Electrical connector and busbar assembly

Abstract

An electric connector and busbar assembly, wherein the electric connector is used for connecting to an external connecting end of a cable or busbar, and comprises a housing, a conductive assembly arranged in the housing and used for electrically connecting with the external connecting end, and a rear cover arranged at the rear of the housing and forming an enclosed space with the housing, the conductive assembly and the external connecting end are both completely covered in the enclosed space, and a plurality of heat dissipation holes are arranged on at least one surface of the rear cover and the housing. The busbar assembly comprises a first busbar member and a second busbar member which are electrically insulated from each other, the first busbar member and the second busbar member both have external connecting ends at two ends thereof, and the electric connector as described above, the external connecting end of the first busbar member and the external connecting end of the second busbar member are connected to the electric connector respectively. The electric connector according to the application can achieve good heat dissipation effect, and the busbar assembly according to the application improves the design flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector and a busbar assembly, and more particularly to an electrical connector capable of being connected to a cable or busbar and a busbar assembly including the electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors can be attached to the external connection end of cables or busbars, enabling the cables or busbars to be electrically connected to other devices to transmit electrical energy or signals to those devices.

[0003] Existing electrical connectors for cables or busbars lack protective structures at the connection points between the connector and the external terminals of the cable or busbar. This makes it easy for accidental contact between the cable and conductive terminals during connector insertion or removal, potentially leading to electric shock. Furthermore, heat dissipation is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, especially when used for high-speed transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide an electrical connector that can be connected to a cable or busbar, which can avoid safety accidents caused by accidental contact and achieve good heat dissipation, thereby improving the transmission speed of electrical energy or signals. Another purpose of this application is to provide a busbar assembly that includes the above-mentioned electrical connector, and the design and application of the busbar assembly are more flexible.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, an electrical connector is provided for connection to an external connection end of a cable or busbar. The electrical connector includes: a housing; a conductive component disposed within the housing and for electrical connection to the external connection end; and a rear cover disposed at the rear of the housing and forming an enclosing space with the housing, wherein the conductive component and the external connection end are completely covered within the enclosing space, and at least one surface of the rear cover and the housing is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes.

[0006] According to another aspect of this application, an electrical connector is provided for connection to an external connection end of a cable or busbar, the electrical connector comprising: a housing; a conductive component disposed within the housing and for electrical connection to the external connection end; and a heat sink partially disposed within the housing and exposed on both sides of the housing.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a base and a mating portion extending forward from the base, and a conductive component extending from the base to the mating portion for electrical connection to an external device via the mating portion.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the mating part has a closed structure.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the conductive component includes a contact piece and a conductive partition located on the side of the contact piece, the conductive partition being in electrical contact with the external connection terminal.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the contact piece is a multi-piece contact piece or a single-piece contact piece; the base is provided with a partition wall, and when the adjacent contact pieces are inserted into the housing, the partition wall is disposed between the adjacent contact pieces.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the conductive separator includes at least one large conductive separator and at least one small conductive separator, wherein the large conductive separator and the small conductive separator are combined with each other or integrally formed.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a terminal positioning device, which includes a first engagement portion located in the middle and second engagement portions located on both sides. The first engagement portion is used to engage the conductive component, and the second engagement portion is used to engage the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the rear cover is stacked behind the housing and includes an upper rear cover and a lower rear cover, the upper rear cover and the lower rear cover being detachably connected to each other by a first fastener.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a reinforcing portion is provided near the front end of the housing on the upper rear cover and / or the lower rear cover.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a heat sink housed in the enclosing space, the heat sink and the conductive component being disposed on opposite sides of the external connection end.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the heat sink, the conductive component, and the external connection terminal are joined together by a second fastener.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the busbar includes a bent structure, and the electrical connector is connected to an external connection end of the busbar near the bent structure.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the heat sink portion of the electrical connector is housed within the bent structure.

[0019] According to another aspect of this application, a busbar assembly is also provided, comprising: a first busbar component and a second busbar component electrically insulated from each other, the first busbar component and the second busbar component each having external connection terminals located at both ends thereof, and an electrical connector as described above, wherein the external connection terminals of the first busbar component and the external connection terminals of the second busbar component are respectively connected to the electrical connector.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each of the electrical connectors includes: two rows of conductive components, each row of conductive components including two sets of contact pieces and two conductive spacers arranged side by side, each set of contact pieces including two contact pieces; and two rows of heat sinks, each row of heat sinks including two heat sinks arranged side by side, the two rows of conductive components and the two rows of heat sinks being disposed on opposite sides of the external connection end.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first docking busbar, which are electrically connected to each other. The second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second docking busbar, which are electrically connected to each other.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a first flexible busbar is electrically connected between the first busbar and the first docking busbar, and a second flexible busbar is electrically connected between the second busbar and the second docking busbar.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first docking busbar electrically connected to each other, the extension direction of the first busbar and the extension direction of the first docking busbar being perpendicular to each other. The second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second docking busbar electrically connected to each other, the extension direction of the second busbar and the extension direction of the second docking busbar being perpendicular to each other. The first docking busbar or the first busbar is electrically connected to a first flexible busbar, and the second docking busbar or the second busbar is electrically connected to a second flexible busbar. The external connection ends of the first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are respectively connected to the electrical connectors.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first flexible busbar that are directly electrically connected to each other, and the second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second flexible busbar that are directly electrically connected to each other. The external connection ends of the first busbar and the second busbar, and the external connection ends of the first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are respectively connected to the electrical connector.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are fitted with sleeves.

[0026] According to one embodiment, an insulating layer is provided on the surface of the busbar closest to the second flexible busbar in the first busbar and the first docking busbar; an insulating layer is provided on the surface of the busbar closest to the first flexible busbar in the second busbar and the second docking busbar.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a clearance structure is formed on one side of the rear cover of the electrical connector for the insertion of the first busbar component and the second busbar component.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the ends of the first busbar component and the second busbar component that are in contact with the rear cover of the electrical connector are formed with a first step portion and a second step portion. A flange is formed on the surface of the rear cover of the electrical connector that is in contact with the first busbar component and the second busbar component. When the first busbar component and the second busbar component are inserted into the rear cover, a gap is formed between the first step portion and the second step portion and the flange.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a reinforcing member is provided in the opening of the rear cover into which the first busbar component and the second busbar component are inserted, the reinforcing member dividing the opening into a first slot for inserting the first busbar component and a second slot for inserting the second busbar component.

[0030] The electrical connector according to this application, or the rear cover that fully covers the conductive components and external connection ends of the cable or busbar, or the heat sink extending outside the connector housing to form a barrier, can effectively prevent safety accidents caused by accidental contact. Furthermore, the electrical connector according to this application has an independent heat sink, thus achieving good heat dissipation and effectively improving the transmission speed of electrical energy or signals. On the other hand, the busbar assembly according to this application, by adding a flexible busbar design, can absorb design tolerances, improve design flexibility, and enable the busbar assembly to be applied in more applications, while also exhibiting good inductance suppression. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings are included herein to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the following description, serve to illustrate the concept of the invention.

[0032] In the attached diagram:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the rear cover portion of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the housing portion of an electrical connector according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the conductive components of an electrical connector according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the conductive components of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector according to a third embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the terminal positioning device of the electrical connector according to this application;

[0040] Figure 8A yes Figure 2 The top view of the electrical connector shown after removing the back cover;

[0041] Figure 8B It is along Figure 8A A sectional view of line AA;

[0042] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connector according to a fourth embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connector according to a fifth embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 15 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connector according to a sixth embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 17 , Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connector according to a seventh embodiment of this application; and

[0046] Figure 19A This is a schematic diagram showing an electrical connector according to the eighth embodiment of this application; and

[0047] Figure 19B and Figure 19C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the clearance structure into which the first and second busbars can be inserted.

[0048] Appendix Label List: 1: Electrical Connector

[0049] 10: Shell

[0050] 110: Base; 112: Spasm; 114: Protrusion

[0051] 120: Connecting part

[0052] 130: Ventilation holes

[0053] 140: Directional Marker

[0054] 20: Back cover

[0055] 210: Upper rear cover 212: Reinforcement section

[0056] 220: Lower back cover; 222: Curved section

[0057] 230: Ventilation holes

[0058] 240: Avoidance Structure

[0059] 250: Flange

[0060] 260: Reinforcing component

[0061] 280: Opening; 281: First slot; 282: Second slot

[0062] 30: Conductive components

[0063] 310: Contact piece; 312: Through hole

[0064] 320: Conductive separator; 322: Through hole

[0065] 40: Radiator; 402: Threaded hole; 403: Opening.

[0066] 50: Mistake-proof structure

[0067] 61: First fastener; 62: Second fastener; 63: Third fastener

[0068] 70: Terminal positioning device

[0069] 72: First joint 74: Second joint

[0070] 2: Cables

[0071] 21: External connection end; 21a: Through hole

[0072] 3: Mother row

[0073] 31: External connection end; 31a: Through hole

[0074] 32: Bending structure

[0075] 100: Busbar assembly

[0076] 4: First busbar components

[0077] 41: First busbar; 42: First docking busbar; 43: First flexible busbar

[0078] 412: Reduction section; 412a: First step section

[0079] 5: Second busbar components

[0080] 51: Second busbar; 52: Second docking busbar; 53: Second flexible busbar

[0081] 512: Reduction section; 512a: Second step section

[0082] 6: Insulating sealant

[0083] 7: Sleeve

[0084] 8: Insulation layer Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although this disclosure is open to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings. However, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting itself to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

[0086] The electrical connector 1 according to this application can be used to connect cables or to connect busbars, allowing the cables or busbars to be connected to other external devices via the electrical connector 1. The following references... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific configuration of the electrical connector 1 according to this application is described below. For ease of explanation, the following description uses the electrical connector 1 for connecting cable 2 as an example. Of course, the electrical connector 1 configured as described below can also be used to connect busbars.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the Figure 1 An electrical connector 1 according to a first embodiment is shown. The electrical connector 1 mainly includes a housing 10 and a rear cover 20. The rear cover 20 is disposed at the rear of the housing 10 and forms an enclosing space with the housing 10. (Referring to a reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the exploded view, the conductive component 30, disposed within the housing 10, is used for electrical connection with the external connection terminal 21 of the cable 2. Both the conductive component 30 and the external connection terminal 21 are completely enclosed within the space formed by the housing 10 and the rear cover 20, thereby effectively preventing accidents caused by accidental contact. The rear cover 20 can be directly aligned with the rear end of the housing 10 or stacked on top of it. Heat dissipation holes 130 and 230 are respectively provided on the housing 10 and the rear cover 20. The heat dissipation hole 230 on the rear cover 20 is as follows: Figure 2 The ventilation holes 130 shown can be located on the top, bottom, and rear sides of the rear cover 20; the ventilation holes 130 on the housing 10 are as follows Figure 1 As shown, the heat dissipation holes 130 can be located on the front side of the housing 10, including the front side of the base and the front side of the mating portion. The heat dissipation holes 130 on the housing 10 can also be located on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing 10 (not shown in the figure).

[0088] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 10 of the electrical connector 1 includes a base 110 and a mating portion 120, the mating portion 120 extending forward from the base 110. The rear cover 20 of the electrical connector 2 includes an upper rear cover 210 and a lower rear cover 220. After the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220 are respectively fastened to the upper and lower rear ends of the housing 10, they are detachably connected to each other by a first fastener 61. At the same time, the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220 are also connected to the housing 10. The first fastener 61 is as follows: Figure 2 Examples shown include combinations of bolts and nuts. It should be noted that the upper rear cover 210 and lower rear cover 220 are described for ease of reference to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the installation orientation of the rear covers. In this sense, the upper rear cover 210 can be understood as the first rear cover, and the lower rear cover as the second rear cover. The first and second rear covers are joined together to form the rear cover 20. For example, a mating positioning structure with protrusions and grooves can be provided between the upper rear cover 210 and the housing 10, and between the lower rear cover 220 and the housing 10, to assist in the positioning of the rear cover 20 and the housing 10. A reinforcing portion 212 is provided on the front end of the upper rear cover 210 near the housing 10. This reinforcing portion 212 increases the strength of the rear cover 20 and also serves as a guide. A direction indicator 140 is provided at the connection position between the base 110 and the mating portion 120 of the housing 10. This direction indicator 140 serves as a foolproof designation. Both the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220 have relatively positioned arc-shaped portions at their rear ends. Figure 2 As can be seen, the arc-shaped portion 222 at the rear end of the lower rear cover 220, through the cooperation of the arc-shaped portions at the rear ends of the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220, can better match the shape of the cable 2. Therefore, the rear cover 20 can completely cover the external connection end 21 of the cable 2. Figure 3 (As shown in the figure), thereby effectively preventing safety accidents caused by accidental contact. In other embodiments, based on some installation requirements, the end of the external connection terminal 21 away from the conductive component 30 may be partially exposed in the enclosed space formed by the housing 10 and the rear cover 20, and the exposed part may be insulated and protected by heat shrink tubing.

[0089] Refer to Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 For clarity, the rear cover 20 is omitted from the diagram. The conductive component 30 is electrically connected to the external connection end 21 of the cable 2, and extends forward from the external connection end 21 and extends from the base 110 of the housing 10 to the mating portion 120 of the housing 10, through which an external connection device can be electrically connected to the conductive component 30.

[0090] according to Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the mating part 120 can also be a closed structure, only exposing the channel that can be electrically connected to the conductive component 30. The mating part 120 forming a closed structure can better provide safety protection and avoid accidental contact.

[0091] Combined with reference Figure 4 As shown in the exploded view of the conductive component, the conductive component 30 includes a contact piece 310 and a conductive separator 320. Figure 4 An exploded view of a conductive component 30 electrically connected to the external connection terminal 21 of one of the cables 2 is shown. The conductive partition 320 of the conductive component 30 is electrically connected to the external connection terminal 21 of the cable 2, and the contact piece 310 is electrically connected to the conductive partition 320. According to one embodiment of this application, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a heat sink 40, which is housed within the enclosed space formed by the housing 10 and the rear cover 20. The heat sink 40 and the conductive partition 320 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the external connection end 21 of the cable 2, so that the heat generated at the external connection end 21 of the cable 2 can be effectively conducted away through the heat sink 40, thus making it suitable for high-speed transmission applications.

[0092] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the heat sink 40, conductive partition 320, and contact piece 310 are joined together by a second fastener 62. For example, a corresponding threaded hole 402 is formed on the heat sink 40, through holes 322 and 312 are formed at corresponding positions on the conductive partition 320 and contact piece 310, and a through hole 21a is also formed at the corresponding position on the external connection end 21 of the cable 2. The second fastener 62 is, for example, a screw, which passes through the corresponding through hole 312 on the contact piece 310, the corresponding through hole 322 on the conductive partition 320, and the corresponding through hole 21a on the external connection end 21, and then engages with the threaded hole 402 formed on the heat sink 40. Thus, the contact piece 310, conductive partition 320, external connection end 21 of the cable 2, and heat sink 40 are joined together by the second fastener 62. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second fastener 62 consists of four screws, with four corresponding threaded holes 402 and four through holes 312, 322, and 21a. However, this is not a limitation, and other numbers of screws, threaded holes, and through holes may also be used. The screw-type second fastener 62 described above may also be a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the contact piece 310 in the conductive component 30 is a double-piece type. Of course, depending on the application, the contact piece 310 can also be a single-piece, triple-piece, or more-piece type. Figure 3As shown, two adjacent sets of contact pieces 310 are respectively coupled to the external connection ends 21 of two parallel cables 2. Thus, when inserted into the housing 10, the adjacent contact pieces 310 are separated by the spacer wall 112 of the housing 10, achieving electrical isolation between adjacent sets of contact pieces 310. The spacer wall 112 also strengthens the rear of the housing 10. Furthermore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the conductive separator 320 is a single piece, which can be a large or small conductive separator depending on the specific application. To achieve greater current carrying capacity, in... Figure 5 In the second embodiment shown in this application, the conductive separator 320 can be two pieces, such as a large conductive separator 320 and a small conductive separator 320, which can be combined with each other or integrally formed. Of course, this is not a limitation; it can also be a combination of multiple large conductive separators 320 and multiple small conductive separators 320. The arrangement of multiple conductive separators 320 can, on the one hand, increase conductivity to carry large currents, and on the other hand, it can adjust the position of the contact piece 310, i.e., the distance between the contact piece 310 and the external connection terminal 21, so as to be applicable to different occasions. Of course, in some applications, the conductive separator 320 in the conductive component may be omitted.

[0094] In addition, Figures 1-4 In the illustrated embodiment, a foolproof structure 50 is provided on the front side of the base 110 of the housing 10 facing the mating portion 120. This foolproof structure 50 can be, for example, a guide post. In the third embodiment according to this application, as... Figure 6 As shown, the foolproof structure 50 can also be provided on the side of the mating portion 120. In this embodiment, the foolproof structure 50 can be, for example, a guide beam. In both embodiments, the foolproof structure 50 extends forward from the base 110 to the front end of the mating portion 120. For example, it can extend to be flush with the front end of the mating portion 120, or it can extend beyond the front end of the mating portion 120.

[0095] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The image also shows a third fastener 63, which can be used to secure the housing 10 to the external panel.

[0096] In addition, according to Figures 1-6 In some embodiments, a terminal positioning device (TPA) 70 may also be provided to ensure that the contact piece 310 is properly positioned and to prevent it from retracting when electrically connected to other devices. Specifically, such as Figure 7As shown in Figure 8, the terminal positioning device 70 includes a first engaging portion 72 located in its central part and second engaging portions 74 located on both sides thereon. The first engaging portion 72 consists of two protrusions arranged side by side and extending outward, and the second engaging portions 74 consist of two hooks respectively provided on the two sides of the terminal positioning device 70. The two protrusions of the first engaging portion 72 respectively contact two side-by-side contact pieces 310. When the terminal positioning device 70 is inserted into the housing 10, the spacer wall 112 of the housing 10 is inserted between the two protrusions of the first engaging portion 72, and the second engaging portions 74 of the positioning device 70 engage with the protrusions 114 formed inside the housing 10. Thus, the terminal positioning device 70 can maintain the position of the contact pieces 310 and prevent them from retracting.

[0097] Generally, after securing the heat sink 40, the external connection end 21 of the cable 2, the conductive partition 320, and the contact piece 310 with the second fastener 62, another set of heat sink 40, conductive partition 320, and contact piece 310 is attached to the external connection end 21 of another parallel cable 2 using the same method with the second fastener 62. Then, the assembled module (or component) is inserted into the housing 10. At this point, the terminal positioning device 70 is inserted, such that the first engaging portion 72 of the terminal positioning device 70 is inserted into the partition wall 112 of the housing and contacts the contact pieces 310 on both sides. The second engaging portion 74 of the terminal positioning device 70 engages with the protrusion 114 formed inside the housing 10, thereby holding the contact piece 310 in place. However, this is not a limitation; a gap may exist between the first engaging portion 72 and the contact pieces 310 on both sides to facilitate assembly. Channels or holes for inserting the terminal positioning device 70 are typically formed on the housing 10 (e.g., the upper or lower part of the housing 10). Although... Figure 7 Only one terminal positioning device 70 is shown, but this is not a limitation. For example, two terminal positioning devices 70 may be provided, respectively fastened to the contact piece 310 from the upper and lower parts of the housing 10 to limit its positioning. (See the appendix below.) Figure 10 and attached Figure 13 The image shows a configuration with two terminal positioning devices 70.

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 This description describes the electrical connector 1 according to the fourth embodiment of this application. This embodiment primarily uses the application of the electrical connector 1 to a busbar 3 as an example. Of course, the electrical connector 1 according to this fourth embodiment can also be applied to a cable 2. Furthermore, the following description uses the configuration of a single conductive partition 320 as an example. Of course, the number of conductive partitions 320 in this embodiment can be adjusted according to specific applications, and the above description is based on the appendix... Figure 1The structures described in embodiment -8, such as the foolproof structure 50, the terminal positioning device 70, the reinforcement 212, the direction indicator 140, etc., can also be applied to the following embodiments.

[0099] The electrical connector 1 in this embodiment includes a housing 10 but does not have a rear cover 20, and the conductive component 30 is disposed inside the housing 10, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the exploded view on the right, similarly, for example, a second fastener 62, which is a screw, passes through the through hole 312 of the contact piece 310, the through hole 322 of the conductive partition 320, and the through hole 31a of the external connection end 31 of the busbar 3, and is then screwed into the threaded hole 402 on the heat sink 40. In this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown in the left-hand view, an opening 403 can also be provided on the side of the radiator 40 perpendicular to the insertion direction of the second fastener 62 for placing a nut. In this case, the second fastener 62 can also be a bolt.

[0100] The structure of the housing 10 of the electrical connector 1 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 10 The structure shown is similar to that of the housing 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, and will not be described again. In this embodiment, a terminal positioning device 70 can also be provided to fix the position of the contact piece 310.

[0101] After the connector 1 in this embodiment is assembled, as shown Figure 11 As shown, the radiator 40 is partially disposed within the housing 10, and protrudes from both sides of the housing 10. For example... Figure 11 As shown, along the edge of the housing 10 Figure 11 The width in the left-right direction does not extend to be flush with the heat sink 40. According to an embodiment not shown, the edge of the housing 10... Figure 11 The width in the left and right directions can also extend to be flush with or exceed the heat sink 40, which protrudes from the left and right sides of the housing 10. In this embodiment, no rear cover 20 is provided, so the heat sink 40 can directly contact the outside, better transferring the heat generated by the busbar 3. The connector 1 in this embodiment can be used in situations where frequent contact by operators is not required after power-on.

[0102] Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 An electrical connector 1 according to a fifth embodiment of this application is shown. The electrical connector 1 is applied to a busbar 3, which has a bending structure 32. The electrical connector 1 is connected to an external connection end 31 of the busbar 3 near the bending structure 32. Figure 12As shown, similarly, a second fastener 62, for example a screw, passes through the through hole 312 of the contact piece 310, the through hole 322 of the conductive partition 320, and the through hole 31a of the external connection end 31 of the busbar 3, and is then screwed into the threaded hole 402 on the heat sink 40. The assembled conductive components and heat sink 40 can be inserted into the housing 10, as shown. Figure 13 The structure of the housing 10 shown is the same as in the above embodiment, and will not be described again. In this embodiment, a terminal positioning device 70 can also be provided to fix the position of the contact piece 310. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the heat sink 40 of the electrical connector 1 can be partially housed in the bent structure 32 of the busbar 3, thereby making reasonable use of space.

[0103] The electrical connectors according to the sixth and seventh embodiments of this application can be applied to the busbar assembly 100, such as... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the busbar assembly 100 includes a first busbar member 4 and a second busbar member 5 electrically insulated from each other. The first busbar member 4 and the second busbar member 5 are electrically insulated from each other by an insulating spacer 6, and the first busbar member 4 and the second busbar member 5 are at least partially stacked. Compared to the application of an electrical connector 1 to the cable 2, the application of the electrical connector 1 to the busbar assembly 100 generally performs better in terms of inductance suppression and signal integrity due to the low inductance and low impedance characteristics and better mechanical stability of the stacked busbar assembly 100. Two electrical connectors 1 are located at the external connection ends of the first busbar member 4 and the second busbar member 5, respectively. Of course, only one electrical connector 1 can be located at the external connection end of one end of the first busbar member 4 and the second busbar member 5, and the external connection ends of the other ends of the first busbar member 4 and the second busbar member 5 can be connected to other electrical connectors or external devices. Figure 16 As shown, the first busbar component 4 includes a first busbar 41 and a first docking busbar 42, which are electrically connected to each other, for example, forming an inverted U-shape. The second busbar component 5 includes a second busbar 51 and a second docking busbar 52, which are also electrically connected to each other, for example, forming an inverted U-shape. In other embodiments, depending on the application, the first busbar 41 and the first docking busbar 42 may be electrically connected to each other in other shapes, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Similarly, the second busbar 51 and the second docking busbar 52 may also be electrically connected to each other in other shapes.

[0104] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the busbar assembly 100 may further include two electrical connectors 1, one of which is connected to the external connection end of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 (i.e., the end not electrically connected to the first mating busbar and the second mating busbar), and the other electrical connector 1 is connected to the external connection end of the first mating busbar 42 and the second mating busbar 52 (i.e., the end not electrically connected to the first busbar and the second busbar). The electrical connectors 1 may be as described above... Figures 1-14 Any of the electrical connectors shown. Also, as... Figure 16 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes two rows of conductive components 30. Each row of conductive components 30 includes two sets of contact pieces 310 arranged side by side and two conductive partitions 320. Each set of contact pieces 310 includes two contact pieces 310. Correspondingly, two rows of heat sinks 40 are provided, each row of heat sinks 40 including two heat sinks 40 arranged side by side. The heat sinks 40, contact pieces 310, and conductive partitions 320 are respectively located on both sides of the external connection end of the first busbar component 4 and the second busbar component 5. Figure 16 The electrical connector 1 shown has a separate rear cover 20, which snaps onto the housing 10 to form a closed anti-accidental contact protection. The structure of the rear cover 20 and the housing 10 is the same as in the above embodiment and will not be described again. According to this embodiment, the rear end of the rear cover 20 has been adapted in size to accommodate the first busbar component 4 and the second busbar component 5, and a clearance structure 240 adapted to the first busbar component 4 and the second busbar component 5 is provided. Figure 16 As shown, the clearance structure 240 is disposed on one surface of the rear cover 20. Specifically, the rear cover 20 of the two rear covers 20 corresponding to the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 (i.e., Figure 16 Two clearance structures 240 are provided on one surface of the rear cover 20 (located at the lower right position) to respectively avoid the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 during installation, and as shown... Figure 16 As shown, due to the relatively large widths of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51, two clearance structures 240 are provided on both the surface of the upper rear cover 210 (first rear cover) and the surface of the lower rear cover 220 (second rear cover) of the rear cover 20. Thus, after the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220 are assembled together, the two clearance structures 240 on the upper rear cover 210 and the two clearance structures on the lower rear cover 220 interlock to form slots through which the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 pass. Figure 16 Due to the angle, the two clearance structures on this surface of the lower rear cover 220 are not visible; while the rear cover 20 corresponding to the first docking busbar 42 and the second docking busbar 52 (i.e., Figure 16In the rear cover (located in the upper left position), because the widths of the first mating busbar 42 and the second mating busbar 52 are relatively small, a clearance structure 240 is provided on the surface of both the upper rear cover 210 (first rear cover) and the lower rear cover 220 (second rear cover). During installation, the first mating busbar 42 can be inserted into the clearance structure 240 provided on the lower rear cover 220, while the second mating busbar 52 can be inserted into the clearance structure 240 provided on the upper rear cover 210. Figure 16 Due to the angle, the clearance structure on the lower rear cover 220 is not visible. The aforementioned clearance structure 240 can be, for example, a U-shaped long slot with one end open to facilitate the insertion of the corresponding busbar, but it is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 can also omit the rear cover 20, while allowing the heat sink 40 to be exposed on the housing 10 for better heat dissipation.

[0105] In addition, according to Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the seventh embodiment shown, the busbar assembly 100 may further include a flexible busbar. This flexible busbar can absorb design tolerances, improving design flexibility and enabling the busbar assembly to be applied in more applications. Furthermore, at least partially stacked busbar assemblies can provide better inductance suppression and superior signal integrity. Figure 17 As shown, the first flexible busbar 43 can be electrically connected between the first busbar 41 and the first mating busbar 42, and the second flexible busbar 53 can be electrically connected between the second busbar 51 and the second mating busbar 52. Insulating seals 6 are provided between the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51, and between the first mating busbar 42 and the second mating busbar 52. The two electrical connectors 1 at both ends can be configured as described above. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The electrical connector 1 is shown in the diagram. The first busbar 41 and the first mating busbar 42, as well as the second busbar 51 and the second mating busbar 52, are all rigid busbars, relative to the first flexible busbar 43 and the second flexible busbar 53.

[0106] According to an embodiment not shown, the first busbar 41 can also be directly electrically connected to the first flexible busbar 43. Similarly, the second busbar 51 can also be directly electrically connected to the second flexible busbar 53. An electrical connector 1 is connected to the external connection end of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51. An electrical connector 1 is also connected to the external connection end of the first flexible busbar 43 and the second flexible busbar 53.

[0107] In addition, it can also be like Figure 18As shown, the first busbar component 4 includes a first busbar 41 and a first mating busbar 42 electrically connected to each other, the extending directions of the first busbar 41 and the first mating busbar 42 being perpendicular to each other. Similarly, the second busbar component 5 includes a second busbar 51 and a second mating busbar 52 electrically connected to each other, the extending directions of the second busbar 51 and the second mating busbar 52 being perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, the first docking busbar 42 is connected to the first flexible busbar 43, and the second docking busbar 52 is connected to the second flexible busbar 53. Figure 18 The electrical connector 1 on the left is connected to the external electrical connection terminals of the first flexible busbar 43 and the second flexible busbar 53. However, this is not a limitation; the first mating busbar 42 and the first flexible busbar 43 can also be integrally formed as the first flexible busbar, and the second mating busbar 52 and the second flexible busbar 53 can be integrally formed as the second flexible busbar. The first busbar 41 is connected to this first flexible busbar, the second busbar 51 is connected to this second flexible busbar, and the electrical connector 1 is connected to the external electrical connection terminals of these first and second flexible busbars.

[0108] The following text refers to Figure 19A This application describes an electrical connector 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present application, wherein the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment is connected to... Figure 17 The electrical connector 1 shown in the figure has a similar structure, except that, Figure 17 The first flexible busbar 43 is connected to the lower side of the first busbar 41 and the first mating busbar 42 facing the electrical connector 1, and the second flexible busbar 53 is connected to the lower side of the second busbar 51 and the second mating busbar 52 facing the electrical connector 1; while Figure 19A In one embodiment, the first flexible busbar 43 is connected to the upper side of the first busbar 41 and the first docking busbar 42 away from the electrical connector 1, and the second flexible busbar 53 is connected to the upper side of the second busbar 51 and the second docking busbar 52 away from the electrical connector 1.

[0109] In addition, according to Figures 17-19A The first flexible busbar 43 and the second flexible busbar 53 shown in the figure can both be fitted with sleeves 7 (in Figure 19A The example shown is a sleeve 7, which can be, for example, a heat shrink sleeve. The sleeve 7 can prevent short circuits caused by contact between the first flexible busbar 43 and the second flexible busbar 53. On the other hand, since the flexible busbar is usually composed of multiple layers of conductive foil, the sleeve 7 can also maintain the structural integrity of the flexible busbar.

[0110] like Figure 19AAs shown, in addition to the insulating spacer 6 disposed between the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51, and between the first docking busbar 42 and the second docking busbar 52, an insulating layer 8 may also be disposed on the busbar surface of the second busbar 51 and the second docking busbar 52 near the first flexible busbar 43, so as to prevent the first flexible busbar 43 from touching a busbar with a different potential adjacent to it and forming a short circuit; similarly, an insulating layer 8 may also be disposed on the busbar surface of the first busbar 41 and the first docking busbar 42 near the second flexible busbar 53, so as to prevent the second flexible busbar 53 from touching a busbar with a different potential adjacent to it and forming a short circuit. Figure 19A The example only shows the insulating layer 8 disposed on the surface of the first busbar 41 near the second flexible busbar 53 and the insulating layer 8 disposed on the surface of the second docking busbar 52 near the first flexible busbar 43.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 19B and Figure 19C As shown, in this embodiment, the ends of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 that abut with the rear cover 20 are formed with reduced portions 412 and 512, respectively. Thus, a first step portion 412a is formed between the reduced portion 412 of the first busbar 41 and its outer edge, and a second step portion 512a is also formed between the reduced portion 512 of the second busbar 51 and its outer edge. Correspondingly, as... Figure 19C As shown, a flange 250 is formed on the surface of the rear cover 20 that mates with the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51. This flange 250 surrounds the opening 280 into which the first busbar and the second busbar 51 are inserted. Furthermore, a reinforcing member 260 is provided within the opening 280, dividing it into a first slot 281 and a second slot 282. When the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51 are inserted into the rear cover 20, the first busbar 41 is inserted into the first slot 281, and the second busbar 51 is inserted into the second slot 282. Simultaneously, a gap is formed between the first step portion 412a on the first busbar 41 and the second step portion 512a on the second busbar 51 and the flange 250 of the rear cover. Of course, in an embodiment not shown, both the first step portion 412a on the first busbar 41 and the second step portion 512a on the second busbar 51 abut against the flange 250 of the rear cover. The flange 250 provides a mounting location for other insulating protective housings (not shown), which can provide contact protection for other conductive parts of the busbar assembly. A reinforcing member 260 on the rear cover 20 enhances the overall strength of the rear cover 20. This reinforcing member 260 can be formed of an insulating material to create electrical isolation between the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 51. This reinforcing member 260 can be as follows: Figure 19CThe reinforcement 260 shown is formed by joining two parts, or it can be formed as a single piece in one of the upper rear cover 210 or the lower rear cover 220. The reinforcement 260 can be a frame structure or a solid structure. A first fastener 61 passes through the reinforcement 260 to connect the upper rear cover 210 and the lower rear cover 220 together.

[0112] The structure of the rear cover 20, which is connected to the first docking busbar 42 and the second docking busbar 52, is the same as above and will not be described again.

[0113] The busbar assemblies 100 with different structures described above can meet different application scenarios and improve product adaptability.

[0114] Since the features of the invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the nature of the invention, it should also be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the details described above, unless otherwise stated, and should be broadly interpreted as falling within the scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all modifications and alterations falling within the scope and limits of the claims or equivalents thereof should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector for connecting to an external connection terminal of a cable or busbar, the electrical connector comprising: case; A conductive component is disposed within the housing and is used for electrical connection to the external connection terminal; as well as The rear cover is disposed at the rear of the housing and forms an enclosing space with the housing. The conductive components and the external connection terminals are completely covered within the enclosing space. The back cover and the housing are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes on at least one surface.

2. An electrical connector for connecting to an external connection terminal of a cable or busbar, the electrical connector comprising: case; A conductive component is disposed within the housing and is used for electrical connection to the external connection terminal; as well as A radiator, wherein the radiator portion is disposed within the housing and exposed on both sides of the housing.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing includes a base and a mating portion extending forward from the base, and a conductive component extending from the base to the mating portion for electrical connection to an external device via the mating portion.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein, The mating part has a closed structure.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein, The conductive component includes a contact piece and a conductive partition located on the side of the contact piece, the conductive partition being in electrical contact with the external connection terminal.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein, The contact piece can be a multi-piece contact piece or a single-piece contact piece; the base is provided with a partition wall, and when the adjacent contact pieces are inserted into the housing, the partition wall is provided between the adjacent contact pieces.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein, The conductive separator includes at least one large conductive separator and at least one small conductive separator, wherein the large conductive separator and the small conductive separator are combined with each other or integrally formed.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrical connector further includes a terminal positioning device, which includes a first engagement portion located in the middle and second engagement portions located on both sides. The first engagement portion is used to engage the conductive component, and the second engagement portion is used to engage the housing.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The rear cover is stacked behind the housing and includes an upper rear cover and a lower rear cover, which are detachably connected to each other by a first fastener.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein, The upper rear cover and / or the lower rear cover are provided with a reinforcing part near the front end of the housing.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector also includes a heat sink housed in the enclosing space, the heat sink and the conductive component being disposed on opposite sides of the external connection end.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 2 or 11, wherein, The heat sink, the conductive component, and the external connection terminal are joined together by a second fastener.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The busbar includes a bent structure, and the electrical connector is connected to the external connection end of the busbar near the bent structure.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 13, wherein, The heat sink portion of the electrical connector is housed within the bent structure.

15. A busbar assembly, comprising: A first busbar component and a second busbar component are electrically insulated from each other, each having external connection terminals located at both ends thereof. The electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the external connection end of the first busbar component and the external connection end of the second busbar component are respectively connected to the electrical connector.

16. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the electrical connectors includes: Two rows of conductive components, each row comprising two sets of contact plates and two conductive spacers arranged side-by-side, each set of contact plates comprising two contact plates; and Two rows of radiators, each row comprising two radiators arranged side by side. The two rows of conductive components and the two rows of heat sinks are respectively located on opposite sides of the external connection end.

17. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first docking busbar, which are electrically connected to each other. The second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second docking busbar, which are electrically connected to each other.

18. The busbar assembly according to claim 17, wherein, A first flexible busbar is electrically connected between the first busbar and the first docking busbar, and a second flexible busbar is electrically connected between the second busbar and the second docking busbar.

19. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first docking busbar electrically connected to each other, the extension direction of the first busbar and the extension direction of the first docking busbar being perpendicular to each other. The second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second docking busbar electrically connected to each other, the extension direction of the second busbar and the extension direction of the second docking busbar being perpendicular to each other. The first docking busbar or the first busbar is electrically connected to a first flexible busbar, and the second docking busbar or the second busbar is electrically connected to a second flexible busbar. The external connection ends of the first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are respectively connected to the electrical connectors.

20. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The first busbar component includes a first busbar and a first flexible busbar that are directly electrically connected to each other. The second busbar component includes a second busbar and a second flexible busbar that are directly electrically connected to each other. The external connection ends of the first busbar and the second busbar, and the external connection ends of the first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are respectively connected to the electrical connector.

21. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein, The first flexible busbar and the second flexible busbar are fitted with sleeves.

22. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 18-19, wherein, An insulating layer is provided on the surface of the busbar closest to the second flexible busbar in the first busbar and the first docking busbar; an insulating layer is provided on the surface of the busbar closest to the first flexible busbar in the second busbar and the second docking busbar.

23. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, A clearance structure is formed on one side of the rear cover of the electrical connector to allow the first busbar component and the second busbar component to be inserted.

24. The busbar assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The ends of the first busbar component and the second busbar component that are in contact with the rear cover of the electrical connector are formed with a first step and a second step. A flange is formed on the surface of the rear cover of the electrical connector that is in contact with the first busbar component and the second busbar component. When the first busbar component and the second busbar component are inserted into the rear cover, a gap is formed between the first step and the second step and the flange.

25. The busbar assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The rear cover has a reinforcing member in the opening for insertion of the first busbar component and the second busbar component. The reinforcing member divides the opening into a first slot for insertion of the first busbar component and a second slot for insertion of the second busbar component.

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