Electrical connector and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector and a vehicle, the electrical connector comprising a base, one end of the base in an axial direction is arranged with a first wire bin, a plurality of second wire bins are arranged in a circumferential direction of the base at intervals, wherein the first wire bin is opened in the axial direction, the second wire bin is opened in the radial direction, and the first wire bin and each second wire bin are at least independently one of a power wire bin, a data wire bin and a signal wire bin. Different function wire bins are arranged on the base of the electrical connector respectively, and through the isolation structure of the plurality of wire bins, different function terminals are isolated and integrated in one electrical connector, and the wire bins are installed on the end and side of the base at the same time, so that the overall electrical connector reduces the size of the overall electrical connector while ensuring multi-functional transmission, and reduces the space occupation. By integrating different function wire bins on the same electrical connector, the wire harness layout and assembly process are simplified, the assembly efficiency is improved, the total number of connectors required by the vehicle is effectively reduced, and the cost of the vehicle is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automotive connector technology, and more specifically, to an electrical connector and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing electrification and intelligence of vehicles, the number of onboard electronic control units, sensors, and actuators has increased dramatically. This has led to a growing number of connection points in the wiring harness system. Traditional connectors typically only have simple circuit connection functions. For complex modules that need to integrate power, signal, data, and even antenna functions, multiple independent connectors are usually required. This results in multiple connectors occupying a large amount of space, not only making wiring complex and reducing assembly efficiency, but also increasing the overall cost of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electrical connector and vehicle that integrates wire compartments with different functions onto the same electrical connector, saving space, effectively reducing the total number of connectors required for the vehicle, and lowering the overall cost of the vehicle.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides an electrical connector including a base, a first wire compartment disposed at one end of the base in an axial direction, and a plurality of second wire compartments disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base, wherein the first wire compartment is opened along the axial direction, the second wire compartments are opened along the radial direction, and the first wire compartment and each of the second wire compartments are at least independently one of a power wire compartment, a data wire compartment and a signal wire compartment.

[0005] Optionally, the base has a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the dimension in the first direction is greater than the dimension of the base in the second direction, the base includes two first walls arranged opposite to each other along the first direction and two second walls arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, the second cable compartments are at least arranged on the second walls, and the second cable compartments on the second walls are all power cable compartments.

[0006] Optionally, a first current terminal is provided in the power cord compartment on one of the second walls, and a second current terminal is provided in the power cord compartment on the other second wall, wherein the rated current of the first current terminal is greater than the rated current of the second current terminal.

[0007] Optionally, the second cable compartment is also disposed on at least one of the first wall surfaces, and the second cable compartment on the first wall surface is a signal cable compartment.

[0008] Optionally, the first cable compartment is a signal cable compartment, and a first signal terminal is provided in the first cable compartment. A second signal terminal is provided in the signal cable compartment on the first wall, wherein the transmission rate of the second signal terminal is higher than the transmission rate of the first signal terminal.

[0009] Optionally, the base includes a first step, a second step, and a third step arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The first wire compartment is disposed on the first step, and a plurality of second wire compartments are arranged on the second step and the third step. The dimensions of the first step, the second step, and the third step increase sequentially in the radial and axial directions of the base.

[0010] Optionally, the second cable compartment on the third step is a data cable compartment, which is provided with data terminals, and the data terminals are covered with shielding.

[0011] Optionally, in the axial direction of the base, the second wire compartment on the third step is staggered with the second wire compartment on the second step.

[0012] Optionally, the wall surface of the first step is provided with multiple anti-mistake protrusions, and each anti-mistake protrusion has a different shape.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes the aforementioned electrical connector.

[0014] The above technical solution involves installing cable compartments with different functions such as power, signal, and data on the base of the electrical connector. Through an isolation structure of multiple cable compartments, terminals with different functions (power, signal, data, etc.) are physically isolated and integrated into a single electrical connector. The cable compartments are simultaneously installed at the ends and sides of the base, ensuring the overall electrical connector meets the requirements for multi-functionality. This reduces the overall size of the electrical connector and minimizes space occupation while ensuring multi-functional transmission. By integrating cable compartments with different functions onto the same electrical connector, the wiring harness layout and assembly process are simplified, assembly efficiency is improved, the total number of connectors required in the vehicle is effectively reduced, and the overall cost of the vehicle is lowered.

[0015] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram from a first perspective of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from a second perspective of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram from a third perspective of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Base; 101-First step; 102-Second step; 103-Third step; 11-First wall surface; 12-Second wall surface; 13-Anti-foolproof protrusion; 14-Heat dissipation vent; 2-First cable compartment; 21-First signal terminal; 3-Second cable compartment; 31-First current terminal; 32-Second current terminal; 33-Second signal terminal; 34-Data terminal; 35-Shielding component; 4-Locking component; 41-Warping groove; 5-Sealing strip; 6-Waterproof plug; 7-Wire harness. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0021] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" are defined in relation to the outline of the corresponding components. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different components and are not sequential or significant. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an electrical connector is provided, including a base 1. A first wire compartment 2 may be arranged at one end of the base 1 in the axial direction. A plurality of second wire compartments 3 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base 1. The first wire compartment 2 is opened in the axial direction, and the second wire compartments 3 are opened in the radial direction. The first wire compartment 2 and each second wire compartment 3 are at least independently one of power wire compartment, data wire compartment and signal wire compartment.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, wire compartments with different functions such as power, signal, and data are respectively set on the base 1 of the electrical connector. Through the isolation structure of multiple wire compartments, terminals with different functions such as power, signal, and data are physically isolated and integrated into a single electrical connector. The wire compartments are simultaneously installed at the ends and sides of the base, so that the electrical connector as a whole meets the requirements for multi-functionality, ensuring that the overall size of the electrical connector is reduced while maintaining multi-functional transmission, thus reducing space occupation. In this way, by integrating wire compartments with different functions onto the same electrical connector, the wiring harness layout and assembly process are simplified, assembly efficiency is improved, the total number of connectors required in the vehicle is effectively reduced, and the overall cost of the vehicle is lowered.

[0024] It should be noted that during actual assembly, the mating structures corresponding to different cable trays can be independent structures, each inserted into and mating with the corresponding cable tray on the electrical connector. Furthermore, along the axial direction of the base 1, the cable bundle 7, formed by the convergence of power lines, signal lines, and data lines, enters the base 1 from the end furthest from the first cable tray 2. After entering the base 1, the cables are routed separately according to the positions of the corresponding power, signal, and data cable trays. A waterproof plug 6 is also connected between the cable bundle 7 and the base 1, which not only improves the sealing between the cable bundle 7 and the base 1 but also provides a certain degree of fixation for the cable bundle 7.

[0025] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the base 1 has a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other in its circumference. The dimension in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the base 1 in the second direction. The base 1 includes two first walls 11 arranged opposite each other along the first direction and two second walls 12 arranged opposite each other along the second direction. The second cable compartments 3 are at least arranged on the second walls 12, and all the second cable compartments 3 on the second walls 12 are power cable compartments. Since the power cable compartments require a large number of terminals, the base 1 is set as a flat structure, and the power cable compartments are arranged on the larger second walls 12 in the flat structure. This not only meets the requirement of large space occupation by power terminals, but also reduces the waste of the base 1 in the second direction and improves space utilization. The first walls 11 and the second walls 12 can be planar or curved surfaces, and this disclosure does not limit them.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, a first current terminal 31 is provided in the power cable compartment located on one of the second wall surfaces 12, and a second current terminal 32 is provided in the power cable compartment located on the other second wall surface 12. The rated current of the first current terminal 31 is greater than the rated current of the second current terminal 32. That is, one of the two power cable compartments is a high-current power cable compartment, and the other is a low-current power cable compartment, so that the electrical connector can simultaneously perform mating functions for both high and low currents. This enhances the versatility of the electrical connector's functions, adapting to the differentiated needs of different current specifications, eliminating the need for additional independent high-current or low-current connectors, reducing space occupation, and lowering costs. Furthermore, the fact that the first current terminal 31 corresponding to the high-current function and the second current terminal 32 corresponding to the low-current function are located in different cable compartments facilitates unified assembly and classified wiring by operators, avoiding wiring errors caused by mixing terminals of different specifications, reducing assembly error rates, and improving assembly efficiency. Multiple first current terminals 31 and second current terminals 32 can be provided in their respective power cable compartments. Similarly, multiple first signal terminals 21, second signal terminals 33, and data terminals 34 mentioned below can also be provided in their respective signal or data cable compartments. This disclosure does not impose any limitations on this. In the scheme where multiple first current terminals 31 and multiple second current terminals 32 are used, arranging the two types of current terminals separately facilitates planning the size and density of the terminals in the two power cable compartments. The size of the first current terminal 31 is larger than that of the second current terminal 32. Therefore, the first current terminals 31 are arranged more sparsely and in fewer quantities in the high-current power cable compartment, while the second current terminals 32 are arranged more densely in the low-current power cable compartment, with a greater number than the first current terminals 31 in the high-current power cable compartment.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second cable compartment 3 is also installed on at least one first wall surface 11, and the second cable compartment 3 on the first wall surface 11 is a signal cable compartment. This makes full use of the space of the relatively small first wall surface 11, improving the space utilization of the base 1, while also separating the installation positions of the signal cable compartment and the power cable compartment, avoiding the two from appearing on the same wall surface, thereby reducing the possibility of mis-insertion of the mating structure.

[0028] Alternatively, the first line warehouse 2 can also be a signal line warehouse, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a first signal terminal 21 can be provided in the first cable compartment 2, and a second signal terminal 33 can be provided in the signal cable compartment on the first wall surface 11. The transmission rate of the second signal terminal 33 is higher than that of the first signal terminal 21. The ends of the low-speed first signal terminals 21 are rigid and a large number are required, while the high-speed second signal terminals 33 are twisted wires (two or more strands twisted together) and a relatively smaller number are required compared to the number of first signal terminals 21 and current terminals. Therefore, distributing the first signal terminals 21 separately at the front, with the extension direction of the first signal terminals 21 being the axial direction of the base 1, can also reduce the degree of bending or twisting of the corresponding wire harness within the base 1. The second signal terminals 33 are distributed on the smaller side to achieve reasonable utilization of the space in the base 1, realizing the multi-functional transmission effect of the electrical connector while reducing the size of the base 1. Meanwhile, separating the first signal terminal 21 and the second signal terminal 33 into different cable compartments enables hierarchical transmission of low-speed and high-speed signals, avoiding crosstalk caused by mixed transmission of the two signals. This ensures the stability and accuracy of low-speed and high-speed signal transmission, and also facilitates quick identification and wiring by operators based on terminal type and location, improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly error rate. Here, the first signal terminal 21 and the second signal terminal 33 can both be low-voltage signal terminals or both be high-voltage signal terminals; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the base 1 may include a first step 101, a second step 102, and a third step 103 arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the axial direction. A first wire compartment 2 is disposed on the first step 101, and multiple second wire compartments 3 are arranged on the second step 102 and the third step 103. This achieves a layered arrangement of the first wire compartment 2 and multiple second wire compartments 3 on different step structures, thus fully utilizing the axial space of the base 1 and distributing multiple wire compartments across different step structures. This avoids space congestion caused by concentrating all wire compartments on the same plane, significantly improving space utilization. Distributing the wire compartments on different steps allows for the rational allocation of wire compartment types on each step structure according to their functional type and terminal characteristics, achieving functional layering and zoning. This facilitates the classification and organization of wire harnesses within the base 1, avoids cross-entanglement of different types of wire harnesses, reduces the complexity of the wire harness layout, and ensures that the electrical connector achieves multiple transmission functions while maintaining a more compact overall structure and a more rational layout. Furthermore, the stepped surfaces of the stepped structure can also provide certain limits for the mating structures corresponding to different wire compartments, improving the structural stability after installation. In addition, the layered cable compartments facilitate layered assembly and maintenance by operators, improving assembly efficiency and maintenance convenience. Here, in the radial and axial directions of the base 1, the dimensions of the first step 101, the second step 102, and the third step 103 can increase sequentially, that is, the dimension of the first step 101 is smaller than the dimension of the second step 102, and the dimension of the second step 102 is smaller than the dimension of the third step 103, so as to improve the structural stability of the electrical connector.

[0030] Regarding the position of the second line compartment 3 on the third step 103 and the second step 102, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in the axial direction of the base 1, the second wire compartment 3 on the third step 103 and the second wire compartment 3 on the second step 102 can be staggered. This avoids multiple second wire compartments 3 overlapping in the axial direction of the base 1, thus providing sufficient space for the wiring of multiple terminals corresponding to the wire harnesses within the base 1. It also avoids the axial overlap of second wire compartments 3 on different steps, which could lead to the crossing and compression of terminal wire harnesses, and prevents electromagnetic interference or layout interference caused by the crossing and compression between wire harnesses. This facilitates the layered wiring and orderly arrangement of the wire harnesses, reduces the complexity of the wire harness layout inside the base 1, and improves the convenience of wire harness installation and the performance of the electrical connectors.

[0031] It should be noted that the first step 101 can be integrally formed as the first cable compartment 2, or multiple first cable compartments 2 can be separately opened on the first step 101; this disclosure does not limit this. The second step 102 and the third step 103 can be arc-shaped structures or structures enclosed by multiple planes in the circumferential direction. Here, taking the structure where both the second step 102 and the third step 103 are enclosed by four walls as an example, two power cable compartments can be set on the wall of the second step 102 extending in the first direction, and one signal cable compartment can be set on one of the walls of the second step 102 extending in the second direction. A locking member 4 can be set on the wall opposite to the signal cable compartment. Here, regarding the position of the second wire compartment 3 on the second step 102, to adapt to the shape of the plug-in structure that mates with the corresponding wire compartment, a groove with four sides closed can be formed on the wall of the second step 102, in which the second wire compartment 3 is located. Alternatively, a groove with only three sides closed and an opening near the side of the first step 101 can also be formed on the wall of the second step 102. This disclosure does not limit this. Here, a sealing strip 5 can also be provided on the groove wall inside the second wire compartment 3 (only on the side of the first step 101). Figure 2 (The location of the signal cable compartment is shown) to improve the sealing effect when plugged into the corresponding structure. The data cable compartment mentioned above can be provided on the wall surface of the third step 103 corresponding to the locking member 4, and multiple heat dissipation vents 14 can also be opened on one of the walls of the third step 103 extending in the first direction to dissipate heat and prevent the internal temperature from being too high and affecting the function of the electrical connector.

[0032] Here, regarding the setting of the locking member 4, a placement groove for placing the locking member 4 can be opened on the second step 102. The locking member 4 can be hinged in the placement groove, and the extension direction of the hinge shaft is parallel to the axial direction of the base 1. One end of the locking member 4 can be provided with a lifting groove 41 for the operator to hook up. The hinge shaft can be located at the end away from the lifting groove 41. The locked structure can cooperate with the end of the locking member 4 near the hinge shaft. After the operator engages the lifting slot 41, the mating structure of the power cord compartment can be mated with the power cord compartment. At this time, the edge of the mating structure can be located in the placement slot where the locking member 4 is located. Pressing down the locking member 4 causes it to rotate, and the end of the locking member 4 near the hinge shaft can abut against the part of the mating structure of the power cord compartment located in the placement slot. As the locking member 4 is pressed down, the abutting force gradually increases until the locking member 4 is completely pressed into the placement slot, pressing the part of the mating structure of the power cord compartment located in the placement slot against the slot wall and the end of the locking member 4. This improves the tightness of the connection with the power cord compartment and prevents the mating structure from loosening.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the second cable compartment 3 on the third step 103 can be a data cable compartment, which contains data terminals 34, and the data terminals 34 are covered with shielding components 35. Data signals are susceptible to external electromagnetic interference during transmission; therefore, shielding components 35 are installed on their outer sides to form a complete Faraday cage, effectively isolating the internal high-frequency signals from external circuits. This not only reduces the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the data terminal transmission, but also, in the case of multiple data terminals 34 within the data cable compartment, the shielding components 35 covering each data terminal 34 prevent mutual interference between the data terminals 34, thereby ensuring the stability of high-speed data communication.

[0034] Here, multiple anti-mistake protrusions 13 can be arranged on the wall surface of the first step 101, and each anti-mistake protrusion 13 has a different shape. This prevents the first wire compartment 2 in the first step 101 from being inserted incorrectly when it mates with the corresponding structure. Regarding the location and number of the anti-mistake protrusions 13, there can be two protrusions, symmetrically arranged along the second direction on the outer wall surface of the first step 101, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the anti-misplacement protrusion 13 on one side is U-shaped, and the anti-misplacement protrusion 13 on the other side is H-shaped. The two sides have different shapes, and the corresponding anti-misplacement structures in their mating structure are also different, which can effectively prevent the insertion from being reversed. Of course, the anti-misplacement protrusion 13 can also be set as a circular, triangular, rectangular, or other structures, and multiple protrusions can be arranged on the same side or arranged circumferentially on the outer periphery of the first step 101. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0035] Based on the above solutions, this disclosure also provides a vehicle that includes the above-described electrical connector, and the vehicle has all the beneficial effects of the above-described electrical connector, which will not be repeated here.

[0036] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0037] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0038] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized by, The device includes a base, a first cable compartment is arranged at one end of the base in the axial direction, and a plurality of second cable compartments are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base. The first cable compartment is opened in the axial direction, and the second cable compartments are opened in the radial direction. The first cable compartment and each of the second cable compartments are at least independently one of power cable compartment, data cable compartment and signal cable compartment.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The base has a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other in the circumference, wherein the dimension in the first direction is greater than the dimension of the base in the second direction. The base includes two first walls arranged opposite to each other along the first direction and two second walls arranged opposite to each other along the second direction. The second cable compartments are at least arranged on the second walls, and the second cable compartments on the second walls are all power cable compartments.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein, A first current terminal is provided in a power cable compartment located on one of the second walls, and a second current terminal is provided in a power cable compartment located on the other second wall. The rated current of the first current terminal is greater than the rated current of the second current terminal.

4. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein, The second cable compartment is also installed on at least one of the first wall surfaces, and the second cable compartment on the first wall surface is a signal cable compartment.

5. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein, The first cable compartment is a signal cable compartment, and a first signal terminal is provided in the first cable compartment. A second signal terminal is provided in the signal cable compartment on the first wall, wherein the transmission rate of the second signal terminal is higher than the transmission rate of the first signal terminal.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The base includes a first step, a second step, and a third step arranged sequentially adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The first wire compartment is disposed on the first step, and a plurality of second wire compartments are arranged on the second step and the third step. The dimensions of the first step, the second step, and the third step increase sequentially in the radial and axial directions of the base.

7. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein, The second cable compartment on the third step is a data cable compartment, which contains data terminals, and the data terminals are covered with shielding.

8. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein, In the axial direction of the base, the second wire compartment on the third step is staggered with the second wire compartment on the second step.

9. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein, The wall surface of the first step is provided with multiple anti-mistake protrusions, and each anti-mistake protrusion has a different shape.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The electrical connector included in any one of claims 1-9.

Images