Electrical connector device for electronic components of turbines

By employing an electrical connector device consisting of a support structure and terminals in a turbine, and utilizing radial sealing design and molding process, the problems of weak connection, susceptibility to moisture, and low manufacturing efficiency of traditional electrical connector devices are solved, achieving a stable electrical connection and an efficient manufacturing process.

CN116979294BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30GARRETT MOTION TECH (SHANGHAI) CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310489827.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-04-28
Filing Date
2023-04-28
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2043-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional electrical connector devices in turbines suffer from problems such as unstable connections, susceptibility to moisture, inconvenient assembly, and low manufacturing efficiency, making it difficult to ensure the stable connection and moisture resistance of electrical equipment.

Method used

The electrical connector assembly, consisting of a support structure and terminals, includes terminals, busbars, and deformable sealing components. It ensures the stability and moisture resistance of the electrical connection through a radial sealing design and improves manufacturing efficiency through a molding process.

Benefits of technology

It provides robust mechanical support and electrical connections, prevents moisture intrusion, simplifies the installation, disassembly, and replacement of electrical equipment, and improves manufacturing efficiency.

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Abstract

An electrical connector assembly for a turbine includes a support structure and terminals, wherein terminals project along an axis from the support structure. The connector assembly includes a connection stack supported by the terminals and arranged along the axis of the terminals. The connection stack includes a busbar electrically connected to the terminals and extending from the terminals and the support structure. The connection stack includes a first deformable sealing member and a second deformable sealing member. The first deformable sealing member deforms against the terminals to define an internal radial seal within the connection stack. The second deformable sealing member deforms against the support structure to define an external radial seal within the connection stack.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical connector devices, and more particularly, to electrical connector devices for electronic components of turbomachinery. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various electrical devices are presented that include different types of electrical connector devices. Electrical connector devices can include terminals and wires that provide an electrical connection between the electrical device and an external component (e.g., a power source, etc.). For example, some turbomachinery can include electrical devices that have electrical connectors for internal electrical devices. Fluid compressor devices, turbochargers, and / or other turbomachinery can be configured with electric motors, generators, etc., and can include electrical connector devices for electrically connecting the internal electrical devices to a power source or other external component.

[0003] However, some electrical connector devices can not provide a secure connection and / or can degrade over time. For example, some electrical connector devices can not be sufficiently moisture resistant, and water can intrude through the connector device. Further, some electrical connector devices can not be convenient during assembly, disassembly, or replacement. For example, conventional electrical connector devices can not facilitate use of turbomachinery within larger systems. Electrical arrangements can be time consuming during assembly, disassembly, replacement, etc. It can be difficult to measure when sufficient attachment force has been applied to ensure proper attachment. Conventional electrical arrangements can have a large number of components and / or can also increase manufacturing inefficiencies and costs.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved electrical connector device, such as for turbomachinery. It would be desirable to provide an electrical connector device that provides secure and reliable support that ensures electrical connections and inhibits moisture intrusion into electronic components. It would also be desirable to provide an electrical connector device that improves manufacturing efficiency, facilitates installation, assembly, disassembly, and / or replacement of electrical devices, turbomachinery, etc. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, an electrical connector device for turbomachinery is disclosed that includes a support structure and a terminal having a post projecting from the support structure along an axis. The electrical connector device includes a connection stack supported by the terminal and arranged along the axis of the post. The connection stack includes a busbar electrically connected to the post and extending from the post and the support structure. The connection stack includes a first deformable sealing member and a second deformable sealing member. The first deformable sealing member is deformed against the post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack. The second deformable sealing member is deformed against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an electrical connector arrangement for a turbomachine is disclosed. The method includes providing a support structure and a terminal with a post projecting from the support structure along an axis. The method also includes supporting a connection stack on the terminal and along the axis of the post. The connection stack includes a busbar electrically connected to the post and extending from the post and the support structure. The method further includes deforming first and second deformable sealing members of the connection stack, including deforming the first deformable sealing member against the post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack, and deforming the second deformable sealing member against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack.

[0007] Further, in another embodiment, a fluid compressor arrangement including an electric motor is disclosed. The fluid compressor arrangement also includes a housing containing the electric motor. The fluid compressor arrangement further includes an electrical connector arrangement supported on the housing. The electrical connector arrangement includes a support structure attached to the housing. The electrical connector arrangement also includes a terminal having a post projecting from the support structure along an axis. The electrical connector arrangement further includes a connection stack supported by the terminal and arranged along the axis of the post. The connection stack includes a busbar electrically connected to the post and extending from the post and the support structure through the housing. Further, the connection stack includes first and second deformable sealing members. The first deformable sealing member is deformed against the post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack. The second deformable sealing member is deformed against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be described below with respect to the following drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an engine system having a turbomachine system including an electrical connector arrangement in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector arrangement in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of features of the electrical connector arrangement of Figure 2 in accordance with example embodiments;

[0012] Figure 4 is a plan view of a bolt structure of the electrical connector arrangement of Figure 2 and Figure 3 in accordance with further example embodiments;

[0013] Figure 5is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector device according to an example embodiment, showing a fastener being fastened to a terminal post of the electrical connector device;

[0014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector device according to an example embodiment, showing a fastener being fastened to a terminal post of the electrical connector device; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector device according to an example embodiment, showing a fastener being fastened to a terminal post of the electrical connector device; and

[0015] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector device according to an additional example embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory of operation described herein.

[0017] Broadly, example embodiments disclosed herein include, for example, improved electrical connector devices for turbomachinery. The electrical connector devices can include features for facilitating and efficiently attaching an electric machine, such as an electric motor, to an external component, such as a power source. The electrical connector devices can provide robust mechanical support while ensuring electrical connectivity over an extended working life and under various working conditions. The electrical connector devices can be moisture resistant and can limit the passage of moisture therethrough. Thus, the structural and electrical connections provided by the electrical connector devices can be highly robust and reliable. Moreover, the electrical connector devices can also provide various manufacturing advantages and efficiencies.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example turbomachinery system 100 according to an example embodiment. The turbomachinery system 100 can be incorporated within an engine system 102, such as an engine system of a vehicle. The engine system 102 can include an internal combustion engine 125 that is boosted by the turbomachinery system 100, as will be discussed. The turbomachinery system 100 can include at least one turbomachinery, such as a first turbomachinery 104 (e.g., a turbocharger) and a second turbomachinery 106 (e.g., a motorized fluid compressor).

[0019] Generally, the first turbomachinery 104 can be a turbocharger having a compressor stage 132 and a turbine stage 134. A flow of exhaust gas 190 from the engine 125 can flow to the turbine stage 134 and drivingly rotate a turbine wheel therein. As shown, a flow of exhaust gas 191 can flow out of the turbine stage 134. A compressor wheel of the compressor stage 132 can be connected to the turbine stage 134 to be drivingly rotated. Thus, the compressor stage 132 can be configured to compress a received input air 131 into a first pressurized air flow 133 that is circumferentially ejected from the compressor stage 132.

[0020] The first pressurized airflow 133 may be directed to a first branch 121, where it may flow to a second turbine 106 or an intercooler 135 (i.e., an air cooler). The intercooler 135 may include a convective-cooled pressurized air cooler. The intercooler 135 may be configured to dissipate heat from the received air to increase its density. The resulting cooled and pressurized output airflow 137 may be directed to the intake manifold 139 of the internal combustion engine 125 of the engine system 102.

[0021] The second turbine 106 may be a fluid compressor disposed downstream of the first turbine 104. The second turbine 106 may include a compressor section 140 and an electric motor section 142. The electric motor section 142 may include an electric motor 150 operable to drively rotate the compressor impeller of the compressor section 140. Thus, the compressor section 140 may compress the intake airflow 144 from the first branch 121, and the compressor section 140 may output a compressed airflow 146. The compressed airflow 146 may flow to a second branch 160 connected to a flow passage 161 extending from the first branch 121. From the second branch 160, the flow of compressed airflow 146 and / or pressurized airflow 133 may be directed to an intercooler 135 and further downstream to a manifold 139 of the engine 125.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown and will be discussed in detail below, the second turbine 106 may include an electrical connector assembly 151. The electrical connector assembly 151 may include features for conveniently and efficiently attaching the motor 150 to a power source 157 via wires 145 or other power lines. The power source 157 may be a battery. In some embodiments, the power source 157 may include two terminals of opposite polarity and may have two wires 145 for establishing a circuit with the motor 150. The electrical connector assembly 151 can provide robust mechanical support while ensuring electrical connection over an extended service life and under a wide variety of operating conditions. As will be discussed, the electrical connector assembly 151 may be moisture-proof and can limit moisture intrusion into the turbine 106. Therefore, the structural and electrical connections provided by the electrical connector assembly 151 can be highly robust. Furthermore, connecting and disconnecting wires via the electrical connector assembly 151 can be convenient. The connection between the motor 150 and the power source 157 can be accurately performed in a repeatable manufacturing system and can be conveniently performed due to the features of the electrical connector assembly 151. The electrical connector assembly 151 itself can be manufactured with high manufacturing efficiency. These and other features and advantages will be discussed below.

[0023] It should be understood that the configuration of the turbine system 100 may differ from that of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figure 1the scope of the present disclosure, the turbine system 100 can include any number of turbines and / or the turbines 104, 106 can be configured differently. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the electrical connector arrangement 151 can also be configured for another electrical device (i.e., other than an electric motor) and / or incorporated in another device (i.e., other than a turbine).

[0024] In other words, it should be appreciated that the turbine system 100 can include any number of turbines and can be arranged in a variety of fluid flow arrangements falling within the scope of the present disclosure. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical connector arrangement 151 can be configured for and incorporated into another turbine (e.g., an electrically assisted turbocharger, etc.). Additionally, the electrical connector arrangement 151 can be included for another electric machine. For example, the electrical connector arrangement 151 can be configured for an electric generator within the turbine 106, or in some embodiments, the arrangement 151 can be configured for a combination of both an electric motor and an electric generator. In some embodiments, the e-machine within the turbine 106 can be configured to switch functionality between motor mode and generator mode. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the turbines of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a number of systems other than engine systems. For example, the turbine 106 and electrical connector arrangement 151 of the present disclosure can be incorporated within a fuel cell system for compressing air supplied to a fuel cell stack, or the turbine can be incorporated within another system without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Reference will now be made to Figure 2 The turbine 106 and the electrical connector arrangement 151 between the power source 157 and the electric motor 150 will be discussed in greater detail in accordance with example embodiments. The turbine 106 can include a housing 201. In some embodiments, the housing 201 can be made of aluminum or other metal. The housing 201 can house the electric motor 150 therein. The electrical connector arrangement 151 can be supported on the housing 201.

[0026] The electrical connector assembly 151 may include a support structure 202 (i.e., a chassis, support plate, etc.). The support structure 202 may include a flat or plate-like member. The support structure 202 may include a polymer material. The support structure 202 may include a relatively flat base plate 204. The support structure 202 may also include a plurality of walls 206 extending away from the base plate 204. The underside of the base plate 204 may be stacked on and attached to the housing 201. In some embodiments, the base plate 204 may be adhered to the housing 201 via an adhesive layer 208. The walls 206 may define a first opening 211 and a second opening 212 of the support structure 202. The support structure 202 may also include a first lip 214 projecting inwardly from the wall 206 to define a first undercut region 216 of the first opening 211. The support structure 202 may also include a second lip 218 defining a second undercut region 220 of the second opening 212. The first lip 214 and the first undercut region 216 may have, for example, […]. Figure 2 The inverted stepped profile shown, and the second lip 218 and the second undercut region 220 can similarly be stepped.

[0027] The electrical connector assembly 151 may further include a first terminal 203 having a first bolt structure 221 and a second terminal 205 having a second bolt structure 222. The first bolt structure 221 may include a first terminal 224 and a first base member 226. The second bolt structure 222 may include a second terminal 228 and a second base member 230. The first terminal 203 and the second terminal 205 may be supported by and attached to a support structure 202. The first bolt structure 221 and the second bolt structure 222 may be made of a highly conductive metal. The first and second terminals 203 and 205 may be configured to have opposite polarities. In other words, one of the terminals 203 and 205 may be a positive terminal, and the other may be a negative terminal.

[0028] The first terminal 224 may be cylindrical and may extend along a straight longitudinal terminal axis 232. The first terminal 224 may include a retaining end 234 and a protruding end 236, which are separated along the axis 232. The first base member 226 may be cam-shaped, mold-shaped, or other shapes. The first base member 226 may include a first surface 238 and a second surface 240, which are generally oriented in opposite directions along the axis 232. The first base member 226 may include a hole 242 (e.g., a circular hole) centered on the axis 232. The first base member 226 also includes an outer periphery 243.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, hole 242 can receive and engage end 234 of terminal 224. Protruding end 236 can protrude along axis 232 away from base member 226. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, the outer periphery 243 of the base member 226 can be housed within the first undercut region 216 and held below the first lip 214 of the support structure 202. Figure 4 The support structure 202 is shown in phantom, but as shown, the outer periphery 243 can be surrounded by the support structure 202. As Figure 2 As shown, the first bolt structure 221 can be connected to the support structure 202 with the terminal post 224 protruding away from the base plate 204 and the housing 201 of the turbine 106. Also, the first lip 214 can be radially spaced apart from the outer diameter surface of the first terminal post 224.

[0030] As Figure 4 shown, the outer periphery 243 can extend about the axis 232. The outer periphery 243 can include four straight sides that meet at rounded corners. The outer periphery 243 can resemble a quadrilateral with at least two parallel sides. As shown, the outer periphery 243 can be asymmetric about the axis 232 such that there is no line of symmetry of the outer periphery 243 that is perpendicular to the axis 232. The outer periphery 243 can be generally kite-shaped or, in some embodiments, diamond-shaped.

[0031] The electrical connector arrangement 151 can also include a bus bar 272 Figure 3 ) connected to the first terminal 203. The bus bar 272 can include a plate of uniform thickness and comprising an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). The bus bar 272 can be bent, folded, shaped, etc. to include a plurality of features, including an end portion 270. The end portion 270 can be coupled to the first bolt structure 221, as will be discussed in detail below. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the bus bar 272 can include an elongated end 274 that extends away from the first terminal post 224 and the support structure 202. The elongated end 274 can be bent away from the end portion 270 and can extend through the housing 201 of the turbine 106 to electrically connect to the motor 150 Figure 1 ) therein.

[0032] In some embodiments, the outer diameter surface of the first terminal post 224 can be threaded at least partially along the axis 232. Accordingly, as Figure 5 and 6 shown, a threaded fastener 244, such as a nut, can be attached to the first terminal post 224. However, it should be appreciated that the fastener 244 can be of a different type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The fastener 244 can attach various components to the first terminal post 224. For example, as Figure 5 and 6As shown, the fastener 244 can attach the end 248 of the electrical wire 245 to the first terminal post 224. Thus, the end 248 can be structurally and electrically attached to the first terminal post 224, in some embodiments by being compressed between the fastener 244 and the end 234.

[0034] The electrical connector device 151 can also include a connection stack 252 Figure 2 and 6 . The connection stack 252 can include a plurality of components stacked and compressed along the axis 232, for example, between the fastener 244 and the end 234. The connection stack 252 can include features that ensure a secure structural and electrical connection of the end 248 of the electrical wire 245. Further, the connection stack 252 can include features that inhibit water intrusion through the stack 252 and into the turbine 106.

[0035] The connection stack 252 can include the base member 226 described above. The first surface 238 can face inwardly toward the support structure 202 and can abut the end 234 of the post 224. Also, the outer periphery 243 can extend radially outwardly further than the lip 214 so as to be retained by the support structure 202 in some embodiments. The base member 226 can be considered a compression member that is compressed within the stack 252 as will be discussed.

[0036] The connection stack 252 can also include the end 270 of the busbar 272. The end 270 can include a central opening 276 that is received and retained on the first terminal post 224. As Figure 2 shown, the end 270 can include an annular step 271. The step 271 (i.e., a first step) can surround the opening 276 that corresponds in shape and size to engage, receive, mate, and / or nest the stepped second surface 240 (i.e., a second step) of the first base member 226. As Figure 2 shown, the outer radial edge 275 of the end 270 can extend to be received under the lip 214. Thus, the end 270 of the busbar 272 can be retained by the support structure 202 within the undercut region 216.

[0037] The connection stack 252 can also include a compression plate 278 (i.e., a compression member, a gasket, a compression plate, a pressure disk, a compression ring, a cam, etc.). The compression plate 278 can be annular. In some embodiments, the compression plate 278 can include a flat gasket. The compression plate 278 can be made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper or a copper alloy. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the compression plate 278 can be housed under the end 248 of the electrical wire 246 so as to be compressed between the end 248 and the end 270 of the busbar 272.

[0038] In some configurations, the connection stack 252 can include the terminal end 248 Figure 5 and 6 ). However, the terminal end 248 can be omitted from the connection stack 252 when disconnected from the wire 246.

[0039] Further, as shown in Figure 2 , 3 , 5, and 6, the connection stack 252 can include at least one sealing member, such as a first sealing member 281 and a second sealing member 282, for inhibiting moisture intrusion into the connection stack 252. The sealing member(s) 281, 282 can facilitate manufacturing of the turbine 106. The sealing members 281, 282 can also provide additional advantages.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first and / or second sealing members 281, 282 can be annular Figure 3 ). For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sealing members 281, 282 can be O-rings having a circular cross-section when in an idle, uncompressed state. The first and second sealing members 281, 282 can be composed of and / or include an elastic material, such as rubber, a polymer, a polymeric material, etc. Thus, the first and second sealing members 281, 282 can elastically compress when compressed within the stack 252. In some embodiments, the first and second sealing members 281, 282 can plastically deform when compressed within the stack 252. The first and second sealing members 281, 282 can deform under compression within the stack 252 to seal the stack 252 and prevent water intrusion therethrough.

[0041] The first sealing member 281 can be a compressible and deformable O-ring that is housed within an annular gap 284 that is radially defined between an outer surface of the first terminal post 224 and an inner radial edge of the end portion 270 of the bus bar 272. The gap 284 can also be axially defined within the stack 252 between the second surface 240 of the base member 226 and the underside of the compression plate 278.

[0042] The second sealing member 282 can be a compressible and deformable O-ring that is housed within an annular gap 286 that is radially defined between the step 271 and an inner diameter surface of the lip 214 of the support structure 202. The gap 286 can also be axially defined within the stack 252 between the end portion 270 of the bus bar 272 and the underside of the compression plate 278.

[0043] As Figure 5 and 6As shown, a socket wrench head 301 or other tool can be used to apply torque to the stack 252 on the fastener 244. In some embodiments, a load sensor 302 can be used to detect the amount of load applied when the fastener 244 is tightened onto the terminal 224. This amount can be detected to control the amount of torque and / or axial load applied to the stack 252. In other words, a predetermined load can be applied to install the fastener 244.

[0044] As the fastener 244 advances on the first terminal 224 (e.g., from...), Figure 5 Location to Figure 6 The end 248 can be pressed against the compression plate 278. The compression plate 278 can compress against the first and second sealing members 281, 282. The first sealing member 281 is deformable and presses against the surface defining the gap 284. Thus, the first sealing member 281 can define a first seal within the stack 252 by radially deforming and compressing against the inner radial surfaces of the first terminal 224 and the manifold 272, and axially deforming and compressing between the base member 226 and the compression plate 278. The second sealing member 282 can define a second seal in the gap 286 within the stack 252. The second sealing member 282 can be radially deformed and compressed against the inner radial surfaces of the step 271 and the lip 214 of the support structure 202, and axially deformed and compressed between the end 270 of the manifold 272 and the underside of the compression plate 278.

[0045] These seals can seal the stack 252 against, for example, water, water droplets, or other moisture. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 151 can protect the turbine 106 and make the electrical connection very secure. Furthermore, it should be understood that, for manufacturing advantages, the assembly 151 can be easily and conveniently installed.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the second terminal 205 can be substantially similar to the first terminal 203. The second bolt structure 222 can be substantially similar to the first bolt structure 221. The second terminal 205 may include a corresponding connection stack 269, which can be substantially similar to the connection stack 252 of the first terminal 203. The connection stack 269 may include a corresponding busbar 273. Figures 2-3 As mentioned, the second terminal 205 can be configured for an polarity opposite to that of the first terminal 203. Therefore, the second terminal 205 can be electrically insulated and isolated from the first terminal 203.

[0047] The second base component 230 can be formed similarly to the first base component 226; however, as Figure 4 As shown, the second base member 230 can be inverted relative to it. Furthermore, as... Figure 4As shown, the second base member 230 can be spaced apart from the first base member 226 to define a straight diagonal gap 250 therebetween. The second base member 230 can be attached to the support structure 202 below the second lip 218 Figure 2 ) so as to be retained within the second undercut region 220. Thus, the second terminal post 228 can protrude outwardly from the second opening 212. A fastener (similar to the fastener 244) can be used to compress the second connection laminate 269 to connect another wire 145 to the second terminal 205.

[0048] During manufacture of the turbomachine 106, the support structure 202 can be molded (e.g., injection molded). As Figure 4 shown, the support structure 202 can be molded using a molding system 268. For example, the support structure 202 can be molded around the first bolt structure 221, the second bolt structure 222, and the bus bars 272, 273 and formed in an insert molding (overmolding) process. It should be appreciated that this process can improve manufacturing efficiency. Further, it should be appreciated that the asymmetric shape of the outer periphery 243 can enhance the attachment of the bolt structures 221, 222 to the support structure 202.

[0049] Next, as Figure 3 shown, first and second seal members 281, 282 can be positioned on the first and second bolt structures 221, 222 (the support structures 221, 222 are hidden in Figure 3 the drawings for clarity). The first and second seal members 281, 282 can be disposed at a common axial location relative to the axis 232, and gaps 284, 286 can both be exposed to facilitate placement of the seal members 281, 282 therein. Then, a compression plate 278 can be placed on top of the seal members 281, 282, as Figure 2 shown. Subsequently, the fastener 244 can be attached to the terminal post 224 as discussed above. The wire 145 can be similarly attached to the second terminal 205. The second terminal 205 can be similarly assembled.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 7 , an additional embodiment of an electrical connector device 1151 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The electrical connector device 1151 can be substantially similar to the electrical connector device 1151 of Figure 2 , unless otherwise noted. Components corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 2 are indicated with corresponding reference numerals increased by 1000.

[0051] On the first post 1224, the connection stack 1252 can include a bus bar 1272, a cam washer 1267, and a pair of overlapping compression plates 1278, 1279. In some embodiments, the compression plates can include flat washers. First and second seal members 1281, 1282 can be disposed and compressed between the compression plates 1278, 1279, as shown. Figure 7 As with the embodiments discussed above, the seal members 1281, 1282 can seal the stack 1252 and limit moisture intrusion through the inner diameter region of the stack 1252 and through the outer diameter region of the stack 1252. The second stack 1253 can be substantially similar.

[0052] Accordingly, the electrical connector apparatus of the present disclosure provides improved connections and robust support. The seal members provide a high level of moisture resistance. The connector arrangement can also provide a number of manufacturing advantages.

[0053] While at least one example embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a large number of modifications can be made. It should also be appreciated that the one or more example embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an example embodiment of the disclosure. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the example embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly for a turbomachine, comprising: a support structure; a terminal having a post projecting from the support structure along an axis; a connection stack supported by the terminal and arranged along the axis of the post, the connection stack including a compression member having a first step, the connection stack including a busbar having a second step, the first step engaging the second step, the busbar being electrically connected to the post and extending from the post and the support structure; and the connection stack including a first deformable seal member and a second deformable seal member, the compression member deforming at least one of the first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member, the first deformable seal member being deformed against the post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack, the second deformable seal member being deformed against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack. At least one of the first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member is annular.

2. The electrical connector device of claim 1, wherein, 3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fastener threadably secured to the post to compress the connection stack. The terminal further includes a base member having an outer periphery that is asymmetric with respect to the axis.

4. The electrical connector device of claim 1, wherein, 5. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a base member connecting the post to the support structure; and wherein the busbar includes a retaining bus end electrically connected to the post and retained by the support structure, and wherein the busbar includes an elongate end extending from the retaining bus end.

6. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the support structure includes an opening from which the post projects, the opening including a lip radially spaced from the post with respect to the axis, the retaining bus end of the busbar including an outer edge received within the opening beneath the lip to be retained by the support structure. The first deformable seal member is radially received between the post and an inner radial edge of the busbar, and wherein the second deformable seal member is radially received between the busbar and the support structure.

7. The electrical connector device of claim 1, wherein, The first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member are generally arranged at a common axial location with respect to the axis.

8. The electrical connector device of claim 7, wherein, 9. A method of manufacturing an electrical connector assembly for a turbomachine, comprising: providing a support structure and a terminal having a post projecting from the support structure along an axis; supporting a connection stack on the terminal and along the axis of the post, the connection stack including a compression member having a first step, the connection stack including a busbar having a second step; engaging the first step and the second step; electrically connecting the busbar to the post, wherein the busbar extends from the post and the support structure; and ​ ​ deforming the first deformable seal member against the terminal post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack, and deforming the second deformable seal member against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising advancing a fastener on the terminal post to deform the first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, At least one of the first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member is annular.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising connecting the terminal post to the support structure; and further comprising retaining the bus bar by the support structure holding bus bar end and electrically connecting the holding bus bar end to the terminal post, and wherein the bus bar includes an elongate end extending from the holding bus bar end.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the support structure includes an opening from which the terminal post protrudes, the opening including a lip radially spaced from the terminal post with respect to the axis, and wherein retaining the bus bar by the holding bus bar end includes receiving an outer edge of the holding bus bar end within the opening under the lip to be retained by the support structure.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first deformable seal member is radially contained between the terminal post and an inner radial edge of the bus bar, and wherein the second deformable seal member is radially contained between the bus bar and the support structure.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first deformable seal member and the second deformable seal member are disposed at a common axial location with respect to the axis.

16. An electrical connector apparatus for a turbomachine, comprising: a support structure including an opening; a terminal having a terminal post protruding from the opening along an axis from the support structure, the opening including a lip radially spaced from the terminal post with respect to the axis; a base member connecting the terminal post to the support structure; a connection stack supported by the terminal and disposed along the axis of the terminal post, the connection stack including a bus bar electrically connected to the terminal post and extending from the terminal post and the support structure, the bus bar including a holding bus bar end electrically connected to the terminal post and retained by the support structure, wherein the bus bar includes an elongate end extending from the holding bus bar end, the holding bus bar end of the bus bar including an outer edge received within the opening under the lip to be retained by the support structure; and The connection stack includes a first deformable seal member deformed against the terminal post to define an inner radial seal within the connection stack, and a second deformable seal member deformed against the support structure to define an outer radial seal within the connection stack.

17. The electrical connector apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a fastener threaded to the terminal post to compress the connection stack.

18. The electrical connector device of claim 16, wherein, The terminal further includes a base member having an outer periphery asymmetric with respect to the axis.

19. The electrical connector device of claim 16, wherein, The first deformable sealing member is radially housed between the terminal post and an inner radial edge of the busbar, and wherein the second deformable sealing member is radially housed between the busbar and the support structure.

20. The electrical connector device of claim 19, wherein, The first deformable sealing member and the second deformable sealing member are arranged at a common axial position with respect to the axis.

Citation Information

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