Seal for cable connection, cable assembly and electric machine

Abstract

This application provides a seal for a cable connection, the cable connection being a connection between a cable (200) and a terminal block (300b), the cable (200) including an electrical conductor and an insulator located at the outer edge of the electrical conductor and surrounding the electrical conductor, the cable (200) being configured to connect to the terminal block (300b) with its exposed electrical conductor, characterized in that the seal (400) includes: a first sealing portion (400a) configured to surround and seal the periphery of the cable (200); a second sealing portion (400b) configured to surround and seal the periphery of the terminal block (300b); and an intermediate transition portion (400c) configured to cover the electrical connection portion of the cable (200) and the terminal block (300b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a seal for cable connections. Additionally, this application also relates to a cable assembly and a motor. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical equipment is not only widely used in industrial production, but it is now penetrating all aspects of social life. This trend is especially evident with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. In recent years, electric vehicles, which use electricity as their energy source, have gradually replaced traditional vehicles that use fuel. Electric vehicles supply electrical energy to their motors to drive the vehicle.

[0003] Similar to other electrical components, motors also use cables as power transmission devices. Specifically, the wires in the motor make electrical contact with the cables through terminals in the motor, thus completing the electrical connection.

[0004] To make electrical contact with the terminals in the motor, it is typically necessary to remove the outer insulation of the cable to expose the inner conductive wires. Currently, there is a lack of isolation measures related to the contact points. In the presence of liquids, the exposed conductive wires can be adversely affected, including but not limited to short circuits, leakage, and / or aging.

[0005] In particular, there exists a situation where the motor inevitably generates a large amount of heat during operation. Changes in this heat can cause undesirable increases and decreases in air pressure inside the motor's cavity, leading to water vapor entering the motor cavity from the atmosphere through the vent plug. When water vapor molecules encounter cold air, they condense at the aforementioned contact points, thus causing at least the aforementioned adverse effects on the exposed conductive wires.

[0006] Furthermore, if this type of cable can be sealed, the normal protection level of the motor can be further enhanced (e.g., IP67 standard).

[0007] Considering, but not limited to, the various situations described above, it is desirable to provide a novel solution to overcome or at least alleviate the aforementioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0008] This application aims to provide a seal for cable connections that is advantageous over the prior art in at least one respect.

[0009] To this end, this application provides, in one aspect, a seal for a cable connection, the cable connection being a connection between a cable and a terminal block, the cable including an electrical conductor and an insulator located at the outer edge of the electrical conductor and surrounding the electrical conductor, the cable being configured to connect to the terminal block with its exposed electrical conductor, characterized in that the seal includes: a first sealing portion configured to surround and seal the periphery of the cable; a second sealing portion configured to surround and seal the periphery of the terminal block; and an intermediate transition portion configured to cover the electrical connection portion of the cable and the terminal block.

[0010] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the intermediate transition portion is configured to accommodate: an electrical connection portion of a cable and a terminal block, and an exposed electrical conductor adjacent to the electrical connection portion.

[0011] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the intermediate transition portion has a streamlined outer contour.

[0012] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the shape of the first sealing portion is configured to fit tightly against the outer surface of the cable.

[0013] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the shape of the second sealing portion is configured to fit tightly against the outer surface of the terminal block.

[0014] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the seal is configured to be formed directly by injection molding at the cable connection.

[0015] On the other hand, this application also discloses a cable assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a cable; a terminal block, wherein the cable is connected to the terminal block with its exposed electrical conductor; and a seal as described above.

[0016] In another aspect, this application also discloses an electric motor, characterized in that it comprises: a housing; an electric motor body disposed inside the housing, the electric motor body including a stator and a rotor rotatable about the stator; a cable connection device configured to be mounted on the housing, wherein a through hole is arranged at the connection between the cable connection device and the housing; and a cable assembly as described above, the cable having two opposite ends for electrical connection: a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be connected to a terminal in the electric motor body, and wherein the second end is configured to be connected to a terminal in the cable connection device.

[0017] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, the maximum outer diameter of the seal is configured to allow a cable or cable assembly to pass through the through hole.

[0018] In one feasible exemplary embodiment, a cooling device is arranged on the outside of the motor body, the cooling device being configured to use liquid water as a cooling medium to cool the heat generated when the motor is operating.

[0019] The sealing element for cable connection according to this application fills the gap where cables cannot be sealed at the contact point, improves the safety and robustness of cable connection, extends the service life of cables and related components, improves resource utilization efficiency, and is more economical and environmentally friendly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An electric motor according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The motor in the image shows the cable connections.

[0022] Figure 3 A cable assembly according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A seal for cable connection according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Some feasible embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Some details may be enlarged for clarity, while some details that are not necessary to show have been omitted.

[0025] like Figure 1 and 2 The diagram illustrates a motor 100 according to one embodiment of this application. The motor 100 can be arranged in a vehicle (not shown), particularly an electric vehicle. An upstream connection to the motor 100 can be made to an energy supply device, such as a power battery. Electrical energy from the power battery can then be used to drive the rotation of the motor 100. The rotation of the motor 100 provides power downstream, enabling the vehicle to move (drive the rotation of the wheels), and also to drive other associated components and / or assemblies (e.g., those associated with transmission and / or control), thereby further enabling various functions including steering, braking, and / or safety.

[0026] It is understood that the vehicle may be, for example, a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and / or a fuel cell vehicle (e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle).

[0027] Additionally, it can be understood that the vehicle may be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, and may be a public transport vehicle, a freight vehicle, a specialized transport vehicle, and / or a special purpose vehicle.

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The motor 100 shown is a drive motor and also a three-phase AC motor.

[0029] The motor 100 includes a housing 101. The outer surface of the housing 101 defines the outer contour of the motor 100, and the inner surface of the housing 101 defines a cavity of the motor 100. A motor body is arranged within the cavity, comprising a stator and a rotor that rotates around the stator. A winding structure made of wires is arranged on the stator and / or the rotor. By changing the current in the winding structure, the rotor can rotate relative to the stator, thereby generating kinetic energy. The motor may be, for example, a non-oil-immersed motor; specifically, no cooling oil is provided between the rotor and the stator; instead, it is filled with air.

[0030] A cooling device is arranged on the outside of the motor body. The cooling device can use liquid water as a cooling medium to cool the heat generated by the motor 100 during operation, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the motor (especially the rotor).

[0031] On the outer casing 101 (e.g.) Figure 1 A vent plug (venting structure) 1011 is arranged on the top of the housing 101. The vent plug 1011 is configured to allow communication between the motor cavity and the external atmospheric environment (e.g., allowing single molecules of air and water vapor to pass through), but to isolate the cavity from fluid communication with the external atmospheric environment (e.g., isolating liquid water). For example, the vent plug 1011 can be made of a gas exchange membrane with a permeable structure. The material of the gas exchange membrane can be a high-temperature resistant polymer, such as a PTFE membrane. In this way, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the motor can be balanced (especially due to temperature changes caused by motor operation). Therefore, the motor can operate normally even under conditions of large temperature variations.

[0032] The motor 100 also includes a cable connection device 105. The cable connection device 105 is configured to be mounted on the housing 101 and configured to lead wires in the winding structure located in the motor cavity to the outside of the housing 101 via a cable 200.

[0033] like Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a cable assembly according to this application, showing the structure of a cable 200. The cable 200 includes an electrical conductor and an insulator located at the outer edge of the electrical conductor and surrounding it. The electrical conductor is one or more wires braided together according to a certain rule. The material of the wires can be copper or aluminum, etc. The material of the insulator can be polyvinyl chloride, cross-linked polyethylene, etc.

[0034] The cable 200 has two opposite ends for electrical connection: a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 is configured to connect to a terminal (which may be a copper plate) 300a in the motor body, and the second end 202 is configured to connect to a terminal 300b in the cable connection device 105.

[0035] like Figure 3 The connection method of cable 200 is shown. A through hole 1052 is provided at the connection between cable connector 105 and housing 101, so that when the first end 201 is electrically connected to the terminal 300a in the motor body, the cable 200 passes through the housing 101, thereby allowing the second end 202 to be electrically connected to the terminal 300b in cable connector 105.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, three through-holes 1052 are shown, which are used for the electrical connection of the three-phase circuit, namely the U-phase, V-phase and W-phase.

[0037] Accordingly, three corresponding terminals 300b are shown for electrical connection to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase cables, respectively, to form a cable assembly. The corresponding terminals 300b are then mechanically fastened (e.g., by bolts) into the cable connection device 105.

[0038] like Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a seal 400 for cable connection according to one embodiment of this application. The seal 400 is configured to seal the cable assembly (particularly the second end 202 of the cable 200) relative to the external environment. In this way, exposed wires at the second end 202 of the cable 200 due to electrical connection can be closed. This isolates the cable 200 from the external environment without affecting the electrical connection between the cable 200 and the terminal 300b. Consequently, water vapor molecules can be prevented from condensing into liquid water at the second end 202 of the cable 200, reducing the risk of leakage and improving the overall protection level of the motor.

[0039] The seal 400 includes: a first sealing portion 400a for surrounding and sealing the periphery of the cable 200, a second sealing portion 400b for surrounding and sealing the periphery of the terminal 300b, and an intermediate transition portion 400c for covering the electrical connection portion of the cable 200 and the terminal 300b. The first sealing portion 400a, the second sealing portion 400b, and the intermediate transition portion 400c are configured to be integrally formed.

[0040] The first sealing portion 400a is shaped to fit tightly against the outer surface of the cable 200 (insulation layer). This isolates the cable 200 from the external environment. Figure 3 As shown, when the cross-section of the cable 200 is circular, the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the first sealing portion 400a can also be circular. Alternatively, it can be envisioned that when the cross-section of the cable 200 is flat, the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the first sealing portion 400a is also flat.

[0041] The second sealing portion 400b is shaped to fit tightly against the outer surface of the terminal 300b. This isolates the terminal 300b from the external environment. Figure 3 As shown, when the cross-section of the terminal 300b is plate-shaped, the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the second sealing portion 400b is also plate-shaped. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the terminal 300b and the corresponding second sealing portion 400b are of other shapes, such as bead-shaped, needle-shaped, etc.

[0042] The intermediate transition portion 400c is shaped (especially its inner surface) to accommodate the connection between the cable (specifically, the cable's electrical conductor) and the terminal 300b, as well as the exposed electrical conductor adjacent to the connection. The intermediate transition portion 400c may have a streamlined outer contour. In this way, a natural transition between the first sealing portion 400a and the second sealing portion 400b can be formed, facilitating the installation of the cable assembly and ensuring its strength and robustness.

[0043] The seal 400 can be manufactured using injection molding. The seal 400 can be constructed in any suitable manner.

[0044] One possible approach is to injection mold a separate seal 400 relative to the cable assembly, and then nest this separate seal onto the cable assembly. Another possible approach is to perform the injection molding operation directly at the cable connection to form the seal 400.

[0045] The temperature resistance of the injection molding material used in seal 400 is higher than the operating temperature of the motor, for example, it can be above 125 degrees, above 135 degrees, and / or above 150 degrees.

[0046] It is understandable that the thickness of the seal 400 itself can be set as small as possible while still meeting the requirements. For example, the thickness of the seal 400 itself can be set between 1.5 and 1.25 mm, such as basically 1.5 mm, 1.3 mm, and / or 1.25 mm.

[0047] Additionally, the maximum outer diameter of the seal 400 is configured to allow a cable (or cable assembly) to pass through the through hole 1052. For example, the maximum outer diameter of the seal 400 may be set to substantially 12.5 mm, more preferably, to be less than 12.5 mm.

[0048] The material constituting the seal 400 can be a plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and / or ABS resin, or a rubber material, such as thermosetting rubber, such as nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, fluororubber, and / or silicone rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE / TPR), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), and / or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

[0049] This application relates to a seal 400 as described above. The seal can be configured to isolate an exposed portion at the end of a cable from the external environment.

[0050] This application relates to a cable assembly as described above, the cable assembly including a cable 200 having an exposed end for electrical contact and a seal 400 capable of isolating the exposed end from the external environment.

[0051] This application may also relate to a motor as described above, wherein the aforementioned cable assembly is disposed in the motor. Additionally, this application relates to the use of a seal 400 in a motor.

[0052] In this application, the motor is described according to an embodiment with a water-cooling device. However, it is understood that the motor disclosed in this application is not limited to this, but can be cooled, for example, by oil cooling. An oil-cooled motor with the sealing element for cable connection disclosed in this application can at least have several advantages, such as preventing oil from entering the wiring harness cavity through the wiring harness, facilitating the disassembly of the motor wiring harness, and preventing foreign matter from mixing into the oil and causing a short circuit in the motor.

[0053] This application may also relate to a vehicle as described above, which includes the motor described above.

[0054] As used herein, the term "comprising" is open-ended and includes one or more of the stated features, elements, components, or functions, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, functions, or combinations thereof.

[0055] The foregoing description of embodiments of this application is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Within the scope of this application, it will be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives listed in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or description and figures, particularly their individual features, can be carried out independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be carried out in any manner and / or combined, unless such features are incompatible. It will be understood that many modifications and variations are available to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to properly explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention and the various modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any originally filed claims or file any new claims, including amending any originally filed claims to dependent on and / or incorporate any features of any other claim, even if not originally claimed in this way.

Claims

1. A seal for a cable connection, the cable connection being a connection of a cable (200) and a terminal (300b), the cable (200) comprising an electrical conductor, and an insulation surrounding the electrical conductor, the cable (200) being configured to be connectable to the terminal (300b) with its bare electrical conductor, characterized in that, The seal (400) includes: The first sealing portion (400a) is configured to surround and seal the periphery of the cable (200); The second sealing portion (400b) is configured to surround and seal the periphery of the terminal block (300b); and The intermediate transition section (400c) is configured to cover the electrical connection portion of the cable (200) and the terminal block (300b).

2. Seal for cable connections according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner surface of the intermediate transition portion (400c) is configured to accommodate: the electrical connection portion of the cable (200) and the terminal block (300b), as well as the exposed electrical conductor adjacent to the electrical connection portion.

3. A seal for a cable connection according to claim 2, characterised in that, The intermediate transition section (400c) has a streamlined outer contour.

4. Seal for cable connections according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first sealing portion (400a) is shaped to fit tightly against the outer surface of the cable (200).

5. Seal for cable connections according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that The second sealing portion (400b) is shaped to fit tightly against the outer surface of the terminal block (300b).

6. Seal for cable connections according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that The seal (400) is configured to be formed by injection molding directly at the cable connection.

7. A cable assembly, characterized by include: Cable (200); terminal block (300b), the cable (200) being connected to the terminal block (300b) with its exposed electrical conductor; and the seal (400) according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. An electric machine characterized by include: Outer shell (101); An electric motor body disposed inside the housing (101), the electric motor body comprising a stator and a rotor capable of rotating about the stator; A cable connector (105) configured to be mounted on the housing (101), wherein a through hole (1052) is provided at the connection between the cable connector (105) and the housing (101); and According to claim 7, the cable (200) has two opposite ends for electrical connection: a first end (201) and a second end (202), wherein the first end (201) is configured to be connected to a terminal in the motor body, and wherein the second end (202) is configured to be connected to a terminal (300b) in the cable connection device (105).

9. The electric machine of claim 8, wherein, The maximum outer diameter of the seal (400) is configured to allow the cable assembly to pass through the through hole (1052).

10. The electric machine of claim 8 or 9, characterized in that A cooling device is arranged on the outside of the motor body, and the cooling device is configured to use liquid water as a cooling medium to cool the heat generated when the motor (100) is working.

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