A self-shorting connector

Abstract

The present application discloses a self-short-circuiting connector, comprising: an insulating core; a plurality of plug-in terminals placed in the insulating core, which are placed in corresponding terminal holes of the insulating core, each of the plug-in terminals being formed by bending a metal sheet, comprising a wiring base and a plug-in portion, the plug-in portion being connected to the wiring base and extending outward from the wiring base, the plug-in terminal further comprising a side leg structure, the side leg structure extending from the wiring base, and an extension direction of the side leg structure and an extension direction of the plug-in portion being roughly parallel, the plug-in portion of the plug-in terminal being located in the terminal hole of the insulating core, and the side leg structure being located outside the terminal hole of the insulating core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device, in particular to a self-short-circuit connector with a novel structure. Background Art

[0002] In some electrical connection applications, connectors are required to have a self-shorting function to enhance system safety. Connectors with this automatic shorting function are often referred to as "self-shorting connectors." Self-shorting connectors can automatically short and release short circuits, depending on the intended use. In other words, when the mated connectors are separated, the shorting mechanism activates, shorting the connector contacts and housing, creating a self-shorting state. When the connectors are mated, the shorting mechanism automatically releases the short circuit, restoring the connection to its normal state.

[0003] Classification and characteristics of self-shorting connectors: Based on the number of electrical contacts in the connector, they can be divided into single-core self-shorting connectors and multi-core self-shorting connectors. The self-shorting structure of multi-core self-shorting connectors not only achieves automatic short circuiting between the contacts and the housing, but also between the contacts.

[0004] In the prior art, a separate shorting structure (eg, an elastic shorting piece) is often used to connect two pins to achieve two-position self-shorting. An extended shorting structure can achieve multiple-position self-shorting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a self-shorting connector with a novel structure, which can effectively reduce the contact resistance during self-shorting and reduce the number of parts and the complexity of the core structure in two-position self-shorting applications.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a self-shorting connector is proposed, comprising: an insulating core; a plurality of plug-in terminals placed in the insulating core, which are placed in corresponding terminal holes of the insulating core, each of the plug-in terminals being formed by bending a metal sheet, comprising a wiring base and a plug-in portion, the plug-in portion being connected to the wiring base and extending outward from the wiring base, the plug-in terminal further comprising a side leg structure, the side leg structure extending from the wiring base, and an extension direction of the side leg structure and an extension direction of the plug-in portion being roughly parallel, the plug-in portion of the plug-in terminal being located in the terminal hole of the insulating core, and the side leg structure being located outside the terminal hole of the insulating core.

[0007] In the aforementioned scheme of the self-shorting connector, the plurality of plug-in terminals include one or more plug-in terminal pairs, each plug-in terminal pair includes two plug-in terminals placed symmetrically in space, and the side leg structures of the two plug-in terminals are opposite to each other and can contact to form an electrical connection.

[0008] The aforementioned scheme of the self-shorting connector further includes a jumper shorting piece, which can electrically connect the side leg structures of the plug-in terminals placed adjacent to each other.

[0009] The aforementioned self-shorting connector solution further includes a jumper shorting piece, which can jumper two or more plug-in terminal pairs placed adjacent to each other.

[0010] In the aforementioned scheme of the self-shorting connector, the end of the side leg structure includes a shorting arc portion, and the shorting arc portion is constructed to gradually move away from the plug-in portion along an arc line and then return to form a tail hook.

[0011] In the aforementioned scheme of the self-short-circuiting connector, the wiring base is constructed as a frame formed by a substrate and walls located at both ends of the substrate, and the leg structure is connected to the first wall at one end of the substrate and extends from the wall.

[0012] In the aforementioned solution of the self-short-circuiting connector, the frame of the wiring base is a wiring frame.

[0013] In the aforementioned solution of the self-short-circuiting connector, the side leg structure is constructed as an elastic arm structure.

[0014] In the aforementioned scheme of the self-short-circuiting connector, the maximum distance between the end of the side leg structure and the axis of the plug-in portion is greater than the distance between the first wall and the axis of the plug-in portion.

[0015] In the aforementioned solution of the self-short-circuiting connector, the plug-in terminal is a pin terminal or a socket terminal.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is proposed, which includes the above-mentioned self-shorting connector and a connector that mates with the self-shorting connector, wherein an insulating partition is provided in the insulating core of the mating connector, which is used to intervene between the side leg structures of the two plug-in terminals of each plug-in terminal pair when the self-shorting connector and the mating connector are plugged into place.

[0017] In the above-mentioned solution of the connector assembly, a groove is provided on the upper end of the insulating partition of the mating connector.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plug-in terminal is proposed, which is formed by bending a metal sheet. The plug-in terminal includes a wiring base and a plug-in portion, wherein the plug-in portion is connected to the wiring base and extends outward from the wiring base. The plug-in terminal also includes a side leg structure, which extends from the wiring base, and the extension direction of the side leg structure is roughly parallel to the extension direction of the plug-in portion.

[0019] In the above-mentioned solution of the plug-in terminal, the wiring base is constructed as a frame formed by a substrate and walls located at both ends of the substrate, and the side leg structure is connected to the first wall at one end of the substrate and extends from the wall.

[0020] In the above-mentioned solution of the plug-in terminal, the frame of the wiring base is a wiring frame.

[0021] In the above-mentioned solution of the plug-in terminal, the end portion of the side leg structure is constructed to gradually move away from the plug-in portion along an arc line and then return to form a tail hook.

[0022] In the above-mentioned solution of the plug-in terminal, the plug-in portion of the plug-in terminal is a pin or a socket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a self-short-circuiting connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the plug-in terminals in the self-shorting connector shown.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the positional structural relationship of multiple plug-in terminals and jumper short-circuit pieces.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the structure shown.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Top view of the structure shown.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the mating pin terminals in a self-shorting connector is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the self-shorting connector and the mating connector shown in the mated state.

[0030] Figure 8 show Figure 2 The wiring method of the plug-in terminal is shown.

[0031] Some reference numerals:

[0032] 10 Lid

[0033] 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D plug terminals

[0034] 30 Insulation core

[0035] 40 pairs of insulated cores

[0036] 50 pairs of insulated cores

[0037] 80 jumper short circuit piece

[0038] 100 Self-shorting connector

[0039] 200 pairs of connectors

[0040] 210 Wiring base

[0041] 211 substrate

[0042] 212 First Wall

[0043] 213 Second Wall

[0044] 220 connector

[0045] 230, 230A, 230B side leg structure

[0046] 235 short circuit arc

[0047] 240 wire pressing spring

[0048] 250 Push Block

[0049] 510 Insulation partition DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments may be implemented without one or more specific details or with other replacement and / or additional methods, materials or components. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, for the purpose of explanation, specific quantities, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented without the specific details. In addition, it should be understood that the various embodiments shown in the drawings are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0051] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a self-shorting connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1A connector assembly is shown, which includes a self-shorting connector 100 and a mating connector 200 that can be plugged together. The self-shorting connector 100 may include a cover 10, a plurality of plug terminals 20, an insulating core 30, and a shorting jumper 80. The mating connector 200 includes a mating insulating core 40 and a plurality of mating plug terminals 50. Although not shown, it will be understood that the plug terminals 20 can be placed into corresponding terminal cavities in the insulating core 30, and the mating plug terminals 50 can be placed into corresponding terminal cavities in the mating insulating core 40.

[0053] Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the plug terminal 20 is shown as a socket terminal, and the mating plug terminal 50 is shown as a pin terminal. When the insulating core 30 and the mating insulating core 40 are inserted into each other, the socket terminal and the pin terminal are plugged together to form an electrical connection.

[0054] Figure 1 In the embodiment, the self-shorting function of the self-shorting connector 100 is at least partially achieved by a specific configuration of the plug-in terminal 20 . Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the plug-in terminal 20 in the self-shorting connector 100 is shown as an example to illustrate the details of this specific structure. Specifically, Figure 2 The plug-in terminal 20 shown may be a structure formed by bending a single metal sheet multiple times, and includes a wiring base 210 and a plug-in portion 220 , wherein the wiring base 210 and the plug-in portion 220 are connected structures. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the plug-in portion 220 is configured to extend along the plug-in direction (wire-in direction) of the plug-in terminal.

[0055] The terminal base 210 is constructed as a frame formed by a base plate 211 and a first wall 212 and a second wall 213 at its ends. A leg structure 230 is connected to the first wall 212 at one end of the base plate 211 and extends from the first wall 212. The leg structure 230 extends in a direction generally parallel to the direction of extension of the plug portion 220, that is, along the direction of insertion of the plug terminal.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the leg structure 230 is preferably constructed as a spring arm structure. The elasticity of the spring arm is conducive to forming a reliable electrical contact.

[0057] The leg structure 230 can be roughly a long, narrow metal sheet, with the surface of the metal sheet being substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base plate 211. A shorting arc 235 is formed at the end of the leg structure 230. This shorting arc 235 is structurally configured to gradually move away from the plug-in portion 220 along an arc and then return to form a tail hook 236. In other words, the distance between the shorting arc 235 and the axis of the plug-in portion 220 along the extension direction of the leg structure 230 (the direction of insertion of the plug-in terminal) first gradually increases and then gradually decreases.

[0058] To ensure that the leg structure 230 fully realizes its self-shorting function, the maximum distance between the end of the leg structure 230 and the axis of the plug-in portion 220 is greater than the distance between the first wall 212 and the axis of the plug-in portion 220. This places the end of the leg structure 230 further away from the axis of the plug-in portion 220 than the frame of the wiring base 210, facilitating electrical contact between the end of the leg structure 230 of one plug-in terminal 20 and the leg structure of another symmetrically positioned plug-in terminal 20.

[0059] Although not shown in the figures, it is understandable that the plug-in portion 220 of the plug-in terminal 20 is used to be inserted into each terminal hole of the insulating core 30 , and the side leg structure 230 is located outside the terminal hole of the insulating core 30 .

[0060] Figure 1 The cover 10 can be used to fix the connection base 210 of the plug terminal 20 and isolate the electrical connection of adjacent positions.

[0061] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the positional structural relationship of multiple plug-in terminals and jumper short-circuit pieces. Figure 3 As shown, when the four plug terminals 20 are installed in place, the two plug terminals 20A and 20B placed symmetrically in space form a plug terminal pair, and the plug terminals 20C and 20D placed symmetrically in space form another plug terminal pair. Figure 3 The spatial position relationship between the plug terminals 20A and 20B shown is called relative position. Figure 3 The shown spatial positional relationship between the plug terminals 20A and 20C is called adjacent position.

[0062] For two plug-in terminals that comprise a plug-in terminal pair, such as the opposing plug-in terminals 20A and 20B inserted into the terminal apertures of the insulating core 30, when the self-shorting connector 100 is not properly inserted into the mating connector 200, the side leg structure 230A of the plug-in terminal 20A contacts the side leg structure 230B of the plug-in terminal 20B, thereby achieving two-position self-shorting. It can be understood that only one contact point—the contact point between the opposing plug-in terminals 20A and 20B—is required to achieve the electrical contact required for self-shorting. This significantly reduces the contact resistance of the two-position self-shorting.

[0063] In some cases, it is necessary to realize multi-position self-short circuit, so it is necessary to use a cross-connect short circuit structure across multiple positions. Since the present invention adopts a side leg structure for the plug-in terminal, the cross-connect short circuit across multiple positions is greatly simplified. For example, Figure 3 The figure shows a multi-position self-short circuit based on a jumper shorting piece 80. The jumper shorting piece 80 is constructed in a sheet shape with a hook for easy installation into the insulating core 30. Figure 3 The four-position jumper shorting piece 80 shown is installed in the insulating core 30 and forms an electrical connection with all the plug terminals 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the two plug terminal pairs. According to the specific needs of multiple-position self-shorting, the jumper shorting piece 80 can be constructed to jump six positions, eight positions, etc.

[0064] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Bottom view of the structure shown, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The contact between the jumper shorting strip 80 and the side leg structures 230A and 230B is shown.

[0065] Combine Figure 2 - Figure 5 It can be understood that by adopting the plug-in terminal of the present invention, the functions of line entry, plugging and two-position self-shorting are completed by a single metal part, which simplifies the composition and structure of the metal part. At the same time, due to the reduction of metal parts, the structure of the insulating core is also correspondingly simplified.

[0066] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 It will be appreciated that in a variation, the pin terminals 50 may be provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 6 The pin terminals are formed as shown Figure 2 The integrated leg structure is shown, and the pin terminal with the leg structure is used in a self-short-circuiting connector.

[0067] Figure 7 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the self-shorting connector and the mating connector shown in their plugged-in state. An insulating partition 510 is provided within the mating insulating core 40 of the mating connector 200. When the self-shorting connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are plugged into place, the insulating partition 510 intervenes between the side legs of the two opposing plug-in terminals, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the side legs. The insulating partition 510 also has a groove at the top. When the self-shorting connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are plugged into place, the jumper shorting piece 80 partially inserts into the groove, thereby electrically isolating the jumper shorting piece 80 from the side legs of the plug-in terminals.

[0068] Figure 8 show Figure 2 The wiring method of the plug-in terminal shown in the figure. The wire pressing spring 240 is installed on the wiring frame of the wiring base 210, forming a straight-in wiring structure. The push block 250 can be used to push the wire clamping arm of the wire pressing spring 240 downward to achieve wire withdrawal (in some applications, it can also be used to advance wires).

[0069] Despite Figure 1 The present invention is described with reference to the connector shown as an example. However, it can be understood that the structure of the plug-in terminal proposed in the present invention can be applied to various connectors including two-position self-shorting and multi-position self-shorting applications.

[0070] The basic concepts have been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of the present application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and amendments to the present application. Such modifications, improvements, and amendments are suggested in the present application and remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A self-shorting connector, characterized in that: include: Insulation core; A plurality of plug-in terminals are placed in the insulating core, and are placed in corresponding terminal holes of the insulating core. Each of the plug-in terminals is an integral metal part formed by bending a single metal sheet, and each of the plug-in terminals includes a wiring base (210) and a plug-in portion extending from the wiring base. The plug-in portion is connected to the wiring base and extends outward from the wiring base. The plug-in terminal further comprises a side leg structure, which is constructed as an elastic arm structure, wherein the fixed end of the elastic arm is located at the wiring base. The wiring base (210) is constructed as a frame formed by a substrate (211) and a first wall (212) and a second wall (213) located at both ends of the substrate, wherein the first wall is located on a first side of the substrate, the second wall is located on a second side of the substrate, and the second side is opposite to the first side. The plug-in portion is connected to the lower edge of the substrate and extends outward from the lower edge of the substrate. The side leg structure is connected to the first wall (212) and extends outward from the lower edge of the first wall, thereby forming an elastic arm structure located on the first side of the plug-in portion, wherein the fixed end of the elastic arm structure is located at the lower edge of the first wall of the wiring base, and the elastic arm structure starts from the fixed end, first bends toward the plug-in portion, then bends toward the plug-in direction of the plug-in terminal and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the plug-in portion, The plug-in portion of the plug-in terminal is located in the terminal hole of the insulating core, and the side leg structure is located outside the terminal hole of the insulating core.

2. The self-shorting connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of plug terminals include one or more plug terminal pairs, each plug terminal pair includes two plug terminals that are symmetrically placed in space, and the leg structures of the two plug terminals are opposite to each other and can contact each other to form an electrical connection.

3. The self-shorting connector according to claim 1, wherein: The invention also comprises a jumper shorting piece, which can electrically connect the leg structures of the plug terminals placed adjacent to each other.

4. The self-shorting connector according to claim 2, wherein: Also included is a jumper shorting piece capable of bridging two or more plug-in terminal pairs placed adjacent to each other.

5. The self-shorting connector according to claim 1, wherein: The end of the side leg structure includes a short-circuit arc portion, which is constructed to gradually move away from the plug-in portion along an arc line and then return to form a tail hook.

6. The self-shorting connector according to claim 1, wherein: In each plug-in terminal, the plug-in portion and the wiring base are structures connected to each other in an integral metal part, and the side leg structure and the wiring base are also structures connected to each other in an integral metal part.

7. The self-shorting connector according to claim 6, wherein: The frame of the wiring base is a wiring frame.

8. The self-shorting connector according to claim 1, wherein: The side leg structure extends from the first wall (212) toward the plug-in portion, then bends and extends toward the plug-in direction of the plug-in terminal, so that the side leg structure can rotate around the bent portion.

9. The self-shorting connector according to claim 6, wherein: The maximum distance between the end of the side leg structure and the axis of the plug-in portion is greater than the distance between the first wall and the axis of the plug-in portion.

10. The self-shorting connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The plug-in terminal is a pin terminal or a socket terminal.

11. A connector assembly, characterized in that: include: The self-shorting connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A connector that mates with the self-shorting connector, Wherein, an insulating partition is provided in the insulating core of the mating connector, which is used to intervene between the side leg structures of the two plug-in terminals of each plug-in terminal pair when the self-shorting connector and the mating connector are plugged into place.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein A groove is provided on the upper end of the insulating partition of the mating connector.

13. A plug-in terminal, which is an integral metal part formed by bending a single metal sheet, the plug-in terminal comprising a wiring base (210) and a plug-in portion extending outward from the wiring base, and further comprising a side leg structure extending from the wiring base, the side leg structure being constructed as an elastic arm structure, the fixed end of the elastic arm being located at the wiring base, The wiring base is constructed as a frame formed by a substrate (211) and a first wall (212) and a second wall (213) located at both ends of the substrate, wherein: The first wall is located on a first side of the substrate, and the second wall is located on a second side of the substrate, the second side being opposite to the first side. The plug-in portion is connected to the lower edge of the substrate and extends outward from the lower edge of the substrate, and the side leg structure is connected to the first wall (212) and extends outward from the first wall, thereby forming an elastic arm structure located on the first side of the plug-in portion, wherein the fixed end of the elastic arm structure is located at the lower edge of the first wall of the wiring base, and the elastic arm structure starts from the fixed end, first bends toward the plug-in portion, then bends toward the plug-in direction of the plug-in terminal and extends in a direction roughly parallel to the extension direction of the plug-in portion.

14. The plug terminal according to claim 13, wherein: The plug-in portion and the wiring base of the plug-in terminal are structures connected to each other in an integral metal part, and the side leg structure and the wiring base are also structures connected to each other in an integral metal part.

15. The plug terminal according to claim 13, wherein: The frame of the wiring base is a wiring frame, the plug-in portion is connected to the substrate and extends outward from the substrate, the side leg structure extends from the first wall toward the plug-in portion, then bends and extends toward the plug-in direction of the plug-in terminal, so that the side leg structure can rotate around the bent portion.

16. The plug terminal according to claim 14, wherein: The end portion of the side leg structure is constructed to gradually move away from the plug-in portion along an arc line and then return to form a tail hook.

17. The plug terminal according to claim 13, wherein: The plug-in portion of the plug-in terminal is a pin or a socket.

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