Connector and power device including the same

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector, comprising: a cable comprising a plurality of wires; a first inner sleeve disposed on one end of the cable; the first outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the first inner sleeve and provided with a first flange protruding inwards in the radial direction; a first hub disposed within the first outer sleeve to accommodate one ends of the plurality of wires extending from the cable into the first outer sleeve; and the first reinforcing piece is propped between the first hub and the first flange, so that the first hub cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve under the action of external force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a power device including the connector. Background Art

[0002] An electrical connector is a device for connecting two active devices to transmit current or signals. The electrical connector can simplify the assembly process of electronic products and also simplify the mass production process of electronic products. The electrical connector is easy to repair. If a certain electronic component fails, the failed component can be quickly replaced when the electrical connector is installed; with the progress of technology, the electronic products equipped with electrical connectors can update the electronic components and replace the old electronic components with new and better-performing electronic components, which is convenient for upgrading; the electrical connector can improve the flexibility of product design when designing and integrating new products and when forming a system with electronic components. Therefore, electrical connectors are widely used in the fields of transportation, medical treatment, aerospace, military, household appliances, etc.

[0003] The basic performance of an electrical connector can be divided into three categories: namely, mechanical performance, electrical performance, and environmental performance.

[0004] Insertion and extraction force and mechanical life are important mechanical performances. The insertion and extraction force and mechanical life of an electrical connector are related to the contact structure (magnitude of the normal pressure), the coating quality of the contact part (coefficient of sliding friction), and the dimensional accuracy of the contact arrangement (alignment).

[0005] The main electrical performances of an electrical connector include contact resistance, insulation resistance, and dielectric strength. Among them, a high-quality electrical connector should have a low and stable contact resistance, and the contact resistance of the electrical connector ranges from a few milliohms to dozens of milliohms; the insulation resistance is an index to measure the insulation performance between the contacts of the electrical connector and between the contacts and the housing, and the order of magnitude of the insulation resistance ranges from several hundred megohms to several thousand megohms; the dielectric strength is a measure of the ability of the contacts of the electrical connector or between the contacts and the housing to withstand the rated test voltage.

[0006] Environmental performance includes temperature resistance, humidity resistance, salt spray resistance, vibration and shock resistance, etc.

[0007] The development of electrical connector technology shows the following characteristics: high-speed and digital signal transmission, integration of various signal transmissions, miniaturization of product volume, low cost of products, module combination, convenience of insertion and extraction, etc.

[0008] Connectors in power devices such as power modules for communication equipment usually include long cables. This causes large stresses to occur in the cables when the power device is transported or in other situations that cause the power device to vibrate, resulting in displacement of the components connected to both ends of the cable under the action of stress, posing a risk of electrical connection short circuit or open circuit, increasing the maintenance cost of the power device, and reducing the reliability of the power device.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a power device with high reliability to meet the application requirements in various scenarios, especially under harsh conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, including: a cable including a plurality of wires; a first inner sleeve disposed at one end of the cable; a first outer sleeve fixedly connected to the first inner sleeve and provided with a first flange protruding radially inward; a first hub disposed within the first outer sleeve to accommodate one end of the plurality of wires extending from the cable into the first outer sleeve; and a first reinforcement member abutted between the first hub and the first flange such that the first hub cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve under an external force.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first reinforcement member includes: a first ring for radially constraining the plurality of wires extending therethrough; and a first receiving member including: a plurality of first receiving grooves circumferentially disposed thereon for respectively receiving the wires extending therethrough; and a plurality of first mating portions respectively disposed between two adjacent first receiving grooves for matingly connecting the first ring.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first mating portion abuts against the first flange on a side thereof facing away from the first ring, and the first ring abuts against the first hub on a side thereof facing away from the first receiving member.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first receiving member further includes: a plurality of first finger members disposed near the center of the first receiving member and extending through the first ring from the first receiving member, wherein two of the plurality of first finger members face each other and are spaced apart such that one end of the wire located between the two first finger members extends along an axis passing through the center of the first receiving member.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, free ends of the plurality of first finger members respectively abut against the first hub.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first finger member has a crescent-shaped cross-section.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first reinforcement member is configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector further comprises: a second inner sleeve disposed on the other end of the cable; a second outer sleeve fixedly connected to the second inner sleeve and provided with a second flange protruding radially inward; a second hub disposed within the second outer sleeve to receive the other ends of the plurality of wires extending from the cable into the second outer sleeve; and a second reinforcement member abutted between the second hub and the second flange such that the second hub cannot move relative to the second outer sleeve under an external force.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second reinforcement member comprises: a second circular ring for radially constraining the plurality of wires extending therethrough; and a second receiving member comprising: a plurality of second receiving grooves circumferentially disposed thereon for respectively receiving the wires extending therethrough; and a plurality of second mating portions respectively disposed between two adjacent second receiving grooves for matingly connecting the second circular ring.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second mating portion abuts against the second flange on a side thereof facing away from the second circular ring, and the second circular ring abuts against the second hub on a side thereof facing away from the second receiving member.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second receiving member further comprises: a plurality of second finger-like members disposed around the center of the second receiving member and extending from the second receiving member through the second circular ring, wherein two of the plurality of second finger-like members face each other and are spaced apart such that the other ends of the wires located between the two second finger-like members extend along an axis passing through the center of the second receiving member.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the free ends of the plurality of second finger-like members respectively abut against the second hub.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second finger-like member has a crescent-shaped cross-section.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second reinforcement member is configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power device comprising: a connector according to any one of the above aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present invention and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the embodiments described herein.

[0026] Figure 1Is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 Is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 Line II-VIII in, showing a first reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted at one end of a cable;

[0028] Figure 3 Is a side view showing Figure 1 A plurality of components mounted at the one end of the cable in, wherein the first outer sleeve is omitted for showing the first reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Is a side view showing Figure 1 A plurality of components mounted at the one end of the cable in, wherein the first outer sleeve and the first hub are omitted for showing the first reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 A perspective view of, showing the first reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a plurality of wires;

[0031] Figure 6 Is a perspective view showing Figure 5 The separate first reinforcement in, the structure of the second reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention being the same as that of this first reinforcement according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 An exploded view of the first reinforcement in;

[0033] Figure 8 Is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 Line II-VIII in, showing the first reinforcement according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted at the one end of the cable;

[0034] Figure 9 Is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 Line IX-IX in, showing the first reinforcement according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted at the one end of the cable; and

[0035] Figure 10 Is Figure 8 A perspective view of the first reinforcement in, the structure of the second reinforcement according to a second embodiment of the present invention being the same as that of this first reinforcement according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The features of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals always identify corresponding elements. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally denote the same, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings provided throughout the application should not be construed as being drawn to scale. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following further describes the present invention in detail with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0038] However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, obviously, one or more embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details. In addition, in the following description, descriptions of well-known technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present invention.

[0039] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "comprising" used herein indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0040] In the case of using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", generally, it should be interpreted according to the meaning that those skilled in the art usually understand this expression (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.). In the case of using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.", generally, it should be interpreted according to the meaning that those skilled in the art usually understand this expression (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.).

[0041] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly rigid manner.

[0042] See Figures 1 to 10, the present invention discloses a connector 1000, which is generally used in power devices such as power modules of communication devices (not shown in the figure).

[0043] The connector 1000 includes: a cable 100, a first inner sleeve 200, a first outer sleeve 300, a first hub 400, and first reinforcing members 500, 600 ( Figures 2 to 7 The first reinforcing member 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, Figures 8 to 10 The first reinforcing member 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown). The cable 100 includes a plurality of wires 110, 111. The first inner sleeve 200 is disposed at one end 101 of the cable 100 such that the cable 100 extends through the first inner sleeve 200. The first end 301 of the first outer sleeve 300 is fixedly connected to the first end 201 of the first inner sleeve 200 by a thread and accommodates the first end 201 of the first inner sleeve 200. A fastener 900 (see Figure 2 ) is provided at the second end 202 of the first inner sleeve 200 to further fixedly press the second end 202 against one end 101 of the cable 100. The first outer sleeve 300 is provided with a first flange 310 protruding radially inward on a side of the first end 301 away from the end 101 of the cable 100 (see Figure 2 ). The first hub 400 is disposed within the first outer sleeve 300 and is provided with a conductive channel 410 (see Figure 2 and 8 ), and the conductive channel 410 is used to accommodate one ends of the plurality of wires 110, 111 extending from the one end 101 of the cable 100 into the first outer sleeve 300. Conductive terminals 103 (see Figure 2 , 4 , 5 and 8) are provided on the one ends of the plurality of wires 110, 111 to be electrically connected to a mating connector (not shown in the figure) mounted to the connector 1000 through an adapter 320 (see Figure 1 ). The first reinforcing members 500, 600 are abutted between the first hub 400 and the first flange 310, so that when the cable 100 is subjected to an external force during the transportation of the power device or under harsh environmental conditions, the first hub 400 connected to the cable 100 cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve 300 under the action of the external force, thereby fixing the positions of the plurality of wires 110, 111, ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection between the connector 1000 and the mating connector, greatly reducing the risk of electrical connection short circuit or open circuit of the connector 1000, and reducing the maintenance cost of the connector 1000 and the power device equipped with the connector 1000.

[0044] Refer to the following Figures 2 to 7Describe a first reinforcing member 500 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the first reinforcing member 500 comprising: a first circular ring 510 and a first receiving member 520.

[0045] The first circular ring 510 is used to radially constrain the plurality of wires 110, 111 (see Figure 4 and 5 ) extending therethrough. The first receiving member 520 comprises: a plurality of first receiving grooves 521 circumferentially arranged thereon for respectively receiving and fixing the wires 110, 111 extending therethrough; and a plurality of first engaging portions 522 respectively arranged between two adjacent first receiving grooves 521 for cooperatively connecting the first circular ring 510 (see Figure 6 and 7 ). Each first receiving groove 521 is used to receive one of the wires 110, 111, and the number and size of the first receiving grooves 521 can be set according to the number of wires.

[0046] See Figure 2 , the first engaging portion 522 abuts against the first flange 310 on the side opposite to the first circular ring 510, and the first circular ring 510 abuts against the first hub 400 on the side opposite to the first receiving member 520. See Figures 5 to 7 , the first receiving member 520 further comprises: a plurality of first finger members 523 having a crescent-shaped cross-section, arranged near the center of the first receiving member 520 and extending through the first circular ring 510 from the first receiving member 520, such that the free ends of the plurality of first finger members 523 respectively abut against the first hub 400 (see Figure 2 ), so that the first hub 400 cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve 300 under an external force. Two of the plurality of first finger members 523 face each other and are spaced apart, such that one end of the wire 111 located between the two first finger members 523 extends along the axis AX passing through the center of the first receiving member 520 (see Figure 7 ), which centers one wire 111 and the other four wires 110 are located around the wire 111 (see Figure 5 ), facilitating the wires 110, 111 to be respectively received in the corresponding conductive channels 410 of the first hub 400. Although three first finger members 523 are shown in the embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only exemplary, and the relative positions, cross-sectional shapes and numbers of the first finger members 523 can be set according to actual needs, so as to facilitate the wires 110, 111 to be respectively received in the corresponding conductive channels 410 of the first hub 400 and achieve reliable electrical connection.

[0047] Figures 8 to 10Fig. 0 shows a first reinforcement member 600 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The first reinforcement member 600 is configured as a sleeve with a rectangular cross-section, such that the wires 110, 111 directly extend through the first reinforcement member 600 and are respectively received in corresponding conductive channels 410 of the first hub 400.

[0048] Although the present invention only shows two embodiments of the first reinforcement member, those skilled in the art can understand that this is not restrictive. The structure and shape of the first reinforcement member can be set according to actual needs, so that the first hub 400 cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve 300 under the external force.

[0049] See Figure 1 , the connector 1000 further includes: a second inner sleeve 700, a second outer sleeve 800, a second hub (the structure of the second hub is similar to that of the first hub 400, and for the sake of brevity, it is not shown in the figure), and a second reinforcement member. The second inner sleeve 700 is provided at the other end 102 of the cable 100. The first end of the second outer sleeve 800 is fixedly connected to the first end of the second inner sleeve 700 by threads and houses the first end of the second inner sleeve 700. A fastener 900 is provided at the second end of the second inner sleeve (see Figure 1 ) to further press and fix the second end of the second inner sleeve against the other end 102 of the cable 100. The second outer sleeve 800 is provided with a radially inwardly protruding second flange on a side of its first end away from the end 102 of the cable 100 (the internal structure of the second outer sleeve 800 is similar to that of the first outer sleeve 300, and for the sake of brevity, the internal structure of the second outer sleeve 800 is not shown in the figure). The second hub is provided in the second outer sleeve 800 to house the other ends of the plurality of wires 110, 111 extending from the other end 102 of the cable 100 into the second outer sleeve 800. The second reinforcement members 500', 600' abut between the second hub and the second flange, such that the second hub cannot move relative to the second outer sleeve 800 under the external force, thereby further fixing the positions of the plurality of wires 110, 111 at the other ends of the plurality of wires 110, 111, further ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection between the connector 1000 and another mating connector (not shown in the figure) connected to the second outer sleeve 800, further reducing the risk of electrical connection short circuit or open circuit of the connector 1000, and further reducing the maintenance cost of the connector 1000 and related power devices equipped with the connector 1000.

[0050] See Figure 6 and 7The structure of the second reinforcement member 500 ′ is the same as that of the second reinforcement member 500 , and the structure of the second reinforcement member 600 ′ is the same as that of the second reinforcement member 600 .

[0051] Specifically, the second reinforcement member 500' includes: a second circular ring 510' and a second receiving member 520'. The second circular ring is used to radially constrain the plurality of wires 110, 111 extending therethrough. The second receiving member 520' includes: a plurality of second receiving grooves 521' arranged along its circumference, respectively used to receive and fix the wires 110, 111 extending therethrough; and a plurality of second matching portions 522' respectively arranged between two adjacent second receiving grooves 521' for matching and connecting the second circular ring 510'. Each second receiving groove 521' is used to receive one of the wires 110, 111, and the number and size of the second receiving grooves 521' can be set according to the number of wires.

[0052] The second matching portion 522' abuts against the second flange at its side facing away from the second ring 510', and the second ring 510' abuts against the second hub at its side facing away from the second receiving member 520', so that the second hub cannot move relative to the second outer sleeve 800 under the action of external force.

[0053] The second container 520' also includes: a plurality of second finger-shaped members 523' having a crescent-shaped cross-section, which are arranged near the center of the second container 520' and extend from the second container 520' through the second ring 510', so that the free ends of the plurality of second finger-shaped members 523' respectively abut against the second hub, so that the second hub cannot move relative to the second outer sleeve 800 under the action of external force.

[0054] Two second fingers 523' of the plurality of second fingers 523' face each other and are spaced apart, so that the other end of the wire 111 located between the two second fingers 523' extends along the axis AX passing through the center of the second receiving member 520', which makes one wire 111 centered and the other four wires 110 located around the wire 111, so that the wires 110 and 111 are respectively received in the corresponding conductive channels of the second hub. Although three second fingers 523' are shown in the embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only exemplary, and the relative position, cross-sectional shape and number of the second fingers 523' can be set according to actual needs, so that the wires 110 and 111 are respectively received in the corresponding conductive channels of the second hub.

[0055] Figures 8 to 10Shown is a second reinforcing member 600' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second reinforcing member 600' is configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section such that the wires 110, 111 extend directly through the second reinforcing member 600' to be respectively received in corresponding conductive channels of the second hub.

[0056] So far, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the accompanying drawings or the text of the specification, the implementation manners that are not depicted or described are all forms known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are not described in detail. In addition, the above definitions of the various components are not limited to the specific structures, shapes or manners mentioned in the embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art can make simple changes or substitutions thereto.

[0057] It should also be noted that, in the specific embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise known to the contrary, the numerical parameters in this specification and the appended claims are approximate values and can be changed according to the required characteristics obtained through the content of the present invention. Specifically, all the numbers representing dimensions, range conditions, etc. of the components used in the specification and the claims should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Generally, the meaning expressed is that it includes changes of ±10% in some embodiments, ±5% in some embodiments, ±1% in some embodiments, and ±0.5% in some embodiments for a specific quantity.

[0058] Those skilled in the art can understand that the features recited in the various embodiments and / or claims of the present invention can be combined or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly recited in the present invention. In particular, without departing from the spirit and teachings of the present invention, the features recited in the various embodiments and / or claims of the present invention can be combined and combined in various ways. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] The above-described specific embodiments have further elaborated on the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, Comprising: A cable, including a plurality of wires; A first inner sleeve, provided at one end of the cable; A first outer sleeve, fixedly connected to the first inner sleeve and provided with a first flange protruding radially inward; A first hub, provided within the first outer sleeve to accommodate one end of the plurality of wires extending from the cable into the first outer sleeve; And A first reinforcement member, abutted between the first hub and the first flange, such that the first hub cannot move relative to the first outer sleeve under an external force.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reinforcement member includes: A first circular ring for radially constraining the plurality of wires extending therethrough; and A first receiving member, including: A plurality of first receiving grooves provided circumferentially thereon for respectively receiving the wires extending therethrough; and A plurality of first mating portions respectively provided between two adjacent first receiving grooves for matingly connecting the first circular ring.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first mating portion abuts against the first flange on a side thereof facing away from the first circular ring, and the first circular ring abuts against the first hub on a side thereof facing away from the first receiving member.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first receiving member further includes: A plurality of first finger-like members, provided near the center of the first receiving member and extending from the first receiving member through the first circular ring, wherein two of the plurality of first finger-like members face each other and are spaced apart, such that one end of the wire located between the two first finger-like members extends along an axis passing through the center of the first receiving member.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The free ends of the plurality of first finger-like members respectively abut against the first hub.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first finger-like member has a crescent cross-section.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reinforcement member is configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: A second inner sleeve, provided at the other end of the cable; A second outer sleeve, fixedly connected to the second inner sleeve and provided with a second flange protruding radially inward; A second hub, provided within the second outer sleeve to accommodate the other end of the plurality of wires extending from the cable into the second outer sleeve; And A second reinforcement member, abutted between the second hub and the second flange, such that the second hub cannot move relative to the second outer sleeve under an external force.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second reinforcement member includes: A second circular ring for radially constraining the plurality of wires extending therethrough; and A second receiving member, including: A plurality of second receiving grooves provided circumferentially thereon for respectively receiving the wires extending therethrough; and A plurality of second mating portions respectively provided between two adjacent second receiving grooves for matingly connecting the second circular ring.

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second mating portion abuts against the second flange on a side thereof facing away from the second circular ring, and the second circular ring abuts against the second hub on a side thereof facing away from the second receiving member.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein, The second receiving member further includes: A plurality of second finger-like members, provided around the center of the second receiving member and extending from the second receiving member through the second circular ring, Among them, two of the plurality of second finger-like members face each other and are spaced apart such that the other end of the wire located between the two second finger-like members extends along an axis passing through the center of the second receiving member.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The free ends of the plurality of second finger-like members respectively abut against the second hub.

13. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The second finger-like member has a crescent-shaped cross-section.

14. The connector according to claim 8, wherein, The second reinforcing member is configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section.

15. A power device, wherein, Comprising: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images