High voltage connector with secondary unlocking function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function, comprising a socket assembly and a plug assembly adapted to be plugged therewith, the plug assembly comprising a rotatable unlocking plate and a rotatable and movable unlocking bracket, the high-voltage connector respectively having a fully locked state, a first unlocking state, a second unlocking state, and a fully unlocked state; when the high-voltage connector is in the fully locked state, the unlocking bracket is located in the first position, and the unlocking plate is restricted by the unlocking bracket and cannot form a torsional movement; in the first unlocking state, the second unlocking state, and the fully unlocking state, the operation sequence is respectively implemented by the unlocking bracket-unlocking plate-unlocking bracket, and the unlocking elements used in adjacent unlocking steps are different, thereby improving the safety of unlocking; the present invention has two unlocking processes, prevents false triggering, and has high safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of new energy vehicles and the gradual improvement of requirements for electric vehicles, the requirements for automotive high-voltage interlocking connectors are also getting higher and higher. Many automotive high-voltage connector manufacturers are innovating high-voltage interlocking connectors to make the connectors have more and more reliable functions in order to keep up with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry.

[0003] Traditional high-voltage interlock connectors fail to account for the time interval between disconnecting the interlock signal circuit and the power circuit during unlocking. This can lead to live connector disconnection during the unlocking and disconnection process, potentially causing corrosion of the contacts and even the connector, potentially harming the vehicle and operator. To address this issue, several connectors have emerged on the market that enable a step-by-step disconnection of the interlock signal circuit and the power circuit. These typically utilize two locking mechanisms formed by levers, as disclosed in patent CN103066451A. This unlocking mechanism involves pressing both the primary and secondary hooks during unlocking, thereby disconnecting the connector from the mating receptacle.

[0004] As disclosed in patent CN109309317A, the secondary lock plug connector includes a shell, a torsion bar structure is provided on the shell, the torsion bar structure extends perpendicular to the plugging direction, a locking plate extending along the plugging direction is fixedly provided on the torsion bar structure, and a primary lock hook and a secondary lock hook are provided on the lower side surface of the end of the locking plate facing the plugging direction for hooking and engaging with the primary lock catch and the secondary lock catch of the adapter socket connector. The locking plate can swing up and down around the axis of the torsion bar structure. The primary lock hook releases the hooking cooperation with the primary lock catch when the lock plate swings upward, and the secondary lock hook releases the hooking cooperation with the secondary lock catch when the lock plate swings downward.

[0005] However, these connectors all use a single lever / torsion bar for two unlocking operations. Each unlocking operation requires pressing one or both ends of the lever. This repeated force on the lever can easily cause deformation, shortening its service life. Furthermore, these connectors lack a locking mechanism for the lever / torsion bar, creating the risk of accidental activation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and provide a safe and reliable high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function includes a socket assembly and a plug assembly adapted to mate therewith, the socket assembly including a socket housing, the socket housing being provided with a socket power terminal and a socket signal terminal, and the plug assembly including a plug housing, the plug housing being provided with a plug power terminal and a plug signal terminal that are respectively mated with the socket power terminal and the socket signal terminal to complete electrical connection;

[0009] The upper surface of the socket housing is provided with a pre-locking boss, a final locking boss, and a positioning block;

[0010] Support plates are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the plug housing, and a torsion rod extends inwardly from the support plate. An unlocking plate is mounted in the space enclosed by the support plate, and its middle end is connected to the support plate through the torsion rod so that the unlocking plate can generate torsional movement around the axis of the torsion rod; the unlocking plate is divided by the torsion rod into a pressing portion and a functional portion at each end;

[0011] A sliding space is defined between the lower surface of the unlocking plate and the upper surface of the plug housing, wherein an unlocking bracket is slidably disposed. The unlocking bracket slides between a first position and a second position.

[0012] The high voltage connector has a fully locked state, a first unlocked state, a second unlocked state, and a fully unlocked state;

[0013] When the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, the unlocking bracket is located at a first position, and the unlocking plate is restricted by the unlocking bracket and cannot form a twisting motion;

[0014] When the high-voltage connector is in the first unlocking state, the unlocking bracket moves from the first position to the second position, disengaging from the pre-locking boss, and releasing the torsion restriction of the unlocking plate;

[0015] When the high-voltage connector is in the second unlocking state, the unlocking plate is twisted by force, the functional portion is disengaged from the positioning block, and the socket assembly and the plug assembly are relatively displaced for the first time so that the socket signal terminal and the plug signal terminal are disconnected;

[0016] When the high-voltage connector is in a fully unlocked state, the unlocking bracket is subjected to force to generate twisting, the unlocking bracket is disengaged from the final locking boss, and the socket assembly and the plug assembly produce a second relative displacement so that the socket power terminal and the plug power terminal are disconnected.

[0017] Preferably, the pre-locking boss and the final locking boss are sequentially arranged along the central axis of the socket housing, and there are two positioning blocks, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pre-locking boss.

[0018] Preferably, the pre-locking boss is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and the end faces at both ends are first inclined surfaces; the final locking boss is in the shape of a right triangle, its vertical surface faces the pre-locking boss, and its inclined surface is located at the end away from the pre-locking boss; the top of the positioning block has an inclined second inclined surface.

[0019] Preferably, the unlocking bracket includes a main body having a first plane and a second plane with a height difference, wherein the height of the first plane from the upper surface of the plug housing is smaller than the height of the second plane from the upper surface of the plug housing;

[0020] A pressing plate and an unlocking plate are respectively provided at both ends of the main body located on the second plane;

[0021] Two support rods are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body located on the second plane. Support plates are fixed on the free ends of the support rods, and the support plates extend along the central axis of the plug housing.

[0022] Preferably, the unlocking plate has a first opening and a second opening, which are separated by a rib, and the distal end of the unlocking plate is a blocking bar.

[0023] Preferably, when the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, the second plane is close to the lower surface of the pressing portion of the unlocking plate, and the limiting arc groove on the support plate is clamped on the protrusion on the inner wall of the support plate.

[0024] Preferably, a stopper is provided on the lower surface of the unlocking plate located in the functional area. When the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, a limiting effect is generated between the stopper and the positioning block so that no displacement occurs between the socket assembly and the plug assembly.

[0025] Preferably, when the high-voltage connector is in the first unlocking state, the unlocking bracket is located at the second position, and the support rod abuts against the limiting plane of the limiting block fixed on the upper surface of the plug housing.

[0026] Preferably, the upper surfaces of the unlocking plate and the unlocking bracket both have press marks.

[0027] Preferably, the socket housing has a guide bar, and the outer side surface of the guide bar is in close contact with the inner side surface of the support plate.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present invention are mainly reflected in:

[0029] There are two unlocking processes. In the fully locked state, the unlocking plate is restricted by the unlocking bracket and cannot form a twisting movement to prevent accidental triggering;

[0030] Each unlocking process is achieved by the unlocking bracket - unlocking plate - unlocking bracket operation sequence. Adjacent unlocking steps use different unlocking elements, which improves the security of unlocking and further reduces the possibility of false triggering.

[0031] Each unlocking step has a corresponding pressing mark, which improves operability;

[0032] The present invention is assembled in a splicing manner, and each component can be quickly disassembled and assembled, and easily replaced, thereby enhancing the convenience of use;

[0033] The unlocking bracket as a single body has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, thereby reducing the difficulty of manufacturing the plug housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 : A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 : A three-dimensional diagram of a socket assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 : A perspective view of a plug assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 : A perspective view of a plug housing in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 : A three-dimensional diagram of an unlocking bracket in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a fully locked state;

[0041] Figure 7 : Schematic diagram of the first unlocking state completed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 : Schematic diagram of the second unlocking state completed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 : Schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a fully unlocked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments are not limited to the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0046] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0047] The present invention discloses a high voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function, Figures 1 to 5 As shown, it includes a socket assembly 1 and a plug assembly 2 adapted to be plugged therewith. As in the prior art, the socket assembly 1 includes a socket housing 11, in which a socket power terminal and a socket signal terminal are provided. The plug assembly 2 includes a plug housing 21, in which a plug power terminal and a plug signal terminal are provided, which are respectively connected to the socket power terminal and the socket signal terminal to complete electrical connection. A tail cover 5 is provided at one end of the plug housing 21 for fixing the cable 6 so that it is electrically connected to the plug power terminal. The functions of the socket power terminal, the socket signal terminal, the plug power terminal, the plug signal terminal, and the cable 6 are consistent with those in the prior art and will not be repeated; their positions can be adapted and set as needed and are not within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Specific reference Figure 2 As shown, the socket housing 11 includes a flange head and a connector. The upper surface of the connector is provided with a pre-locking boss 3, a final locking boss 4, and a positioning block 9. The pre-locking boss 3 and the final locking boss 4 are arranged in sequence along the central axis of the socket housing 11, and there are two positioning blocks 9, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pre-locking boss 3. The pre-locking boss 3 is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and the end faces at both ends are both first inclined surfaces 31. The final locking boss 4 is in the shape of a right triangle, and its vertical surface 41 faces the pre-locking boss 3, and its inclined surface 42 is located at the end away from the pre-locking boss 3. The top of the positioning block 9 has an inclined second inclined surface 91. The socket housing 11 has a guide bar 92. The pre-locking boss 3 and the final locking boss 4 can also be in other shapes, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0049] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, support plates 23 are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the plug housing 21. When the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2 are plugged in, the outer side of the guide bar 92 abuts against the inner side of the support plate 23. A retaining bar is fixed to the outer wall of the socket housing 11, with the central axis of the retaining bar parallel to the central axis of the socket housing 11. A retaining groove 114 is provided on the plug housing 21 to mate with the retaining bar. The retaining bar and retaining groove 114 cooperate to guide the position of the plug housing 21 and the socket housing 11, ensuring accurate insertion.

[0050] A torsion bar 24 extends inward from the support plate 23. An unlocking plate 25 is mounted within the space enclosed by the support plate 23. Its central end is connected to the support plate 23 via the torsion bar 24, allowing the unlocking plate 25 to twist around the axis of the torsion bar 24. The unlocking plate 25 is divided by the torsion bar 24 into a pressing portion 26 and a functional portion 28, located at either end. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 26 and the functional portion 28 are rectangular, making them easier for the operator to press. Furthermore, a marking 8 is provided on the pressing portion 26, indicating the number 2. Its function will be described in detail below.

[0051] A sliding space 26 is defined between the lower surface of the unlocking plate 25 and the upper surface of the plug housing 21 , in which an unlocking bracket 27 is slidably disposed. The unlocking bracket 27 slides between a first position and a second position.

[0052] The unlocking bracket 27 is the focus of the present invention, and its specific structure is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the unlocking bracket 27 includes a main body, which has a first plane 270 and a second plane 273 with a height difference, and the height of the first plane 270 from the upper surface of the plug housing 21 is less than the height of the second plane 273 from the upper surface of the plug housing 21; a pressing plate 274 and an unlocking plate 275 are respectively provided at both ends of the main body located at the second plane 273; the unlocking plate 275 has a first opening 278 and a second opening 279, which are separated by a rib 276, and the distal end of the unlocking plate 275 is a blocking bar.

[0053] Two support rods 271 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body located on the second plane 273. A support plate 272 is fixed to the free end of each support rod 271. The support plate 272 extends along the central axis of the plug housing 21. The support plate 272 can generate a certain angle of torsion around the axis of the support rod 271.

[0054] In this preferred embodiment, the pressing plate 274 has a mark 8 showing the numbers 1 and 3. Combined with the mark on the pressing portion 26, it represents the operation sequence.

[0055] The high voltage connector of the present invention has the following features: Figure 6 The fully locked state shown Figure 7 The first unlock state shown, such as Figure 8 The second unlocking state shown is as follows: Figure 9 Shown in fully unlocked state.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, when the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, the unlocking bracket 27 is in the first position, and the unlocking plate 25 is restricted by the unlocking bracket 27 and cannot form a twisting movement. Specifically, the second plane 273 is close to the lower surface of the pressing portion 26 of the unlocking plate 25, so that the unlocking plate 25 cannot produce any movement. The limiting arc groove 277 on the support plate 272 is clamped on the protrusion 29 on the inner wall of the support plate 23. The stop bar of the unlocking plate 275 is located at the first inclined surface 31 on the left side of the pre-locking boss 3 in the figure, so that the unlocking bracket 27 is in a relatively fixed state. Only when the external force is large enough can the unlocking bracket 27 be driven to slide.

[0057] At the same time, a stop block 251 is provided on the lower surface of the unlocking plate 25 in the functional part 28 area. When the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, a limiting effect is generated between the stop block 251 and the positioning block 9 so that no displacement occurs between the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, when the high-voltage connector is in the first unlocking state, force is applied to move the unlocking bracket 27 from the first position to the second position, and its support rod 271 is abutted against the limiting plane of the limiting block 22 fixed on the upper surface of the plug housing 21 to ensure that the unlocking bracket 27 cannot be pulled out freely.

[0059] The second plane 273 is away from the lower surface of the pressing portion 26 of the unlocking plate 25. The blocking bar of the unlocking plate 275 is located at the first inclined surface 31 on the right side of the pre-locking boss 3 in the figure and is disengaged from the pre-locking boss 3. At this time, the torsion restriction of the unlocking plate 25 is released.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, when the high-voltage connector is in the second unlocking state, force is applied to the pressing portion 26 of the unlocking plate 25, causing the unlocking plate 25 to twist, and the stop block 251 located at the functional portion 28 is disengaged from the positioning block 9, and the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2 produce a first relative displacement so that the socket signal terminal and the plug signal terminal are disconnected; the stop bar of the unlocking plate 275 abuts against the vertical surface 41 of the final locking boss 4, so that the unlocking bracket 27 is restricted from sliding, to ensure that the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2 can only produce the first relative displacement.

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, when the high-voltage connector is in a fully unlocked state, the unlocking bracket 27 is subjected to force to generate twisting, the unlocking plate 275 of the unlocking bracket 27 is disengaged from the final locking boss 4, and the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2 produce a second relative displacement so that the socket power terminal and the plug power terminal are disconnected.

[0062] As can be seen from the above process, each unlocking process of the present invention is implemented by the operating sequence of unlocking bracket-unlocking plate-unlocking bracket, and is distinguished by identification. The unlocking elements used in adjacent unlocking steps are different, which improves the security of unlocking.

[0063] It should be further explained that when the socket assembly 1 and the plug assembly 2 are reset, due to the existence of the second inclined surface 91, the stopper 251 of the unlocking plate 25 can pass smoothly, even if the unlocking plate 25 is twisted and reset at a certain angle.

[0064] It should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation method can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0065] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function, comprising a socket assembly (1) and a plug assembly (2) adapted to be plugged therewith, wherein the socket assembly (1) comprises a socket housing (11), wherein a socket power terminal and a socket signal terminal are provided in the socket housing (11), and wherein the plug assembly (2) comprises a plug housing (21), wherein a plug power terminal and a plug signal terminal are provided in the plug housing (21) and are respectively connected to the socket power terminal and the socket signal terminal to complete electrical connection; Its characteristics are: The upper surface of the socket housing (11) is provided with a pre-locking boss (3), a final locking boss (4), and a positioning block (9); Support plates (23) are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the plug housing (21), and a torsion bar (24) extends inward from the support plate (23). A first unlocking plate (25) is mounted in the space enclosed by the support plate (23), and one end of the first unlocking plate is connected to the support plate (23) through the torsion bar (24) so ​​that the first unlocking plate (25) generates a torsional motion around the axis of the torsion bar (24); the first unlocking plate (25) is divided by the torsion bar (24) into a pressing portion (26) and a functional portion (28) at both ends. A sliding space (26) is provided between the lower surface of the first unlocking plate (25) and the upper surface of the plug housing (21), wherein an unlocking bracket (27) is slidably provided, and the unlocking bracket (27) slides between a first position and a second position; The high voltage connector has a fully locked state, a first unlocked state, a second unlocked state, and a fully unlocked state; When the high-voltage connector is in a completely locked state, the unlocking bracket (27) is located in a first position, and the first unlocking plate (25) is restricted by the unlocking bracket (27) and cannot form a twisting movement; When the high-voltage connector is in the first unlocking state, the unlocking bracket (27) moves from the first position to the second position, disengages from the pre-locking boss (3), and releases the torsion restriction of the first unlocking plate (25); When the high-voltage connector is in the second unlocking state, the first unlocking plate (25) is subjected to force to generate twisting, the functional portion (28) is disengaged from the positioning block (9), and the socket assembly (1) and the plug assembly (2) generate a first relative displacement so that the socket signal terminal and the plug signal terminal are disconnected; When the high-voltage connector is in a fully unlocked state, the unlocking bracket (27) is subjected to force to generate twisting, the unlocking bracket (27) is disengaged from the final locking boss (4), and the socket assembly (1) and the plug assembly (2) generate a second relative displacement so that the socket power terminal and the plug power terminal are disconnected; The unlocking bracket (27) comprises a main body having a first plane (270) and a second plane (273) with a height difference, wherein the height of the first plane (270) from the upper surface of the plug housing (21) is smaller than the height of the second plane (273) from the upper surface of the plug housing (21); A pressing plate (274) and a second unlocking plate (275) are respectively provided at both ends of the main body located on the second plane (273); Two support rods (271) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body located on the second plane (273), and support plates (272) are fixed on the free ends of the support rods (271), and the support plates (272) extend along the central axis of the plug housing (21); When the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, the second plane (273) is close to the lower surface of the pressing portion (26) of the first unlocking plate (25), and the limiting arc groove (277) on the support plate (272) is clamped on the protrusion (29) on the inner wall of the support plate (23).

2. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-locking boss (3) and the final locking boss (4) are sequentially arranged along the central axis of the socket housing (11), and there are two positioning blocks (9), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pre-locking boss (3).

3. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pre-locking boss (3) is in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, and the end faces at both ends are first inclined surfaces (31); the final locking boss (4) is in the shape of a right triangle, and its vertical surface (41) faces the pre-locking boss (3), and its inclined surface (42) is located at the end away from the pre-locking boss (3); the top of the positioning block (9) has an inclined second inclined surface (91).

4. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second unlocking plate (275) has a first opening (278) and a second opening (279), which are separated by a rib (276), and the distal end of the second unlocking plate (275) is a blocking bar.

5. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A stopper (251) is provided on the lower surface of the first unlocking plate (25) in the functional portion (28) area. When the high-voltage connector is in a fully locked state, a limiting effect is generated between the stopper (251) and the positioning block (9), preventing displacement between the socket assembly (1) and the plug assembly (2).

6. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the high-voltage connector is in the first unlocking state, the unlocking bracket (27) is located in the second position, and the support rod (271) abuts against the limiting plane of the limiting block (22) fixed on the upper surface of the plug housing (21).

7. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surfaces of the first unlocking plate (25) and the unlocking bracket (27) both have a pressing mark (8).

8. The high-voltage connector with a secondary unlocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket housing (11) has a guide strip (92), and the outer side surface of the guide strip (92) is in close contact with the inner side surface of the support plate (23).

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