Terminal assembly and electric connector

Abstract

Described herein is a terminal assembly (1) and an electrical connector (2), the terminal assembly (1) being configured to mate in conductive contact with a conductive member (6), and the terminal assembly (1) comprising a terminal base (11) and a contact arm (12) secured to the terminal base (11), the contact arm (12) comprising: a common base plate (121) secured to the terminal base (11), and two sets of contact beams (122), the contact beams (122) are arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the common base plate (121), each set of contact beams (122) being configured to extend from a respective side of the common base plate (121) and to be bent back.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of electrically conductive connectors, and more particularly, to a terminal assembly and an electrical connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electrical connector is an electronic component for transmitting and exchanging electric current or signals between electronic system devices. As a node, the electrical connector, alone or together with a cable, transmits electric current or signals between devices, assemblies, equipment, systems, and maintains the change of signal distortion and energy loss between systems, and is a necessary basic element to constitute the entire complete system connection.

[0003] In the prior art cabinet, there is a mutual assembly relationship between the power supply module (PSU) or battery backup module (BBU) serving as a power supply and the power shelf bus bar. The connector for electrically connecting the electrode of the power supply to the bus bar is usually laid down horizontally, and a slot is formed on the connector, and the electrode of the power supply is adapted to be inserted into the slot as an insert (for example, in the form of two sides arranged with conductive gold fingers for opposite polarity) to realize electrical connection between, for example, the horizontal copper bar and the rack bus bar via the insert.

[0004] Once the length of the PSU and BBU increases due to system power upgrade in the existing cabinet, the length of the rack bus bar increases, while the overall size of the cabinet remains unchanged, which accordingly leads to the need to greatly compress the size of the electrical connector and the horizontal copper bar in the length direction. While the size of the horizontal copper bar changes little or even remains basically unchanged, since the electrical connector is laid down horizontally, it is accordingly necessary to compress the height of the electrical connector from the bottom to the opening for the insertion of the insert. And since the electrical connector product needs to be installed in a height-limited space, it is necessary to accordingly improve the current carrying capacity while maintaining the elastic contact capability between the terminals and the insert in the electrical connector.

[0005] Therefore, in the prior art, there is an urgent need for an improved terminal assembly and an electrical connector comprising the same, which, for example, is realized by improving the assembly structure, so that on the one hand, the height of the electrical connector from the bottom to the top opening for the insertion of the insert can be effectively compressed; on the other hand, the electrical connector product can maintain the elastic contact performance between the terminals and the insert in the electrical connector in a size-limited space, reduce the risk of terminal yield, and realize adjustable terminal elastic force and improve the current carrying capacity of the terminal. SUMMARY

[0006] The object of the present disclosure aims to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects existing in the prior art by providing a terminal assembly with simple structure and an electrical connector.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present disclosure is implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal assembly is provided, which is configured to mate with an electrically conductive member into electrically conductive contact, and which comprises a terminal base and a contact arm fixed to the terminal base, the contact arm comprising: a common base plate fixed to the terminal base, and two groups of contact beams arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to a longitudinal axis of the common base plate, each group of contact beams being configured to extend from a respective side of the common base plate and to bend back.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each of the terminal base and the contact arm is independently settable.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the free ends of each of the two groups of contact beams are spaced apart from each other.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, each group of contact beams comprises a row of contact fingers arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis, the row of contact fingers being configured to extend away from the common base plate and then to bend back from the respective side of the common base plate, respectively.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of contact fingers of each of the two groups of contact beams is the same and arranged opposite to each other.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the free ends of the contact fingers of each of the two groups of contact beams are spaced apart from each other.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, each contact finger has a first bending point and a second bending point, each contact finger extending from the common base plate away from the longitudinal axis until reaching the first bending point, and then bending back towards the opposite respective contact finger; and each contact finger continuing to extend from the first bending point until reaching the second bending point, and further bending towards the longitudinal axis at the second bending point; and each contact finger comprising: a first beam section between a side edge of the common base plate and the first bending point and attached to the common base plate; a second beam section between the first bending point and the second bending point; and a third beam section between the second bending point and the free end.

[0015] In an example embodiment, in a case where the conductive member is fitted to the terminal assembly, the conductive member pushes each contact finger of the two sets of contact beams of the contact arm respectively toward the common base plate, the first bend point of each contact finger serving as a pivot point at which the second beam section and the third beam section of the contact finger pivot relative to the first beam section in response to the pushing by the conductive member, and the second bend point of each contact finger serving as an electrically conductive contact point at which the terminal assembly is in electrically conductive contact with the conductive member.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the contact fingers of the two sets of contact beams are arranged in one-to-one alignment with each other. Alternatively, in an alternative example embodiment, the contact fingers of the two sets of contact beams are arranged out of alignment with each other.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the common base plate and the two sets of contact beams are integrally formed from a conductive sheet material.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the common base plate and the two sets of contact beams are made from a sheet metal through a sheet metal working process.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the terminal base includes a plate-like base portion extending in a first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a plate-like extension portion bent from the plate-like base portion to extend in a second direction angled from both the first direction and the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In an example embodiment, both ends of the common base plate of the contact arm along the longitudinal axis are provided with holes for riveting or screwing to the terminal base, the common base plate being fixed to the plate-like extension portion of the terminal base via riveting or screwing at the holes.

[0022] In a second aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure provides an electrical connector including an insulative housing provided with a terminal receiving portion, and two terminal assemblies according to the foregoing, each terminal assembly being fixed to the housing by snap-fitting to the terminal base in the terminal receiving portion. The two terminal assemblies are housed in the terminal receiving portion of the housing and arranged opposite to each other, and are electrically connected to two side pieces of the conductive member respectively provided with different electric potentials or electrode polarities interposed between the two terminal assemblies.

[0023] In an example embodiment, each of the two terminal assemblies has a tab extending obliquely away from the conductive member toward the housing from an edge at one of two ends of the terminal base in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, each tab is arranged obliquely to extend outward from the corresponding edge of the terminal base away from the conductive element toward the inner wall of the terminal receiving portion of the housing, such that when the two terminal assemblies are installed in the terminal receiving portion of the housing, each tab acts as a stop to prevent the corresponding terminal assembly from retracting from the terminal receiving portion of the housing.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, in response to the two terminal assemblies being installed in the terminal receptacle of the housing and not being deviated by force, each tab does not contact the inner wall of the terminal receptacle; and in response to at least one terminal assembly being displaced in the terminal receptacle, at least one tab is pressed against the inner wall of the terminal receptacle and acts as a simply supported beam supporting the corresponding terminal assembly relative to the inner wall.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing includes two bodies disposed opposite to each other, the two bodies being spaced apart to define a through cavity extending along the longitudinal axis between them for insertion of the conductive element, and being connected only at the bottom, each body having a through-hole formed at the bottom for insertion of a corresponding terminal assembly, and having a recess recessed on one side facing the other body, the through-hole of each body communicating with the recess for receiving the corresponding terminal assembly, and the respective recesses of the two bodies collectively defining the terminal receiving portion.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the two bodies are connected to each other at the bottom via a transition wall between them, through their respective end walls at both ends along the longitudinal axis.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a substrate, to which the terminal base of each terminal assembly is fixed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help to explain some principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0030] Figures 1A-1C The illustrations include two schematic perspective views and a schematic exploded view of an exemplary terminal assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, taken from different perspectives.

[0031] Figures 2A-2D The figures are schematic perspective views of an exemplary electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a front view, a left view, and a top view; Figure 2E The diagram shows the following: Figure 2DA cross-sectional view cut along line AA in the diagram; Figure 2F The diagram shows the following: Figure 2D A schematic diagram of the section cut by line BB in the middle; Figure 2G Illustration Figure 2A A schematic exploded view, in which two terminal assemblies are assembled with the housing.

[0032] Figure 3 As shown in the diagram Figure 2G The image shows a partially exploded view of the two terminal assemblies in an assembled state with the housing.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagrams are shown below. Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of the shell from different angles. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure. It is important to note that the following drawings and examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to a single embodiment, but rather to enable other embodiments by means of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Furthermore, where certain elements of this disclosure can be implemented using known components in part or entirely, only those portions of such known components necessary for understanding this disclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments described as being implemented in software are not intended to be limited to this, but may include embodiments implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware, and vice versa. Embodiments showing a singular number of components in this specification should not be considered limiting; rather, unless expressly stated otherwise herein, this disclosure is intended to cover other embodiments including a plurality of identical components, and vice versa. Furthermore, the applicant does not intend for any terminology in this specification or claims to be relegated to an uncommon or particular meaning unless so expressly stated. In addition, this disclosure covers current and future known equivalents of known components mentioned herein with the aid of illustrations.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "bottom" and "top," "upper" and "lower," etc., used in this disclosure are relative concepts. Furthermore, the terms "corresponding" or "corresponding" in this disclosure refer to the correspondence between paired, collaboratively working components.

[0036] Figures 1A-1C Two schematic perspective views and a schematic exploded view of an exemplary terminal assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0037] In one aspect of this disclosure, according to a general technical concept of this disclosure, for example, Figures 1A-1C As shown, a terminal assembly 1 is provided, configured to engage with a conductive element 6 to form a conductive contact. The terminal assembly 1 includes a terminal base 11 and a contact arm 12 fixed to the terminal base 11. As an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the contact arm 12 includes a common base plate 121 fixed to the terminal base 11, and two sets of contact beams 122 arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the common base plate 121. Each set of contact beams 122 is configured to extend from a corresponding side of the common base plate 121 and bend back. The longitudinal axis L is illustrated, for example, in the Y direction. As an example, the contact arm 12 is riveted to the terminal base 11 via the common base plate 121.

[0038] With this arrangement, for example, by using two sets of contact beams 122 arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the common base plate 121 (each contact beam 122 extends outward and then bends back, thus substantially defining a pair of opposing folded beams), a significant increase in the equivalent cantilever beam length at the contact beams 122 is achieved (when the height dimension, i.e., the Z-direction dimension shown in the figure, is limited). Furthermore, considering that the total equivalent cantilever beam length is substantially equal to the vertical length of the terminal base 11 portion (e.g., the Z-direction length shown in the figure) and the sum of the equivalent cantilever beam lengths at the two sets of contact beams 122, the total equivalent cantilever beam length for the terminal assembly 1 is also correspondingly significantly increased. This at least partially alleviates or even completely avoids the problem of excessively short cantilever beams, which can easily induce the risk of surrender and thus lose the elastic contact performance of the terminals, when the height dimension is limited, such as when using conventional cantilever beams.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and for example, the thicknesses of the terminal base 11 and the contact arm 12 can be set independently.

[0040] Therefore, based on this configuration, compared to a terminal assembly 1 with multiple sets of terminals that have "overlapping" arrangement, considering that a higher current-carrying capacity of the terminals requires a correspondingly larger thickness, the elastic force of the cantilever beam of the terminal assembly 1, which is cubically related to the thickness, should also be correspondingly larger. Consequently, these terminal assemblies 1, due to limitations in terminal thickness, find it difficult to meet the requirements for greater elastic force and current-carrying capacity. However, in the aforementioned exemplary terminal of this disclosure, since the thicknesses of the terminal base 11 and the contact arm 12 can be independently set, the thickness of the terminal base 11 can be increased individually while maintaining the thickness of the contact arm 12, particularly its two sets of contact beams 122, unchanged. This effectively increases the current-carrying capacity of the terminal assembly 1 and maintains the terminal elastic force even without changing the thickness of all components of the exemplary terminal assembly 1 of this disclosure. Thus, by adjusting only the thickness of the terminal base 11 portion without considering changes in the thickness of the contact beam 122 portion, effective adjustment of the elastic force and elastic contact performance of the terminal assembly 1 can be achieved.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in the figure, for example, the free ends of the two sets of contact beams 122 are spaced apart from each other. Thus, this arrangement substantially achieves parallel conduction on both sides of a common base plate 121 when the two sets of contact beams 122 in the contact arm 12 of a single terminal assembly 1 are electrically contacted with the same conductive portion, thereby multiplying the conductive path and achieving increased current-carrying capacity within a limited space.

[0042] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, each set of contact beams 122 includes a row of contact fingers 1220 arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L, for example, spaced apart with a uniform gap. The row of contact fingers 1220 is configured to extend away from the common base plate 121 from the respective side of the common base plate 121 and then bend back. This further facilitates a multiplication of conductive paths and an improved current-carrying capacity within a limited space compared to a terminal assembly 1 with, for example, multiple sets of terminals having "staggered overlap," and significantly increases the area of ​​the conductive paths. It should be noted that while a terminal assembly 1 with, for example, multiple sets of terminals having "staggered overlap" can achieve the effect of conductive paths being implemented in two layers of conductive terminals, the area of ​​its conductive paths at the electrical contact interface is significantly smaller than that of the aforementioned exemplary terminal assembly 1 of this disclosure.

[0043] As a typical exemplary embodiment, for example as shown in the figure, the two sets of contact beams 122 each have the same number of contact fingers 1220 and are arranged opposite to each other, thereby achieving convenient manufacturing and assembly, and facilitating simplified mechanical and electrical calculations during design.

[0044] As an example, as shown in the figure, the free ends of the contact fingers 1220 of the two sets of contact beams 122 are spaced apart from each other.

[0045] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in the figure, for example, each contact finger 1220 has a first bending point 1220a and a second bending point 1220b. Each contact finger 1220 extends from the common base plate 121 away from the longitudinal axis L until it reaches the first bending point 1220a, and then bends back toward the corresponding opposite contact finger 1220. Furthermore, each contact finger 1220 continues to extend from the first bending point 1220a until it reaches the second bending point 1220b, and further bends toward the longitudinal axis L at the second bending point 1220b. Accordingly, for example, each contact finger 1220 includes: a first beam section 1221 located between the side edge of the common base plate 121 and the first bend point 1220a and attached to the common base plate 121; a second beam section 1222 located between the first bend point 1220a and the second bend point 1220b; and a third beam section 1223 located between the second bend point and the free end.

[0046] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, when the conductive element 6 is engaged with the terminal assembly 1, the conductive element 6 pushes each contact finger 1220 of the two sets of contact beams 122 of the contact arm 12 toward the common base plate 121. The first bending point 1220a of each contact finger 1220 serves as the pivot point where the second beam segment 1222 and the third beam segment 1223 of the contact finger 1220 pivot relative to the first beam segment 1221 due to the push of the conductive element 6, and the second bending point 1220b of each contact finger 1220 serves as the conductive contact point where the terminal assembly 1 and the conductive element 6 make conductive contact.

[0047] With the above configuration, for each set of contact fingers 1220 in each group of contact beams 122, their respective first bending points 1220a work together to substantially realize the pivot axis of the group of contact beams 122 as they pivot under the pushing action of the contacting conductive element 6 toward the common base plate 121. This pivot axis is defined by the linear alignment of these first bending points 1220a with each other. Consequently, the corresponding second beam segments 1222 of all contact fingers 1220 in the group of contact beams 122 pivot toward the longitudinal axis L, and the connected third beam segments 1223 subsequently pivot toward the longitudinal axis L, until the corresponding second bending points 1220b of all contact fingers 1220 in the group of contact beams 122 fully contact and abut against the corresponding electrical contact portion of the conductive element 6. Thus, the corresponding second bending points 1220b of the group of contact beams 122 effectively serve as reliable conductive contacts with the conductive element 6. This achieves a reliable electrical connection between the group of contact beams 122 and the conductive element 6.

[0048] As an optional exemplary embodiment, the contact fingers 1220 of the two sets of contact beams 122 are arranged to be aligned with each other, thereby achieving a simplified design and its mechanical and electrical calculations, as well as simple processing and assembly. Alternatively, as an alternative exemplary embodiment, the contact fingers 1220 of the two sets of contact beams 122 may also be arranged to be not completely aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis L, or even slightly offset, or even completely offset.

[0049] According to typical exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, for example, the common base plate 121 and the two sets of contact beams 122 are integrally formed from a conductive sheet material. In a further, more specific embodiment, for example, the common base plate 121 and the two sets of contact beams 122 are made of metal sheets using sheet metal processing. This achieves simple manufacturing using conventional processes.

[0050] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure, in a specific example arrangement, the terminal base 11 includes, for example, a plate-shaped base 111 extending along a first direction X orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L; and a plate-shaped extension 112 bent from the plate-shaped base 111 to extend along a second direction Z at an angle to both the first direction X and the longitudinal axis L. In a typical embodiment, for example, the second direction Z is orthogonal to both the first direction X and the longitudinal axis L.

[0051] Thus, the plate-shaped base 111 of the terminal base 11 serves as the mounting reference for the entire terminal assembly 1. For example, as shown in the figure, the contact arm 12 is riveted or threaded to the plate-shaped extension 112 of the terminal base 11, for example, via the common base plate 121. Furthermore, the equivalent cantilever beam length of the terminal base 11 can be substantially considered equal to the vertical height of the plate-shaped extension 112, the contact arm 12 being fixed to the plate-shaped extension 112, for example, via its common base plate 121, and the entire terminal assembly 1 is then fixed to the working part to be installed via the plate-shaped base 111.

[0052] In a specific exemplary embodiment, for example as shown in the figure, the common base plate 121 of the contact arm 12 has holes at both ends along the longitudinal axis L for riveting or threading to the terminal base 11, and the common base plate 121 is fixed to the plate-shaped extension 112 of the terminal base 11 via riveting or threading at the holes.

[0053] Based on the terminal assembly 1 configured as described above, the following superior technical effects compared to existing technical solutions in the art can be achieved:

[0054] Based on the structure and assembly of the terminal assembly 1, not only can two sets of contact beams 122 arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the common base plate 121 (each contact beam 122 first extends outward and then bends back, thus substantially constraining them into a pair of opposing folded beams), but also the equivalent cantilever beam length at the contact beams 122 can be significantly increased (when the height dimension, i.e., the Z-direction dimension shown in the figure, is limited), and considering that the total equivalent cantilever beam length is substantially equal to the sum of the vertical length of the terminal base 11 portion (e.g., the Z-direction length shown in the figure) and the equivalent cantilever beam length at the two sets of contact beams 122, the total equivalent cantilever beam length for the terminal assembly 1 is also correspondingly significantly increased, thereby at least This invention partially alleviates or even completely avoids the problem of excessively short cantilever arms, such as those used in conventional cantilever beams, leading to a risk of surrender and loss of elastic contact performance of the terminals when the height dimension is limited. Furthermore, the thicknesses of the terminal base 11 and the contact arm 12 can be independently set. Therefore, by adjusting only the thickness of the terminal base 11 portion, without considering variations in the thickness of the contact beam 122 portion, the elastic force and elastic contact performance of the terminal assembly 1 can be effectively adjusted. Moreover, compared to related terminal assemblies 1 with multiple sets of terminals, such as those with "overlapping" arrangement, the terminal assembly 1 of this disclosure further promotes the multiplication of conductive paths and achieves increased current-carrying capacity in a limited space, with a significantly increased conductive path area. Thus, improved elastic contact performance, adjustable elastic force, and enhanced current-carrying capacity are achieved.

[0055] Figures 2A-2D The figures are schematic perspective views of an exemplary electrical connector 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a front view, a left view, and a top view; Figure 2E The diagram shows the following: Figure 2D A cross-sectional view cut along line AA in the diagram; Figure 2F The diagram shows the following: Figure 2D A schematic diagram of the section cut by line BB in the middle; Figure 2G Illustration Figure 2A The schematic exploded view shows that the two terminal assemblies 1 are assembled with the housing 3.

[0056] In another aspect of this disclosure, according to a general technical concept, as shown in the figure, an electrical connector 2 is also provided, comprising: an insulating housing 3, for example made of an insulating material such as plastic, having a terminal receiving portion 30; and two terminal assemblies 1 according to the aforementioned, each terminal assembly 1 being secured to the housing 3 by snap-fitting to the terminal base 11 in the terminal receiving portion 30. As an example, the two terminal assemblies 1 are housed in the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3 and arranged opposite to each other, and are respectively electrically connected to the two sides of a conductive element 6 inserted between the two terminal assemblies 1, having different potentials or polarities, thereby completing a complete conductive path of opposite polarities on the two terminal assemblies 1.

[0057] In a more specific exemplary embodiment, for example as shown, once each terminal assembly 1 is received and positioned in the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3 and, for example, snap-fitted into the terminal receiving portion 30, the two terminal assemblies 1 are respectively fixed to the housing 3 because the contact arm 12 is fixed to the plate extension 112, for example, via its common base plate 121, and then the plate extension 112 of each terminal assembly 1 is riveted or threaded to the wall portion of the terminal receiving portion 30.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, as an example, for example as shown in the figure, the electrical connector 2 further includes a substrate 4, to which the terminal base 11 of each terminal assembly 1 is fixed.

[0059] In a more specific exemplary embodiment, as shown, for example, a threaded hole is formed on the plate-shaped base 111 of the terminal base 11 of each terminal assembly 1. Once each terminal assembly 1 is received and positioned in the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3, the plate-shaped base 111 of each terminal assembly 1 is securely fixed to the substrate 4 by screwing on the corresponding threaded member 5 passing through the corresponding threaded hole of the respective plate-shaped base 111 of the two terminal assemblies 1. This achieves that both terminal assemblies 1 and the housing 3 are fixedly positioned relative to the substrate 4.

[0060] Figure 3 As shown in the diagram Figure 2G The exploded view of the two terminal assemblies 1 and the housing 3 in an assembled state is shown.

[0061] According to a typical exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in the figure, each of the two terminal assemblies 1 has a tab 1120 extending obliquely away from the conductive element 6 and toward the housing 3 from both ends of the terminal base 11 in a direction Y parallel to the longitudinal axis L. As an example, a pair of tabs 1120 are formed at both ends of, for example, the plate-like extension 112 of each terminal assembly 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0062] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example arrangement, each tab 1120 is obliquely arranged to extend outward from the corresponding edge of the terminal base 11 away from the conductive element 6 toward the inner wall 301 of the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3, such that when the two terminal assemblies 1 are installed in the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3, each tab 1120 acts as a stop to prevent the corresponding terminal assembly 1 from exiting the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3. With this arrangement, the tab 1120 is not compressed during the insertion of the terminal assembly 1 into the terminal receiving portion 30, and once the terminal assembly 1 is installed in the terminal receiving portion 30, the tab 1120 returns to an extended, unforced state to effectively resist the exit of the terminal assembly 1.

[0063] As a more specific exemplary embodiment, for example, as shown in the figure, in response to the two terminal assemblies 1 being installed in the terminal receiving portion 30 of the housing 3 and not being forced to deviate, each tab 1120 does not contact the inner wall 301 of the terminal receiving portion 30; and in response to at least one terminal assembly 1 being displaced in the terminal receiving portion 30, at least one tab 1120 is pressed against the inner wall 301 of the terminal receiving portion 30 and acts as a simply supported beam supporting the corresponding terminal assembly 1 relative to the inner wall 301. Thus, this tab 1120 is in the form of a cantilever beam, and in addition to the snap-locking action preventing the terminal assembly 1 from accidentally exiting the housing 3, in the case of the terminal assembly 1 deforming and abutting against the wall surface of the housing 3, the pair of tabs 1120 formed at both ends of, for example, the plate-like extension 112 of each terminal assembly 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L are pressed and act as a pair of simply supported beams, providing elastic support force to the terminal assembly 1, especially its plate-like extension 112, to resist deformation. It can be seen that the protrusion 1120 does not always play an elastic support role, but only acts as a simply supported beam when the terminal assembly 1 deforms and abuts against the wall surface of the housing 3.

[0064] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagrams are shown below. Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of the shell 3 from different angles.

[0065] According to a typical exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example as shown in the figure, the housing 3 includes two bodies 31 disposed opposite to each other. The two bodies 31 are spaced apart to define a through cavity 310 extending along the longitudinal axis L between them for insertion of the conductive member 6, and are connected only at the bottom. Each body 31 has a through hole 311 formed at the bottom for insertion of a corresponding terminal assembly 1, and a recess 312 recessed on the side facing the other body 31. The through hole 311 of each body 31 communicates with the recess 312 for receiving the corresponding terminal assembly 1, and the respective recesses 312 of the two bodies 31 together define the terminal receiving portion 30.

[0066] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure, in a specific example arrangement, the two bodies 31 are connected to each other at the bottom via a transition wall 314 between them, through their respective end walls 313 at both ends along the longitudinal axis L.

[0067] As an example, each body 31 of the housing 3 also has a through groove formed on the outer side wall opposite to the other body 31 from top to bottom to avoid interfering with the insertion of the threaded part 5 into the plate-shaped base 111 of the terminal base 11 and connecting it to the substrate 4.

[0068] Furthermore, considering that the electrical connector 2 provided in another aspect of this disclosure includes two of the aforementioned terminal assemblies 1, it also possesses the advantages of the aforementioned terminal assemblies 1, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0069] The above description of the terminal assembly 1 and electrical connector 2 in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify preferred embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0070] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved by those skilled in the art. The structures described in the various embodiments can be modified and freely combined without conflict in structure or principle, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0071] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0072] 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. Furthermore, any element reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A terminal assembly (1) configured to cooperate in electrically conductive contact with an electrically conductive piece (6), and comprising a terminal base (11) and a contact arm (12) fixed to the terminal base (11), characterized in that the contact arm (12) comprising: a common web (121) fixed to the terminal base (11), and two groups of contact beams (122) arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the common web (121), each group of contact beams (122) being configured to extend from a respective side of the common web (121) and to bend back therefrom.

2. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of each of the terminal base (11) and the contact arm (12) is independently settable.

3. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the free ends of each of the two groups of contact beams (122) are spaced apart from each other.

4. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each group of contact beams (122) comprises a row of contact fingers (1220) arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (L), the row of contact fingers (1220) being configured to extend from the respective side of the common web (121) away from the common web (121) and to bend back therefrom, respectively.

5. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the number of contact fingers (1220) of each of the two groups of contact beams (122) is identical and arranged opposite to each other.

6. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the free ends of the contact fingers (1220) of each of the two groups of contact beams (122) are spaced apart from each other.

7. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each contact finger (1220) has a first bend point (1220a) and a second bend point (1220b), each contact finger (1220) extending from the common web (121) away from the longitudinal axis (L) until reaching the first bend point (1220a) and then bending back towards the opposite respective contact finger (1220); and each contact finger (1220) continuing to extend from the first bend point (1220a) until reaching the second bend point (1220b) and further bending at the second bend point (1220b) towards the longitudinal axis (L); and each contact finger (1220) comprises a first beam section (1221) between a side edge of the common web (121) and the first bend point (1220a) and attached to the common web (121), a second beam section (1222) between the first bend point (1220a) and the second bend point (1220b), and a third beam section (1223) between the second bend point and the free end.

8. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that In the case where the conductive member (6) is fitted to the terminal assembly (1), the conductive member (6) pushes each contact finger (1220) of the two sets of contact beams (122) of the contact arm (12) toward the common bottom plate (121), the first bend point (1220a) of each contact finger (1220) serving as a pivot point at which the second beam section (1222) and the third beam section (1223) of the contact finger (1220) pivot relative to the first beam section (1221) in response to the pushing by the conductive member (6), and the second bend point (1220b) of each contact finger (1220) serving as an electrically conductive contact point at which the terminal assembly (1) is in electrically conductive contact with the conductive member (6).

9. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, the contact fingers (1220) of the two sets of contact beams (122) are each arranged in one-to-one alignment with each other; or the contact fingers (1220) of the two sets of contact beams (122) are each arranged out of alignment with each other.

10. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the common bottom plate (121) and the two sets of contact beams (122) are integrally formed from a sheet of electrically conductive material.

11. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the common bottom plate (121) and the two sets of contact beams (122) are made from a sheet of metal by a sheet metal working process.

12. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal base (11) includes: a plate-like base portion (111) extending in a first direction (X) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L); and a plate-like extension portion (112) bent from the plate-like base portion (111) to extend in a second direction (Z) at an angle to both the first direction (X) and the longitudinal axis (L).

13. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the second direction (Z) is orthogonal to both the first direction (X) and the longitudinal axis (L).

14. The terminal assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that both ends of the common bottom plate (121) of the contact arm (12) along the longitudinal axis (L) are provided with holes for riveting or screwing to the terminal base (11), the common bottom plate (121) being fixed to the plate-like extension portion (112) of the terminal base (11) via riveting or screwing at the holes.

15. An electrical connector (2) comprising: an insulating housing (3) provided with terminal receiving portions (30); and two terminal assemblies (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, each terminal assembly (1) being fixed to the housing (3) by snap-fitting the terminal base (11) into the terminal receiving portion (30) in the housing (3), characterized in that the two terminal assemblies (1) are housed in the terminal receiving portions (30) of the housing (3) and arranged opposite to each other, and are each electrically connected to two sides of the conductive member (6) interposed between the two terminal assemblies (1) that are provided with different electrical potentials or polarities.

16. The electrical connector (2) of claim 15, characterized in that Each of the two terminal assemblies (1) has a tab (1120) extending obliquely away from the conductive member (6) toward the housing (3) from an edge at a side of the terminal base (11) in a direction (Y) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L).

17. The electrical connector (2) of claim 16, characterized in that Each tab (1120) is obliquely arranged to spread away from the conductive member (6) outwardly toward an inner wall (301) of the terminal receiving portion (30) of the housing (3) from a respective edge of the terminal base (11), such that each tab (1120) acts as a stopper preventing the corresponding terminal assembly (1) from exiting from the terminal receiving portion (30) of the housing (3) in a case where the two terminal assemblies (1) are installed in place in the terminal receiving portion (30) of the housing (3).

18. The electrical connector (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each tab (1120) does not contact the inner wall (301) of the terminal receiving portion (30) in response to a case where the two terminal assemblies (1) are installed in place in the terminal receiving portion (30) of the housing (3) and are not forcedly displaced; and At least one tab (1120) is pushed against the inner wall (301) of the terminal receiving portion (30) and acts as a simply supported beam supporting the corresponding terminal assembly (1) with respect to the inner wall (301) in response to a case where at least one terminal assembly (1) is displaced in the terminal receiving portion (30).

19. The electrical connector (2) of claim 15, wherein, The housing (3) includes two bodies (31) disposed opposite to each other, the two bodies (31) being spaced apart to define a through cavity (310) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) therebetween for the conductive member (6) to be inserted and connected only at a bottom, each body (31) being provided with a through-hole portion (311) formed at the bottom for the corresponding terminal assembly (1) to be inserted and with a recessed portion (312) recessed at a side toward the other body (31), the through-hole portion (311) of each body (31) being communicated to the recessed portion (312) for accommodating the corresponding terminal assembly (1), and the respective recessed portions (312) of the two bodies (31) collectively defining the terminal receiving portion (30).

20. The electrical connector (2) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The two bodies (31) are connected to each other at the bottom via a transition wall portion (314) between respective end walls (313) of the two bodies (31) at two ends along the longitudinal axis (L).

21. The electrical connector (2) of claim 15, characterized in that, The electrical connector (2) further includes a substrate (4), the terminal base (11) of each terminal assembly (1) being fixed to the substrate (4).

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