Terminal assembly, electric connector and electric connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a terminal assembly, an electric connector and an electric connector assembly. The terminal assembly comprises a terminal body; the interior of the terminal body is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel is provided with a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the terminal body. Wherein the fluid channel is used for allowing a cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the terminal body through the first opening or the second opening. Compared with an existing terminal with a cooling structure, the terminal body is internally provided with the fluid channel for the cooling medium to circulate, and the fluid channel does not depend on a gap formed between the insulating shell and the surface of the terminal. According to the terminal structure, the cooling medium can directly flow through the internal flow channel of the terminal body, and due to the fact that the cooling medium directly flows in the terminal, the requirements for the internal structure of the shell and the installation structure between the shell and the terminal are lower, and the design and manufacturing processes are simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and in particular to a terminal assembly, an electrical connector, and an electrical connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the new energy vehicle industry, electrical connector assemblies, such as those used for fast charging, are designed to carry 90 kilowatts or more of electricity. The contact resistance between the electrical terminal elements in the electrical connector assembly may cause power loss, which is converted into heat energy within the connector assembly. This heat energy will cause the temperature within the electrical connector assembly to rise, and if it exceeds the thermal limit, it may damage the assembly. For this reason, cooling measures need to be taken for the electrical connector assembly.

[0003] Chinese invention patents such as CN111653893A, CN112467487A, CN116979298A, CN110696651A, etc., all disclose a type of electrical connector with the same cooling structure for charging new energy vehicles. Such electrical connectors use a combination of an insulating shell and a terminal, and a gap for circulating coolant is formed between the insulating shell and the terminal.

[0004] However, this cooling structure design requires that there must be a gap between the insulating housing and the terminal for the coolant to circulate, which increases the complexity of the design and requires reasonable control of the gap size to ensure effective heat exchange and coolant flow. On the other hand, a larger housing is often required to form a gap to accommodate the coolant, increasing the volume of the electrical connector. At present, electrical connectors with cooling structures are mainly used in charging scenarios for new energy vehicles, and are rarely used in other electrical connection scenarios, such as energy storage scenarios, and high-power electrical connector products for energy storage. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above technical defects, the present invention provides a terminal assembly, an electrical connector, and an electrical connector assembly.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is implemented according to the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a terminal assembly for an electrical connector, comprising a terminal body;

[0008] The interior of the terminal body is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel has a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the terminal body;

[0009] The fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the terminal body through the first opening or the second opening.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a first specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, an inner wall of the entire fluid channel is provided with an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the terminal body from direct contact with the cooling medium.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a second specific implementation of the first aspect, specifically, the terminal body is composed of a first terminal and a second terminal connected to each other;

[0012] The first terminal has a first passage inside, and the first opening is arranged on the outer wall of the first terminal;

[0013] The second terminal has a second passage inside, and the second opening is arranged on the outer wall of the second terminal;

[0014] When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first channel is communicated with the second channel and together constitutes the fluid channel.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a third specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal is provided with a push piece in the first channel;

[0016] The second terminal comprises an end cap, a blocking member arranged in the second channel and an elastic member, the end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel, and the blocking member is arranged between the elastic member and the end cap;

[0017] Wherein, the elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the second channel;

[0018] The outer diameter of the ejector is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap. When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the ejector of the first terminal passes through the through hole of the end cap and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap, so that the first channel is connected with the second channel.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a fourth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal comprises an end cap, a blocking member and an elastic member arranged in the first channel, the end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the first channel, and the blocking member is arranged between the elastic member and the end cap;

[0020] The second terminal is provided with a push piece in the second passage, and the outer diameter of the push piece is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap;

[0021] Wherein, the elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the first channel;

[0022] When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the push piece of the second terminal passes through the through hole of the end cap and pushes the blocking piece away from the end cap, so that the first channel is connected with the second channel.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a fifth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal comprises a first end cap, a first blocking member disposed in the first channel, and a first elastic member, the first end cap is disposed at the channel opening of the first channel, and the first blocking member is disposed between the first elastic member and the first end cap;

[0024] The first elastic member is used to make the first blocking member closely contact the first end cap member to block the through hole of the first end cap member and close the end of the first channel;

[0025] The second terminal comprises a second end cap, a second blocking member arranged in the second channel, and a second elastic member, the second end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel, and the second blocking member is arranged between the second elastic member and the second end cap;

[0026] The second elastic member is used to make the second blocking member closely contact the second end cap member to block the through hole of the second end cap member and close the end of the second channel;

[0027] Among them, when the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first blocking piece of the first terminal and the second blocking piece of the second terminal contact and abut each other, and the first blocking piece is away from the first end cap to open the through hole of the first end cap, and the second blocking piece is away from the second end cap to open the through hole of the second end cap, and the first channel is connected with the second channel.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a sixth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, a first insulating injection molded body is disposed in the cavity of the first terminal, and the interior of the first insulating injection molded body is hollow to form the first channel;

[0029] A second insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the second terminal, and the interior of the second insulating injection-molded body is hollow to form the second channel;

[0030] When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first insulating injection-molded body and the second insulating injection-molded body are in sealing contact with each other.

[0031] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a seventh specific implementation of the first aspect, specifically, the second insulating injection molded body has a hollow plug-in column portion, and when the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the hollow plug-in column portion of the second insulating injection molded body is inserted into the first channel of the first terminal, and the outer wall of the hollow plug-in column portion is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel;

[0032] Or,

[0033] The second insulating injection-molded body has a hollow column portion, which is sleeved with a sealing ring; when the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the hollow column portion of the second insulating injection-molded body is inserted into the first channel of the first terminal, and the sealing ring of the hollow column portion is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel.

[0034] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides an eighth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal has a plug-in portion;

[0035] The second terminal has a slot structure, a crown spring is fixedly connected in the slot structure of the second terminal, and the crown spring is in close contact with the inner wall of the slot structure;

[0036] The plug-in portion of the first terminal is adapted to be plugged into the slot structure of the second terminal to be assembled into a terminal body; the crown spring is used to tightly contact the outer wall of the plug-in portion of the first terminal to form an electrical contact between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0037] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a ninth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal is used to connect a liquid cooling cable, the first insulating injection molded body has a connecting portion, the connecting portion is provided with a columnar through hole, and the columnar through hole forms the first opening;

[0038] The columnar through hole of the first terminal is used for passing a cooling pipe of a liquid-cooled cable, and the cooling pipe is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the columnar through hole.

[0039] In combination with the first aspect, the present invention further provides a tenth specific implementation manner of the first aspect, specifically, the first terminal includes a copper bar and a tubular conductive member, the tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the surface of the copper bar, and the first channel and the first opening are both provided in the tubular conductive member;

[0040] The second terminal has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening;

[0041] Wherein, the second tubular conductive member of the first terminal is adapted to be plugged into the tubular portion of the second terminal to assemble into a terminal body;

[0042] Or,

[0043] The first terminal comprises a first tubular conductive member and a second tubular conductive member, the first tubular conductive member has a stamping portion, the second tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the stamping portion of the first tubular conductive member, and the first channel and the first opening are both provided in the second tubular conductive member;

[0044] The second terminal has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening;

[0045] The second tubular conductive member of the first terminal is adapted to be inserted into the tubular portion of the second terminal to be assembled into a terminal body.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides an electrical connector, comprising an insulating housing and a terminal assembly according to the first aspect and the first to tenth preferred embodiments of the first aspect.

[0047] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides an electrical connector, comprising:

[0048] A conductive terminal, wherein the interior of the conductive terminal is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel has a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the conductive terminal;

[0049] The fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening or the second opening.

[0050] In combination with the third aspect, the present invention further provides a first specific implementation manner of the third aspect, specifically, an inner wall of the fluid channel is provided with an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the conductive terminal from direct contact with the cooling medium.

[0051] The fourth invention, the present invention also provides an electrical connector, comprising:

[0052] A terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being pluggable and assembled with the second terminal to form a conductive terminal; the first terminal having a first passage inside, the outer wall of the first terminal having a first opening connected to the first passage; the second terminal having a second passage inside, the outer wall of the second terminal having a second opening connected to the second passage;

[0053] An insulating housing, the insulating housing is used to accommodate and install the conductive terminals;

[0054] When the first terminal and the second terminal are plugged and assembled into a conductive terminal, the first channel is connected to the second channel and together constitutes a fluid channel, and the fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening or the second opening.

[0055] In combination with the fourth aspect, the present invention further provides a first specific implementation manner of the fourth aspect, specifically, a first insulating injection molded body is disposed in the cavity of the first terminal, and the interior of the first insulating injection molded body is hollow to form the first channel;

[0056] A second insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the second terminal, and the interior of the second insulating injection-molded body is hollow to form the second channel;

[0057] When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a conductive terminal, the first insulating injection-molded body and the second insulating injection-molded body are in sealed contact.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, the present invention further provides an electrical connector assembly, comprising:

[0059] A liquid-cooled cable having a conductor and a cooling tube;

[0060] At least one electrical connector, the electrical connector having the terminal assembly described in the first aspect and the first to tenth preferred embodiments of the first aspect; or, the electrical connector is the electrical connector described in the third aspect, the first preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the fourth invention and the first preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect;

[0061] Wherein, the conductive terminal of the electrical connector is connected to the conductor of the liquid cooling cable, and the flow pipe of the conductive terminal is connected to the cooling pipe.

[0062] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0063] The present invention provides a terminal assembly for an electrical connector, comprising a terminal body; the interior of the terminal body is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel has a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the terminal body. The fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the terminal body through the first opening or the second opening.

[0064] Compared with the existing terminals with cooling structure, the terminal body of the present invention has a fluid channel for the circulation of cooling medium, without relying on the gap formed by the insulating shell and the terminal surface. The cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body. Because the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the shell and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0065] Since the cooling medium flows directly inside the conductor, the demand for external space may be reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the entire electrical connector and reducing space occupancy.

[0066] The electrical connector and the electrical connector assembly of the present invention both adopt the above-mentioned terminal assembly and thus have the same technical effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The specific embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0068] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and an assembly schematic diagram of an electrical connector of a first terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of the first terminal assembly of the present invention taken along line AA;

[0070] Figure 3 is a BB cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrical connector of a first terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and an assembly schematic diagram of an electrical connector of a second terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 5 is a CC cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrical connector of a second terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 6 is a DD cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrical connector of a second terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and an assembly schematic diagram of a second terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0075] In the figure:

[0076] 100-terminal body (conductive terminal);

[0077] 110 - first terminal, 111 - first insulating injection-molded body, 1111 - connecting portion, 112 - first opening, 113 - ejecting member, 114 - plug-in portion;

[0078] 120 - second terminal, 121 - second insulating injection molding, 1211 - hollow plug-in column, 1212 - sealing ring, 122 - second opening, 123 - slot structure;

[0079] 130-fluid channel, 131-first channel, 132-second channel;

[0080] 140-crown spring;

[0081] 150-first end cap, 151-first blocking member, 152-first elastic member;

[0082] 160 - second end cap, 161 - second blocking member, 162 - second elastic member;

[0083] 200-liquid cooling cable, 210-conductor, 220-cooling tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0085] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0086] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there can be a central component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there can be a central component at the same time.

[0087] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0088] The applicant has found through research that currently, electrical connectors with cooling measures are mainly used in the new energy vehicle industry, and are mainly used for fast charging of new energy vehicles. This type of electrical connector uses a combination of an insulating shell and a terminal, and forms a gap between the insulating shell and the terminal for circulating coolant, and achieves heat exchange through circulating coolant, thereby cooling the electrical connector.

[0089] However, this cooling structure design requires that there must be a gap between the insulating housing and the terminal for the coolant to circulate, which increases the complexity of the design and requires reasonable control of the gap size to ensure effective heat exchange and coolant flow. On the other hand, a larger housing is often required to form a gap to accommodate the coolant, increasing the volume of the electrical connector. At present, electrical connectors with cooling structures are mainly used in charging scenarios for new energy vehicles, and are rarely used in energy storage scenarios and high-power electrical connector products for energy storage.

[0090] To this end, the present invention provides an electrical connector that adopts an innovative terminal structure. Compared with the existing terminal, the terminal body of the present invention has a fluid channel for the circulation of cooling medium, without relying on the gap formed between the insulating shell and the terminal surface. The cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body. Because the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the shell and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0091] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0092] Embodiment 1

[0093] First reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , describing a schematic structural diagram of a terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal body 100 of the terminal assembly 100 for the electrical connector is hollow inside to form a fluid channel 130, and the fluid channel 130 has a first opening 112 and a second opening 122 on the outer wall of the terminal body 100. The fluid channel 130 is used for the cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the terminal body 100 through the first opening 112 or the second opening 122.

[0095] In the present invention, the cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body 100 to cool the terminal body 100. Since the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the shell and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process. And since the cooling medium flows directly inside the conductor 210, the demand for external space may be reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the entire electrical connector and reducing space occupancy.

[0096] It should be noted that the fluid channel 130 is sealed and communicates with the outside only through the same first opening 112 and second opening 122. The cooling medium can enter the fluid channel 130 through the first opening 112 and the second opening 122. This is to avoid electrical problems or accidents caused by leakage of the cooling medium.

[0097] In the present invention, the cooling medium is specifically a fluid, which can be a cooling liquid or a cooling gas. Cooling media are substances used to absorb and transfer heat, and they play a vital role in various industrial processes and equipment to ensure the safe operation of terminal assemblies.

[0098] It is understood that when the cooling medium is a fluid, it can be a cooling liquid in liquid form or a cooling gas in gas form. When the cooling gas is in gas form, it can be nitrogen, argon, etc., which can be used as a cooling medium under certain conditions, especially in an environment where oxidation or chemical reaction needs to be prevented. The cooling liquid is a conventional technical means in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0099] In another preferred embodiment, an inner wall of the entire fluid channel 130 of the terminal body 100 is provided with an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the terminal body 100 from direct contact with the cooling medium.

[0100] In a specific implementation, the insulating layer can be formed by an injection molding process and a spraying process.

[0101] About injection molding process:

[0102] The injection molding process is a method of injecting plastic material into a mold to form the desired insulating injection molding body through the shape of the mold. During the manufacturing process of the terminal body 100, an insulating material (usually plastic) is injected into the mold to form an inner wall insulating layer of the fluid channel 130. This method can achieve precise dimensional control and complex shape design while providing good insulation performance and mechanical strength. The injection molded insulating layer can fit tightly against the inner wall of the fluid channel 130 of the terminal body 100 to ensure electrical insulation and physical protection.

[0103] About plastic spraying process:

[0104] The spraying process is a surface treatment technology, which uses a spray gun to spray paint (such as plastic powder) onto the surface of an object to form a uniform, beautiful, and wear-resistant protective layer. In specific implementation, a spraying process can be used, which is a type of spraying process. In the application of the insulating layer, the spraying process can form an insulating coating on the inner wall of the fluid channel 130 of the terminal body 100. Spraying can also improve the adhesion between the insulating layer and the substrate, making the insulating layer more solid. The advantages of the spraying process are that the coating has excellent appearance quality, strong adhesion and mechanical strength, and simple construction.

[0105] In the present invention, the insulating layer can prevent the cooling medium from directly contacting the terminal body 100, thereby avoiding corrosion caused by electrochemical action. Moreover, the implementation of the insulating layer can meet the application of various cooling media, including cooling media with certain conductivity.

[0106] It should be noted that conventional cooling terminals are generally used in new energy vehicle charging technology, which generally use silicone oil as a cooling medium. Silicone oil has a certain degree of insulating properties. However, in other application scenarios, such as energy storage scenarios, electrical equipment often has its own liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system is generally water-cooled, rather than silicone oil, which has strong conductivity. If a liquid cooling system is set up separately for the cooling terminal, the application cost will be greatly increased. To this end, in order to match the cooling system of electrical equipment in other scenarios and reduce costs, the present application sets an insulating layer in the fluid channel 130 of the terminal body 100. The insulating layer can meet the heat dissipation application of various cooling media in the conductive terminal, reduce the requirements for the cooling medium, and also broaden the application scenarios.

[0107] It can be appreciated that the insulating layer improves the reliability and safety of the electrical connector because it prevents problems with short circuits or electrical breakdown that may be caused by the cooling medium. The presence of the insulating layer allows the use of different types of cooling media.

[0108] In a specific implementation, the insulating layer is an injection molded body formed in the fluid channel 130. The insulating layer can be made of insulating plastic and is formed by combining with the terminal body 100 through an injection molding process. Through the above-mentioned injection molding process, the insulating layer and the terminal body 100 can be effectively combined to form an integrated electrical connector terminal assembly, and the sealing performance is better guaranteed to avoid leakage of the cooling medium or direct contact with the terminal body 100 to cause a short circuit and other problems.

[0109] In a preferred implementation, both the first opening 112 and the second opening 122 are provided with an insulating layer or an insulating connecting member to connect to an external cooling system, thereby ensuring a sufficient insulation design.

[0110] It should be noted that when the terminal body 100 does not have an insulating layer or other materials, the terminal body 100 can use a cooling medium with certain insulating properties such as silicone oil. When an insulating layer is provided inside the terminal body 100, the use of a variety of cooling media can be expanded. The thickness of the insulating layer should not be too thick to avoid affecting the cooling effect.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention does not limit the way in which the cooling medium enters. Specifically, the first opening 112 can be used as a liquid inlet, and the second opening 122 can be used as a liquid outlet. In another implementation, the second opening 122 can be used as a liquid inlet, and the first opening 112 can be used as a liquid outlet. This is determined according to the cooling medium flow direction of the cooling system in the application scenario, and the connection relationship of the electrical connector in the cooling system.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the terminal assembly includes a first terminal 110 and a second terminal 120 , and the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into a terminal body 100 .

[0113] Specifically, the terminal body 100 is composed of a first terminal 110 and a second terminal 120 connected to each other. The first terminal 110 has a first channel 131 inside, and a first opening 112 is provided on the outer wall of the first terminal 110. The second terminal 120 has a second channel 132 inside, and a second opening 122 is provided on the outer wall of the second terminal 120. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the first channel 131 is connected to the second channel 132 and together constitutes the fluid channel 130.

[0114] The split structure of the terminal body 100 of the present invention can be easily processed into a desired shape, especially when the first channel 131 and the second channel 132 are relatively complex, which can be better produced and assembled, helping to simplify the production process and reduce the difficulty of production.

[0115] In a specific implementation, the connection method of the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 can be threaded connection, plug-in assembly, welding fixation, etc. Each connection method has its specific application scenario and advantages, and can be selected according to the application scenario. When threaded connection or plug-in assembly is adopted, the connection needs to be sealed, which is easy to implement by those skilled in the art.

[0116] It is understandable that when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110 is connected to the second channel 132 of the second terminal 120, thereby forming a complete fluid channel 130. For example, the channel opening of the first channel 131 is connected to the channel opening of the second channel 132 to form the fluid channel 130.

[0117] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first insulating injection molding 111 is disposed in the cavity of the first terminal 110, and the interior of the first insulating injection molding 111 is hollow to form a first channel 131. A second insulating injection molding 121 is disposed in the cavity of the second terminal 120, and the interior of the second insulating injection molding 121 is hollow to form a second channel 132. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the first insulating injection molding 111 and the second insulating injection molding 121 are in sealed contact.

[0118] It should be noted that the sealed contact between the insulating injection moldings ensures the tightness of the fluid channel 130 and prevents leakage of the cooling medium. On the other hand, the insulating injection moldings can increase the structural strength of the terminal body 100, especially when subjected to mechanical stress, such as vibration, impact or pressure change.

[0119] The insulating injection molded body can be combined with the first / second terminal 120 through an injection molding process. On the one hand, it can meet the shape of the fluid channel 130 of various structures. On the other hand, the design of the insulating injection molded body allows the shape and size of the fluid channel 130 to be adjusted without changing the shape of the terminal body 100 to adapt to different cooling requirements.

[0120] It can be understood that the first insulating molded body 111 and the second insulating molded body 121 together form the insulating layer. The insulating molded body provides good electrical insulation performance, ensuring the safe operation of the electrical connector.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the first insulating injection molding 111 has a connecting portion 1111, and the connecting portion 1111 is provided with a columnar through hole, and the columnar through hole forms a first opening 112. The connecting portion 1111 is a portion of the first insulating injection molding 111 located outside the first terminal 110, and the columnar through hole of the connecting portion 1111 directly extends to communicate with the first channel 131, so that the integrity of the insulation can be ensured.

[0122] In this specific implementation, the first terminal 110 is used to connect the liquid-cooled cable 200, and the columnar through hole of the connecting portion 1111 of the first insulating injection molding body 111 is used for the cooling tube 220 of the liquid-cooled cable 200 to pass through, and the cooling tube 220 is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the columnar through hole.

[0123] In a first preferred implementation, the second insulating injection-molded body 121 has a hollow column portion 1211. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection-molded body 121 is inserted into the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110, and the outer wall of the hollow column portion 1211 is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel 131.

[0124] In the present invention, the design of inserting the hollow column 1211 into the first channel 131 ensures the precise docking of the fluid channel 130, which is conducive to the smooth flow of the cooling medium between the two terminals. The sealing contact between the outer wall of the hollow column 1211 and the inner wall of the first channel 131 is a surface contact, which provides a better sealing effect, prevents leakage of the cooling medium, and ensures the reliability and safety of the terminal body 100.

[0125] The present invention does not limit the shape of the hollow column portion 1211 , and it can be other shapes such as a cylinder.

[0126] In a second preferred implementation, the second insulating injection-molded body 121 has a hollow column portion 1211, and the hollow column portion 1211 is sleeved with a sealing ring 1212; when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection-molded body 121 is inserted into the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110, and the sealing ring 1212 of the hollow column portion 1211 is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel 131.

[0127] The second preferred implementation aims to enhance the sealing performance, and an additional sealing layer is provided by the sealing ring 1212 to ensure that the sealing contact between the hollow column portion 1211 and the inner wall of the first channel 131 is more reliable, and the cooling medium is effectively prevented from leaking. In the preferred implementation, the outer wall of the hollow column portion 1211 is provided with an annular groove to position and install the sealing ring 1212. Multiple sealing rings 1212 can be arranged in sequence along the length direction of the hollow column portion 1211 to improve the sealing effect.

[0128] like Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred implementation, since the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are respectively provided with an insulating injection molding inside, the insulating injection molding isolates the electrical contact between the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120. To this end, the present invention provides a terminal structure compatible with the insulating injection molding to achieve electrical contact between the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120.

[0129] Specifically, the first terminal 110 has an inserting portion 114 . The second terminal 120 has a slot structure 123 , and a crown spring 140 is fixedly connected in the slot structure 123 of the second terminal 120 . The crown spring 140 is in close contact with the inner wall of the slot structure 123 .

[0130] The plug-in portion 114 of the first terminal 110 is adapted to be plugged into the slot structure 123 of the second terminal 120 to assemble into the terminal body 100 ; the crown spring 140 is used to tightly contact the outer wall of the plug-in portion 114 of the first terminal 110 to form electrical contact between the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 .

[0131] It can be understood that when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are installed, the plug-in portion 114 is inserted into the slot structure 123 of the second terminal 120. At this time, the second insulating injection-molded body 121 is adapted to be connected with the first insulating injection-molded body 111 to form a fluid channel 130; and the outer wall of the plug-in portion 114 contacts the crown spring 140 in the plug-in structure, thereby achieving electrical contact.

[0132] In the art, the crown spring 140 is generally formed into a cylindrical shape, and a rectangular spring leaf is arranged between the connecting strips at both ends thereof. In addition, a raised contact point is formed in the middle of the spring leaf, toward the inner axis of the cylinder, and the contact point is electrically contacted with the plug-in portion 114 of the first terminal 110 to conduct the circuit. The elasticity of the crown spring 140 is utilized to enable it to adapt to certain manufacturing tolerances and assembly errors, thereby improving the flexibility of assembly.

[0133] On the other hand, the use of the crown spring 140 not only provides electrical contact, but also can improve the mechanical strength of the plug connection between the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 to a certain extent, and withstand certain mechanical stress.

[0134] In a preferred implementation, the present invention also provides a preferred implementation of the terminal assembly, by providing a valve assembly that can be opened and closed in the fluid channel 130, so as to avoid the problem of cooling medium leakage in certain occasions when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 fail to connect. To this end, the present invention provides three specific implementations:

[0135] (1) Specific implementation of the first valve assembly of the fluid channel 130:

[0136] As 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first terminal 110 is provided with a push piece 113 in the first channel 131. The second terminal 120 includes an end cap, a blocking piece and an elastic piece arranged in the second channel 132. The end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel 132, and the blocking piece is arranged between the elastic piece and the end cap.

[0137] The elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the second channel 132. The outer diameter of the ejector member 113 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap member. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the ejector member 113 of the first terminal 110 passes through the through hole of the end cap member and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap member, so that the first channel 131 is connected with the second channel 132.

[0138] In a specific implementation, the ejector 113 is a long columnar structure and is injection molded together with the first insulating injection-molded body 111 .

[0139] In a specific implementation, the end cap can be sleeved and fixed on the end of the hollow column portion 1211, the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow column portion 1211, and a countersunk hole structure is provided on the outer wall of the end cap facing the sealing member, and the countersunk hole structure is used to surface-contact the outer wall of the sealing member to achieve a better sealing effect.

[0140] In a specific implementation, the elastic member is a spring, and the spring is compressed in the second channel 132. The blocking member is a plug made of plastic, and the end of the plug is a conical structure to match the countersunk hole structure of the blocking member.

[0141] It is understandable that, under normal conditions, the spring push-up plugging member is in close contact with the through hole of the end cap member to close the through hole. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled, the push-up member 113 pushes the plugging member away from the end cap member through physical contact, thereby creating a gap between the through hole and the plugging member / push-up member 113 for the cooling medium to flow.

[0142] In a specific implementation, the outer diameter of the ejector 113 is much smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled, the ejector 113 is inserted into the through hole and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap, thereby creating a gap between the through hole and the ejector 113 for the cooling medium to flow.

[0143] (2) Specific implementation of the second valve assembly of the fluid channel 130:

[0144] The first terminal 110 includes an end cap, a blocking member and an elastic member disposed in the first channel 131. The end cap is disposed at the channel opening of the first channel 131, and the blocking member is disposed between the elastic member and the end cap. The second terminal 120 is provided with a push piece 113 in the second channel 132, and the outer diameter of the push piece 113 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap.

[0145] The elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the first channel 131. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the push member 113 of the second terminal 120 passes through the through hole of the end cap member and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap member, so that the first channel 131 is connected with the second channel 132.

[0146] It can be understood that the second embodiment of the valve assembly is similar to the first embodiment of the valve assembly in that the positions of the internal valve assemblies of the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are swapped, and the principles and functions thereof are the same.

[0147] (3) Specific implementation of the third valve assembly of the fluid channel 130:

[0148] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the first terminal 110 includes a second end cap 160, a second end cap 160150, a first blocking member 151 and a first elastic member 152 disposed in the first channel 131. The second end cap 160, the second end cap 160150 is disposed at the channel opening of the first channel 131, and the first blocking member 151 is disposed between the first elastic member 152 and the second end cap 160, the second end cap 160150. The first elastic member 152 is used to make the first blocking member 151 closely contact the second end cap 160, the second end cap 160150, so as to block the through hole of the first end cap 150 and close the end of the first channel 131.

[0149] The second terminal 120 includes a second end cap 160, a second blocking member 161 and a second elastic member 162 disposed in the second channel 132. The second end cap 160 is disposed at the channel opening of the second channel 132, and the second blocking member 161 is disposed between the second elastic member 162 and the second end cap 160. The second elastic member 162 is used to make the second blocking member 161 closely contact the second end cap to block the through hole of the second end cap 160 and close the end of the second channel 132.

[0150] Among them, when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the first blocking piece 151 of the first terminal 110 and the second blocking piece 161 of the second terminal 120 contact and abut each other, and the first blocking piece 151 is away from the first end cap 150 to open the through hole of the first end cap 150, and the second blocking piece 161 is away from the second end cap to open the through hole of the second end cap, and the first channel 131 is connected with the second channel 132.

[0151] It can be understood that the implementation method of the third valve assembly is different from the implementation method of the first valve assembly only in that the first terminal 110 cancels the push piece 113, and the first terminal 110 utilizes the interaction force between the first blocking piece 151 and the second blocking piece 161 of the second terminal 120 to keep the two away from each other's end cap parts, thereby achieving the effect of opening the first channel 131 and the second channel 132.

[0152] When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the first blocking member 151 and the second blocking member 161 contact and abut each other. This contact force causes the two blocking members to move away from their respective end caps, opening the through holes of their respective end caps and achieving connectivity between the two channels.

[0153] The present invention provides three application modes of the valve assembly, so that when the connection between the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 fails, the valve assembly can prevent leakage of the cooling medium to a certain extent, avoid possible electrical short circuit or equipment damage, and improve the safety of the entire system. The third implementation mode can provide double protection.

[0154] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in a specific application scenario, the first terminal 110 is used to connect the liquid-cooling cable 200, and the first insulating injection molding body 111 has a connecting portion 1111, and the connecting portion 1111 is provided with a columnar through hole, and the columnar through hole forms a first opening 112;

[0155] The columnar through hole of the first terminal 110 is used for the cooling tube 220 of the liquid-cooled cable 200 to pass through, and the cooling tube 220 is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the columnar through hole.

[0156] It can be understood that the sealed connection between the cooling tube 220 and the inner wall of the columnar through hole ensures that the cooling medium will not leak, and meets the installation requirements of various types of liquid-cooled cables 200 .

[0157] Example 1

[0158] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an example 1 of a terminal assembly.

[0159] like Figure 1 As shown, the first terminal 110 includes a copper bar and a tubular conductive member, the tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the surface of the copper bar, and the first channel 131 and the first opening 112 are both arranged in the tubular conductive member. The second terminal 120 has a flat portion and a tubular portion arranged end to end, the second channel 132 passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening 122;

[0160] The second tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 is adapted to be plugged into the tubular portion of the second terminal 120 to assemble into the terminal body 100 .

[0161] In the present invention, the copper bar of the first terminal 110 is used to connect the conductor 210 of the liquid-cooled cable 200. The conductor 210 can be fastened by bolts, or the copper bar and the conductor 210 can be fixedly connected by welding. The tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 serves as the above-mentioned plug-in portion 114, which is used for plug-in installation and for electrically contacting the second terminal 120. On the other hand, the cavity of the tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 is used to form the first channel 131. In another implementation, the first insulating injection molding 111 can be formed by injection molding in the tubular cavity of the tubular conductive member, thereby forming the first channel 131.

[0162] In the present invention, the second terminal 120 has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel 132 passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening 122. In a specific implementation, the cavity of the tubular portion and the cavity of the flat portion together constitute the second channel 132. In another implementation, the cavity of the tubular portion and the cavity of the flat portion together constitute the cavity of the second terminal 120, and the second insulating injection molding body 121 is formed by injection molding in the cavity of the second terminal 120, thereby forming the second channel 132. Specifically, the tubular portion is also used to form a slot structure 123.

[0163] In Example 1, a first insulating injection molding 111 is disposed in the cavity of the tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110, and the interior of the first insulating injection molding 111 is hollow to form a first channel 131, and the first channel 131 is a cylindrical cavity. Specifically, the first terminal 110 is used to connect the liquid-cooled cable 200, and the first insulating injection molding 111 has a connecting portion 1111, and the connecting portion 1111 is provided with a columnar through hole, and the columnar through hole forms a first opening 112. Among them, the columnar through hole of the first terminal 110 is used for the cooling pipe 220 of the liquid-cooled cable 200 to pass through, and the cooling pipe 220 is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the columnar through hole.

[0164] In Example 1, the cavity of the tubular portion and the flat portion of the second terminal 120 is filled with a second insulating injection molded body 121, and the second insulating injection molded body 121 is hollow inside to form a second channel 132, which is also a columnar cavity. The second insulating injection molded body 121 has a hollow column portion 1211, and the cavity of the hollow column portion 1211 is a part of the second channel 132. The flat portion of the second terminal 120 is provided with a second opening 122 connected to the second channel 132.

[0165] Product assembly method of Example 1: When assembling the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120, the tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 is inserted into the tubular portion of the second terminal 120, and at the same time, the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection molding body 121 of the second terminal 120 is correspondingly inserted into the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110. The outer wall of the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection molding body 121 is sealed and contacted with the inner wall of the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110, thereby forming a complete and closed fluid channel 130.

[0166] In a specific implementation, the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection molding body 121 is sleeved with a sealing ring 1212; when the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the hollow column portion 1211 of the second insulating injection molding body 121 is inserted into the first channel 131 of the first terminal 110, and the sealing ring 1212 of the hollow column portion 1211 is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel 131.

[0167] The sealing ring 1212 provides an additional sealing layer to ensure that the sealing contact between the hollow column portion 1211 and the inner wall of the first channel 131 is more reliable, effectively preventing leakage of the cooling medium. In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall of the hollow column portion 1211 is provided with an annular groove to position and install the sealing ring 1212. Multiple sealing rings 1212 can be arranged in sequence along the length direction of the hollow column portion 1211 to improve the sealing effect.

[0168] Specifically, the fluid channel 130 of the terminal assembly adopts the specific implementation of the first valve assembly described above:

[0169] As shown in FIG1 , the first terminal 110 is provided with a push piece 113 in the first channel 131. The second terminal 120 includes an end cap, a blocking piece and an elastic piece arranged in the second channel 132. The end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel 132, and the blocking piece is arranged between the elastic piece and the end cap.

[0170] The elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the second channel 132. The outer diameter of the ejector member 113 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap member. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled into the terminal body 100, the ejector member 113 of the first terminal 110 passes through the through hole of the end cap member and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap member, so that the first channel 131 is connected with the second channel 132.

[0171] In a specific implementation, the ejector 113 is a long columnar structure and is injection molded together with the first insulating injection-molded body 111 .

[0172] In a specific implementation, the end cap can be sleeved and fixed on the end of the hollow column portion 1211, the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow column portion 1211, and a countersunk hole structure is provided on the outer wall of the end cap facing the sealing member, and the countersunk hole structure is used to surface-contact the outer wall of the sealing member to achieve a better sealing effect.

[0173] In a specific implementation, the elastic member is a spring, and the spring is compressed in the second channel 132. The blocking member is a plug made of plastic, and the end of the plug is a conical structure to match the countersunk hole structure of the blocking member.

[0174] It is understandable that, under normal conditions, the spring push-up plugging member is in close contact with the through hole of the end cap member to close the through hole. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled, the push-up member 113 pushes the plugging member away from the end cap member through physical contact, thereby creating a gap between the through hole and the plugging member / push-up member 113 for the cooling medium to flow.

[0175] In a specific implementation, the outer diameter of the ejector 113 is much smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole. When the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are assembled, the ejector 113 is inserted into the through hole and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap, thereby creating a gap between the through hole and the ejector 113 for the cooling medium to flow.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 are conductive connection components of the electrical connector, which are made of metal materials, such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, etc. The present invention does not limit the specific material of the terminal assembly.

[0177] It should be noted that the tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 is a round tube when it is supplied, which is a metal pipe. Preferably, an extruded metal pipe is used, and extrusion molding is performed by heating and melting the material and then extruding it through a mold. This type of metal pipe also does not have cutting processing, and does not waste raw materials. A stretch-molded metal pipe can also be used. The copper busbar and the tubular conductive member can be directly welded and fixed.

[0178] The second terminal 120 is a metal column obtained by machining, such as turning, to form a flat portion and a tubular portion. The flat portion is an electrical contact portion for plugging and connecting the terminal assembly with an external electrical device.

[0179] The above is an embodiment of the terminal assembly of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also provides an electrical connector, which includes the above terminal assembly.

[0180] Example 2

[0181] The structure and composition of the terminal body 100 of Example 2 are exactly the same as those of Example 1, except that the structure of the first terminal 110 is different.

[0182] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, specifically, the first terminal 110 includes a first tubular conductive member and a second tubular conductive member, the first tubular conductive member has a stamping portion, the second tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the stamping portion of the first tubular conductive member, and the first channel 131 and the first opening 112 are both provided in the second tubular conductive member;

[0183] The second terminal 120 has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel 132 passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening 122;

[0184] The second tubular conductive member of the first terminal 110 is adapted to be plugged into the tubular portion of the second terminal 120 to assemble into the terminal body 100 .

[0185] It can be understood that the first tubular conductive member is a stamped structure formed by stamping a tube. One end of the first tubular conductive member is sleeved on the conductor 210 of the liquid-cooled cable 200 and is fixedly connected to the cable conductor 210 by welding or crimping. The other end of the first tubular conductive member is a stamped portion, which is a flat structure formed by stamping the end of the tube.

[0186] In the present invention, the stamping part is a flat plate-like structure formed by stamping and deforming a part of the tube. The first tubular conductive member is a round tube when it is received, which is a metal tube. The stamping part can be made by stamping a part of the round tube.

[0187] Embodiment 2

[0188] This embodiment 2 also provides an electrical connector, including:

[0189] A conductive terminal, wherein the interior of the conductive terminal is hollow to form a fluid channel 130, and the fluid channel 130 has a first opening 112 and a second opening 122 on the outer wall of the conductive terminal;

[0190] The fluid channel 130 is used for the cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening 112 or the second opening 122 .

[0191] Specifically, the conductive terminal is the terminal assembly described in the first embodiment. Please refer to the description of the first embodiment for details.

[0192] Compared with the existing electrical connectors, the conductive terminal used in the electrical connector of the present invention has a fluid channel 130 inside for the circulation of the cooling medium, without relying on the gap formed between the insulating shell and the terminal surface. The cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body 100. Because the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the insulating shell of the electrical connector and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0193] Embodiment 2

[0194] This embodiment 2 provides an electrical connector, including:

[0195] A conductive terminal, wherein the interior of the conductive terminal is hollow to form a fluid channel 130, and the fluid channel 130 has a first opening 112 and a second opening 122 on the outer wall of the conductive terminal;

[0196] The fluid channel 130 is used for the cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening 112 or the second opening 122 .

[0197] Specifically, the conductive terminal is the terminal assembly described in Example 1.

[0198] Compared with the existing electrical connectors, the conductive terminal used in the electrical connector of the present invention has a fluid channel 130 inside for the circulation of the cooling medium, without relying on the gap formed between the insulating shell and the terminal surface. The cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body 100. Because the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the insulating shell of the electrical connector and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0199] In a preferred embodiment, an insulating layer is provided on the inner wall of the fluid channel 130, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the conductive terminal from direct contact with the cooling medium.

[0200] In the present invention, the insulating layer can prevent the cooling medium from directly contacting the conductive terminal, and can avoid corrosion caused by electrochemical action. Although the existence of the insulating layer will affect the heat conduction efficiency, the implementation of the insulating layer can meet the application of a variety of cooling media, including cooling media with a certain conductivity.

[0201] It should be noted that conventional cooling terminals are generally used in new energy vehicle charging technology, which generally use silicone oil as a cooling medium. Silicone oil has a certain degree of insulation properties and can directly contact the terminal. However, in energy storage scenarios, energy storage equipment often has its own liquid cooling system, which is generally water-cooled, rather than silicone oil, which has a certain conductivity. If a separate liquid cooling system is set up for the cooling terminal, the application cost will be greatly increased.

[0202] To this end, in order to match the cooling system of the energy storage equipment and reduce costs, the present application sets an insulating layer in the fluid channel 130 of the conductive terminal. The insulating layer can meet the heat dissipation application of various cooling media in the conductive terminal, reduce the requirements for the cooling medium, and expand the application scenarios.

[0203] It is understood that the insulating layer improves the reliability and safety of the electrical connector because it prevents the cooling medium from causing short circuits or electrical breakdown. The presence of the insulating layer allows the use of different types of cooling media,

[0204] In a specific implementation, the insulating layer is an injection molded body formed in the fluid channel 130. The insulating layer can be made of insulating plastic and is formed by combining with the terminal body 100 through an injection molding process. Through the above-mentioned injection molding process, the insulating layer and the terminal body 100 can be effectively combined to form an integrated electrical connector terminal assembly, and the sealing performance is better guaranteed to avoid leakage of the cooling medium or direct contact with the terminal body 100 to cause a short circuit and other problems.

[0205] Embodiment 3

[0206] This embodiment 3 provides an electrical connector, including:

[0207] A terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being pluggable and assembled with the second terminal to form a conductive terminal; the first terminal having a first passage inside, the outer wall of the first terminal having a first opening connected to the first passage; the second terminal having a second passage inside, the outer wall of the second terminal having a second opening connected to the second passage;

[0208] An insulating housing, the insulating housing is used to accommodate and install the conductive terminals;

[0209] When the first terminal and the second terminal are plugged and assembled into a conductive terminal, the first channel is connected to the second channel and together constitutes a fluid channel, and the fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening or the second opening.

[0210] Specifically, the terminal assembly is the terminal assembly described in the first embodiment, and has the same shape and structure as the terminal assembly described in the first embodiment. The electrical connector of the third embodiment has the product functions described in the first embodiment.

[0211] Compared with the existing electrical connectors, the conductive terminal used in the electrical connector of the present invention has a fluid channel inside which the cooling medium can flow, without relying on the gap formed between the insulating shell and the terminal surface. The cooling medium can flow directly through the internal flow channel of the terminal body. Because the cooling medium flows directly inside the terminal, the terminal structure has lower requirements on the internal structure of the insulating shell of the electrical connector and the mounting structure between the shell and the terminal, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0212] In the present invention, the insulating housing is plastic injection molded and combined with the terminal assembly. Specifically, the insulating housing is generally divided into a first shell and a second shell, the first shell is molded outside the first terminal, and the second shell is molded outside the second terminal. The first shell and the second shell have a snap-fit ​​structure that is assembled with each other to install the first shell and the second shell, and further limit and fix the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0213] In a specific implementation, the first housing is the first injection-molded insulator, which is a part that is injection-molded together with the first injection-molded insulator, or can be an injection-molded component that is independently molded with the first co-injection-molded insulator.

[0214] In a specific implementation, the second housing is the second injection-molded insulator, which is a part that is injection-molded together with the second injection-molded insulator, or can be an injection-molded component that is independently molded from the second injection-molded insulator.

[0215] Specifically, the first shell encloses the copper bar and the tubular conductive member of the first terminal, and part of the copper bar is located outside the first shell to connect the conductor of the liquid cooling cable. The second shell encloses the tubular portion and part of the flat portion of the second terminal, and part of the flat portion is located outside the second shell to connect the external electrical equipment of the electrical connector to achieve electrical connection.

[0216] Embodiment 4

[0217] This embodiment 4 provides an electrical connector assembly, including:

[0218] A liquid-cooled cable having a conductor and a cooling tube;

[0219] At least one electrical connector, the electrical connector having the terminal assembly of the first embodiment; or the electrical connector is the electrical connector described in the second embodiment or the third embodiment;

[0220] Wherein, the conductive terminal of the electrical connector is connected to the conductor of the liquid cooling cable, and the flow pipe of the conductive terminal is connected to the cooling pipe.

[0221] In this embodiment, the conductor of the liquid cooling cable is electrically connected to the copper busbar of the first terminal. The cooling pipe of the liquid cooling cable is used to transport cooling medium, and the cooling pipe is sealed and connected to the columnar through hole of the connecting part of the first injection molded insulator of the first terminal.

[0222] It is understandable that when the electrical connector assembly has two electrical connectors, one electrical connector is connected to one end of the liquid cooling cable, and the other electrical connector is connected to the other end of the liquid cooling cable. The connection method and connection structure of each electrical connector and the liquid cooling cable are the same as those described above.

[0223] In the present invention, the liquid cooling cable does not belong to the core improvement of the present invention, and the liquid cooling cable can adopt the structure in the prior art.

[0224] For other structures of the terminal assembly, the electrical connector, and the electrical connector assembly described in this embodiment, refer to the prior art.

[0225] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Therefore, any modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal assembly for an electrical connector, characterized in that: including a terminal body; The interior of the terminal body is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel has a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the terminal body; The fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the terminal body through the first opening or the second opening.

2. A terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the entire fluid channel is provided with an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the terminal body from direct contact with the cooling medium.

3. A terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal body is composed of a first terminal and a second terminal connected to each other; The first terminal has a first passage inside, and the first opening is arranged on the outer wall of the first terminal; The second terminal has a second passage inside, and the second opening is arranged on the outer wall of the second terminal; When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first channel is communicated with the second channel and together constitutes the fluid channel.

4. A terminal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal is provided with a push piece in the first channel; The second terminal comprises an end cap, a blocking member arranged in the second channel and an elastic member, the end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel, and the blocking member is arranged between the elastic member and the end cap; Wherein, the elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the second channel; The outer diameter of the ejector is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap. When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the ejector of the first terminal passes through the through hole of the end cap and pushes the blocking member away from the end cap, so that the first channel is connected with the second channel.

5. A terminal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal comprises an end cap, a blocking member and an elastic member arranged in the first channel, the end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the first channel, and the blocking member is arranged between the elastic member and the end cap; The second terminal is provided with a push piece in the second passage, and the outer diameter of the push piece is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the end cap; Wherein, the elastic member is used to make the blocking member closely contact the end cap member to block the through hole of the end cap member and close the end of the first channel; When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the push piece of the second terminal passes through the through hole of the end cap and pushes the blocking piece away from the end cap, so that the first channel is connected with the second channel.

6. A terminal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal comprises a first end cap, a first blocking member arranged in the first channel, and a first elastic member, wherein the first end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the first channel, and the first blocking member is arranged between the first elastic member and the first end cap; The first elastic member is used to make the first blocking member closely contact the first end cap member to block the through hole of the first end cap member and close the end of the first channel; The second terminal comprises a second end cap, a second blocking member arranged in the second channel, and a second elastic member, the second end cap is arranged at the channel opening of the second channel, and the second blocking member is arranged between the second elastic member and the second end cap; The second elastic member is used to make the second blocking member closely contact the second end cap member to block the through hole of the second end cap member and close the end of the second channel; Among them, when the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first blocking piece of the first terminal and the second blocking piece of the second terminal contact and abut each other, and the first blocking piece is away from the first end cap to open the through hole of the first end cap, and the second blocking piece is away from the second end cap to open the through hole of the second end cap, and the first channel is connected with the second channel.

7. A terminal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the first terminal, and the first insulating injection-molded body is hollow inside to form the first channel; A second insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the second terminal, and the interior of the second insulating injection-molded body is hollow to form the second channel; When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the first insulating injection-molded body and the second insulating injection-molded body are in sealing contact with each other.

8. A terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second insulating injection molded body has a hollow plug-in column portion. When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the hollow plug-in column portion of the second insulating injection molded body is inserted into the first channel of the first terminal, and the outer wall of the hollow plug-in column portion is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel; Or, The second insulating injection-molded body has a hollow column portion, which is sleeved with a sealing ring; when the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a terminal body, the hollow column portion of the second insulating injection-molded body is inserted into the first channel of the first terminal, and the sealing ring of the hollow column portion is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the first channel.

9. A terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first terminal has a plug-in portion; The second terminal has a slot structure, a crown spring is fixedly connected in the slot structure of the second terminal, and the crown spring is in close contact with the inner wall of the slot structure; The plug-in portion of the first terminal is adapted to be plugged into the slot structure of the second terminal to be assembled into a terminal body; the crown spring is used to tightly contact the outer wall of the plug-in portion of the first terminal to form an electrical contact between the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. A terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first terminal is used to connect a liquid cooling cable, the first insulating injection molded body has a connecting portion, the connecting portion is provided with a columnar through hole, and the columnar through hole forms the first opening; The columnar through hole of the first terminal is used for passing a cooling pipe of a liquid-cooled cable, and the cooling pipe is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the columnar through hole.

11. A terminal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal comprises a copper bar and a tubular conductive member, the tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the surface of the copper bar, and the first channel and the first opening are both provided in the tubular conductive member; The second terminal has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening; Wherein, the second tubular conductive member of the first terminal is adapted to be plugged into the tubular portion of the second terminal to assemble into a terminal body; Or, The first terminal comprises a first tubular conductive member and a second tubular conductive member, the first tubular conductive member has a stamping portion, the second tubular conductive member is fixedly connected to the stamping portion of the first tubular conductive member, and the first channel and the first opening are both provided in the second tubular conductive member; The second terminal has a flat portion and a tubular portion distributed head to tail, the second channel passes through the flat portion and the tubular portion, and the flat portion is provided with a second opening; The second tubular conductive member of the first terminal is adapted to be inserted into the tubular portion of the second terminal to be assembled into a terminal body.

12. An electrical connector, characterized in that: It comprises an insulating housing and a terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An electrical connector, characterized in that: include: A conductive terminal, wherein the interior of the conductive terminal is hollow to form a fluid channel, and the fluid channel has a first opening and a second opening on the outer wall of the conductive terminal; The fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening or the second opening.

14. An electrical connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: An insulating layer is disposed on the inner wall of the fluid channel, and the insulating layer is used to isolate the conductive terminal from direct contact with the cooling medium.

15. An electrical connector, characterized in that: include: A terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being pluggable and assembled with the second terminal to form a conductive terminal; the first terminal having a first passage inside, the outer wall of the first terminal having a first opening connected to the first passage; the second terminal having a second passage inside, the outer wall of the second terminal having a second opening connected to the second passage; An insulating housing, the insulating housing is used to accommodate and install the conductive terminals; When the first terminal and the second terminal are plugged and assembled into a conductive terminal, the first channel is connected to the second channel and together constitutes a fluid channel, and the fluid channel is used for cooling medium to flow, and the cooling medium can enter the interior of the conductive terminal through the first opening or the second opening.

16. An electrical connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: A first insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the first terminal, and the first insulating injection-molded body is hollow inside to form the first channel; A second insulating injection-molded body is disposed in the cavity of the second terminal, and the interior of the second insulating injection-molded body is hollow to form the second channel; When the first terminal and the second terminal are assembled into a conductive terminal, the first insulating injection-molded body and the second insulating injection-molded body are in sealed contact.

17. An electrical connector assembly, characterized in that: include: A liquid-cooled cable having a conductor and a cooling tube; At least one electrical connector, the electrical connector having the terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11; or the electrical connector is the electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 16; Wherein, the conductive terminal of the electrical connector is connected to the conductor of the liquid cooling cable, and the flow pipe of the conductive terminal is connected to the cooling pipe.

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