Lightweight plug-in high current female connector

Abstract

The application provides a light and plug-pullable large-current female connector, which comprises a terminal and a shell. The shell comprises an inner cavity for mounting the terminal and a socket for plug-pull connection of a male connector. The terminal comprises an adjusting assembly and two oppositely arranged contact pieces. One end of the two contact pieces extends to the vicinity of the socket. The adjusting assembly comprises a first adjusting surface and a second adjusting surface. The other end of the two contact pieces can be simultaneously elastically pressed on the first adjusting surface or the second adjusting surface. The pressing of the other end of the contact pieces on the first adjusting surface or the second adjusting surface can form the opening or folding of the one end of the contact pieces. The application provides a light and plug-pullable large-current female connector, which can facilitate plug-pull operation and avoid the attenuation of clamping force caused by plug-pull.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connectors, and in particular to a high-current female connector that is easy to plug and unplug. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the degree of electrification of vehicles is constantly increasing. The demand for power transmission between the three core systems of batteries, motors, and electronic control, as well as various high-voltage auxiliary equipment, is growing rapidly. A pure electric passenger vehicle often needs to be equipped with dozens of high-voltage, high-current connectors. In commercial vehicles and battery swapping vehicles, the number of connectors exceeds one hundred. As a key hub for power transmission, the ease of plugging and unplugging, connection reliability, and disassembly and maintenance efficiency of high-current connectors directly affect the vehicle assembly cycle, production and manufacturing costs, and the quality of subsequent operation and maintenance services.

[0003] Existing high-current female connectors mainly employ a pre-compression fixed elastic contact structure. Their internal conductive contact pieces generate a constant clamping force through elastic deformation to achieve electrical contact with the male pins. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers T / CAAMTB 55-2021 "Construction Specifications for Shared Battery Swapping Stations for Electric Passenger Vehicles," the insertion and extraction force of the electrical connector throughout the coupling and disengagement process should not exceed 400N, and the mechanical life should be no less than 10,000 cycles. However, existing technologies have the following problems in practical applications: Firstly, excessive insertion and extraction force leads to low operating efficiency: To ensure contact reliability during high current transmission, traditional contact pieces need to be designed with high pre-tightening force, resulting in initial insertion and extraction forces generally approaching or even exceeding the standard upper limit. On vehicle assembly lines and repair sites, operators need to insert and remove a large number of connectors one by one, resulting in low work efficiency. Furthermore, the separation of male and female ends relies entirely on external force to overcome the clamping force of the contact pieces, making the disassembly process extremely cumbersome and even requiring the use of special tools for forced disassembly. This not only increases repair and maintenance time and labor costs but may also damage surrounding wiring harnesses and components during disassembly.

[0004] Secondly, the clamping force decreases after prolonged use and repeated insertion and removal: Traditional contact pieces are always in an elastic deformation state throughout their entire service life, continuously subjected to alternating stress. According to industry test data, about 62% of connector failures are due to excessive contact resistance. The root cause is the stress relaxation and plastic deformation accumulation of the contact pieces. As the number of insertion and removal cycles increases, the elastic modulus of the contact pieces gradually decreases, the clamping force decreases, resulting in a smaller contact area and an increased contact resistance, which in turn generates local Joule heat accumulation. When the temperature rise exceeds the material's allowable limit, it can cause serious safety accidents such as terminal ablation, insulation carbonization, or even short circuits and fires. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a high-current female connector that is easy to plug and unplug, which facilitates plugging and unplugging operations and avoids clamping force attenuation caused by plugging and unplugging.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a high-current female connector that is easy to plug and unplug, comprising terminals and a housing. The housing includes an inner cavity for mounting the terminals and a socket for inserting the male connector. The terminals include an adjustment assembly and two opposing contact pieces. One end of each contact piece extends close to the socket. The adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment surface and a second adjustment surface. The other ends of the two contact pieces can be simultaneously and elastically pressed against the first adjustment surface or the second adjustment surface, and the pressing of the other ends of the contact pieces against the first adjustment surface or the second adjustment surface can open or close one end of the contact piece.

[0007] The advantages of the above technical solution are: by adjusting the first and second adjustment surfaces in the component to cooperate with the contact pieces, the opening and closing states can be controlled. This allows the first adjustment surface and the contact pieces to open one end of the two contact pieces when the male connector needs to be inserted or removed, making insertion and removal much easier. After insertion, the second adjustment surface and the contact pieces are then engaged to close the two contact pieces, providing sufficient clamping force to ensure stable transmission of high current. On the one hand, the insertion and removal operation can be completed without overcoming the full elastic force of the contact pieces, which is convenient and especially suitable for the scenario of densely deployed dozens or hundreds of connectors in new energy vehicles, significantly shortening the vehicle assembly and subsequent maintenance time. On the other hand, it also allows the contact pieces to bear clamping stress only in the working state. During insertion and removal operations, they can open, avoiding stress relaxation, plastic deformation and elastic fatigue caused by long-term high stress.

[0008] The present invention can be further configured such that: the adjustment component includes a movable member, and the first adjustment surface and the second adjustment surface are disposed adjacently on the movable member, and the movable member can slide forward or backward relative to the contact piece, thereby causing the contact object of the contact piece to change between the first adjustment surface and the second adjustment surface.

[0009] By further configuring the first and second adjustment surfaces adjacent to each other on the movable part, it is possible to quickly switch between the first and second adjustment surfaces by sliding them back and forth, enabling a simple and fast operation.

[0010] The present invention can be further configured such that: the adjusting component includes a rotating shaft, the other end of the contact piece is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the movable part is provided with a guide groove, and the movable part is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft through the guide groove.

[0011] By further designing the rotating shaft as the fixed rotation fulcrum of the contact pieces, the two contact pieces can move in a stable manner, avoiding poor contact caused by unilateral offset. The moving parts are directly sleeved on the rotating shaft through the guide groove. The rotating shaft simultaneously undertakes the functions of supporting the rotation of the contact pieces and guiding the sliding of the moving parts, avoiding errors in both, while also reducing the number of parts and lowering the assembly difficulty.

[0012] The present invention can be further configured such that: both sides of the contact piece are bent to form a retaining edge, the contact piece is movably connected to the rotating shaft through the retaining edge, the retaining edges of the two contact pieces slide against each other, and the movable part is attached to the inner side of the retaining edge.

[0013] By further designing the baffles formed by bending the two sides of the contact piece, the bending and torsional strength of the contact piece can be improved, enabling it to withstand greater clamping force without deformation. Furthermore, the baffles of the two contact pieces slide against each other, forming a limiting and guiding effect. The moving part is fitted against the inner side of the baffle, which restricts the left and right swaying of the moving part. In conjunction with the contact between the first or second adjusting surface and the contact piece, the moving part is also limited, enhancing stability.

[0014] The present invention can be further configured such that: the movable part is in the form of a sheet, and a first adjustment surface and a second adjustment surface are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the movable part.

[0015] With further design, the upper and lower ends are symmetrically set with adjustment surfaces, so that the two contact pieces are subjected to uniform force during the opening and closing process. Its sheet-like structure can be formed in one piece by stamping process, which is simple to process, has a high material utilization rate, and the sheet-like moving parts are easier to adjust.

[0016] The present invention can be further configured such that: the adjusting component includes a torsion spring, the torsion spring is fitted on the rotating shaft, and the two ends of the torsion spring are respectively provided with connecting feet for connecting two contact plates.

[0017] By further designing the torsion spring mounted on the rotating shaft, a constant elastic force is provided to the contact piece, which in turn provides elastic force for the elastic clamping of the contact piece. This transfers the source of clamping force from the contact piece itself to the independent torsion spring, allowing the contact piece to primarily bear the conductive current and contact pressure, instead of bearing long-term bending stress. This results in strong stability, and the torsion spring is directly mounted on the rotating shaft, making full use of the shaft and not occupying additional installation space.

[0018] The present invention can be further configured such that: a plurality of conductive portions are provided at one end of the contact piece, the plurality of conductive portions are arranged at intervals corresponding to the width direction of the contact piece, the conductive portions extend obliquely toward the conductive portion direction relative to the contact piece, and bend and extend near the end.

[0019] By further designing the contact piece, multiple spaced conductive parts are arranged at one end to form a multi-point contact structure. This ensures that even if individual conductive parts are worn or have poor contact, other conductive parts can still maintain normal electrical connection. The bending structure at the end of the conductive parts forms a contact and guiding structure, which can ensure the clamping effect and provide some guidance for the mating end of the male connector.

[0020] The present invention can be further configured such that: a slot is provided in the middle of the contact piece, and a swing block is provided on the outer side of the shell, wherein the swing block can swing until its front end extends into the inner cavity and can extend into the slot to limit the contact piece.

[0021] By further designing the housing, a swing block is provided on the outside of the housing. This block can swing to extend into the inner cavity and engage with the slot in the middle of the contact piece. This can limit the movement of the contact piece, prevent displacement of the contact piece when adjusting the moving parts, and ensure positioning when the contact piece is closed.

[0022] The present invention can be further configured such that: a flip cover is provided on the outer side of the shell, and the flip cover is oscillating and can cover the oscillating block.

[0023] By further configuring a flip cover that can swing and cover the swing block, the swing block can be effectively prevented from unlocking due to vibration, collision or accidental human touch during vehicle operation, thus improving the safety of connector use.

[0024] The present invention can be further configured such that: while the flap swings to cover the swing block, it can form a slot around the socket with the shell, and the slot is used to form a snap-fit ​​with the male connector.

[0025] By further redesigning the cover so that it swings to cover the swing block while simultaneously forming a slot around the housing, the cover can simultaneously perform the dual functions of protecting the swing block and engaging with the male connector, reducing the number of separate engaging parts and simplifying the overall structure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of state 1 in embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of state 2 in embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 Sectional view at point BB; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of state 2 of embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the adjustment component and the contact piece in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a state diagram of the present invention after state 1 is combined with the male connector in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 9 Sectional view at CC; Wherein: terminal 1; adjustment assembly 11; first adjustment surface 111; second adjustment surface 112; movable part 113; guide groove 1131; rotating shaft 114; torsion spring 115; connecting foot 1151; contact piece 12; flange 121; conductive part 122; slot 123; electrical connection piece 13; shell 2; inner cavity 21; socket 22; swing block 23; flip cover 24; slot 25; rear cover 26; flexible part 261; rotating part 262; connecting block 263; sealing ring 27. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a high-current female connector that is easy to plug and unplug. Figure 1-8 As shown: It includes a terminal 1 and a housing 2. The housing 2 includes an inner cavity 21 for mounting the terminal 1 and a socket 22 for inserting a male connector. The terminal 1 includes an adjustment component 11 and two oppositely arranged contact pieces 12. One end of the two contact pieces 12 extends to near the socket 22. The adjustment component 11 includes a first adjustment surface 111 and a second adjustment surface 112. The other ends of the two contact pieces 12 can be simultaneously and elastically pressed against the first adjustment surface 111 or the second adjustment surface 112. The pressing of the other end of the contact piece 12 against the first adjustment surface 111 or the second adjustment surface 112 can form an opening or closing of one end of the contact piece 12. The tail end of the terminal is also provided with an electrical connection piece 13. The electrical connection piece 13 and the movable part 113 are integrally set. The electrical connection piece 13 is silently welded to the front end of the wire harness, and then the movable part 113 connects to the contact piece 12.

[0028] The adjustment component 11 includes a movable member 113. The first adjustment surface 111 and the second adjustment surface 112 are arranged adjacently on the movable member 113. The movable member 113 can slide forward or backward relative to the contact piece 12, thereby causing the contact object of the contact piece 12 to change between the first adjustment surface 111 and the second adjustment surface 112. In this embodiment, the housing 2 also includes a rear cover 26 located at its rear end and forming a cover over the inner cavity 21. The rear cover includes a flexible part 261. The movable member 113 is connected to the flexible part 261. The flexible part 261 can elastically deform with the movement of the movable member 113. When the flexible part 261 is reset, the movable member 113 is in a position that allows the two contact pieces 12 to close. When the operator needs to plug or unplug the female connector and the male connector, he or she can pull the wire harness behind the terminal to cause the movable member 113 to move and drive the two contact pieces 12 to open. After the operation is completed, the flexible part 261 resets and drives the movable member 113 to move, which is convenient for operation.

[0029] The adjustment component 11 includes a rotating shaft 114, the other end of the contact piece 12 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 114, and the movable part 113 is provided with a guide groove 1131, which is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft 114 through the guide groove 1131.

[0030] Both sides of the contact piece 12 are bent to form a retaining edge 121. The contact piece 12 is movably connected to the rotating shaft 114 through the retaining edge 121. The retaining edges 121 of the two contact pieces 12 slide and abut against each other. The movable part 113 fits against the inner side of the retaining edge 121. In this embodiment, each of the two contact pieces 12 has a hole on one of its retaining edges 121 for the rotating shaft to pass through. The two contact pieces 12 are staggered, so that the two ends of the rotating shaft pass through the two holes respectively, which is convenient for processing and installation. Of course, both contact pieces 12 can also be provided with holes for the rotating shaft to pass through, or the rotating shaft can be extended to rotate and engage with the inner wall of the housing to further enhance the positioning effect.

[0031] The movable part 113 is plate-shaped, and a first adjustment surface 111 and a second adjustment surface 112 are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the movable part 113. There are two movable parts 113, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the width direction of the shell 2.

[0032] The adjustment assembly 11 includes a torsion spring 115, which is mounted on the rotating shaft 114. The two ends of the torsion spring 115 are respectively provided with connecting feet 1151 that connect to two contact pieces 12, and the connecting feet 1151 are welded to the contact pieces.

[0033] A plurality of conductive portions 122 are provided at one end of the contact piece 12. The conductive portions 122 are arranged at intervals corresponding to the width direction of the contact piece 12. The conductive portions 122 extend obliquely toward the direction of the conductive portion 122 of the contact piece 12 and bend and extend near the end.

[0034] A slot 123 is provided in the middle of the contact piece 12, and a swing block 23 is provided on the outer side of the shell 2. The swing block 23 can swing until its front end extends into the inner cavity 21 and can extend into the slot 123 to limit the contact piece 12.

[0035] The outer side of the shell 2 is provided with a flip cover 24, which is swayable and can cover the swaying block 23.

[0036] The flap 24 swings to cover the swing block 23 while forming a slot 25 around the insertion port 22 between it and the shell 2. The slot 25 is used to form a snap-fit ​​with the male connector. A sealing ring 27 is provided at the bottom of the slot 25. The sealing ring 27 can form a seal after the male connector and the female connector are inserted and coupled, preventing external liquid from entering the connector through the slot 123.

[0037] Embodiment 2 of the present invention is a high-current female connector that is easy to plug and unplug. Figure 9-10 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is as follows: The shell 2 further includes a rear cover 26 located at its rear end and covering the inner cavity 21. The rear cover 26 is provided with a rotating member 262 and a connecting block 263. The rotating member 262 is rotatably connected to the main body of the rear cover. The movable member 113 passes through the connecting block 263 to form a positioning fit. The connecting block 263 and the rotating member 262 are screwed together. During the rotation of the rotating member 262, the movable member 113, because it is connected to the contact piece 12, is limited by the swing block 23 and the inner wall of the inner cavity 21 and cannot rotate. This causes the connecting block 263, which is screwed to the rotating member 262, to drive the movable member to move back and forth. This causes the mating object at the other end of the contact piece 12 to switch between the first adjustment surface 111 and the second adjustment surface 112. Finally, it drives the opening or closing of one end of the two contact pieces 12. This setting will not be affected by the back and forth pulling, which will lead to loosening or poor contact. Moreover, the movement trajectory of the movable member is more stable.

[0038] The outer diameter of the rotating component 262 extends to the outside of the rear cover 26. This is because the power supply part of the terminals and connecting terminals needs to be covered with insulating material during use, so that part of the rotating component 262 is still exposed on the outside for the convenience of the operator.

[0039] The above examples are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention are all included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lightweight, high-current female connector, comprising terminals and a housing, wherein the housing includes an inner cavity for mounting the terminals and a socket for inserting a male connector, characterized in that: The terminal includes an adjustment component and two opposing contact pieces. One end of each contact piece extends close to the socket. The adjustment component includes a first adjustment surface and a second adjustment surface. The other ends of the two contact pieces can simultaneously and elastically press against the first or second adjustment surface. Pressing the other ends of the contact pieces against the first or second adjustment surface can open or close one end of the contact piece. The tail end of the terminal is also provided with an electrical connection piece. The electrical connection piece and the movable part are integrally formed. The electrical connection piece is silently welded to the front end of the wire harness, and then the movable part connects to the contact piece. The adjustment component includes a movable part. The first and second adjustment surfaces are adjacent to each other on the movable part. The movable part can slide forward or backward relative to the contact piece, thereby causing the contact object of the contact piece to change between the first and second adjustment surfaces.

2. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly includes a rotating shaft, the other end of the contact piece is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, and the movable part is provided with a guide groove, through which the movable part is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft.

3. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both sides of the contact piece are bent to form a retaining edge. The contact piece is movably connected to the rotating shaft through the retaining edge. The retaining edges of the two contact pieces slide and abut against each other. The movable part is attached to the inner side of the retaining edge.

4. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The movable component is plate-shaped, and a first adjustment surface and a second adjustment surface are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the movable component.

5. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The adjustment component includes a torsion spring, which is mounted on a rotating shaft, and each end of the torsion spring is provided with a connecting foot that connects to two contact plates.

6. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: A plurality of conductive portions are provided at one end of the contact piece, and the conductive portions are arranged at intervals corresponding to the width direction of the contact piece. The conductive portions extend at an incline toward the conductive portion of the contact piece and bend and extend near the end.

7. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A slot is provided in the middle of the contact piece, and a swing block is provided on the outer side of the shell. The swing block can swing until its front end extends into the inner cavity and can extend into the slot to limit the contact piece.

8. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer side of the shell is provided with a flip cover, which is swaying and can cover the swaying block.

9. The high-current female connector with easy plugging and unplugging according to claim 8, characterized in that: The flap swings to cover the swing block while forming a slot around the socket with the shell. The slot is used to form a snap-fit ​​with the male connector.

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