A front subassembly with good heat dissipation

Abstract

This invention relates to a front connector assembly with good heat dissipation. The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a front connector assembly with good heat dissipation. The technical solution adopted by this invention includes a switchgear sleeve, a front connector housing, a connector assembly, and a front connector end cap. The front connector housing includes a front connector mating portion and a cable insertion portion. The front connector mating portion sequentially provides a front conical opening, a middle interface, and a rear conical opening. The cable insertion portion provides a cable insertion port. The upper end of the front connector mating portion has a front connector locking port at the front conical opening. The advantages of this invention's front connector assembly with good heat dissipation are: it constructs a three-dimensional heat dissipation channel connecting the front connector and the switchgear sleeve, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency; the heat dissipation channel is connected upon plugging in, avoiding air path misalignment leading to heat dissipation failure; the locking structure is stable and reliable, and will not loosen or retract during long-term operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a front connector assembly with good heat dissipation. Background Technology

[0002] Front connector assemblies are commonly used in electrical equipment such as medium and high voltage switchgear and power distribution systems, primarily to ensure a reliable connection between cables and the internal conductive structure of the switchgear. As power equipment evolves towards higher power density and miniaturization, front connectors, during long-term operation, not only need excellent electrical connection performance but also reliable mechanical locking capabilities and good heat dissipation to prevent insulation aging, poor contact, or even safety accidents caused by excessive localized temperature rise.

[0003] Existing heat-dissipating front connector assemblies still have the following shortcomings in practical applications:

[0004] The heat dissipation path is singular and the heat dissipation efficiency is limited. It is difficult to dissipate heat from the front connector in a timely manner, especially in the area where heat is concentrated at the interface cable head of the front connector, which is prone to heat accumulation and poses a risk of excessive temperature rise after long-term operation. In the existing structure, the front connector and the switch cabinet sleeve are mostly used as mechanical and electrical connections. Their internal space is not effectively utilized to form a connected heat dissipation cavity. Even if the switch cabinet is equipped with a cooling device, it is difficult to introduce cooling airflow into the front connector, making the front connector a weak link in the heat dissipation of the entire cabinet system. Under equipment vibration or long-term operation conditions, there is a risk that the connection between the front connector and the switch cabinet sleeve may loosen or even detach, affecting operational safety. Improvements and optimizations are needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a front connector assembly with good heat dissipation.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the front connector assembly with good heat dissipation of the present invention is as follows: it includes a switch cabinet sleeve and a front connector housing that is connected to the switch cabinet sleeve. The invention is characterized by further including a connector assembly and a front connector end sealing plate. The front connector housing includes a horizontally arranged front connector docking part and a vertically arranged cable insertion part that is connected to the front connector docking part. The front connector docking part is provided with a front connector front conical opening, a front connector middle interface, and a front connector rear conical opening in sequence. The cable insertion part is provided with a cable insertion port that communicates with the front connector middle interface. The upper end of the front connector docking part is provided with a front connector locking port at the front connector front conical opening. The front connector docking part is provided with a front connector heat dissipation cavity at the front connector middle interface and the front connector rear conical opening. The bottom of the front connector heat dissipation cavity is provided with a front connector connecting hole that communicates with the front connector locking port. The front and rear inner walls of the front connector locking port are provided with front connector limiting grooves. The front connector end sealing plate is snapped onto the outer end of the front connector heat dissipation cavity. The front connector end sealing plate is provided with end sealing plate exhaust holes at intervals.

[0007] The connector assembly includes a connector seat block, a lower insertion tube, and a movable insertion tube assembly. The connector seat block includes a connector seat block locking part and connector seat block positioning protrusions located at both ends of the connector seat block locking part and placed in the front connector limiting groove. The upper end of the connector seat block locking part is provided with a connector seat block manual operation part. The lower insertion tube is vertically fixed to the bottom of the connector seat block. The movable insertion tube assembly is horizontally movable inside the connector seat block. The upper end of the lower insertion tube is connected to the movable insertion tube assembly, and the outer end of the movable insertion tube assembly is connected to the front connector connection hole.

[0008] The switchgear sleeve includes a sleeve mounting base fixed on the switchgear cabinet and a sleeve mating part disposed on the sleeve mounting base and corresponding to the front conical opening of the front connector. The outer wall of the sleeve mating part is provided with a sleeve mating part locking groove corresponding to the locking part of the connector seat block. The switchgear sleeve is provided with a sleeve cooling cavity. The sleeve mating part locking groove is provided with a sleeve connecting hole communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity. The back of the sleeve mounting base is provided with a sleeve air inlet hole communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity and for connecting to an external air pump.

[0009] The lower end of the connector seat locking part is provided with a seat lower locking hole for locking the lower insertion tube. The upper end of the lower insertion tube is locked in the seat lower locking hole and its lower end is exposed at the lower end of the connector seat locking part. The right end of the connector seat locking part is provided with a seat second through hole that communicates with the seat lower locking hole and is horizontally arranged. The movable insertion tube assembly includes a movable insertion tube that mates with the front connector connection hole and an operating screw that is threadedly connected to the movable insertion tube. The lower part of the movable insertion tube is provided with a movable insertion tube mating interface that mates with the upper end of the lower insertion tube. The manual operation part of the connector seat is provided with a seat block waist-shaped hole that communicates with the seat block second through hole. The operating screw passes through the seat block waist-shaped hole and is threadedly connected to the upper end of the movable insertion tube.

[0010] The connector assembly also includes a pre-tightening spring. The upper end of the positioning protrusion of the connector seat block is provided with an inner groove of the connector seat block. The lower end of the pre-tightening spring abuts in the inner groove of the connector seat block and its upper end abuts against the upper wall of the front connector limiting groove.

[0011] The connector assembly also includes a connector cover block, the bottom of which is provided with a cover block mating protrusion, the cover block mating protrusion is provided with a cover block limiting hole for limiting the head of the operating screw, the bottom ends of the connector cover block are provided with cover block positioning grooves, the manual operating part of the connector seat block is provided with a seat block manual operating part mating groove corresponding to the cover block mating protrusion and a seat block manual operating side protrusion for installing the cover block positioning groove.

[0012] The sleeve mounting base has a sleeve indicator protrusion at the bottom of the sleeve docking part, and the end of the front connector docking part has a front connector indicator docking groove at the front tapered opening of the front connector that is opposite to the sleeve indicator protrusion.

[0013] The advantages of the front connector assembly with good heat dissipation of the present invention are as follows: it constructs a three-dimensional heat dissipation channel connecting the front connector and the switch cabinet sleeve, which significantly improves heat dissipation efficiency; the heat dissipation channel is connected by plugging in, avoiding heat dissipation failure caused by misalignment of the air path; the locking structure is stable and reliable, and will not loosen or be pulled back during long-term operation; it is safe to operate and accurate to assemble, which improves the overall reliability of use. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat dissipation-efficient front connector assembly of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of the front connector housing of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front connector housing of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector assembly of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a front structural diagram of the connector seat block of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the connector block of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switchgear sleeve of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a half-sectional view of the switchgear sleeve of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable cannula assembly of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector cover block of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figure 1-10 As shown, the heat-dissipating front connector assembly of the present invention includes a switch cabinet sleeve 1, a front connector housing 2 that abuts with the switch cabinet sleeve 1, a connector assembly 3, and a front connector end sealing plate 4. The front connector housing 2 includes a horizontally arranged front connector mating part 7 and a vertically arranged cable insertion part 8 that communicates with the front connector mating part 7. The front connector mating part 7 is provided with a front tapered opening 9, a front connector middle interface 10, and a front connector rear tapered opening 11 in sequence. The cable insertion part 8 is provided with a cable insertion port 12 that communicates with the front connector middle interface 10. The upper end of the front connector mating part 7 is provided with a front connector locking port 14 at the front conical opening 9 of the front connector. The front connector mating part 7 is provided with a front connector heat exhaust cavity 15 at the front connector middle interface 10 and the front connector rear conical opening 11. The bottom of the front connector heat exhaust cavity 15 is provided with a front connector connecting hole 16 communicating with the front connector locking port 14. The front connector locking port 14 is provided with a front connector limiting groove 17 on the front and rear inner walls. The front connector end sealing plate 4 is snapped onto the outer end of the front connector heat exhaust cavity 15. The front connector end sealing plate 4 is provided with end sealing plate exhaust holes 13 at intervals.

[0026] The connector assembly 3 includes a connector seat block 20, a lower insertion tube 21, and a movable insertion tube assembly 22. The connector seat block 20 includes a connector seat block locking part 26 and connector seat block positioning protrusions 27 located at both ends of the connector seat block locking part 26 and placed in the front connector limiting groove 17. The upper end of the connector seat block locking part 26 is provided with a connector seat block manual operation part 28. The lower insertion tube 21 is vertically fixed to the bottom of the connector seat block 20. The movable insertion tube assembly 22 is horizontally movably disposed in the connector seat block 20. The upper end of the lower insertion tube 21 is connected to the movable insertion tube assembly 22, and the outer end of the movable insertion tube assembly 22 is connected to the front connector connection hole 16.

[0027] The switch cabinet sleeve 1 includes a sleeve mounting base 32 fixed on the switch cabinet body and a sleeve docking part 31 disposed on the sleeve mounting base 32 and opposite to the front conical opening 9 of the front connector. The outer wall of the sleeve docking part 31 is provided with a sleeve docking part locking groove 34 corresponding to the locking part 26 of the connector seat block. The switch cabinet sleeve 1 is provided with a sleeve cooling cavity 36. The sleeve docking part locking groove 34 is provided with a sleeve connecting hole 35 communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity 36. The back of the sleeve mounting base 32 is provided with a sleeve air inlet hole 37 communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity 36 and used for connecting to an external air pump.

[0028] The lower end of the connector seat locking part 26 is provided with a seat lower locking hole 40 for engaging the lower insertion tube 21. The upper end of the lower insertion tube 21 is engaged in the seat lower locking hole 40, and its lower end protrudes from the lower end of the connector seat locking part 26. The right end of the connector seat locking part 26 is provided with a seat second through hole 42 that communicates with the seat lower locking hole 40 and is horizontally arranged. The movable insertion tube assembly 22 includes a movable insertion tube 45 that mates with the front connector connection hole 16 and an operating screw 46 that is threadedly connected to the movable insertion tube 45. The movable insertion tube 45 is provided with a movable insertion tube mating interface 48 that mates with the upper end of the lower insertion tube 21. The connector seat manual operation part 28 is provided with a seat block waist-shaped hole 49 that communicates with the seat block second through hole 42. The operating screw 46 passes through the seat block waist-shaped hole 49 and is threadedly connected to the upper end of the movable insertion tube 45, thus constructing a three-dimensional heat dissipation channel connecting the front connector and the switch cabinet sleeve, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0029] By setting a front connector heat dissipation cavity 15 at the front connector interface 10 and the front connector rear conical opening 11 in the front connector docking part 7, and setting an end sealing plate exhaust hole 13 on the front connector end sealing plate 4, and setting a sleeve cooling cavity 36 in the switch cabinet sleeve 1 and communicating with the front connector heat dissipation cavity 15 through the sleeve connecting hole 35, a continuous and stable heat dissipation channel is formed inside the front connector. Cooling gas can enter the sleeve cooling cavity 36 through the sleeve air inlet 37 and further flow into the front connector heat dissipation cavity 15, so as to remove the heat inside the front connector in time and avoid local heat accumulation. By setting a sleeve cooling cavity 36 inside the switch cabinet sleeve 1 and setting a sleeve connecting hole 35 communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity 36 at the sleeve docking part locking groove 34, a heat exchange path is formed between the sleeve cooling cavity 36 and the front connector heat dissipation cavity 15. The cooling gas supplied by the external air pump through the air inlet 37 of the sleeve can first enter the cooling chamber 36 of the sleeve, and then enter the heat dissipation chamber 15 of the front connector through the connecting hole 35 of the sleeve. It can fully exchange heat with the heat around the front connector docking part 7 and the connector assembly 3. Compared with the structure that relies solely on natural heat dissipation, the heat dissipation efficiency is significantly improved.

[0030] The connector assembly 3 also includes a pre-tightening spring 23. The upper end of the connector seat block positioning protrusion 27 is provided with a connector seat block inner recess 50. The lower end of the pre-tightening spring 23 abuts in the connector seat block inner recess 50 and its upper end abuts in the upper wall of the front connector limiting groove 17. The connector seat block 20 has a downward locking force, so that after the switch cabinet sleeve 1 is inserted into the front conical opening 9 of the front connector, it can be stably and reliably locked and prevented from retraction by the connector seat block 20. The locking structure is stable and reliable, effectively preventing the front connector from loosening or axially retracting.

[0031] The connector assembly 3 also includes a connector cover block 24. The bottom of the connector cover block 24 is provided with a cover block mating protrusion 52. The cover block mating protrusion 52 is provided with a cover block limiting hole 53 for limiting the head of the operating screw 46. The bottom ends of the connector cover block 24 are provided with cover block positioning grooves 54. The manual operation part 28 of the connector seat block is provided with a manual operation part mating groove 55 corresponding to the cover block mating protrusion 52 and a manual operation side protrusion 56 for installing the cover block positioning groove 54. The connector cover block 24 serves to cover the operating screw 46, making it more aesthetically pleasing and safer. By moving the connector cover block 24, the operating screw 46 can be moved, thereby allowing the movable insertion tube 45 to be inserted into the connector connection hole 16. The action is reliable and stable, preventing personnel from accidentally touching the operating screw 46. It can also move the operating screw 46 synchronously when the connector cover block 24 is moved, realizing the integration of protection and operation functions, improving overall safety and appearance integrity.

[0032] The sleeve mounting base 32 is provided with a sleeve indicator protrusion 58 at the bottom of the sleeve docking part 31. The end of the front connector docking part 7 is provided with a front connector indicator docking groove 59 at the front tapered opening 9 of the front connector, which is opposite to the sleeve indicator protrusion 58. The sleeve indicator protrusion 58 serves to indicate the position of the sleeve connection hole 35, ensuring that after the switch cabinet sleeve 1 is inserted, the sleeve connection hole 35 can be stably and safely docked with the lower insertion tube 21.

[0033] Since the air pump is located near the distribution box, the coordinated design of the front connector housing 2, connector assembly 3 and switchgear sleeve 1 can form a heat dissipation network, preventing the need for a single configuration, reducing costs, and eliminating the need for a separate cooling device for the front connector. This solution improves heat dissipation performance while effectively reducing the overall system configuration cost, and is suitable for medium and high voltage switchgear application scenarios with high requirements for heat dissipation and reliability.

[0034] Workflow: When installing and using the front connector assembly, first, fix the switchgear sleeve 1 onto the switchgear cabinet, ensuring a reliable connection between the sleeve mounting base 32 and the cabinet, and align the sleeve mating part 31 towards the front connector housing 2 to be installed. Since the bottom of the sleeve mounting base 32 has a sleeve indicator protrusion 58, the installer can use the sleeve indicator protrusion 58 and the front connector indicator mating groove 59 at the end of the front connector mating part 7 to perform orientation calibration, thereby ensuring the correct posture of the switchgear sleeve 1 when inserted.

[0035] Subsequently, the front connector housing 2 is fixed in the corresponding position, so that the front connector mating part 7 and the switch cabinet sleeve 1 are in a coaxial mating state. At this time, the switch cabinet sleeve 1 is inserted along the direction of the front tapered opening 9 of the front connector, and the sleeve mating part 31 gradually enters the front connector mating part 7, and automatically centers under the guidance of the front tapered opening 9 of the front connector. After insertion, the sleeve mating part locking groove 34 on the outer wall of the sleeve mating part 31 corresponds to the connector seat block locking part 26 on the connector seat block 20.

[0036] As the switchgear sleeve 1 is inserted, the positioning protrusion 27 of the connector seat block automatically enters the front connector limiting groove 17 within the front connector locking port 14, forming a stable limiting fit between the connector seat block 20 and the front connector housing 2. This reliably locks the switchgear sleeve 1, preventing it from loosening or axially disengaging during operation. Simultaneously, the lower insertion tube 21 is inserted into the sleeve connection hole 35, achieving connection. Moving the connector cover block 24 causes the cover block 24 to engage with the manual operating part of the seat block via the cover block mating protrusion 52 and the seat block manual operating part mating groove 55, driving the operating screw 46 to move along the direction of the seat block's oblong hole 49. When the operating screw 46 rotates or moves horizontally, it drives the threaded movable insertion tube 45 to move horizontally within the connector seat block 20, gradually inserting the movable insertion tube 45 into the front connector connection hole 16. The movable insertion tube then engages with the upper end of the lower insertion tube 21 via the movable insertion tube interface 48, thus completing the connection of the internal channel or air passage. During this process, the connector cover 24 acts as a shield and limiter for the operating screw 46, ensuring a safe and stable operation.

[0037] After the connection is completed, a stable structural and channel connection is formed between the front connector housing 2, the connector assembly 3, and the switch cabinet sleeve 1. At this time, if an external air pump sends cooling gas into the sleeve cooling chamber 36 through the sleeve air inlet 37, the cooling gas can enter the front connector heat dissipation chamber 15 through the sleeve connection hole 35 and exchange heat with the heat around the front connector mating part 7 and the connector assembly 3. The hot air after heat exchange gathers in the front connector heat dissipation chamber 15 and is finally discharged through the end seal plate exhaust hole 13 on the front connector end seal plate 4, thereby forming a continuous and stable heat dissipation path inside the front connector.

[0038] During equipment operation, the heat generated at the front connector interface 10 and the front connector rear conical opening 11 can be continuously discharged through the front connector heat exhaust chamber 15. Combined with the heat dissipation network formed by the sleeve cooling chamber 36, the overall operating temperature of the front connector assembly is effectively reduced. At the same time, the connector seat block 20 remains locked under the continuous action of the preload spring 23, ensuring that the front connector assembly can maintain good connection stability and heat dissipation reliability under vibration or long-term operating conditions.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front connector assembly with good heat dissipation, comprising a switch cabinet sleeve (1) and a front connector housing (2) mating with the switch cabinet sleeve (1), characterized in that: it further comprises a connector assembly (3) and a front connector end sealing plate (4), the front connector housing (2) comprising a horizontally arranged front connector mating part (7) and a vertically arranged cable insertion part (8) communicating with the front connector mating part (7), the front connector mating part (7) being provided with a front conical opening (9), a front connector middle interface (10) and a front connector rear conical opening (11) in sequence, the cable insertion part (8) being provided with a cable insertion port (12) communicating with the front connector middle interface (10). The upper end of the front connector docking part (7) is provided with a front connector locking port (14) at the front conical opening (9) of the front connector. The front connector docking part (7) is provided with a front connector heat exhaust cavity (15) at the middle interface (10) and the rear conical opening (11) of the front connector. The bottom of the front connector heat exhaust cavity (15) is provided with a front connector connecting hole (16) communicating with the front connector locking port (14). The front connector locking port (14) is provided with a front connector limiting groove (17) on the front and rear inner walls. The front connector end sealing plate (4) is snapped onto the outer end of the front connector heat exhaust cavity (15). The front connector end sealing plate (4) is provided with end sealing plate exhaust holes (13) at intervals. The connector assembly (3) includes a connector seat block (20), a lower insertion tube (21), and a movable insertion tube assembly (22). The connector seat block (20) includes a connector seat block locking part (26) and connector seat block positioning protrusions (27) located at both ends of the connector seat block locking part (26) and placed in the front connector limiting groove (17). The upper end of the connector seat block locking part (26) is provided with a connector seat block manual operation part (28). The lower insertion tube (21) is vertically fixed to the bottom of the connector seat block (20). The movable insertion tube assembly (22) is horizontally movable inside the connector seat block (20). The upper end of the lower insertion tube (21) is connected to the movable insertion tube assembly (22). The outer end of the movable insertion tube assembly (22) is connected to the front connector connection hole (16). The switch cabinet sleeve (1) includes a sleeve mounting base (32) fixed on the switch cabinet body and a sleeve docking part (31) provided on the sleeve mounting base (32) and connected to the front conical opening (9) of the front connector. The outer wall of the sleeve docking part (31) is provided with a sleeve docking part locking groove (34) corresponding to the locking part (26) of the connector block. The switch cabinet sleeve (1) is provided with a sleeve cooling cavity (36). The sleeve docking part locking groove (34) is provided with a sleeve connecting hole (35) communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity (36). The back of the sleeve mounting base (32) is provided with a sleeve air inlet hole (37) communicating with the sleeve cooling cavity (36) and used for connecting to an external air pump.

2. The heat-dissipating front connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the connector seat locking part (26) is provided with a seat lower locking hole (40) for engaging the lower insertion tube (21). The upper end of the lower insertion tube (21) is engaged in the seat lower locking hole (40) and its lower end protrudes from the lower end of the connector seat locking part (26). The right end of the connector seat locking part (26) is provided with a seat second through hole (42) that communicates with the seat lower locking hole (40) and is horizontally arranged. The movable insertion tube assembly (22) includes a connection hole (1) with the front connector. 6) The movable insertion tube (45) is connected to the movable insertion tube (45) and the operating screw (46) is threaded to the movable insertion tube (45). The movable insertion tube (45) is provided with a movable insertion tube interface (48) that is connected to the upper end of the lower insertion tube (21) below. The manual operation part (28) of the connector block is provided with a block waist-shaped hole (49) that communicates with the second through hole (42) of the block. The operating screw (46) passes through the block waist-shaped hole (49) and is threaded to the upper end of the movable insertion tube (45).

3. The heat-dissipating front connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector assembly (3) also includes a pre-tightening spring (23). The upper end of the connector seat block positioning protrusion (27) is provided with a connector seat block inner groove (50). The lower end of the pre-tightening spring (23) abuts in the connector seat block inner groove (50) and its upper end abuts against the upper wall of the front connector limiting groove (17).

4. The heat-dissipating front connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector assembly (3) further includes a connector cover block (24), the bottom of the connector cover block (24) is provided with a cover block mating protrusion (52), the cover block mating protrusion (52) is provided with a cover block limiting hole (53) for limiting the head of the operating screw (46), the bottom ends of the connector cover block (24) are provided with cover block positioning grooves (54), the manual operating part (28) of the connector seat block is provided with a seat block manual operating part mating groove (55) corresponding to the cover block mating protrusion (52) and a seat block manual operating side protrusion (56) for installing the cover block positioning groove (54).

5. The heat-dissipating front connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve mounting base (32) has a sleeve indicator protrusion (58) at the bottom of the sleeve docking part (31), and the end of the front connector docking part (7) has a front connector indicator docking groove (59) at the front tapered opening (9) of the front connector that is opposite to the sleeve indicator protrusion (58).

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