An electrical connector and busway assembly

Abstract

The application discloses an electric connector and a bus duct assembly. The electric connector is used for connecting two bus ducts. The electric connector is provided with two electric connection parts respectively suitable for being opposite to two installation surfaces, a driving part located between the two electric connection parts and suitable for driving the two electric connection parts to be close to or away from each other, and a second clamping part suitable for being clamped with a first clamping part in a second direction. The electric connection part is provided with a conductive unit extending in a first direction, which is equal in number to the copper bars of the corresponding installation surface and one-to-one corresponding. The conductive unit is suitable for entering and exiting the shell through the opening when the two electric connection parts are close to each other. The conductive unit is also suitable for abutting against the corresponding copper bar when the second clamping part is clamped with the first clamping part in place in the second direction and the two electric connection parts are away from each other, so that the corresponding copper bars of the two bus ducts are electrically connected with each other. The application has the advantages of short installation period, simple operation, hidden connection structure and better appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power transmission technology, specifically to an electrical connector and busbar assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Existing busbar trunking uses a hard aluminum alloy shell, containing conductive components, insulating materials, and related accessories. Typically, four phase copper busbars and one ground busbar are laid inside. The four phase copper busbars are located on both sides of the busbar trunking, while the ground busbar is located at the top. When connecting the conductive circuits of multiple busbar trunkings, the ends of the busbar trunking are usually modified to expose the phase copper busbars. Insulation material is then placed around the exposed phase copper busbars to ensure safety during installation and maintenance. The ground busbar is generally not exposed. When connecting two busbar trunkings, the ground busbars of the two adjacent busbar trunkings are electrically connected using external electrical connectors. The ends of the two busbar trunkings are spliced ​​together to form two recessed insulating boxes, inside which the aforementioned phase copper busbars are laid. The corresponding phase copper busbars of the two adjacent busbar trunkings are then electrically connected using external copper busbars. The connection between the copper busbars and the two phase copper busbars is generally achieved using fasteners. The installation and tightening of multiple phase copper busbars takes a long time, and the exposed connection structure of the two busbar trunkings is not aesthetically pleasing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide an electrical connector and busbar assembly that has a short installation cycle, is easy to operate, and has a hidden connection structure, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention and its preferred embodiments employ the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:

[0005] Technical Solution 1: An electrical connector for electrically connecting two adjacent busbar trunkings along a first direction. The busbar trunking includes a housing extending along the first direction and a plurality of copper busbars extending along the first direction. The housing has an opening along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its inner wall has parallel and opposing mounting surfaces arranged along a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. At least two copper busbars are arranged along the second direction on each mounting surface. The housing has a first snap-fit ​​portion at one end away from the opening. The electrical connector has two electrical connection portions respectively adapted to face the two mounting surfaces. A driving part located between two electrical connection parts and adapted to drive the two electrical connection parts closer to or further away from each other, and a second snap-fit ​​part adapted to snap-fit ​​with the first snap-fit ​​part along a second direction; the electrical connection parts are provided with conductive units extending along a first direction in a number equal to and corresponding one-to-one with the copper busbars of the corresponding mounting surfaces; the conductive units are adapted to pass through the opening into and out of the housing when the two electrical connection parts are close to each other; the conductive units are also adapted to abut against the corresponding copper busbars when the second snap-fit ​​part and the first snap-fit ​​part are snapped into place along the second direction and the two electrical connection parts are far apart from each other, so that the copper busbars corresponding to the two busbar slots are electrically connected to each other.

[0006] Based on technical solution one, there is also technical solution two. In technical solution two, the conductive unit includes a conductive part extending along a first direction and elastic abutment parts located at both ends of the conductive part. The elastic abutment parts protrude relative to the conductive part toward the mounting surface and are adapted to deform and store energy when the conductive unit abuts against the corresponding copper busbar.

[0007] Based on technical solution two, there is also technical solution three. In technical solution three, the elastic abutment part includes at least two arc-shaped spring pieces arranged along the second direction.

[0008] Based on technical solution one, there is also technical solution four. In technical solution four, the electrical connector includes two connecting units located between two electrical connecting parts and facing each other. The connecting unit is provided with a connecting layer and an insulating layer fixed to each other along a third direction. The connecting layer is limited and connected to the driving part along a second direction. The insulating layer is provided with a support surface perpendicular to the third direction away from the connecting layer. Each conductive unit is laid on the support surface. The second snap-fit ​​part is limited and connected to the connecting unit along the second direction.

[0009] Based on technical solution four, there is also technical solution five. In technical solution five, the two connecting layers are provided with relief grooves with openings facing each other. The two ends of the driving part along the third direction respectively extend into the two relief grooves and are rotatably connected to the two connecting layers, and the rotation axis extends along the second direction.

[0010] Based on technical solution five, there is also technical solution six. In technical solution six, the electrical connector includes a body, the body has a channel extending through a third direction, the driving part has a driving end located inside the channel and an operating end located outside the channel, when the operating end is operated, the driving part drives the two electrical connectors to enter and exit the channel; the end of the body away from the opening extends in a direction away from the opening to form the second snap-fit ​​part; the connecting unit is limited and connected to the channel of the body along the second direction.

[0011] Based on technical solution six, technical solution seven is also provided. In technical solution seven, each connecting layer is provided with a sliding shaft extending along the second direction. The main body is provided with a limiting groove that corresponds to and is adapted to the sliding shafts of the two connecting layers. The sliding shaft is slidably disposed in the limiting groove and is limitedly connected to the limiting groove along the second direction. The two ends of the limiting groove respectively form a first stopping position and a second stopping position. When the operating end is operated, the driving part is adapted to stop the sliding shaft of one of the two connecting layers at the first stopping position and the sliding shaft of the other connecting layer at the second stopping position.

[0012] Based on technical solution seven, technical solution eight is also provided. In technical solution eight, the housing is provided with an auxiliary mounting surface opposite to the opening. The auxiliary mounting surface is symmetrically provided with slots along a third direction. The slots are provided with a snap-fit ​​surface extending along a first direction and away from the opening. Each slot forms the first snap-fit ​​part. The body is provided with a first side plate and a second side plate that are parallel and opposite to each other along a second direction. A third side plate and a fourth side plate that are parallel and opposite to each other are provided along the first direction. The first side plate, the third side plate, the second side plate and the fourth side plate enclose the channel. The first side plate and the second side plate are both provided with the limiting groove and the limiting grooves are symmetrical. The first side plate is close to the opening. The driving part passes through the first side plate along the second direction to form an operating end. The outer surfaces of the two sides of the second side plate along the third direction are provided with a plurality of hooks suitable for snapping with the slots along the second direction. Each hook forms the second snap-fit ​​part.

[0013] Based on technical solution eight, there is also technical solution nine. In technical solution nine, the driving part has an indicator part through the first side plate, and the first side plate has a reference part corresponding to the indicator part. When the operating end is operated, the indicator part rotates relative to the reference part. When the two electrical connection parts move away from each other, the indicator part and the reference part are completely opposite to each other.

[0014] Technical solution ten, a busbar trunking assembly, characterized in that it includes two busbar trunkings adjacent to each other along a first direction and an electrical connector as described in any one of solutions one to nine; the busbar trunking includes a housing extending along the first direction and a plurality of copper busbars extending along the first direction, the housing having an opening along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its inner wall having mounting surfaces arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, each mounting surface having at least two copper busbars arranged along the second direction; the electrical connector is used to electrically connect the two busbar trunkings adjacent to each other along the first direction.

[0015] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:

[0016] Through continuous observation, experimentation, and research, the applicant has come to realize that the reason why the existing technical solution causes the technical problem of "the electrical connection between adjacent busbars is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and not aesthetically pleasing" is that the electrical connection between the two busbars is implemented externally, and each copper busbar in the busbar must be locked to the external connecting copper busbar at least twice when it is electrically connected to the corresponding copper busbar of another busbar. Therefore, the locking time is long each time it is installed, and the exposed connection structure affects the aesthetics.

[0017] In technical solution one, during installation, the two electrical connection parts are first brought close together, allowing the conductive units of the two electrical connection parts to pass through the openings into the housing. The second snap-fit ​​part then snaps into the first snap-fit ​​part along a second direction. When the second snap-fit ​​part and the first snap-fit ​​part are in place along the second direction, the conductive unit of each electrical connection part is aligned with the copper busbar on the mounting surface. Then, the driving part moves the two electrical connection parts away from each other, causing the conductive units to abut against the corresponding copper busbars, thus electrically connecting the corresponding copper busbars of the two busbar trunkings. It should be understood that the state of the two electrical connection parts is stable when the driving part moves them close or away. The snap-fit ​​of the first and second snap-fit ​​parts achieves pre-positioning during the installation of the electrical connector, ensuring that the conductive units correspond to the copper busbars. Therefore, in this technical solution, the driving part allows each conductive unit of the two electrical connection parts to simultaneously connect to multiple corresponding copper busbars, saving time and effort and significantly shortening the installation cycle. Furthermore, the structure of the electrical connector is hidden inside the housing, making it more aesthetically pleasing and avoiding potential safety hazards caused by exposed connection structures.

[0018] In technical solution two, the flexible contact part ensures the electrical connection between the conductive unit and the corresponding copper busbars of the two busbars and reduces the requirements for the driving accuracy of the drive part. It also allows for deviation in the third direction when the two busbars are spliced, thus achieving a soft connection. In addition, the flexible contact part avoids damage to the copper busbars.

[0019] In technical solution three, the elastic contact part includes at least two arc-shaped spring pieces arranged along the second direction. The arrangement of multiple arc-shaped spring pieces increases the heat dissipation area of ​​the elastic contact part, avoids excessive temperature of the elastic contact part, ensures the reliability of the electrical connection at the connection of the two busbar trunkings, and is inexpensive.

[0020] In technical solution four, two connection units are set up. Each connection unit includes an insulating layer and a connecting layer. The driving part and the connecting layer are connected in a limiting manner along the second direction, so that the driving part is non-conductive, ensuring the safety of the driving part. Especially when the driving part needs to be manually operated, the safety of the operator is guaranteed. It also allows the driving part to be made of metal to avoid damage. Even if the busbar is energized, if the contact between the conductive unit and the copper busbar becomes loose, the conductive unit and the copper busbar can still be returned to a tight contact state by directly operating the driving part, which facilitates maintenance.

[0021] In technical solution five, the two ends of the drive unit extend into the two clearance grooves along the third direction and are rotatably connected to the two connecting layers, with the rotation axis extending along the second direction. This ensures that the drive unit and the connecting layer are limitedly connected along the second direction. Therefore, by driving the drive unit, the connecting units can be moved closer or further away from each other, thereby moving the two electrical connecting parts closer or further away from each other. At the same time, the two ends of the drive unit can rotate in the clearance grooves, so that the thickness of the connecting layer along the third direction has the least impact on the overall electrical connector.

[0022] In technical solution six, a second latching part is formed at the end of the main body away from the opening. Therefore, by positioning the second latching part and the first latching part, the pre-positioning of the main body within the housing can be ensured. The connecting unit and the main body are limited and matched in the second direction. Thus, the connecting unit and the electrical connection part of the connecting unit are also pre-positioned relative to the copper busbar, thereby ensuring that the conductive unit and the copper busbar are in corresponding positions. The main body is provided with a channel, the driving end is located inside the channel, and the operating end is located outside the channel. The connecting unit and the electrical connection part move relative to the channel in a third direction, which facilitates the limited connection between the connecting unit and the main body in the second direction.

[0023] In technical solution seven, the design of the limiting groove and sliding shaft, especially the first and second stops of the limiting groove, allows the operator to predict whether the two electrical connection parts have moved away from each other by observing the magnitude of the resistance during operation, thus determining whether the installation is in place. When the connection structure is located inside the busbar trunking, the above design makes the reliability of the internal connection structure visible through the relative position of the sliding shaft on the limiting groove, facilitating the operator's judgment of whether the installation is in place. Especially when the busbar trunking is already energized, the conductive unit can be directly operated to return the copper busbar to a tight contact state.

[0024] In technical solution eight, the snap-fit ​​surface extends along the first direction, which facilitates the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​hook and the snap-fit ​​groove along the second direction; the structure of the body is simple and easy to process.

[0025] In technical solution nine, the setting of the indicator and reference parts makes it easy for operators to observe from the outside whether the internal conductive unit is in close contact with the copper busbar, so that timely adjustments can be made, making the reliable connection of the internal connection structure visible from the outside, which is convenient for later inspection.

[0026] Technical solution ten has the technical advantages of any one of technical solutions one through nine. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view of the busbar trunking according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application where an electrical connector is placed in two adjacent busbar slots;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing two electrical connection portions of an electrical connector in an embodiment of this application approaching each other;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the electrical connector of the embodiment of this application, showing the two electrical connection portions close to each other;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of the electrical connector of an embodiment of this application, showing two electrical connection portions close to each other;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating layer in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating layer in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection layer in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the two electrical connection portions of the electrical connector in the embodiment of this application, showing them moving away from each other and closer together.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the two electrical connection portions of the electrical connector in the embodiment of this application, showing them being far apart from each other;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar trunking assembly after installation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0043] Busbar 100; Housing 10; Mounting surface 11; Opening 12; Auxiliary mounting surface 13; Slot 131; Lower channel 14; Copper busbar 20; Electrical connector 200; Electrical connection part 30; Conductive unit 31; Conductive part 311; Elastic abutment part 312; Arc-shaped spring 3121; Insulating pressure plate 32; Connecting unit 40; Connecting layer 41; Mounting hole 411; Clearance groove 412; Sliding shaft 413; Limiting end 4131; Insulating layer 42; Mounting groove 421 Support surface 4211; Mounting column 422; Drive unit 50; Drive shaft 51; Operation end 511; Indicator unit 512; Display window 5121; Body 60; First side plate 61; Reference unit 611; Second side plate 62; Third side plate 63; Fourth side plate 64; Limiting groove 65; First stop position 651; Second stop position 652; Hook 66; Locking plate 67; Temperature sensor 70; Embedded plate 300; Upper cover plate 400; Lower cover plate 500. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0047] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0048] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0049] See Figure 1-14 , Figure 1 A busbar assembly is shown, including two busbars 100, an electrical connector 200, an insert plate 300, an upper cover plate 400, and a lower cover plate 500.

[0050] See Figure 1-2The busbar trunking 100 includes a housing 10 extending along a first direction and a plurality of copper busbars 20 extending along the first direction. The housing 10 has an opening 12 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its inner wall has mounting surfaces 11 arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. At least two copper busbars 20 are arranged on each mounting surface 11 in the second direction. The housing 10 has an auxiliary mounting surface 13 opposite to the opening 12. The auxiliary mounting surface 13 has slots 131 symmetrically arranged in the third direction. The slots 131 have a snap-fit ​​surface extending along the first direction and facing away from the opening 12. Each slot 131 forms a first snap-fit ​​part, that is, the end of the housing 10 away from the opening 12 has a first snap-fit ​​part. Specifically, the housing 10 is a strip-shaped groove extending along a first direction. The two groove walls of the housing 10 form two mounting surfaces 11, each with two copper busbars 20. The bottom of the groove of the housing 10 forms a snap-fit ​​surface. The first and third directions are horizontal, the second direction is vertical, and the opening 12 is located at the bottom of the housing 10. In a specific implementation, a ground busbar is also laid in the middle of the bottom of the groove along the third direction, and snap-fit ​​grooves 131 are located on both sides of the ground busbar along the third direction. Copper busbar channels extending along the first direction are formed on the mounting surfaces 11, through which the copper busbars 20 can be limited and fixed.

[0051] In practical applications, the housing 10 of the busbar trunking 100 can be made of aluminum alloy profiles, which have reliable mechanical strength. The top of the housing 10 of the busbar trunking 100 is symmetrically provided with upper channels, and the bottom inner side is also symmetrically provided with lower channels 14. The upper channels can be installed with a hoisting mechanism, and the lower channels 14 can be installed with an inner panel 300 and cooperate with electrical components such as plug-in boxes.

[0052] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 200 is mainly used to connect the copper busbars 20 on the mounting surfaces 11 of two adjacent busbar trunking 100 along the first direction, without electrically connecting the ground busbar at the top of the housing 10. However, it should be understood that when the ground busbar is laid on the mounting surface 11, the electrical connector 200 of this application can realize the electrical connection of each copper busbar 20 (including the ground busbar) of the busbar trunking 100.

[0053] The electrical connector 200 is provided with two electrical connection parts 30, two connection units 40, a drive part 50 and a body 60.

[0054] See Figure 3-6Two electrical connection portions 30 are respectively adapted to face two mounting surfaces 11. Each electrical connection portion 30 is provided with conductive units 31 extending along a first direction, which are equal in number to and correspond one-to-one with the copper busbars 20 of the corresponding mounting surfaces 11. Each conductive unit 31 includes a conductive portion 311 extending along the first direction and elastic abutment portions 312 located at both ends of the conductive portion 311. The elastic abutment portions 312 protrude toward the mounting surface 11 relative to the conductive portion 311 and are adapted to deform and store energy when the conductive unit 31 abuts against the corresponding copper busbar 20. Each elastic abutment portion 312 includes at least two arc-shaped spring pieces 3121 arranged along a second direction.

[0055] See Figure 7 Two connection units 40 are located between two electrical connection parts 30 and are opposite to each other. The connection unit 40 is provided with a connection layer 41 and an insulating layer 42 fixed to each other along a third direction. The connection layer 41 is limited to the drive part 50 along the second direction. The insulating layer 42 is provided with a support surface 4211 perpendicular to the third direction away from the connection layer 41. Each conductive unit 31 is laid on the support surface 4211.

[0056] In this embodiment, see Figure 8 The insulating layer 42 is rectangular in projection along the third direction. Two mounting grooves 421 are formed on the insulating layer 42, arranged along the second direction and with their openings 12 facing away from the connecting layer 41. The shape of the mounting grooves 421 matches the shape of the conductive unit 31, thus the mounting grooves 421 are suitable for accommodating the conductive unit 31 and limiting its position in the first and second directions. The bottom of the mounting grooves 421 forms a support surface 4211. (See also...) Figure 4 and Figure 6 When the conductive unit 31 is housed within the mounting groove 421, it is also pressed down by an insulating pressure plate 32 extending along the second direction. The insulating pressure plate 32 is locked to the insulating layer 42, thereby limiting the conductive unit 31 relative to the insulating layer 42 in the first, second, and third directions. See also Figure 9 A plurality of mounting posts 422 protrude from the side of the insulating layer 42 away from the support surface 4211. In this embodiment, the mounting posts 422 are located approximately near the four corners of the insulating layer 42.

[0057] See Figure 10 The connecting layer 41 is provided with mounting holes 411 corresponding to the mounting posts 422, so the connecting layer 41 and the insulating layer 42 can be locked together by fasteners. Each connecting layer 41 is provided with a relief groove 412 with an opening facing another connecting layer 41. In this embodiment, the relief groove 412 is located in the middle of the connecting layer 41, and the bottom of the relief groove 412 is through. The connecting layer 41 is provided with sliding shafts 413 extending in the second direction on both sides along the second direction. The ends of the sliding shafts 413 form a limiting end 4131 with a larger area.

[0058] See Figure 7The drive unit 50 extends into two clearance grooves 412 at both ends along a third direction and is rotatably connected to two connecting layers 41, with its rotation axis extending along a second direction. Therefore, the drive unit 50 is located between the two connecting units 40 and also between the two electrical connection parts 30. In this embodiment, the drive unit 50 is plate-shaped, and a drive shaft 51 extending along the second direction is provided in the middle of the drive unit 50 along a third direction. See [reference needed] Figure 4-5 An operating end 511 is formed at the end of the drive shaft 51. A circular indicator portion 512 is also provided near the operating end 511 on the drive shaft 51. Two annular display windows 5121 are arranged around the axis of the drive shaft 51. The projected area of ​​the indicator portion 512 along the second direction is larger than the projected area of ​​the operating end 511 along the second direction.

[0059] The drive unit 50 and the connecting unit 40 are integrally Z-shaped. When the operating end 511 is operated, the drive unit 50 drives the two connecting units 40 to move closer or further apart, and also drives the two electrical connecting parts 30 to move closer or further apart. See also... Figure 7 When the drive unit 50 is tilted relative to a third direction, the two electrical connection units 30 move closer to each other, see [reference]. Figure 13 When the drive unit 50 is substantially parallel to a third direction, the two electrical connection units 30 are far apart from each other.

[0060] The main body 60 has a channel extending through a third direction. The drive unit 50 has a drive end located inside the channel and an operation end 511 and an indicator 512 located outside the channel. When the operation end 511 is operated, the drive unit 50 drives the two electrical connection parts 30 to enter and exit the channel. The end of the main body 60 away from the opening 12 extends in a direction away from the opening 12 to form a second snap-fit ​​part. The second snap-fit ​​part is adapted to snap-fit ​​with the first snap-fit ​​part in a second direction. The connecting unit 40 is limited to the channel of the main body 60 in a second direction.

[0061] Specifically, see Figure 11The main body 60 has a first side plate 61 and a second side plate 62 arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other along the second direction, and a third side plate 63 and a fourth side plate arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other along the first direction. The first side plate 61, the third side plate 63, the second side plate 62 and the fourth side plate 64 enclose a channel. The first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are symmetrically provided with a plurality of arc-shaped limiting grooves 65. The two ends of the limiting grooves 65 respectively form a first stop position 651 and a second stop position 652. In this embodiment... In the middle, four limiting grooves 65 are provided on both the first sidewall and the second side plate 62. The four limiting grooves 65 are arranged along a third direction to form two sets of limiting groove groups. Each set of limiting groove groups includes two limiting grooves 65 arranged along the first direction. The bending directions of the limiting grooves 65 in the two sets of limiting groove groups are opposite. It should be understood that the limiting grooves 65 can also be other shapes. The sliding shaft 413 of the connecting layer 41 slides in the limiting groove 65 and is limited and connected to the limiting groove 65 along the second direction. For specific implementation, see Figure 6 The limiting end 4131 of the sliding shaft 413 can restrict the sliding shaft 413 from disengaging from the limiting groove 65 by abutting against the outer surfaces of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62. The limiting groove 65 in one group of limiting grooves is defined as the first limiting groove, and the limiting groove 65 in another group of limiting grooves is defined as the second limiting groove. The first stopping positions of the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are on the same side, and the second stopping positions are also on the same side. The following text will refer to... Figure 5 neutralization Figure 12 The limiting groove in the right-hand limiting groove group is the first limiting groove, and the limiting groove in the left-hand limiting groove group is the second limiting groove.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lengths of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 along the first direction are the same as the length of the channel along the first direction. The lengths of the third side plate 63 and the fourth side plate 64 along the second direction are greater than the length of the channel along the second direction. In this embodiment, the third side plate 63 and the fourth side plate 64 mainly protrude relative to the first side plate 61. The body 60 also has locking plates 67 at the ends of the third side plate 63 and the fourth side plate 64 near the first side plate 61. The two locking plates 67 are perpendicular to the second direction and are respectively located on both sides of the first side plate 61 along the first direction. The locking plates 67 are provided with locking holes to form locking parts. The locking parts are used to lock with the inner plate 300 located at the opening 12 of the housing 10.

[0063] The first side plate 61 is close to the opening 12. The drive shaft 51 passes through the first side plate 61 along the second direction to form an indicator part 512 and an operating end 511. The first side plate 61 is provided with a reference part 611 corresponding to the indicator part 512. See Figure 11The reference portion 611 is an arc-shaped color block. When the operation portion is operated, the indicator portion 512 rotates relative to the reference portion 611. When the two display windows 5121 are completely opposite to the reference portion 611, the color block is exposed, indicating that the two electrical connection portions 30 are moving away from each other. The color of other areas of the first side plate 61 should be different from the color block color of the reference portion 611. Therefore, when the color of the color block other than that of the reference portion 611 is displayed in the two display windows 5121, it indicates that the distance between the two electrical connection portions 30 has not reached the set value. Thus, the electrical connection 200 can be judged by observing the color behind the two display windows 5121. In other embodiments, the reference portion 611 may also be provided with scales or markings as a reference.

[0064] The second side plate 62 has several hooks 66 protruding from its outer surfaces on both sides along the third direction, which are suitable for engaging with the slot 131 along the second direction. Each hook 66 forms a second engaging portion. In this embodiment, there are four hooks 66, which are respectively located near the four corners of the second side plate 62.

[0065] In this embodiment, the main body 60 is integrally formed.

[0066] In this embodiment, except for the insulating layer 42 and the insulating pressure plate 32, which are made of plastic, the electrical connector 200 is made of metal. The upper cover plate 400 and the lower cover plate 500 are both prior art; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14 The upper cover plate 400 is locked to the top of the housing 10, while the lower cover plate 500 is locked to the inner plate 300. The upper cover plate 400 and the lower cover plate 500 are connected to the upper and lower sides of the busbar trough 100, which not only ensures the reliability of structural stability, but also ensures sufficient mechanical strength at the electrical connection, thus ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the busbar.

[0067] In practical applications, see Figure 4 and Figure 6 Each conductive unit 31 is equipped with a temperature sensor 70 on its conductive portion 311. The cable of the temperature sensor 70 passes through the first side plate 61, the inner plate 300, and the lower cover plate 500. The temperature sensor 70 detects the temperature of the copper busbar 20 at the electrical connection of the busbar 100 and provides a temperature warning, thus preventing the busbar 100 from overheating due to poor contact and subsequent accidents. The temperature sensor 70 of this invention is an OT terminal NTC temperature sensor 70.

[0068] The conductive unit 31 is adapted to pass through the opening 12 into and out of the housing 10 when the two electrical connection portions 30 are close to each other; the conductive unit 31 is also adapted to abut against the corresponding copper busbar 20 when the second snap-fit ​​portion and the first snap-fit ​​portion are snapped into place along the second direction and the two electrical connection portions 30 are far apart, so that the copper busbars 20 corresponding to the two busbar trunking 100 are electrically connected to each other; the sliding shaft 413 of one of the two connecting layers 41 stops at the first stopping position 651, and the sliding shaft 413 of the other connecting layer 41 stops at the second stopping position 652. Specifically, when the two electrical connection portions 30 are close to each other, see Figure 5 , and the first limiting groove ( Figure 5 The sliding shaft 413 corresponding to the right side stops at the first stop position 651, and the second limiting groove ( Figure 5 The sliding axis 413 corresponding to the left side is stopped at the second stop position 652, and the display window 5121 of the indicator 512 displays multiple colors; when the two electrical connection parts 30 are far apart, see Figure 12 , and the first limiting groove ( Figure 12 The sliding shaft 413 corresponding to the right side stops at the second stop position 652, and the second limiting groove ( Figure 12 The sliding axis 413 corresponding to the left side is stopped at the first stop position 651, and the display window 5121 of the indicator 512 only displays the color of the color block of the reference 611.

[0069] It should be understood that when the drive unit 50 drives the two electrical connection parts 30 to move closer or further away from each other, the state in which the two electrical connection parts 30 move closer or further away from each other is stable.

[0070] In the initial state, see Figure 5 The sliding shaft 413 corresponding to the first limiting groove stops at the first stopping position 651, and the sliding shaft corresponding to the second limiting groove stops at the second stopping position 652. The reference part 611 is partially exposed. (See attached image) Figure 7 The two electrical connection parts 30 are close to each other, and the drive part 50 is tilted relative to the third direction;

[0071] The installation process in this embodiment is as follows:

[0072] After the two busbar troughs 100 are roughly parallel, the inner plate 300 is first embedded into the lower channel 14 of the housing 10, the two busbar troughs 100 are aligned and pressed together, and the ground busbars of the two adjacent busbar troughs 100 are electrically connected at the top of the two housings 10 through a conductive copper busbar 20, and the upper cover plate 400 is locked to the top of the two housings 10.

[0073] The insert plate 300 is moved into one of the housings 10, and the electrical connector 200 in its initial state is inserted into the two housings 10 through the opening 12 at the connection of the two busbars 100, such that the second snap-fit ​​part snaps into the first snap-fit ​​part along the second direction; when the second snap-fit ​​part snaps into the first snap-fit ​​part along the second direction, the conductive unit 31 of each electrical connector 30 is opposite to the copper busbar 20 on the mounting surface 11;

[0074] Move the insert 300 to face the electrical connector 200, and lock the insert 300 and the electrical connector 200 together with fasteners.

[0075] Lock the lower cover plate 500 to the inner panel 300, and then drive the operating end 511 to rotate using a tool (such as a wrench) until only the color of the reference part 611 is visible on the display window 5121 of the indicator part 512.

[0076] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​of the first snap-fit ​​portion and the second snap-fit ​​portion achieves pre-positioning during the installation of the electrical connector 200. The snap-fit ​​surface extends along the first direction, facilitating the snap-fit ​​of the hook and slot along the second direction, ensuring that the conductive unit 31 and the copper busbar 20 are positioned correspondingly. The elastic abutment portion 312 ensures the electrical connection between the conductive unit 31 and the corresponding copper busbar 20 of the two busbar troughs 100, reduces the requirements for the driving accuracy of the driving part 50, and allows for deviation in the third direction when the two busbar troughs 100 are spliced, thereby achieving a soft connection. In addition, the elastic abutment portion 312 avoids damage to the copper busbar 20. The elastic abutment portion 312 includes at least two arc-shaped spring pieces 3121 arranged along the second direction. The arrangement of multiple arc-shaped spring pieces 3121 increases the heat dissipation area of ​​the elastic abutment portion 312, avoids excessive temperature of the elastic abutment portion 312, ensures the reliability of the electrical connection at the connection of the two busbar troughs 100, and is inexpensive.

[0077] The connection unit 40 includes an insulating layer 42 and a connection layer 41. The drive unit 50 is limitedly connected to the connection layer 41 along the second direction, so that the drive unit 50 is not energized, ensuring the safety of the drive unit 50. In particular, when the drive unit 50 needs to be manually operated, it ensures the safety of the operator and also allows the drive unit 50 to be made of metal to avoid damage. Even if the busbar 100 is energized, if the contact between the conductive unit 31 and the copper busbar 20 becomes loose, the conductive unit 31 and the copper busbar 20 can still be brought back to a tight contact state by directly operating the drive unit 50.

[0078] The drive unit 50 extends into the two clearance grooves 412 at both ends along the third direction and is rotatably connected to the two connecting layers 41, with the rotation axis extending along the second direction. This ensures that the drive unit 50 and the connecting layer 41 are limitedly connected along the second direction. Therefore, by driving the drive unit 50, the connecting units 40 can be moved closer or further away from each other, thereby moving the two electrical connecting parts 30 closer or further away from each other. At the same time, the two ends of the drive unit 50 can rotate within the clearance grooves 412, so that the thickness of the connecting layer 41 along the third direction has the least impact on the overall electrical connector.

[0079] The electrical connector 200 includes a body 60, with a second snap-fit ​​portion formed at the end of the body 60 away from the opening 12. Thus, by positioning the second snap-fit ​​portion and the first snap-fit ​​portion, the pre-positioning of the body 60 within the housing 10 can be ensured. The connecting unit 40 and the body 60 are matched in a second-direction limiting fit, so the connecting unit 40 and the electrical connection portion 30 of the connecting unit 40 are also pre-positioned relative to the copper busbar 20, thereby ensuring that the conductive unit 31 corresponds to the position of the copper busbar 20.

[0080] The design of the limiting groove 65 and the sliding shaft 413, especially the first stop position 651 and the second stop position 652 of the limiting groove 65, allows the operator to predict whether the two electrical connection parts 30 have moved away from each other by observing the magnitude of the resistance when operating the operating end 511. This enables the operator to determine whether the installation is in place. When the connection structure is located inside the busbar 100, the above design makes the reliability of the internal connection structure visible through the relative position of the sliding shaft 413 on the limiting groove 65, facilitating the operator's judgment on whether the installation is in place. Especially when the busbar 100 is already energized, the conductive unit 31 and the copper busbar 20 can be returned to a tight contact state by directly operating the drive unit 50.

[0081] Furthermore, the design of the indicator 512 and the reference 611 allows operators to observe from the outside whether the internal conductive unit 31 is in close contact with the copper busbar 20, demonstrating a clever structure. It also facilitates subsequent inspections to determine the reliability of the electrical connector 200's connection. If the connection is deemed unreliable, it can be promptly ensured that the conductive unit 31 of the electrical connector 200 is in close contact with the corresponding copper busbar 20 while the busbar 100 is energized.

[0082] In this embodiment, the driving part 50 enables each conductive unit 31 of the two electrical connection parts 30 to be electrically connected to the corresponding multiple copper busbars 20 simultaneously, which saves time and effort, greatly shortens the installation cycle, and facilitates later inspection and maintenance; moreover, the structure of the electrical connector 200 is hidden inside the housing 10, which is more aesthetically pleasing and avoids the safety hazards that may occur when the connection structure is exposed.

[0083] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (200) for electrically connecting two adjacent busbar trunkings (100) along a first direction, the busbar trunking (100) comprising a housing (10) extending along the first direction and a plurality of copper busbars (20) extending along the first direction, the housing (10) having an opening (12) along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its inner wall having mounting surfaces (11) arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, each mounting surface (11) having at least two copper busbars (20) arranged along the second direction, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a first snap-fit ​​portion at one end away from the opening (12); The electrical connector (200) is provided with two electrical connection portions (30) respectively adapted to be opposite to the two mounting surfaces (11), a driving portion (50) located between the two electrical connection portions (30) and adapted to drive the two electrical connection portions (30) to move closer or further away from each other, and a second snap-fit ​​portion adapted to snap-fit ​​with the first snap-fit ​​portion along the second direction; the electrical connection portion (30) is provided with conductive units (31) extending along the first direction in a number equal to and corresponding one-to-one with the copper busbars (20) of the corresponding mounting surfaces (11); the conductive units (31) are adapted to pass through the opening (12) and enter and exit the housing (10) when the two electrical connection portions (30) are close to each other, and the conductive units (31) are also adapted to abut against the corresponding copper busbars (20) when the second snap-fit ​​portion and the first snap-fit ​​portion are snap-fitted in the second direction and the two electrical connection portions (30) are far apart from each other, so that the copper busbars (20) of the two busbars (100) are electrically connected to each other.

2. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive unit (31) includes a conductive portion (311) extending along a first direction and elastic abutment portions (312) located at both ends of the conductive portion (311). The elastic abutment portions (312) protrude relative to the conductive portion (311) toward the mounting surface (11) and are adapted to deform and store energy when the conductive unit (31) abuts against the corresponding copper busbar (20).

3. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic abutment part (312) includes at least two arc-shaped spring pieces (3121) arranged along the second direction.

4. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector (200) includes two connecting units (40) located between two electrical connecting parts (30) and opposite to each other. The connecting unit (40) is provided with a connecting layer (41) and an insulating layer (42) fixed to each other along a third direction. The connecting layer (41) is limited to the driving part (50) along a second direction. The insulating layer (42) is provided with a support surface (4211) perpendicular to the third direction away from the connecting layer (41). Each conductive unit (31) is laid on the support surface (4211). The second snap-fit ​​part is limited to the connecting unit (40) along the second direction.

5. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each connecting layer (41) is provided with a clearance groove (412) with an opening facing the other connecting layer (41). The drive unit (50) extends into the two clearance grooves (412) at both ends along the third direction and is rotatably connected to the two connecting layers (41), with the rotation axis extending along the second direction.

6. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The electrical connector (200) includes a body (60) having a channel extending through a third direction. The drive unit (50) has a drive end located inside the channel and an operation end (511) located outside the channel. When the operation end (511) is operated, the drive end drives the two electrical connectors (30) to enter and exit the channel. The end of the body (60) away from the opening (12) extends in a direction away from the opening (12) to form the second snap-fit ​​portion. The connecting unit (40) is limited to the channel of the body (60) along a second direction.

7. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each connecting layer (41) is provided with a sliding shaft (413) extending in the second direction. The body (60) is provided with a limiting groove (65) that corresponds to and is adapted to the sliding shafts (413) of the two connecting layers (41). The sliding shaft (413) slides in the limiting groove (65) and is limitedly connected to the limiting groove (65) in the second direction. The two ends of the limiting groove (65) form a first stop position (651) and a second stop position (652) respectively. When the operating end (511) is operated, the driving part (50) is adapted to make the sliding shaft (413) of one of the two connecting layers (41) stop at the first stop position (651) and the sliding shaft (413) of the other connecting layer (41) stop at the second stop position (652).

8. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The housing (10) is provided with an auxiliary mounting surface (13) opposite to the opening (12). The auxiliary mounting surface (13) is provided with slots (131) symmetrically arranged along a third direction. The slots (131) are provided with a snap-fit ​​surface extending along a first direction and facing away from the opening (12). Each slot (131) forms the first snap-fit ​​part. The main body (60) is provided with a first side plate (61) and a second side plate (62) that are parallel and opposite to each other along the second direction, and a third side plate (63) and a fourth side plate that are parallel and opposite to each other along the first direction; the first side plate (61), the third side plate (63), the second side plate (62) and the fourth side plate (64) enclose the channel, and the first side plate (61) and the second side plate (62) are both provided with the limiting groove (65) and the limiting groove (65) are symmetrical; the first side plate (61) is close to the opening (12), and the driving part (50) passes through the first side plate (61) along the second direction to form an operating end (511); the second side plate (62) has a plurality of hooks (66) protruding from the outer surfaces on both sides along the third direction, which are suitable for engaging with the slot (131) along the second direction, and each hook (66) forms the second engaging part.

9. An electrical connector (200) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The drive unit (50) passes through the first side plate (61) and is provided with an indicator (512). The first side plate (61) is provided with a reference (611) corresponding to the indicator (512). When the operation end (511) is operated, the indicator (512) rotates relative to the reference (611). When the two electrical connection parts (30) move away from each other, the indicator (512) and the reference (611) are completely opposite to each other.

10. A busbar trunking assembly, characterized in that, It includes two adjacent busbar trunking sections (100) along a first direction and an electrical connector (200) as described in any one of claims 1-9; The busbar trunking (100) includes a housing (10) extending along a first direction and a plurality of copper busbars (20) extending along the first direction. The housing (10) has an opening (12) along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its inner wall is provided with mounting surfaces (11) that are parallel to each other and opposite to each other along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. At least two copper busbars (20) are provided on each mounting surface (11) along the second direction. Electrical connector (200) is used to electrically connect two adjacent busbars (100) along a first direction.

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