Terminal assembly and connector

Abstract

Disclosed are a terminal assembly and a connector. The terminal assembly comprises a combined terminal, which comprises three sheet-shaped terminals stacked together from an inner side to an outer side. The sheet-shaped terminals comprise cantilever portions, the cantilever portions of the three sheet-shaped terminals are stacked together, the front end of the cantilever portion of the inner sheet-shaped terminal is provided with a first contact protrusion for electrically contacting a counter terminal, the front end of the cantilever portion of the middle sheet-shaped terminal is provided with a second contact protrusion for electrically contacting the counter terminal, and the front end of the cantilever portion of the outer sheet-shaped terminal is provided with a bent elastic portion, which is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the housing of the connector to increase the electric contact force between the first and second contact protrusions and the counter terminal. In the present application, the combined terminal comprises three sheet-shaped terminals stacked together, which increases the effective current-carrying area of the combined terminal, thereby being able to carry higher current. In addition, the elastic portion of the front end of the outer sheet-shaped terminal can ensure reliable electric contact between the combined terminal and the counter terminal.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing technology, high-current power connectors typically include a housing and a pair of terminals housed within the housing. Each terminal comprises two stacked terminal pieces, resulting in a small effective current-carrying cross-section, capable of carrying a maximum current of 1000A and unable to handle higher currents. In existing technology, the terminals have a cantilever portion in the front of the housing and a connecting portion in the rear. The cantilever portion of the terminal is used for electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal. However, the length of the cantilever portion of the terminals in existing power connectors is approximately half the longitudinal length of the housing, resulting in high rigidity of the cantilever portion and consequently, a large insertion force on the mating terminal. Furthermore, in existing technology, the connecting portion of the terminal can only be fixedly electrically connected to a busbar or cable, and a sliding electrical connection is not possible, which limits the application range of the connector. 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 terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly includes a combined terminal comprising three sheet terminals stacked sequentially from its inner side to its outer side. Each sheet terminal includes a cantilever portion, the cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals stacked together. The front end of the cantilever portion of the inner sheet terminal has a first contact protrusion for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion of the middle sheet terminal has a second contact protrusion for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal has a bent elastic portion adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of a connector housing to increase the electrical contact force between the first and second contact protrusions and the mating terminal.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal abuts against the outer side of the front end of the middle sheet terminal, and the elastic portion of the outer sheet terminal is connected to the front side edge of the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal and bends backward, so that the front end of the outer sheet terminal is hook-shaped.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of the cantilever portion of the inner sheet terminal has a row of first elastic arms, and the front portion of the cantilever portion of the middle sheet terminal has a row of second elastic arms, the second elastic arms abutting against the outer side of the first elastic arms; the first contact protrusion is formed on the end of the first elastic arm, the second contact protrusion is formed on the end of the second elastic arm, and the first contact protrusion and the second contact protrusion are alternately arranged in a row.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes a heat sink mounted on the inner side of the rear portion of the cantilever of the inner sheet terminal for heat dissipation of the combined terminal.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink includes a substrate and a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions or heat dissipation fins formed on one surface of the substrate, and the other surface of the substrate of the heat sink is abutted and fixed to the rear portion of the cantilever portion of the inner sheet terminal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sheet terminal is an integrally stamped terminal.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sheet terminal further includes a connecting portion connected to the rear end of the cantilever portion, the connecting portion being used for electrical connection to an electrical transmission element.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes: a fixing plate spaced apart from the outer side of the rear portion of the cantilever portion; and a connecting plate connected between the fixing plate and the rear side of the cantilever portion, the fixing plate being used to fix to the electrical transmission member for electrical connection with the electrical transmission member.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection portions of the three sheet terminals are stacked together.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes: a conductive block disposed between the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate; and a bolt passing through the conductive block and the fixing plate of the three sheet terminals, the bolt being used to fasten the conductive block and the fixing plate of the three sheet terminals to the electrical transmission element.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes: a riveting post passing through the conductive block and the fixing plate of the three sheet terminals to rivet the conductive block and the fixing plate of the three sheet terminals together.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portions of the inner sheet terminal and the middle sheet terminal are stacked together, and the fixing plate of the outer sheet terminal is spaced apart from the fixing plate of the middle sheet terminal; the terminal assembly further includes: a pair of elastic contacts disposed in the gap between the fixing plate of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate of the middle sheet terminal and respectively fixed to the fixing plate of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate of the middle sheet terminal, the pair of elastic contacts being used for sliding electrical contact with the insert plate of the electrical connector inserted therebetween to electrically connect the electrical connector to the combined terminal.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the terminal assembly further includes an electrical connector comprising: a plug plate inserted between the pair of resilient contacts for sliding electrical contact with the pair of resilient contacts; and an external plate connected to the plug plate for electrical connection to the electrical transmission element, the combined terminal being adapted to be electrically connected to the electrical transmission element via the electrical connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the external plate is perpendicularly connected to one end of the plug plate, such that the electrical connector is L-shaped.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the resilient contact includes a mounting plate and a plurality of contact springs formed on the mounting plate, wherein the mounting plates of the pair of resilient contacts are respectively abutted against and fixed to the fixing plate of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate of the middle sheet terminal, and the contact springs of the pair of resilient contacts make slidable electrical contact with both sides of the insert plate of the electrical connector.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact is a one-piece stamped part.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes: a conductive plate disposed between the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate; a conductive block disposed between the fixing plate of the outer sheet terminal and the fixing plate of the middle sheet terminal; and a riveting post passing through the conductive plate, the conductive block and the fixing plates of the three sheet terminals, the riveting post riveting the conductive plate, the conductive block and the fixing plates of the three sheet terminals together.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing having a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction; and the aforementioned terminal assembly, mounted in the housing. The cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals extend from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing such that the length of the cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the housing.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes two terminal assemblies arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the housing, the housing having a partition wall located between the two terminal assemblies, the partition wall separating the rear portions of the two terminal assemblies.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, positioning grooves are formed at the top and bottom of the connecting plate of the sheet terminal, and positioning protrusions are formed on the inner sides of the top and bottom walls of the housing, respectively. The positioning protrusions cooperate with the positioning grooves to position the terminal assembly in the housing.

[0024] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the combined terminal includes three stacked sheet terminals, increasing the effective current-carrying cross-sectional area of ​​the combined terminal, thereby enabling it to carry higher currents. Furthermore, the elastic portion at the front end of the outer sheet terminal is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing, thereby increasing the electrical contact force between the combined terminal and the mating terminal, ensuring reliable electrical contact between the combined terminal and the mating terminal.

[0025] Furthermore, in some of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cantilever portion of the sheet terminal extends from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing, such that the length of the cantilever portion is close to the longitudinal length of the housing, thereby reducing the rigidity of the cantilever portion of the sheet terminal and the insertion force of the mating terminal.

[0026] Furthermore, in some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, the combination terminal can make sliding electrical contact with the electrical connector, thereby enabling a sliding electrical connection between the combination terminal and the electrical transmission component, thus expanding the application range of the connector.

[0027] 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

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of two terminal assemblies of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 This shows a cross-sectional view of two terminal assemblies of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 A perspective view of the combined terminals of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 An exploded view of the combined terminals of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 10 A perspective view of a terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 11 A perspective view of the combined terminals of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 12 An exploded view of the combined terminals of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 13 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 14 A vertical sectional view of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 15 A sectional view of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 16 Another anatomical view of the terminal assembly of a connector according to an exemplary second 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 terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly includes a combined terminal comprising three sheet terminals stacked sequentially from its inner side to its outer side. Each sheet terminal includes a cantilever portion, the cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals stacked together. The front end of the cantilever portion of the inner sheet terminal has a first contact protrusion for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion of the middle sheet terminal has a second contact protrusion for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion of the outer sheet terminal has a bent elastic portion adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing to increase the electrical contact force between the first and second contact protrusions and the mating terminal.

[0047] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing having a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction; and the aforementioned terminal assembly, mounted in the housing. The cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals extend from the rear end of the housing to the front end of the housing, such that the length of the cantilever portions of the three sheet terminals is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the housing.

[0048] First Embodiment

[0049] Figures 1 to 7 A first embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of two terminal assemblies 100 of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 This shows a cross-sectional view of two terminal assemblies 100 of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A perspective view of a connector combination terminal 100 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 An exploded view of the combined terminals 100 of a connector according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal assembly 100 is disclosed. The terminal assembly 100 includes a combined terminal 1, which includes three sheet terminals 10 stacked sequentially from its inner side to its outer side. Each sheet terminal 10 includes a cantilever portion 15, and the cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 are stacked together. The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 has a first contact protrusion 11a for electrical contact with a mating terminal (not shown). The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the middle sheet terminal 12 has a second contact protrusion 12a for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 has a bent elastic portion 130, which is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing 9 to increase the electrical contact force between the first contact protrusion 11a and the second contact protrusion 12a and the mating terminal.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 abuts against the outer side of the front end of the middle sheet terminal 12, and the elastic portion 130 of the outer sheet terminal 13 is connected to the front side of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and bends backward, so that the front end of the outer sheet terminal 13 is hook-shaped.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 has a row of first elastic arms 110, and the front portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the middle sheet terminal 12 has a row of second elastic arms 120, with the second elastic arms 120 abutting against the outer side of the first elastic arms 110. A first contact protrusion 11a is formed on the end of the first elastic arm 110, and a second contact protrusion 12a is formed on the end of the second elastic arm 120, with the first contact protrusion 11a and the second contact protrusion 12a arranged alternately in a row.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes a heat sink 2, which is mounted on the inner side of the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 for heat dissipation of the combined terminal 1.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 7As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink 2 includes a substrate 20 and a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions 21 or heat dissipation fins formed on one surface of the substrate 20. The other surface of the substrate 20 of the heat sink 2 is attached to and fixed to the rear of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sheet terminal 10 can be a one-piece stamped terminal. This reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the sheet terminal 10 further includes a connecting portion 14 connected to the rear end of the cantilever portion 15, which is used for electrical connection to an electrical transmission element (not shown). The electrical transmission element may be a bus or a cable with a flat connector.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 14 includes a fixing plate 141 and a connecting plate 142. The fixing plate 141 is spaced apart from the outer side of the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15. The connecting plate 142 is connected between the fixing plate 141 and the rear side of the cantilever portion 15. The fixing plate 141 is used to fix to the electrical transmission component for electrical connection with the electrical transmission component.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection portions 14 of the three sheet terminals 10 are stacked together.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes a conductive block 3 and bolts 4. The conductive block 3 is disposed between the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13. The bolts 4 pass through the conductive block 3 and the fixing plates 141 of the three sheet terminals 10. The bolts 4 are used to fasten the conductive block 3 and the fixing plates 141 of the three sheet terminals 10 to the electrical transmission element.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes a riveting post 5 that passes through the conductive block 3 and the fixing plate 141 of the three sheet terminals 10 to rivet the conductive block 3 and the fixing plate 141 of the three sheet terminals 10 together.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing 9 and a terminal assembly 100. The housing 9 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction. The terminal assembly 100 is mounted in the housing 9. Three cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 extend from the rear end of the housing 9 to the front end of the housing 9, such that the length of the cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the housing.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector includes two terminal assemblies 100 arranged side by side in the transverse direction of a housing 9, the housing 9 having a partition wall 91 located between the two terminal assemblies 100, the partition wall 91 separating the rear portions of the two terminal assemblies 100.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, positioning grooves 1a are formed at the top and bottom of the connecting plate 142 of the sheet terminal 10, and positioning protrusions 9a are formed on the inner sides of the top and bottom walls of the housing 9. The positioning protrusions 9a cooperate with the positioning grooves 1a to position the terminal assembly 100 in the housing 9.

[0064] Second Embodiment

[0065] Figures 8 to 16 A second embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, Figure 8 A perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 An exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0066] Figure 10 A perspective view of a terminal assembly 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 11 A perspective view of a connector combination terminal 100 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 12 An exploded view of the combined terminals 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0067] Figure 13 A horizontal cross-sectional view of a terminal assembly 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 14 A vertical sectional view of a terminal assembly 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 15 A sectional view of a terminal assembly 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 16Another anatomical view of the terminal assembly 100 of a connector according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal assembly 100 is disclosed. The terminal assembly 100 includes a combined terminal 1, which includes three sheet terminals 10 stacked sequentially from its inner side to its outer side. Each sheet terminal 10 includes a cantilever portion 15, and the cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 are stacked together. The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 has a first contact protrusion 11a for electrical contact with a mating terminal (not shown). The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the middle sheet terminal 12 has a second contact protrusion 12a for electrical contact with a mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 has a bent elastic portion 130, which is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing 9 to increase the electrical contact force between the first contact protrusion 11a and the second contact protrusion 12a and the mating terminal.

[0069] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front end of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 abuts against the outer side of the front end of the middle sheet terminal 12, and the elastic portion 130 of the outer sheet terminal 13 is connected to the front side of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and bends backward, so that the front end of the outer sheet terminal 13 is hook-shaped.

[0070] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 has a row of first elastic arms 110, and the front portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the middle sheet terminal 12 has a row of second elastic arms 120, with the second elastic arms 120 abutting against the outer side of the first elastic arms 110. A first contact protrusion 11a is formed on the end of the first elastic arm 110, and a second contact protrusion 12a is formed on the end of the second elastic arm 120, with the first contact protrusion 11a and the second contact protrusion 12a arranged alternately in a row.

[0071] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes a heat sink 2, which is mounted on the inner side of the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11 for heat dissipation of the combined terminal 1.

[0072] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink 2 includes a substrate 20 and a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions 21 or heat dissipation fins formed on one surface of the substrate 20. The other surface of the substrate 20 of the heat sink 2 is attached to and fixed to the rear of the cantilever portion 15 of the inner sheet terminal 11.

[0073] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sheet terminal 10 can be a one-piece stamped terminal. This reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.

[0074] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the sheet terminal 10 further includes a connecting portion 14 connected to the rear end of the cantilever portion 15, which is used for electrical connection to an electrical transmission element (not shown). The electrical transmission element may be a bus or a cable with a flat connector.

[0075] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 14 includes a fixing plate 141 and a connecting plate 142. The fixing plate 141 is spaced apart from the outer side of the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15. The connecting plate 142 is connected between the fixing plate 141 and the rear side of the cantilever portion 15. The fixing plate 141 is used to fix to the electrical transmission component for electrical connection with the electrical transmission component.

[0076] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 14 of the inner sheet terminal 11 and the connecting portion 14 of the middle sheet terminal 12 are stacked together, and the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13 is spaced apart from the fixing plate 141 of the middle sheet terminal 12. The terminal assembly 100 also includes a pair of resilient contacts 7. The pair of resilient contacts 7 are disposed in the gap between the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the middle sheet terminal 12 and are respectively fixed to the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the middle sheet terminal 12. The pair of resilient contacts 7 are used for sliding electrical contact with the insert plate 81 of the electrical connector 8 inserted between them to electrically connect the electrical connector 8 to the combined terminal 1.

[0077] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes an electrical connector 8, which includes a plug plate 81 and an external plate 82. The plug plate 81 is inserted between a pair of resilient contacts 7 for sliding electrical contact with the pair of resilient contacts 7. The external plate 82 is connected to the plug plate 81 for electrical connection to an electrical transmission element. The combined terminal 1 is adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical transmission element via the electrical connector 8.

[0078] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the external plate 82 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the plug plate 81, making the electrical connector 8 L-shaped.

[0079] like Figures 8 to 16As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient contact 7 includes a mounting plate 70 and a plurality of contact springs 71 formed on the mounting plate 70. The mounting plates 70 of a pair of resilient contacts 7 are respectively abutted against and fixed to the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the middle sheet terminal 12. The contact springs 71 of the pair of resilient contacts 7 make sliding electrical contact with both sides of the insertion plate 81 of the electrical connector 8.

[0080] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic contact 7 is a one-piece stamped part. This reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.

[0081] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 100 further includes a conductive plate 6, a conductive block 3, and a riveting post 5. The conductive plate 6 is disposed between the rear portion of the cantilever portion 15 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13. The conductive block 3 is disposed between the fixing plate 141 of the outer sheet terminal 13 and the fixing plate 141 of the intermediate sheet terminal 12. The riveting post 5 passes through the conductive plate 6, the conductive block 3, and the fixing plates 141 of the three sheet terminals 10. The riveting post 5 rivets the conductive plate 6, the conductive block 3, and the fixing plates 141 of the three sheet terminals 10 together.

[0082] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes a housing 9 and a terminal assembly 100. The housing 9 has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction. The terminal assembly 100 is mounted in the housing 9. Three cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 extend from the rear end of the housing 9 to the front end of the housing 9, such that the length of the cantilever portions 15 of the three sheet terminals 10 is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the housing.

[0083] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector includes two terminal assemblies 100 arranged side by side in the transverse direction of a housing 9, the housing 9 having a partition wall 91 located between the two terminal assemblies 100, the partition wall 91 separating the rear portions of the two terminal assemblies 100.

[0084] like Figures 8 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, positioning grooves 1a are formed at the top and bottom of the connecting plate 142 of the sheet terminal 10, and positioning protrusions 9a are formed on the inner sides of the top and bottom walls of the housing 9. The positioning protrusions 9a cooperate with the positioning grooves 1a to position the terminal assembly 100 in the housing 9.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 terminal assembly, characterized in that, include: The combined terminal (1) includes three sheet-like terminals (10) stacked sequentially from its inner side to its outer side. The sheet terminal (10) includes a cantilever portion (15). The cantilever portions (15) of the three sheet terminals (10) are stacked together. The front end of the cantilever portion (15) of the inner sheet terminal (11) has a first contact protrusion (11a) for electrical contact with the mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion (15) of the middle sheet terminal (12) has a second contact protrusion (12a) for electrical contact with the mating terminal. The front end of the cantilever portion (15) of the outer sheet terminal (13) has a bent elastic portion (130) which is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing (9) to increase the electrical contact force between the first contact protrusion (11a) and the second contact protrusion (12a) and the mating terminal.

2. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the cantilever portion (15) of the outer sheet terminal (13) abuts against the outer side of the front end of the middle sheet terminal (12). The elastic portion (130) of the outer sheet terminal (13) is connected to the front side of the cantilever portion (15) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and bends backward, so that the front end of the outer sheet terminal (13) is hook-shaped.

3. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front part of the cantilever portion (15) of the inner sheet terminal (11) has a row of first elastic arms (110), and the front part of the cantilever portion (15) of the middle sheet terminal (12) has a row of second elastic arms (120), with the second elastic arms (120) abutting against the outer side of the first elastic arms (110). The first contact protrusion (11a) is formed on the end of the first elastic arm (110), and the second contact protrusion (12a) is formed on the end of the second elastic arm (120). The first contact protrusion (11a) and the second contact protrusion (12a) are arranged alternately in a row.

4. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A heat sink (2) is installed on the inner side of the rear part of the cantilever portion (15) of the inner plate terminal (11) for heat dissipation of the combined terminal (1).

5. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat sink (2) includes a substrate (20) and a plurality of heat dissipation protrusions (21) or heat dissipation fins formed on one surface of the substrate (20), and the other surface of the substrate (20) of the heat sink (2) is attached to and fixed to the rear part of the cantilever portion (15) of the inner sheet terminal (11).

6. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sheet terminal (10) is an integral stamped terminal.

7. The terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The sheet terminal (10) also includes a connecting portion (14) connected to the rear end of the cantilever portion (15), the connecting portion (14) being used for electrical connection to the electrical transmission component.

8. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting part (14) includes: The fixing plate (141) is spaced apart from the outer side of the rear portion of the cantilever (15); and A connecting plate (142) is connected between the fixed plate (141) and the rear side of the cantilever (15). The fixing plate (141) is used to fix to the electrical transmission component for electrical connection with the electrical transmission component.

9. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connection portions (14) of the three sheet terminals (10) are stacked together.

10. The terminal assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A conductive block (3) is disposed between the cantilever portion (15) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141); and Bolt (4) passes through the fixing plate (141) of the conductive block (3) and the three sheet terminals (10). The bolt (4) is used to fasten the conductive block (3) and the fixing plate (141) of the three sheet terminals (10) to the electrical transmission component.

11. The terminal assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A riveting post (5) passes through the fixing plate (141) of the conductive block (3) and the three sheet terminals (10) to rivet the conductive block (3) and the fixing plate (141) of the three sheet terminals (10) together.

12. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting portion (14) of the inner sheet terminal (11) and the middle sheet terminal (12) are stacked together, and the fixing plate (141) of the outer sheet terminal (13) is spaced apart from the fixing plate (141) of the middle sheet terminal (12). The terminal assembly (100) further includes: A pair of elastic contacts (7) are disposed in the gap between the fixing plate (141) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141) of the middle sheet terminal (12) and are respectively fixed to the fixing plate (141) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141) of the middle sheet terminal (12). The pair of resilient contacts (7) are used to make sliding electrical contact with the insert plate (81) of the electrical connector (8) inserted between them, so as to electrically connect the electrical connector (8) to the combined terminal (1).

13. The terminal assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: Electrical connector (8), comprising: Insert plate (81) is inserted between the pair of elastic contacts (7) for sliding electrical contact with the pair of elastic contacts (7); and An external board (82), connected to the insert board (81), is used for electrical connection to the electrical transmission component. The combined terminal (1) is adapted to be electrically connected to the electrical transmission element via the electrical connector (8).

14. The terminal assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The external plate (82) is perpendicularly connected to one end of the plug plate (81), making the electrical connector (8) L-shaped.

15. The terminal assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The elastic contact (7) includes a mounting plate (70) and a plurality of contact springs (71) formed on the mounting plate (70). The mounting plates (70) of the pair of elastic contacts (7) are respectively attached to and fixed to the fixing plate (141) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141) of the middle sheet terminal (12). The contact springs (71) of the pair of elastic contacts (7) make sliding electrical contact with both sides of the insertion plate (81) of the electrical connector (8).

16. The terminal assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The elastic contact element (7) is a one-piece stamped part.

17. The terminal assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: A conductive plate (6) is disposed between the cantilever portion (15) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141); A conductive block (3) is disposed between the fixing plate (141) of the outer sheet terminal (13) and the fixing plate (141) of the middle sheet terminal (12); and The riveting post (5) passes through the fixing plate (141) of the conductive plate (6), the conductive block (3), and the three sheet terminals (10). The riveting post (5) rivets the conductive plate (6), the conductive block (3) and the fixing plate (141) of the three sheet terminals (10) together.

18. A connector, characterized in that, include: The housing (9) has a front end and a rear end opposite each other in its longitudinal direction; and The terminal assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-17 is installed in the housing (9). The cantilever portions (15) of the three sheet terminals (10) extend from the rear end of the housing (9) to the front end of the housing (9), such that the length of the cantilever portions (15) of the three sheet terminals (10) is close to the longitudinal length of the housing.

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The connector includes two terminal assemblies (100) arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the housing (9), the housing (9) having a partition wall (91) located between the two terminal assemblies (100) and the partition wall (91) separating the rear portions of the two terminal assemblies (100).

20. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: Positioning grooves (1a) are formed at the top and bottom of the connecting plate (142) of the sheet terminal (10), and positioning protrusions (9a) are formed on the inner sides of the top and bottom walls of the housing (9). The positioning protrusions (9a) cooperate with the positioning grooves (1a) to position the terminal assembly (100) in the housing (9).

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