Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

This application discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector is adapted to electrically connect a first busbar and a second busbar. The connector includes an insulating housing, conductive terminals, and a conductive pin. The insulating housing includes a first hole and a slot located at one end of the insulating housing. The slot extends in the insulating housing along a first direction and a third direction and is configured to receive a second busbar inserted into the slot. The first hole extends at least partially through the insulating housing in a second direction. The conductive terminals are disposed within the insulating housing and adapted to make electrical contact with the second busbar inserted into the slot. The conductive pin is adapted to be inserted into the first hole for electrical connection with the conductive terminals and is adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar. The conductive pin is slidable relative to the conductive terminals in the first hole along the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to connectors and connector assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the connection between the first and second busbars, which are perpendicular to each other, is generally achieved through a rigid fit using fastening screws. This connection method results in misalignment or tilting between the second and first busbars. Under long-term torsional stress and mechanical vibration, these misalignments or tilting can cause the fastening screws to break, leading to a circuit break in the entire system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application is made in order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned and other problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] Some embodiments of this application provide a connector adapted to electrically connect a first busbar and a second busbar. The connector includes: a conductive terminal having a hole at one end and a contact portion at the other end, the contact portions being disposed opposite each other to form a slot extending along a first direction and a third direction and configured to receive a second busbar inserted into the slot; and a conductive pin adapted to be inserted into the hole for electrical connection with the conductive terminal and adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar. The conductive pin is slidable relative to the conductive terminal in the hole along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the third direction being perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0005] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a conductive block, wherein the conductive terminal is partially supported on both sides of the conductive block; wherein the conductive block is provided with a second hole aligned with the hole of the conductive terminal in the second direction, such that the conductive pin is adapted to be slidably inserted into the hole of the conductive terminal and the second hole.

[0006] In other embodiments of this application, the connector is adapted to electrically connect a first busbar and a second busbar. The connector may include an insulating housing, conductive terminals, and a conductive pin. The insulating housing includes a first hole and a slot located at one end of the insulating housing. The slot extends in the insulating housing along a first direction and a third direction and is configured to receive a second busbar inserted into the slot. The first hole extends at least partially through the insulating housing in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The conductive terminal is disposed within the insulating housing and adapted to electrically contact the second busbar inserted into the slot. The conductive pin is adapted to be inserted into the first hole for electrical connection with the conductive terminal and is also adapted to be electrically connected to the first busbar. The conductive pin is slidable relative to the conductive terminal in the first hole along the second direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the conductive terminal is adapted to electrically contact the second busbar inserted into the slot in a manner that allows the second busbar inserted into the slot to be slidably inserted relative to the conductive terminal in the first direction and the third direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a conductive block disposed within the insulating housing, the conductive terminal being partially supported on the surface of the conductive block; the conductive block has a second hole aligned with the first hole in the second direction, such that the conductive pin is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole and the second hole.

[0009] In one embodiment, the conductive terminal is provided with a third hole aligned with the first hole and the second hole in the second direction, such that the conductive pin is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole, the second hole and the third hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the conductive terminal includes a plurality of resilient arms adapted to slidably press against the second busbar inserted into the slot.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connector includes a pair of conductive terminals configured to clamp opposite sides of a second busbar inserted into the slot; wherein the plurality of resilient arms of one of the conductive terminals are interleaved relative to the plurality of resilient arms of the other conductive terminal in the third direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the conductive pin has a first head and a rod portion, wherein the conductive pin is adapted to be connected at the first head to a connection portion of the first busbar, and the rod portion is adapted to be slidably inserted into a first hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first head has a first threaded hole to allow the conductive pin to be removably secured to the connection by screwing a first threaded fastener into the connection and the first threaded hole, such that the conductive pin is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first head is adapted to be fixed to the connection portion by welding.

[0015] In one embodiment, the length of the rod portion along the second direction is greater than or equal to the thickness of the connector along the second direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, a second threaded hole is provided at the opposite end of the conductive pin to the first head, allowing a second threaded fastener to be screwed into the second threaded hole. The diameter of the second head of the second threaded fastener is larger than the diameter of the first hole passing through the insulating housing, such that the insulating housing can slide along the rod in the second direction between the second head of the second threaded fastener and the first head of the conductive pin.

[0017] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a resilient terminal disposed on the wall of the second hole of the conductive block and electrically connected to the conductive terminal, and adapted to slidably make electrical contact with the conductive pin along the second direction and apply a clamping force to the conductive pin.

[0018] In one embodiment, the length of the conductive block along the third direction is greater than the lengths of the insulating housing and the conductive terminals along the third direction, so as to allow at least two of the conductive terminals to be arranged on the surface of the conductive block along the third direction.

[0019] This application also provides a connector assembly comprising: a connector; a first busbar adapted to be electrically connected to a conductive pin of the connector; and a second busbar adapted to be inserted into a slot in an insulating housing of the connector for electrical connection to a conductive terminal of the connector. The conductive pin is slidable relative to the insulating housing in a second direction within a first hole in the insulating housing to allow the connector to move relative to the first busbar in the second direction; and / or the connector is electrically connected to the second busbar in a manner that allows the second busbar to slide in the slot in a first direction and a third direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first busbar includes a first body portion having a plurality of connection terminals and a connection portion extending from the first body portion, the connection portion being adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive pin.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connector assembly includes two first busbars, the first body portions of the two first busbars being stacked along the third direction, and an insulator being disposed between the stacked two first body portions; and the connector assembly includes two connectors positioned between the connecting portions of the two first busbars, each connector being electrically connected to a corresponding first busbar; the connector assembly further includes two second busbars, the two second busbars being electrically connected to the two first busbars respectively via the two connectors.

[0022] In one embodiment, an insulator is provided between the two connectors to prevent the conductive pins of the two connectors from making electrical contact with each other.

[0023] In one embodiment, the connection portion is detachably secured to the first head of the conductive pin by a first threaded fastener.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second busbar includes a contact portion adapted to be inserted into the slot of the connector for slidable electrical contact with the conductive terminal; the length of the contact portion in the third direction is greater than the length of the connector in the third direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second busbar further includes a second body portion, the thickness of which along the second direction is greater than the thickness of the contact portion along the second direction and the width of the slot along the second direction.

[0026] In one embodiment, the width of the contact portion in the first direction is greater than the depth of the slot in the first direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the width of the contact portion in the first direction is less than or equal to the depth of the slot in the first direction, and a recessed portion communicating with the contact portion is provided in the second body portion, the thickness of the recessed portion along the second direction is equal to the thickness of the contact portion, and the length in the third direction is greater than the length of the connector in the third direction.

[0028] In various embodiments of this application, the connector is not only able to establish a stable electrical connection with the first busbar and the second busbar, but also able to slide relative to the first busbar in a second direction, thereby establishing a through-type floating electrical contact between the connector and the first busbar; and the connector is able to slide relative to the second busbar in a first direction and a third direction, thereby establishing a separable pluggable floating electrical contact between the connector and the second busbar, thereby eliminating the torsional stress caused by misalignment and tilting, and the problem of open circuit caused by screw breakage due to such stress. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector assembly comprising the connector according to this application, a first busbar, and a second busbar is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A top view of the connector assembly consisting of the connector of this application, the first busbar, and the second busbar is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 The connector assembly consisting of the connector of this application and the first busbar and the second busbar is shown along the edge. Figure 1 The top view section diagram taken from line AA in the figure.

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of the connector according to this application is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view of the connector according to this application, viewed from the rear, is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 The connector according to this application is shown along the edge. Figure 5 Perspective view of the section cut off at the center line BB.

[0035] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector after the conductive pins have been removed.

[0036] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 The connector shown is a perspective view after the insulating shell has been removed.

[0037] Figure 9 A perspective view of a connector according to another embodiment of this application after the insulating housing has been removed is shown.

[0038] Figure 10 Another perspective view of the connector according to another embodiment of this application is shown after the insulating housing has been removed.

[0039] Figure 11 A perspective view of the insulating housing of the connector according to this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals and symbols shown in the drawings refer to elements or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0041] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this application. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. In this application, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and similar terms are used to enumerate features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of said features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes multiple combinations of associated items or any one of multiple associated items.

[0043] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated schematically to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0044] This application provides a connector adapted to electrically connect a first busbar and a second busbar. In the illustrated embodiment, the first busbar extends along a first direction X and a second direction Y, and the second busbar extends along the first direction X and a third direction Z, wherein the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0045] Some embodiments of this application provide a connector 10 adapted to electrically connect a first busbar 20 and a second busbar 30. The connector includes: a conductive terminal 200 having a hole at one end and a contact portion at the other end, the contact portions being disposed opposite each other to form a slot extending along a first direction X and a third direction Z and configured to receive the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot; and a conductive pin 400 adapted to be inserted into the hole for electrical connection with the conductive terminal 200 and also adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar 20. The conductive pin 400 is slidable relative to the conductive terminal 200 in the hole along a second direction Y.

[0046] In other embodiments of this application, the connector 10 may include an insulating housing 100, conductive terminals 200, and conductive pins 400. The insulating housing 100 includes a first hole 102 and a slot 101 located at one end of the insulating housing. The slot 101 extends in the insulating housing along a first direction X and a third direction Z and is configured to receive a second busbar 30 inserted into the slot. The first hole 102 extends at least partially through the insulating housing 100 in a second direction Y. The conductive terminals 200 are disposed within the insulating housing 100 and adapted to make electrical contact with the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101. The conductive pins 400 are adapted to be inserted into the first hole 102 for electrical connection with the conductive terminals 200, and the conductive pins are also adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar 20.

[0047] In some embodiments, the conductive pin 400 is slidable in the first hole 102 relative to the conductive terminal 200 along the second direction Y.

[0048] In some embodiments, the conductive terminal 200 is adapted to electrically contact the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101 in a manner that allows the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101 to be slidably inserted relative to the conductive terminal 200 along the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0049] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector assembly comprising the connector according to this application, a first busbar, and a second busbar is shown. Figure 2 A top view of the connector assembly comprising the connector of this application, the first busbar, and the second busbar is shown; and Figure 3 The connector assembly consisting of the connector of this application and the first busbar and the second busbar is shown along the edge. Figure 1 The top view section diagram taken from line AA in the figure.

[0050] The connector assembly according to this application includes a connector 10, a first busbar 20, and a second busbar 30. The first busbar 20 is adapted to be electrically connected to a conductive pin 400 of the connector. The second busbar 30 is adapted to be inserted into a slot 101 of an insulating housing 100 of the connector for electrical connection to a conductive terminal 200. The conductive pin 400 is slidable relative to the insulating housing in a second direction Y in a first hole 102 to allow the connector 10 to move relative to the first busbar 20 in the second direction Y; and / or the connector 10 is electrically connected to the second busbar in a manner that allows the second busbar 30 to slide in the slot 101 in a first direction X and a third direction Z.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 3Preferably, the connector 10 is electrically connected in a movable manner to first busbars 20a and 20b in the second direction Y, which may also be referred to as horizontal busbars. The connector is electrically connected in a movable manner to second busbars 30a and 30b in the first direction X and the third direction Z, which may also be referred to as vertical busbars. It should be noted that the directional terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in this application are for reference only. Figure 1 The directions shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the actual mounting direction of the connectors and connector assemblies described in this application.

[0052] The first busbar 20 includes a first main body 2001 provided with a plurality of connection terminals 2003 and a connection portion 2002 extending from the first main body 2001, wherein the connection portion 2002 is adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive pin 400.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the first main body portion 2001 of the first busbar extends primarily along the second direction Y. The first main body portion of one first busbar 20a for connection to the positive terminal of the power supply and the first main body portion of another first busbar 20b for connection to the negative terminal of the power supply can be stacked together. Preferably, the first main body portions of the two first busbars 20a and 20b are separated by an insulator.

[0054] In addition, the first busbars 20a and 20b also have a plurality of connection terminals 2003 adapted to be connected to the power supply terminal or the power output terminal of the power supply, and the connection terminals 2003 are disposed on the first main body 2001. The connection terminals 2003 can be electrically connected to the power supply terminal or the power output terminal of the power supply in a fixed manner by means of screws.

[0055] Furthermore, the first busbar also has a connecting portion 2002 extending from the first main body portion 2001. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 2002 extends along a first direction X and a third direction Z. In conventional technology, the connecting portion of the first busbar is electrically connected to the second busbar extending along the first direction X and the third direction Z by screws. Therefore, misalignment and tilting mismatch are prone to occur, and under long-term torsional stress, mechanical vibration, etc., the screws may break.

[0056] In embodiments of this application, the connecting portion 2002 of the first busbar is adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive pin 400 of the connector 10. The conductive pin 400 is adapted to be inserted into the first hole 102 of the insulating housing for electrical connection with the conductive terminal 200, and is slidable within the first hole 102 relative to the conductive terminal 200 along the second direction Y. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the conductive pin 400 makes slidable electrical contact with the resilient terminal 300 of the connector 10 along the second direction Y, and the resilient terminal 300 applies a clamping force to the conductive pin 400, thereby establishing a stable electrical connection between the resilient terminal 300 and the conductive pin 400.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 2002 of the first busbar is detachably fixed to the first head of the conductive pin 400 by a first fastener 500. This first fastener 500 is a threaded fastener, preferably a screw. In this case, the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400 (as shown) Figure 6 The connector 2002 (as shown) has a first threaded hole with a female thread adapted to mate with a male thread of a first threaded fastener 500. The conductive pin 400 is detachably secured to the connector 2002 by screwing the first threaded fastener 500 into the connector 2002 and the first threaded hole, such that the conductive pin 400 is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector 2002.

[0058] In another embodiment, not shown, the connection portion 2002 of the first busbar is fixed to the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400 by welding.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly includes two first busbars 20a and 20b, with first body portions 2001 of the two first busbars stacked along a third direction Z, and an insulator disposed between the stacked first body portions 2001. The connector assembly includes two connectors 10 positioned between connecting portions of the two first busbars, each connector being electrically connected to a corresponding first busbar. The connector assembly also includes two second busbars 30, each electrically connected to the two first busbars 20 via the two connectors 10. A connecting portion 2002 of one first busbar 20a and a connecting portion of the other first busbar 20b sandwich the two connectors 10a and 10b in the middle, such that even though the conductive pin 400 of the connector is movably inserted into the connector, the conductive pin 400 will not disengage from the connector.

[0060] In another embodiment not shown, the first busbar 20a and the other first busbar 20b are separately disposed, and the two connectors are also separately disposed. In this case, a second threaded hole is provided at the end of the conductive pin 400 opposite to the first head 401 to allow a second threaded fastener to be screwed into the second threaded hole. The diameter of the second head of the second threaded fastener is larger than the diameter of the first hole 102 passing through the insulating housing, such that the insulating housing can slide along the rod portion 402 in the second direction Y between the second head of the second threaded fastener and the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400, and the conductive pin 400 will not disengage from the connector 10.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3 As preferably shown, the connector 10 is electrically connected to the second busbars 30a and 30b in a movable manner in the first direction X and the third direction Z via a slot 101 at one end. The second busbar has a contact portion 3001 adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive terminals 200 of the connector 10, the length of the contact portion 3001 in the third direction Z being greater than the length of the connector 10 in the third direction Z.

[0062] In one embodiment, the width W1 of the contact portion 3001 in the first direction X (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown) The depth D1 of the slot 101 in the first direction X of the connector 10 is greater than the depth D1 of the slot 101 in the first direction X. Figure 4 (As shown). This allows the connector 10 to move relative to the second busbar 30 in the first direction X and / or the third direction Z when the connector 10 is electrically connected to the second busbar 30.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the second busbar also has a second main body portion 3002, the thickness of which is greater than the thickness of the contact portion 3001, thereby giving the second busbar sufficient rigidity to prevent it from bending easily.

[0064] In other embodiments, the width W1 of the contact portion 3001 in the first direction X is less than or equal to the depth D1 of the slot 101 in the first direction X, or the second busbar does not have the contact portion 3001. In this case, a recess 3003 communicating with the contact portion 3001 is provided in the second body portion 3002. The thickness of the recess 3003 along the second direction Y is equal to the thickness of the contact portion 3001, and its length in the third direction Z is greater than the length of the connector 10 in the third direction Z. The recess 3003 has a width W2 in the first direction X, thereby allowing the connector 10 to move relative to the second busbar 30 in the first direction X and / or the third direction Z.

[0065] The following is for reference Figures 4 to 11 The specific structure of connector 10 according to this application is described in detail. Figure 4 A perspective view of the connector according to this application is shown; Figure 5 A perspective view of the connector according to this application, viewed from the rear, is shown; Figure 6 The connector according to this application is shown along the edge. Figure 5 Perspective view of the section cut off at centerline BB; Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The connector shown is a cross-sectional perspective view after the conductive pins have been removed; Figure 8 A perspective view of the connector according to this application after the insulating housing has been removed is shown; Figure 9 A perspective view of a connector according to another embodiment of this application after the insulating housing has been removed is shown; Figure 10 Another perspective view of the connector according to another embodiment of this application after the insulating housing has been removed is shown; and Figure 11 A perspective view of the insulating housing of the connector according to this application is shown.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the connector according to this application may include an insulating housing 100, conductive terminals 200, conductive pins 400, and optional resilient terminals 300 and optional conductive blocks 600.

[0067] The insulating housing 100 is made of an insulating material such as plastic. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the insulating housing includes a first hole 102 and a slot 101 located at one end of the insulating housing.

[0068] The slot 101 extends within the insulating housing along a first direction X and a third direction Z and is configured to receive a second busbar 30 inserted into the slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 101 penetrates the insulating housing 100 in the third direction Z, allowing a second busbar 30 longer than the connector to be inserted into the connector. In another embodiment, the slot 101 does not penetrate the insulating housing 100 in the third direction Z, in which case a second busbar 30 shorter than the connector can be inserted into the connector, i.e., the length of the second busbar 30 in the third direction Z is less than the length of the slot 101 in the third direction Z. In these cases, the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot is movable within the slot 101 along the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0069] The first hole 102 of the insulating housing extends at least partially through the insulating housing 100 in the second direction Y. The rod portion 402 of the conductive pin 400 of the connector (e.g.) Figure 6(As shown) can be inserted into the first hole 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of first holes is four, but the number of first holes can also be one, two or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, a first hole 102 penetrates the insulating housing, allowing the conductive pin 400 to be inserted from either side. Figure 1 When the connectors shown are assembled with the second busbar, the two adjacent sidewalls of the insulating housings of the two adjacent connectors are isolated by an insulator to prevent electrical contact between the two opposing conductive pins 400.

[0071] Alternatively, the first hole 102 of the insulating housing penetrates one of the two sidewalls of the insulating housing but not the other sidewall, in order to prevent electrical contact between the two opposing conductive pins 400.

[0072] The connector includes a conductive terminal 200 disposed within an insulating housing 100 and adapted to be electrically connected to a second busbar 30 in a movable manner, i.e., adapted to allow the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101 to be slidably inserted into the slot relative to the conductive terminal 200 in a first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0073] The conductive terminal 200 is provided with a third hole 202, which is aligned in the second direction Y with the first hole 102 of the insulating housing and the second hole 601 of the conductive block, such that the conductive pin 400 is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole 102, the second hole 601 and the third hole 202. The number, size and position of the third holes 202 correspond to the first hole 102 of the insulating housing 100.

[0074] The conductive terminal 200 also includes a plurality of elastic arms 201, which are adapted to slidably press against the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector includes a pair of conductive terminals 200 configured to clamp opposite sides of a second busbar inserted into a slot 101; or opposing conductive terminals 200 are respectively provided on the inner sides of the two side walls of the slot 101 of the connector's insulating housing 100, the opposing conductive terminals 200 being slidably clamping the second busbar 30 and being electrically connected to the second busbar 30.

[0076] like Figures 8 to 10Preferably, the plurality of elastic arms of one of the conductive terminals 200 are staggered relative to the plurality of elastic arms of the other conductive terminal in the third direction Z. Further, as shown, two conductive terminals are stacked along the second direction Y on each side of the conductive block 600, and the plurality of elastic arms of one of the two conductive terminals on any side of the conductive block are also staggered relative to the plurality of elastic arms of the other conductive terminal in the third direction Z.

[0077] In another embodiment (not shown), a conductive terminal 200 is provided on one of the two sidewalls of the slot 101 of the insulating housing 100, while no conductive terminal is provided on the other sidewall. In this case, the elastic arm 201 of the conductive terminal 200 slides together with the sidewall to clamp the second busbar 30, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the elastic arm 201 of the conductive terminal 200 and the clamped second busbar 30.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, a reinforcing plate 203 is provided on the elastic arm 201 of the conductive terminal 200, thereby further enhancing the clamping force of the elastic arm 201 of the conductive terminal together with the opposite elastic arm or sidewall clamping the second busbar 30.

[0079] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 Preferably, the connector further includes a conductive resilient terminal 300, which is electrically connected to the conductive terminal 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient terminal 300 is disposed on the wall of the second hole 601 of the conductive block 600, and thereby electrically connected to the conductive block 600 and the conductive terminal 200. The conductive terminal 200 is adapted to make slidable electrical contact with the conductive pin 400 along a second direction Y. The resilient terminal 300 is elastic, thereby applying a clamping force to the conductive pin 400, allowing the resilient terminal 300 to make close contact with the shank 402 of the conductive pin 400 in the circumferential direction, thereby establishing a stable electrical connection.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the connector includes a conductive block 600 that supports the conductive terminals 200 and the resilient terminals 300. The conductive block 600 is clamped between the opposing conductive terminals 200 and establishes a stable electrical connection with them.

[0081] The conductive block 600 can be made of a single metal plate or alloy plate, or it can be made of multiple metal sheets laminated together. The multiple metal sheets can be made of the same metal, such as copper. In another embodiment, the multiple metal sheets can be composed of different metal sheets, such as alternating copper and aluminum sheets, thereby reducing costs.

[0082] A second hole 601 is provided in the conductive block 600. The number, size, and position of the second hole 601 correspond to the third hole 202 of the conductive terminal 200 and the first hole 102 of the insulating housing 100, so that the rod portion 402 of the conductive pin 400 of the connector can be inserted into the second hole 601. The elastic terminal 300 can be attached to the hole wall of the second hole of the conductive block 600, thereby stably supporting the elastic terminal 300 and establishing a stable electrical connection with the elastic terminal 300.

[0083] The length of the conductive block 600 along the third direction Z is greater than the length of the insulating shell 100 and the conductive terminal 200 along the third direction Z, such that at least two conductive terminals 200 are arranged on the surface of the conductive block 600 along the third direction Z.

[0084] like Figure 6 As preferably shown, the conductive pin 400 of the connector has a first head 401 and a shank 402. The conductive pin 400 is adapted to be connected at the first head 401 to a connection portion 2002 of the first busbar 20, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the first hole 101 in the insulating housing 100. The shank 402 is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole 102. The shank 402 has a smooth surface, allowing for slidable contact with the resilient terminal 300 and the establishment of a stable electrical connection.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400 has a threaded hole with a female thread adapted to mate with the male thread of the first threaded fastener 500. Thus, the connecting portion 2002 of the first busbar is secured to the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400 by the first threaded fastener 500, thereby establishing a stable electrical connection between the first busbar 20 and the conductive pin 400, and between the first busbar 20 and the conductive terminal 200 of the connector. In another embodiment (not shown), the connecting portion 2002 of the first busbar is secured to the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400 by welding.

[0086] The length L1 of the rod portion 402 of the conductive pin 400 along the second direction Y is greater than or equal to the thickness L2 of the connector 10 along the second direction Y. When the conductive pin 400 is inserted into the body of the connector, the rod portion 402 of the conductive pin 400 can make full contact with the elastic terminal 300 to establish a stable electrical connection.

[0087] In another embodiment not shown, a second threaded hole is provided at the end of the conductive pin 400 opposite to the first head 401 to allow a second threaded fastener to be screwed into the second threaded hole. The diameter of the second head of the second threaded fastener is larger than the diameter of the first hole 102 passing through the insulating housing, such that the insulating housing can slide along the rod 402 in the second direction Y between the second head of the second threaded fastener and the first head 401 of the conductive pin 400, thereby preventing the conductive pin 400 from disengaging from the connector 10.

[0088] The connector provided according to various embodiments of this application is adapted to electrically connect a first busbar 20 and a second busbar 30. The connector includes an insulating housing 100 including a first hole 102 and a slot 101 located at one end of the insulating housing. The slot 101 extends in the insulating housing along a first direction X and a third direction Z and is configured to receive a second busbar 30 inserted into the slot. The first hole 102 extends at least partially through the insulating housing 100 in a second direction Y, wherein the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. The connector includes conductive terminals 200 disposed within the insulating housing 100 and adapted to electrically contact the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101. The connector also includes conductive pins 400 adapted to be inserted into the first hole 102 for electrical connection with the conductive terminals 200 and adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar 20. The conductive pin 400 is slidable in the first hole 102 relative to the conductive terminal 200 along the second direction Y; and / or the conductive terminal 200 is adapted to electrically contact the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101 in a manner that allows the second busbar 30 inserted into the slot 101 to be slidable relative to the conductive terminal 200 along the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0089] Therefore, the connector 10 according to this application can not only establish a stable electrical connection with the first busbar 20 and the second busbar 30, but also slide relative to the first busbar 20 along the second direction Y, thereby establishing a through-type floating electrical contact between the connector and the first busbar; and the connector 10 can slide relative to the second busbar 30 along the first direction X and the third direction Z, thereby establishing a separable pluggable floating electrical contact between the connector and the second busbar. This eliminates the torsional stress caused by misaligned or tilted mating, and the problem of open circuits caused by screw breakage due to such stress.

[0090] Although various embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector (10) suitable for electrically connecting a first busbar (20) and a second busbar (30), characterized in that, The connector includes: An insulating housing (100) includes a first hole (102) and a slot (101) at one end of the insulating housing. The slot (101) extends in the insulating housing along a first direction (X) and a third direction (Z) and is configured to receive a second busbar (30) inserted into the slot. The first hole (102) extends at least partially through the insulating housing (100) in a second direction (Y), wherein the second direction (Y) is perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) is perpendicular to both the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). A conductive terminal (200) disposed within the insulating housing (100) and adapted to make electrical contact with the second busbar (30) inserted into the slot (101); and A conductive pin (400) is adapted to be inserted into the first hole (102) for electrical connection with the conductive terminal (200), and the conductive pin is adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar (20); The conductive pin (400) is slidable in the first hole (102) in the second direction (Y) relative to the conductive terminal (200) to allow the connector (10) to move in the second direction (Y) relative to the first busbar (20).

2. The connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector also includes a conductive block (600) disposed within the insulating housing (100), and the conductive terminals (200) are partially supported on the surface of the conductive block (600); The conductive block (600) is provided with a second hole (601), which is aligned with the first hole (102) in the second direction (Y), such that the conductive pin (400) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole (102) and the second hole (601).

3. The connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive terminal (200) is provided with a third hole (202) which is aligned with the first hole (102) and the second hole (601) in the second direction (Y), such that the conductive pin (400) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole (102), the second hole (601) and the third hole (202).

4. The connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive terminal (200) includes a plurality of elastic arms (201) adapted to slidably press against the second busbar (30) inserted into the slot.

5. The connector (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector includes a pair of conductive terminals (200) configured to hold opposite sides of a second busbar (30) inserted into the slot. In this pair of conductive terminals (200), the plurality of elastic arms of one conductive terminal are interleaved with the plurality of elastic arms of the other conductive terminal in the third direction (Z).

6. The connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The conductive pin (400) has a first head (401) and a rod (402), wherein the conductive pin is adapted to be connected at the first head (401) to the connecting portion (2002) of the first busbar (20), and the rod (402) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the first hole (102).

7. The connector (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first head (401) has a first threaded hole to allow the conductive pin (400) to be removably secured to the connecting portion (2002) by screwing a first threaded fastener (500) into the connecting portion (2002) and the first threaded hole, such that the conductive pin (400) is mechanically and electrically connected to the connecting portion (2002); or The first head (401) is adapted to be fixed to the connecting part (2002) by welding.

8. The connector (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length (L1) of the rod (402) along the second direction (Y) is greater than or equal to the thickness (L2) of the connector (10) along the second direction (Y).

9. The connector (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A second threaded hole is provided at the opposite end of the conductive pin (400) to the first head (401) to allow a second threaded fastener to be screwed into the second threaded hole. The diameter of the second head of the second threaded fastener is larger than the diameter of the first hole (102) passing through the insulating housing, such that the insulating housing can slide along the rod (402) in the second direction (Y) between the second head of the second threaded fastener and the first head (401) of the conductive pin (400).

10. The connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector further includes a resilient terminal (300) disposed on the wall of the second hole (601) of the conductive block (600) and electrically connected to the conductive terminal (200), and adapted to slidably make electrical contact with the conductive pin (400) along the second direction (Y) and apply a clamping force to the conductive pin (400).

11. The connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the conductive block (600) along the third direction (Z) is greater than the length of the insulating housing (100) and the conductive terminal (200) along the third direction (Z), so as to allow at least two of the conductive terminals (200) to be arranged along the third direction (Z) on the surface of the conductive block (600).

12. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: Connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A first busbar (20), the first busbar (20) being adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive pin (400) of the connector; and The second busbar (30) is adapted to be inserted into a slot (101) in the insulating housing (100) of the connector for electrical connection with the conductive terminals (200) of the connector; in: The conductive pin (400) is slidable relative to the insulating housing in a second direction (Y) within a first hole (102) of the insulating housing, allowing the connector (10) to move relative to the first busbar (20) in the second direction (Y); and / or The connector (10) is electrically connected to the second busbar in such a manner that the second busbar (30) slides in the slot (101) along the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first busbar (20) includes a first main body (2001) provided with a plurality of connection terminals (2003) and a connection portion (2002) extending from the first main body (2001), the connection portion (2002) being adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive pin (400).

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes two first busbars (20), the first body portions (2001) of the two first busbars being stacked along the third direction (Z), and an insulator being disposed between the stacked two first body portions (2001); and The connector assembly includes two connectors (10) positioned between the connection portions (2002) of the two first busbars (20), and each connector is electrically connected to a corresponding first busbar; The connector assembly further includes two second busbars (30), which are electrically connected to the two first busbars (20) via the two connectors (10).

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, An insulator is provided between the two connectors (10) to prevent the conductive pins (400) of the two connectors (10) from making electrical contact with each other.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connecting part (2002) is detachably secured to the first head (401) of the conductive pin (400) by a first threaded fastener (500).

17. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The second busbar (30) includes a contact portion (3001) adapted to be inserted into the slot (101) of the connector (10) to make slidable electrical contact with the conductive terminal (200). The length of the contact portion (3001) in the third direction (Z) is greater than the length of the connector (10) in the third direction (Z).

18. The connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second busbar (30) further includes a second body portion (3002), the thickness of the second body portion (3002) along the second direction (Y) being greater than the thickness of the contact portion (3001) along the second direction (Y) and the width of the slot (101) along the second direction (Y).

19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The width (W1) of the contact portion (3001) in the first direction (X) is greater than the depth (D1) of the slot (101) in the first direction (X); or The width (W1) of the contact portion (3001) in the first direction (X) is less than or equal to the depth (D1) of the slot (101) in the first direction (X), and a recess (3003) communicating with the contact portion (3001) is provided in the second body portion (3002), the thickness of the recess (3003) along the second direction (Y) is equal to the thickness of the contact portion (3001), and the length in the third direction (Z) is greater than the length of the connector (10) in the third direction (Z).

20. A connector (10) adapted for electrically connecting a first busbar (20) and a second busbar (30), characterized in that, The connector includes: A conductive terminal (200) has a hole at one end and a contact portion at the other end, the contact portions being disposed opposite each other to form a slot, the slot extending along a first direction (X) and a third direction (Z) and being configured to receive a second busbar (30) inserted into the slot, and A conductive pin (400) is adapted to be inserted into the hole for electrical connection with the conductive terminal (200) and the conductive pin is adapted to be electrically connected with the first busbar (20); The conductive pin (400) is slidable in the hole in a second direction (Y) relative to the conductive terminal (200) to allow the connector (10) to move in the second direction (Y) relative to the first busbar (20), the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X), and the third direction (Z) being perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

21. The connector (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The connector also includes a conductive block (600), and the conductive terminals (200) are partially supported on both sides of the conductive block (600). The conductive block (600) is provided with a second hole (601), which is aligned with the hole of the conductive terminal in the second direction (Y), such that the conductive pin (400) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the hole of the conductive terminal and the second hole (601).

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