A contact member and a fusible link connector

Abstract

The application provides a contact component and a fuse connector, the fuse connector comprises a panel end connector and a device end connector, which are locked by a clamping structure and are convenient to disassemble. The contact component is arranged in the panel end connector and the device end connector, and the contact component comprises a conductive main body, a floating cap and a spring. The floating cap can compress the spring and move from a first position to a second position when subjected to an axial force towards the inner cavity. In the first position, the end of the floating cap protrudes from the open end of the conductive main body. In the second position, the end of the floating cap is retracted into the conductive main body, so that the fuse is only in contact with the conductive main body when subjected to an axial force, and is kept apart when not subjected to the force, thereby realizing safe replacement of the fuse. Through the connector, not only the risk of electric shock faced by the operator when replacing the fuse can be solved, but also the disassembly and assembly are convenient, and the quick locking and separation can be realized without the aid of tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fuse connectors, and more particularly to a contact component and a fuse connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, the capacity and current transmission requirements of power plants are increasing daily, and the requirements for safety and fire prevention are becoming increasingly stringent. On the DC side of photovoltaic power plants, due to the large current and high voltage, the risk of circuit overload is significant. Therefore, integrating overload protection functions into the current transmission link has become an urgent need in the industry. Currently, the industry commonly uses connectors with integrated fuses to achieve circuit protection. The basic principle is that when the current in the circuit exceeds the rated current carrying capacity of the fuse, the fuse will quickly melt, thereby cutting off the entire circuit and protecting downstream equipment from damage. After replacing the blown fuse, the circuit can return to normal operation.

[0003] In existing technologies, solutions for integrating fuse wires can be mainly divided into the following three categories: Category 1: Cable-integrated type: As shown in patent publication number CN119790555A, this type of product uses a fuse installed on the connector to achieve overload protection of the circuit. The two ends of the fuse are directly connected to the cable. The disadvantage of this solution is that once the internal fuse burns out, the entire connector product is scrapped, the fuse cannot be replaced, resulting in resource waste, poor economic efficiency, and does not conform to the concept of sustainable use.

[0004] The second type: Adapter type: As shown in patent publication number CN220605085U, the connector of this type of product has the shell interface of a traditional PV connector at both ends. The fuse is installed in the middle of the two interfaces, and the left and right interfaces are connected by a threaded adapter. The circuit is made on the contact point of the contact element by contacting the fuse. The fuse can be disassembled and replaced by unlocking the thread. Although this solution achieves the replaceability of the fuse, it has two drawbacks: First, the disassembly and assembly process requires rotating the threaded structure, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and inefficient in situations requiring rapid maintenance; Second, during disassembly, when the operator holds one end of the fuse, the other end of the fuse may still be in contact with a live conductor (such as the contact element at the opposite end), and the current will be conducted through the fuse to the end held by the operator, posing a risk of electric shock to the worker.

[0005] The third type: Panel-mounted type: As shown in patent publication number CN213816513U, the fuse is assembled inside the device housing. The device housing is disassembled and reassembled through multiple internal and external threaded connections. The fuse can be removed and replaced by unlocking the threads. Its disassembly and assembly methods also largely rely on the threaded structure. Therefore, it shares all the disadvantages of adapter-type products: operation is equally inconvenient, and operators still face the risk of electric shock during fuse replacement.

[0006] In summary, none of the existing three types of fuse terminal structures can simultaneously meet the core requirements of "safe replacement" and "convenient operation," and some structures have the problem of non-reusability, making it difficult to adapt to the increasingly stringent safety operation and maintenance standards of photovoltaic power plants. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fuse connector and core components that can achieve safe and convenient fuse replacement and can be reused to solve the pain points of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a contact component and a fuse connector, which not only solves the problem of electric shock risk faced by operators when replacing fuses, but also makes disassembly and assembly convenient, and can achieve quick locking and separation without the aid of tools, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a contact component for an electrical connector, comprising: A conductive body having an inner cavity and an open end; A floating cap is axially movable within the inner cavity; A spring is disposed in the inner cavity, with one end abutting against the inner cavity wall of the conductive body and the other end abutting against the floating cap; The floating cap is capable of compressing the spring and moving from a first position to a second position when subjected to an axial force toward the inner cavity. In the first position, the end of the floating cap protrudes from the opening of the conductive body, and in the second position, the end of the floating cap retracts into the conductive body.

[0009] The beneficial effects are: the contact component of the present invention includes a floating cap, which can switch between a first position and a second position, so that the fuse only contacts the conductive body when subjected to axial force (such as insertion force), and remains separated when not subjected to force. This solves the problem of "fuse contact with conductive body during installation and disassembly" at the core component level, thereby enabling safe replacement of fuse.

[0010] Furthermore, the open end of the conductive body is provided with multiple contact springs, and the multiple contact springs are recessed into the inner wall to form an elastic contact area.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided between the floating cap and the conductive body to prevent the floating cap from falling off from the opening end.

[0012] Specifically, the limiting structure includes a protrusion on the outer wall of the floating cap and an elastic contact area at the opening end of the conductive body, wherein the protrusion cooperates with the elastic contact area.

[0013] The beneficial effects are as follows: Firstly, the elastic contact area, in conjunction with the raised structure on the floating cap, ensures that the floating cap will not pop out of the conductive body under the action of the spring, while not hindering its normal axial movement, thus improving the integrity and reliability of the component and facilitating production, assembly, and transportation. Secondly, the elastic contact area formed by multiple contact springs can form a multi-point, high-pressure, low-resistance electrical connection with the outer wall of the conductive cap of the fuse wire, improving the product's current carrying capacity and stability. At the same time, elastic deformation can compensate for tolerances and wear.

[0014] Furthermore, the floating cap has an annular groove at one end located in the inner cavity of the conductive body, and one end of the spring is installed in the annular groove.

[0015] The beneficial effects are: by setting an annular groove, one end of the spring can be accurately positioned and fixed, preventing the spring from tilting, shifting or even twisting under long-term vibration or frequent action, thus ensuring the long-term reliability and consistency of the action.

[0016] Furthermore, an anti-axial displacement structure is provided between the conductive body and the floating cap to guide the axial movement of the floating cap.

[0017] Specifically, the anti-axial displacement structure includes a track on the outer wall of the floating cap and a rib on the inner wall of the conductive body, or a rib on the outer wall of the floating cap and a track on the inner wall of the conductive body.

[0018] The beneficial effects are: by setting an anti-axial offset structure, the floating cap can be guided to move along the X-axis without deflection, which greatly improves the stability of the floating cap's movement direction, prevents it from jamming or wearing due to uneven force, ensures a smooth transition from the first position to the second position, and improves the product's mechanical life and operating feel.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes an elastic sheath, which is fitted over the outside of the conductive body.

[0020] The beneficial effects are: the elastic sheath not only provides insulation protection for the conductive body, but also adapts to the mounting cavity structure of different housings, allowing the contact components to be flexibly assembled on the panel end or equipment end housing without the need to design contact components separately for different housings, thus reducing design and production costs.

[0021] Furthermore, one end of the conductive body away from the outlet is connected to a wire terminal, a transfer socket, or a transfer pin.

[0022] The beneficial effects are: the conductive body end of the present invention can be connected to different types of terminals, realizing the modularization and universalization of contact components. With the same core contact component, by changing the rear-end connections (crimping terminals, pins, sockets), various products such as cable-type and adapter-type can be quickly derived, simplifying design and production, reducing costs, and expanding application scenarios.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fuse connector, comprising: The panel connector has a first contact component inside. The device-side connector has a second contact component inside. And, fuse wire; The panel connector and the device connector are mated together. After mating, the fuse is confined within the space formed by the panel connector and the device connector. The two ends of the fuse abut against the first contact component and the second contact component, respectively. At least one of the first contact component and the second contact component is the contact component described above.

[0024] The beneficial effects are: First, both the panel end and the equipment end are equipped with contact components, and the floating cap faces the plug end, so that the fuse only contacts the conductive body after the plug is fully inserted. It remains isolated during installation and disassembly, completely eliminating the risk of electric shock from the overall structural level. Second, the fuse is detachable. After it burns out, only the fuse needs to be replaced. The connector body (panel end, equipment end, contact components) can be reused, avoiding the problem of "overall scrapping" of the existing cable integrated structure and reducing the operation and maintenance costs of photovoltaic power plants.

[0025] Furthermore, the panel-end connector includes a panel-end housing, and the device-end connector includes a device-end housing. The panel-end housing and the device-end housing are connected and locked by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0026] Specifically, the latching structure includes a buckle on the device end housing and a fastening hole on the panel end housing, wherein the buckle engages with the fastening hole to achieve locking.

[0027] The beneficial effects are: This invention utilizes a snap-fit ​​structure to replace the cumbersome threaded rotation of existing technologies, achieving "one-click" quick locking and disengagement of the connection. This significantly improves the efficiency and convenience of replacing fuses, making it particularly suitable for work environments requiring frequent maintenance or with limited space.

[0028] Furthermore, during the mating process of the panel-end connector and the device-end connector, the fuse can apply an axial force to the floating cap of the first contact component and / or the second contact component, causing the floating cap to move from the first position to the second position, and the end of the fuse contacts the elastic contact area of ​​the conductive body to achieve electrical connection.

[0029] The beneficial effects are: during installation, as long as the insertion and locking are not completed, the fuse is always separated from the conductive body, and maintenance personnel can safely adjust the position of the fuse; during disassembly, after unlocking and separation, the spring returns to its original position, and the fuse is automatically separated from the conductive body, ensuring operational safety.

[0030] Furthermore, the device-side connector is a cable direct connector, a relay pin connector, or a relay jack connector.

[0031] Specifically, when the device end connector is a cable direct connection connector, it includes a device end housing and a contact component with a crimp terminal disposed in the device end housing, and a tail mounting nut is connected to one end of the device end housing away from the plug end.

[0032] Specifically, when the device-side connector is a relay pin connector, it includes a device-side housing and a contact component with a relay pin disposed within the device-side housing. The end of the device-side housing away from the plug end is connected to a relay pin insulator.

[0033] Specifically, when the device-side connector is a relay socket connector, it includes a device-side housing, a contact component with a relay socket and an elastic conductive spring disposed within the device-side housing, and a relay socket insulator is connected to one end of the device-side housing away from the plug end.

[0034] Furthermore, the device housing is provided with a positioning structure for confining the end of the fuse wire within the device connector.

[0035] Specifically, the positioning structure includes a positioning step disposed within the device end housing and a conductive cap step disposed at the end of the fuse wire that cooperates with the positioning step.

[0036] The beneficial effect is that by setting a positioning structure, the end of the fuse can be confined within the device connector without affecting the normal axial movement of the fuse during mating, thus preventing the fuse from falling off during subsequent installation.

[0037] Furthermore, the mating ends of the panel-side connector and / or device-side connector are provided with a sealing structure.

[0038] The beneficial effects are: the sealing structure (such as O-rings) can effectively prevent water, dust and other impurities from entering the connector, improve the connector's waterproof and dustproof rating, not only make it easier to adapt to the humid and dusty outdoor environment of photovoltaic power stations, but also extend the service life of the connector and reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

[0039] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided between the contact component and the panel end housing or the device end housing for fixing the contact component.

[0040] Specifically, the limiting structure includes radially protruding elastic barbs on the elastic sheath and limiting holes on the corresponding housing.

[0041] The beneficial effects are: the elastic barbs, in conjunction with the limiting holes, form a limiting structure to prevent disengagement, ensuring that the contact component will not come loose from the housing when subjected to axial force. Furthermore, the elastic barbs will only engage when the contact component is pushed into the correct position, allowing for judgment of proper assembly by checking for a tactile feedback, thus preventing malfunctions caused by improper assembly.

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the fuse connector in this invention (the device-side connector is an example of a cable direct connection connector).

[0045] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fuse connector in this invention.

[0046] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the panel connector.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the contact component.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second states of the contact component.

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point I in the middle.

[0050] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a cable direct connector.

[0051] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cable direct connector and the fuse.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cable direct connector and the fuse.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fuse installation process.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer socket connector.

[0055] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the transfer socket connector.

[0056] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the contact components in the transfer socket connector.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a transfer pin connector.

[0058] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the transfer pin connector.

[0059] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the contact components in a transfer pin connector.

[0060] Illustration markings: 1. Cable direct connector; 101. Tail mounting nut; 102. Tail sealing structure; 103. O-ring; 2. Fuse; 201. Conductive cap; 2-1. Conductive cap step; 3. Panel connector; 301. Panel mounting nut; 302. Panel gasket; 303. Panel housing; 304. Snap-fit ​​hole; 4. Contact component; 41. Floating cap; 411. Protrusion; 412. Annular groove; 42. Spring. 43. Spring, 44. Elastic sheath, 45. Elastic barb, 46. Conductive body, 47. Elastic contact area, 48. Wire terminal, 49. Transfer socket, 400. Transfer pin, 41. Rib, 42. Track, 5. Equipment end housing, 501. Buckle, 51. Positioning step, 6. Transfer socket connector, 601. Transfer socket insulator, 602. Conductive spring, 7. Transfer pin connector, 701. Transfer pin insulator. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0064] Firstly, the present invention provides a contact component for an electrical connector. This contact component is the carrier of the core security mechanism of the present invention. Please refer to... Figures 4 to 6 Its main components include: The conductive body 44 has an open structure at one end; A floating cap 41 is disposed inside the opening end of the conductive body 44; Spring 42, one end abuts against the inner cavity of conductive body 44, and the other end abuts against floating cap 41; An elastic sheath 43 is fitted over the conductive body 44. The floating cap 41 can change from a first state to a second state after being subjected to an axial force. The "first state" of the floating cap 41 is its natural state when it is not subjected to an axial force (or the force is less than the elastic force of the spring 42), in which the front end of the floating cap 41 extends out of the opening end of the conductive body 44 (at which time the floating cap 41 is in the first position); the "second state" is the compressed state when subjected to an axial force (the force is greater than the elastic force of the spring 42), in which the front end of the floating cap 41 retracts into the inner cavity of the conductive body 44 (at which time the floating cap 41 is in the second position).

[0065] Specifically, the conductive body 44 is the core conductive structure and supporting framework of the component. Essentially, it is a metal part with one open end and the other end configurable according to the application scenario. Its inner cavity accommodates the floating cap 41 and the spring 42. The open end provides a channel for the extension and retraction of the floating cap 41, and also provides space for the contact of the fuse 2. Preferably, the open end of the conductive body 44 can be provided with multiple contact springs, evenly distributed along the circumference of the conductive body 44 (the number can be set according to conductivity requirements). The contact springs are made of conductive material and are integrally formed or fixedly connected to the conductive body 44, possessing a certain elastic deformation capability. These contact springs are concave inward to form an annular elastic contact area 441. The inner diameter of the elastic contact area 441 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the floating cap 41 or the outer diameter of the fuse 2. In the first state, the elastic contact area 441 cooperates with the floating cap 41; in the second state, the elastic contact area 441 is electrically connected to the fuse 2, ensuring sufficient contact pressure during electrical connection and reducing contact resistance.

[0066] The floating cap 41 is an axially movable conductive component. It is a columnar structure adapted to fit the inner cavity of the conductive body 44 and is located inside the open end of the conductive body 44. It can move along the axial direction (i.e., the X-axis) of the conductive body 44. One end extending beyond the open end of the conductive body 44 is the front end, and the other end, always inside the conductive body 44, is the rear end. The front end contacts the fuse 2, and the rear end abuts against the spring 42. The rear end of the floating cap 41 has a coaxial annular groove 412, which is an annular groove opened circumferentially along the floating cap 41. One end of the spring 42 is embedded in the annular groove 412, achieving positioning and assembly between the spring 42 and the floating cap 41. This prevents the spring 42 from radially shifting along the floating cap 41 during compression or reset, ensuring that the force exerted by the spring 42 on the floating cap 41 is transmitted axially. Furthermore, a protrusion 411 (annular protrusion or evenly distributed dot-shaped protrusions) is provided along the circumference of the outer wall of the floating cap 41. Its outer diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the elastic contact area 441. The protrusion 411 and the elastic limiting area 441 cooperate to form a limiting structure, so that in the first state, the protrusion 411 abuts against the rear of the elastic contact area 441. Since the elastic contact area 441 is concave inward to form a constraint, the protrusion 411 cannot pass through the elastic contact area 441, thereby preventing the floating cap 41 from falling off from the opening end of the conductive body 44 under the pushing force of the spring 42, and ensuring the structural integrity of the contact component 4.

[0067] Spring 42 is a compression spring, which is assembled between the inner cavity of the conductive body 44 and the floating cap 41. In its natural state, it applies a thrust toward the opening end of the conductive body 44 to keep the floating cap 41 in the first position. When the floating cap 41 is subjected to a force along the axial direction toward the inner cavity of the conductive body 44, the spring 42 is compressed and the floating cap 41 moves inward to the second position.

[0068] The elastic sheath 43 is made of insulating elastic material and is fitted over the outside of the conductive body 44. Its functions include: first, to provide insulation protection for the conductive body 44 and prevent the conductive body 44 from accidentally making contact with the outer shell or other components; second, to adapt the conductive body 44 to the assembly of the outer shell (such as the equipment end shell 5 or the panel end shell 303) through its own elastic deformation, thereby improving the structural stability.

[0069] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an anti-axial offset structure is provided between the conductive body 44 and the floating cap 41. Its function is to guide the floating cap 41 to move only along the axial direction (X-axis) of the conductive body 44, preventing circumferential rotation or radial deflection of the floating cap 41 during movement. The core design of this structure is to strictly limit the movement of the floating cap 41 to a straight axial line through a "protrusion-groove" fit, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. Specifically, the anti-axial offset structure includes a track 4-2 (an axially oriented groove) or a rib 4-1 (an axially oriented protrusion) on the outer wall of the floating cap 41, and a rib 4-1 (an axially oriented protrusion) or a track 4-2 (an axially oriented groove) on the inner wall of the conductive body 44. The rib 4-1 is embedded in the track 4-2, forming a sliding fit. The length of the rib 4-1 or track 4-2 on the inner wall of the conductive body 44 is not less than the travel distance of the floating cap 41 from the first state to the second state, ensuring that the rib 4-1 always slides within the track 4-2 during the entire movement of the floating cap 41, continuously restricting the non-axial movement of the floating cap 41. Preferably, multiple sets of tracks 4-2 and ribs 4-1 can be provided, evenly distributed along the circumference, to further improve the anti-deviation effect.

[0070] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the conductive body 44 facing away from the outlet end can be connected to different functional terminals as needed, such as a crimping terminal 45 for crimping wires, or a transfer pin 47 or transfer socket 46 for conversion. This makes the contact component a universal, modularly applicable, and standardized assembly.

[0071] The working process and state of the contact component 4 are as follows: First state (initial / safe state): When the floating cap 41 is not subjected to axial thrust or the thrust is insufficient, the floating cap 41 is in the first position under the action of the spring 42. At this time, the front end face of the floating cap 41 protrudes from the open end of the conductive body 44. This causes a physical gap to exist between the elastic contact area 441 of the fuse 2 and the conductive body 44 when the fuse 2 contacts the front end face of the floating cap 41, and the solid part of the floating cap 41 separates them, thus the circuit is in the open state. Second state (operating / conducting state): When the floating cap 41 is subjected to a sufficient axial thrust (e.g., from the fuse 2 during the insertion process), the spring 42 is compressed, and the floating cap 41 moves to the second position. At this time, the end of the floating cap 41 retracts into the conductive body 44, and the space originally occupied by the floating cap 41 is filled by the fuse 2. The outer surface of the fuse 2 makes tight physical contact with the elastic contact area 441 at the open end of the conductive body 44, thereby establishing an electrical connection.

[0072] Secondly, the present invention provides a fuse connector. This fuse connector integrates the aforementioned safety contact component 4, forming a complete and secure system solution. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 10 The fuse connector mainly includes: panel connector 3, device connector and fuse 2.

[0073] The panel connector 3 is used for fixed mounting on a device panel or mounting plate. It includes a panel housing 303. A first contact component (i.e., the contact component 4 described in the first aspect of the invention) is installed within the panel housing 303, with its floating cap 41 facing its insertion end. The panel housing 303 is typically provided with a panel mounting nut 301 for locking it onto the panel. A panel sealing gasket 302 is provided between the panel mounting nut 301 and the panel to achieve IP-level protection.

[0074] The device-side connector is a detachable part that mates with the panel-side connector 3. Depending on the connection method at its tail end, it can be divided into three types; please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 7 to 16 : Cable direct connector 1: Its device end housing 5 has a contact component 4 with a crimp terminal 45 installed inside. The tail end of the housing is tightened by a tail mounting nut 101 to press the tail sealing structure 102 to achieve cable fixation and sealing.

[0075] Intermediate pin connector 7: A contact component 4 with an intermediate pin 47 is installed inside the device end housing 5. An intermediate pin insulator 701 is connected to the tail end of the housing to form a male connection interface that can be mated with a standard female photovoltaic connector.

[0076] Intermediate socket connector 6: Its device-side housing has a contact component 4 with an intermediate socket 46 installed inside, and a conductive spring 602 is also added inside to enhance the contact. The rear end of the housing is connected to an intermediate socket insulator 601, forming a female connection interface that can be mated with a standard male photovoltaic connector.

[0077] All three types of device-end connectors mentioned above include a device-end housing 5. In all types of device-end housing 5, a second contact component (i.e., the contact component 4 described in the first aspect of the present invention) is installed, and its floating cap 41 also faces the mating end.

[0078] The fuse 2 is a standard component with conductive caps 201 at both ends. The length of the fuse 2 is adapted to the internal cavity length after the panel connector 3 and the device connector are mated. When the two are mated and locked, the fuse 2 is confined within the internal cavity and cannot move freely. The two ends of the fuse 2 abut against the floating caps 41 of the panel contact component and the floating caps 41 of the device contact component, respectively, providing a basis for subsequent circuit conduction.

[0079] The panel end housing 303 and the equipment end housing 5 are connected and separated quickly through a snap-fit ​​structure, replacing the traditional threaded structure. This snap-fit ​​structure mainly includes a snap-fit ​​501 on the equipment end housing 5 and a snap-fit ​​hole 304 on the panel end housing 303. During insertion, the snap-fit ​​501 slides into and engages with the snap-fit ​​hole 304 due to its elastic deformation, and the snap-fit ​​structure automatically locks, keeping the two in an inserted state and ensuring that the fuse 2 is stably confined inside. When the fuse 2 needs to be replaced, the two can be separated and the fuse 2 removed by operating the snap-fit ​​structure to unlock it. This structure replaces the existing threaded connection, greatly simplifying the disassembly and assembly process.

[0080] Inside the device housing 5, a positioning structure is also provided to pre-fix one end of the fuse 2 when it is initially inserted into the device connector. The positioning structure includes a positioning step 5-1 inside the device housing 5 and a conductive cap step 2-1 at the end of the fuse 2 that cooperates with the positioning step 5-1. The cooperation of the two can prevent the fuse 2 from accidentally falling out of the device before the mating operation is completed.

[0081] A limiting structure is provided between the contact component 4 and the device end housing 5 or the panel end housing 303 to fix the contact component 4 in the mounting cavity of the device end housing 5 or the panel end housing 303, preventing axial or radial displacement of the contact component 4 during insertion, use, or disassembly, ensuring the relative position of the contact component 4 and the housing is stable, thereby ensuring that the fuse 2 can accurately contact the floating cap 41 and the elastic contact area 441; specifically, the limiting structure includes elastic barbs 431 and limiting holes. Specifically, the elastic barbs 431 are provided on the outer wall of the elastic sheath 43 of the contact component 4, and are elastic structures that protrude radially outward (the number can be set to 2-4, evenly distributed circumferentially); the limiting holes are provided on the side wall of the device end housing 5 or the panel end housing 303, and are through holes adapted to the shape of the elastic barbs 431.

[0082] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mating ends of the panel connector 3 and / or the device connector are provided with a sealing structure to prevent impurities such as water, dust, and sand from entering the connector through the mating gap between the panel housing 303 and the device housing 5. This avoids impurities adhering to components such as the conductive body 44, the floating cap 41, and the fuse 2, which could lead to poor contact, short circuits, or component corrosion, thereby improving the connector's waterproof and dustproof rating and service life. The sealing structure uses an elastic sealing element (such as rubber or silicone).

[0083] Combination Figure 10 The safe replacement procedure for this fuse connector is as follows: Installation process: Please refer to... Figure 10 (a) Push the fuse 2 into the connector at the device end. One end of the fuse 2 is constrained by the positioning structure inside the device housing 5, achieving pre-fixation. Continue pushing the fuse 2 inward until it abuts against the front end face of the floating cap 41 of the second contact component inside the device. Due to the spring force, the floating cap 41 is in the first position, and the fuse 2 is separated from the conductive body 44 by the floating cap 41, thus breaking the circuit. At this time, it is safe for the operator to hold the fuse 2 without the risk of electric shock. Then, insert the device connector with the fuse 2 inserted into it into the panel connector 3. During the insertion process, continue pushing the fuse 2 inward until it is... Figure 10 (b) shows the position where the two ends of the fuse 2 are in contact with the floating caps 41 on the panel end and the device end, respectively. As the insertion is deepened, when pushed to the position shown... Figure 10 During the process shown in (c), the fuse 2 pushes the two floating caps 41 to compress their respective springs 42, moving from the first position to the second position. The fuse 2 then enters the conductive body 44 and makes reliable electrical contact with the elastic contact area 441. When fully inserted, the latch 501 on the device end housing 5 engages with the locking hole 304 on the panel end housing 303, producing a "click" sound, indicating that locking is complete. At this time, the circuits at both ends of the fuse 2 are connected, and the connector enters normal operating condition.

[0084] Disassembly (Replacement) Process: To remove and replace the blown fuse 2, follow these steps: Figure 10 (c) to Figure 10(a) Directional Operation. Press the latch 501 on the device-side housing 5 to disengage it from the engagement hole 304, and pull the device-side connector from the panel-side connector 3. During this separation process, as the two housings separate, the axial pressure acting on the floating cap 41 disappears. The springs 42 inside the two contact components 4 immediately push their respective floating caps 41 back to the first position from the second position. This reset action actively "pushes" the conductive cap 201 of the fuse 2 out of the elastic contact area 441 of the conductive body 44, and again separates the fuse 2 from the conductive body 44 by the solid part of the floating cap 41. The circuit is forcibly and automatically disconnected. At this time, even if the panel-side connector 3 is still energized, the current cannot be conducted to the fuse 2 inside the device-side connector. The operator can safely remove the blown fuse 2 from the device-side connector, insert a new fuse 2, and repeat the installation process. The entire replacement operation is safe, quick, and tool-free.

[0085] The mating process between the panel connector 3 and the device connector synchronously drives the floating cap 41 to complete the transition from "first state to second state", which is divided into three stages: (1) Initial mating stage (floating cap 41 remains in the first state): Before mating, the floating caps 41 of both contact components 4 are in the first state under the action of spring 42 (the front end extends out of the conductive body 44); when the device end connector (with pre-installed fuse 2) and the panel end connector 3 are mated, one end of the fuse 2 first abuts against the front end of the floating cap 41 of the panel end contact component. At this time, the fuse 2 only contacts the floating cap 41 and does not contact the conductive body 44 (or contact spring), and is in the "separated state"; (2) Insertion and pushing stage (floating cap 41 begins to change state): Continue to apply insertion and pushing force. Under the action of the pushing force, the fuse 2 applies an axial force to the two floating caps 41 at the same time (pointing to the inner cavity of the conductive body 44). The spring 42 begins to be compressed, and the floating cap 41 moves axially into the inner cavity of the conductive body 44, gradually changing from the first state to the second state. During this process, the fuse 2 still does not contact the conductive body 44 (or contact spring), and remains in a "separated state". (3) Insertion stage (floating cap 41 enters the second state): When the insertion force is continuously applied to the locking structure of the panel end housing 303 and the equipment end housing 5, the spring 42 is compressed to the maximum stroke, and the floating cap 41 is completely retracted into the conductive body 44 (second state); at this time, the two ends of the fuse 2 enter the contact component 4 and contact the elastic contact area 441 of the conductive body 44, realizing the "connection between the fuse 2 and the conductive body 44", and the circuit is connected.

[0086] In summary, this invention, through its design of "using the insertion force to drive the floating cap 41 to move and thus achieve state transition," ensures that the fuse 2 only contacts the conductive body 44 after "interlocking and locking," and remains isolated from the conductive body 44 "before installation," "during the insertion process," and "after unlocking and separation," fundamentally avoiding the risk of electric shock during installation and disassembly. Furthermore, other parts of the connector (such as the panel connector 3 and the device connector) can be reused.

[0087] The contact component and fuse connector provided by the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and specific implementation of the present invention. The above embodiments are only used to help understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A contact component for an electrical connector, characterized in that, include: A conductive body (44) having an inner cavity and an open end; A floating cap (41) is axially movable within the inner cavity; A spring (42) is disposed in the inner cavity, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the conductive body (44) and the other end abutting against the floating cap (41); The floating cap (41) is capable of compressing the spring (42) and moving from a first position to a second position when subjected to an axial force toward the inner cavity. In the first position, one end of the floating cap (41) protrudes from the opening of the conductive body (44), and in the second position, the end of the floating cap (41) retracts into the conductive body (44).

2. A contact component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The open end of the conductive body (44) is provided with multiple contact springs, and the multiple contact springs are recessed into the inner wall to form an elastic contact area (441).

3. A contact component according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting structure is provided between the floating cap (41) and the conductive body (44) to prevent the floating cap (41) from falling off from the opening end.

4. A contact component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a protrusion (411) on the outer wall of the floating cap (41) and an elastic contact area (441) at the opening end of the conductive body (44), wherein the protrusion (411) and the elastic contact area (441) cooperate with each other.

5. A contact component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating cap (41) has an annular groove (412) at one end located in the inner cavity of the conductive body (44), and one end of the spring (42) is installed in the annular groove (412).

6. A contact component according to claim 1, characterized in that, An anti-axial displacement structure is provided between the conductive body (44) and the floating cap (41) to guide the axial movement of the floating cap (41).

7. A contact component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The anti-axial displacement structure includes a track (4-2) on the outer wall of the floating cap (41) and a rib (4-1) on the inner wall of the conductive body (44), or a rib (4-1) on the outer wall of the floating cap (41) and a track (4-2) on the inner wall of the conductive body (44).

8. A contact component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic sheath (43) which is fitted over the outside of the conductive body (44).

9. A contact component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive body (44) has a wire terminal (45), a transfer socket (46), or a transfer pin (47) connected to one end away from the outlet end.

10. A fuse connector, characterized in that, include: The panel connector (3) has a first contact component inside; The device-side connector has a second contact component inside. And, fuse wire (2); The panel connector (3) and the device connector are able to be connected by mating. After mating, the fuse (2) is confined within the space formed by the panel connector (3) and the device connector. The two ends of the fuse (2) abut against the first contact component and the second contact component, respectively. At least one of the first contact component and the second contact component is a contact component according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The panel connector (3) includes a panel housing (303), and the device connector includes a device housing (5). The panel housing (303) and the device housing (5) are connected and locked and unlocked by a snap-fit ​​structure.

12. A fuse connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, The mounting structure includes a buckle (501) on the device end housing (5) and a fastening hole (304) on the panel end housing (303). The buckle (501) and the fastening hole (304) are fastened together to achieve locking.

13. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, During the mating process of the panel connector (3) and the device connector, the fuse (2) can apply an axial force to the floating cap (41) of the first contact component and / or the second contact component, so that the floating cap (41) moves from the first position to the second position, and the end of the fuse (2) contacts the elastic contact area (441) of the conductive body (44) to achieve electrical connection.

14. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device-side connector is a cable direct connector (1), a transfer pin connector (7), or a transfer socket connector (6).

15. A fuse connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the device end connector is a cable direct connector (1), it includes a device end housing (5) and a contact component (4) with a crimp terminal (45) disposed in the device end housing (5). The device end housing (5) is connected to a tail mounting nut (101) at one end away from the plug end.

16. A fuse connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the device end connector is a relay pin connector (7), it includes a device end housing (5) and a contact component (4) with a relay pin (47) disposed in the device end housing (5). The device end housing (5) is connected to a relay pin insulator (701) at one end away from the plug end.

17. A fuse connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the device end connector is a transfer socket connector (6), it includes a device end housing (5), a contact component (4) with a transfer socket (46) and a conductive spring (602) disposed in the device end housing (5), and a transfer socket insulator (601) is connected to one end of the device end housing (5) away from the plug end.

18. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device end housing (5) is provided with a positioning structure for limiting the end of the fuse wire (2) within the device end connector.

19. A fuse connector according to claim 18, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes a positioning step (5-1) provided in the device end housing (5) and a conductive cap step (2-1) provided at the end of the fuse wire (2) that cooperates with the positioning step (5-1).

20. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The panel connector (3) and / or the device connector have a sealing structure at their insertion ends.

21. A fuse connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, A limiting structure is provided between the contact component (4) and the panel end housing (303) or the device end housing (5) for fixing the contact component (4).

22. A fuse connector according to claim 21, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes radially protruding elastic barbs (431) on the elastic sheath (43) and limiting holes on the corresponding housing.

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