Power connector and signal triggering mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a power supply connector, which comprises an insulation shell, a power supply transmission assembly arranged in the insulation shell and at least one signal triggering mechanism arranged in the insulation shell, and the insulation shell is provided with a slot for an insertion piece to insert. The invention also discloses a signal triggering mechanism which comprises an active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal which are independent from each other, the active switch terminal is configured to make electrical contact with the insert only after the power transmission assembly is in electrical contact with the insert, and the passive switch terminal is configured to make electrical contact with the active switch terminal only after the active switch terminal is in electrical contact with the insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and particularly to a power connector and a signal triggering mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Power connectors are used to supply power to electrical devices. For example, the power connector is installed on a server rack and connected to a busbar to supply power to the server rack.

[0003] Currently, hot plugging is required between the power connector and the busbar, which may cause components to be punctured or burned due to the generation of electric arcs. To reduce the generation of electric arcs, detection terminals are provided in some power connectors. The detection terminals are electrically contacted with the busbar to ensure that the busbar has been inserted into the power connector, and then the power is turned on.

[0004] However, it is still necessary to provide a more safe and reliable power connector to improve the safety of the entire electrical device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a power connector provided with an active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal, which can improve the safety of the power connector.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a signal triggering mechanism provided with an active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal, which can stably and accurately trigger a power supply signal.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed in the present invention.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A power connector includes: an insulating housing, a power transmission component disposed in the insulating housing, and at least one signal triggering mechanism disposed in the insulating housing; the insulating housing has a slot for an insert to be inserted and the insert can form electrical contacts with the power transmission component and the signal triggering mechanism in sequence. The signal triggering mechanism includes an independent active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal. The active switch terminal has a switch fixing portion, an active contact portion, and an active trigger end arranged in sequence; wherein the active contact portion protrudes toward the slot and is used to make electrical contact with the insert, and the active contact portion makes electrical contact with the insert only after the power transmission component makes electrical contact with the insert and is pressed by the insert to drive the active trigger end to displace in a direction away from the slot. The passive switch terminal has a passive contact strip located on a side of the active contact portion facing away from the slot; the passive contact strip makes electrical contact with the active trigger end after the active trigger end is displaced due to the active contact portion being pressed by the insert, and disconnects electrical contact with the active trigger end after the insert withdraws from the slot and releases the active contact portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the signal triggering mechanism and the power transmission component are arranged along the width direction of the slot; the passive switch terminal and the active switch terminal are arranged along the thickness direction of the slot and form a switch interval.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the power transmission component; the passive switch terminal is independent of the power transmission component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the power transmission component includes a pair of power terminals and a pair of conductive plates; the pair of power terminals are distributed on both sides of the slot and are used to make electrical contact with two opposite insertion surfaces of the insert; the pair of conductive plates are respectively abutted against outer surfaces of the pair of power terminals facing away from the slot; wherein, the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to one of the pair of conductive plates; wherein, the active trigger end of the active switch terminal is closer to the passive contact strip than the active contact portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the signal triggering mechanism is referred to as the first signal triggering mechanism; the power connector further includes another signal triggering mechanism, referred to as the second signal triggering mechanism; wherein the second signal triggering mechanism has the same structure as the first signal triggering mechanism but different layout positions; wherein, the first signal triggering mechanism is arranged on the side of one of the conductive plates, and the active switch terminal is connected to one of the conductive plates; wherein, the second signal triggering mechanism is arranged on the side of the other conductive plate of the pair of conductive plates away from the first signal triggering mechanism, and the active switch terminal of the second signal triggering mechanism is connected to the other conductive plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the insulating housing is further provided with a pair of power transmission component receiving grooves, respectively located on both sides of the slot, for receiving the power transmission components; the insulating housing is further provided with a pair of signal triggering mechanism receiving grooves, respectively located on both sides of the slot, for respectively receiving the first signal triggering mechanism and the second signal triggering mechanism; each signal triggering mechanism receiving groove is arranged side by side with the corresponding power transmission component receiving groove along the width direction of the slot; wherein, the power transmission component receiving groove and the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove on one side of the slot and the power transmission component receiving groove and the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove on the other side of the slot are arranged in parallel in a manner of being horizontally flipped by 180 degrees; wherein, in each signal triggering mechanism receiving groove, the active switch terminal is arranged adjacent to the slot, and the passive switch terminal is arranged on the side of the active switch terminal facing away from the slot.

[0014] In one embodiment, each signal triggering mechanism receiving groove is communicated with the corresponding power transmission component receiving groove through a communication groove for the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal to pass through.

[0015] In one embodiment, each power terminal is bent vertically twice to form a Z shape, having a power contact portion protruding towards the slot, a power body portion, and a power cable connection portion arranged in sequence; among the pair of power terminals, the power contact portions are used to jointly clamp the insert, and the distance between the power cable connection portions is less than the distance between the power body portions and less than or equal to the distance between the power contact portions.

[0016] In one embodiment, each conductive plate is bent vertically twice to form a Z shape, having a reinforcing portion, a conductive body portion, and a conductive fixing portion arranged in sequence; wherein, the conductive body portion abuts against the power supply body portion; the conductive fixing portion abuts against the power cable connection portion; the reinforcing portion extends toward the power contact portion; wherein, the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the conductive body portion of the corresponding conductive plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the active switch terminal and the conductive plate are of a one-piece structure or a two-piece structure; the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is an L-shaped flat plate, one end of which is connected to the conductive body portion and the other end of which is connected to the active contact portion; the active contact portion is located on the side of the power contact portion, and the active contact portion is located behind the power contact portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the switch fixing portion, the active contact portion, and the active trigger end of the active switch terminal are all located on the side of the passive switch terminal close to the slot; the passive contact strip of the passive switch terminal is straight, and the free end of the passive contact strip and the active trigger end both face the same direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the active contact portion and the active trigger end are located on the side of the passive switch terminal close to the slot; while the switch fixing portion is located on the side of the passive switch terminal facing away from the slot; wherein, the switch fixing portion is bent 180 degrees around the front end of the passive contact strip and then connected to the active contact portion; the active trigger end is the free end of the active contact portion; wherein, the free end of the passive contact strip and the active trigger end face opposite directions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power transmission component includes at least a pair of power terminals; the pair of power terminals are distributed on both sides of the slot and are used for making electrical contact with two opposite insertion surfaces of the insert; wherein, the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to one of the power terminals; wherein, the active trigger end of the active switch terminal is closer to the passive contact strip of the passive switch terminal than the active contact portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, each power terminal has a power contact portion protruding toward the slot, a power supply body portion, and a power cable connection portion arranged in sequence; the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the power supply body portion of the corresponding power terminal.

[0022] In one embodiment, the active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal are both independent of the power transmission component; the active switch terminal is directly fixed in the insulating housing through the switch fixing part; the active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal are arranged along the thickness direction of the slot and form a switch interval.

[0023] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A signal triggering mechanism is used to form electrical contact with an insert and trigger a signal, and includes an independent active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal, and the passive switch terminal and the active switch terminal form at least one switch interval. The active switch terminal has a switch fixing part, an active contact part, and an active trigger end arranged in sequence; wherein the active contact part is used to make electrical contact with the insert, and the active trigger end is forced to displace after the active contact part makes electrical contact with the insert. The passive switch terminal has a passive contact strip and a signal cable connection part; wherein the passive contact strip is located on a displacement path of the active trigger end; the passive contact strip makes electrical contact with the active trigger end after the active contact part makes electrical contact with the insert, and disconnects electrical contact with the active trigger end after the insert releases the active contact part; the signal cable connection part is used to connect with at least one signal cable.

[0024] In one embodiment, the switch interval is the distance between the active trigger end and the passive contact strip; the passive contact strip is straight, and the free end of the passive contact strip and the active trigger end face the same direction or opposite directions.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the signal triggering mechanism of the present invention realizes that when the active switch terminal is pressed down by the insert, it can touch the passive switch terminal by setting the active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal, and arranging the passive switch terminal on the path of the displacement of the active switch terminal caused by the pressure of the insert, so as to stably and accurately trigger the power supply signal. By setting the signal triggering mechanism, the power connector of the present invention enables the insert to form electrical contact with the power transmission component and the signal triggering mechanism in sequence. Therefore, the power transmission component is in electrical contact with the insert before power supply, thus avoiding the generation of electric arcs. In addition, since the passive switch terminal and the active switch terminal are independently arranged, if the insert is frequently inserted into the slot, the active switch terminal will be frequently pressed, and the active switch terminal will not affect the structural stability of the passive switch terminal. For example, it will not cause the passive switch terminal to loosen in the receiving groove of the signal triggering mechanism, nor will it cause the connection between the signal cable fixing part and the signal cable to loosen. When the active switch terminal moves towards the passive switch terminal due to being pressed, the passive switch terminal can provide a certain supporting or lifting effect on the active triggering end of the active switch terminal to avoid excessive deformation of the active switch terminal. Therefore, the power supply signal of the power connector of the present invention can be stably and accurately triggered, and has good safety performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a perspective structural view of the power connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG. Figure 1 7 is a side view of the power connector shown.

[0028] Figure 3 FIG. Figure 1 8 is a rear view of the power connector shown.

[0029] Figure 4 FIG. Figure 1 9 is a rear view of the insulating housing of the power connector shown.

[0030] Figure 5 FIG. Figure 1 10 is an exploded view of the power connector shown.

[0031] Figure 6 FIG. Figure 1 11 is an exploded view of the power connector shown from another angle.

[0032] Figure 7 FIG. 12 is a perspective structural view of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 For Figure 7 The side view of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms shown

[0034] Figure 9 For Figure 7 The exploded view of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms shown

[0035] Figure 10 For Figure 9 The further exploded view of a part of the power transmission component and the first signal triggering mechanism shown

[0036] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the first signal triggering mechanism of the present invention

[0037] Figure 12 The exploded view of the power connector of the second embodiment of the present invention

[0038] Figure 13 The three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms in the second embodiment of the present invention

[0039] Figure 14 For Figure 13 The exploded view of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms shown

[0040] Figure 15 For Figure 14 The further exploded view of a part of the power transmission component and the first signal triggering mechanism shown

[0041] Figure 16 The exploded view of the power connector of the third embodiment of the present invention

[0042] Figure 17 For Figure 16 The exploded view of the power transmission component and two signal triggering mechanisms shown

[0043] Figure 18 For Figure 14 The further exploded view of a part of the power transmission component and the first signal triggering mechanism shown

[0044] The description of the reference numerals in the above drawings is as follows:

[0045] Power connectors 1, 1b, 1c Insulating housings 10, 10b, 10c

[0046] Slots 11, 11a, 11b, 11c Lower row power transmission component receiving grooves 12

[0047] Upper row power transmission component receiving grooves 12’

[0048] First signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves 13, 13a, 13b, 13c

[0049] Second signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13’

[0050] Communication groove 14 Flange 101

[0051] Insulating front part 102 Insulating rear part 103

[0052] Power transmission components 20, 20b, 20c

[0053] First power terminals 21, 21b Second power terminals 21’, 21b’

[0054] Outer surface 210 of the first power terminal Outer surface 210’ of the second power terminal

[0055] Power contact parts 211, 211b of the first power terminal

[0056] Power contact part 211’ of the second power terminal

[0057] Power body parts 212, 212b of the first power terminal

[0058] Power body part 212’ of the second power terminal

[0059] Power cable connection parts 213, 213b of the first power terminal

[0060] Power cable connection part 213’ of the second power terminal

[0061] Power head 214 of the first power terminal

[0062] First conductive plates 22, 22b Second conductive plates 22’, 22b’

[0063] Reinforcing part 220 Conductive body part 221

[0064] Conductive fixing part 222 Power cable 23

[0065] Welding plate 24 Signal trigger mechanisms 30, 30a, 30b, 30c Another signal trigger mechanisms 30’, 30b’, 30c’

[0066] Active switch terminals 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31’

[0067] Switch fixing parts 310, 310a, 310b, 310c

[0068] Active contact parts 311, 311a Active trigger ends 312, 312a

[0069] Passive switch terminals 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32’

[0070] Passive contact strips 320, 320a Signal cable connection part 321

[0071] Free ends 322, 322a Signal cable 33

[0072] Ground terminal 40 First elastic finger 41

[0073] Second elastic finger 42 Insert 7

[0074] Insertion surfaces 701, 702 Width direction W

[0075] Thickness direction T Switch interval D

[0076] Spacings D1, D2, D3 Detailed implementation mode

[0077] The following description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. The directional terms mentioned in the present invention, such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc., are only with reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for explaining and understanding the present invention, rather than for limiting the present invention.

[0078] The power connector of the present invention can be installed on a server rack. When an insert, such as a busbar, is inserted into the power connector, power can be supplied to the server rack.

[0079] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the power connector 1 includes an insulating housing 10, a power transmission component 20 disposed in the insulating housing 10, and at least one signal triggering mechanism 30 disposed in the insulating housing 10.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the insulating housing 10 has a slot 11 for inserting an insert 7, and the insert 7 can be in electrical contact with the power transmission component 20 and the signal triggering mechanism 30 in sequence. For example, the insert 7 can be a busbar. Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the signal triggering mechanism 30 includes an independent active switch terminal 31 and a passive switch terminal 32. The active switch terminal 31 has a switch fixing portion 310, an active contact portion 311, and an active trigger end 312 arranged in sequence. The active contact portion 311 protrudes toward the slot 11 for electrical contact with the insert 7. After the power transmission component 20 is in electrical contact with the insert 7, the active contact portion 311 is in electrical contact with the insert 7 and is pressed by the insert 7 to drive the active trigger end 312 to displace away from the slot 11. The passive switch terminal 32 has a passive contact strip 320. The passive contact strip 320 is located on the side of the active contact portion 311 facing away from the slot 11. After the active contact portion 311 is pressed by the insert 7 and causes the active trigger end 312 to displace, the passive contact strip 320 forms electrical contact with the active trigger end 312, and disconnects electrical contact with the active trigger end 312 after the insert 7 withdraws from the slot 11 and releases the active contact portion 311.

[0081] With the above arrangement, when the active switch terminal 31 touches the passive switch terminal 32, the power supply system of the power connector 1 will receive a power supply signal, and only then will the power supply system supply power to the insert 7. Since the power transmission component 20 has been in electrical contact with the insert 7 before power supply, no electric arc will be generated between the power transmission component 20 and the insert 7 at this time.

[0082] It should be noted that the "independent active switch terminal 31 and passive switch terminal 32" mentioned herein means that the active switch terminal 31 and the passive switch terminal 32 are not connected or in contact before the insert 7.

[0083] In the first embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 5 shown, the signal triggering mechanism 30 and the power transmission component 20 are arranged along the width direction W of the slot 11, and the passive switch terminal 32 and the active switch terminal 31 are arranged along the thickness direction T of the slot 11 and form a switch interval D (the label is shown in Figure 8 ). In this embodiment, the switch interval D refers to the distance between the passive contact strip 320 and the active trigger end 312. In addition, in this embodiment, the entire active switch terminal 31 is located on the side of the passive switch terminal 32 close to the slot 11.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the active switch terminal 31 is connected to the power transmission component 20. For example, the active switch terminal 31 is connected to the power transmission component 20 through the switch fixing portion 310, so that the active switch terminal 31 is fixed in the insulating housing 10 by means of the power transmission component 20. And the passive switch terminal 32 is independent of the power transmission component 20.

[0085] Specifically, please refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the power transmission component 20 includes a pair of power terminals and a pair of conductive plates. The pair of power terminals includes a first power terminal 21 and a second power terminal 21', which are distributed on both sides of the slot 11 and are used for electrical contact with two opposite insertion surfaces 701 and 702 of the insert 7. The pair of conductive plates includes a first conductive plate 22 and a second conductive plate 22', which are respectively abutted against the outer surfaces of the pair of power terminals facing away from or remote from the slot 11. For example, the first conductive plate 22 is abutted against the outer surface 210 of the first power terminal 21 facing away from or remote from the slot 11; and the second conductive plate 22' is abutted against the outer surface 210' of the second power terminal 21' facing away from or remote from the slot 11. Among them, the switch fixing portion 310 of the active switch terminal 31 is connected to one of the conductive plates (such as the first conductive plate 22); the active trigger end 312 of the active switch terminal 31 is closer to the passive contact strip 320 of the passive switch terminal 32 than the active contact portion 311; the passive switch terminal 32 is independent of the active switch terminal 31, the first power terminal 21 and the first conductive plate 22. That is, the passive switch terminal 32 is independent of the active switch terminal 31, the first power terminal 21 and the first conductive plate 22 before the insert 7 is inserted.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the power connector 1 further includes another signal triggering mechanism 30', as Figures 5 to 9 shown. The another signal triggering mechanism 30' includes an independent active switch terminal 31' and a passive switch terminal 32'.

[0087] If the above signal triggering mechanism 30 is called the first signal triggering mechanism, the active switch terminal 31 is called the first active switch terminal, and the passive switch terminal 32 is called the first passive switch terminal. Then the another signal triggering mechanism 30' is called the second signal triggering mechanism, its active switch terminal 31' is called the second active switch terminal, and its passive switch terminal 32' is called the second passive switch terminal.

[0088] Therefore, the second signal triggering mechanism has the same structure as the first signal triggering mechanism, except for the layout position. For example, the first signal triggering mechanism is arranged on the side of one of the conductive plates (such as the first conductive plate 22), and the active switch terminal 31 (i.e., the first active switch terminal) is connected to one of the conductive plates. The second signal triggering mechanism is arranged on the side of the other conductive plate (such as the second conductive plate 22') away from the first signal triggering mechanism, and its active switch terminal 31' (i.e., the second active switch terminal) is connected to the other conductive plate. As Figure 9 shown, the first signal triggering mechanism is located on the right side of one of the conductive plates (such as the first conductive plate 22), while the second signal triggering mechanism is located on the left side of the other conductive plate (such as the second conductive plate 22').

[0089] The structural details of the power connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 3 to 6 shown. In addition to the slot 11, the insulating housing 10 is further provided with a pair of power transmission component receiving grooves (such as the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12 and the upper row power transmission component receiving groove 12'), which are respectively located on both sides of the slot 11 (such as below and above the slot 11) for receiving the power transmission components 20. Among them, the pair of conductive plates (i.e., the first conductive plate 22 and the second conductive plate 22') and the pair of power terminals (i.e., the first power terminal 21 and the second power terminal 21') are received in the pair of power transmission component receiving grooves.

[0091] Please refer to Figures 3 to 6 shown. The insulating housing 10 further includes at least one signal triggering mechanism receiving groove (such as the first signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13 that can be called), which is located beside one of the power transmission component receiving grooves (such as Figure 5 shown, the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12) for receiving the signal triggering mechanism 30 (i.e., the first signal triggering mechanism). Among them, the active switch terminal 31 is arranged adjacent to the slot 11, while the passive switch terminal 32 is arranged away from the slot 11. That is to say, in Figure 5 shown, the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove (i.e., the first signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13) located below the slot 11, the active switch terminal 31 is arranged above the passive switch terminal 32.

[0092] More specifically, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the insulating housing 10 includes a pair of signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves (such as the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13 and the second signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13'), which are respectively located on both sides of the slot 11 (such as below and above the slot 11), and are arranged side by side with the corresponding power transmission component receiving grooves (i.e., the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12 and the upper row power transmission component receiving groove 12') along the width direction W of the slot 11. For example, in Figure 4 In the rear view of the insulating housing 10 shown, one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves (such as the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13) is provided on the left side of the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12 to receive the first signal trigger mechanism (i.e., the signal trigger mechanism 30); and another signal trigger mechanism receiving groove (such as the second signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13') is provided on the right side of the upper row power transmission component receiving groove 12' to receive the second signal trigger mechanism (i.e., the other signal trigger mechanism 30'). Among them, the insulating housing 10 is further provided with at least one connecting groove 14 (the label is shown in Figure 5 ) to connect one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves (such as the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13) with the corresponding power transmission component receiving groove (i.e., the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12). Specifically, the connecting groove 14 is used for the switch fixing part 310 of the active switch terminal 31 to pass through, so that both the active trigger end 312 and the active contact part 311 of the active switch terminal 31 enter one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves. In one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves, the active contact part 311 of the active switch terminal 31 protrudes towards the slot 11 out of one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves, while the active trigger end 312 is located in one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves to be ready to displace and electrically contact the passive switch terminal 32 located in one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves 13 after the active contact part 311 is pressed down or pushed up.

[0093] As Figure 4 shown, the power transmission component receiving groove (i.e., the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12) and one of the signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves (i.e., the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13) on one side of the slot 11 (such as below the slot 11) and the power transmission component receiving groove (i.e., the upper row power transmission component receiving groove 12') and the other signal trigger mechanism receiving groove (i.e., the second signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13') on the other side of the slot 11 (such as above the slot 11) are arranged in parallel in a manner of horizontal flipping by 180 degrees. For example, along Figure 4 shown, they are arranged in parallel in a manner of horizontal flipping by 180 degrees along the left-right direction.

[0094] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the insulating housing 10 further includes a flange 101, an insulating front portion 102 located in front of the flange 101, and an insulating rear portion 103 located behind the flange 101. The slot 11 is provided in the insulating front portion 102; the power transmission component receiving groove (such as the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12) and the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove (such as the first signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13) extend through the insulating front portion 102 and penetrate the insulating rear portion 103. As Figure 5 shown, the power connector 1 includes a pair of ground terminals 40 fixed to the flange 101, and each ground terminal 40 is provided with a plurality of first elastic fingers 41 extending along the insulating front portion 102 and a plurality of second elastic fingers 42 extending along the flange 101 and perpendicular to the first elastic fingers 41.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, each power terminal, such as the first power terminal 21, is bent twice vertically to be generally Z-shaped, and has a power contact portion 211 protruding toward the slot 11, a power body portion 212, and a power cable connection portion 213 arranged in sequence. More specifically, the power contact portion 211 is bent to be generally V-shaped and protrudes into the slot 11 to form electrical contact with the insert 7. The power cable connection portion 213 is a flat plate for fixedly connecting with at least one power cable 23. In this embodiment, the power cable connection portion 213 is fixedly connected to the power cable 23 through the first conductive plate 22. Further, the power cable connection portion 213 is fixedly connected to the power cable 23 through the first conductive plate 22 and a welding plate 24.

[0096] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the pair of power terminals are received in corresponding power transmission component receiving grooves (such as the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12 and the upper row power transmission component receiving groove 12’), where the reference numerals 12 and 12’ are shown in Figure 6. Among the pair of power terminals, the power contact portions 211 of the first power terminal 21 and the power contact portions 211' of the second power terminal 21' are used to jointly clamp and electrically contact the insert 7, while the power body portions 212 of the first power terminal 21 and the power body portions 212' of the second power terminal 21' are away from each other, and after two vertical bends, the power cable connection portions 213 of the first power terminal 21 and the power cable connection portions 213' of the second power terminal 21' are close to each other. Therefore, generally, the distance D1 between the power cable connection portions 213, 213' is less than the distance D2 between the power body portions 212, 212' and less than or equal to the distance D3 between the power contact portions 211, 211'.

[0097] In addition, as Figure 10 shown, each power terminal, such as the first power terminal 21, further has a power head 214, which is located at the front end of the power contact portion 211 and can be buried in the front end of the power transmission component receiving groove (such as the lower row power transmission component receiving groove 12) to prevent it from warping.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the pair of conductive plates are abutted against the outer surface of the corresponding power terminal away from the slot 11, and are jointly accommodated in the corresponding power transmission component receiving groove with the corresponding power terminal. Specifically, please refer to Figure 10 shown, each conductive plate, such as the first conductive plate 22, is generally Z-shaped after two vertical bends, and has a reinforcing portion 220, a conductive body portion 221, and a conductive fixing portion 222 arranged in sequence. The conductive body portion 221 is abutted against the power body portion 212; the conductive fixing portion 222 is a flat plate, which is abutted against the power cable connection portion 213. The reinforcing portion 220 is slightly bent relative to the conductive body portion 221 and thus is slightly inclined to the conductive body portion 221, and extends towards the power contact portion 211 of the first power terminal 21 to improve the strength of the power contact portion 211. The length of the reinforcing portion 220 can be determined according to the materials of the first power terminal 21 and the first conductive plate 22, or can be determined according to the required mechanical properties or electrical properties. In short, the first conductive plate 22 forms an abutment with at least a part of the structure of the first power terminal 21, which can improve the reliability of the electrical contact and the safety of the mechanical connection between the first power terminal 21 and the insert 7.

[0099] In the first embodiment, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the active switch terminal 31 is connected to the first conductive plate 22 and arranged side by side with the first conductive plate 22. Specifically, the switch fixing portion 310 of the active switch terminal 31 is connected to the conductive body portion 221 of the first conductive plate 22. For example, the active switch terminal 31 and the first conductive plate 22 are formed into a one-piece or integral structure by stamping process. At this time, the switch fixing portion 310 extends vertically from the side edge of the conductive body portion 221. Of course, the active switch terminal 31 and the first conductive plate 22 can also be separately manufactured to form a two-piece or split structure, and the switch fixing portion 310 of the active switch terminal 31 can be connected to the conductive body portion 221 by welding or other means.

[0100] As Figure 10 shown, the switch fixing portion 310 of the active switch terminal 31 is an L-shaped flat plate, one end of which is connected to the conductive body portion 221, and the other end of which is connected to the active contact portion 311. The active contact portion 311 is bent into a substantially V shape and protrudes into the slot 11 to form electrical contact with the insert 7. When the first conductive plate 22 abuts against the outer surface of the first power terminal 21, as Figure 9 shown, the active contact portion 311 is located at the side (such as the right side or the left side) of the power contact portion 211. The height of the active contact portion 311 is substantially the same as that of the power contact portion 211. The active contact portion 311 and the power contact portion 211 are arranged staggeredly front and back. For example, the active contact portion 311 is located behind the power contact portion 211. Through this design, the active contact portion 311 can be in electrical contact with the insert 7 after the first power terminal 21 is in electrical contact with the insert 7. In this embodiment, the active trigger end 312 is the free end (such as the front end) of the active contact portion 311. The active trigger end 312 extends toward the front end of the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13 and is buried in the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13, which can not only prevent the active switch terminal 31 from tilting, but also cause the active contact portion 311 to displace toward the passive switch terminal 32 after being pressed by the insert 7 to form a reliable electrical contact.

[0101] As Figure 8 shown, the active switch terminal 31 and the passive switch terminal 32 are along the thickness direction T of the slot 11 (the label is shown in Figure 5)The switch interval D is arranged and formed, and the active switch terminal 31 is located on the side of the passive switch terminal 32 close to the slot 11. It can be seen that the passive switch terminal 32 is arranged on the path where the active switch terminal 31 is displaced due to the pressing of the insert 7. Specifically, the passive switch terminal 32 is independent of the active switch terminal 31, the first power terminal 21, and the first conductive plate 22, and is jointly received in the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13 with the active switch terminal 31, and the two are arranged roughly one above the other. For example, for the first signal trigger mechanism, the passive switch terminal 32 is located below the active switch terminal 31; for the second signal trigger mechanism, the passive switch terminal 32' is located above the active switch terminal 31'.

[0102] In this embodiment, the active trigger end 312 is closer to the passive contact strip 320 of the passive switch terminal 32 than the active contact portion 311, and the active trigger end 312 extends towards the front end of the signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13.

[0103] More specifically, in the first embodiment, as Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown, the passive contact strip 320 of the passive switch terminal 32 is straight, the free end 322 of the passive contact strip 320 and the active trigger end 312 both face the same direction, for example, both face the front end of the first signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13, and the free end 322 of the passive contact strip 320 is roughly aligned with the corresponding active trigger end 312, or can exceed the active trigger end 312. That is to say, the length of the passive contact strip 320 can ensure that the active trigger end 312 and the passive contact strip 320 form electrical contact after the insert 7 is inserted, and even allows the active trigger end 312 to slide on the passive contact strip 320. In addition, as Figure 10 shown, the passive switch terminal 32 further includes a signal cable connection portion 321, which is horizontally and linearly connected to the passive contact strip 320 and is used to fixedly connect to a signal cable 33.

[0104] However, the present invention does not limit the up and down positions of the passive switch terminal 32 and the active switch terminal 31. As long as the passive contact strip 320 of the passive switch terminal 32 is arranged on the path of the displacement of the active trigger end 312 of the active switch terminal 31, electrical contact between the passive switch terminal 32 and the active switch terminal 31 can be achieved. For example, please refer to Figure 11 shown in another embodiment of the signal trigger mechanism 30a of the present invention, which is called the first signal trigger mechanism.

[0105] InFigure 11 The elements or structures in the illustrated embodiment share the same reference numerals as the similar elements or structures in the first embodiment described above Figures 1 to 10 and are additionally suffixed with "a".

[0106] In Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment, the active switch terminal 31a partially surrounds the passive switch terminal 32a. A part of the structure of the active switch terminal 31a (such as the active contact portion 311a and the active trigger end 312a) may be located on the side of the passive switch terminal 32a close to the slot 11a, while another part of the structure of the active switch terminal 31a (such as the switch fixing portion 310a) may be located on the side of the passive switch terminal 32a away from the slot 11a. That is, the passive contact strip 320a of the passive switch terminal 32a is closer to the slot 11a than the switch fixing portion 310a of the active switch terminal 31a.

[0107] Specifically, in Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment, for the first signal triggering mechanism, the passive contact strip 320a is located above the switch fixing portion 310a. The switch fixing portion 310a is bent approximately 180 degrees around the front end of the passive contact strip 320a and then connected to the active contact portion 311a. The active trigger end 312a is the free end (such as the rear end) of the active contact portion 311a and extends in the direction of the rear end of the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13a. At this time, the active contact portion 311a is located above the passive contact strip 320a and protrudes into the slot 11a; the active trigger end 312a is also located above the passive contact strip 320a, and the active trigger end 312a and the free end 322a of the passive contact strip 320a face opposite directions. This design can ensure the safe docking of the active switch terminal 31a and the insert 7 (the reference numeral is shown in Figure 2 ).

[0108] Similarly, the second signal triggering mechanism of the present invention (i.e., the other signal triggering mechanism 30') can also adopt the structure as Figure 11 shown. Details are not described herein again.

[0109] Please refer to Figures 12 to 15 shown, which shows the power connector 1b of the second embodiment of the present invention. The elements or structures in this second embodiment share the same reference numerals as the similar elements or structures in the first embodiment described above Figures 1 to 10 and are additionally suffixed with "b".

[0110] The power connector 1b of this second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the power connector 1 of the above first embodiment. For example, in this second embodiment, asFigures 12 to 15 As shown, the power connector 1b includes: an insulating housing 10b, a power transmission component 20b disposed in the insulating housing 10b, and at least one signal triggering mechanism 30b disposed in the insulating housing 10b. The signal triggering mechanism 30b includes an independent active switch terminal 31b and a passive switch terminal 32b. The power transmission component 20b includes at least a pair of power terminals, and the pair of power terminals includes a first power terminal 21b and a second power terminal 21b'. In the second embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, each power terminal, such as the first power terminal 21b, has a power contact portion 211b protruding toward the slot 11b, a power body portion 212b, and a power cable connection portion 213b arranged in sequence.

[0111] The other similarities between this second embodiment and the above-mentioned first embodiment will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0112] The main difference between the power connector 1b of this second embodiment and the power connector 1 of the above-mentioned first embodiment lies in that: in this second embodiment, the switch fixing portion 310b of the active switch terminal 31b is connected to one of the power terminals of the power transmission component 20b (such as the first power terminal 21b). Specifically, the switch fixing portion 310b is connected to the power body portion 212b. By connecting the active switch terminal 31b to the first power terminal 21b, the active switch terminal 31b is positioned in the signal triggering mechanism receiving slot (such as the first signal triggering mechanism receiving slot 13b) to fix the active switch terminal 31b.

[0113] In this second embodiment, the active switch terminal 31b and the first power terminal 21b are formed into a one-piece or integral structure by stamping. Of course, the active switch terminal 31b and the first power terminal 21b can also be separately made into a two-piece or split structure. At this time, the active switch terminal 31b can be connected to the power body portion 212b by welding or other means.

[0114] In addition, in this second embodiment, the conductive plate is not a necessary component. Of course, a pair of conductive plates (including a first conductive plate 22b and a second conductive plate 22b') can also be provided according to the actual structural strength of the power connector 1b to provide structural reinforcement for the pair of power terminals.

[0115] It should also be noted that the power connector 1b further includes another signal triggering mechanism 30b'. If the above-mentioned signal triggering mechanism 30b is referred to as the first signal triggering mechanism, then the other signal triggering mechanism 30b' is referred to as the second signal triggering mechanism. The first signal triggering mechanism and the second signal triggering mechanism can also adopt structures such as Figure 11 as shown.

[0116] Please refer to Figures 16 to 18 as shown, which shows the power connector 1c of the third embodiment of the present invention. The elements or structures in this third embodiment share the same markings as the similar elements or similar structures in the Figures 1 to 10 first embodiment shown and are additionally suffixed with c.

[0117] The power connector 1c of this third embodiment has a structure substantially the same as that of the power connector 1 of the above-mentioned first embodiment. For example, in this third embodiment, the power connector 1c includes: an insulating housing 10c, a power transmission component 20c disposed in the insulating housing 10c and on both sides of the slot 11c, and at least one signal triggering mechanism 30c disposed in the insulating housing 10c. The signal triggering mechanism 30c includes an independent active switch terminal 31c and a passive switch terminal 32c.

[0118] The other similarities between this third embodiment and the above-mentioned first embodiment will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0119] The main difference between the power connector 1c of this third embodiment and the power connector 1 of the above-mentioned first embodiment is that: in this third embodiment, the active switch terminal 31c is not connected to the power transmission component 20c, and both the active switch terminal 31c and the passive switch terminal 32c are independent of the power transmission component 20c; wherein the active switch terminal 31c is directly fixed in the insulating housing 10c through a switch fixing portion 310c. Specifically, the switch fixing portion 310c can be directly embedded in the insulating housing 10c by injection molding, so as to fix the active switch terminal 31c in the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13c of the insulating housing 10c. Of course, in other embodiments, a clamping structure can also be provided on the switch fixing portion 310c to install and fix the active switch terminal 31c in the signal triggering mechanism receiving groove 13c of the insulating housing 10c.

[0120] The power connector 1c further includes another signal triggering mechanism 30c'. If the above-mentioned signal triggering mechanism 30c is referred to as the first signal triggering mechanism, then the other signal triggering mechanism 30c' is referred to as the second signal triggering mechanism. The first signal triggering mechanism and the second signal triggering mechanism can also adopt structures such asFigure 11 The structure shown

[0121] From the above three embodiments, it is not difficult to see that the power connector of the present invention fixes the active switch terminal by connecting the active switch terminal to the power transmission component (for example, connecting to the first conductive plate or the first power terminal); the power connector of the present invention can also independently arrange the active switch terminal in the insulating housing, which can also achieve the fixation of the active switch terminal. Before the insert is inserted into the slot, the active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal are independent of each other and form the switch interval; after the insert is inserted into the slot and the insert presses the active switch terminal, the active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal form electrical contact.

[0122] In summary, for the power connector of the present invention, such as the power connector 1, by providing the active switch terminal 31 and the passive switch terminal 32, and arranging the passive switch terminal 32 on the path where the active switch terminal 31 is displaced due to the pressure exerted by the insert 7, so as to achieve that when the active switch terminal 31 is pressed down by the insert 7, it can touch the passive switch terminal 32 to trigger the power supply signal. In addition, since the passive switch terminal 32 and the active switch terminal 31 are independently arranged, if the insert 7 is frequently inserted into the slot 11, the active switch terminal 31 will be frequently pressed, and the active switch terminal 31 will not affect the structural stability of the passive switch terminal 32. For example, it will not cause the passive switch terminal 32 to loosen in the signal trigger mechanism receiving groove 13, nor will it cause the connection between the signal cable connection portion 321 and the signal cable 33 to loosen. When the active switch terminal 31 is pressed and its active trigger end 312 moves towards the passive switch terminal 32, the passive switch terminal 32 can provide a supporting effect on the active trigger end 312 of the active switch terminal 31 to prevent the active switch terminal 31 from being overly deformed. Therefore, the power supply signal of the power connector 1 of the present invention can be stably and accurately triggered, and has good safety.

Claims

1. A power connector, comprising: An insulating housing, a power transmission component disposed in the insulating housing, and at least one signal trigger mechanism disposed in the insulating housing; the insulating housing has a slot for an insert to be inserted and the insert can sequentially form electrical contact with the power transmission component and the signal trigger mechanism; characterized in that: The signal trigger mechanism includes an active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal which are independent of each other; The active switch terminal comprises a switch fixing portion, an active contact portion, and an active trigger end arranged in sequence; wherein the active contact portion protrudes toward the slot and is used to electrically contact the insert, wherein the active contact portion electrically contacts the insert only after the power transmission component electrically contacts the insert, and is pressed by the insert to drive the active trigger end to move in a direction away from the slot; The passive switch terminal has a passive contact band located on the side of the active contact portion facing away from the slot; the passive contact band forms electrical contact with the active trigger end after the active contact portion is pressed by the insert so as to cause the active trigger end to be displaced, and breaks electrical contact with the active trigger end after the insert is withdrawn from the slot and releases the active contact portion.

2. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The signal trigger mechanism and the power transmission component are arranged along the width direction of the slot; The passive switch terminal and the active switch terminal are arranged along the thickness direction of the slot to form a switch interval.

3. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the power transmission component; The passive switch terminal is independent of the power delivery component.

4. The power connector according to claim 3, wherein: The power transmission assembly includes a pair of power terminals and a pair of conductive plates; The pair of power terminals are distributed on both sides of the slot and are used to make electrical contact with two opposite insertion surfaces of the insert; The pair of conductive plates are respectively attached to the outer surfaces of the pair of power terminals facing away from the slots; wherein the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to one of the pair of conductive plates; Wherein, the active trigger end of the active switch terminal is closer to the passive contact zone than the active contact portion.

5. The power connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal triggering mechanism is referred to as a first signal triggering mechanism; The power connector further comprises another signal trigger mechanism, referred to as a second signal trigger mechanism; wherein the second signal trigger mechanism has the same structure as the first signal trigger mechanism but a different layout position; Wherein, the first signal trigger mechanism is arranged on the side of one of the conductive plates, and the active switch terminal is connected to one of the conductive plates; The second signal trigger mechanism is arranged on a side of the other conductive plate of the pair of conductive plates away from the first signal trigger mechanism, and an active switch terminal of the second signal trigger mechanism is connected to the other conductive plate.

6. The power connector according to claim 5, wherein: The insulating housing is also provided with a pair of power transmission component receiving grooves, which are respectively located on both sides of the slot and are used to receive the power transmission component; The insulating housing is also provided with a pair of signal trigger mechanism receiving grooves, which are respectively located on both sides of the slot and are used to receive the first signal trigger mechanism and the second signal trigger mechanism respectively; each signal trigger mechanism receiving groove is arranged side by side with the corresponding power transmission component receiving groove along the width direction of the slot; The power transmission component receiving slot and the signal trigger mechanism receiving slot on one side of the slot are arranged in parallel with the power transmission component receiving slot and the signal trigger mechanism receiving slot on the other side of the slot in a manner of being horizontally flipped 180 degrees; Wherein, in each signal trigger mechanism receiving slot, the active switch terminal is arranged adjacent to the slot, and the passive switch terminal is arranged on a side of the active switch terminal facing away from the slot.

7. The power connector according to claim 6, wherein: Each signal trigger mechanism receiving slot is connected to the corresponding power transmission component receiving slot through a connecting slot, so that the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal can pass through.

8. The power connector according to claim 4, wherein: Each power terminal is vertically bent twice to be Z-shaped, and has a power contact portion protruding toward the slot, a power body portion, and a power cable connection portion which are sequentially arranged; In the pair of power terminals, the power contact portions are used to clamp the insert together, and the spacing between the power cable connecting portions is smaller than the spacing between the power body portions, and smaller than or equal to the spacing between the power contact portions.

9. The power connector according to claim 8, wherein: Each conductive plate is vertically bent twice to be Z-shaped, and has a reinforcing portion, a conductive body portion, and a conductive fixing portion arranged in sequence; Wherein, the conductive body part is attached to the power source body part; the conductive fixing part is attached to the power source cable connecting part; and the reinforcing part extends toward the power source contact part; Wherein, the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the corresponding conductive body portion of the conductive plate.

10. The power connector according to claim 9, wherein: The active switch terminal and the conductive plate are a one-piece structure or a two-piece structure; The switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is an L-shaped flat plate, one end of which is connected to the conductive body portion, and the other end of which is connected to the active contact portion; The active contact portion is located at a side of the power contact portion, and the active contact portion is located behind the power contact portion.

11. The power connector according to claim 2, wherein: The switch fixing portion, the active contact portion and the active triggering end of the active switch terminal are all located on a side of the passive switch terminal close to the slot; The passive contact band of the passive switch terminal is straight, and the free end of the passive contact band and the active trigger end are both facing the same direction.

12. The power connector according to claim 2, wherein: The active contact portion and the active trigger end are located on a side of the passive switch terminal close to the slot; and the switch fixing portion is located on a side of the passive switch terminal facing away from the slot; Wherein, the switch fixing part is bent 180 degrees around the front end of the passive contact strip and then connected to the active contact part; the active trigger end is the free end of the active contact part; Wherein, the free end of the passive contact belt and the active trigger end face in opposite directions.

13. The power connector according to claim 3, wherein: The power transmission component includes at least a pair of power terminals; the pair of power terminals are distributed on both sides of the slot and are used to electrically contact with two opposite insertion surfaces of the insert; wherein the switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to one of the power supply terminals; Wherein, the active trigger end of the active switch terminal is closer to the passive contact zone of the passive switch terminal than the active contact portion.

14. The power connector according to claim 13, wherein: Each power terminal has a power contact portion protruding toward the slot, a power body portion, and a power cable connection portion which are sequentially arranged; The switch fixing portion of the active switch terminal is connected to the power source body portion of the corresponding power source terminal.

15. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal are both independent of the power transmission component; The active switch terminal is directly fixed in the insulating housing through the switch fixing portion; The active switch terminal and the passive switch terminal are arranged along the thickness direction of the slot and form a switch interval.

16. A signal triggering mechanism, used to form electrical contact with an insert and trigger a signal, characterized in that: It comprises an active switch terminal and a passive switch terminal which are independent of each other, wherein the passive switch terminal and the active switch terminal form at least one switch interval; The active switch terminal has a switch fixing portion, an active contact portion, and an active triggering end which are arranged in sequence; wherein the active contact portion is used to make electrical contact with the insert, and the active trigger end is forced to displace after the active contact portion makes electrical contact with the insert; The passive switch terminal has a passive contact belt and a signal cable connection portion; wherein the passive contact belt is located on a displacement path of the active trigger end; the passive contact belt forms an electrical contact with the active trigger end after the active contact portion is in electrical contact with the insert, and breaks electrical contact with the active trigger end after the insert releases the active contact portion; The signal cable connecting portion is used to connect with at least one signal cable.

17. The signal triggering mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that: The switch interval is the distance between the active trigger end and the passive contact zone; The passive contact belt is straight, and the free end of the passive contact belt and the active trigger end are both facing the same direction or opposite directions.

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