Connector and electrical assembly for a cooled cable

Abstract

A connector (100) for electrically and fluidly connecting a cooled electrical cable (110) to a cooled busbar (140) is disclosed. The connector (100) includes a terminal body (120), a busbar coupling (180) configured to couple the terminal body (120) to the cooled busbar (140) at an aperture (124) thereof, and a clamp (160). The terminal body includes a first aperture and a second aperture, a channel (150) extending through the terminal body, the channel (150) connecting the first aperture (122) and the second aperture (124). The channel can pass coolant (130) between the cooled electrical cable (110) and the cooled busbar (140). The terminal body (120) includes a tube fitting for coupling the terminal body to a tube of the cooled electrical cable (110), the tube fitting including the first aperture. The clamp can clamp electrical conductors of a ring arrangement of the cable between the clamp and the terminal body adjacent the tube fitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article relates to connectors and electrical components used for cooled cables. Background Technology

[0002] Cooling can be used in high-power electrical applications to improve safety and efficiency. For example, electrical systems can be cooled using a fluid coolant, which carries heat away from the conductors through a path adjacent to them. Maintaining close spatial proximity between the conductive and cooling components of the system can be challenging. Achieving effective cooling while keeping the structure compact is also a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses a connector and electrical assembly for a cable being cooled, such as a high-voltage cable with fluid cooling. The connector and assembly described herein can effectively cool circuitry, for example, by maintaining close proximity between conductive elements and heat exchange and / or cooling elements. In various embodiments, the connector described herein can help effectively cool circuitry including the cable being cooled and, for example, the busbar being cooled.

[0004] A connector for electrically and fluidly connecting a cable to be cooled to a busbar to be cooled is disclosed. The connector includes a terminal body, a busbar connector, and a clamp. The terminal body includes: a first orifice and a second orifice; a channel extending through the terminal body, the channel connecting the first orifice and the second orifice, the channel being used to allow coolant to pass between the cable to be cooled and the busbar to be cooled; and a conduit fitting for attaching the terminal body to a conduit of the cable to be cooled, the conduit fitting including the first orifice. The busbar connector is configured to attach the terminal body to the busbar to be cooled at the second orifice. The clamp is used to clamp annularly arranged electrical conductors of the cable adjacent to the conduit fitting between the clamp and the terminal body. The connector can allow effective cooling of components such as cables, connectors, and busbars. For example, the conductors of the cable can be arranged annularly around at least a portion of the conduit fitting and / or the channel, which can allow efficient heat transfer to the coolant.

[0005] The connector described above can be further improved by adding one or more features as described below, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined independently and / or in any desired manner with any other features described below.

[0006] The connector may have a mating direction, which is the direction for mating the tube to the tube fitting. The mating axis is along the mating direction and may pass through the center of the first orifice.

[0007] The terminal body may include an electrical contact surface, which may be the outer surface of the terminal body adjacent to the conduit fitting. The electrical contact surface may be used for electrical contact with an annularly arranged electrical conductor of the cable.

[0008] The fittings and electrical contact surfaces can be adjacent, for example, adjacent along the mating direction. This can provide a compact connector that generates less resistive heat from the cable conductors.

[0009] A second clamp may be provided to clamp the tube and the annularly arranged electrical conductor between the second clamp and the tube fitting.

[0010] The electrical contact surface can have an annular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the mating axis. This allows for good mating with annularly arranged electrical conductors.

[0011] The clamp provides a radially inward force toward the electrical contact surface of the terminal body. This provides good electrical contact and mechanical attachment.

[0012] The fitting may have a first orifice at one end and an electrical contact surface at the other end. The electrical contact surface may be adjacent to the fitting. This provides a compact structure to minimize the amount of cable, which reduces the amount of resistive heat generated.

[0013] A clamp can press the conductor of a cable onto an electrical contact surface. The clamp can be a ring. The clamp can provide a radial force pointing towards the mating axis. The clamp can be configured to press a ring-shaped electrical conductor onto the electrical contact surface. The clamp can additionally provide force on the cable to seal the cable tube to the tube mating surface. The mating can be irreversible, for example, if the clamp is irreversibly pressed.

[0014] The width of the fixture, parallel to the mating direction, can match the length of the electrical contact surface along the mating direction.

[0015] The electrical contact surface may be a metal surface treatment layer. The electrical contact surface may be electrodeposited and / or polished. The electrical contact surface may include at least one of the following: copper, aluminum, nickel, gold, or tin.

[0016] The fitting can be inserted into the tube, for example, along the mating direction. When mated, there is a fluid connection, wherein the tube extends around the first orifice.

[0017] In a cross-section perpendicular to the mating axis, the mating surface of the tube fitting can be annular. The mating surface can have a smaller diameter than the electrical contact surface; steps can exist between the surfaces. This allows for a good mechanical, sealing, and / or electrical connection between the tube and the annularly arranged electrical conductor of the cooled cable to the connector.

[0018] The electrical contact surface can have a constant diameter and extend along the mating axis. A constant diameter provides a secure mechanical attachment. The mating surface of the fitting can be barbed and / or include one or more barbs. This improves the mating connection. The mating surface of the fitting can contact the inner wall of the tubing. Alternatively / additionally, corrugations can be configured to abut the inner wall of the tubing from which the cooled cable is being cooled.

[0019] The busbar connector can be configured to fluid- and hermetically connect a second orifice to the cooled busbar. The busbar connector can reversibly connect the busbar to the terminal body.

[0020] Busbar connectors may include at least one of the following: an O-ring, a ring spring, or a washer arranged in a ring around the connection axis. This ensures sealing and / or electrical contact.

[0021] The connecting shaft can pass through the second orifice. The terminal body can be connected to the cooled busbar along the connecting shaft. The connecting shaft can pass through the center of the channel at the second orifice.

[0022] At least one of the O-rings or ring springs may be arranged circumferentially around the channel. At least one of the O-rings or ring springs may be configured to form a seal with the cooled busbar. The ring spring may be used for conductive connections, for example, to form an electrical contact between the cooled busbar and the connector. The ring spring may be a contact spring.

[0023] At least one of the O-rings or ring springs can be separated from the channel by a cylindrical conduit in the terminal body. The conduit can extend to a second orifice. This ensures a seal and / or electrical contact.

[0024] The conduit can be inserted into the busbar.

[0025] Multiple washers (if present) may include copper. Washers can deform during connector and busbar connection. Copper can form a good mechanical connection and conductive interface.

[0026] Busbar connectors may include bolts extending parallel to the connection axis for securing the connector to the cooled busbar. The bolts may pass through a flange that engages with or is integral with the terminal body. The bolts may be screwed into the busbar for attaching the connector to the busbar.

[0027] For example, the connector may include a bolt extending along the connection axis through a second orifice, and a conduit. This conduit allows coolant to pass between the cooled cable and the cooled busbar. This can provide a compact arrangement with good heat transfer characteristics from the conductive path to the coolant.

[0028] The conduit may lead to an opening for allowing coolant to pass between the busbar and the conduit. The conduit for the bolt may be at least partially located within a channel in the terminal body.

[0029] Bolts can pass through washers between the terminal body and the busbar. Alternatively / additionally, bolts can pass through washers between the bolt head and the terminal body.

[0030] This document discloses a connection assembly including a connector, a cooled busbar, and a cooled cable, the cooled cable including a conduit and an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may be arranged in a ring around the conduit, conduit fittings, and electrical contact surfaces. The electrical conductor of the cooled cable may extend to the electrical contact surfaces and clamps of the connector's terminal body.

[0031] The conductor may extend beyond the tube, where the tube terminates at the tube fitting.

[0032] The connection assembly may also include, for example, a housing that includes an opening through which an electrical conductor of a cooled cable passes to the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0033] In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings and several embodiments, the different features of which can be combined with each other as needed based on the general description above. Furthermore, if the technical effect of a feature is not required in a particular application, that feature can be omitted from the embodiments described below. Similarly, if its technical effect is not essential for a particular application, the aforementioned features that are not present in the embodiments described below can be added.

[0034] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used for at least one element that corresponds to each other in terms of structure and function.

[0035] Figure 1 A cross-section of the connecting assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A cross-section of the connector according to an embodiment is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 A cross-section of the cooled cable according to an embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 A cross-section of the connecting assembly according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0039] Figure 5 A cross-section of the connecting component according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, connection components, connectors, and parts thereof according to several possible embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0041] Figure 1 A cross-section of the connection assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The connection assembly 1000 may include a connector 100 that can electrically and fluidly connect the cooled cable 110 to another component, such as the cooled busbar 140. The connection assembly 1000 may include the cooled cable 110, the cooled busbar 140, and the connector 100.

[0042] Connector 100 may include terminal body 120, which may have a first aperture 122 and a second aperture 124. Channel 150 may extend through terminal body 120. Channel 150 may connect the first aperture 122 and the second aperture 124. Coolant 130 may pass through channel 150 between the cooled cable 110 and the cooled busbar 140. For example, coolant 130 may be transferred from the first aperture 122 to the second aperture 124.

[0043] Connector 100 may include a tube fitting 190, which may be part of terminal body 120. Tube fitting 190 may be attached to terminal body 120. Tube fitting 190 may be integrally formed with terminal body 120.

[0044] A fitting 190 is used to mate a terminal body 120 to a tube 118 of a cooled cable 110. The fitting 190 may include a first orifice 122. The mating of the terminal body 120 and the tube 118 can occur along a mating axis 199'. For example, the fitting 190 is inserted into the tube 118 along the mating axis 199'. A mating direction 199, parallel to the mating axis 199', may be directed toward the terminal body 120, for example, along the end of the cable 110 that mats with the connector 100. The mating direction 199 is the direction for mating the tube 118 to the fitting 190. The mating direction 199 and / or the mating axis 199' may pass through the first orifice 122, for example, its center.

[0045] Fitting 190 can be configured for insertion into tube 118 along mating axis 199'. Alternatively / additionally, fitting 190 is configured for fluid connection with tube 118. When tube 118 and fitting 190 mate, tube 118 can extend around first orifice 122.

[0046] Connector 100 may include bus connector 180 that connects terminal body 120 to cooled bus 140 at a second orifice 124. Bus connector 180 can fluidly and hermetically connect the second orifice 124 to cooled bus 140. The connection between bus connector 180 and bus 140 may be reversible.

[0047] Figure 2 A cross-section of the connector according to an embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The described embodiments may be based on references Figure 1 The embodiments described. The connecting axis 299' may be the axis along which the connector 100 is connected (e.g., reversibly connected) to the bus 140.

[0048] Busbar 180 and terminal body 120 may pass through second aperture 124 along their connecting axis 299', for example, where terminal body 120 is connected to the cooled busbar 140. Connecting axis 299' may pass through the center of second aperture 124. For example, when channel 150 passes straight through terminal body 120, connecting axis 299' may be collinear and / or parallel to mating axis 199'.

[0049] Busbar connector 180 may include at least one of an O-ring 250, an annular spring 260, or a washer. The O-ring 250 and / or annular spring 260 may help to fluidly seal connector 100 to busbar 140. Alternatively / additionally, annular spring 260 may help to provide electrical contact between busbar 140 and terminal body 120. The O-ring 250, annular spring 260, and / or washer may be arranged circumferentially about coupling axis 299'.

[0050] O-ring 250 and / or annular spring 260 may be arranged circumferentially around channel 150. Alternatively / additionally, at least one of O-ring 250 or annular spring 260 is configured to form a seal with the cooled busbar 140, for example, a fluid seal for coolant 130, such that it is sealed. O-ring 250 and / or annular spring 260 may seal the busbar 140 and terminal body 120 at the connection, allowing coolant 130 to pass between terminal body 120 and busbar 140.

[0051] The O-ring 250 and / or the annular spring 260 can be separated from the channel 150 via the cylindrical conduit 290 of the terminal body 120. The cylindrical conduit 290 can extend to the second orifice 124. The O-ring 250 and / or the annular spring 260 can be located between the outer surface of the cylindrical conduit 290 and the cooled busbar 140. The cylindrical conduit 290 can be inserted into the cooled busbar 140.

[0052] Connector 100 and / or bus connector 180 may include a flange 270 that provides a stop surface for the annularly arranged electrical conductor 116 of the bus connector 180 and / or cable 110. For example, when connector 100 is coupled to bus 140, such as by inserting cylindrical conduit 290 into the cooled bus 140, flange 270 may abut bus 140. Flange 270 may alternatively / additionally provide a stop surface for the end of the annularly arranged conductor 116 of cable 110.

[0053] Figure 3 A cross-section of the cooled cable according to an embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 3 The described embodiments may be based on references Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The embodiments described. The cooled cable 110 may include a conduit 118 and a conductor 116. The conductor 116 may be suitable for high-voltage applications, such as for electric vehicles. The conductor 116 may include multiple strands. The conductor 116 may include braided strands. The conductor 116 may be arranged annularly, for example, around the longitudinal axis 399 of the cable 110. The conduit 118 may define a coolant passage 350 through which coolant 130 passes.

[0054] When cable 110 is mated to connector 100, coolant passage 350 of cable 110 is connected to passage 150 of terminal body 120. The mating of cable 110 and connector 100 may allow mating axis 199' of connector 100 and longitudinal axis 399 of cable 110 to be collinear and / or the same axis.

[0055] Coolant 130 can be a non-conductive fluid such as silicone oil, which can reduce the risk of electrical short circuits. Coolant 130 can pass through coolant channels 350 of the cable 110 being cooled and transfer heat therefrom, for example, by absorbing heat from the annular conductor 116, which can be radially directly adjacent to the outer wall of the tube 118. The radial direction is perpendicular to the long axis 399 of the cable 110. The long axis 399 can pass through the center of the cable 110 being cooled.

[0056] The tube 118 may comprise Teflon and / or polytetrafluoroethylene, which are resistant to chemical corrosion and / or decomposition. For relatively low resistance, the conductor 116 may comprise at least one of copper or aluminum.

[0057] The cooled cable 110 may additionally include at least one of an insulator 115 (e.g., an inner insulator between the conductor 116 and the shield 114), a shield 114 (e.g., a conductive shielding mesh), or a cable sheath 112 (e.g., an outer insulator). The cross-section of the tube 118, cable conductor 116, insulator 115, shield 114, and / or sheath 112 (in a plane perpendicular to the long axis 299' of the cable 110) is annular. Alternatively / additionally, the tube 118, cable conductor 116, insulator 115, shield 114, and / or sheath 112 may be arranged concentrically, for example, around the longitudinal axis 299 of the cable 110, which may pass through the center of the cable 110 and / or the coolant channel 350.

[0058] Connector 100 and / or connection assembly 1000 may include clamp 160 for clamping the annularly arranged electrical conductor 116 of cable 110 between clamp 160 and terminal body 120 adjacent to fitting 190. For example, fitting 190 has a first orifice 122 at a first end and an electrical contact surface 230 at the other end. The electrical contact surface 230 may be adjacent to fitting 190 at the end of fitting opposite to the first orifice 122.

[0059] The clamp 160 may be a ferrule. The ferrule can provide radially inward force, for example, when the ferrule is crimped, by mechanical or electromagnetic means, such as using an electromagnetic pulse. For example, the clamp 160 may use electromagnetic pulse technology (EMPT) to secure the annularly arranged electrical conductor 116 to the terminal body 120 and electrically engage the conductor 116 to the terminal body 120. The clamp 160 may crimp by EMPT and / or by mechanical crimping.

[0060] Terminal body 120 may include an electrical contact surface 230, which may be an outer surface adjacent to fitting 190. The electrical contact surface 230 is configured for electrical contact with an annularly arranged electrical conductor 116 of cable 110. The electrical contact surface 230 may be annularly arranged around channel 150. Fitting 190 may be adjacent to the electrical contact surface 230 along mating direction 199. The electrical contact surface 230 may have an annular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to mating axis 199'.

[0061] The clamp 160 can provide a radially inward force toward the electrical contact surface 230 of the terminal body 120. The radially inward force can be directed toward the mating axis 199. Alternatively / additionally, the clamp 160 presses the conductor 116 onto the electrical contact surface 230 of the terminal body 120.

[0062] The fitting 190 may include a fitting surface 220. The fitting surface 220 and the electrical contact surface 230 may be adjacent to each other, for example, along a fitting axis 199'. The fitting surface 220 and the electrical contact surface 230 may be separated by a step 280 (e.g., annular step). The outer diameter of the fitting surface 220 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the electrical contact surface 230. The difference in step and / or outer diameter may allow for a good connection of annularly arranged cable conductors 116, which are arranged annularly around the outside of the fitting 118. This may reduce mechanical strain on the conductor 116. The step 280 may have a height corresponding to the wall thickness of the fitting 118.

[0063] Additionally, clamp 160 can be configured to provide compressive force on cable 110 to seal the conduit 118 of cable 110 to conduit mating surface 220. Alternatively / additionally, a second clamp can clamp the conduit 118, and the second clamp is used to clamp the conduit 118 and the annularly arranged electrical conductor 116 between the second clamp and the conduit fitting 190. Clamp 160 can be located around the electrical contact surface 230. Optional second clamp can be located around the conduit mating surface 220. Clamp 160 is used to electrically mate the conductor 116 and terminal body 120 of cable 110; clamp 160 can additionally fluid seal the conduit 118 and conduit fitting 190. Optional second clamp is used to fluid seal the conduit 118 and connector 100. Omitting the optional second clamp can help accelerate the manufacturing / connection process. Including the optional second clamp can provide redundancy for the fluid seal.

[0064] The clamp 160 ensures electrical contact between the annular conductor 116 and the electrical contact surface 230. The clamp 160 can directly abut against the outer surface of the annular conductor 116 of the cooled cable 110. Alternatively / additionally, the annular conductor 116 can directly abut the electrical contact surface 230 at its radially inner surface. The clamp 160 can function via a crimping action. The clamp 160 can be a crimping member and / or a collar.

[0065] The width of the clamp 160, parallel to the mating axis 199', matches the length of the electrical contact surface 230 along the mating direction 199'. This matching width provides a uniformly distributed force, ensuring a secure electrical contact. The matching width also contributes to a fluid seal between the tube 118 and the fitting 190.

[0066] The electrical contact surface 230 may have a constant diameter along the mating axis 199'. This can help provide a secure mechanical connection between the clamp 160, the annularly arranged electrical conductor 116, and the electrical contact surface 230. This can alternatively / additionally help provide a secure electrical contact.

[0067] Electrical contact surface 230 may include a metal surface treatment layer, such as a metal surface treatment layer comprising at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, tin, or gold. Gold is highly conductive, flexible, and inert to corrosion. Copper is highly conductive and relatively soft, making the electrical contact robust. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive and a good conductor. Nickel contributes to mechanical durability. Tin can help form alloys and is a soft conductor. Optional metal surface treatment layers for electrical contact surface 230 may be electrodeposited; alternatively / additionally, in addition to electrical contact surface 230, optional metal surface treatment layers may be applied to terminal body 120 and / or fitting 190. Flexibility may be desirable for forming good electrical contact between the electrical conductor 116 of cable 110 and electrical contact surface 230 via compression by clamp 160.

[0068] The electrical contact surface 230 and the tube mating surface 220 can be arranged annularly along the mating axis 199'. The tube mating surface 220 can have a smaller diameter than the electrical contact surface 230. The difference in diameter between the tube mating surface 220 and the electrical contact surface 230 can accommodate the annular arrangement of the conductor 116 and the tube 118, for example, since the inner diameter of the conductor 116 is larger than the inner diameter of the tube 118.

[0069] The proximity of the electrical contact surface 230 and the mating surface 220 to each other helps to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The annular arrangement of the conductor 116 allows for electrical mating with the connector 100 with minimal deformation of the conductor 116. By reducing deformation, EMI can be reduced, including when the conductor 116 includes braided strands.

[0070] The pipe-mating surface 220 of the pipe fitting 190 may abut the interior of the pipe 118, for example, the inner wall of the pipe 118. The fit may be irreversible in the sense that removing the pipe would damage it. The pipe-mating surface 220 of the pipe fitting 190 may include one or more corrugations and / or one or more barbs 240, which may assist in providing a secure connection and / or a secure fluid seal. The corrugations and / or barbs 240 may abut the inner wall of the conduit for the cable.

[0071] Figure 4 A connector assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The connector assembly 1000 includes a connector 100, a cable 110, and a busbar 140. Reference Figure 4 The described connector assembly 1000 and connector 100 may include features of the previously described embodiments, which may be referenced to the previous drawings.

[0072] For example Figure 4As shown in the embodiments, the bus connector 180 may include bolts 410 for securing the connector 100 to the bus 140. As described herein, the bus connector 180 including bolts 410 may include various embodiments of pipe fittings 190, and various embodiments of clamps 160 and / or electrical contact surfaces 230.

[0073] Bolt 410 can secure the flange 420 of connector 100 and / or terminal body 120 to busbar 140. Bolt 410 can also provide a conductive path between terminal body 120 and busbar 140.

[0074] Bolt 410 may extend parallel to and / or along the connection axis 299'. Bolt 410 may extend through flange 420. Flange 420 may engage with or be integral with terminal body 120. Bolt 410 may be screwed into busbar 120.

[0075] Channel 150 may have a bend. A non-zero angle, such as 90°, may exist between the connecting axis 299' and the mating axis 199'. Having a non-zero angle allows connector 100 to be used in devices having a geometry that makes it difficult or impossible to have a straight coolant flow between cable 110 and busbar 140.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, bolt 410 extends parallel to the connecting shaft 299 for securing connector 100 to the cooled busbar 140.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, busbar connector 180 may include an O-ring 250. Terminal body 120 may include a cylindrical conduit 290, which may help provide a sealed passage for coolant 130 and the cylindrical conduit 290 of terminal body 120.

[0078] Figure 5 A connector assembly according to an embodiment is shown. The connector assembly 1000 includes a connector 100, a cable 110, and a busbar 140. Reference Figure 5 The described connector assembly 1000 and connector 100 may include features of the previously described embodiments, which may be referenced to the previous drawings.

[0079] The optional bolt 410 of the busbar connector 180 of connector 100 can extend along the coupling axis 299', as... Figure 5 As shown. The busbar connector 180 may also include at least one washer 520, 530, such as washer 520 for the interface between the terminal body 120 and the busbar 140 and / or washer 530 for the interface between the head 540 of the bolt 410 and the terminal body 120.

[0080] Washers 520 and 530 may comprise copper, which can provide a low-resistance current path and / or contribute to a robust mechanical connection. Aluminum alloy may be used alternatively / additionally to reduce costs. Washers 520 and 530 may deform when connector 100 is coupled to busbar 140. Deformation may improve mechanical stability and / or improve electrical contact.

[0081] Bolt 410 may include conduit 510, which allows coolant 130 to pass between the cooled cable 110 and the cooled busbar 140. Bolt 410 may pass through a second orifice 124 of terminal body 120. Conduit 510 may fluidly connect a channel 150 of terminal body 120 and the cooled busbar 140. Bolt 410 may be inserted into and screwed into busbar 140, for example, where conduit 510 leads to the cooled busbar 140, for example, along a connection axis 299'. Bolt 410 may pass through washers 520, 530.

[0082] The conduit 510 of bolt 410 can pass at least partially through the channel 150 of terminal body 120.

[0083] Having a bolt 410 with a conduit 510 can reduce the size of the connection assembly 1000. The conduit 510 may include an orifice 512 configured to lead to a busbar 140, for example, a channel for coolant 130. The orifice may be located at the axial end of the bolt 410. A second orifice 514 of the bolt 410 may be configured to lead to a channel 150 of the terminal body 120. The second orifice 514 may be within the channel 150 of the terminal body 120. At least a portion of the conduit 510 of the bolt 410 may extend within the channel 150 of the terminal body 120.

[0084] The connector 100 described herein can be attached to the conduit 118 and the annularly arranged conductor 116 of the cooled cable 110. The cable 110 may include additional components, such as reference numerals. Figure 3 The described ones include any one or more of the optional outer layer, insulation 115, cable shield 114, and cable sheath 112.

[0085] The connection assembly 1000 described herein may include a connector 100, a cooled busbar 140, and a cooled cable 110. The electrical conductor 116 of the cooled cable 110 may be arranged annularly around a tube 118 and extend along the tube 118 and to the electrical contact surface 230 and clamp 160 of the terminal body 120.

[0086] For example, the connection assembly 1000 may include a connector 100; a cooled busbar 140; and a cooled cable 110, which includes a conduit 118 and an electrical conductor 116. The electrical conductor 116 may be arranged annularly around the conduit 118, the conduit fitting 190, and the electrical contact surface 230. The electrical conductor 116 may extend to the electrical contact surface 230 and the clamp 160 of the terminal body 120 of the connector 100.

[0087] The connection assembly 1000 may include additional components of the cooled cable 110, such as reference numerals. Figure 3 Those described. Additionally / alternatively, the connection assembly 1000 may include additional components of the housing assembly 500, such as... Figure 5 As depicted herein, the housing assembly 500 helps isolate the connector 100 from the environment. The housing assembly 500 can be used with any embodiment of the connection assembly 1000 and / or connector 100 described herein, and is not limited to... Figure 5 As shown or referenced Figure 5 Combinations of specific embodiments of the connector 100 described.

[0088] The connection assembly 1000 may include a housing assembly 500, which may include a housing 550. The cooled cable 110 may include a shield 114, which may be connected to the housing 550 via a shield connector 560 (e.g., a weld). A safety block 570 may be secured (e.g., bolted) to the exterior of the housing 550. The safety block 570 may prevent direct access to the exposed conductor 116 of the cable 110. The cooled cable 110 may enter the safety block 570, and at least the conduit 118 and conductor 116 pass through the wall of the housing 550 to reach the connector 100. The housing 550 may enclose the connector 1000 and the busbar 140 therein. The housing 550 may enclose various electrical devices, such as motors, inverters, distribution units, and / or electrical shafts.

[0089] As described herein, connector 100 and connection assembly 1000 can achieve effective cooling of circuits, particularly those operating under high voltage and high current, such as those used in motors, inverters, power distribution units, and / or electrical shafts. Connector 100 and connection assembly 1000 can connect the cooled cable 110 to the cooled busbar 140, for example, while maintaining high heat transfer between conductor(s) and coolant 130.

[0090] Here, the clamp can provide radially inward force, for example, by pressing against a conductor arranged in a ring. The clamp described herein can be a circumferential clamp and / or a collar.

[0091] In this document, "cooled" means configured for cooling, such as for thermal connection to a coolant, like a fluid coolant. "Cooled" may also mean configured to allow fluid coolant to pass through it, or can be connected to a device or structure that supports the flow of fluid coolant. For example, a cooled cable may include a tube configured to allow coolant to pass through it. A cooled cable can transfer heat to the coolant, such as resistance heat generated by an electric current passing through the conductor of the cooled cable.

[0092] In this article, "along the mating direction" can be parallel to the mating direction, especially when describing the relationship between features of a ring setting—similarly, this is also used for "along the connection direction".

[0093] In this article, "bus" and "cooled bus" can be used interchangeably.

[0094] In this article, for example, the terms "long axis" and "longitudinal axis" of a cable can be used interchangeably. A cable can be flexible, allowing the long axis to bend with the cable.

[0095] In this document, the terms "cooled cable" and "cable" are used interchangeably and refer to a cable that includes a conduit for allowing coolant to pass through. A cable as described herein may include a conductor arranged in a loop around a conduit. A cooled cable as described herein may include exactly one conduit for the coolant, and this single conduit may be located in the center of the cooled cable. A connector may include exactly one conduit fitting for the single central conduit of the cooled cable. Connectors and busbars as described herein may each include exactly one inlet and one outlet for allowing coolant to pass through them, respectively.

[0096] In this document, the suffix "(s)" is used to indicate one or more. For example, "(multiple) washers" refers to one or more washers. In this document, a slash can indicate "and / or". "And / or" means "and" or "or". For example, "clamp / seal" can mean "clamp", "seal", or "clamp and seal".

[0097] Figure Labels

[0098] Connection component 1000

[0099] Connector 100

[0100] Cooled cables (e.g., HV cables) 110

[0101] Cable sheath (e.g., outer insulation) 112

[0102] Cable shielding components (e.g., shielding mesh) 114

[0103] Insulator (e.g., internal insulator) 115

[0104] Cable conductor 116

[0105] Cable conduit 118

[0106] Terminal body 120

[0107] First orifice 122

[0108] Second orifice 124

[0109] Coolant 130

[0110] Cooled bus 140

[0111] Channel 150

[0112] Fixture 160

[0113] Busbar connector 180

[0114] Pipe fittings 190

[0115] Coordination direction 199

[0116] Matching axis 199'

[0117] Radial outer surface of the inlet 210

[0118] Pipe mating surface 220

[0119] Electrical contact surface 230 of the terminal body

[0120] 240 corrugated section and / or barb

[0121] O-ring 250

[0122] 260 ring springs

[0123] Flange 270

[0124] 280 steps

[0125] 290 cylindrical conduit of terminal body

[0126] Connecting axis 299'

[0127] Coolant passage of cable conduit 350

[0128] Longitudinal axis of the cable 399

[0129] Bolt 410

[0130] Flange 420 for busbar connectors

[0131] Housing assembly 500

[0132] Pipeline 510

[0133] Pipe orifice 512

[0134] Second pipe opening 514

[0135] (Multiple) Washers 520, 530

[0136] Bolt head 540

[0137] Casing 550

[0138] Shielding connector 560

[0139] Safety block 570

[0140] 580 openings in the casing

Claims

1. A connector (100) for electrically and fluidly connecting a cable (110) to be cooled to a busbar (140) to be cooled, comprising: Terminal body (120) includes: First orifice (122) and second orifice (124); A channel (150) extending through the terminal body (120), the channel (150) connecting the first aperture (122) and the second aperture (124), the channel (150) being configured to allow coolant (130) to pass between the cooled cable (110) and the cooled busbar (140); and A fitting (190) is configured to connect the terminal body (120) to a conduit (118) of the cooled cable (110), the fitting (190) including the first orifice (122); wherein: The connector (100) further includes: A busbar connector (180) is configured to connect the terminal body (120) to the cooled busbar (140) at the second orifice (124); and A clamp (160) is configured adjacent to the fitting (190) to clamp the annularly arranged electrical conductor (116) of the cable (110) between the clamp (160) and the terminal body (120).

2. The connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal body (120) includes an electrical contact surface (230), which is an outer surface adjacent to the pipe fitting (190); wherein The electrical contact surface (230) is configured to make electrical contact with the annularly arranged electrical conductor (116) of the cable (110).

3. The connector (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The clamp (160) is configured to provide a radially inward force toward the electrical contact surface (230) of the terminal body (120).

4. The connector (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The electrical contact surface (230) includes a metal surface treatment layer.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The fitting (190) is configured to be inserted into the tube (118) along the mating axis (199') and the mating direction (199).

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The pipe fitting surface (220) of the pipe fitting (190) is annular in cross-section perpendicular to the fitting axis (199').

7. The connector (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The pipe fitting (190) has a barbed surface (220).

8. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein: The bus connector (180) is configured to fluidly and hermetically connect the second orifice (124) to the cooled bus (140).

9. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein: The busbar connector (180) includes at least one of the following arranged circumferentially around the connecting axis (299'): O-ring (250), ring spring (260) or washer (520, 530).

10. The connector (100) according to claim 9, wherein, At least one of the O-ring (250) or the annular spring (260) is arranged annularly around the channel (150), and includes at least one of the following: The O-ring (250) is configured to form a seal with the cooled busbar (140); The annular spring (260) is configured to form a seal with the cooled busbar (140); or The annular spring (260) is configured to form an electrical contact between the cooled busbar (140) and the connector (100).

11. The connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, At least one of the O-ring (250) or the annular spring (260) is separated from the channel (150) by a cylindrical conduit (290) of the terminal body (120); in The cylindrical conduit (290) extends to the second orifice (124).

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The busbar connector (180) includes a bolt (410) extending parallel to the connecting axis (299'); wherein The bolt (410) is configured to fasten the connector (100) to the cooled busbar (140).

13. The connector (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The bolt (410) extends along the connecting axis (299'), The bolt (410) extends through the second hole (124). The bolt (410) includes a conduit (510) configured to allow the coolant (130) to pass between the cooled cable (110) and the cooled busbar (140).

14. A connection component (1000), comprising: Connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; The cooled busbar (140); and The cooled cable (110) includes the tube (118) and the electrical conductor (116); wherein The electrical conductor (116) is arranged annularly around the tube (118), the tube fitting (190), and the electrical contact surface (230); and wherein The electrical conductor (116) extends to the electrical contact surface (230) of the terminal body (120) of the connector (100) and the clamp (160).

15. The connection assembly (1000) according to claim 14, further comprising: The housing (550) includes an opening (580) through which the electrical conductor (116) of the tube (118) and the cooled cable (110) passes to the connector (100).

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