Busbar assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a busbar assembly, the busbar assembly comprising a busbar and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the busbar, each terminal being formed by laminating a plurality of sheet members and having a first end and an opposite second end. Wherein, the busbar assembly further includes a terminal fixing member, the terminal fixing member being independent of the busbar and the terminals. Each terminal is fixed to the terminal fixing member by a first snap mechanism, and the terminal fixing member is fixed to the busbar by a second snap mechanism, so that the terminals are fixed to and electrically connected to the busbar. The busbar assembly of the present invention improves electrical reliability and safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly, to a bus bar assembly. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the signal or current transmission between traditional bus bars and relays used in motor vehicles is achieved by directly stamping tuning forks or female terminals on the bus bar. Due to the stamping processability, the contact points on the bus bar manufactured in this way are only point or line contacts. Therefore, the transmission stability and efficiency are not good.

[0003] In response to this, a bus bar has been developed on the market, which has stacked terminals that are directly mechanically joined to the bus bar. Such a bus bar assembly has significantly improved transmission stability and efficiency compared to a bus bar with stamped terminals. However, the existing bus bar assembly will have problems with loose connection during use, especially in an application environment with vibration.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing bus bar to provide a bus bar more suitable for use in a vibration environment such as a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a bus bar assembly, which includes a bus bar and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the bus bar. Each terminal is formed by stacking a plurality of sheet pieces and has a first end and an opposite second end. Among them, the bus bar assembly further includes a terminal fixing member that is independent of the bus bar and the terminals. Each terminal is fixed to the terminal fixing member through a first snap mechanism, and the terminal fixing member is fixed to the bus bar through a second snap mechanism, so that the terminal is fixed to the bus bar and electrically connected.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the terminal fixing member is formed in the shape of a clip, and the terminal fixing member has a first clamping plate portion, a second clamping plate portion, and an end plate portion. One end of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion is interconnected through the end plate portion, and the other end forms an open end allowing the second end of the terminal to be inserted. And a space for accommodating the terminal is formed between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion.

[0007] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the first snap mechanism includes a latching recess located on the side of the second end of the terminal and a tab formed in the terminal fixing member. The end plate portion forms a through hole, and the tab is formed on the opposite side portion of the through hole.

[0008] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the first snap mechanism includes a latching portion located on the side of the terminal and a latching hole in the terminal fixing member. Opposite two side portions of the end plate portion of the terminal fixing member are integrally attached with lugs, and the latching hole is formed in the lugs.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, two outwardly angled tabs are respectively formed on the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion of the terminal fixing member.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the width of the open end between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in the free state before the insertion of the terminal is smaller than the thickness of the stacked terminals.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the bus bar and the terminals are made of copper or copper alloy, and the terminal fixing member is made of stainless steel.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the sheets of the stacked terminals have the same thickness and are press-fitted together through bosses and recesses, and the bosses and the cavities are respectively formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the two sheets.

[0013] According to the bus bar assembly of the present invention, the stacked terminals are firmly connected to the bus bar through the terminal fixing member, so that the mechanical and electrical performance of the assembly is stable, and no problem of poor electrical contact will occur during the use of the bus bar. On the other hand, the stacked terminals reduce the contact resistance of the contact points and improve the transmission of signals / currents.

[0014] In addition, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention is applicable to the automated manufacturing process, with high productivity and stable product quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the drawings, and the drawings are:

[0016] Figure 1A An assembled perspective view of a stacked terminal of a bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1B An assembled perspective view of the stacked terminal and the fixing member in the bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1C A perspective view of the fixing member in the bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2A An assembled perspective view of a stacked terminal of a bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2B An assembled perspective view of the stacked terminal and the fixing member in the bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2C A perspective view of the fixing member in the bus bar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of the stacked terminals in the bus bar assembly to which the first and second preferred embodiments are applicable is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view of a part of the bus bar is shown.

[0024] List of reference numerals

[0025] 1, 1' bus bar assembly

[0026] 10 bus bar

[0027] 11 hole

[0028] 20 terminal

[0029] 21 first end

[0030] 22 second end

[0031] 23 recess

[0032] 25 engaging portion

[0033] 30, 30' terminal fixing member

[0034] 31, 31' first clamping portion

[0035] 32, 32' second clamping portion

[0036] 33, 33' end plate portion

[0037] 34 through hole

[0038] 35 engaging tab

[0039] 36' lug

[0040] 37' engaging hole

[0041] 38, 38' tab Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0042] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is clearly capable of being implemented in many other ways different from this description. Those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations and deductions according to the actual application situation without departing from the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.

[0043] Figure 1AThe assembled perspective view of the bus bar assembly 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bus bar assembly 1 includes a bus bar 10, a plurality of stacked terminals 20, and a plurality of terminal fixing members 30 for fixing each stacked terminal 20 to the bus bar 10. It can be understood that Figure 1A only a section of the bus bar assembly 1 is shown in, which includes only one terminal 20, but the actual bus bar assembly 1 includes a plurality of terminals 20, which are fixed to the same bus bar 10 through their respective terminal fixing members 30, and the number of terminals 20 can be flexibly set according to the actual application requirements of the bus bar assembly 1.

[0044] Figure 3 The perspective view of a terminal 20 adapted to be assembled on the bus bar 10 is shown. As can be seen from Figure 3 the terminal 20 is formed by stacking three pieces. The three pieces have the same shape, which is roughly fork-shaped, with a fork-shaped first end 21 for connecting to a mating terminal and a second end 22 assembled into the bus bar 10. The pieces can be crimped together, for example, having matching bosses and cavities on their mutually contacting surfaces. Through the interference fit of the bosses and cavities, these pieces are stacked together and are not easily loosened. Each piece of the stacked terminal 20 preferably has the same thickness, for example, about 0.2 mm. The stacked terminal 20 is usually made of copper or copper alloy material.

[0045] In other alternative embodiments, other shapes of stacked terminals 20 other than fork-shaped can also be conceived, such as ring-shaped, sheet-shaped, etc. In addition, the thickness and number of the stacked sheets can also be selected according to needs.

[0046] Specifically, the stacked terminal 20 and the bus bar 10 are connected through the terminal fixing member 30. As shown in Figure 1C the terminal fixing member 30 is a separate part, and it realizes the installation of the stacked terminal 20 to the bus bar 10 by respectively engaging with the stacked terminal 20 and the bus bar 10. Specifically, the terminal fixing member 30 is snap-fixed to the stacked terminal 20 through a first snap mechanism, and the terminal fixing member 30 is also snap-fixed into the bus bar 10 through a second snap mechanism.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1B the first snap mechanism includes a snap recess 23 formed in the stacked terminal 20 and a snap tab 35 formed in the terminal fixing member 30.

[0048] Figure 3 As shown in, the snap recess 23 is formed on the opposite side of the second end 22 of the stacked terminal 20, and this side refers to the side along the stacking direction. Each stacked sheet in the terminal 20 has a part of the snap recess 23 and they are aligned with each other. Preferably, the snap recess 23 is formed over the entire stacking thickness of the stacked sheet. In addition, as can be seen from Figure 3It can also be seen that a stepped portion is further formed on the opposite side portion of the terminal 20.

[0049] Figure 1C The shape of the terminal fixing member 30 having the tab 35 is shown. The terminal fixing member 30 in the first embodiment is formed by an integral sheet, and preferably made of stainless steel material by stamping. The integral sheet is bent to form the shape of a clip. Specifically, the terminal fixing member 30 has a first clamping plate portion 31, a second clamping plate portion 32, and an end plate portion 33. A receiving space for inserting the terminal 20 is formed between the first clamping plate portion 31 and the second clamping plate portion 32. One end of the first clamping plate portion 31 and the second clamping plate portion 32 is interconnected by the end plate portion 33, and the other end forms an open end. A through hole 34 is formed in the end plate portion 33, and engaging tabs 35 are formed on the opposite side portions of the through hole 34, and they extend facing each other. As Figure 1B shown, when the second end 22 of the stacked terminal 20 is inserted into the through hole 34, the engaging tab 35 is snapped together with the recess 23. The width of the engaging tab 35 is preferably substantially equal to the total thickness of the stacked terminal 20. In this way, when the engaging tab 35 of the terminal fixing member 30 engages with the engaging recess 23 on the terminal 20, each sheet in the stacked terminal 20 can be directly engaged with the terminal fixing member 30.

[0050] Furthermore, the terminal fixing member 30 is further fixed to the hole 11 formed in the bus bar 10 by a second snap mechanism. As Figure 4 shown, a rectangular hole 11 is formed in the bus bar 10. The long side of the hole 11 is adapted to engage with the terminal fixing member 30, and the short side of the hole 11 is adapted to directly contact the terminal 20 to achieve electrical connection. As Figure 1C shown, two outwardly protruding tabs 38 are respectively formed on the first clamping plate portion 31 and the second clamping plate portion 32 of the terminal fixing member 30. They are usually formed by stamping. One end of the tab 38 is integrally formed with the clamping plate portion 31, and the other end is bent outward and protrudes from the outer surface of the clamping plate portion.

[0051] During the installation of the bus bar assembly 1 in the first embodiment, first, the second end 22 of the stacked terminal 20 is inserted into the open end of the terminal fixing member 30 and passed through the through hole 34 until the engaging recess 23 on the stacked terminal 20 engages with the engaging tab 35 in the through hole 34. Then, the first end 21 of the stacked terminal 20 is inserted into the hole 11 on the bus bar 10, so that the outwardly protruding engaging tabs 35 on the first clamping plate portion 31 and the second clamping plate portion 32 elastically deform and pass through the through hole 34, and then return to their original positions. At this time, the tab 38 abuts against one surface of the bus bar 10, and at the same time, the stepped portion on the side of the stacked terminal 20 abuts against the other surface of the bus bar 10. At this time, the assembly between one stacked terminal 20 and the bus bar 10 is completed.

[0052] Adopting the bus bar assembly 1 of the first embodiment, the connection reliability between the stacked terminals 20 and the bus bar 10 is high, and the electrical performance is correspondingly improved.

[0053] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Fig. shows the bus bar assembly 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The bus bar assembly 1 also includes a bus bar 10, a plurality of stacked terminals 20, and a plurality of terminal fixing members 30' for fixing each stacked terminal 20 to the bus bar 10. In the bus bar assembly 1 of the second embodiment, the bus bar 10 and the stacked terminals 20 are the same as those in the first embodiment and will not be described herein again.

[0054] The terminal fixing member 30' is snap-fixed to the stacked terminal 20 through a first snap mechanism, and the terminal fixing member 30' is further snap-fixed to the bus bar 10 through a second snap mechanism. As can be seen from Figure 2B in the second embodiment, the second snap mechanism includes an engaging portion formed in the stacked terminal 20 and an engaging hole formed in the terminal fixing member 30.

[0055] In the terminal 20 as shown in Figure 3 , the engaging portion 25 is formed on the side of the second end of the terminal 20. In this preferred embodiment, the engaging portion 25 is formed by means of the cooperation of the concave portion 23 formed on the side of the terminal 20 and the chamfer at the second end 22.

[0056] Figure 2C Fig. shows the terminal fixing member 30' of the second embodiment. Specifically, the terminal fixing member 30' in this second embodiment is also formed by a one-piece sheet, and preferably can be stamped from a stainless steel material. The integral sheet is bent into the shape of a clip. Specifically, the terminal fixing member 30' has a first clamping plate portion 31', a second clamping plate portion 32', and an end plate portion 33'. An accommodation space for inserting the terminal 20 is formed between the first clamping plate portion 31' and the second clamping plate portion 32'. One end of the first clamping plate portion 31' and the second clamping plate portion 32' is interconnected by the end plate portion 33', and the other end forms an open end. In the second embodiment, convex ears 36' are integrally attached to the opposite two sides of the end plate portion 33'. The convex ears 36' are bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the end plate portion 33', and an engaging hole 37' is formed on the convex ears 36'.

[0057] Furthermore, the terminal fixing member 30' is further fixed to the hole 11 formed in the bus bar 10 through the second snap mechanism. As shown in Figure 2CAs shown, two outwardly extending angular protrusions 38' are formed on the first clamping plate portion 31' and the second clamping plate portion 32' of the terminal fixing member 30', respectively. They are usually formed by stamping. One end of the protrusion 38' is formed integrally with the clamping plate portions 31' and 32', and the other end is bent outward and protrudes from the outer surface of the clamping plate portions 31' and 32'. Similarly, the protrusion 38' is also suitable for Figure 4 The bus bar 10 shown is formed with a hole 11 therein.

[0058] During the installation of the busbar assembly 1 of the second embodiment, the second end 22 of the laminated terminal 20 is first inserted into the open end of the terminal fixing member 30', and the protrusion on the laminated terminal 20 is directly engaged with the engaging hole 37' on the side of the terminal fixing member 30'. Then, the first end 21 of the laminated terminal 20 is inserted into the hole 11 on the busbar 10, so that the protruding piece 38' on the first clamping plate portion 31' and the second clamping plate portion 32' elastically deforms through the hole 11 and then returns to its original position. At this time, the protruding piece 38' abuts against one surface of the busbar 10, and at the same time, the step portion on the side of the laminated terminal 20 abuts against the other surface of the busbar 10.

[0059] Compared to Figure 1C The terminal fixing member 30, Figure 2C The first buckle mechanism of the terminal fixing member 30 ′ has a greater overall strength, and the terminal 20 is less likely to fall out during use, and has better reliability, and is particularly suitable for applications where a large force is applied to the terminal 20 .

[0060] Preferably, the accommodation space between the first clamping plate portion 31, 31' and the second clamping plate portion 32, 32' can be slightly smaller than the thickness of the terminal 20 in a free state before the terminal 20 is inserted. During installation, the two clamping plates can be spread apart by tools or automated equipment to facilitate the insertion of the stacked terminal 20.

[0061] According to the busbar assembly 1, 1' of the present invention, the laminated terminal 20 is securely connected to the busbar through the terminal fixing member 30, 30', so that the mechanical and electrical performance of the assembly 1, 1' is stable, and the problem of poor electrical contact will not occur during the use of the busbar. On the other hand, the laminated terminal 20 reduces the contact resistance of the contact point and improves the transmission of signals / current.

[0062] In addition, the busbar assemblies 1, 1' according to the present invention are suitable for automated manufacturing processes, with high productivity and stable product quality.

[0063] Although the present invention is disclosed above in preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all modifications, equivalent changes and decorations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A busbar assembly, the busbar assembly comprising a busbar and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the busbar, each of the terminals being formed by laminating a plurality of sheets and having a first end and an opposite second end, Characterized in that, the busbar assembly further comprises a terminal fixing member, the terminal fixing member being independent of the busbar and the terminals, each of the terminals being fixed to the terminal fixing member by a first snap mechanism, and the terminal fixing member being fixed to the busbar by a second snap mechanism, so that the terminals are fixed to and electrically connected to the busbar, the terminal fixing member being formed in the shape of a clip, the terminal fixing member having a first clamping plate portion, a second clamping plate portion and an end plate portion, one end of the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion being interconnected by the end plate portion, and the other end forming an open end allowing the second end of the terminal to be inserted, and a space for accommodating the terminal being formed between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion.

2. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first snap mechanism comprises a latching recess located on a side portion of the second end of the terminal and a latching tab formed in the terminal fixing member. The end plate portion forms a through hole, and the latching tab is formed on opposite side portions of the through hole.

3. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first snap mechanism comprises a latching portion located on a side portion of the terminal and a latching hole in the terminal fixing member. Opposite side portions of the end plate portion of the terminal fixing member are integrally attached with lugs, and the latching hole is formed in the lugs.

4. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Two outwardly angled tabs are respectively formed on the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion of the terminal fixing member.

5. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the open end between the first clamping plate portion and the second clamping plate portion in the free state before the terminal is inserted is smaller than the thickness of the laminated terminal.

6. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein The busbar and the terminals are made of copper or a copper alloy, and the terminal fixing member is made of stainless steel.

7. The bus bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sheets of the laminated terminal have the same thickness and are pressed together by bosses and cavities, the bosses and the cavities being respectively formed on surfaces of the two sheets facing each other.

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