WO2017195013A1

WO2017195013A1 - Connector terminal assembly with additional contacting surface(s)

Info

Publication number: WO2017195013A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/000157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ventsislav Mironov
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-05-12
Filing date: 2017-02-24
Publication date: 2017-11-16
Also published as: DE102016005841B4; DE102016005841A1

Abstract

The present application refers to a connector terminal assembly (1) comprising: a female terminal (5) having a female accommodating space (35); and a male terminal (3) being connectable with the female terminal (5) by being at least partly insertable into the female accommodate space (35) along an insertion direction ID; wherein the male terminal (3) has a first male contacting surface (15) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the first male contacting surface (15) extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction ID in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5); wherein the male terminal (3) has at least one second male contacting surface (17, 51) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the second male contacting surface (17, 51) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction ID in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5); and wherein the female accommodation space (35) has a first female contacting surface (41) for at least partly contacting the first male contacting surface (15), and a second female contacting surface (43, 53) for at least partly contacting the second male contacting surface (17, 51). Further, the present application refers to a respective male terminal.

Description

The present invention refers to a connector terminal assembly and to a male terminal being connectable with a female terminal and having at least one additional contacting surface. Further, the present invention refers to a connector terminal assembly comprising the male terminal and the female terminal.

Connector terminal assemblies usually comprise a female terminal having a female accommodation space into which a male terminal is at least partly insertable in order to provide an electrical connection between different elements. - For example, connector terminal assemblies are used for electrically connecting a charge connector to an electrical vehicle in order to be charged.

In the prior art, the male terminal is pin-shaped, which means that the male terminal comprises a longitudinal cylindrical element. Document JP 2007-317403 A discloses such an exemplary pin-shaped male terminal.

In order to provide an increased contact force between the male terminal and the female terminal, document JP 2007-317403 A suggests the provision of a compression spring as a connecting member in the female accommodation space into which the male terminal is inserted.

However, this construction only allows conducting low currents between the female and male terminals. Accordingly, there is a need for a connector terminal assembly in which the conducted currents are increased.

According to an aspect, this underlying problem has been solved by the connector terminal assembly comprising:

a female terminal having a female accommodating space; and

a male terminal being connectable with the female terminal by being at least partly insertable into the female accommodate space along an insertion direction; wherein the male terminal has a first male contacting surface for electrically contacting the female terminal, wherein the first male contacting surface extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals;

wherein the male terminal has at least one second male contacting surface for electrically contacting the female terminal, wherein the second male contacting surface is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals; and

wherein the female accommodation space has a first female contacting surface for at least partly contacting the first male contacting surface, and a second female contacting surface for at least partly contacting the second male contacting surface.

Particularly, the first male contacting surface extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction, along which the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal and, accordingly, corresponds to a contact surface which is typically provided at a male terminal. In other words, the male terminal substantially has a cylindrical shape at the first male contacting surface. In addition, the above male terminal provides at least one second male contacting surface, which is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals. Accordingly, the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal is either widening or narrowing in the second male contacting surface along an extension direction of the male terminal. A surrounding wall of the female accommodation space has a shape which provides a first female contacting surface and a second female contacting surface. Both surfaces are arranged such that they at least partly contact the first and second male contacting surfaces in the connected position of the male and female terminals, respectively. Thereby, an electric contact is provided between the male and female terminals, such that electric current can be conducted. The term "connected position" particularly corresponds to a position where the male and female terminals are fully connected.

As the above connector terminal assembly provides one or more additional contact surfaces at the male terminal and corresponding surface(s) at the female terminal, the terminal contact resistance can be decreased and higher currents can be conducted through the (particularly surface) contact between the male and female terminals.

According to a particular embodiment, the male terminal has at least one third male contacting surface for electrically contacting the female terminal, wherein the third male contacting surface is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals;

wherein the second and third male contacting surfaces are arranged at opposite sides of the first male contacting surface with respect to an extension direction of the male terminal;

wherein the second and third male contact surfaces are arranged such that a depression or constriction is formed in a surrounding surface of the male terminal; and

wherein the female accommodation space has a third female contacting surface for at least partly contacting the third male contacting surface.

The "extension direction" of the male terminal may correspond to a rotation axis of the male terminal. In order to allow a proper insertion of the male terminal into the female accommodation space, the "extension direction" of the male terminal corresponds to the "insertion direction" during the connecting process.

The third male contacting surface is a further contacting surface in addition to the first and second male contacting surface, so that the terminal contact resistance can be further decreased and the currents conducted through the contact position between the male and female terminals can be further increased. The second and third male contacting surfaces are arranged such that the cross- sectional shape of the male terminal is widening at the second male contacting surface and the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal is narrowing at the third male contacting surface or vice versa. However, irrelevant of the fact which male contacting surface is widening or narrowing, the second and third male contacting surfaces particularly are arranged with respect to each other such that a depression or constriction is formed. In other words, the second and third male contacting surfaces are arranged at opposite side of the first male contacting surface such that a depression or constriction is formed by the first, second and third male contacting surfaces. The first male contacting surface is the deepest position (or radially more inward) of the depression or constriction.

The surrounding wall of the female accommodation space provides corresponding contacting surfaces which at least partly contact the respective male contacting surfaces.

Further particularly, a gradient angle between the second male contacting surface and the extension direction of the male terminal and a gradient angle between the third male contacting surface and the extension direction of the male terminal direction are substantially identical.

In other words, the gradient angles of the second male contacting surface and the third male contacting surface are identical.

Particularly, at least one resilient member is provided at or near a free end of the male terminal and/or at or near a bottom surface of the female accommodation space.

The at least one resilient member is to be compressed between the bottom surface of the female accommodation space and a free end of the male terminal in the connected position of the male and female terminals. Thereby, a resilient force is applied to the male terminal which intends to push or bias the male terminal backwards or in a disconnection direction. This pushing effect or biasing force especially increases the contact force between the male contacting surface, at which the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal is widening and the respective female contacting surface. Thereby, the electrical contact between the female and male terminals can be improved and/or the effect of vibrations on the electrical contact resistance can be decreased.

The "free end" of the male terminal particularly corresponds to a front end of the male terminal which is directed towards the female terminal when connecting the male and female terminals.

Further particularly, the resilient member comprises a member made of a resilient material such as rubber and/or at least one spring.

Particularly, a surrounding wall of the female terminal comprises at least one slit which substantially extends along an extension direction of female terminal such that the female accommodation space is expandable in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction due to a force applied by the male terminal when being inserted into the female accommodation space.

The at least one slit extends from an open end of the female accommodation space, through which the male terminal is insertable into the female accommodation space, at least partly towards the opposite end of the female accommodation space. By means of the at least one slit the female accommodation space is resiliently expandable with respect to a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the female terminal. The expansion is caused by the male terminal when being inserted into the female accommodation space due to portions of the male terminals which are widened with respect to the remaining, portions of the male terminal. Thereby, the male terminal can be easily inserted into the female terminal although the male terminal comprises widened portions.

Further particularly, at least one window is formed in a surrounding wall of the female terminal for exposing (e.g. for checking purposes) a connection position of the male terminal inside of the female accommodation space.

According to another aspect, the underlying technical problem has been solved by a male terminal being connectable with a female terminal by being at least partly insertable into a female accommodation space of the female terminal along an insertion direction,

wherein the male terminal has a first male contacting surface for electrically contacting the female terminal, wherein the first male contacting surface extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals;

wherein the first male contacting surface is adapted to at least partly contact a first female contacting surface of the female accommodation space, and wherein the second male contacting surface is adapted to at least partly contact a second female contacting surface of the female accommodation space in the connection position of the male and female terminals.

Particularly, the male terminal has a third male contacting surface for electrically contacting the female terminal, wherein the third male contacting surface is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in the connected position of the male and female terminals;

wherein the second and third male contact surfaces are arranged such that a depression is formed in a surrounding surface of the male terminal; and

wherein the third male contacting surface is adapted to at least partly contact a third female contacting surface of the female accommodation space. Further particularly, at least one resilient member is provided at or near a free end of the, male terminal.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention become more apparent when studying the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. It is obvious that, although embodiments are described separately, single feature thereof can be combined to further embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a male terminal according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the male terminal of Figure 1 when being connected with a female terminal;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 when cut along line A-A; Figure 4 shows a perspective illustration of a male terminal according to a second embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the male terminal of Figure 4 when being connected with a female terminal; and

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 when cut along line A-A

Figures 1 to 3 show a first particular embodiment of a connector terminal assembly 1 , which comprises a male terminal 3 and a female terminal 5 being releasably connectable with each other. The male terminal 3 and the female terminal 5 are mechanically and electrically connectable such that electric energy or current can be conducted through the connector terminal assembly 1. Sides of the male terminal 3 and the female terminal 5 to be connected are referred to as front side or front, respectively.

Figure 1 shows the male terminal 3 which comprises a male base portion 7 and a pin or tab portion 9, which are connected to each other. Preferably, the male base portion 7 and the pin portion 9 are integrally or unitarily formed. Furthermore, both portions 7 and 9 are formed of a conductive material, like e.g. copper, steel, aluminum or the like. The male base portion 7 comprises a male wire connecting portion 1 1 , which is connectable to a wire (not shown), particularly by soldering, crimping, welding or the like. As shown in Figure 3, the male base portion 7 particularly has a male wire insertion portion 13 at or near a rear end of the male terminal 3 into which an end of a wire at least partly is insertable, at which the insulating layer (not shown) has been removed in advance. For example, the male wire insertion portion 13 may be crimped to the wire. The "rear end" of the male terminal 3 refers to an end of the male terminal 3 which is substantially opposite to the end of the male terminal 3 which substantially faces the female terminal 5 when being connected with the female terminal 5. However, it should be understood that the male terminal 3 may be provided on an electric element other than a wire, e.g. may project from a printed circuit board and electrically connected to one or more electrical conductors thereof, e.g. by soldering.

The pin portion 9 projects substantially forward from the male base portion 7 and particularly is shaped like a pin as a whole. The male base portion 7 and the pin portion 9 substantially extend along an extension direction ED. Preferably, the pin portion 9 has a length of 10 to 25mm and more preferably between 15 and 20mm.

As shown in Figure 1 , the pin portion 9 has a first male contacting surface 15, which substantially is cylindrically shaped (or which outer surface is substantially parallel to the extension direction ED) and which is intended to mechanically and electrically contact a respective contact portion of the female terminal 5. Preferably, the first male contacting surface 15 has a length between 3 and 8mm, and more preferably between 5 and 7mm. Most preferably, the male contacting surface 15 has a length of 6mm. Preferably, the surface area of the first male contacting surface 15 is about 6 mm². As the first male contacting surface 15 is cylindrically shaped, the cross- sectional shape of the first male contacting portion 15 (when cut perpendicular to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3) substantially is constant along its length or extension along the extension direction ED. Preferably, the male contacting surface may have a diameter of 1.5 to 5mm, more preferably of 3 to 4mm. Most preferably, the male contacting surface 15 has a diameter of 3.2 to 3.4mm. The pin portion 9 may directly project from the male base portion 7, as shown in Figure 1 . However, it is also possible that a further portion, which does not correspond to the first male contacting surface 15 is arranged between the male base portion 7 and the first male contacting surface 15. Whether a surface of the pin portion 9 forms a contact surface or not particularly solely depends on the fact that the respective portion is contacted by the female terminal 5 or not.

Adjacent to the first male contacting surface 15 at least one additional or auxiliary contacting surface 17 is provided, namely a second male contacting surface 17. In contrast to the first male contacting surface 15 the second male contacting surface 17 has a shape or configuration different from a cylindrical and/or does not provide a constant cross-sectional shape along the extension direction ED. As shown in Figure 1 , the second male contacting surface 17 is beveled and/or inclined with respect to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3 so that the cross-sectional shape of the second male contacting surface 17 is widening along its length or extension. Preferably, the gradient angle of the second male contacting surface 17, which is measured between a line extending along the extension direction ED and a lateral surface of the second male contacting surface 17, is between 2 and 12° and more preferably between 4 and 10°. Furthermore, the second male contacting surface 17 may have a length of 1.5 to 4mm and more preferably between 2 and 3mm. Most preferably, the second male contacting surface 17 has a length of 2.5mm.

Adjacent to the second male contacting surface 17 a free male terminal end portion 19 is provided, which substantially extends from the second male contacting surface 17 towards or to a free or distal end 21 of the male terminal 3. The free end 21 of the male terminal 3 substantially corresponds to a front end of the male terminal 3 which substantially faces the female terminal 5 when being connected. The free male terminal end portion 19 may have constant cross-sectional shape so that the lateral surface of the free male terminal end portion 19 substantially extends parallel to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3. However, as shown in Figure 1 , the free male terminal end portion 19 may be inclined with respect to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3 so that the cross-sectional shape thereof is narrowing from the second male contacting surface 17 towards the free end 21. Preferably, the free male terminal end portion 19 has a length of 8 to 15mm, more preferably 10 to 13mm. Most preferably, the free male terminal end portion 19 has a length of 1 1 .4 to 1 1.5 mm. If the free male terminal end portion 19 is narrowing from the second male contacting surface 17 towards the free end 21 , the gradient angle of the free male terminal end portion 19, which is measured between a line extending along the extension direction ED and a lateral surface of the free male terminal end portion 19, may be between 1 ° and 4°, more preferably between 1 and 2°. Furthermore, the free male terminal end portion 19 may have a diameter of 2 to 6mm at its widest dimension and more preferably a diameter of 3 to 5mm. Most preferably, the free male terminal end portion 19 may have a diameter of 3.6 to 4.2mm at its widest dimension.

At the free end 21 of the male terminal a resilient member 23 particularly is provided. The resilient member 23 may be formed of a resilient material such as rubber. As shown in Figure 3, a resilient member recess 25 may be formed in a surface of the free end 23 of the male terminal 3 into which a portion of the resilient member 23 at least partly is insertable to be fixed to the male terminal 3. The resilient member 23 may be press-fitted into the resilient member recess 25 and/or may be glued into the resilient member recess 25. As shown in Figure 1 , the resilient member 23 may have a wave-like lateral surface with respect to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3, which provides advantageous compression properties when being compressed in the connected state of the male and female terminals 3, 5. The front surface 27 of the resilient member 23 may be flat or rounded.

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the male and female terminals 3, 5 in a connected state. The male and female terminals 3, 5 are cut along line A-A as indicated in Figure 2.

As best seen in Figure 3, the female terminal 5 comprises a female wire connection portion 29 and a housing portion 33. In the female wire connection portion 29, a female wire insertion portion 31 particularly is formed into which an end of a wire (not shown) is insertable, at which the insulating layer has been removed in advance. The female wire connection portion 29 is provided at a rear end of the female terminal 5. For example, the female wire connection portion 29 may be crimped, soldered or welded to the wire. The "rear end" of the female terminal 5 refers to an end of the female terminal 5 which substantially is opposite to the end of the female terminal 5 which substantially faces the male terminal 3 when being connected with the male terminal 3.

The housing portion 33 projects from the female wire connection portion 29. In the housing portion 33 a female accommodation space 35 is formed into which the pin portion 9 of the male terminal 3 is at least partly insertable. As shown in Figure 3, the female accommodation space 35 provides an insertion opening 37 through which the male terminal 3 at least partly can be inserted substantially along an insertion direction ID. Further, the female accommodation space 35 has a surrounding wall 39 at which a first female contacting surface 41 and a second female contacting surface 43 are formed, which are at least partly contacting the first male contacting surface 15 and the second male contacting surface 17 in the connection position of the male and female terminals 3, 5, respectively. Particularly, the female contacting surface 43 has a first contact area which can come into surface contact with the first male contacting surface 15 (particularly by having a substantially cylindrical inner configuration able to cooperate with an surface contact the first male contacting surface 15) and a second contact area which can come into surface contact with the second male contacting surface 17 (particularly by having a widening inner configuration able to cooperate with an surface contact the second male contacting surface 17).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the surrounding wall 39 may have at least one window 45 exposing a portion of the male terminal 3 towards the outer side and through which a user can check the connecting position of the male terminal 3 inside of the female terminal 5. Furthermore, the housing portion 33 may have at least one slit 47 which at least partly extends along the extension direction ED of the female terminal 5. As shown in Figure 2, the slit 47 may extend from the insertion opening 37 towards the window 45. By means of the at least one slit 47 and/or the at least one window 45 the female accommodation space 35 may be resiliently expanded in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction ED of the female terminal e.g. during the insertion process of the male terminal 3. In particular, the second male contacting surface 17, which is widened in comparison to at least the first male contacting surface 15, may interact with the female accommodation space 35 during the insertion process and may cause a corresponding expansion or deflection thereof. Particularly as soon as the male terminal substantially is fully connected with the female terminal 5, the surrounding wall 39 of the housing portion 33 can resiliently return backwards (or moves back) particularly to its original or unexpended or undeflected position. Thereby, it is possible that the male terminal 3 can be inserted into the female accommodation space 35 easily although the pin portion 9 comprises a widened portion in correspondence with the pin portion 9.

As shown in Figure 3, the resilient member 34 is compressed between the free end 21 of the male terminal 3 and a bottom surface 49 of the female accommodation space 35 when the male terminal 3 substantially is fully .connected with the female terminal 5. Thereby, a resilient force is applied to the male terminal 3 which intends to bias or push or urge the male terminal 3 backwards or against the inserting direction ID or in a disconnection direction. This biasing force (or pushing effect) particularly increases the contact force between the second male contacting surface 17, at which the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal 3 is widening and (particularly the second contact area) of the second female contacting surface 43. Thereby, the electrical contact between the female and male terminals 3, 5 can be improved and/or the effect of vibrations on the electrical contact resistance can be decreased.

Accordingly, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal assembly 1 of the first embodiment provides a first male contacting surface 15 at the male terminal 3 which substantially extends parallel to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3.Additionally, the first embodiment of the connector terminal assembly 1 provides - in addition to the first male contacting surface 15 - at least one further male contacting surface 17, namely the second male contacting surface 17, having an outer configuration different from the first contacting surface 15, particularly having an inclined or beveled outer shape, with which (particularly the second contact area) of the second female contacting surface 43 can come into electric and mechanic contact. Thereby, the terminal contact resistance between the female and male terminals 3, 5 can be decreased and/or higher currents can be conducted through the plural contact positions between the male and female terminals 3, 5.

Figures 4 to 6 show a second particular embodiment of a connector terminal assembly 1 , which substantially differs from the first embodiment in that additionally a third male contacting surface 51 is provided at the male terminal 3. The female terminal 5 comprises a respective third female contacting surface 53 which at least partly contacts the third male contacting surface 51 in the connected position of the male and female terminals 3, 5. The third female contacting surface 53 has an inner configuration which is widening or beveled towards the front, which particularly facilitates an insertion of the male terminal 3 into the female accommodation space 35 of the female terminal 5

In the following only the differences between the first and the second embodiments are described in order to prevent any unnecessary repetitions. Accordingly, information given with respect to the first embodiment also applies for the second embodiment (particularly by including same reference numerals), if not replaced by another information.

As shown in Figure 4, the male terminal 3 of the second embodiment provides a first male contacting surface 15, which substantially extends parallel to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3. The second male contacting surface 17 is a contact surface which is adjacent to the first male contacting surface 17 and which is inclined with respect to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal 3 is widened (towards the front) at the second male contacting surface 17. As shown in Figure 4, the second male contacting surface 17 particularly is widened in a direction from the first male contacting surface 15 towards the free end 21 of the male terminal 3.

At the first male contacting surface 15 on a substantially opposite side of the second male contacting surface 17 at least one third male contacting surface 51 is formed. Similar to the second male contacting surface 17 the third male contacting surface 51 is also inclined with respect to the extension direction ED of the male terminal, but in a different direction namely away from the free end 21 of the male terminal 3. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the male terminal 3 is progressively widened at third male contacting surface 51 from a smaller radius close to the first male contacting surface 15 towards the back of the male terminal 3 (i.e. a side opposite to a side of the free end 21 ). Thereby, a depression or constriction is formed in the lateral surface of the male terminal 3 in correspondence of the first male contacting surface 15, as can be seen e.g. in Figure 4. Preferably, the gradient angle of the second and the third male contacting surfaces 17 and 51 substantially are identical. However, it is also possible that these angles differ from each other. Further preferably, the surface area and/or the size of the second and the third male contacting surfaces 17 and 51 particularly substantially are identical. However, it is again also possible that these parameters differ from each other.

The third male contacting surface 51 may directly project from or be formed adjacent to the male base portion 7. Alternatively, a separating portion 55 (e.g. having a substantially cylindrical outer shape) particularly may be provided between the third male contacting surface 51 and the male base portion 7, which separates the third male contacting surface 51 from the male base portion 7. Preferably, the separating portion 55 substantially extends parallel to the extension direction ED of the male terminal 3.

By means of the third male contacting surface 51 which at least partly contacts the third female contacting surface 53 in the connected position of the male and female terminals 3 and 5, the terminal contact resistance can be further decreased and the currents conducted through the contact position between the male and female terminals 3, 5 can be further increased. Particularly, the third male contacting surface 51 and the third female contacting surface 53 can create a surface contact along at least part of their extension so as to improve electrical contact therebetween.

Further particular embodiments:

Although the male terminals 3 are shown rotationally symmetric in Figs. 1 to 6, the male terminals 3 may be alternatively formed as flat tabs.

Further, although the resilient member 23 is shown as an element formed of rubber in Figs. 1 to 6, the resilient member 23 may be alternatively formed as a spring.

Besides, it is also possible that the resilient member 23 is not attached at the free end 21 of the male terminal 3. Alternatively, the resilient member 23 may be provided at the bottom or rear surface 49 of the female accommodation space 35 of the female terminal 5 and engage the male terminal 3 when the male and female terminals 3, 5 are connected.

Further, it is also possible that the connector terminal assembly 1 provides only the respective first and third contacting surfaces in the male and female terminals 3 and 5-

Accordingly, there is provided a connector terminal assembly 1 comprising: a female terminal 5 having a female accommodating space 35; and a male terminal 3 being connectable with the female terminal 5 by being at least partly insertable into the female accommodate space 35 along an insertion direction ID; wherein the male terminal 3 has a first male contacting surface 15 for electrically contacting the female terminal 5, wherein the first male contacting surface 15 extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction ID in the connected position of the male and female terminals 3, 5; wherein the male terminal 3 has at least one second male contacting surface 7, 51 for electrically contacting the female terminal 5, wherein the second male contacting surface 17, 51 is inclined with respect to the insertion direction ID in the connected position of the male and female terminals 3, 5; and wherein the female accommodation space 35 has a first female contacting surface 41 for at least partly contacting the first male contacting surface 15, and a second female contacting surface 43, 53 for at least partly contacting the second male contacting surface 17, 51. Furthermore, there is provided a respective male terminal.

List of Reference Numerals

I connector terminal assembly

3 male terminal

5 female terminal

7 male base portion

9 pin portion

I I male wire connecting portion

13 male wire insertion portion

15 first male contacting surface

7 second male contacting surface

19 free male terminal end

21 free end of the male terminal

23 resilient member

25 resilient member recess

27 front surface of the resilient member

29 female wire connection portion

31 female wire insertion portion

33 housing portion

35 female accommodation space

37 insertion opening

39 surrounding wall

41 first female contacting surface 43 second female contacting surface

45 window

47 slit

49 bottom surface of the female accommodation space

51 third male contacting surface

53 third female contacting surface

55 separating portion

ED extension direction

ID insertion direction

Claims

Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. "Connector terminal assembly with additional contacting surface(s)" Our Ref.: S1 13287WO - ds / as Claims

1 . A connector terminal assembly (1 ) comprising:

a female terminal (5) having a female accommodating space (35); and a male terminal (3) being connectable with the female terminal (5) by being at least partly insertable into the female accommodate space (35) along an insertion direction (ID);

wherein the male terminal (3) has a first male contacting surface (15) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the first male contacting surface (15) extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction (ID) in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5);

wherein the male terminal (3) has at least one second male contacting surface (17, 51 ) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the second male contacting surface (17, 51 ) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (ID) in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5); and

wherein the female accommodation space (35) has a first female contacting surface (41 ) for at least partly contacting the first male contacting surface (15), and a second female contacting surface (43, 53) for at least partly contacting the second male contacting surface (17, 51 ).

2. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the male terminal (3) has a third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (ID) in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5);

wherein the second and third male contacting surfaces (17, 51 ) are arranged at opposite sides of the first male contacting surface (15) with respect to an extension direction (ED) of the male terminal (3); wherein the second and third male contact surfaces (17, 51 ) are arranged such that a depression is formed in a surrounding surface (39) of the male terminal (3); and

wherein the female accommodation space (35) has a third female contacting surface (43, 53) for at least partly contacting the third male contacting surface (17, 51 ).

3. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein a gradient angle between the second male contacting surface (17, 51 ) and the extension direction (ED) of the male terminal (3) and a gradient angle between the third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) and the extension direction (ED) of the male terminal (3) are substantially identical.

4. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one resilient member (23) is provided at or near a free end (21 ) of the male terminal (3) and/or at or near a bottom surface (49) of the female accommodation space (35).

5. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the resilient member (23) comprises a member made of resilient material and/or a spring.

6. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surrounding wall (39) of the female terminal (5) comprises at least one slit (47) which substantially extends along an extension direction (ED) of female terminal (5) such that the female accommodation space (35) is expandable in a direction perpendicular to 'the extension direction (ED) due to a force applied by the male terminal (3) when being inserted into the female accommodation space (35).

7. The connector terminal assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one window (45) is formed in a surrounding wall of the female terminal (5) for exposing a connection position of the male terminal (3) inside of the female accommodation space (35).

8. A male terminal (3) being connectable with a female terminal (5) by being at least partly insertable into a female accommodation space (35) of the female terminal (5) along an insertion direction (ID),

wherein the first male contacting surface (15) is adapted to at least partly contact a first female contacting surface (41 ) of the female accommodation space (35), and wherein the second male contacting surface (17, 51 ) is adapted to at least partly contact a second female contacting surface (43, 53) of the female accommodation space (35) in the connection position of the male and female terminals (3, 5).

9. The male terminal (3) according to claim 8, wherein the male terminal (3) has a third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) for electrically contacting the female terminal (5), wherein the third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (ID) in the connected position of the male and female terminals (3, 5);

wherein the second and third male contacting surfaces (17, 51 ) are arranged at opposite sides of the first male contacting surface (15) with respect to an extension direction (ED) of the male terminal (3);

wherein the second and third male contact surfaces (17, 51 ) are arranged such that a depression is formed in a surrounding surface of the male terminal (3); and

wherein the third male contacting surface (17, 51 ) is adapted to at least partly contact a third female contacting surface (43, 53) of the female accommodation space (35).

10. The male terminal (3) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one resilient member (23) is provided at or near a free end (21 ) of the male terminal (3).