Modular electrical connection assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular electrical connection assembly comprising a housing, a power module and a signal module. The housing forms a power area for providing a transmission of power and a signal area for providing a transmission of a signal. The housing forms a recess. Further, the housing forms a plurality of stop springs and a plurality of first stop members in the recess. The power module is connected to a power cable. The signal module is arranged in the recess, and the signal module provides a second stop member corresponding to one of the plurality of stop springs and a second stop member corresponding to one of the plurality of first stop members. Further, the signal module is connected to a signal connection. Wherein, the signal module is inserted into the recess in a single direction, such that the second stop member is stopped by one of the plurality of stop springs and the second stop member is stopped by one of the plurality of first stop members in the recess.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a modular electrical connection assembly providing modular signal modules. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional electrical connection assemblies have a fixed number of power and signal cable designs. If the actual application requires less than the fixed number of power and signal cables, the electrical connection assembly will need to be re-made or the unused signal cables will be left idle, which will cause invisible waste.

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides a modular electrical connection assembly to solve the problems caused by conventional connectors or problems that cannot be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a modular electrical connection assembly that can provide modular signal modules to adapt to different signal cable design requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned and other purposes, the present invention provides a modular electrical connection assembly by connecting a power cable to a power connection unit and connecting a signal connection end and a signal cable to a signal connection unit. The modular electrical connection assembly includes a housing, a power module, and a signal module. The housing forms a power area, a signal area, and a combination area, provides power transmission in the power area, and provides signal transmission in the signal area. The signal area forms a gap in the housing, and the combination area is formed on both sides of the power area and the signal area. The housing forms a plurality of stop springs and a plurality of first stop pieces in the gap. The free ends of the plurality of stop springs extend toward the gap, and the plurality of first stop pieces are respectively arranged between the plurality of stop springs. The power module is arranged in the power area. The power module forms a plurality of first terminal pieces to connect the power cable. The signal module is arranged in the gap. The signal module has a second clamping piece and a second stop piece. The second clamping piece is arranged corresponding to one of the plurality of stop springs, and the second stop piece is arranged corresponding to one of the plurality of first stop pieces. In addition, the signal module forms a plurality of second terminal pieces to connect the signal connection end and the signal cable. The signal module is inserted into the gap in a single direction, so that the second clamping piece is limited by one of the plurality of stop springs and the second stop piece is limited by one of the plurality of first stop pieces to stop in the gap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1(a) is a first perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 1(b) is a second perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2(a) is a front view of the housing of Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrating the present application.

[0009] Figure 2(b) is a rear view of the housing of Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrating the present application.

[0010] Figure 3 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the power module of Figures 1(a) and 1(b) in combination with the housing of the present application.

[0011] Figure 4(a) is a first perspective view of the signal module of Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrating the present application.

[0012] Figure 4(b) is a second perspective view of the signal module of Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrating the present application.

[0013] Figure 5(a) is a top view of the housing of the present application in combination with the signal module.

[0014] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the present application in combination with the signal module along A-A.

[0015] Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the present application in combination with the signal module along B-B.

[0016] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly of another embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 7 Figure 7 is a perspective view of the modular electrical connection assembly of another embodiment of the present application in combination with an outer housing.

[0018] Figure 8 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the modular electrical connection assembly of another embodiment of the present application connected to a second outer housing.

[0019] Figure 9 Figure 9 is a perspective view of the power module of another embodiment of the present application in combination with two signal modules.

[0020] Figure 10 Figure 10 is a perspective view of the power module of another embodiment of the present application in combination with four signal modules.

[0021] Figure 11 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly of another embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Legend:

[0023] 10, 10'... modular electrical connection assembly

[0024] 12... housing

[0025] 122... power zone

[0026] 1222...first terminal hole

[0027] 1224, 1224'...first terminal member

[0028] 124...signal area

[0029] 1242...stop spring

[0030] 1244...first stop member

[0031] 1246...track slot

[0032] 1248...third stop member

[0033] 124102...first key position

[0034] 124104...third key position

[0035] 126...coupling area

[0036] 1262...fixing member

[0037] 14...power module

[0038] 16...signal module

[0039] 162, 162'...second terminal member

[0040] 164...second key position

[0041] 166...fourth key position

[0042] 168...second clamping member

[0043] 1610...second stop member

[0044] 1612...fourth stop member

[0045] 1614...sixth stop member

[0046] 18...dustproof module

[0047] 22...power cable

[0048] 24...power connection unit

[0049] 42...signal cable

[0050] 44...signal connection unit

[0051] 46...signal connection end

[0052] 50...outer housing

[0053] 502 first outer housing

[0054] 504 second outer housing

[0055] 5042 cable slot

[0056] 5044 rib body

[0057] 5046 second positioning member

[0058] 506 first positioning member

[0059] 508 locking member

[0060] 510 anti-slip structure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] In order to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the present application, the following specific embodiments are described in detail, and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the present application.

[0062] In the present application, "a" or "an" is used to describe the units, components and components described herein. This is only for convenience of description and provides a general meaning to the scope of the present application. Therefore, unless it is clear that it means otherwise, such description should be understood to include one, at least one, and singular also includes plural.

[0063] In the present application, the words "include", "include", "have", "contain" or any other similar words are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a component, structure, article or device containing a plurality of elements is not limited to the elements listed herein, but can include other elements not explicitly listed but generally inherent in the component, structure, article or device. In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word "or" means inclusive "or", not exclusive "or".

[0064] Please refer to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), which are respectively the first and second perspective views of the modular electrical connection assembly of the embodiment of the present application. In Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the modular electrical connection assembly 10 connects a power connection unit 24 through a power cable 22 and a signal connection unit 44 through a signal connection end 46 and a signal cable 42. Among them, the power cable 22 and the power connection unit 24 can refer to the power cable 22 and the power connection unit 24 of the modular electrical connection assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present application described in detail with reference to Figures 2(a) and 2(b). Figure 3As shown, the power connection unit 24 is exemplified by a two-prong flat plug, but in other embodiments, the power connection unit 24 can not be limited to a plug or a socket. Also, the signal cable 42, the signal connection unit 44 and the signal connection end 46 can be referred to FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), in which the signal cable 42 is exemplified by an RJ45 connector, but in other embodiments, the signal cable 42 can not be limited to an RJ45 connector.

[0065] Referring back to FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b), the modular electrical connection assembly 10 comprises a housing 12, a power module 14 and a signal module 16. In the present embodiment, the first terminal member 1224 of the power module 14 and the second terminal member 162 of the signal module 16 are in a protruding electrode type, but in another embodiment, they can be in a planar electrode type, which can be referred to the first terminal member 1224' and the second terminal member 162' of the modular electrical connection assembly 10' of FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). Figure 11

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b) together, they are schematic views of the housing of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) from different perspectives. FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the housing of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b); and FIG. 2(b) is a back view of the housing of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b).

[0067] The housing 12 forms a power area 122, a signal area 124 and a combination area 126. The power area 122 is configured to provide a transmission of power and the signal area 124 is configured to provide a transmission of a signal. Also, the signal area 124 forms a gap (i.e. the closed opening formed in FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b)) in the housing 12 and the combination area 126 is formed on both sides of the power area 122 and the signal area 124, which can be used to secure the housing 12 to an outer housing 50, which will be mentioned later. In the gap, the housing 12 forms a plurality of stop springs 1242 and a plurality of first stop members 1244. The free ends of the plurality of stop springs 1242 extend towards the gap and the plurality of first stop members 1244 are respectively arranged between the plurality of stop springs 1242. In FIG. 2(a), for example, the free ends of the plurality of stop springs 1242 extend towards the inward direction of the drawing.

[0068] Also, the gap further comprises a first key 124102 and a third key 124104. In the present embodiment, the first key 124102 is exemplified by a groove and the third key 124104 is exemplified by a protrusion.

[0069] Also, the gap further comprises a plurality of track slots 1246 and a plurality of third stop members 1248 (refer to FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b)), and the plurality of third stop members 1248 are arranged in the plurality of track slots 1246. Figure 3

[0070] ​​The power module 14 is disposed in the power area 122. In this embodiment, the power module 14 can be integrally formed with the housing 12, i.e. the power module 14 can be a part of the housing 12. In addition, the power module 14 forms a first terminal hole 1222, in which a first terminal member 1224 can be disposed to enable connection of the power cable 22, which can be seen in more detail in Figure 3 Fig. 5, which shows a perspective view of the power connection unit of the modular electrical connection assembly of the present application.

[0071] Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) show various perspective views of the signal module of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) of the present application. Fig. 4(a) shows a first perspective view of the signal module of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) of the present application; and Fig. 4(b) shows a second perspective view of the signal module of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) of the present application.

[0072] The signal module 16 is disposed in the cutout. In this embodiment, the signal module 16 has a second latching member 168 and a second stop member 1610. The second latching member 168 corresponds to the plurality of stop springs 1242 and the second stop member 1610 corresponds to the plurality of first stop members 1244. In addition, the signal module 16 forms a plurality of second terminal members 162 to enable connection of the signal connection end 46 and the signal cable 42. In this embodiment, the signal module 16 can be inserted into the cutout in a single direction (i.e. from the lower left corner of the figure to the upper right corner of the figure). It is noted that due to the cutout providing, for example, the stop springs 1242 and the first stop members 1244, the signal module 16 can only be coupled from a single direction due to the design of the second latching member 168 and the second stop member 1610. Figure 3

[0073] In addition, the signal module 16 further comprises a second key 164 and a fourth key 166. The second key 164 corresponds to the first key 124102 and the fourth key 166 corresponds to the third key 124104. In this embodiment, the second key 164 is illustrated as a protrusion and the fourth key 166 is illustrated as a recess. In addition to the signal module 16 being inserted into the cutout by the first key 124102 engaging the second key 164 and / or the third key 124104 engaging the fourth key 166, the plurality of keys also serve a fool-proofing function. In another embodiment, when there are more than two signal modules 16, one of the plurality of signal modules can engage the fourth key 166 of another of the plurality of signal modules via the second key 164 to enable modular connection.

[0074] ​Further, the signal module 16 further comprises a fourth stopper 1612 and a sixth stopper 1614 formed on the corresponding side of the second buckle 168 and the second stopper 1610. The fourth stopper 1612 is correspondingly arranged for each of the plurality of third stoppers 1248 and the sixth stopper 1614 is correspondingly arranged for each of the plurality of first stoppers 1244.

[0075] It is worth noting that the second stopper 1610 and the sixth stopper 1614 can be an L-shaped notch, so that the first stopper 1244 can simultaneously stop two signal modules 16 connected adjacently.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5(a), a top view of the housing combined with the signal module is shown; FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the housing combined with the signal module along A-A; and FIG. 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the housing combined with the signal module along B-B.

[0077] In FIG. 5(b), the second buckle 168 is buckled by the plurality of stoppers 1242, so that the second buckle 168 cannot move towards, for example, the left or right side of the figure. Further, each of the plurality of track slots 1246 is arranged for the signal module 16, and the fourth stopper 1612 of the signal module 16 is fixed in the notch by being limited by the third stopper 1248 and the sixth stopper 1614 of the signal module 16 is fixed in the notch by being limited by one of the plurality of first stoppers 1244.

[0078] In FIG. 5(c), the second stopper 1610 is stopped in the notch by being limited by the plurality of first stoppers 1244 and cannot move towards, for example, the right side of the figure.

[0079] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly combined with a housing is shown. In this embodiment, the modular electrical connection assembly 10 further comprises a dustproof module 18. The dustproof module 18 is formed like the second key 164, the fourth key 166, the second buckle 168 and the second stopper 1610 of the signal module 16, except that the dustproof module 18 does not have the second terminal 162. If the signal module 16 is not used, the dustproof module 18 can be arranged to prevent dust from passing through the notch. Figure 6 Figure 6 In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly combined with a housing is shown. In this embodiment, the modular electrical connection assembly 10 further comprises a dustproof module 18. The dustproof module 18 is formed like the second key 164, the fourth key 166, the second buckle 168 and the second stopper 1610 of the signal module 16, except that the dustproof module 18 does not have the second terminal 162. If the signal module 16 is not used, the dustproof module 18 can be arranged to prevent dust from passing through the notch.

[0080] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a modular electrical connection assembly combined with a housing is shown. In this embodiment, the modular electrical connection assembly 10 further comprises a dustproof module 18. The dustproof module 18 is formed like the second key 164, the fourth key 166, the second buckle 168 and the second stopper 1610 of the signal module 16, except that the dustproof module 18 does not have the second terminal 162. If the signal module 16 is not used, the dustproof module 18 can be arranged to prevent dust from passing through the notch. Figure 7 Figure 7 ​​In the embodiment, the modular electrical connection assembly 10 further comprises an outer housing 50 covering the housing 12. The outer housing 50 has a plurality of first positioning members 506 and a plurality of fastening members 508. The plurality of first positioning members 506 are capable of being positioned in an external case (not shown) and the plurality of fastening members 508 are capable of being fastened to the external case. In addition, in order to facilitate the grasping of the outer housing 50, the outer housing 50 can also form a non-slip structure 510.

[0081] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 8 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modular electrical connection assembly connecting a second outer housing according to another embodiment of the present application. In Figure 8 In the embodiment, the outer housing 50 can be composed of a first outer housing 502 and a second outer housing 504. At least one of the first outer housing 502 and the second outer housing 504 has a second positioning member 5046. The first outer housing 502 is combined with the second outer housing 504 through the second positioning member 5046 to cover the housing 12. In addition, in the embodiment, the outer housing 50 further comprises a plurality of cable grooves 5042 and a plurality of rib bodies 5044. The plurality of cable grooves 5042 are arranged with the plurality of rib bodies 5044, so that the signal cables 42 are limited in the plurality of cable grooves 5042 by being pressed by the plurality of rib bodies 5044. Figure 8

[0082] It is worth noting that, according to the above-mentioned embodiments, other modular combinations can also be made, for example, referring to Figure 9 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a power module combined with two signal modules according to the present application; and, referring to Figure 10 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a single power module combined with four signal modules according to the present application.

[0083] The present application has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are only used to describe the present application, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that any equivalent changes and substitutions of the embodiments should be considered as falling within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be defined by the claims.​

Claims

1. A modular electrical connection assembly, characterized in that, The modular electrical connection assembly comprises a power connection unit connected via a power cable and a signal connection unit connected via a signal connection terminal, and includes: A housing forms a power supply area, a signal area, and a connection area. The power supply area provides power transmission, and the signal area provides signal transmission. The signal area forms a notch in the housing, and the connection area is formed on both sides of the power supply area and the signal area. The housing forms a plurality of stop springs and a plurality of first stop members in the notch. The free ends of the plurality of stop springs extend toward the notch, and the plurality of first stop members are respectively disposed between the plurality of stop springs. A power module is disposed in the power area, and the power module forms a plurality of first terminal pieces for connecting the power cable; A signal module is disposed in the notch. The signal module has a second latching member and a second stop member. The second latching member corresponds to one of the plurality of stop springs and the second stop member corresponds to one of the plurality of first stop members. The signal module forms a plurality of second terminal pieces for connecting the signal connection end and the signal cable. The signal module is inserted into the notch in a single direction, such that the second latching member is stopped in the notch by one of the plurality of stop springs and the second stop member is stopped by one of the plurality of first stop members; The notch further includes a plurality of track slots and a plurality of third stops, and the signal module further includes a fourth stop and a sixth stop. The plurality of third stops are disposed in the plurality of track slots, each of the plurality of third stops corresponds to the fourth stop, and a portion of each of the plurality of first stops corresponds to the sixth stop. Each of the plurality of track slots is used to house the signal module. The fourth stop of the signal module is fixed to the notch by being limited by the third stops, and the sixth stop of the signal module is limited by one of the plurality of first stops.

2. The modular electrical connection assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The notch further includes a first key and a third key, and the signal module further includes a second key and a fourth key. The first key corresponds to the second key, and the third key corresponds to the fourth key. The signal module is inserted into the notch by combining the first key with the second key or the third key with the fourth key.

3. The modular electrical connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the signal modules is at least two, and a second key and a fourth key are formed on both sides of each signal module respectively. One of the signal modules is connected in a modular manner by combining the second key with the fourth key of the other of the multiple signal modules.

4. The modular electrical connection assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second stop is formed on the side of one of the signal modules, and the plurality of second stops adjacent to the signal module are limited by one of the plurality of first stops.

5. The modular electrical connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes a dustproof module, which forms the second key, the fourth key, the second latch and the second stop as in the signal module, and the dustproof module does not have the plurality of second terminal pieces.

6. The modular electrical connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an outer shell that covers the housing, the outer shell having a plurality of first positioning members and a plurality of locking members, the plurality of first positioning members being positioned on the outer housing and the plurality of locking members being locked on the outer housing.

7. The modular electrical connection assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The outer shell is composed of a first outer shell and a second outer shell. At least one of the first outer shell and the second outer shell has a second positioning member. The first outer shell is combined with the second outer shell through the second positioning member to cover the shell.

8. The modular electrical connection assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The outer casing further includes a plurality of cable trays and a plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of cable trays are provided with the plurality of ribs so that the signal cable is squeezed and confined within the plurality of cable trays by the plurality of ribs.

9. The modular electrical connection assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal and the second terminal are either protruding electrodes or planar electrodes.

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