Connector terminal, terminal assembly, connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses connector terminals, terminal assemblies, connectors, and connector assemblies. The connector terminal includes: a cylindrical portion for electrical connection to a power transmission component; two rows of resilient arms adapted for insertion into slots of mating terminals; and a fixing portion connected between the cylindrical portion and the two rows of resilient arms. The cylindrical portion has an inner cavity for accommodating a liquid-cooling module. The fixing portion is used to fix it to a connector housing. The two rows of resilient arms are vertically opposed and arranged axially along the cylindrical portion for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot. In this invention, the connector terminal has two rows of resilient arms for simultaneous electrical contact with mating terminals, greatly improving the current-carrying capacity of the connector terminal, enabling it to transmit high currents. Furthermore, the connector terminal of this invention has a cylindrical portion for inserting a liquid-cooling module, thereby allowing for sufficient cooling of the connector terminal by the liquid-cooling module, improving safety in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector terminal, a terminal assembly including the connector terminal, a connector including the connector terminal or the terminal assembly, and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, connector terminals typically have only a single row of elastic arms. This results in a limited electrical contact area between the connector terminals and mating terminals, which is insufficient to meet high current transmission capabilities; for example, it cannot meet the requirement of transmitting 1100A of current. Furthermore, in existing technologies, the high transmission current can lead to excessive temperature rise in the connector terminals, potentially causing safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes: a cylindrical portion for electrical connection to a power transmission component; two rows of resilient arms adapted to be inserted into slots of mating terminals; and a fixing portion connected between the cylindrical portion and the two rows of resilient arms. The cylindrical portion has an inner cavity for accommodating a liquid cooling module, the fixing portion is used to fix it to a connector housing, and the two rows of resilient arms are vertically opposed and arranged axially along the cylindrical portion for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal includes a first terminal and a second terminal wrapped around the outside of the first terminal, such that the connector terminal has a double-layer structure.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal includes a first cylindrical portion defining an inner cavity for receiving the liquid cooling module; the second terminal includes a second cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion of the connector terminal being composed of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; the first cylindrical portion is received in the second cylindrical portion and the outer wall surface of the first cylindrical portion abuts against the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal further includes two rows of first elastic arms, and the second terminal further includes two rows of second elastic arms, with the upper row of first elastic arms abutting against the inner side of the upper row of second elastic arms and the lower row of first elastic arms abutting against the inner side of the lower row of second elastic arms; the upper row of elastic arms of the connector terminal is composed of the upper row of first elastic arms and the upper row of second elastic arms, and the lower row of elastic arms of the connector terminal is composed of the lower row of first elastic arms and the lower row of second elastic arms.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contact protrusion is formed on the end of the first elastic arm, the contact protrusion protruding from the gap between the ends of two adjacent second elastic arms for electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot of the mating terminal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal further includes a first fixing part, and the second terminal further includes a second fixing part, wherein the fixing part of the connector terminal is composed of the first fixing part and the second fixing part; the first fixing part is connected between the first elastic arm and the first cylindrical part, and the second fixing part is connected between the second elastic arm and the second cylindrical part.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing part includes: an upper first fixing plate connected between the root of the upper row of first elastic arms and the front side of the first cylindrical part; and a lower first fixing plate connected between the root of the lower row of first elastic arms and the front side of the first cylindrical part, wherein the upper first fixing plate and the lower first fixing plate are stacked together.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing part includes: an upper second fixing plate connected between the root of the upper row of second elastic arms and the front side of the second cylindrical part; and a lower second fixing plate connected between the root of the lower row of second elastic arms and the front side of the second cylindrical part, wherein the upper second fixing plate abuts against the top surface of the upper first fixing plate and the lower second fixing plate abuts against the bottom surface of the lower first fixing plate.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the cross-section of the cylindrical portion are rectangular or circular.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal and / or the second terminal are integrally stamped parts.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector terminal further includes: an elastic support member disposed between the two rows of first elastic arms and adapted to be compressed between the two rows of first elastic arms. The elastic support member is used to apply an auxiliary contact force to the two rows of first elastic arms and the two rows of second elastic arms to ensure reliable electrical contact between the two rows of first elastic arms and the two rows of second elastic arms and the inner wall surface of the slot of the mating terminal.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support includes: an upper support arm abutting against the inner side of the upper row of first elastic arms for supporting the upper row of first elastic arms and the upper row of second elastic arms; and a lower support arm abutting against the inner side of the lower row of first elastic arms for supporting the lower row of first elastic arms and the lower row of second elastic arms, wherein the rear ends of the upper support arm and the lower support arm are connected.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support further includes: an upper arm connected to the front end of the upper support arm and bent rearward relative to the front end of the upper support arm; and a lower arm connected to the front end of the lower support arm and bent rearward relative to the front end of the lower support arm, the upper arm and the lower arm being located between the upper support arm and the lower support arm and abutting against each other, for supporting the upper support arm and the lower support arm respectively.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical properties of the material used to manufacture the elastic support are superior to those of the materials used to manufacture the first terminal and the second terminal; and the electrical conductivity of the materials used to manufacture the first terminal and the second terminal is superior to that of the material used to manufacture the elastic support.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal and the second terminal are made of copper or copper alloy, and the elastic support is made of stainless steel.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly includes: the aforementioned connector terminal; and a liquid cooling module inserted into the cylindrical portion of the connector terminal for cooling the connector terminal.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the liquid cooling module includes: a heat-conducting block having a liquid cooling channel for the flow of coolant; and a heat-conducting pad wrapped around the outside of the heat-conducting block and pressed between the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the heat-conducting block, the heat-conducting pad being used to transfer heat from the connector terminal to the heat-conducting block and to electrically isolate the heat-conducting block and the connector terminal.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of liquid cooling channels are formed on the heat-conducting block, the plurality of liquid cooling channels extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion and distributed in an array.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal pad is a thermally conductive layer injection-molded on the thermally conductive block or a thermally conductive sleeve fitted on the thermally conductive block.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a connector housing; and the aforementioned connector terminals or the aforementioned terminal assemblies, disposed in the connector housing.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing includes: a main housing portion; and a plug portion connected to the front sidewall of the main housing portion and adapted to be inserted into a slot of a mating terminal, wherein a cylindrical portion of the connector terminal is accommodated in the main housing portion, two rows of elastic arms of the connector terminal are accommodated in the plug portion, a fixing portion of the connector terminal is fixed in the plug portion, and windows are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the plug portion, respectively, and the two rows of elastic arms of the connector terminal are exposed through the windows on the plug portion for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot of the mating terminal.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two adjacent receiving chambers are formed in the main housing portion, the connector housing includes two plug portions, and the connector includes two connector terminals; the cylindrical portions of the two connector terminals are respectively received in the two receiving chambers, the elastic arms of the two connector terminals are respectively received in the two plug portions, and the fixing portions of the two connector terminals are respectively fixed in the two plug portions.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: two electrical adapters disposed in two receiving chambers of the connector housing and electrically connected to the rear side of the cylindrical portion of the two connector terminals, the electrical adapters having a welding plate extending from the rear side of the connector housing for welding to the power transmission element.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical adapter has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a base plate and two welding plates connected to the upper and lower sides of the base plate respectively; the base plate of the electrical adapter is fixed to the rear side of the cylindrical portion of the connector terminal, and the two welding plates extend from the rear side of the connector housing for welding to two power transmission components respectively.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: four power transmission components, which are respectively soldered to four solder plates of the two electrical adapters.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: two aforementioned connectors and a mating module. The mating module includes: two mating terminals; and an insulating isolation plate disposed between the two mating terminals for electrically isolating the two mating terminals. Each mating terminal has two slots formed at its front and rear ends, respectively. The connector includes two connector terminals, with two plug portions of one connector respectively inserted into the front slots of the two mating terminals, and two plug portions of the other connector respectively inserted into the rear slots of the two mating terminals.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, laterally extending recesses are formed on the two mating terminals respectively, and the recesses of the two mating terminals are combined to form a transverse groove; the mating module further includes a cooling module inserted into the transverse groove for cooling the two mating terminals.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cooling module includes: a liquid cooling pipe for circulating coolant; and a thermally conductive layer formed on the outside of the liquid cooling pipe, the thermally conductive layer being in thermal contact with the inner wall surface of the transverse groove for transferring heat from the mating terminal to the liquid cooling pipe and electrically isolating the mating terminal from the liquid cooling pipe.

[0032] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the connector terminal has two rows of elastic arms for simultaneous electrical contact with mating terminals, which greatly improves the current carrying capacity of the connector terminal, enabling it to transmit high currents. Furthermore, the connector terminal of the invention has a cylindrical portion for inserting a liquid cooling module, thereby enabling sufficient cooling of the connector terminal by the liquid cooling module and improving safety in use.

[0033] 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

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 An exploded view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 An exploded view of a connector terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 A perspective view of a first terminal and an elastic support member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 5 An exploded view of a first terminal and an elastic support member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 6 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 8 A perspective view of a mating module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 9 An exploded view of a mating module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a connector terminal is provided. The connector terminal includes: a cylindrical portion for electrical connection to a power transmission component; two rows of resilient arms adapted to be inserted into slots of mating terminals; and a fixing portion connected between the cylindrical portion and the two rows of resilient arms. The cylindrical portion has an inner cavity for accommodating a liquid cooling module, the fixing portion is used to fix it to a connector housing, and the two rows of resilient arms are vertically opposed and arranged axially along the cylindrical portion for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot.

[0047] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly includes: the aforementioned connector terminal; and a liquid cooling module, inserted into the cylindrical portion of the connector terminal for cooling the connector terminal.

[0048] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a connector housing; and the aforementioned connector terminals or the aforementioned terminal assemblies, disposed in the connector housing.

[0049] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: two aforementioned connectors and a mating module. The mating module includes: two mating terminals; and an insulating isolation plate disposed between the two mating terminals for electrically isolating the two mating terminals. Each mating terminal has two slots formed at its front and rear ends, respectively. The connector includes two connector terminals; the two plug portions of one connector are respectively inserted into the slots on the front side of the two mating terminals, and the two plug portions of the other connector are respectively inserted into the slots on the rear side of the two mating terminals.

[0050] Figure 1 A perspective view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 An exploded view of connector terminal 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view showing a first terminal 1' and an elastic support 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 An exploded view of the first terminal 1' and the elastic support 13 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A perspective view of a connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 7 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A perspective view of a mating module 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 An exploded view of a mating module 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector terminal 1 is disclosed. The connector terminal 1 includes a cylindrical portion 10, two rows of elastic arms 11, and a fixing portion 12. The cylindrical portion 10 is used for electrical connection to a power transmission component 5. The two rows of elastic arms 11 are adapted to be inserted into slots 601 of mating terminals 6. The fixing portion 12 is connected between the cylindrical portion 10 and the two rows of elastic arms 11. The cylindrical portion 10 has an inner cavity 101 for accommodating a liquid cooling module 2, the fixing portion 12 is used for fixing to a connector housing 3, and the two rows of elastic arms 11 are vertically opposite each other and arranged axially in the cylindrical portion 10 for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot 601.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, connector terminal 1 includes a first terminal 1' and a second terminal 1' wrapped around the outside of the first terminal 1', so that connector terminal 1 has a double-layer structure.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1' includes a first cylindrical portion 10', which defines an inner cavity 101 for accommodating the liquid cooling module 2. The second terminal 1" includes a second cylindrical portion 10". The cylindrical portion 10 of the connector terminal 1 is composed of the first cylindrical portion 10' and the second cylindrical portion 10". The first cylindrical portion 10' is accommodated within the second cylindrical portion 10", and the outer wall surface of the first cylindrical portion 10' abuts against the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion 10".

[0055] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1' further includes two rows of upper and lower first elastic arms 11', and the second terminal 1" further includes two rows of upper and lower second elastic arms 11". The upper row of first elastic arms 11' abuts against the inner side of the upper row of second elastic arms 11" and the lower row of first elastic arms 11' abuts against the inner side of the lower row of second elastic arms 11". The upper row of elastic arms 11 of the connector terminal 1 is composed of the upper row of first elastic arms 11' and the upper row of second elastic arms 11" and the lower row of elastic arms 11 of the connector terminal 1 is composed of the lower row of first elastic arms 11' and the lower row of second elastic arms 11".

[0056] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a contact protrusion 11a is formed on the end of the first elastic arm 11'. The contact protrusion 11a protrudes outward from the gap between the ends of two adjacent second elastic arms 11' and is used to make electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot 601 of the mating terminal 6.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1' further includes a first fixing part 12', and the second terminal 1" further includes a second fixing part 12". The fixing part 12 of the connector terminal 1 is composed of the first fixing part 12' and the second fixing part 12". The first fixing part 12' is connected between the first elastic arm 11' and the first cylindrical part 10', and the second fixing part 12" is connected between the second elastic arm 11" and the second cylindrical part 10".

[0058] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing part 12' includes an upper first fixing plate 121' and a lower first fixing plate 122'. The upper first fixing plate 121' is connected between the root of the upper row of first elastic arms 11' and the front side of the first cylindrical part 10'. The lower first fixing plate 122' is connected between the root of the lower row of first elastic arms 11' and the front side of the first cylindrical part 10'. The upper first fixing plate 121' and the lower first fixing plate 122' are stacked together.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing part 12” includes an upper second fixing plate 121” and a lower second fixing plate 122”. The upper second fixing plate 121” is connected between the root of the upper row of second elastic arms 11” and the front side of the second cylindrical part 10”. The lower second fixing plate 122” is connected between the root of the lower row of second elastic arms 11” and the front side of the second cylindrical part 10”. The upper second fixing plate 121” abuts against the top surface of the upper first fixing plate 121’, and the lower second fixing plate 122” abuts against the bottom surface of the lower first fixing plate 122’.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sections of the first cylindrical portion 10', the second cylindrical portion 10" and the cylindrical portion 10 are rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; for example, the cross-sections of the first cylindrical portion 10', the second cylindrical portion 10" and the cylindrical portion 10 may also be circular or other suitable shapes.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1' is a one-piece stamped part made by stamping a single sheet of metal. Similarly, the second terminal 1" is a one-piece stamped part made by stamping a single sheet of metal.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector terminal further includes a resilient support 13. The resilient support 13 is disposed between the two rows of first resilient arms 11' and is adapted to be compressed between the two rows of first resilient arms 11'. The resilient support 13 is used to apply an auxiliary contact force to the two rows of first resilient arms 11' and the two rows of second resilient arms 11'" to ensure reliable electrical contact between the two rows of first resilient arms 11' and the two rows of second resilient arms 11'" and the inner wall surface of the slot 601 of the mating terminal 6.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic support 13 includes an upper support arm 131 and a lower support arm 132. The upper support arm 131 abuts against the inner side of the upper row of first elastic arms 11', and is used to support the upper row of first elastic arms 11' and upper row of second elastic arms 11''. The lower support arm 132 abuts against the inner side of the lower row of first elastic arms 11', and is used to support the lower row of first elastic arms 11' and lower row of second elastic arms 11''. The rear ends of the upper support arm 131 and the lower support arm 132 are connected.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic support 13 further includes an upper arm 133 and a lower arm 134. The upper arm 133 is connected to the front end of the upper support arm 131 and bends rearward relative to the front end of the upper support arm 131. The lower arm 134 is connected to the front end of the lower support arm 132 and bends rearward relative to the front end of the lower support arm 132. The upper arm 133 and the lower arm 134 are located between the upper support arm 131 and the lower support arm 132 and abut against each other, for supporting the upper support arm 131 and the lower support arm 132 respectively.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical properties of the material used to manufacture the elastic support 13 are superior to those of the materials used to manufacture the first terminal 1' and the second terminal 1" are superior to those of the material used to manufacture the elastic support 13.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1' and the second terminal 1" are made of copper or copper alloy, and the elastic support 13 is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has excellent mechanical properties, which can improve sufficient elastic support force and ensure reliable electrical contact between connector terminal 1 and mating terminal 6.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal assembly is also disclosed. The terminal assembly includes the aforementioned connector terminal 1 and a liquid cooling module 2. The liquid cooling module 2 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 10 of the connector terminal 1 for cooling the connector terminal 1.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the liquid cooling module 2 includes a heat-conducting block 20 and a heat-conducting pad 21. A liquid cooling channel 201 for the flow of coolant is formed in the heat-conducting block 20. The heat-conducting pad 21 is wrapped around the outside of the heat-conducting block 20 and is pressed between the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion 10' and the outer peripheral surface of the heat-conducting block 20. The heat-conducting pad 21 is used to transfer heat from the connector terminal 1 to the heat-conducting block 20 and to electrically isolate the heat-conducting block 20 from the connector terminal 1.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of liquid cooling channels 201 are formed on the heat-conducting block 20, and the plurality of liquid cooling channels 201 extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 10 and are distributed in an array.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the thermal pad 21 is either a thermally conductive layer 72 injection-molded onto the thermally conductive block 20 or a thermally conductive sleeve fitted onto the thermally conductive block 20.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a connector housing 3 and the aforementioned connector terminals 1 or the aforementioned terminal assembly. The aforementioned connector terminals 1 or the aforementioned terminal assembly are disposed within the connector housing 3.

[0072] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 3 includes a main housing portion 30 and a plug portion 31. The plug portion 31 is connected to the front sidewall of the main housing portion 30 and is adapted to be inserted into the slot 601 of the mating terminal 6. The cylindrical portion 10 of the connector terminal 1 is housed in the main housing portion 30, the two rows of elastic arms 11 of the connector terminal 1 are housed in the plug portion 31, and the fixing portion 12 of the connector terminal 1 is fixed in the plug portion 31. Windows 302 are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the plug portion 31, respectively, through which the two rows of elastic arms 11 of the connector terminal 1 are exposed for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot 601 of the mating terminal 6.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, two adjacent receiving chambers 301 are formed in the main housing portion 30. The connector housing 3 includes two plug portions 31, and the connector includes two connector terminals 1. The cylindrical portions 10 of the two connector terminals 1 are respectively received in the two receiving chambers 301, the elastic arms 11 of the two connector terminals 1 are respectively received in the two plug portions 31, and the fixing portions 12 of the two connector terminals 1 are respectively fixed in the two plug portions 31.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes two electrical adapters 4. The two electrical adapters 4 are respectively disposed in two receiving chambers 301 of the connector housing 3 and are electrically connected to the rear sides of the cylindrical portions 10 of the two connector terminals 1. Each electrical adapter 4 has a welding plate 42 extending from the rear side of the connector housing 3, the welding plate 42 being used for welding to the power transmission element 5.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical adapter 4 has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a base plate 41 and two welding plates 42 connected to the upper and lower sides of the base plate 41, respectively. The base plate 41 of the electrical adapter 4 is fixed to the rear side of the cylindrical portion 10 of the connector terminal 1, and the two welding plates 42 extend from the rear side of the connector housing 3 for welding to the two power transmission components 5, respectively.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further includes four power transmission components 5, which are respectively soldered to the four solder plates 42 of the two electrical adapters 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the power transmission components 5 are busbars. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; for example, the power transmission components 5 can also be cables.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector 300 and mating module 600. The mating module 600 includes two mating terminals 6 and an insulating isolation plate 62. The insulating isolation plate 62 is disposed between the two mating terminals 6 for electrically isolating the two mating terminals 6. Each mating terminal 6 has two slots 601 formed at its front and rear ends, respectively. The connector includes two connector terminals 1. The two plug portions 31 of one connector 300 are respectively inserted into the slots 601 on the front side of the two mating terminals 6; the two plug portions 31 of the other connector 300 are respectively inserted into the slots 601 on the rear side of the two mating terminals 6.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, two laterally extending notches are formed on the two mating terminals 6, and the notches of the two mating terminals 6 are combined to form a transverse groove 602. The mating module 600 also includes a cooling module 7 inserted into the transverse groove 602 for cooling the two mating terminals 6.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cooling module 7 includes a liquid cooling pipe 71 and a thermally conductive layer 72. The liquid cooling pipe 71 is used for the flow of coolant. The thermally conductive layer 72 is formed on the outside of the liquid cooling pipe 71. The thermally conductive layer 72 is in thermal contact with the inner wall surface of the transverse groove 602, and is used to transfer heat from the mating terminal 6 to the liquid cooling pipe 71 and to electrically isolate the mating terminal 6 from the liquid cooling pipe 71.

[0080] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages: under the same space conditions, the present invention can increase the electrical contact area and current carrying capacity of the connector terminals by at least two times, and can greatly reduce the contact impedance and volume resistance of the connector terminals; the present invention can use a liquid cooling module to fully cool the connector terminals, which can not only prevent the connector terminals from overheating, but also further improve the current carrying capacity of the connector terminals.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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. A connector terminal, characterized in that, include: The cylindrical part (10) is used for electrical connection to the power transmission component (5); Two rows of flexible arms (11) are adapted to be inserted into the slots (601) of the mating terminals (6); and A fixing part (12) is connected between the cylindrical part (10) and the two rows of elastic arms (11). The cylindrical portion (10) has an inner cavity (101) for accommodating the liquid cooling module (2), the fixing portion (12) is used to fix it to the connector housing (3), and the two rows of elastic arms (11) are arranged vertically opposite each other and axially in the cylindrical portion (10) for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot (601).

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector terminal (1) includes a first terminal (1') and a second terminal (1”) wrapped around the outside of the first terminal (1'), so that the connector terminal (1) has a double-layer structure.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first terminal (1') includes a first cylindrical portion (10'), which defines an inner cavity (101) for accommodating the liquid cooling module (2); The second terminal (1”) includes a second cylindrical portion (10”), and the cylindrical portion (10) of the connector terminal (1) is composed of the first cylindrical portion (10’) and the second cylindrical portion (10”); The first cylindrical portion (10') is housed in the second cylindrical portion (10") and the outer wall surface of the first cylindrical portion (10') abuts against the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion (10").

4. The connector terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal (1') further includes two rows of first elastic arms (11') and the second terminal (1”) further includes two rows of second elastic arms (11”). The upper row of first elastic arms (11') abuts against the inner side of the upper row of second elastic arms (11”), and the lower row of first elastic arms (11') abuts against the inner side of the lower row of second elastic arms (11”). The upper row of elastic arms (11) of the connector terminal (1) is composed of an upper row first elastic arm (11') and an upper row second elastic arm (11”), and the lower row of elastic arms (11) of the connector terminal (1) is composed of a lower row first elastic arm (11') and a lower row second elastic arm (11”).

5. The connector terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that: A contact protrusion (11a) is formed at the end of the first elastic arm (11'), the contact protrusion (11a) protruding from the gap between the ends of two adjacent second elastic arms (11") for electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot (601) of the mating terminal (6).

6. The connector terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first terminal (1') further includes a first fixing part (12'), and the second terminal (1”) further includes a second fixing part (12”). The fixing part (12) of the connector terminal (1) is composed of the first fixing part (12') and the second fixing part (12”). The first fixing part (12') is connected between the first elastic arm (11') and the first cylindrical part (10'), and the second fixing part (12”) is connected between the second elastic arm (11”) and the second cylindrical part (10”).

7. The connector terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first fixing part (12') includes: The upper first fixing plate (121') is connected between the root of the upper row of first elastic arms (11') and the front side of the first cylindrical part (10'); and The lower first fixing plate (122') is connected between the root of the lower row first elastic arm (11') and the front side of the first cylindrical part (10'). The upper first fixing plate (121') and the lower first fixing plate (122') are stacked together.

8. The connector terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second fixing part (12”) includes: The upper second fixing plate (121”) is connected between the root of the upper row of second elastic arms (11”) and the front side of the second cylindrical portion (10”); and The lower second fixing plate (122”) is connected between the root of the lower row second elastic arm (11”) and the front side of the second cylindrical part (10”). The upper second fixing plate (121”) abuts against the top surface of the upper first fixing plate (121’), and the lower second fixing plate (122”) abuts against the bottom surface of the lower first fixing plate (122’).

9. The connector terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first cylindrical portion (10'), the second cylindrical portion (10"), and the cross-section of the cylindrical portion (10) are rectangular or circular.

10. The connector terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first terminal (1') and / or the second terminal (1”) are integral stamped parts.

11. The connector terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: An elastic support (13) is disposed between the two rows of first elastic arms (11') and adapted to be compressed between the two rows of first elastic arms (11'). The elastic support (13) is used to apply an auxiliary contact force to the two rows of first elastic arms (11') and the two rows of second elastic arms (11") to ensure reliable electrical contact between the two rows of first elastic arms (11') and the two rows of second elastic arms (11") and the inner wall surface of the slot (601) of the mating terminal (6).

12. The connector terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that: The elastic support (13) includes: The upper support arm (131) rests against the inner side of the upper row first elastic arm (11') and is used to support the upper row first elastic arm (11') and the upper row second elastic arm (11"); and The lower support arm (132) rests against the inner side of the lower row first elastic arm (11') and is used to support the lower row first elastic arm (11') and the lower row second elastic arm (11”). The rear ends of the upper support arm (131) and the lower support arm (132) are connected.

13. The connector terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that: The elastic support (13) also includes: The upper arm (133) is connected to the front end of the upper support arm (131) and bends rearward relative to the front end of the upper support arm (131); and The lower end arm (134) is connected to the front end of the lower support arm (132) and bends backward relative to the front end of the lower support arm (132). The upper arm (133) and the lower arm (134) are located between the upper support arm (131) and the lower support arm (132) and abut against each other, for supporting the upper support arm (131) and the lower support arm (132) respectively.

14. The connector terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that: The mechanical properties of the material used to manufacture the elastic support (13) are superior to those of the materials used to manufacture the first terminal (1') and the second terminal (1"); and The electrical conductivity of the materials used to manufacture the first terminal (1') and the second terminal (1”) is better than that of the material used to manufacture the elastic support (13).

15. The connector terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first terminal (1') and the second terminal (1”) are made of copper or copper alloy, and the elastic support (13) is made of stainless steel.

16. A terminal assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector terminal (1) according to any one of claims 1-15; and A liquid cooling module (2) is inserted into the cylindrical portion (10) of the connector terminal (1) for cooling the connector terminal (1).

17. The terminal assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: The liquid cooling module (2) includes: A heat-conducting block (20) is formed with a liquid-cooling channel (201) for the flow of coolant; and A thermal pad (21) is wrapped around the outside of the thermal block (20) and pressed between the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical part (10') and the outer peripheral surface of the thermal block (20). The thermal pad (21) is used to transfer the heat of the connector terminal (1) to the thermal block (20) and to electrically isolate the thermal block (20) and the connector terminal (1).

18. The terminal assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: Multiple liquid cooling channels (201) are formed on the heat-conducting block (20), and the multiple liquid cooling channels (201) extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion (10) and are distributed in an array.

19. The terminal assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: The thermal pad (21) is either a thermally conductive layer (72) injection-molded onto the thermally conductive block (20) or a thermally conductive sleeve fitted onto the thermally conductive block (20).

20. A connector, characterized in that, include: Connector housing (3); and The connector terminal of any one of claims 1-15 or the terminal assembly of any one of claims 16-19 is disposed in the connector housing (3).

21. The connector according to claim 20, characterized in that: The connector housing (3) includes: Main shell (30); and The plug portion (31) is connected to the front sidewall of the main housing portion (30) and is adapted to be inserted into the slot (601) of the mating terminal (6). The cylindrical portion (10) of the connector terminal (1) is accommodated in the main housing portion (30), the two rows of elastic arms (11) of the connector terminal (1) are accommodated in the plug portion (31), and the fixing portion (12) of the connector terminal (1) is fixed in the plug portion (31). Windows (302) are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the plug portion (31), and the two rows of elastic arms (11) of the connector terminal (1) are exposed through the windows (302) on the plug portion (31) for simultaneous electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the slot (601) of the mating terminal (6).

22. The connector according to claim 21, characterized in that: Two adjacent receiving chambers (301) are formed in the main housing (30), the connector housing (3) includes two plug portions (31), and the connector includes two connector terminals (1); The cylindrical portions (10) of the two connector terminals (1) are respectively housed in the two receiving chambers (301), the elastic arms (11) of the two connector terminals (1) are respectively housed in the two plug portions (31), and the fixing portions (12) of the two connector terminals (1) are respectively fixed in the two plug portions (31).

23. The connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, Also includes: Two electrical adapters (4) are respectively disposed in two receiving chambers (301) of the connector housing (3) and electrically connected to the rear side of the cylindrical portion (10) of the two connector terminals (1). The electrical adapter (4) has a welding plate (42) extending from the rear side of the connector housing (3), the welding plate (42) being used for welding to the power transmission component (5).

24. The connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: The electrical adapter (4) has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a base plate (41) and two welding plates (42) connected to the upper and lower sides of the base plate (41) respectively. The base plate (41) of the electrical adapter (4) is fixed to the rear side of the cylindrical part (10) of the connector terminal (1), and the two welding plates (42) extend from the rear side of the connector housing (3) for welding to the two power transmission components (5) respectively.

25. The connector according to claim 24, characterized in that, Also includes: Four power transmission components (5) are respectively welded to the four welding plates (42) of the two power adapters (4).

26. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector (300) according to any one of claims 20-25; and Matching module (600), including: Two mating terminals (6); and An insulating isolation plate (62) is disposed between the two mating terminals (6) to electrically isolate the two mating terminals (6). The mating terminals (6) have two slots (601) formed on their front and rear ends respectively. The connector includes two connector terminals (1). The two plugs (31) of one connector (300) are inserted into the slots (601) on the front side of the two mating terminals (6) respectively, and the two plugs (31) of the other connector (300) are inserted into the slots (601) on the rear side of the two mating terminals (6) respectively.

27. The connector assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that: Laterally extending notches are formed on the two mating terminals (6), and the notches of the two mating terminals (6) are combined to form a transverse groove (602); The mating module (600) further includes a cooling module (7) inserted into the transverse slot (602) for cooling the two mating terminals (6).

28. The connector assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that: The cooling module (7) includes: Liquid cooling pipe (71), used for circulating coolant; and A heat-conducting layer (72) is formed on the outside of the liquid cooling pipe (71). The heat-conducting layer (72) is in thermal contact with the inner wall of the transverse groove (602) to transfer the heat of the mating terminal (6) to the liquid cooling pipe (71) and to electrically isolate the mating terminal (6) and the liquid cooling pipe (71).

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