Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes an electromagnetic shield. The electromagnetic shield includes a cylindrical body, elastically deformable tabs arranged about an axis, and slots for separating the tabs from one another. Each tab includes a proximal portion that moves away from the cylindrical body, and a distal portion. Each slot includes a distal portion between the distal portions of two adjacent tabs. The distal portion of each slot includes a bend to prevent another electromagnetic shield made of sheet metal from catching in the slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly and an electromagnetic shielding cover for the connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] APTIV manufactures connector assemblies including Figure 1 The electromagnetic shielding cover 2 shown includes elastic inserts 4 spaced apart from each other by slots 6. (As shown...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, another electromagnetic shield 8, identical to shield 2, can be pushed into the slot 6 of shield 2. This causes the two shields 2 and 8 to jam against each other. This can happen, especially when a large number of samples of electromagnetic shield 2 are packed in bulk into boxes for shipment to the recipient. If the two electromagnetic shields are jammed together in this way, they may be damaged, particularly during transport.

[0003] To avoid this situation, electromagnetic shielding covers 2 and 8 are not packed loosely in boxes, but are carefully placed side by side on a pallet with a compartment for each shield. This pallet prevents the shields from colliding during transport. In this way, the two shields will not jam against each other.

[0004] However, using pallets complicates the packaging of these electromagnetic shielding covers, thus increasing the cost of transporting them. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the connector assembly, which includes the electromagnetic shielding cover, increases. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by providing an electromagnetic shielding cover that can be packed into a box in bulk.

[0006] The present invention is disclosed in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention can be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an existing electromagnetic shielding cover; - Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of two existing electromagnetic shielding covers stuck together; - Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connector assembly; - Figure 5 It is along the longitudinal axis Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly; - Figure 6 yes Figure 5An enlarged view of a portion of a sectional view; - Figure 7 and Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A further magnified view of a portion of the view; - Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the electromagnetic shielding cover of the connector assembly; - Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the view; and - Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a view showing two electromagnetic shielding shields that cannot be locked together, wherein each electromagnetic shielding shield is... Figure 9 The electromagnetic shielding is the same. Detailed Implementation

[0008] In this specification, the terminology, conventions, and definitions used herein are introduced in Chapter 1. Then, in Chapter 2, detailed examples of embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Variations of these embodiments are given in Chapter 3. Finally, in Chapter 4, the advantages of the various embodiments are described.

[0009] Chapter 1: Definitions, Terminology, and Conventions

[0010] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements.

[0011] Features and functions known to those skilled in the art in the remainder of this specification will not be described in detail.

[0012] The attached diagram is oriented relative to an orthogonal XYZ reference frame, where the X and Y directions are horizontal and the Z direction is vertical. The terms "left" and "right" are defined relative to the X direction.

[0013] Conductive materials are those with a conductivity greater than 10 at 20°C. 4 S / m or 10 6 Materials with S / m.

[0014] Electrically insulating materials refer to materials with a conductivity of less than 10 at 20°C. -10 S / m or 10 -14 Materials with S / m.

[0015] The description of a component as "made of material A" or "a component of material A" means that material A accounts for 90% or 95% of the component's mass.

[0016] symbol" " " indicates scalar multiplication.

[0017] High DC voltage refers to a DC voltage greater than 100Vdc or 500Vdc. Typically, high DC voltage refers to a voltage less than 5000Vdc or 2000Vdc.

[0018] High DC current refers to a DC current greater than 10A or 20A. Typically, high DC current is less than 500A or 100A.

[0019] Chapter Two: Detailed Examples of Implementation Methods

[0020] Figure 4 Connector assembly 10 is shown.

[0021] Here, connector assembly 10 is a high-voltage connector. Therefore, connector assembly 10 is designed to withstand high DC current and high DC voltage without any damage. For example, connector assembly 10 is intended to electrically connect the battery pack of an electric vehicle to a DC / DC converter or an on-board charger (OBC). An on-board charger (OBC) is a power electronic device in an electric vehicle that converts alternating current (AC) from an external power source, such as a household outlet, into direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle's battery pack.

[0022] In this example, component 10 is fixed to the ends of two identical cables 12 and 14 without any degrees of freedom.

[0023] Cable 12 includes an outer insulation sheath 20 from the outside to the inside of the cable. Figure 5 , Figure 6 ), braided layer 22 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 ), inner insulating sheath 24 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 ) and electrical conductor 26 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 Insulating sheaths 20 and 24 are made of electrically insulating material. Braided layer 22 and conductor 26 are made of conductive material. Braided layer 22 forms electromagnetic shielding during use. Conductor 26 is made of, for example, copper.

[0024] Connector assembly 10 includes: -The stripped ends of cables 12 and 14 are housed within the housing 30. - Outer shell 32, which is mounted to one end of housing 30. - Retainers 34 and 36, each retainer 34 and 36 retains the respective stripped end of one of the cables 12 and 14 within the housing 30. - Connecting electrodes 40, 42 extending from the housing 32.

[0025] The housings 30 and 32 are made of non-conductive materials, such as plastic.

[0026] Electrodes 40 and 42 are electrical conductors, and their shape is designed here to facilitate electrical and mechanical connection with other components such as another electrical connector.

[0027] Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of assembly 10 is shown along a vertical plane passing through cable 12 and electrode 40. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Within the housing 30, the end of the conductor 26 extends along the rotation axis 50. Here, axis 50 is parallel to the X direction. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the housing 30 receives a stripped end 52 of the cable 12.

[0029] The housing 32 receives and surrounds one end of the electrode 40. To limit electromagnetic radiation from the electrode 40, the housing 32 includes an electromagnetic shield 54. Figure 6 The electromagnetic shield 54 completely surrounds the end of the electrode 40 received within the housing 32. For example, the shield 54 is formed of a cylinder of conductive material centered on axis 50.

[0030] The housing 30 includes a cylindrical channel 60 ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 The cylindrical channel 60 has a circular cross-section and is centered on the axis 50, with the peeling end 52 received within the cylindrical channel 60.

[0031] Ring 62 ( Figure 6 The cable 12 is received within channel 60. The ferrule 62 completely surrounds the end of the cable 12 received within housing 32. The ferrule 62 is directly mechanically and electrically connected to the braided layer 22 of the cable 12. Here, the ferrule 62 includes two tubular sections 64 and 66. Figure 6 Tubular segment 64 covers the insulating sheath 20 and forms an electrical and mechanical connection directly with the braided layer 22. Another tubular segment 66 completely surrounds a portion of the end of the cable 12, where the sheath 20 and braided layer 22 have been removed, while retaining the inner insulating sheath 24. The ferrule 62 is made of conductive material.

[0032] The housing 30 also includes an electromagnetic shielding cover 70 ( Figure 6 The electromagnetic shield 70 completely surrounds the stripped end 52 and ensures electrical continuity between the braided layer 22 and the shield 54. To achieve this, the shield 70 is directly mechanically and electrically connected to the collar 62 on one side and directly mechanically and electrically connected to the shield 54 on the opposite side. The shield 70 extends from the collar 62 to the shield 54 along the axis 50, centered on the axis 50.

[0033] like Figure 7As shown, to ensure good electrical contact with the shield 54, the left end of the shield 70 has elastic tabs 72, which continuously press against the shield 54. The elastic tabs 72 are elastically deformable blades or sheets.

[0034] like Figure 8 As shown, to ensure good electrical contact with the tubular segment 66 of the collar 62, the right end of the shield 70 has protrusions 74 that permanently press against the tubular segment 66.

[0035] Figure 9 The shield 70 is shown in more detail. The shield 70 is formed of a single sheet 80 of conductive material wound around axis 50. Typically, this single sheet 80 is made of metal. The thickness e of the single sheet 80 is... s Typically between 0.2mm and 0.5mm. Here, thickness e s It equals 0.3mm.

[0036] The shielding cover 70 includes a cylindrical body 82, the generatrix of which is parallel to the axis 50. The body 82 extends from plane P1 to plane P2. Both planes P1 and P2 are perpendicular to the axis 50. Here, the cross-section of the body 82 is circular.

[0037] The elastic sheet 84 is cut into the right end of the main body 82. Each protrusion 74 is arranged on the free end of the corresponding elastic sheet 84.

[0038] The elastic inserts 72 extend to the left from plane P2. The elastic inserts 72 are distributed around axis 50. Typically, the number of elastic inserts 72 is greater than five, ten, or twenty. For example, in this case, the number of elastic inserts 72 is eighteen. The number of elastic inserts 72 is usually less than fifty or one hundred.

[0039] In this embodiment, the resilient inserts 72 are identical or very similar in shape. In practice, the resilient inserts 72 differ primarily in their angular positions about axis 50. Therefore, in the following text, only one insert 72 will be described in detail.

[0040] The insert 72 has a proximal portion 90, which extends to form a distal portion 92. The proximal portion 90 is directly connected to the left end of the body 82 at plane P2. Here, the proximal portion 90 continuously moves away from the axis 50 as it moves in the X direction. For this purpose, the proximal portion 90 is connected to the body 82 by a bend, the bend line of which is contained within plane P2. Preferably, the proximal portion 90 is straight and flat. The length L of the proximal portion 90 is... 90Typically greater than 4mm or 6mm, and typically less than 20mm or 10mm. The width of each proximal portion 90 is typically greater than 2mm or 3mm, and less than 10mm or 5mm. The angle between the plane completely encompassing the proximal portion 90 and the axis 50 is, for example, greater than 5° or 10°, and less than 45° or 30°.

[0041] The distal portion 92 combines with the distal portions of other inserts 72 to form an outwardly flared opening 96. Figure 9 ) edge 94 ( Figure 9 , Figure 10 The outwardly expanding opening 96 is centered on axis 50 and located at the left end of shield 70. The distal portion 92 continuously approaches axis 50 while moving along the X direction. For this purpose, the distal portion 92 separates from the proximal portion 90 by bending, the bending line of which is contained within plane P3 (…). Figure 9 , Figure 10 In the diagram, plane P3 is parallel to plane P2 and located to the left of plane P2. Typically, the distal portion 92 is flat. The length L of the distal portion 92 is... 92 The length is less than 90 degrees of the proximal portion. Typically, the length L... 92 Less than L 90 / 2 or L 90 / 3. Typically, the length L 92 Also greater than L 90 / 10.

[0042] Slots 100 separate the inserts 72 from each other. All slots 100 are identical or very similar to each other. Therefore, in the following text, only one slot 100 will be described in detail.

[0043] The groove 100 has a proximal portion 102 ( Figure 9 , Figure 10 ) and remote part 104 ( Figure 9 , Figure 10 ).

[0044] The proximal portion 102 is located between the proximal portions 90 of two adjacent inserts 72. The proximal portion 102 extends from plane P2 to plane P3. Since the proximal portion 90 is straight, the proximal portion 102 is also straight. The width w of the proximal portion 102... 102 Greater than thickness e s And usually greater than 2 e s Here, the width w 102 Also less than 8 e s Or 4 e s .

[0045] The distal portion 104 is located between the distal portions 92 of two adjacent inserts 72. The distal portion 104 opens directly into the edge 94 of the outwardly flared opening 96.

[0046] The distal portion 104 includes a bend 106 that prevents the metal sheet of another electromagnetic shield 70 from sinking into the groove 100 up to the proximal portion 102.

[0047] The bend 106 is along the upstream straight line 108 ( Figure 10 Extending downstream along straight line 110 ( Figure 10 (Extension). Typically, the angle between line 108 and line 110 is between 70° and 110°. For example, in this case, the angle is between 85° and 95°.

[0048] The distance d from the bend 106 along the straight line 110 106 Width w greater than the proximal portion 102 102 Typically, the distance d 106 Greater than 1.2 w 102 Or 1.5 w 102 Distance d 106 It is usually less than 4. w 102 Or 3 w 102 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the distal portion 104 of the groove 100 further includes an outwardly extending section 112. Figure 10 The expanding section 112 extends from the bend 106 to the edge 94 of the expanding opening 96. The width of the expanding section 112 continuously increases as it moves away from the proximal portion 102. Here, the width of the expanding section 112 continuously increases as it moves parallel to the axis 108 and away from the proximal portion 102.

[0050] At the point closest to the bend 106, the width of the outwardly expanding section 112 is greater than the thickness e. s And, for example, equal to the width w 102 At the edge 94 of the outwardly flared opening 96, the width of the outwardly flared section 112 is greater than 4. e s Or 8 e s .

[0051] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the bend 106 prevents another electromagnetic shield, identical to the shield 70, from entering one of the slots 100 up to its proximal portion 102. Figure 11 and Figure 12Another electromagnetic shield is numbered 70bis.

[0052] Typically, the shield 70 is made of a flat metal sheet. Individual inserts 72 are then cut into this flat metal sheet, for example, by stamping. Once the inserts 72 are cut, they are bent to form: - The bend connecting the proximal portion 90 of each insert to the left end of the body 82, and - The bend between the proximal portion 90 and the distal portion 92 of each insert.

[0053] The metal sheet is then wound around axis 50 and the longitudinal edges of the metal sheet are welded together to form shield 70.

[0054] Chapter 3: Variation

[0055] Insert variant:

[0056] Insert 72 can be arranged around axis 50 with regular or irregular spacing.

[0057] In another embodiment, the inserts 72 are not all identical. For example, some inserts are wider than others.

[0058] In another embodiment, the distal portion 92 of the insert 72 does not approach the axis 50 when moving away from the plane P3. For example, the distal portion 92 moves away from the axis 50 in a direction collinear with the direction followed by the proximal portion 92 of the same insert. In this case, the proximal portion 90 and the distal portion 92 extend in the same plane.

[0059] In another embodiment, an intermediate portion is provided between the straight proximal portion 90 and the distal portion 92 of the insert 72. For example, the intermediate portion extends in a plane parallel to the axis 50. In this case, the insert 72 includes two different bends, a first bend and a second bend, the first bend separating the proximal portion 90 from the intermediate portion, and the second bend separating the intermediate portion from the distal portion 92.

[0060] The bend 106 need not be located in the middle of the distal portion 92. For example, as an alternative, the bend 102 can be located closer to the bend where the proximal portion 90 separates from the distal portion 92. For example, the downstream straight line 110 can coincide with the bend where the proximal portion 90 separates from the distal portion 92. The bend 106 can also be closer to the edge 94 of the flaring opening 96.

[0061] In another embodiment, the outward extension 112 is omitted. Typically, in this case, the distal portion 92 of the groove 100 following the bend 106 is straight.

[0062] Other variations:

[0063] As an alternative, the cross-section of the cylindrical body 82 is non-circular. For example, the cross-section of the cylindrical body can be square or rectangular.

[0064] The above variations can be combined into a single embodiment.

[0065] Chapter 4: Advantages of the disclosed embodiments:

[0066] The presence of a bend 106 in the distal portion 104 of each slot 100 prevents the metal sheet of another identical electromagnetic shield from being inserted into one of the slots 100. Therefore, the electromagnetic shield 70 can be transported in bulk packaging without the risk of damage. In particular, it is no longer necessary to arrange them side-by-side on pallets for transport without the risk of damage. This reduces the cost of transporting these electromagnetic shields.

[0067] The extended section 112 further reduces the risk of damage to the electromagnetic shielding during bulk packaging transportation. In fact, even if the metal sheets of the first electromagnetic shielding enter the extended section 112 of the second electromagnetic shielding, they can be separated without any damage because the extended section 112 is extended.

[0068] When the width of the outer expansion section 112 is greater than 4 e s This allows the first electromagnetic shield to be separated from the second electromagnetic shield simply by moving the first electromagnetic shield, without having to deal with the second electromagnetic shield.

[0069] The distal portion 92 is bent toward axis 50, thereby limiting the friction of the insert 72 on the electromagnetic shield 54 when the shield 70 is assembled into the shield 54.

[0070] The proximal portion 90 of each insert 72 is straight, which simplifies the manufacturing process of the electromagnetic shield 70.

[0071] The width w of the proximal portion 102 of the groove 100 102 Located in e s With 4 e s This reduces material waste during the manufacturing process.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: - A first electrical conductor and a first electromagnetic shield surrounding the first electrical conductor. - A second electrical conductor, which is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor. - A second electromagnetic shielding cover surrounding the second electrical conductor, the second electromagnetic shielding cover being formed by winding a sheet of conductive material around a rotation axis, wherein the second electromagnetic shielding cover comprises: - A cylindrical body, wherein the generatrix of the cylindrical body is parallel to the axis of rotation between a first plane and a second plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and - A resiliently deformable insert, the resiliently deformable insert being arranged about the axis of rotation and in direct mechanical and electrical contact with the first electromagnetic shield, each of the inserts comprising: - The proximal portion, which moves from the second plane away from the cylindrical body, and the proximal portion continuously moves away from the axis of rotation, and - The distal portion, which combines with the distal portions of other inserts, forms the edge of an outwardly flared opening centered on the axis of rotation. A slot, the slot being used to separate the inserts from each other, the width of the slot being greater than the thickness of the conductive material sheet, and each slot including a proximal portion between the proximal portions of two adjacent inserts and a distal portion between the distal portions of the two adjacent inserts, the distal portion of the slot opening directly to the edge of the flared opening. The distal portion of each of the slots includes a bend to prevent another electromagnetic shield made of a sheet of the same thickness from getting stuck in the slot.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrical conductor includes the stripped end of the cable.

3. An electromagnetic shielding cover for constituting a connector assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic shielding cover is formed by winding a sheet of conductive material about a rotation axis, and the electromagnetic shielding cover comprises: - A cylindrical body, wherein the generatrix of the cylindrical body is parallel to the axis of rotation between a first plane and a second plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and - resiliently deformable inserts, said resiliently deformable inserts being arranged about the axis of rotation and configured to make direct mechanical and electrical contact with the first electromagnetic shield, each of said inserts comprising: - The proximal portion, which moves from the second plane away from the cylindrical body, and the proximal portion continuously moves away from the axis of rotation, and - The distal portion, which combines with the distal portions of other inserts, forms the edge of an outwardly flared opening centered on the axis of rotation. A slot, the slot being used to separate the inserts from each other, the width of the slot being greater than the thickness of the conductive material sheet, and each slot including a proximal portion between the proximal portions of two adjacent inserts and a distal portion between the distal portions of the two adjacent inserts, the distal portion of the slot opening directly to the edge of the flared opening. The distal portion of each of the slots includes a bend to prevent another electromagnetic shield made of a sheet of the same thickness from getting stuck in the slot.

4. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distal portion of the groove has an outwardly expanding section that extends from the bend to the edge of the outwardly expanding opening, the width of which continuously increases as it moves away from the proximal portion of the groove.

5. The shielding cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, At the edge of the outwardly flared opening, the width of the outwardly flared section is greater than 4. e s , where e s The thickness of the conductive material sheet is given.

6. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, As the insert moves in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and away from the cylindrical body, the distal portion of each insert continuously approaches the axis of rotation.

7. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proximal portion of each of the inserts is straight.

8. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The width of the near-end portion of the groove is e s With 4 e s Between, where e s The thickness of the conductive material sheet is given.

9. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bend extends along an upstream straight line and then along a downstream straight line, with the angle between the upstream and downstream straight lines being between 70° and 110°.

10. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that: -The bent portion extends in a straight line upstream and then in a straight line downstream, and - The distance by which the bent portion extends along the downstream straight line is greater than the width of the near end portion of the groove.

11. The shielding cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-section of the cylindrical body is circular.

Images