Terminal module, connector and connector assembly

By using an injection molded insulator in the terminal module to embed the L-shaped fixing part and installing it into the connector housing, the problems of insufficient strength of the terminal structure and unstable contact force of the elastic arm in the prior art are solved, and stable electrical contact between the terminal and the matching terminal is achieved.

CN222826657UActive Publication Date: 2025-05-02TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202421783247.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-25
Publication Date
2025-05-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-07-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the structural strength of the terminal is weak, and the elastic arm cannot guarantee a stable forward contact force, resulting in the terminal and the matching terminal being unable to contact electrically stably and reliably.

Method used

A terminal module is designed, including a row of terminals, each terminal having an L-shaped fixing portion, an elastic arm and a welding foot connected to both ends of the L-shaped fixing portion. The insulator is embedded on the L-shaped fixing portion by injection molding, so that it is retained in the insulator and installed in the connector housing to ensure stable electrical contact of the elastic arm.

Benefits of technology

By enhancing the structural strength of the terminal and ensuring the stable installation of the insulator, stable and reliable electrical contact between the terminal elastic arm and the matching terminal is achieved.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a terminal module, a connector and a connector assembly. The terminal module comprises a row of terminals, and each terminal comprises an L-shaped fixing part, an elastic arm and a welding pin, wherein the elastic arm and the welding pin are connected with the two ends of the L-shaped fixing part respectively; and an insulator injection-molded on the L-shaped fixing portions of the row of terminals such that the L-shaped fixing portions of the row of terminals are held in the insulator, the insulator being adapted to be mounted and fixed in a connector housing, therefore, the elastic arms of the terminals can be in stable and reliable electric contact with mating terminals of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing. According to the utility model, the whole L-shaped fixing part of the terminal is kept in the insulator, and the insulator is firmly installed in the connector shell, so that the structural strength of the elastic arm of the terminal is improved, and the elastic arm of the terminal can be ensured to be stably and reliably electrically contacted with the matched terminal.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a terminal module, comprising a connector of the terminal module and a connector assembly comprising the connector. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a connector generally includes a housing and a terminal installed in the housing. The terminal has a welding foot exposed from the bottom of the housing and an elastic arm located in the housing. The welding foot of the terminal is used to be welded to a circuit board, and the elastic arm of the terminal is used to electrically contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the housing. In the prior art, the structural strength of the terminal is very weak, and the elastic arm of the terminal cannot ensure a stable positive contact force, resulting in the terminal and the mating terminal being unable to stably and reliably make electrical contact. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the utility model, a terminal module is provided. The terminal module comprises: a row of terminals, each terminal comprising an L-shaped fixing portion and an elastic arm and a welding foot respectively connected to both ends of the L-shaped fixing portion; and an insulator, which is injection-molded on the L-shaped fixing portion of the row of terminals so that the L-shaped fixing portion of the row of terminals is retained in the insulator, and the insulator is suitable for being installed and fixed in a connector housing to ensure that the elastic arm of the terminal can stably and reliably make electrical contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the insulator includes: a main body, an L-shaped fixing portion for holding the row of terminals; and a positioning rib formed on the side and / or top of the main body, the positioning rib being suitable for being inserted and fixed into the positioning groove of the connector housing so that the insulator cannot move longitudinally and transversely relative to the connector housing.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the positioning rib includes: a pair of side positioning ribs, which are respectively located on two laterally opposite sides of the main body and extend along the height direction of the main body, and the side positioning ribs are suitable for being inserted and fixed into the vertical positioning groove of the connector housing.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the positioning rib also includes: a top positioning rib, located on the top of the main body and extending laterally along the main body, the top positioning rib is connected between the tops of the pair of side positioning ribs, and the top positioning rib is suitable for being inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning groove of the connector housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, when the terminal module is installed in the connector housing, the top surface and the bottom surface of the side positioning rib respectively abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing, so that the insulator cannot move in the height direction relative to the connector housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the main body of the insulator is suitable for being installed in the mounting groove of the connector housing, the welding feet of the row of terminals extend from the top of the main body of the insulator, and the elastic arms of the row of terminals extend from the front side of the bottom of the main body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the L-shaped fixing portion of the terminal includes: a horizontal extension portion, extending along the longitudinal direction of the insulator; and a vertical extension portion, connected to the rear end of the horizontal extension portion and extending along the height direction of the insulator, the elastic arm of the terminal is connected to the front end of the horizontal extension portion, the welding foot of the terminal is connected to the lower end of the vertical extension portion, and the terminal is an integral stamped part.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, an opening is formed on the rear side of the main body of the insulator, so that a portion of the vertical extension portion of the L-shaped fixing portion of the terminal is exposed through the opening; the terminal module also includes a grounding connector, which is installed in the opening on the rear side of the insulator, and is used to electrically connect multiple grounding terminals in the row of terminals together.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the grounding connector includes a plurality of welding ribs, which extend along the height direction of the insulator and are arranged in a row in the transverse direction of the insulator; the plurality of welding ribs are respectively welded to the vertical extension portions of the L-shaped fixing portions of the plurality of grounding terminals, so that the plurality of grounding terminals are electrically connected together by the grounding connector.

[0013] According to another aspect of the utility model, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a connector housing; and the aforementioned terminal module, which is installed and fixed in the connector housing. The welding feet of the terminal are exposed from the bottom of the connector housing and are used to be welded to a circuit board, and the elastic arms of the terminal are used to electrically contact with the mating terminals of the mating connector inserted into the connector housing.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the connector housing comprises: an outer housing; and an inner housing, which is installed in the outer housing, and a positioning groove is formed on the inner wall of the inner housing, and the positioning rib of the insulator of the terminal module is inserted and fixed into the positioning groove, so that the terminal module cannot move longitudinally and transversely relative to the connector housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top and bottom surfaces of the positioning ribs of the insulator of the terminal module respectively abut against the inner wall surfaces of the inner shell and the outer shell, so that the terminal module cannot move in the height direction relative to the connector shell.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, a mounting groove is formed in the inner shell, and the main body of the insulator of the terminal module is installed in the mounting groove of the inner shell; the positioning groove is formed on the inner side of the side wall and / or top wall of the inner shell and is connected to the mounting groove.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the positioning groove includes a pair of vertical positioning grooves respectively formed on the inner sides of a pair of side walls of the inner shell, and a pair of side positioning ribs of the insulator of the terminal module are respectively inserted and fixed into the pair of vertical positioning grooves.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, a raised rib is formed on the inner wall surface of the vertical positioning groove, and the raised rib extends in the height direction for interference fit with the side positioning rib of the insulator.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning grooves further include horizontal positioning grooves respectively formed on the inner sides of the top walls of the inner housing, and the top positioning ribs of the insulator of the terminal module are inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning grooves.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the inner wall surface of the inner shell body abuts against the top surface of a pair of side positioning ribs of the insulator, and the inner wall surface of the outer shell body abuts against the bottom surface of a pair of side positioning ribs of the insulator, so that the insulator cannot move in the height direction relative to the connector shell.

[0021] According to another aspect of the utility model, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a connector housing; and four terminal modules, which are installed in the connector housing and spaced apart in the longitudinal and height directions of the connector housing. Each terminal module comprises: a row of terminals, each terminal comprising an L-shaped fixing portion and an elastic arm and a welding foot respectively connected to the two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion; and an insulator, which is injection molded on the L-shaped fixing portion of the row of terminals, so that the row of terminals and the insulator become an integral part. One of the four terminal modules is the aforementioned terminal module.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the welding feet of a row of terminals of each terminal module are exposed from the bottom of the connector housing and arranged in a row along the lateral direction of the connector housing, and the welding feet of two adjacent terminal modules are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the four terminal modules are sequentially referred to as the first terminal module, the second terminal module, the third terminal module and the fourth terminal module from front to back; the elastic arm of the first terminal module and the elastic arm of the fourth terminal module are spaced opposite to each other in the height direction of the connector housing; the elastic arm of the second terminal module and the elastic arm of the third terminal module are spaced opposite to each other in the height direction of the connector housing; the elastic arms of the first terminal module and the fourth terminal module are located in front of the elastic arms of the second terminal module and the third terminal module.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal module is the aforementioned terminal module.

[0025] According to another aspect of the utility model, a connector assembly is provided, which includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector.

[0026] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the entire L-shaped fixing portion of the terminal is retained in the insulator, thereby improving the structural strength of the elastic arm of the terminal and ensuring that the elastic arm of the terminal can be in stable and reliable electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0027] In the aforementioned various exemplary embodiments according to the utility model, the insulator for retaining the terminal is firmly installed in the connector housing, ensuring that the L-shaped fixing portion of the terminal does not move, thereby further improving the structural strength of the elastic arm of the terminal, so that the elastic arm of the terminal can be in stable and reliable electrical contact with the mating terminal.

[0028] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the front side;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the rear side;

[0031] Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a terminal module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the rear side;

[0032] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram showing a terminal module according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module and an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, wherein the terminal module has not yet been installed in the inner housing;

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing a terminal module and an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal module has not yet been installed in the inner housing;

[0035] Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module and an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing a terminal module and an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Fig. 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model;

[0038] Fig.10 A transverse cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Fig.11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein four terminal modules are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solution of the utility model is further specifically described below through examples and in combination with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the implementation mode of the utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall utility model concept of the utility model, and should not be understood as a limitation of the utility model.

[0041] In addition, in the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are embodied in a schematic manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0042] According to an overall technical concept of the utility model, a terminal module is provided. The terminal module comprises: a row of terminals, each terminal comprising an L-shaped fixing portion and an elastic arm and a welding foot respectively connected to the two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion; and an insulator, which is injection-molded on the L-shaped fixing portion of the row of terminals so that the L-shaped fixing portion of the row of terminals is retained in the insulator, and the insulator is suitable for being installed and fixed in a connector housing to ensure that the elastic arm of the terminal can stably and reliably make electrical contact with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown) inserted into the connector housing.

[0043] According to another general technical concept of the utility model, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a connector housing; and the aforementioned terminal module, which is installed and fixed in the connector housing. The welding feet of the terminal are exposed from the bottom of the connector housing and are used to be welded to a circuit board, and the elastic arms of the terminal are used to electrically contact with the mating terminals of the mating connector inserted into the connector housing.

[0044] According to another general technical concept of the utility model, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector.

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the front side; Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model when viewed from the rear side; Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 and an inner housing 4a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the terminal module 100 has not yet been installed in the inner housing 4a; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing a terminal module 100 and an inner housing 4 a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal module 100 has not yet been installed in the inner housing 4 a ; Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a terminal module 100 and an inner housing 4a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing a terminal module 100 and an inner housing 4a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the utility model; Fig.10 A transverse cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the utility model, a terminal module 100 is disclosed. The terminal module 100 includes: a row of terminals 2 and an insulator 1. Each terminal 2 includes an L-shaped fixing portion 20 and an elastic arm 21 and a welding foot 22 respectively connected to the two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion 20. The insulator 1 is injection molded on the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of a row of terminals 2 by an embedded injection molding process, so that the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of a row of terminals 2 is retained in the insulator 1. The insulator 1 is suitable for being installed and fixed in a connector housing 4 to ensure that the elastic arm 21 of the terminal 2 can stably and reliably make electrical contact with the mating terminal of the mating connector inserted into the connector housing 4.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 1 includes: a main body 10 and a positioning rib 11. The main body 10 is used to hold the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of a row of terminals 2. The positioning rib 11 is formed on the side and / or top of the main body 10. The positioning rib 11 is suitable for being inserted and fixed into the positioning groove 41 of the connector housing 4, so that the insulator 1 cannot move relative to the connector housing 4 in the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction X.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning rib 11 includes a pair of side positioning ribs 11a, which are respectively located on two opposite sides of the body portion 10 in the transverse direction X and extend along the height direction Z of the body portion 10. The side positioning ribs 11a are suitable for being inserted and fixed into the vertical positioning grooves 41a of the connector housing 4.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning rib 11 further includes a top positioning rib 11b, which is located on the top of the main body 10 and extends along the lateral direction X of the main body 10. The top positioning rib 11b is connected between the tops of a pair of side positioning ribs 11a, and the top positioning rib 11b is suitable for being inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning groove 41b of the connector housing 4.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal module 100 is installed in the connector housing 4, the top and bottom surfaces of the side positioning ribs 11a respectively abut against the inner wall surfaces of the connector housing 4, so that the insulator 1 cannot move in the height direction Z relative to the connector housing 4.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 10 of the insulator 1 is suitable for being installed in the installation groove 401 of the connector housing 4, the welding feet 22 of a row of terminals 2 extend from the top of the main body 10 of the insulator 1, and the elastic arms 21 of a row of terminals 2 extend from the front side of the bottom of the main body 10.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of the terminal 2 includes: a horizontal extension portion 20a and a vertical extension portion 20b. The horizontal extension portion 20a extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the insulator 1. The vertical extension portion 20b is connected to the rear end of the horizontal extension portion 20a and extends along the height direction Z of the insulator 1. The elastic arm 21 of the terminal 2 is connected to the front end of the horizontal extension portion 20a, the welding foot 22 of the terminal 2 is connected to the lower end of the vertical extension portion 20b, and the terminal 2 is an integral stamped part.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 101 is formed on the rear side of the main body 10 of the insulator 1, so that a portion of the vertical extension portion 20b of the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of the terminal 2 is exposed through the opening 101. The terminal module 100 also includes a grounding connector 3, which is installed in the opening 101 on the rear side of the insulator 1 and is used to electrically connect multiple grounding terminals in a row of terminals 2 together.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the grounding connector 3 includes a plurality of welding ribs 30, which extend along the height direction Z of the insulator 1 and are arranged in a row in the transverse direction X of the insulator 1. The plurality of welding ribs 30 are respectively welded to the vertical extension portions 20b of the L-shaped fixing portions 20 of the plurality of grounding terminals, so that the plurality of grounding terminals are electrically connected together by the grounding connector 3.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a connector housing 4 and the aforementioned terminal module 100. The terminal module 100 is installed and fixed in the connector housing 4. The welding foot 22 of the terminal 2 is exposed from the bottom of the connector housing 4, and is used to be welded to a circuit board (not shown), and the elastic arm 21 of the terminal 2 is used to electrically contact with the mating terminal of the mating connector inserted into the connector housing 4.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 4 includes: an outer housing 4b and an inner housing 4a. The inner housing 4a is installed in the outer housing 4b. A positioning groove 41 is formed on the inner wall of the inner housing 4a, and the positioning rib 11 of the insulator 1 of the terminal module 100 is inserted and fixed in the positioning groove 41, so that the terminal module 100 cannot move in the longitudinal direction Y and the transverse direction X relative to the connector housing 4.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces of the positioning ribs 11 of the insulator 1 of the terminal module 100 respectively abut against the inner wall surfaces of the inner shell 4a and the outer shell 4b, so that the terminal module 100 cannot move in the height direction Z relative to the connector shell 4.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting groove 401 is formed in the inner housing 4a, and the main body 10 of the insulator 1 of the terminal module 100 is mounted in the mounting groove 401 of the inner housing 4a. The positioning groove 41 is formed on the inner side of the side wall and / or the top wall of the inner housing 4a and communicates with the mounting groove 401.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning groove 41 includes a pair of vertical positioning grooves 41a respectively formed on the inner sides of a pair of side walls of the inner shell 4a, and a pair of side positioning ribs 11a of the insulator 1 of the terminal module 100 are respectively inserted and fixed into the pair of vertical positioning grooves 41a.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a protruding rib 4c is formed on the inner wall surface of the vertical positioning groove 41a, and the protruding rib 4c extends along the height direction Z for interference fit with the side positioning rib 11a of the insulator 1.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning groove 41 also includes horizontal positioning grooves 41b respectively formed on the inner side of the top wall of the inner shell 4a, and the top positioning rib 11b of the insulator 1 of the terminal module 100 is inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning groove 41b.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall surface of the inner shell 4a abuts against the top surface of a pair of side positioning ribs 11a of the insulator 1, and the inner wall surface of the outer shell 4b abuts against the bottom surface of a pair of side positioning ribs 11a of the insulator 1, so that the insulator 1 cannot move in the height direction Z relative to the connector shell 4.

[0063] Fig.11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein four terminal modules 100 are shown.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a connector housing 4 and four terminal modules 100. The four terminal modules 100 are installed in the connector housing 4 and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y and the height direction Z of the connector housing 4. Each terminal module 100 includes: a row of terminals 2 and an insulator 1. Each terminal 2 includes an L-shaped fixing portion 20 and an elastic arm 21 and a welding foot 22 respectively connected to the two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion 20. The insulator 1 is injection molded on the L-shaped fixing portion 20 of a row of terminals 2, so that the row of terminals 2 and the insulator 1 become an integral part. One of the four terminal modules 100 is Figures 1 to 10 The terminal module 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the other three terminal modules 100 are Figures 1 to 10 The terminal modules 100 shown are similar in structure but different in size.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the welding feet 22 of a row of terminals 2 of each terminal module 100 are exposed from the bottom of the connector housing 4 and arranged in a row along the horizontal direction of the connector housing 4, and the welding feet 22 of two adjacent terminal modules 100 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing 4.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the four terminal modules 100 are sequentially referred to as the first terminal module 100, the second terminal module 100, the third terminal module 100 and the fourth terminal module 100 from front to back. The elastic arm 21 of the first terminal module 100 and the elastic arm 21 of the fourth terminal module 100 are spaced opposite to each other in the height direction of the connector housing 4. The elastic arm 21 of the second terminal module 100 and the elastic arm 21 of the third terminal module 100 are spaced opposite to each other in the height direction of the connector housing 4. The elastic arms 21 of the first terminal module 100 and the fourth terminal module 100 are located in front of the elastic arms 21 of the second terminal module 100 and the third terminal module 100.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal module 100 is Figures 1 to 10 The first terminal module 100, the third terminal module 100 and the fourth terminal module 100 are connected to Figures 1 to 10 The terminal modules 100 shown are similar in structure but different in size. Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: a connector and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector mates with the connector.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon by those skilled in the art. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle, and these changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementation modes of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0070] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0071] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element number of the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal module, characterized in that: include: A row of terminals (2), each terminal (2) comprising an L-shaped fixing portion (20) and an elastic arm (21) and a welding foot (22) respectively connected to two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion (20); and The insulator (1) is injection molded on the L-shaped fixing portion (20) of the row of terminals (2), so that the L-shaped fixing portion (20) of the row of terminals (2) is retained in the insulator (1). The insulator (1) is suitable for being installed and fixed in a connector housing (4) to ensure that the elastic arm (21) of the terminal (2) can stably and reliably make electrical contact with the mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing (4).

2. The terminal module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulator (1) comprises: A main body (10), an L-shaped fixing portion (20) for holding the row of terminals (2); A positioning rib (11) is formed on the side and / or top of the main body (10), and the positioning rib (11) is suitable for being inserted and fixed in the positioning groove (41) of the connector housing (4), so that the insulator (1) cannot move relative to the connector housing (4) in the longitudinal direction (Y) and the transverse direction (X).

3. The terminal module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning rib (11) comprises: A pair of side positioning ribs (11a) are respectively located on two opposite sides of the main body (10) in the transverse direction (X) and extend along the height direction (Z) of the main body (10). The side positioning rib (11a) is suitable for being inserted into and fixed in the vertical positioning groove (41a) of the connector housing (4).

4. The terminal module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning rib (11) further comprises: a top positioning rib (11b), located on the top of the main body (10) and extending in the transverse direction (X) of the main body (10), The top positioning rib (11b) is connected between the tops of the pair of side positioning ribs (11a), and the top positioning rib (11b) is suitable for being inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning groove (41b) of the connector housing (4).

5. The terminal module according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the terminal module (100) is installed in the connector housing (4), the top surface and the bottom surface of the side positioning rib (11a) respectively abut against the inner wall surface of the connector housing (4), so that the insulator (1) cannot move in the height direction (Z) relative to the connector housing (4).

6. The terminal module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main body (10) of the insulator (1) is suitable for being installed in the installation groove (401) of the connector housing (4), the welding feet (22) of the row of terminals (2) extend from the top of the main body (10) of the insulator (1), and the elastic arms (21) of the row of terminals (2) extend from the front side of the bottom of the main body (10).

7. The terminal module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The L-shaped fixing portion (20) of the terminal (2) comprises: a horizontally extending portion (20a) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the insulator (1); and a vertical extension portion (20b) connected to the rear end of the horizontal extension portion (20a) and extending along the height direction (Z) of the insulator (1), The elastic arm (21) of the terminal (2) is connected to the front end of the horizontal extension part (20a), the welding foot (22) of the terminal (2) is connected to the lower end of the vertical extension part (20b), and the terminal (2) is an integral stamped part.

8. The terminal module according to claim 7, characterized in that: An opening (101) is formed on the rear side of the main body (10) of the insulator (1), so that a portion of the vertical extension portion (20b) of the L-shaped fixing portion (20) of the terminal (2) is exposed through the opening (101); The terminal module (100) further comprises a grounding connector (3), which is installed in an opening (101) on the rear side of the insulator (1) and is used to electrically connect a plurality of grounding terminals in the row of terminals (2).

9. The terminal module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The grounding connector (3) comprises a plurality of welding ribs (30), wherein the plurality of welding ribs (30) extend along a height direction (Z) of the insulator (1) and are arranged in a row in a transverse direction (X) of the insulator (1); The plurality of welding ribs (30) are respectively welded to the vertical extension portions (20b) of the L-shaped fixing portions (20) of the plurality of grounding terminals, so that the plurality of grounding terminals are electrically connected together by the grounding connector (3).

10. A connector, characterized in that: include: Connector housing (4); and The terminal module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed and fixed in the connector housing (4), The welding foot (22) of the terminal (2) is exposed from the bottom of the connector housing (4) and is used for welding to a circuit board, and the elastic arm (21) of the terminal (2) is used for electrically contacting a mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing (4).

11. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connector housing (4) comprises: an outer shell (4b); and An inner housing (4a) is installed in the outer housing (4b), A positioning groove (41) is formed on the inner wall of the inner housing (4a), and a positioning rib (11) of the insulator (1) of the terminal module (100) is inserted and fixed into the positioning groove (41), so that the terminal module (100) cannot move in the longitudinal direction (Y) and the transverse direction (X) relative to the connector housing (4).

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The top surface and bottom surface of the positioning rib (11) of the insulator (1) of the terminal module (100) respectively abut against the inner wall surfaces of the inner shell (4a) and the outer shell (4b), so that the terminal module (100) cannot move in the height direction (Z) relative to the connector shell (4).

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: A mounting groove (401) is formed in the inner housing (4a), and the main body (10) of the insulator (1) of the terminal module (100) is mounted in the mounting groove (401) of the inner housing (4a); The positioning groove (41) is formed on the inner side of the side wall and / or the top wall of the inner shell (4a) and is connected to the installation groove (401).

14. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The positioning groove (41) comprises a pair of vertical positioning grooves (41a) respectively formed on the inner sides of a pair of side walls of the inner shell (4a), and a pair of side positioning ribs (11a) of the insulator (1) of the terminal module (100) are respectively inserted and fixed into the pair of vertical positioning grooves (41a).

15. The connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: A raised rib (4c) is formed on the inner wall surface of the vertical positioning groove (41a), and the raised rib (4c) extends along the height direction (Z) and is used for interference fit with the side positioning rib (11a) of the insulator (1).

16. The connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: The positioning groove (41) also includes horizontal positioning grooves (41b) respectively formed on the inner side of the top wall of the inner shell (4a), and the top positioning rib (11b) of the insulator (1) of the terminal module (100) is inserted and fixed into the horizontal positioning groove (41b).

17. The connector according to claim 16, characterized in that: The inner wall surface of the inner shell (4a) abuts against the top surface of a pair of side positioning ribs (11a) of the insulator (1), and the inner wall surface of the outer shell (4b) abuts against the bottom surface of a pair of side positioning ribs (11a) of the insulator (1), so that the insulator (1) cannot move in the height direction (Z) relative to the connector shell (4).

18. A connector, characterized in that: include: Connector housing (4); and Four terminal modules (100) are installed in the connector housing (4) and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y) and the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (4), Each terminal module (100) comprises: A row of terminals (2), each terminal (2) comprising an L-shaped fixing portion (20) and an elastic arm (21) and a welding foot (22) respectively connected to two ends of the L-shaped fixing portion (20); and The insulator (1) is injection-molded on the L-shaped fixing portion (20) of the row of terminals (2), so that the row of terminals (2) and the insulator (1) form an integral part. One terminal module (100) among the four terminal modules (100) is the terminal module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The welding feet (22) of a row of terminals (2) of each terminal module (100) are exposed from the bottom of the connector housing (4) and arranged in a row along the lateral direction of the connector housing (4), and the welding feet (22) of two adjacent terminal modules (100) are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing (4).

20. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The four terminal modules (100) are sequentially referred to as a first terminal module (100), a second terminal module (100), a third terminal module (100) and a fourth terminal module (100) from front to back; The elastic arm (21) of the first terminal module (100) and the elastic arm (21) of the fourth terminal module (100) are spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the connector housing (4); The elastic arm (21) of the second terminal module (100) and the elastic arm (21) of the third terminal module (100) are spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the connector housing (4); The elastic arms (21) of the first terminal module (100) and the fourth terminal module (100) are located in front of the elastic arms (21) of the second terminal module (100) and the third terminal module (100).

21. The connector according to claim 20, characterized in that: The second terminal module (100) is the terminal module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

22. A connector assembly, characterized in that: include: The connector according to any one of claims 10 to 21; and A mating connector is mated with the connector.