Electrical connection module, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses an electrical connection module, a connector and a connector assembly. The electrical connection module comprises: a housing having a pair of side walls and first and second elastic sheets respectively formed on the pair of side walls; a terminal rotatably mounted in the housing; the first electric connecting piece is provided with a first plate-shaped part, and the first plate-shaped part is inserted into the rear opening of the shell and is clamped between the first elastic sheet and one side of the rear end part of the terminal; and the second electric connecting piece is provided with a second plate-shaped part, and the second plate-shaped part is inserted into the rear opening of the shell and is clamped between the second elastic sheet and the other side of the rear end part of the terminal. A part of the first electrical connector and a part of the second electrical connector are located outside the shell and used for being electrically connected to the first electrical transmission piece and the second electrical transmission piece respectively, and the front end portion of the terminal extends out of the front opening of the shell and used for being in electrical contact with a matched terminal. Each terminal can be electrically connected to a plurality of electric transmission pieces at the same time, the application range is expanded, and the current-carrying capacity and the heat dissipation performance of the terminal are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection module, including a connector of the electrical connection module and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, power supply units and rack metal busbars in data centers are electrically connected via connectors. To improve the current transmission capacity of these connectors, existing technologies typically employ multi-layered, staggered terminals, meaning the terminals consist of multiple stacked terminal plates. Each terminal plate not only transmits current but also has an elastic structure to provide resilient contact force. This results in a complex terminal plate structure, making manufacturing difficult, and also leading to excessive insertion force when mating terminals are inserted. Typically, the insertion force of mating terminals is proportional to the cube of the connector terminal thickness.

[0003] In existing technologies, a single connecting plate is typically attached to the rear end of each terminal. The terminal can be electrically connected to an electrical transmission component, such as a busbar or wire harness connector, via this single connecting plate. The front end of each terminal is used for electrical contact with mating terminals. Because existing connectors have only a single connecting plate at the rear end of each terminal, the connector has poor current carrying capacity and suffers from poor heat dissipation and temperature rise issues. Furthermore, the single connecting plate at the rear end of each terminal limits the connector's applicability to specific situations, reducing its versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection module is provided. The electrical connection module includes: a housing having a pair of sidewalls opposed in its lateral direction, a front opening and a rear opening opposed in its longitudinal direction, and a first spring and a second spring formed on the pair of sidewalls respectively; a terminal rotatably mounted in the housing and capable of pivoting relative to the housing about an axis extending along the height direction of the housing; a first electrical connector having a first plate-like portion inserted into the rear opening of the housing and clamped between one side of the first spring and the rear end portion of the terminal for electrical contact with the terminal; and a second electrical connector having a second plate-like portion inserted into the rear opening of the housing and clamped between the second spring and the other side of the rear end portion of the terminal for electrical contact with the terminal. A portion of the first electrical connector and a portion of the second electrical connector are located outside the housing for electrical connection to a first electrical transmission member and a second electrical transmission member, respectively, and the front end portion of the terminal extends from the front opening of the housing for electrical contact with a mating terminal.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front ends of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are inserted into the rear opening of the housing, and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion extend out from the rear opening of the housing for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member and the second electrical transmission member, respectively.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are perpendicular to the transverse direction of the housing, and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission element and the second electrical transmission element, respectively.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the first plate-shaped portion extends from the rear opening of the housing, and the first electrical connector further has a plate-shaped first side wing connected to one side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion; the rear end of the second plate-shaped portion extends from the rear opening of the housing, and the second electrical connector further has a plate-shaped second side wing connected to one side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion; the first side wing and the second side wing are used for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member and the second electrical transmission member, respectively.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are perpendicular to the lateral direction of the housing, and the first side wing portion and the second side wing portion are perpendicular to the height direction of the housing and are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission element and the second electrical transmission element, respectively.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector has a multilayer plate structure, and the outer plate of the first side wing is adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission member by an ultrasonic welding process; the second electrical connector has a multilayer plate structure, and the outer plate of the second side wing is adapted to be welded to the second electrical transmission member by an ultrasonic welding process.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first plate-shaped portion extends rearward beyond the second plate-shaped portion along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the first side wing portion and the second side wing portion are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the housing and extend in the same direction along the transverse direction of the housing.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector has a single first side wing connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion; and the second electrical connector has a single second side wing connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector has a pair of first side wings, the pair of first side wings being respectively connected to the upper side and the lower side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion; the second electrical connector has a pair of second side wings, the pair of second side wings being respectively connected to the upper side and the lower side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal has contact protrusions on both sides of its rear end portion, and the contact protrusions on both sides of the rear end portion of the terminal are used to make electrical contact with the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, respectively.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pin hole is formed on the terminal, extending through the terminal along the height direction of the housing. The electrical connection module further includes a connecting pin passing through the pin hole. The two ends of the connecting pin pass through the top wall and bottom wall of the housing respectively and are respectively connected to the top wall and bottom wall of the housing, so that the terminal can swing relative to the housing about the axis of the connecting pin.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pin holes are formed on the terminal, the plurality of pin holes being spaced apart longitudinally in the housing; the electrical connection module includes a single connecting pin, the single connecting pin being adapted to be inserted into any one of the plurality of pin holes, such that the terminal can swing about an axis at different positions to adjust the contact force between the terminal and the first and second electrical connectors.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal includes a plurality of terminal stacks stacked in the height direction of the housing, and the pin hole extends through the plurality of terminal stacks along the height direction of the housing.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of terminal stacks are made of the same conductive material and are identical to each other, so that they can be used interchangeably.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of terminal stacks includes: a first terminal stack made of a first conductive material; and a second terminal stack made of a second conductive material or a non-conductive material, wherein the conductivity of the first conductive material is superior to that of the second conductive material, thereby enabling the conductivity of the terminals to be adjusted by changing the number of the first terminal stack and the second terminal stack without changing the total thickness of the plurality of terminal stacks.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the second terminal stack is an integer multiple of the thickness of the first terminal stack.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is a one-piece metal housing made by stamping a single sheet of metal.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection module further includes: a third electrical connector including a third plate-shaped portion; and an elastic contact fixed to one side of the front end portion of the third plate-shaped portion, wherein a slot extending longitudinally along the height direction of the housing is formed on the rear end portion of the terminal, the front end portion of the third plate-shaped portion and the elastic contact are inserted into the slot, the front end portion of the third plate-shaped portion is electrically contacted with the terminal through the elastic contact, and a portion of the third electrical connector is located outside the housing for electrical connection to a third electrical transmission element.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the third plate-shaped portion is perpendicular to the transverse direction of the housing, and the rear end of the third plate-shaped portion extends from the rear opening of the housing and is adapted to be welded to the third electrical transmission element.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the third plate-shaped portion extends from the rear opening of the housing, and the third electrical connector further has a plate-shaped third side wing, which is connected to one side of the rear end portion of the third plate-shaped portion and is used for electrical connection to the third electrical transmission member.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: an insulating shell having two receiving chambers arranged side-by-side in its transverse direction; and a pair of the aforementioned electrical connection modules, respectively mounted in the two receiving chambers of the insulating shell, wherein a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector of the electrical connection modules extend from the rear end of the insulating shell for electrical connection to a first electrical transmission element and a second electrical transmission element, respectively, and the front end of a terminal of the electrical connection module extends from the front end of the insulating shell for electrical contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: a pair of front insulators respectively mounted on the front ends of a pair of terminals of the connector; and a pair of ground terminals, the pair of front insulators being respectively connected to the insulating shell through the pair of ground terminals.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the grounding terminal includes: a first mounting plate, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insulating shell and mounted to the front end face of the insulating shell; and a second mounting plate, perpendicular to the transverse direction of the insulating shell and mounted to the outer side face of the front insulator. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are vertically connected, such that the grounding terminal is L-shaped.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first recess is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell, and the first mounting piece is embedded in the first recess; a second recess is formed on the outer side face of the front insulator, and the second mounting piece is embedded in the second recess.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first engagement protrusion is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell, and a first engagement hole is formed on the first mounting piece, wherein the first engagement protrusion engages with the first engagement hole; a second engagement protrusion is formed on the outer side face of the front insulator, and a second engagement hole is formed on the second mounting piece, wherein the second engagement protrusion engages with the second engagement hole.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first slot is formed on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell, and a first buckle is formed on the side portion of the first mounting piece. The first buckle has a C-shaped cross-section and is held in the first slot on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell to fix the first mounting piece to the insulating shell.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first contact spring is formed on the first mounting plate, the first contact spring being used for electrical contact with the mounting panel; a second contact spring is formed on the second mounting plate, the second contact spring being used for electrical contact with the mating ground terminal of the mating connector.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, second snaps are formed on both sides of the front side edge of the second mounting piece, and a second slot corresponding to the second snap is formed on the front insulator. The second snap is inserted into the second slot in an interference fit manner to fix the second mounting piece to the front insulator.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pin is formed at the end of the second contact spring, and a slot is formed on the front insulator, the pin being movably inserted into the slot such that the pin can move in the slot when the second contact spring elastically deforms.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector, the mating connector including two mating terminals that are electrically in contact with the front ends of a pair of terminals of the connector, and two mating ground terminals that are electrically in contact with a pair of ground terminals of the connector.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly further includes: a first electrical transmission element, electrically connected to a first electrical connector of the connector; and a second electrical transmission element, electrically connected to a second electrical connector of the connector.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly further includes: a third electrical transmission element, which is electrically connected to the third electrical connection element of the connector.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical transmission element, the second electrical transmission element and the third electrical transmission element are busbars or wire harnesses.

[0038] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the rear end of each terminal is in simultaneous electrical contact with multiple electrical connectors. Therefore, each terminal can be simultaneously electrically connected to multiple electrical transmission components, expanding the application range of the connector and improving the current carrying capacity of the connector terminal, increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the connector terminal, and reducing the temperature rise of the connector.

[0039] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the electrical connection between the electrical connection module and the electrical transmission component according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 An exploded view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 5 An exploded view of the terminals and housing of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 6 A perspective view of the connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0046] Figure 7 A perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front;

[0047] Figure 8An exploded view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 8A A perspective view of the front insulator and grounding terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 8B An exploded schematic diagram of the front insulator and grounding terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the front insulator and grounding terminal are not shown;

[0051] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein an electrical connection module is removed from an insulating shell;

[0052] Figure 11 A plan view showing the electrical connection between the connector and the mating connector and the electrical transmission element according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 12 A perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 13 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0055] Figure 14 A perspective view of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0056] Figure 15 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0057] Figure 16 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing is not shown;

[0058] Figure 17 An exploded view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0061] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, an electrical connection module is provided. The electrical connection module includes: a housing having a pair of sidewalls opposite each other in its lateral direction, a front opening and a rear opening opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, and a first spring and a second spring formed on the pair of sidewalls respectively; a terminal rotatably mounted in the housing, capable of pivoting relative to the housing about an axis extending along the height direction of the housing; a first electrical connector having a first plate-like portion inserted into the rear opening of the housing and clamped between one side of the first spring and the rear end portion of the terminal for electrical contact with the terminal; and a second electrical connector having a second plate-like portion inserted into the rear opening of the housing and clamped between the second spring and the other side of the rear end portion of the terminal for electrical contact with the terminal. A portion of the first electrical connector and a portion of the second electrical connector are located outside the housing for electrical connection to a first electrical transmission element and a second electrical transmission element, respectively, and the front end portion of the terminal extends from the front opening of the housing for electrical contact with a mating terminal.

[0062] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: an insulating shell having two receiving chambers arranged side-by-side in its transverse direction; and a pair of the aforementioned electrical connection modules, respectively installed in the two receiving chambers of the insulating shell, wherein a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector of the electrical connection modules extend from the rear end of the insulating shell for electrical connection to a first electrical transmission element and a second electrical transmission element, respectively, and the front end of a terminal of the electrical connection module extends from the front end of the insulating shell for electrical contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector.

[0063] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector, the mating connector including two mating terminals that are electrically in contact with the front ends of a pair of terminals of the connector and two mating ground terminals that are electrically in contact with a pair of ground terminals of the connector.

[0064] First Embodiment

[0065] Figures 1 to 11 A first embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, Figure 1 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2A schematic diagram showing the electrical connection module and electrical transmission components 51 and 52 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 An exploded view of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 An exploded view of the terminal 2 and housing 1 of the electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A perspective view of the connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 7 A perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front; Figure 8 An exploded view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the front insulator 7 and the grounding terminal 8 are not shown; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein an electrical connection module is removed from the insulating shell 6; Figure 11 A plan view showing the connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention electrically connected to the mating connector 9 and the electrical transmission elements 51, 52.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connection module is disclosed. The electrical connection module includes: a housing 1, terminals 2, a first electrical connector 31, and a second electrical connector 32. The housing 1 has a pair of sidewalls 10 opposite each other in its transverse X direction, a front opening 102 and a rear opening 101 opposite each other in its longitudinal Y direction, and a first spring 11 and a second spring 12 respectively formed on the pair of sidewalls 10. The terminals 2 are rotatably mounted in the housing 1 and are capable of swinging relative to the housing 1 about an axis extending along the height direction Z of the housing 1. This allows the terminals 2 to swing about a support axis like a seesaw.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connector 31 has a first plate-shaped portion 310, which is inserted into the rear opening 101 of the housing 1 and clamped between the first spring 11 and one side of the rear end portion 21 of the terminal 2 for electrical contact with the terminal 2. The second electrical connector 32 has a second plate-shaped portion 320, which is inserted into the rear opening 101 of the housing 1 and clamped between the second spring 12 and the other side of the rear end portion 21 of the terminal 2 for electrical contact with the terminal 2. A portion of the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32 is located outside the housing 1 for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member 51 and the second electrical transmission member 52, respectively. The front end portion 22 of the terminal 2 extends from the front opening 102 of the housing 1 for electrical contact with the mating terminal 92.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front ends of the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320 are inserted into the rear opening 101 of the housing 1, and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320 extend out from the rear opening 101 of the housing 1 for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member 51 and the second electrical transmission member 52, respectively.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320 are perpendicular to the transverse direction X of the housing 1, and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320 are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission member 51 and the second electrical transmission member 52, respectively.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end portion 21 of the terminal 2 has contact protrusions 2a on both sides. The contact protrusions 2a on both sides of the rear end portion 21 of the terminal 2 are used to make electrical contact with the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320, respectively.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pin hole 201 is formed on the terminal 2, extending through the terminal 2 along the height direction Z of the housing 1. The electrical connection module also includes a connecting pin 4 passing through the pin hole 201. The two ends of the connecting pin 4 pass through the top wall and bottom wall of the housing 1 respectively and are connected to the top wall and bottom wall of the housing 1 respectively, so that the terminal 2 can swing relative to the housing 1 about the axis of the connecting pin 4.

[0072] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of pin holes 201 are formed on the terminal 2, and the plurality of pin holes 201 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1. The electrical connection module includes a single connecting pin 4, which is adapted to be inserted into any one of the plurality of pin holes 201, so that the terminal 2 can swing about the axis at different positions to adjust the contact force between the terminal 2 and the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 2 includes a plurality of terminal stacks 20 stacked in the height direction Z of the housing 1, and a pin hole 201 passes through the plurality of terminal stacks 20 along the height direction Z of the housing 1.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of terminal stacks 20 are made of the same conductive material and are identical to each other so that they can be used interchangeably. The terminal stacks 20 may be made of copper.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 11As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is a one-piece metal housing made by stamping a single sheet of metal. For example, it can be a one-piece steel housing made by stamping a steel plate.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes an insulating shell 6 and a pair of the aforementioned electrical connection modules. The insulating shell 6 has two receiving chambers 601 arranged side-by-side in its transverse X direction. The pair of electrical connection modules are respectively installed into the two receiving chambers 601 of the insulating shell 6. A first electrical connector 31 and a second electrical connector 32 of the electrical connection modules extend from the rear end of the insulating shell 6 for electrical connection to a first electrical transmission element 51 and a second electrical transmission element 52, respectively. The front end portion 22 of the terminal 2 of the electrical connection module extends from the front end of the insulating shell 6 for electrical contact with the mating terminal 92 of the mating connector 9.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes a pair of front insulators 7 and a pair of grounding terminals 8. The pair of front insulators 7 are respectively mounted to the front ends 22 of a pair of terminals 2 of the connector. The pair of front insulators 7 are respectively connected to the insulating shell 6 via the pair of grounding terminals 8. In this embodiment, the front insulators 7 are movable with the grounding terminals 8, thereby increasing the contact force between the terminals 2 and the mating terminals 92 under the pressure of the grounding terminals 8.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the grounding terminal 8 includes a first mounting plate 81 and a second mounting plate 82. The first mounting plate 81 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y of the insulating shell 6 and is mounted to the front end face of the insulating shell 6. The second mounting plate 82 is perpendicular to the transverse direction X of the insulating shell 6 and is mounted to the outer side face of the front insulator 7. The first mounting plate 81 and the second mounting plate 82 are perpendicularly connected, making the grounding terminal 8 L-shaped.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first recess 61 is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell 6, and a first mounting piece 81 is fitted into the first recess 61. A second recess 72 is formed on the outer side face of the front insulator 7, and a second mounting piece 82 is fitted into the second recess 72.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first engagement protrusion 6d is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell 6, and a first engagement hole 8d is formed on the first mounting plate 81. The first engagement protrusion 6d engages with the first engagement hole 8d. A second engagement protrusion 7e is formed on the outer side face of the front insulator 7, and a second engagement hole 8e is formed on the second mounting plate 82. The second engagement protrusion 7e engages with the second engagement hole 8e.

[0081] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first slot 6c is formed on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell 6, and a first buckle 8c is formed on the side portion of the first mounting piece 81. The cross-section of the first buckle 8c is C-shaped and it is held in the first slot 6c on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell 6.

[0082] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first contact spring 8a is formed on the first mounting plate 81, and the first contact spring 8a is used for electrical contact with the mounting panel 90. A second contact spring 8b is formed on the second mounting plate 82, and the second contact spring 8b is used for electrical contact with the mating ground terminal 9b of the mating connector 9.

[0083] Figure 8A A perspective view showing a front insulator 7 and a grounding terminal 8 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8B An exploded schematic diagram showing the front insulator 7 and the grounding terminal 8 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] like Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, second latches 82f are formed on both sides of the front side of the second mounting piece 82, and a second slot 72f corresponding to the second latches 82f is formed on the front insulator 7. The second latches 82f are inserted into the second slot 72f in an interference fit manner to fix the second mounting piece 82 onto the front insulator 7.

[0085] like Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pin 8f is formed at the end of the second contact spring 8b, and a slot 7f is formed on the front insulator 7. The pin 8f is movably inserted into the slot 7f, so that the pin 8f can move in the slot 7f when the second contact spring 8b is elastically deformed.

[0086] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector and a mating connector 9. The mating connector 9 mates with the connector. The mating connector 9 includes two mating terminals 92 that are electrically in contact with the front ends 22 of a pair of terminals 2 of the connector, and two mating ground terminals 9b that are electrically in contact with a pair of ground terminals 8 of the connector.

[0087] like Figures 1 to 11As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly further includes a first electrical transmission element 51 and a second electrical transmission element 52. The first electrical transmission element 51 is electrically connected to a first electrical connector 31 of the connector. The second electrical transmission element 52 is electrically connected to a second electrical connector 32 of the connector.

[0088] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical transmission element 51 and the second electrical transmission element 52 are busbars or wire harnesses.

[0089] Second Embodiment

[0090] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A second embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, Figure 12 A perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 13 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0091] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The second embodiment shown is similar to Figures 1 to 11 The only difference in the first embodiment shown is the structure of the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32 of the electrical connection module.

[0092] exist Figures 1 to 11 In the first embodiment shown, the first electrical connector 31 includes only the first plate-shaped portion 310. The second electrical connector 32 includes only the second plate-shaped portion 320.

[0093] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the second embodiment shown, the first electrical connector 31 includes a first plate-shaped portion 310 and a first side wing portion 311. The second electrical connector 32 includes a second plate-shaped portion 320 and a second side wing portion 321.

[0094] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end of the first plate-shaped portion 310 extends from the rear opening 101 of the housing 1, and the first side wing 311 is plate-shaped and connected to one side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion 310. The rear end of the second plate-shaped portion 320 extends from the rear opening 101 of the housing 1, and the second side wing 321 is plate-shaped and connected to one side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion 320. The first side wing 311 and the second side wing 321 are used for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member 51 and the second electrical transmission member 52, respectively.

[0095] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 310 and the second plate-shaped portion 320 are perpendicular to the transverse direction X of the housing 1, and the first side wing portion 311 and the second side wing portion 321 are perpendicular to the height direction Z of the housing 1 and are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission member 51 and the second electrical transmission member 52, respectively.

[0096] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connector 31 has a multi-layer board structure (e.g., a double-layer board structure), and the outer layer of the first side wing 311 is adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission component 51 by an ultrasonic welding process. The second electrical connector 32 has a multi-layer board structure (e.g., a double-layer board structure), and the outer layer of the second side wing 321 is adapted to be welded to the second electrical transmission component 52 by an ultrasonic welding process. This reduces the power of the ultrasonic welding machine and simplifies the welding process.

[0097] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 310 extends rearward beyond the second plate-shaped portion 320 along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1, and the first side wing portion 311 and the second side wing portion 321 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1 and extend in the same direction along the transverse direction X of the housing 1.

[0098] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connector 31 has a pair of first side wings 311, which are respectively connected to the upper and lower sides of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion 310. The second electrical connector 32 has a pair of second side wings 321, which are respectively connected to the upper and lower sides of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion 320.

[0099] Besides the differences mentioned above, Figure 12 and Figure 13 Other technical features of the second embodiment shown are similar to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment shown is basically the same and can be referred to. Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment shown.

[0100] Third Embodiment

[0101] Figure 14 A perspective view of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0102] Figure 14 The third embodiment shown is the same as Figure 12 and Figure 13 The only difference in the second embodiment shown is the structure of the first electrical connector 31 and the second electrical connector 32.

[0103] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the second embodiment shown, the first electrical connector 31 has a pair of first side wings 311. The second electrical connector 32 has a pair of second side wings 321.

[0104] exist Figure 14 In the third embodiment shown, the first electrical connector 31 has a single first side wing 311, which is connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion 310. The second electrical connector 32 has a single second side wing 321, which is connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion 320.

[0105] Besides the differences mentioned above, Figure 14 Other technical features of the third embodiment shown are Figure 12 and Figure 13 The second embodiment shown is basically the same and can be referred to. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The second embodiment is shown.

[0106] Fourth embodiment

[0107] Figures 15 to 17 A fourth embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 15 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 16 A perspective view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing 1 is not shown; Figure 17 An exploded view of an electrical connection module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0108] Figures 15 to 17 The fourth embodiment shown is the same as Figures 1 to 11 The difference in the first embodiment shown is that the terminal structure is different and a third electrical connector 33 is added.

[0109] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 2 includes a plurality of terminal stacks 20. The plurality of terminal stacks 20 includes a first terminal stack 20' and a second terminal stack 20'. The first terminal stack 20' is made of a first conductive material, such as copper. The second terminal stack 20' is made of a second conductive material or a non-conductive material, such as aluminum or plastic.

[0110] like Figures 15 to 17As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the conductivity of the first conductive material is superior to that of the second conductive material, thereby enabling the conductivity of the terminal 2 to be adjusted by changing the number of the first terminal stack 20' and the second terminal stack 20" without changing the total thickness of the plurality of terminal stacks 20 (i.e., the thickness of the terminal 2).

[0111] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the second terminal stack 20” is an integer multiple of the thickness of the first terminal stack 20’. This facilitates the replacement and adjustment of the number of the first terminal stack 20’ and the second terminal stack 20”.

[0112] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection module further includes a third electrical connector 33 and a resilient contact 33a. The third electrical connector 33 includes a third plate-shaped portion 330. The resilient contact 33a is fixed to one side of the front end of the third plate-shaped portion 330. A slot 21a extending along the height direction Z and longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1 is formed on the rear end 21 of the terminal 2, and the front end of the third plate-shaped portion 330 and the resilient contact 33a are inserted into the slot 21a. The front end of the third plate-shaped portion 330 is in electrical contact with the terminal 2 through the resilient contact 33a, and a portion of the third electrical connector 33 is located outside the housing 1 for electrical connection to a third electrical transmission element (not shown).

[0113] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the third plate-shaped portion 330 is perpendicular to the transverse X of the housing 1, and the rear end of the third plate-shaped portion 330 extends from the rear opening 101 of the housing 1 and is adapted to be welded to the third electrical transmission element.

[0114] Although not illustrated, in another embodiment of the invention, the rear end of the third plate-shaped portion 330 extends from the rear opening 101 of the housing 1, and the third electrical connector 33 also has a plate-shaped third side wing, which is connected to one side of the rear end portion of the third plate-shaped portion 330 and is used for electrical connection to the third electrical transmission member.

[0115] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly further includes a third electrical transmission element electrically connected to the third electrical connector 33 of the connector. The third electrical transmission element may be a busbar or a wire harness.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0117] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0118] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0119] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connection module, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has a pair of sidewalls (10) opposite each other in its transverse (X) direction, a front opening (102) and a rear opening (101) opposite each other in its longitudinal (Y) direction, and a first spring (11) and a second spring (12) respectively formed on the pair of sidewalls (10); Terminal (2) is rotatably mounted in the housing (1) and is able to swing relative to the housing (1) about an axis extending along the height direction (Z) of the housing (1); The first electrical connector (31) has a first plate-shaped portion (310) which is inserted into the rear opening (101) of the housing (1) and held between the first spring (11) and one side of the rear end (21) of the terminal (2) to make electrical contact with the terminal (2). and The second electrical connector (32) has a second plate-shaped portion (320) which is inserted into the rear opening (101) of the housing (1) and held between the second spring (12) and the other side of the rear end (21) of the terminal (2) to make electrical contact with the terminal (2). A portion of the first electrical connector (31) and the second electrical connector (32) are located outside the housing (1) for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission element (51) and the second electrical transmission element (52), respectively. The front end (22) of the terminal (2) extends from the front opening (102) of the housing (1) for electrical contact with the mating terminal (92).

2. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front ends of the first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) are inserted into the rear opening (101) of the housing (1), and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) extend out from the rear opening (101) of the housing (1) for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission member (51) and the second electrical transmission member (52), respectively.

3. The electrical connection module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) are perpendicular to the transverse (X) direction of the housing (1), and the rear ends of the first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission element (51) and the second electrical transmission element (52), respectively.

4. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the first plate-shaped portion (310) extends from the rear opening (101) of the housing (1), and the first electrical connector (31) also has a plate-shaped first side wing (311), which is connected to one side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion (310). The rear end of the second plate-shaped portion (320) extends from the rear opening (101) of the housing (1), and the second electrical connector (32) also has a plate-shaped second side wing (321), which is connected to one side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion (320). The first side wing (311) and the second side wing (321) are used to be electrically connected to the first electrical transmission member (51) and the second electrical transmission member (52), respectively.

5. The electrical connection module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) are perpendicular to the transverse (X) direction of the housing (1), and the first side wing portion (311) and the second side wing portion (321) are perpendicular to the height direction (Z) of the housing (1) and are adapted to be welded to the first electrical transmission element (51) and the second electrical transmission element (52), respectively.

6. The electrical connection module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first electrical connector (31) has a multi-layer plate structure, and the outer plate of the first side wing (311) is suitable to be welded to the first electrical transmission member (51) by ultrasonic welding process; The second electrical connector (32) has a multi-layer plate structure, and the outer plate of the second side wing (321) is adapted to be welded to the second electrical transmission member (52) by an ultrasonic welding process.

7. The electrical connection module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first plate-shaped portion (310) extends rearward beyond the second plate-shaped portion (320) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1), and the first side wing portion (311) and the second side wing portion (321) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1) and extend in the same direction along the transverse direction (X) of the housing (1).

8. The electrical connection module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first electrical connector (31) has a single first side wing (311), which is connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion (310); and The second electrical connector (32) has a single second side wing (321) connected to the upper or lower side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion (320).

9. The electrical connection module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first electrical connector (31) has a pair of first side wings (311), which are respectively connected to the upper side and the lower side of the rear end portion of the first plate-shaped portion (310); The second electrical connector (32) has a pair of second side wings (321), which are respectively connected to the upper side and the lower side of the rear end portion of the second plate-shaped portion (320).

10. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal (2) has contact protrusions (2a) on both sides of the rear end (21) of the terminal (2), and the contact protrusions (2a) on both sides of the rear end (21) of the terminal (2) are used to make electrical contact with the first plate-shaped portion (310) and the second plate-shaped portion (320) respectively.

11. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pin hole (201) is formed on the terminal (2) and extends through the terminal (2) along the height direction (Z) of the housing (1). The electrical connection module also includes a connecting pin (4) passing through the pin hole (201). The two ends of the connecting pin (4) pass through the top wall and bottom wall of the housing (1) respectively and are connected to the top wall and bottom wall of the housing (1) respectively, so that the terminal (2) can swing relative to the housing (1) about the axis of the connecting pin (4).

12. The electrical connection module according to claim 11, characterized in that: A plurality of pin holes (201) are formed on the terminal (2), and the plurality of pin holes (201) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1); The electrical connection module includes a single connecting pin (4) adapted to be inserted into any one of the plurality of pin holes (201) such that the terminal (2) can swing about an axis at different positions to adjust the contact force between the terminal (2) and the first and second electrical connectors (31, 32).

13. The electrical connection module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The terminal (2) includes a plurality of terminal stacks (20) stacked in the height direction (Z) of the housing (1), and the pin hole (201) penetrates the plurality of terminal stacks (20) along the height direction (Z) of the housing (1).

14. The electrical connection module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plurality of terminal stacks (20) are made of the same conductive material and are identical to each other so that they can be used interchangeably.

15. The electrical connection module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plurality of terminal stacks (20) include: The first terminal stack (20') is made of a first conductive material; and The second terminal stack (20”) is made of a second conductive material or a non-conductive material, wherein the conductivity of the first conductive material is better than that of the second conductive material, thereby enabling the conductivity of the terminal (2) to be adjusted by changing the number of the first terminal stack (20”) and the second terminal stack (20”) without changing the total thickness of the plurality of terminal stacks (20).

16. The electrical connection module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The thickness of the second terminal stack (20”) is an integer multiple of the thickness of the first terminal stack (20’).

17. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is an integral metal housing (1) made by stamping a single sheet of metal.

18. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, Also includes: The third electrical connector (33) includes a third plate-shaped portion (330); and The elastic contact (33a) is fixed to one side of the front end of the third plate-shaped portion (330). A slot (21a) extending along the height direction (Z) and longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1) is formed on the rear end (21) of the terminal (2). The front end of the third plate-shaped portion (330) and the elastic contact (33a) are inserted into the slot (21a). The front end of the third plate-shaped portion (330) is in electrical contact with the terminal (2) via the elastic contact (33a), and a portion of the third electrical connector (33) is located outside the housing (1) for electrical connection to the third electrical transmission element.

19. The electrical connection module according to claim 18, characterized in that: The third plate-shaped portion (330) is perpendicular to the transverse (X) direction of the housing (1), and the rear end of the third plate-shaped portion (330) extends from the rear opening (101) of the housing (1) and is adapted to be welded to the third electrical transmission element.

20. The electrical connection module according to claim 18, characterized in that: The rear end of the third plate-shaped portion (330) extends from the rear opening (101) of the housing (1), and the third electrical connector (33) also has a plate-shaped third side wing, which is connected to one side of the rear end portion of the third plate-shaped portion (330) and is used for electrical connection to the third electrical transmission member.

21. A connector, characterized in that, include: An insulating shell (6) is formed having two receiving chambers (601) arranged side by side in its transverse (X) direction; and A pair of electrical connection modules as described in any one of claims 1-20 are respectively installed in the two receiving chambers (601) of the insulating shell (6). The first electrical connector (31) and the second electrical connector (32) of the electrical connection module extend from the rear end of the insulating shell (6) for electrical connection to the first electrical transmission element (51) and the second electrical transmission element (52) respectively. The front end (22) of the terminal (2) of the electrical connection module extends from the front end of the insulating shell (6) for electrical contact with the mating terminal (92) of the mating connector (9).

22. The connector according to claim 21, characterized in that, Also includes: A pair of front insulators (7) are respectively mounted on the front ends (22) of a pair of terminals (2) of the connector; and A pair of grounding terminals (8) are provided, and the pair of front insulators (7) are respectively connected to the insulating shell (6) through the pair of grounding terminals (8).

23. The connector according to claim 22, characterized in that: The grounding terminal (8) includes: A first mounting piece (81) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insulating shell (6) and is mounted to the front end face of the insulating shell (6); and The second mounting piece (82) is perpendicular to the transverse (X) direction of the insulating shell (6) and is mounted to the outer surface of the front insulator (7). The first mounting plate (81) and the second mounting plate (82) are vertically connected, so that the grounding terminal (8) is L-shaped.

24. The connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: A first recess (61) is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell (6), and the first mounting piece (81) is embedded in the first recess (61). A second recess (72) is formed on the outer surface of the front insulator (7), and the second mounting piece (82) is fitted into the second recess (72).

25. The connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: A first engagement protrusion (6d) is formed on the front end face of the insulating shell (6), and a first engagement hole (8d) is formed on the first mounting piece (81). The first engagement protrusion (6d) engages with the first engagement hole (8d). A second engagement protrusion (7e) is formed on the outer surface of the front insulator (7), and a second engagement hole (8e) is formed on the second mounting piece (82), wherein the second engagement protrusion (7e) engages with the second engagement hole (8e).

26. The connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: A first slot (6c) is formed on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell (6), and a first buckle (8c) is formed on the side portion of the first mounting piece (81). The first buckle (8c) has a C-shaped cross-section and is held in the first slot (6c) on the side portion of the front end of the insulating shell (6) to fix the first mounting piece (81) to the insulating shell (6).

27. The connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: A first contact spring (8a) is formed on the first mounting piece (81), and the first contact spring (8a) is used to make electrical contact with the mounting panel (90); A second contact spring (8b) is formed on the second mounting plate (82), the second contact spring (8b) being used for electrical contact with the mating ground terminal (9b) of the mating connector (9).

28. The connector according to claim 27, characterized in that: A second latch (82f) is formed on both sides of the front edge of the second mounting piece (82), and a second slot (72f) corresponding to the second latch (82f) is formed on the front insulator (7). The second latch (82f) is inserted into the second slot (72f) in an interference fit manner to fix the second mounting piece (82) onto the front insulator (7).

29. The connector according to claim 28, characterized in that: A pin (8f) is formed at the end of the second contact spring (8b), and a slot (7f) is formed on the front insulator (7). The pin (8f) is movably inserted into the slot (7f) so that the pin (8f) can move in the slot (7f) when the second contact spring (8b) is elastically deformed.

30. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector according to any one of claims 21-29; and The mating connector (9) is mated with the connector. The mating connector (9) includes two mating terminals (92) that are electrically in contact with the front end (22) of a pair of terminals (2) of the connector, and two mating ground terminals (9b) that are electrically in contact with a pair of ground terminals (8) of the connector.

31. The connector assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that, Also includes: The first electrical transmission element (51) is electrically connected to the first electrical connector (31) of the connector; and The second electrical transmission element (52) is electrically connected to the second electrical connector (32) of the connector.

32. The connector assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that, Also includes: The third electrical transmission element is electrically connected to the third electrical connector (33) of the connector.

33. The connector assembly according to claim 32, characterized in that: The first electrical transmission element (51), the second electrical transmission element (52) and the third electrical transmission element are busbars or wire harnesses.

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