a welding end 12, which is connected to the other end of the body part 10 and adapted to be welded to a cable conductor.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiments, the welding end 12 is flat and the body 10 is cylindrical. The welding end 12 is radially offset to one side relative to the body part 10, so that the central axis of the cable conductor welded to the top surface of the welding end 12 coincides with the central axis of the body 10 or the distance between the two is less than a predetermined value.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 further includes a connection portion 14, which is connected between the other end of the body part 10 and one end of the welding end 12 and extends obliquely relative to the body part 10.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection terminal 1 is an integral component. For example, the connection terminal 1 can be an integral machined part or an integral stamping formed part.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiments, the extension length of the installation part 11 in the axial direction of the body part 10 is not greater than half, one-third, or quarter of the axial extension length of the finger protective cap 2. In this way, the axial extension length of the installation part 11 can be reduced to prevent fracture of the installation part 11 due to high-frequency vibration.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection terminal assembly is also disclosed. The connection terminal assembly includes: the connection terminal 1 and the finger protective cap 2 as shown in the attached figures. The finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1. An insertion post 22 is formed inside the finger protective cap 2, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, which is inserted into the insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cable assembly is also disclosed. The cable assembly includes a cable and the connection terminal 1 shown in the attached figures and described above. The cable has an exposed cable conductor. The connection terminal 1 has a welding end 12. The cable conductor is welded to the welding end 12 of the connection terminal 1. For example, the cable conductor can be welded to the welding end 12 of the connection terminal 1 by ultrasonic welding. The cable assembly also includes a finger protective cap 2 as shown in the attached figures, which is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a charging seat is also disclosed. The charging seat includes a housing and a connection terminal 1 as shown in the attached figures and described above. The connection terminal 1 is inserted into the housing for matching with a mating terminal in a charging gun. The charging seat also includes a finger protective cap 2. The finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1 to prevent human fingers from touching the end of the connection terminal 1. The charging seat also includes a cable, which has an exposed cable conductor. The cable conductor is welded to the welding end 12 of the connection terminal 1. In this way, the connection terminal 1 can be electrically connected to a charging battery through a cable.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a finger protective cap 2 is also disclosed. The finger protective cap 2 is suitable for fitting on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1 shown in the attached figures, to prevent human fingers from touching the end of the connection terminal 1.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a finger protective cap 2 is also disclosed, which is used to fit on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1. Finger protective cap 2 mainly includes: a peripheral wall 21, an end wall 20, and an insertion post 22. The end wall 20 is connected to one end of the peripheral wall 21. The end wall 20 and the peripheral wall 21 define an inner cavity 23 suitable for accommodating the installation part 11. The insertion post 22 is located in the inner cavity 23 and connected to the end wall 20 for insertion into the insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11. The insertion post 22 is adapted to be interference fit with the hole wall of the insertion hole 112. Therefore, the engagement force between the finger protective cap 2 and the connection terminal 1 has been improved, which can effectively prevent the finger protective cap 2 from falling off the connection terminal 1 and improve the safety of the product.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner cavity 23 of the finger protective cap 2 has an opening 24 opposite the end wall 20 to allow the installation part 11 to be inserted into the finger protective cap 2 through the opening 24. A radial recess 210 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 21 of the finger protective cap 2, which is suitable for engagement with the radial protrusion 110 on the outer peripheral surface of the installation part 11.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiments, a mating blocking surface 210a is formed on one side of the radial recess 210, which is suitable for pressing against the blocking surface 110a of the radial protrusion 110 to prevent the finger protective cap 2 from being removed from the installation part 11.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the finger protective cap 2 at the radial recess 210 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the radial protrusion 110 on the installation part 11. When the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11, the inner peripheral surface of the finger protective cap 2 is interference fit with the radial protrusion 110 to increase the engagement force between the finger protective cap 2 and the installation part 11.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiments, the end face 21a of the peripheral wall 21 of the finger protective cap 2 is suitable to rest against the end face 10a of the body part 10 connected to the terminal 1, used to cover the end face 10a of the body part 10 to prevent human fingers from touching the end face 10a of the body part 10. In the illustrated embodiment, when the finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11, the end face 11a of the installation part 11 usually does not come into contact with the finger protective cap 2, thereby not limiting the installation position of the finger protective cap 2.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in the illustrated embodiments, a guiding slope 21b is formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21 at the opening 24, causing the opening 24 to appear in an outward expanding trumpet shape to guide the installation part 11 into the finger protective cap 2.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an inclined guide surface 222b is formed at the end of the insertion post 22 to guide the insertion of the insertion post 22 into the insertion hole 112 on the installation section 11. The insertion post 22 extends along the axial direction of the finger protective cap 2 from the end wall 20, and the axial extension length of the insertion post 22 is greater than the axial extension length of the insertion hole 112 on the installation part 11.

[0041] The insertion post 22 includes a base part 221 and an insertion part 222. One end of the base part 221 is connected to the end wall 20. The insertion part 222 is connected to the other end of the base part 221. When the finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11, the insertion part 222 is inserted into the insertion hole 112, and the base part 221 is located outside the insertion hole 112. An outer diameter of the base part 221 is greater than the outer diameter of the insertion part 222, and the outer diameter of the insertion part 222 is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 112. When the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11, the insertion part 222 is interference fit with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 112.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in the illustrated embodiments, multiple first reinforcing ribs 221a extending axially are formed on the peripheral surface of the base part 221, and the multiple first reinforcing ribs 221a are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Multiple second reinforcing ribs 222a extending axially are formed on the peripheral surface of the insertion part 222, and the multiple second reinforcing ribs 222a are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction and connected axially with the multiple first reinforcing ribs 221a. When the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11, the second reinforcing rib 222a on the inserting part 222 is interference fit with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 112. That is to say, when the finger protective cap 2 is sleeved on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1, the second reinforcing rib 222a on the insertion post 22 is inserted into the insertion hole 112, and is partially deformed due to the compression of the hole wall of the insertion hole 112, so that the insertion post 22 and the hole wall of the insertion hole 112 form an interference fit.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, the outer circumference of the base part 221 is flush with the outer circumference of the insertion part 222, and the radial and circumferential dimensions of the first reinforcing rib 221a are larger than those of the second reinforcing rib 222a, respectively.

[0044] In an embodiment, the finger protective cap 2 is an integral component. For example, the finger protective cap 2 can be an integral injection molded part made of insulating material.

[0045] In various embodiments, the extension length of the finger protective cap 2 in its axial direction is not less than twice, three times, or four times the axial extension length of the installation part 11.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection terminal assembly is also disclosed. The connection terminal assembly includes: a connection terminal 1 and a finger protective cap 2. The connection terminal 1 has an installation part 11 located at its end. The finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1. An insertion hole 112 is formed on the installation part 11, and the insertion post 22 on the finger protective cap 2 is inserted into the insertion hole 112 of the installation part 11.

[0047] A cable assembly is also disclosed. The cable assembly includes: a cable, a connection terminal 1, and a finger protective cap 2. The cable has an exposed cable conductor. The cable conductor is soldered to the connection terminal 1. The finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1.

[0048] A charging seat is also disclosed. The charging seat includes a housing, a connection terminal 1, and a finger protective cap 2. The connection terminal 1 is inserted into the housing. The finger protective cap 2 is installed on the installation part 11 at the end of the connection terminal 1. The charging seat also includes a cable with an exposed cable conductor welded to the connection terminal 1.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection terminal 1 is also disclosed. An installation part 11 is formed at the end of the connection terminal 1, which is adapted to be inserted into the aforementioned finger protective cap 2. An insertion hole 112 is formed on the installation part 11 that is suitable for fitting with the insertion post 22 inside the finger protective cap 2.

[0050] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrative, 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and preceded 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.