Connector assembly
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114100779
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-03
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-07
AI Technical Summary
The increasing demand for different current capacities in connectors leads to an increase in the number of conductive terminals and connector sizes, resulting in higher production and inventory costs due to fixed specifications of bus connectors.
A connector assembly with a bus connector, first and second terminal connectors, and cables of differing lengths, featuring unique terminal designs and cable configurations to accommodate varying current demands while reducing resistance and stabilizing the conductive structure.
The solution reduces resistance and stabilizes the conductive terminals, making connector insertion and removal easier by offsetting connectors and optimizing terminal arrangements, thus improving structural stability and operational ease.
Smart Images

Figure TWG2TB001913666_001 
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a bus connector assembly. [Previous Technology]
[0002] Generally speaking, whether it is between the cable and the circuit board or between the cable and the busbar, repeated plugging and unplugging is achieved through connectors.
[0003] However, as the overall current demand of the system increases, the number of conductive terminals on the system connectors and the size of the connectors will also increase. Different system configurations require different currents. Since the specifications of bus connectors are mostly fixed (i.e., the current specification that can be transmitted is fixed), the variety of connectors also needs to increase accordingly to meet different current requirements. This also leads to an increase in production and inventory costs.
[0004] Therefore, how to propose a connector assembly that can solve the above problems is one of the problems that the industry is currently eager to invest R&D resources to solve. [Summary of the Invention]
[0005] In view of this, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide a current-distributing connector assembly to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a connector assembly includes a bus connector, a first terminal connector, a second terminal connector, a first cable, and a second cable. The first terminal connector is electrically connected to the bus connector. The second terminal connector is electrically connected to the bus connector. The first cable is connected between the bus connector and the first terminal connector. The second cable is connected between the bus connector and the second terminal connector. One end of the first cable and one end of the second cable are connected to the bus connector. The lengths of the first cable and the second cable are different.
[0007] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the bus connector includes a trench and two power terminal groups. The two power terminal groups are located on both sides of the trench and configured to electrically connect to a busbar inserted into the trench.
[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the bus connector further includes a base, two extensions, and wings. The two extensions extend parallel to each other from the base and are spaced apart. The two extensions define a groove with the base. The wings are disposed between the base and the two extensions. The two sides of the wings are flush with the opposite sides of the base and extend beyond the other opposite sides of the base.
[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the two power terminal groups further include inner terminals and outer terminals. The inner terminal includes a plurality of spring arms. A gap exists between adjacent spring arms of the inner terminal. The ratio of the width of one of the spring arms of the inner terminal to the width of the gap is 7:3 or higher. The outer terminal includes a plurality of spring arms. A gap exists between adjacent spring arms of the outer terminal. The ratio of the width of one of the spring arms of the outer terminal to the width of the gap is 7:3 or higher.
[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the wing includes a lower wing and an upper wing. A long slot is located between the lower wing and the upper wing.
[0011] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first terminal connector includes two bus terminals. Each of the two bus terminals includes an integrally formed cylindrical structure and a plate structure. The plate structure is electrically connected to two power terminal groups via a first cable.
[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first wire end connector includes a wire end housing, a locking member, and a pull ring. The locking member is disposed on a first side of the wire end housing. The locking member is rotatable relative to the surface of the first side. The pull ring is rotatably disposed on a second side. The second side is adjacent to the first side. When the pull ring is rotated to the unlocked state, one end of the pull ring presses against the locking member to cause the locking member to oscillate.
[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the fastener further includes a fixing portion, an elastic arm, a pressing portion, and a hook. The fixing portion is disposed on a first side surface. The elastic arm connects to the fixing portion and extends parallel to the surface of the first side surface. The pressing portion is located at one end of the elastic arm near the pull ring. The hook is located at one end of the elastic arm away from the pull ring.
[0014] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the snap-fit portion includes a guide portion. When the pull ring rotates, that end of the pull ring moves within the guide portion.
[0015] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the pull ring includes a finger at that end of the pull ring. When the finger presses the plane of the guide portion, the pressing portion moves toward the surface of the first side of the wire end housing, so that the hook moves toward the surface away from the first side of the wire end housing.
[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the wire end housing further includes a receiving hook on a second side for engaging the other end of the pull ring to secure the pull ring.
[0017] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the wire end housing further includes a central hook on a second side. The pull ring includes a ring portion, a shaft portion, and a finger portion. The shaft portion is connected to the ring portion. The finger portion is connected to the shaft portion. The shaft portion is pivotally connected to the central hook so that the pull ring can rotate relative to the central hook.
[0018] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second terminal connector includes two bus terminals, a second housing, and a second top cover. The second housing accommodates the two bus terminals. The two bus terminals are arranged diagonally within the second housing. The second top cover covers the second housing.
[0019] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the second housing has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a latching member. The first side and the second side are disposed opposite to each other. The third side connects the first side and the second side. The latching member is disposed on the third side. Two bus terminals partially overlap in a direction parallel to one of the first sides.
[0020] In summary, in the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the lower contact portion of the inner terminal and the upper contact portion of the outer terminal of the bus connector are separated from each other, the resistance when the bus connector is combined with the bus bus can be reduced when the bus bus is inserted into the bus connector. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the first base of the inner terminal, the bus, and the second base of the outer terminal are fixed to each other, and the support rib protrudes toward the inner terminal, the support rib can be used to abut the inner terminal, which may move inward, when the bus connector is combined with the bus bus, thereby achieving the effect of stabilizing the structure of the conductive terminal. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the pull ring of the first connector can drive the latching member to swing relative to the surface of the first upper housing, the user can perform the insertion and removal of the connector with less effort. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the two bus terminals of the second connector are arranged diagonally in the second upper housing, and the two bus terminals partially overlap in one direction, the volume of the second connector can be reduced. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, because the lengths of the first cable and the second cable are different, the first connector and the second connector are offset from each other when viewed from above, so that the first connector and the second connector will not interfere with each other, thereby making it easier for the user to operate the first connector and the second connector. In summary, the connector assembly disclosed herein not only improves the structural stability of the conductive terminals in the bus connector, but also increases the ease with which the user can perform connector insertion and removal.
[0021] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation methods and related figures.
Implementation Method
[0023] Several embodiments of this disclosure will be disclosed below with reference to the drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner. The same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same or similar elements in all drawings.
[0024] The structure, function and connection relationship between each component included in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.
[0025] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the connector assembly 100 includes a bus connector 110, a first connector assembly 120, a second connector assembly 130, a first cable CB1, and a second cable CB2. The bus connector 110 is configured to engage with a busbar (not shown). The first connector assembly 120 includes a mating wire-end connector and a board-end connector, the wire-end connector being electrically connected to one end of the first cable CB1, and the board-end connector being configured to engage with a circuit board (not shown). The second connector assembly 130 also includes a mating wire-end connector and a board-end connector, the wire-end connector being electrically connected to one end of the second cable CB2, and the board-end connector being configured to engage with the same or another circuit board. The other end of the first cable CB1 is electrically connected to the bus connector 110, thereby electrically connecting the first connector assembly 120 to the bus connector 110. The other end of the second cable CB2 is electrically connected to the bus connector 110, thereby electrically connecting the second connector assembly 130 to the bus connector 110. The second connector assembly 130 is spaced apart from the first connector assembly 120. In some embodiments, the first cable CB1 and the second cable CB2 extend generally along a direction (e.g., direction X). The first cable CB1 has a length L1, and the second cable CB2 has a length L2. The length L1 of the first cable CB1 is different from the length L2 of the second cable CB2. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the first cable CB1 is greater than the length L2 of the second cable CB2.
[0026] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the first connector assembly 120 and the second connector assembly 130 are arranged generally in one direction (e.g., direction Z). In some embodiments, viewed from above (i.e., along direction Z), the first connector assembly 120 and the second connector assembly 130 are offset from each other. For example, the board-end connector of the first connector assembly 120 is disposed on an upper circuit board, while the board-end connector of the second connector assembly 130 is disposed on a lower circuit board. The upper and lower circuit boards are offset from each other by a small distance, so that, viewed from above, the board-end connector of the lower second connector assembly 130 is not obscured by the upper circuit board.
[0027] In some embodiments, the bus connector 110 may be a 2U connector. That is, the width of the bus connector 110 is twice that of a standard connector (1U connector).
[0028] In some embodiments, the current conducted by the first cable CB1 is greater than the current conducted by the second cable CB2. For example, the first cable CB1 can conduct approximately 300 amps of current, and the second cable CB2 can conduct approximately 200 amps of current. Therefore, the bus connector 110 can conduct approximately 500 amps of current.
[0029] Please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bus connector 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the bus connector 110 includes a bottom 111, two extensions 112, wings, two power terminal groups, a ground terminal 116, a detection terminal 117, and a receiving spring 118. The two power terminal groups are electrically isolated from each other, and each power terminal group includes an inner terminal 114 and an outer terminal 115. The two extensions 112 extend from the bottom 111. Specifically, the two extensions 112 extend parallel to each other from the bottom 111. The two extensions 112 are spaced apart from each other. The back of the bottom 111 has a mounting groove, and the two extensions 112 and the bottom 111 together define a groove T, which communicates with the mounting groove. The trench T is configured to accommodate a busbar (not shown), and two power terminal groups are located on opposite sides of the trench T, configured to electrically connect to the two busbars of the busbar, each providing a different potential. The first cable CB1 and the second cable CB2 each have multiple cables, which can be divided into a positive power cable group and a negative power cable group, respectively connected to the two power terminal groups to transmit currents at different potentials. A wing is disposed between the bottom 111 and the two extensions 112, with its two sides flush with the opposite sides of the bottom 111 and extending in one direction (e.g., direction Z) beyond the other opposite sides of the bottom 111. In some embodiments, the wing includes a lower wing 113A and an upper wing 113B. A long slot SL is defined between the lower wing 113A and the upper wing 113B, configured to position the busbar connector 110 relative to the surrounding housing (not shown). An inner terminal 114 passes through a mounting slot in the bottom 111 and is exposed in the trench T. The outer terminal 115 passes through the mounting groove of the bottom 111 and is adjacent to the outer side of the inner terminal 114, i.e., the outer terminal 115 is located between the inner terminal 114 and the corresponding extension 112. Both the inner terminal 114 and the outer terminal 115 include several spring arms, which are bent and protruded along a direction (e.g., direction Y) to form a lower contact 114P and an upper contact 115P, respectively. Several lower contacts 114P are arranged along a direction (e.g., direction Z), and several upper contacts 115P are also arranged along this direction, with the lower contacts 114P being closer to the wing (or bottom 111) than the upper contacts 115P. That is, the upper contacts 115P are closer to the front end of the trench T than the lower contacts 114P. A grounding terminal 116 is disposed on the outer side of the two extensions 112. A detection terminal 117 is located within the trench T. Detection terminal 117 is configured to detect whether a busbar (not shown) is inserted into the groove T. A retaining spring 118 is located in the bottom 111. The busbar connector 110 further has an observation window W. The observation window W extends through the bottom 111. The portion of the retaining spring 118 is exposed in the observation window W.
[0030] Please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a bus connector 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the bus connector 110 further includes a bus B, a rivet RV, and a partition plate 119. The bus B is connected to an inner terminal 114 and an outer terminal 115 (e.g., located between the inner terminal 114 and the outer terminal 115). A retaining spring 118 is fixed to the outer terminal 115. Specifically, the outer terminal 115 is located between the retaining spring 118 and the inner terminal 114, and the outer terminal 115 is also located between the retaining spring 118 and the bus B. The retaining spring 118 further includes a retaining portion 1182. The retaining portion 1182 extends from the retaining spring 118. In some embodiments, the retaining portion 1182 protrudes at an acute angle relative to the retaining spring 118. The inner terminal 114, bus B, outer terminal 115, and retaining spring 118 are secured to each other by rivets RV. The bus connector 110 further includes a partition plate 119. The partition plate 119 is disposed in a mounting groove in the bottom 111. Specifically, the mounting groove in the bottom 111 includes a first receiving cavity SP1 and a second receiving cavity SP2. The first receiving cavity SP1 and the second receiving cavity SP2 are separated by the partition plate 119. Each of the first receiving cavity SP1 and the second receiving cavity SP2 is configured to receive the inner terminal 114, the outer terminal 115, the retaining spring 118, and the bus B. The bus connector 110 further includes a support rib 1192. The support rib 1192 protrudes from the partition plate 119 toward the inner terminal 114.
[0031] Please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a bus connector 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the inner terminal 114 further includes a first base 1142, a bent portion 1143, and a first inclined portion (spring arm) 1144. The first base 1142 is located in the bottom 111 and is located between the bus B and the partition plate 119. The bent portion 1143 is connected to the first base 1142. The first inclined portion 1144 is connected to the bent portion 1143. The lower contact portion 114P is on the first inclined portion 1144 and located at one end of the inner terminal 114. The outer terminal 115 further includes a second base 1152 and a second inclined portion (spring arm) 1154. The second base 1152 is located in the bottom 111 and is located between the abutment spring 118 and the bus B. The second inclined portion 1154 connects to the second base 1152. The upper contact portion 115P is on the second inclined portion 1154 and located at one end of the outer terminal 115. Before the busbar is inserted into the trench T and contacts the lower contact portion 114P and the upper contact portion 115P, the first inclined portion 1144 and the second inclined portion 1154 are spaced apart from each other and do not contact each other. The lower contact portion 114P and the upper contact portion 115P are spaced apart in two rows in one direction (e.g., direction X).
[0032] Please continue to refer to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the mounting groove of the bottom 111 further includes a stop 1112. The stop 1112 protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom 111 toward the outer terminal 115. The support portion 1182 partially overlaps with the stop 1112 in one direction (e.g., direction X). The stop 1112 and the support portion 1182 are exposed in the viewing window W. In one application scenario, when the inner terminal 114, bus B, outer terminal 115, and supporting spring 118, which are fixed together by rivets RV, are installed from the groove T into the mounting slot of the bottom 111, the supporting portion 1182 of the supporting spring 118 will abut against the stop portion 1112 of the bottom 111, thereby preventing the inner terminal 114, bus B, outer terminal 115, and supporting spring 118 from falling out of the first receiving cavity SP1 and the second receiving cavity SP2. In some embodiments, both the first receiving cavity SP1 and the second receiving cavity SP2 are connected to the groove T.
[0033] Please refer to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the first base 1142 and the second base 1152 extend parallel to each other, and the first inclined portion 1144 and the second inclined portion 1154 extend parallel to each other. The first base 1142 and the second base 1152 clamp the busbar B. In some embodiments, the distance between the first base 1142 and the second base 1152 is greater than the distance between the first inclined portion 1144 and the second inclined portion 1154. Specifically, since the first base 1142 and the second base 1152 clamp the busbar B, while the first inclined portion 1144 and the second inclined portion 1154 do not clamp the busbar B, the distance between the first base 1142 and the second base 1152 is greater than the distance between the first inclined portion 1144 and the second inclined portion 1154.
[0034] Please refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a bus connector 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the inner terminal 114 includes a plurality of first inclined portions 1144, and the outer terminal 115 includes a plurality of second inclined portions 1154. A gap R is provided between adjacent first inclined portions 1144 and adjacent second inclined portions 1154. In some embodiments, the width of the gap R in the Z direction is smaller than the width of the first inclined portions 1144 in the Z direction and also smaller than the width of the second inclined portions 1154 in the Z direction. This allows the coverage area of the inner terminal 114 and the outer terminal 115 to be increased. For example, the coverage area of the inner terminal 114 and the outer terminal 115 can reach about 70% or more of the occupied space. In other words, the ratio of the width of the spring arm to the width of the gap R is 7:3 or more. The lower contact portion 114P and the upper contact portion 115P are aligned in one direction (e.g., direction X). The detection terminal 117 is spaced apart from the inner terminal 114. The portion of the detection terminal 117 is located in the bottom 111. In some embodiments, the bus connector 110 includes several support ribs 1192.
[0035] Please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an exploded view of a first connector assembly 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the first connector assembly 120 includes a wire-end connector and a board-end connector. The board-end connector is configured to be mounted on a circuit board PCB and includes a first lower housing 121 and a first conductive terminal 122. The first lower housing 121 is disposed on the circuit board PCB. The first lower housing 121 has a bottom surface and four side walls, forming a mating space, wherein one side wall has an opening OP, and the four sides of the bottom surface are respectively connected to the four side walls. The height of the other side wall relative to the opening OP is lower than the height of the other three side walls. The first conductive terminal 122 passes through the first lower housing 121, one end of which is electrically connected to the circuit board PCB, and the other end is exposed in the mating space of the first lower housing 121. The wire-end connector is configured to connect a first cable CB1 and includes a busbar terminal B1, a first upper housing 123, a first top cover 124, and a pull ring 125. The first upper housing 123 and the first top cover 124 can engage with each other to form a line-end housing to accommodate bus terminal B1. Bus terminal B1 includes an integrally formed cylindrical structure and a plate-like structure. The cylindrical structure has a mating groove, which is a recess extending in the Z direction and forming an opening at one (or both) end of the cylindrical structure. The plate-like structure extends from one side of the cylindrical structure in the X direction and is perpendicular to the central axis of the mating groove. The plate-like structures of the two bus terminals B1 are electrically connected to the positive power cable group and the negative power cable group of the first cable CB1, respectively. The line-end connector may further include bus terminal B2. Bus terminal B2 is also a plate-like structure, which is fixed to bus terminal B1 by a locking part SW to increase the conductive cross-sectional area. A crown spring CY can be fitted into the mating groove of bus terminal B1 to increase the contact area between the terminals when mating with the plate-end connector.
[0036] Please refer to Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the first upper housing 123 includes a protrusion 1232, a bracket 1234, and a fastener LT. The protrusion 1232 is disposed on the outer surface of the first upper housing 123. The bracket 1234 is spaced apart from the protrusion 1232. The fastener LT is disposed on the surface of one side of the wire end housing (i.e., the first upper housing 123), and the pull ring 125 is rotatably disposed on the adjacent other side. The two ends of the fastener LT swing relative to the surface of the first upper housing 123. Specifically, the fastener LT includes a fixing part FX, an elastic arm AR, a pressing part PR, and a hook HK. The fixing part FX is disposed on the surface of the first upper housing 123. The elastic arm AR is connected to the fixing part FX and extends parallel to the surface of the first upper housing 123. The pressing part PR is located at the end of the elastic arm AR near the pull ring 125, and in the Y direction, the width of the pressing part PR is greater than the width of the elastic arm AR. The latch HK is located at the end of the elastic arm AR away from the pull ring 125. The first top cover 124 includes a central latch 1244 and a receiving latch SH with an opening H. The central latch 1244 engages with the bracket 1234. The opening H engages with the protrusion 1232. The pull ring 125 includes a ring portion 1252, a shaft portion 1254, and a finger portion 1255. The shaft portion 1254 connects to the ring portion 1252. The finger portion 1255 connects to the shaft portion 1254. The shaft portion 1254 pivotally engages with the central latch 1244, allowing the pull ring 125 to rotate relative to the central latch 1244. When the wire-end connector mates with the board-end connector, the first upper housing 123 engages with the first lower housing 121, causing the latch LT to engage with the opening OP. At this time, the first conductive terminal 122 passes through the mating groove of the bus terminal B1 and is electrically connected to the bus terminal B1 through the crown spring CY.
[0037] Please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a top view of a first connector assembly 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the first top cover 124 further includes a cover body 1241 and a plurality of side plates 1242. Specifically, the plurality of side plates 1242 are connected to the cover body 1241. A plurality of openings H of the plurality of side plates 1242 engage with a plurality of protrusions 1232 of the first upper housing 123. The latching member LT further includes a guide portion 1235. The guide portion 1235 is located on the side of the latching member LT near the pull ring 125, i.e., on the pressing portion PR. The guide portion 1235 is configured to guide the movement of the fingers 1255 of the pull ring 125 and abuts against them. Please refer to Figure 8, the guide portion 1235 has an arcuate surface 1235a and a plane 1235b connecting the arcuate surface 1235a. The shaft portion 1254 of the pull ring 125 is pivotally connected to the intermediate hook 1244, and the hook 1244 is engaged with the ring portion 1252 of the pull ring 125 to fix the pull ring 125, thereby preventing the pull ring 125 from rotating. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the bracket 1234 has a notch. The intermediate hook 1244 is accommodated in the notch of the bracket 1234.
[0038] The structure and operation of the first connector assembly 120 in different states will be described in detail below.
[0039] Please refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector assembly 120 in a first state (mating state) S1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that Figures 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views of the first connector assembly 120 drawn based on the section line A-A' in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the first upper housing 123 and the first top cover 124 together define the accommodating space AS. The accommodating space AS accommodates the bus terminal B1 and the bus terminal B2. At this time, the portion of the first conductive terminal 122 is inserted into the mating groove of the bus terminal B1. When the first connector assembly 120 is in the first state S1, the pull ring 125 is horizontally attached to the cover body 1241 of the first top cover 124, and the accommodating hook SH engages with the ring portion 1252 of the pull ring 125. The latching member LT extends parallel to the surface of the first upper housing 123, and the latch HK engages with the opening OP, so that the wire end connector of the first connector assembly 120 is stably mated with the board end connector. At this time, the finger 1255 does not need to contact the guide 1235.
[0040] Please refer to Figures 9 and 10. Figures 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views showing the first connector assembly 120 in a second state (rotation state) S2 and a third state (unlocked state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, when the first connector assembly 120 is in the second state S2, the ring portion 1252 of the pull ring 125 disengages from the receiving hook SH and rotates relative to the shaft portion 1254 away from the first top cover 124. The user can insert their finger into the ring portion 1252 and pull the ring portion 1252 upward while rotating the pull ring 125. At the same time, the finger portion 1255 moves along the arc surface 1235a of the guide portion 1235. More specifically, when the first connector assembly 120 changes from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the finger portion 1255 enters a guide groove of the guide portion 1235. In some embodiments, the finger 1255 moves along the arc surface 1235a of the guide 1235 and reaches the plane 1235b.
[0041] Next, please refer to Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the ring 1252 rotates further away from the first top cover 124, causing the latch LT to be moved. Specifically, when the first connector assembly 120 changes from the second state S2 to the third state S3, the finger 1255 interferes with the guide 1235, and when the finger 1255 presses against the plane 1235b of the guide 1235, the end of the latch LT near the pull ring 125 moves toward the surface of the first upper housing 123, and the end of the latch LT away from the pull ring 125 moves away from the surface of the first upper housing 123, thereby causing the hook HK to disengage from the opening OP. In this case, the user can pull the pull ring 125 upward to remove the first upper housing 123 from the first lower housing 121, thus separating the wire connector from the board connector.
[0042] Please refer to Figure 11. Figure 11 is an exploded view of a second connector assembly 130 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the second connector assembly 130 includes a wire-end connector and a board-end connector. The board-end connector includes a second lower housing 131, a second conductive terminal 132A, and a second conductive terminal 132B. The second lower housing 131 includes a bottom surface and a side wall. The side wall extends upward from one side of the bottom surface. The side wall has an opening OP. The second lower housing 131 also includes a positioning post 1312. The positioning post 1312 extends upward from the area of the bottom surface near the side wall. The second conductive terminal 132A and the second conductive terminal 132B are arranged diagonally on the second lower housing 131. One end of the second conductive terminal 132A and the second conductive terminal 132B is located below the bottom surface and configured to be electrically connected to a circuit board, while the other end of the second conductive terminal 132A and the second conductive terminal 132B is located above the bottom surface and parallel to the positioning post 1312. The wire connector includes a second upper housing 133, bus terminals B3A and B3B, and a second top cover 134. Bus terminals B3A and B3B each comprise an integrally formed cylindrical structure and a plate-like structure. The plate-like structures of bus terminals B3A and B3B are electrically connected to the positive and negative power cable groups of the second cable CB2, respectively. The cylindrical structure has a mating groove extending in the Z direction. The plate-like structure extends from the side of the cylindrical structure and is parallel to the central axis of the mating groove. The mating groove of bus terminal B3A is configured to receive a second conductive terminal 132A. The mating groove of bus terminal B3B is configured to receive a second conductive terminal 132B. The second upper housing 133 and the second lower housing 131 are interlocking. The second upper housing 133 includes a latching member LT. The latching member LT includes a fixing part FX, a resilient arm AR, a pressing part PR, and a hook HK. The hook HK is configured to engage with the opening OP. The second upper housing 133 has a positioning channel 1332. The positioning channel 1332 is configured to accommodate the positioning post 1312. The second upper housing 133 accommodates bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B, and the second top cover 134 covers the second upper housing 133, thereby fixing the bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B within the second upper housing 133.
[0043] Please refer to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the second upper housing 133, bus terminal B3A, and bus terminal B3B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the positioning channel 1332 is electrically isolated from both bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B. Bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B have a protrusion on their opposite sides. When bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B are arranged diagonally in the second upper housing 133, the protrusion can position bus terminal B3A and bus terminal B3B. The second upper housing 133 has three connected sides, including a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a third side connecting the first side and the second side. The third side has an opening, which serves as a cable outlet. The plate-like structures of bus terminals B3A and B3B are located at the cable outlet and connected to the second cable CB2. The snap-fit element LT is located on the third side. Bus terminals B3A and B3B partially overlap in a direction parallel to the first and second sides (i.e., direction Z). This ensures that the volume of the second connector assembly 130 can be reduced, thereby improving space utilization.
[0044] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it can be clearly seen that in the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the lower contact portion of the inner terminal and the upper contact portion of the outer terminal of the bus connector are separated from each other, the resistance when the bus connector is combined with the bus bus can be reduced when the bus bus is inserted into the bus connector. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the first base of the inner terminal, the bus, and the second base of the outer terminal are fixed to each other, and the support rib protrudes toward the inner terminal, the support rib can be used to abut the inner terminal, which may move inward, when the bus connector is combined with the bus bus, thereby achieving the effect of stabilizing the structure of the conductive terminal. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the pull ring of the first connector can drive the latching member to swing relative to the surface of the first upper housing, the user can perform the insertion and removal of the connector with less effort. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, since the two bus terminals of the second connector are arranged diagonally in the second upper housing, and the two bus terminals partially overlap in one direction, the volume of the second connector can be reduced. In the connector assembly disclosed herein, because the lengths of the first cable and the second cable are different, the first connector and the second connector are offset from each other when viewed from above, so that the first connector and the second connector will not interfere with each other, thereby making it easier for the user to operate the first connector and the second connector. In summary, the connector assembly disclosed herein not only improves the structural stability of the conductive terminals in the bus connector, but also increases the ease with which the user can perform connector insertion and removal.
[0045] Although the present disclosure has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0022] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described as follows: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a bus connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a bus connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a bus connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a bus connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a first connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 shows a top view of a first connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure in a first state. Figures 9 and 10 show exploded perspective views of the first connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure in a second state and a third state, respectively. Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a second connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a second upper housing and bus terminals according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Biomaterial Storage]
[0047] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.
Claims
1. A connector assembly comprising: a bus connector including: a base; two extensions extending parallel to and spaced apart from the base, the two extensions defining a groove with the base; and a wing disposed between the base and the two extensions, the two sides of the wing being flush with opposite sides of the base and extending to another opposite side of the base, wherein the wing includes a lower wing and an upper wing, and an elongated slot is located between the lower wing and the upper wing, wherein the bus connector further includes two power terminal groups located on both sides of the groove and configured to electrically connect to a busbar inserted into the groove; a first terminal connector electrically connected to the bus connector; a second terminal connector electrically connected to the bus connector; a first cable connecting the bus connector and the first terminal connector; and a second cable connecting the bus connector and the second terminal connector. One end of the first cable and one end of the second cable are connected to the bus connector, and the length of one of the first cables is different from the length of one of the second cables.
2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two power terminal groups further comprise: an inner terminal comprising a plurality of spring arms, wherein adjacent spring arms of the inner terminal have a gap, and the ratio of the width of one of the spring arms of the inner terminal to the width of one of the gaps is 7:3 or greater; and an outer terminal comprising a plurality of spring arms, wherein adjacent spring arms of the outer terminal have a gap, and the ratio of the width of one of the spring arms of the outer terminal to the width of one of the gaps is 7:3 or greater.
3. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first wire connector includes two bus terminals, each of the two bus terminals of the first wire connector including an integrally formed cylindrical structure and a plate structure, the plate structure being electrically connected to the two power terminal groups respectively through the first cable.
4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second wire connector comprises: two bus terminals; a second housing for receiving the two bus terminals of the second wire connector, wherein the two bus terminals of the second wire connector are disposed diagonally in the second housing; and a second top cover for covering the second housing.
5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second housing has a first side, a second side, a third side and a snap fastener, the first side and the second side are disposed opposite each other, the third side connects the first side and the second side, the snap fastener is disposed on the third side, and the two bus terminals of the second wire connector partially overlap in a direction parallel to one of the first sides.
6. A connector assembly comprising: a bus connector; a first terminal connector electrically connected to the bus connector, the first terminal connector comprising: a terminal housing; a latching member disposed on a first side of the terminal housing, the latching member being oscillating relative to a surface of the first side; and a pull ring rotatably disposed on a second side adjacent to the first side, wherein when the pull ring is rotated to an unlocked state, one end of the pull ring presses against the latching member to cause the latching member to oscillate; a second terminal connector electrically connected to the bus connector; a first cable connecting the bus connector and the first terminal connector; and a second cable connecting the bus connector and the second terminal connector, wherein one end of the first cable and one end of the second cable are connected to the bus connector, and wherein the length of one end of the first cable is different from the length of one end of the second cable.
7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the latching member further comprises: a fixing portion disposed on the first side; a resilient arm connected to the fixing portion and extending parallel to the surface of the first side; a pressing portion located at one end of the resilient arm near the pull ring; and a hook located at one end of the resilient arm away from the pull ring.
8. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the snap-fit member includes a guide portion in which the end of the pull ring moves within the guide portion when the pull ring is rotated.
9. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pull ring includes a finger at the end of the pull ring, and when the finger presses a plane of the guide portion, the pressing portion moves toward the surface of the first side of the wire end housing, so that the hook moves toward the surface away from the first side of the wire end housing.
10. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the wire end housing further includes a receiving hook on the second side for engaging the other end of the pull ring to secure the pull ring.
11. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second side further has an intermediate hook, the pull ring includes a ring portion, a shaft portion and a finger portion, the shaft portion being connected to the ring portion, the finger portion being connected to the shaft portion, and the shaft portion being pivotally connected to the intermediate hook to allow the pull ring to rotate relative to the intermediate hook.
12. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first wire connector includes two bus terminals, each of the two bus terminals of the first wire connector including an integrally formed cylindrical structure and a plate structure, the plate structure being electrically connected to the two power terminal groups respectively through the first cable.
13. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second wire connector comprises: two bus terminals; a second housing for receiving the two bus terminals of the second wire connector, wherein the two bus terminals of the second wire connector are diagonally disposed in the second housing; and a second top cover for covering the second housing.
14. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second housing has a first side, a second side, a third side and a snap fastener, the first side being disposed opposite to the second side, the third side being connected to the first side and the second side, the snap fastener being disposed on the third side, and the two bus terminals of the second wire connector partially overlapping in a direction parallel to one of the first sides.
Citation Information
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