Power connector

Abstract

An electric power connector comprises an insulation body and two electric power assemblies, and each electric power assembly comprises a butt joint piece, two adapter pieces and at least one wiring piece. The butt joint piece is vertically arranged and comprises a plurality of elastic arms protruding forwards and connecting parts, and the elastic arms are provided with contact parts protruding into the butt joint grooves. Each adapter comprises a front end part and a rear end part, the front end parts of the two adapters are attached to the two opposite surfaces of the connecting part, and a clamping space is formed between the rear end parts of the two adapters; at least one wiring piece comprises a switching part and a wiring part, and the switching part and the wiring part are arranged in an L shape; the switching part is fixed in the clamping space, and the two rear end parts are attached to two opposite surfaces of the switching part; the wiring portion provides a wire fixing surface. Through the changing use of the L-shaped wiring piece and the adapter piece, the electric power connector is suitable for different wiring modes, and the electric power connector can be adjusted according to different requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a power connector capable of transmitting large current. Background Art

[0002] Prior art Chinese invention patent CN116137395A discloses a power connector for contacting an elongated DC distribution busbar and a method for monitoring such a connection. Its power terminals consist of first and second spring contact assemblies. Due to the high current transmitted, a temperature rise is inevitable. To record the temperature rise at a very early stage of electrical contact deterioration, a temperature sensor is added. However, this does not truly address the temperature rise issue.

[0003] These connectors are widely used in rack-mounted servers to transfer DC power from the power supply unit (PSU) to the rack power bus, or to transfer DC power from the rack power bus to individual servers. Therefore, it is desirable to design an improved power connector that can be used in various scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a power connector, which is convenient for connecting a power extension line to the rear end.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention can adopt the following technical solutions: an electric power connector, comprising an insulating body and two electric power components, the insulating body is provided with a docking groove extending forward, the docking groove extends in the up and down directions at the same time, and the two electric power components are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the docking groove; each of the electric power components comprises a docking piece, two adapters and at least one wiring piece; the docking piece is vertically arranged and comprises a plurality of elastic arms and a connecting portion protruding forward, the elastic arm is provided with a contact portion protruding into the docking groove; each of the adapters comprises a front end and a rear end, the front ends of the two adapters are attached to two opposite surfaces of the connecting portion, and a clamping space is formed between the rear ends of the two adapters; at least one wiring piece comprises an adapter portion and a wiring portion, the adapter portion and the wiring portion are L-shaped; the adapter portion is fixed in the clamping space, and the two rear ends are attached to two opposite surfaces of the adapter portion; the wiring portion provides a wire fixing surface.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is applicable to different wiring patterns through the use of L-shaped connectors and adapters, allowing the product to be adjusted according to different needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A three-dimensional image from another angle.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section along dotted line AA.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section along dotted line BB.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-section along the dashed line CC.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the middle insulating body and two grounding components.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of two power components and signal terminals.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of the signal terminal and signal cable.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of the center back cover.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the power connector with the rear cover, one side of the power extension cable, and one signal terminal removed.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the two electrical components separated from each other.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A three-dimensional image of one of the power components, with the insulation cover of one side of the power extension cord removed to clearly show the structure of the power extension cord.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional image from another angle.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional exploded diagram showing further disassembly of the power components.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a partially exploded perspective view of a power connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Partially exploded three-dimensional image from another angle.

[0023] Figure 17 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Partially exploded perspective view of the power connector.

[0025] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A perspective view after removing the extension cord.

[0026] Description of reference numerals: Power connectors 100, 100B, 100C Insulation body 10 Base 11 Docking groove 110 Vertical wall 12 Wing 13 Receiving groove 141 Partition wall 142 Retaining plate 1511 Retaining surface 1512 Perforation 1521 Buckle arm 1522 Buckle surface 1523 Fixing hole 153 Terminal slot 16 Power assembly 20 Left power assembly 20L Right power assembly 20R Mating member 21 elastic arm 211 contact portion 2111 connecting portion 212 terminal piece 214 Adapter 22 Front end 221 Rear end 222 Clamping space 223 Terminal 23 Adaptation portion 231 Terminal portion 232 Wire fixing surface 2321 Recess 2322 Buckle 24 Spring 241 Elastic arm 242 First bolt assembly 25 Second bolt assembly 26 Elastic gaskets 271, 272 Power extension cord 30, 30B First left power extension cable 30L1 First right power extension cable 30R1 Second left power extension cable 30L2 Second right power extension cable 30R2 Conductive fiber 31 Insulation sheath 32 Insulation protective cover 33 Grounding piece 41 Back cover 50 Vertical plate 51 Upper horizontal plate 521 Lower horizontal plate 522 Positioning ribs 53 Back plate 54 Heat dissipation holes 541 Upper protection plate 551 Side protection plate 552 Buckle 5521 Lower protective plate 553 button hole 531 Signal terminal 60 Base 61 Vertical portion 611 Horizontal portion 612 Snap piece 613 Support portion 614 Elastic arm 62 arc contact portion 621 end 622 Cable connection portion 63 and signal cable 64 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] The present invention is an electric power connector that can transmit large currents. In a specific embodiment, the power supply of the DC distribution bus can be transmitted to the server equipment through the power connector. The DC distribution bus is also known as a bus bar in the industry. Commonly used conductive components are copper bars, aluminum bars, or alloys thereof. The distribution bus generally includes a plug, which includes positive and negative conductors and insulating strips supporting the positive and negative conductors. The positive and negative conductors are respectively buried in two opposite sides of the insulating strip. The power connector can be installed in electronic equipment (such as a server). Combined Figure 1-5 As shown, when the plug is inserted into the docking slot 110 provided in the power connector 100, the docking pieces 21 located on both sides of the docking slot contact the positive and negative conductors respectively, and complete the transmission of high current through the power extension line 30 at its rear end. In addition to penetrating forward, the docking slot 110 also penetrates in the up and down directions, making it convenient for the slender plug to extend through. For ease of description, this embodiment adopts the conventional placement of the power connector and the distribution busbar, defining the side where the two are docked as the front and the opposite side as the rear, and the direction in which the insulating strip extends as the up and down direction. If the power connector and the distribution busbar are placed in other positions, the above-mentioned orientation definition shall also be followed.

[0029] Figures 1 to 14 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6-10 As shown, the power connector 100 of the present invention includes an insulating body 10 and two power components 20. The insulating body 10 is provided with a docking slot 110 that penetrates forward, and the docking slot 110 penetrates in the up and down directions at the same time. The two power components 20 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the docking slot 110. In this embodiment, the two power components 20 constitute the transmission of positive power supply and negative power supply. The rear end of each power component is connected to a power extension line 30, and the other end of the power extension line 30 can be connected to another power connector, or a cable, or a conductive column, etc., which can be connected according to actual usage. In this embodiment, the insulating body is further equipped with a grounding member 41, a signal terminal 60, and a back cover 50 for protection.

[0030] Ginseng Figure 14 , while combining Figure 11-13As shown, in this embodiment, each power assembly 20 includes a docking member 21, two adapters 22, and at least one wiring member 23. The docking member 21 is vertically arranged and includes a plurality of elastic arms 211 protruding forward and a connecting portion 212. The elastic arms 211 have contact portions 2111 that protrude into the docking slot. Each adapter 22 includes a front end 221 and a rear end 222. The front ends 221 of the two adapters are attached to two opposing surfaces of the connecting portion 212, and a clamping space 223 is formed between the rear ends 222 of the two adapters. The wiring member 23 includes an adapter portion 231 and a wiring portion 232. The adapter portion 231 and the wiring portion 232 form an L-shaped metal plate structure. The adapter portion 231 is accommodated in the clamping space 223, and the two rear ends 222 are attached to two opposing surfaces of the adapter portion 231. The wiring portion 232 provides a wire fixing surface 2321. In this way, the power extension cord 24 is welded to the cord fixing surface 2321 .

[0031] In the first embodiment, at least one terminal block 23 includes two terminal blocks 23, each of which includes an L-shaped adapter portion 231 and a connection portion 232. The adapter portions 231 of the two terminal blocks are attached together, and the connection portions of the two terminal blocks extend horizontally in opposite directions in the left and right directions to form a left connection portion and a right connection portion. Thus, in each power component, the left connection portion is welded with two power extension lines extending parallel to the left, and the right connection portion is welded with two power extension lines 30 extending parallel to the right. It can be seen that a power connector can have at least two power extension lines for transmitting positive power and two power extension lines for transmitting negative power.

[0032] Ginseng Figure 15-16 , which is a second embodiment of the power connector 100B of the present invention, at least one of the terminal members 23 includes only one terminal member, its adapter portion 231 is accommodated in the wire clamping space 223, and the terminal portion 232 is located behind the adapter portion 231, and its wire fixing surface 2321 is a welding surface facing backward.

[0033] In the second embodiment, each connection portion 232 is welded with two power extension wires 30B extending in opposite directions in the left and right directions. The two power extension wires 30B are connected to each other as a whole and placed vertically. In this embodiment, each power extension wire 30B is a fiber cable, which includes an insulating sheath 32 and a plurality of conductive fibers 31 wrapped by the insulating sheath 32. Each power extension wire 30B is partially cut so that the conductive fibers 31 therein are welded to the wire fixing surface 2321. The ends of the plurality of conductive fibers in the drawing are melted together by ultrasonic welding, and the details of other parts are not drawn for simple schematic drawing. In this embodiment, the insulating sheath 32 is cut and pushed away to both sides, so that the conductive fibers 31 therein are exposed, and then ultrasonically welded to the wire fixing surface.

[0034] Figure 17-19 A third embodiment of a power connector 100C according to the present invention is shown. The at least one terminal block 23 includes one terminal block 23. The terminal block 23 is angled downward, with two connection portions 232 located above and below the rear end portion 222. One of the wire-retaining surfaces 2321 faces upward, while the other faces downward. Thus, each connection portion can connect to two power extension cords.

[0035] In summary, the L-shaped connector 23 and adapter 22 can be used in various wiring configurations, allowing the power connector to be adjusted to meet different needs. For example, if high currents need to be transmitted, the wiring method of the first embodiment can be selected; if relatively low currents are required, the wiring method of the second embodiment can be selected. The power extension cord can be a conductive component such as a copper busbar, aluminum busbar, or alloys thereof, or the aforementioned fiber cable, and the choice can be made based on actual needs.

[0036] Return to the first embodiment and refer to Figure 7 As shown, each power assembly can simultaneously connect to four power extension cables, significantly increasing current transmission. Specifically, two power assemblies are located on the left and right sides of the docking slot 110, namely the left power assembly 20L and the right power assembly 20R. Each power assembly includes a docking member 21, at least one connection member 23, and multiple power extension cables 30. The connection portions 232 of the two power assemblies extend horizontally in the left-right direction and are offset vertically from each other.

[0037] The multiple power extension cables include a first left power extension cable 30L1 and a first right power extension cable 30R1 connected to the connection portion 232 of the left power assembly 20L and extending in the left-right direction, and a second left power extension cable 30L2 and a second right power extension cable 30R2 connected to the connection portion 232 of the right power assembly 20R and extending in the left-right direction. Thus, the first left power extension cable 30L1 and the second left power extension cable 30L2 form a positive and negative power transmission, while the first right power extension cable 30R1 and the second right power extension cable 30R2 form another positive and negative power transmission. This allows the matching positive and negative poles to be on the same side, simplifying the layout of the power extension cables and allowing for connection to multiple docking connectors. As shown in the first and third embodiments, the connection portion 232 extends horizontally, and each power assembly connection portion can be welded with two or more power extension cables, thereby increasing current transmission.

[0038] Furthermore, each connection portion 232 is welded with two power extension cords, maximizing the space occupied by the connection portion and increasing current transmission. In this embodiment, an insulating protective cover 33 protects the two power extension cords and the connection portion, not only for mechanical protection but also to prevent the mutual influence of high-voltage arcs.

[0039] In the first embodiment, each power assembly is provided with two connecting members 23 , so that the same power assembly 20 can be connected to two fiber cables or large-sized flat cables to increase current transmission.

[0040] Ginseng Figure 6 As shown, the insulating body 10 includes a base 11, a pair of vertical walls 12 extending forward from the base, and wings 13 extending leftward and rightward from the base. The docking slot 110 is located between the pair of vertical walls 12. The base 11 is provided with two receiving slots 141 extending rearward, separated from each other by partition walls 142. Two grounding members 41 are provided on the outside of the vertical walls 12. The docking members, rotating members, wiring members, and power extension cables of each power assembly 20 are connected together by assembly, welding, or other means, and then inserted from back to front into the corresponding receiving slots 141.

[0041] Ginseng Figure 8 As shown, the signal terminal 60 includes a base 61, an elastic arm 62 extending forward from the base, and a cable connection portion 63 extending backward from the base. The elastic arm has an arc-shaped contact portion 621 protruding toward the docking slot 110 and a terminal 622 located at the front end of the contact portion 621. Figure 5The rear ends of the two signal terminals 60 are connected to signal cables 64, which are housed and secured within the terminal slot 16 of the insulator body to detect whether the plug is properly inserted. When the plug is inserted into the docking slot 110, the ends 622 contact the wall of the terminal slot 16, transforming the elastic arms of the cantilever beam structure into simply supported beams. This increases the normal force, ensuring contact and effective removal of foreign matter.

[0042] The base 61 includes a vertical portion 611 located in the same direction as the elastic arm 62 and a horizontal portion 612 bent perpendicularly from the vertical portion. The vertical portion is provided with a snap-on piece 613, which presses against the terminal slot 16. After the signal terminal 60 is assembled into the terminal slot 16 from back to front, the snap-on piece 613 tilts backward and presses against the insulating body to prevent the signal terminal 60 from detaching backward. The contact portion 621 and the snap-on piece 613 have the same snap-on direction, so that during the plug insertion and removal process, the two are subjected to the same force direction, preventing the signal terminal 60 from rotating. The front end of the horizontal plate 612 of the base is provided with a support portion 614, which presses forward against the insulating body to prevent the signal terminal from twisting.

[0043] Ginseng Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the power connector includes a back cover 50, which is installed at the rear end of the insulating body 10, and covers the rear end, the wiring part and one end of the power extension line therein to play a protective role. The back cover 50 is provided with a vertical plate 51, as well as an upper horizontal plate 521 and a lower horizontal plate 522. The two power components 20 are located on the left and right sides of the vertical plate 51, the upper horizontal plate 521 is located directly above the corresponding wiring part 232, and the lower horizontal plate 522 is located directly below the corresponding wiring part 232. In this way, the vertical plate 51 separates the left and right power components 20, and the upper horizontal plate and the lower horizontal part are respectively located between the corresponding wiring part and the adapter part of another power component. In this way, the power connector has an anti-short circuit design to prevent electrical abnormalities.

[0044] Furthermore, the rear cover 50 is provided with two pairs of positioning ribs 53 located on the left and right sides of the vertical plate. Figure 3 The part of the transition part is positioned in the corresponding pair of positioning ribs. The positioning ribs 53 can control the position of the power component and prevent dimensional abnormalities.

[0045] Furthermore, the rear cover 50 is provided with a rear plate 54 and four protection plates extending forward from the rear plate, the four protection plates being located at four positions, namely, an upper protection plate 551, two side protection plates 552 and a lower protection plate 553. Figure 6 The insulating body is provided with four fixing parts or fixing holes, and the front end of the protection plate is inserted into the fixing parts or fixing holes to fix it to the rear end of the insulating body 10. The rear plate is provided with heat dissipation holes 541.

[0046] Furthermore, the front ends of the side protection plates at the left and right sides are provided with buckles 5521, which are combined with the Figure 3 The buckle head 555 engages the buckle surface 1523 of the insulating body. The position-limiting and snap-fit ​​design of the rear cover and the insulating body make the electrical connector of the present invention more robust. In this embodiment, the insulating body is provided with a through-hole 1521 and a latching arm 1522. The distal end of the latching arm 1522 is provided with the buckle surface 1523 protruding toward the through-hole. The front end of the side protection plate 552 is inserted into the through-hole 1521 and latched to the buckle surface 1523.

[0047] Furthermore, the front end of the lower protection plate 553 is forked and fixed in the corresponding two fixing holes 153 (see Figure 6 (As shown). An L-shaped retaining plate 1511 extends rearward from the rear end of the insulating body, which mates with a side wall of the base (i.e., retaining surface 1512). A portion of the front end of the upper protective plate 551 is abutted against retaining surface 1512, while another portion of the front end is abutted against retaining plate 1511, thereby restraining the upper protective plate 551 in the vertical direction. This retaining reinforcement structure facilitates assembly of the rear cover and also strengthens the bond between the rear cover and the insulating body, preventing the rear cover from falling or breaking.

[0048] Ginseng Figure 11-14 As shown, the docking piece 21 of each power component is formed by two terminal pieces 214 stacked on the left and right, each terminal piece is provided with a plate portion and a plurality of elastic arms extending from the plate portion, and each elastic arm is provided with an arc-shaped contact portion protruding toward the docking groove 110. The contact portions of the two terminal pieces are arranged along the front-to-back direction, thereby forming a plurality of contact points. The plate portions of the two terminal pieces are stacked to form the connecting portion 212. The connecting portion 212 is fixed to the front end portions 221 of the two adapters 22 by two first bolt assemblies 25, and the adapter 23 is fixed to the wiring portion 231 by two second bolt assemblies 26. Each bolt assembly is provided with an elastic gasket 271 on the inner side of its nut, and each bolt assembly is provided with a spring gasket 272 on the inner side of its nut.

[0049] In this embodiment, each power component includes a snap-fit ​​member 24, which is located on the inner surface of the corresponding power component and includes a spring 241 and a plurality of elastic arms 242. The spring 241 presses against the insulating body from front to back. Figure 3 The latching member 24 is attached to the surface of the front end portion 221 of one of the adapter members 22 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the conductivity of adapter 22 and terminal 23 is greater than that of docking member 21, but their mechanical strength is less than that of docking member 21. As can be seen, the surface of adapter 22 is attached to the surfaces of docking member 21 and terminal 23. This fully utilizes the skin effect, allowing current to flow outside the conductive components, thereby increasing current transmission within a specific conductive area.

[0051] In this embodiment, the wire fixing surface 232 is a welding surface, which is provided with a plurality of pits 2322. The pits 2322 make the welding surface rough, which can increase the holding force by about 30-50%, and improve the peeling strength.

[0052] Ginseng Figure 15-16 As shown, because the power extension cord 30 extends left and right and is located at the rear end of the insulator body, the side protective plates of the rear cover 50B are removed to allow for the passage of the power extension cord. Similar to the first embodiment, the front end of the lower protective plate 53 is provided with a buckle hole 531. The insulator body can be provided with a buckle arm (not shown) inside the fixing hole 153, with a buckle head at the end of the buckle arm capable of locking into the buckle hole 531. The structure of the upper protective plate is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0053] Ginseng Figure 17-19 As shown, the power extension line 30 passes through the gap between the upper and lower protection bags and the side protection plates.

[0054] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power connector comprising an insulating body and two power components, wherein the insulating body is provided with a docking slot extending forward and extending vertically, the docking slot being provided vertically, the two power components being disposed on left and right sides of the docking slot, respectively; characterized in that: Each of the power components includes a docking piece, two adapter pieces, and at least one wiring piece; The docking member is vertically arranged and includes a plurality of elastic arms protruding forward and a connecting portion, wherein the elastic arms are provided with contact portions protruding into the docking grooves; Each of the adapters includes a front end and a rear end, the front ends of the two adapters are attached to two opposite surfaces of the connecting portion, and a clamping space is formed between the rear ends of the two adapters; At least one of the wiring members includes an adapter portion and a wiring portion, the adapter portion and the wiring portion are arranged in an L-shape; the adapter portion is fixed in the clamping space, and the two rear end portions are attached to two opposite surfaces of the adapter portion; the wiring portion provides a wire fixing surface.

2. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the wiring members includes two wiring members, the adapter portions of the two wiring members are attached to each other and accommodated in the clamping space, and the wiring portions of the two wiring members extend horizontally in opposite directions to form a left wiring portion and a right wiring portion.

3. The power connector according to claim 2, wherein: Each power component includes a plurality of power extension lines. The left connection portion is welded with two power extension lines extending in parallel to the left, and the right connection portion is welded with two power extension lines extending in parallel to the right.

4. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion of each power component is located directly behind the adapter portion, and the wire fixing surface thereof is a welding surface facing rearward.

5. The power connector according to claim 4, wherein: Each power component includes a plurality of power extension lines. Each of the connection parts is ultrasonically welded with two power extension lines extending in opposite directions in the left and right directions. The two power extension lines are integrally connected to each other.

6. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The wire fixing surface is a welding surface provided with a plurality of pits.

7. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The conductivity of the adapter and the wiring member is greater than that of the docking member, but the mechanical strength thereof is less than that of the docking member.

8. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the power components includes a snap fastener, which is fixed to the front end of the adapter and includes a spring sheet that presses against the insulating body from front to back.

9. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein: The power connector includes a rear cover, the rear cover including a rear plate, and a vertical plate, an upper horizontal plate, and a lower horizontal plate extending forward from the rear plate; The two power components are located on the left and right sides of the vertical plate; The upper horizontal plate and the lower horizontal portion are respectively located between the corresponding connecting portion and the adapter portion of another power component.

10. The power connector according to claim 9, wherein: The rear cover is provided with two pairs of positioning ribs located on the left and right sides of the vertical plate; a portion of the transition portion is positioned within a corresponding pair of positioning ribs.

11. The power connector according to claim 9, wherein: The rear cover is provided with four protection plates extending forward from the rear plate, and the four protection plates are respectively located at four directions: up, down, left and right; the front ends of the protection plates are inserted into and fixed on the insulating body.

12. The power connector according to claim 9, wherein: The rear plate is provided with heat dissipation holes.

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