Electric connector assembly

Abstract

There is provided an electrical connector assembly comprising: an insulative connector housing (110); the conductive terminal (120) is arranged in the connector shell; the busbar module (210) comprises a busbar (211) and an insulated busbar shell (212) for encapsulating the busbar, and the busbar is electrically connected to the conductive terminals; and a fastening assembly (220), the fastening assembly mechanically and electrically connects the busbar to the conductive terminal, one of the connector housing and the busbar housing is provided with a first sealing ring (140) formed in a dispensing manner, the first sealing ring circumferentially surrounds a position where the busbar is connected with the conductive terminal, and the fastening assembly (220) mechanically and electrically connects the busbar to the conductive terminal. A waterproof seal is provided between the connector housing and the busbar housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly, to electrical connector assemblies capable of quickly performing waterproof sealing. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are commonly used to establish electrical connections between various electronic components or devices, and their application fields cover industries such as consumer electronics, household appliances, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Electrical connectors generally include connection terminals disposed within a housing to achieve such electrical connection, such as conductive terminals for charging or power transmission in electric vehicles.

[0003] In conventional designs, electrical connectors are connected by wires. As the charging current increases, the temperature rise can be reduced by using large cross-sectional wires. However, in the charging applications of electric vehicles, as the vehicle's charging current requirement increases, such as up to 1000 A, currently conventional wires cannot meet the vehicle's current-carrying temperature rise requirements. Busbars with higher current transmission capabilities and better stability can be used to connect the charging connectors to meet the demand for large-current transmission. During assembly, multiple individual sealing rings are usually provided between the busbar and the connector housing to provide sealing at the position where the busbar is connected to the conductive terminal. And multiple sealing rings need to be assembled in place separately, with complex operations and occupying installation space. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] To overcome at least one of the above and other problems and defects existing in the prior art, the present disclosure is proposed.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrical connector assembly, comprising: an insulating connector housing; conductive terminals mounted within the connector housing; a busbar module, the busbar module including a busbar and an insulating busbar housing enclosing the busbar, the busbar being electrically connected to the conductive terminals; and a fastening assembly, the fastening assembly mechanically and electrically connecting the busbar to the conductive terminals, and a first sealing ring formed by means of dispensing is provided on one of the connector housing and the busbar housing, the first sealing ring circumferentially surrounding the position where the busbar is connected to the conductive terminals to provide waterproof sealing between the connector housing and the busbar housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, the connector housing has a mounting surface, the busbar module is mounted on the mounting surface by means of the fastening assembly, and a first annular groove is formed on the mounting surface, and the first sealing ring is formed in the first annular groove by means of dispensing before the busbar module is positioned on the mounting surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connector housing includes a housing body and a cover connected to each other, wherein a terminal insertion channel is defined in the housing body for at least partially receiving and retaining an inserted conductive terminal, the cover at least covers a connecting end of the conductive terminal connected to the busbar, and the cover is formed with the mounting surface, an opening is formed in the mounting surface, a portion of the connecting end positioned in the cover is exposed from the opening for electrical connection with the busbar, and the first annular groove surrounds the opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the busbar housing has two opposite surfaces in its thickness direction, and the first surface of the two surfaces is pressed against the mounting surface of the cover via the fastening assembly, so that the first sealing ring is squeezed between the first surface of the busbar housing and the mounting surface of the cover.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first through hole is formed in the first surface of the busbar housing, a portion of the busbar enclosed in the busbar housing is exposed from the first through hole for electrical connection with the connection end, and the busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the first through hole is aligned with the opening in the thickness direction, a portion of the fastening assembly is inserted through the first through hole and the opening, and the first annular groove surrounds the first through hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, a terminal connection hole is formed at the connecting end of the conductive terminal, a busbar connection hole is formed at one end of the busbar for connecting to the conductive terminal, and the busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the first through hole, the opening, the terminal connection hole and the busbar connection hole are aligned in the thickness direction, and a portion of the fastening assembly is inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening and the terminal connection hole to fix the busbar module on the connector housing and electrically connect the busbar to the conductive terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the busbar module includes at least two busbars, and the busbar housing encloses the at least two busbars such that the at least two busbars are spaced apart from each other and fixedly positioned in the busbar housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fastening assembly includes a bolt and a nut, the bolt having a rod with a threaded end, the rod being inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening and the terminal connection hole from the side of the busbar opposite to the mounting surface in the thickness direction, so that the threaded end is threadedly connected with the nut located on the side of the connection end facing away from the busbar and positioned in the cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fastening assembly further includes an insulating cap, the head of the bolt is positioned in the cap, the cap includes a flange, and a second sealing ring formed by dispensing is provided on one of the flange and the busbar housing, and the second sealing ring circumferentially surrounds the bolt to provide a waterproof seal between the cap and the busbar housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, a second annular groove is formed on the surface of the flange facing the busbar housing, and the second sealing ring is formed in the second annular groove by dispensing before the rod portion of the bolt is inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening, and the terminal connection hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surface of the flange is pressed against the second surface of the two surfaces of the busbar housing, so that the second sealing ring is squeezed between the surface of the flange and the second surface of the busbar housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, a second through hole is formed in the second surface of the busbar housing, a part of the busbar encapsulated in the busbar housing is exposed from the second through hole, and the busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the second through hole is aligned with the busbar connection hole in the thickness direction, the rod portion of the bolt is inserted through the aligned second through hole and the busbar connection hole, and the second sealing ring formed in the second annular groove surrounds the second through hole.

[0017] According to an embodiment of another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an electrical connector assembly described in any embodiment of the present disclosure is further provided, including: providing an insulating connector housing; installing conductive terminals in the connector housing; providing a busbar module, the busbar module including a busbar and an insulating busbar housing encapsulating the busbar; providing a first sealing ring on one of the connector housing and the busbar housing by dispensing; and positioning the busbar module on the connector housing and mechanically and electrically connecting the busbar to the conductive terminals by using a fastening assembly, so that the first sealing ring circumferentially surrounds the position where the busbar is connected to the conductive terminals to provide a waterproof seal between the connector housing and the busbar housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, providing the first sealing ring may include: providing a sealant in the first annular groove by dispensing to form the first sealing ring, so that after the busbar module is installed on the connector housing by using the fastening assembly, the first sealing ring is squeezed between the busbar housing and the connector housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method may further include: before the rod portion is inserted through the aligned female busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening, and the terminal connection hole, a second sealing ring is provided on one of the flange and the female busbar housing by means of dispensing; subsequently, the rod portion is inserted through the aligned female busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening, and the terminal connection hole, such that the second sealing ring circumferentially surrounds the bolt to provide a waterproof seal between the cap and the female busbar housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is another perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the cover is removed to show the connection between the female busbar and the conductive terminal;

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the cover of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which one conductive terminal is partially positioned within the cover;

[0025] Figure 5 is schematically showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in;

[0026] Figure 6 is a side perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the cover is removed to show the connection between the female busbar and the conductive terminal;

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the fastening assembly of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the fastening assembly of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a bus bar module of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The following description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings is intended to illustrate the general concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0031] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the convenience of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in a schematic manner to simplify the drawings.

[0032] In the following detailed description, directional terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper part" and "lower part", "inner", "outer", etc. are defined according to the drawings, but the shape and position of the components are not limited by these terms and can be adjusted according to actual applications.

[0033] In addition, the terms used herein are used to describe exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the present disclosure. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, the singular forms of "a", "an" and "the", "this" are also intended to include the plural forms. In the present disclosure, terms such as "include", "comprise", "have" and similar terms are used to list features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Although terms such as "first", "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and the second element may be referred to as the first element. The term "and / or" includes multiple combinations of related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical connector assembly that can be used to establish electrical connections between various types of electronic components or devices. As an example, the electrical connector assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used as a charging connector for an electric vehicle, such as a charging socket, which can be used for high-current transmission. In other embodiments, the provided busbar assembly and the corresponding electrical connector assembly can also be used to provide safe and reliable power and signal connections between, for example, electronic devices, communication devices, medical devices, industrial electric devices, etc. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for assembling an electrical connector assembly, which can be assembled and waterproof-sealed quickly.

[0036] The electrical connector assembly provided according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes an electrical connector and a busbar module connected to each other. The busbar module may include a busbar and a busbar housing encapsulating the busbar. Thus, as will be described below, when the busbar module is fixed to the electrical connector using a fastening component, a waterproof seal between the busbar and the connector housing and / or the fastening component can be quickly achieved by means of dispensing glue. Therefore, the assembly of the electrical connector and the busbar can be completed through a simple operation, improving the assembly efficiency. In the charging application of an electric vehicle, the conductive terminals for connecting to the busbar may include DC conductive terminals, such as DC+ and / or DC- terminals, which can transmit currents of up to 1000A, for example.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a busbar that are adapted to be (e.g., detachably) assembled together. The electrical connector may be a socket connector having a connector housing 110 and conductive terminals 120. The connector housing 110 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic and defines a socket 101 (see Figure 2 ) for receiving the terminals of a mating connector (not shown). The conductive terminals 120 are inserted and mounted in the connector housing 110 and are adapted to be connected to the busbar module 210 or its busbar 211. As Figures 3 - 6 shown, the conductive terminals 120 have a connection end 121 and a plug-in end 122. The connection end 121 is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to the busbar 211 of the busbar module 210 via a fastener assembly 220, while the plug-in end 122 is adapted to be inserted into the connector housing (110) to make electrical contact with the terminals of a mating connector (not shown). With the aid of the fastening component 220, the electrical connector including the connector housing 110 and the conductive terminals can be fixed to the busbar module 210.

[0038] As an example, the connector housing 110 may include a housing body 111 defining a socket 101 and a cover 112. A terminal insertion channel 1111 for at least partially receiving and holding the inserted conductive terminal 120 is defined in the housing body 111. The terminal insertion channel 1111 may extend along an insertion direction (which may be the same as the length direction of the conductive terminal) for accommodating at least the insertion end 122 of the conductive terminal 120. The terminal insertion channel 1111 may communicate with the socket 101 such that a part of the insertion end 122 of the conductive terminal 120 inserted therein is exposed or adapted to be in electrical contact with the terminal of the mating connector.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 112 may have a flat cylindrical extension part 1121 that at least covers or accommodates the connection part of the conductive terminal 120 and the bus bar 211 and the part of the conductive terminal outside the body housing. For example, at least the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120 is positioned within the extension part 1121 of the cover 112. The cover 112 may be connected to the housing body 111 in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 112 may be snap-connected to the housing body 111. A snap or protrusion 1112 may be formed on the housing body 111, and an opening or groove 1122 for engaging or catching the snap or protrusion 1112 is formed on the cover 112, and vice versa. The cover may also be connected or engaged with the housing body in other detachable ways, or the connector housing may be an integrally formed part, and the present disclosure does not particularly limit this.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a bus bar module 210 is provided, which includes at least one bus bar 211. In some embodiments, two or more bus bars 211 may be encapsulated together by an insulating bus bar housing 212 to facilitate the overall assembly of the bus bar module 210 with the electrical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the bus bar module 210 includes two bus bars 211 encapsulated by the bus bar housing 212, such as DC+ / DC- bus bars. The two bus bars 211 are spaced apart from each other electrically insulated and fixedly positioned within the bus bar housing 212, forming a two-in-one bus bar module. By adopting such a module, the assembly operation steps of multiple individual bus bars can be reduced, and the assembly efficiency can be improved. The bus bar may be made of a suitable conductive material, such as a copper bar, an aluminum bar, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the length or extension direction of the bus bar may be greater than the length direction perpendicular to the conductive terminal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the orientation of the conductive terminal or the connector housing relative to the bus bar can be adjusted according to actual installation requirements.

[0041] The connector housing 110 or the busbar housing 212 may be provided with a first sealing ring 140. The first sealing ring 140 at least circumferentially surrounds the position where the busbar 211 is connected to the conductive terminal 120 to provide a waterproof seal between the connector housing and the busbar housing. Different from the conventional separately provided sealing rings, the first sealing ring 140 provided according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is formed by dispensing during the assembly of the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212. For example, a sealing adhesive is coated in a circle around the connector housing 110 or the busbar housing 212 and around the position where the connector housing 110 or the busbar housing 212 is connected by a dispenser (not shown), and then the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212 are pressed against each other. The first sealing ring 140 formed by dispensing provides a waterproof seal between the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212, thus eliminating the need for positioning and assembling a separate sealing ring.

[0042] The connector housing 110 may have a mounting surface. For example, the mounting surface 1122 may be provided by the cover 112 or its generally cylindrical extension 1121, such as a flat surface. The busbar module 210 is mounted on the mounting surface 1122 by means of a fastening assembly 220, so that the busbar 211 of the busbar module 210 is electrically connected to the connection end 121 located within the cover 112. In some examples, a first annular groove 1124 is formed in the mounting surface 1122. Before the busbar module 210 is positioned on the mounting surface 1122, a sealing adhesive is coated in the first annular groove 1124 by dispensing to form the first sealing ring 140. The first sealing ring 140 may be higher than or protrude beyond the first annular groove 1124. During assembly, forming the sealing ring by dispensing can eliminate the positioning and assembly of a separate seal, reduce the additional mounting space occupied by the sealing ring, and thus reduce the product volume.

[0043] As Figure 4 and 5 shown, a through hole or opening 1123 may be formed in the mounting surface 1122 of the cover 112. A part of the connection end 121 located within the cover 112 is exposed from the opening 1123 for electrical connection to the busbar 211, while the first annular groove 1124 surrounds the opening 1123, so that when the busbar housing 212 is pressed against the mounting surface 1122, the first sealing ring 140 formed in the first annular groove 1124 can circumferentially surround the opening 1123 and further circumferentially surround the part or position where the connection end 121 is connected to the busbar 211 on the outside to provide a waterproof seal.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the busbar module 210 may have a generally flat profile corresponding to the outer shape of the encapsulated busbar 211. Thus, the busbar housing 212 has two opposite surfaces in its thickness direction, namely a first surface 2121 and a second surface 2123. After the first sealing ring 140 is formed by dispensing glue, the first surface 2121 of the busbar housing 212 is pressed against the mounting surface 1122 of the cover 112 via the fastening assembly 220, such that the first sealing ring 140 is squeezed between the first surface 2121 of the busbar housing 212 and the mounting surface 1122 of the cover 112.

[0045] As Figure 5 and Figure 9 shown, a first through hole 2122 is formed in the first surface 2121 of the busbar housing 212, and a part of the busbar 211 encapsulated in the busbar housing 212 is exposed from the first through hole 2122 for electrical connection with the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120. And the busbar module 210 is at least partially positioned on the mounting surface 1122 of the connector housing 110, such that the first through hole 2122 of the busbar housing 212 is aligned with the opening 1123 of the cover 112 in the thickness direction of the busbar module 210. A part of the fastening assembly 220 is inserted through the aligned first through hole 2122 and the opening 1123, and the first annular groove 1124 and the first sealing ring 140 formed therein surround the first through hole 2122 and the opening 1123 on the outside, preventing water or foreign matter from entering the busbar housing 212 or the cover 112 through the first through hole 2122 or the opening 1123.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, as Figures 3 - 6 and Figure 9As shown, the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120 is formed with a terminal connection hole 123, and one end of the busbar 211 for connecting with the conductive terminal 120 is formed with a busbar connection hole 2111. A second through hole 2124 may be formed in the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212, the second through hole 2124 may be concentric with the busbar connection hole 2111, and a portion of the busbar 211 enclosed in the busbar housing 212 may be exposed from the second through hole 2124. The diameters of the first through hole 2122, the second through hole 2124, and / or the opening 1123 of the cover 112 of the busbar housing 212 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the busbar connection hole 2111. After the busbar module 210 is positioned on the mounting surface of the connector housing 110, the second through hole 2124, the busbar connection hole 2111, the first through hole 2122, the opening 1123 and the terminal connection hole 123 are aligned in the thickness direction, and a portion of the fastening assembly 220 is inserted through the aligned second through hole 2124, the busbar connection hole 2111, the first through hole 2122, the opening 1123 and the terminal connection hole 123 to fix the busbar module 210 on the connector housing 110 and electrically connect the busbar 211 to the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening assembly 220 can detachably connect the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120 to the busbar 211, for example, Figure 3 , Figures 5 - 8 As shown, the fastening assembly 220 includes a bolt 221 and a nut 223, wherein the bolt 221 has a shank with a threaded end 2211. During assembly, the shank of the bolt 221 can be inserted through the aligned second through-hole 2124, the busbar connection hole 2111, the first through-hole 2122, the opening 1123 and the terminal connection hole 123 from the side of the busbar 211 opposite to the mounting surface 1122, i.e., from the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212 in the thickness direction, so that the threaded end 2211 is threadedly connected with the nut 223 located on the other side opposite to the busbar 211 (i.e., the side of the connection end 121 facing away from the busbar), so as to mechanically and electrically connect the busbar 211 to the connection end 121 of the conductive terminal 120. The nut 223 can be positioned in the cover 112, for example.

[0048] In some examples, a portion of the fastening assembly 220, such as the bolt 221 and the nut 223, may preferably be made of a conductive material to ensure a stable electrical connection between the conductive terminal and the busbar. Figures 3 - 6 As shown, the fastening assembly 220 may further include a conductive sleeve 224, which may be sleeved on the rod of the bolt 221, disposed between the busbar 211 and the connecting end 121 of the conductive terminal 120 and contacting the busbar 211 and the connecting end 121 to establish an electrical connection between the busbar 211 and the connecting end 121.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 - 3 and Figures 5 - 8 shown, the fastening assembly 220 may further include a cap 222, and the head of the bolt 221 may be positioned in the cap 222. The cap 222 may be made of an insulating material and is adapted to abut against the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212. According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a second sealing ring 150 may be provided between the cap 222 and the busbar housing 212. After assembly, the second sealing ring 150 circumferentially surrounds the second through-hole 2124 of the busbar housing 212 to provide a waterproof seal between the cap 222 and the busbar housing 212, preventing water or foreign objects from entering the busbar housing 212 through the second through-hole 2124.

[0050] Different from the conventional separately provided sealing ring, the second sealing ring 150 provided according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is formed by a dispensing method when the fastening assembly 220 connects the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212; for example, a dispensing machine (not shown) is used to coat a circle of sealant around the bolt 221 on the cap 222 or around the second through-hole 2124 on the busbar housing 212, and then the rod portion of the bolt 221 is inserted through the aligned second through-hole 2124, busbar connection hole 2111, first through-hole 2122, opening 1123 and terminal connection hole 123, so that the cap 222 abuts against the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212, and the second sealing ring 150 provides a waterproof seal between the cap 222 and the busbar housing 212, thus eliminating the need for separate positioning and assembly of the sealing ring.

[0051] In some examples, the cap 222 may include an integrally formed flange 2221 and a cap cover 2222. After the head of the bolt 221 is positioned in the cap cover 2222 and before the rod portion of the bolt 221 is inserted through the second through-hole 2124, busbar connection hole 2111, first through-hole 2122, opening 1123 and terminal connection hole 123, sealant may be coated on the surface 2223 of the flange 2221 facing the busbar housing 212 by a dispensing method to form the second sealing ring 150, and then the rod portion of the bolt 221 is inserted and connected to the nut 223. At this time, the second sealing ring 150 surrounds the rod portion of the bolt 221 on the outside and thus surrounds the second through-hole 2124 to provide a waterproof seal between the surface 2223 of the flange 2221 and the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212.

[0052] Exemplarily, such as Figures 5 - 8As shown, a second annular groove 2225 that circumferentially surrounds the rod portion of the bolt 221 is formed on the inner surface of the flange 2221 of the cap 222, that is, the surface 2223 facing the busbar housing 212. Before the rod portion of the bolt 221 is inserted through the aligned second through hole 2124, the busbar connection hole 2111, the first through hole 2122, the opening 1123, and the terminal connection hole 123, sealant is applied in the second annular groove 2225 by means of dispensing to form a second sealing ring 150. The second sealing ring 150 may be higher than or protrude outside the second annular groove 2225. Thus, when assembling the fastening assembly 220 to fix the busbar module 210 on the mounting surface of the connector housing 110, the surface 2223 of the flange 2221 is pressed against the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212, so that the second sealing ring 150 is squeezed between the surface 2223 of the flange 2221 and the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212, and circumferentially surrounds the rod portion of the bolt 221 on the outside and the second through hole 2124 formed in the second surface 2123 of the busbar housing 212. It can be understood that although in the described embodiments, the sealing ring is formed in the corresponding groove by means of dispensing, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a separately formed sealing ring may also be installed in the corresponding groove, which can also achieve waterproof sealing, and due to the presence of the groove, the space additionally occupied by the sealing ring can also be reduced.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide corresponding assembly methods, which are used to assemble an electrical connector with a busbar or a busbar module together to form the electrical connector assembly described in the above embodiments of the present disclosure. The method mainly includes the following operations or steps:

[0054] Provide an electrical connector. For example, provide an insulating connector housing 110 and install conductive terminals 120 in the connector housing;

[0055] Provide a busbar module 210, which may include at least one busbar 211 and an insulating busbar housing 212 that encapsulates the busbar;

[0056] Apply sealant on one of the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212 by means of dispensing to form a first sealing ring 140; and

[0057] Subsequently, position the busbar module 210 on the connector housing 110 and mechanically and electrically connect the busbar 211 to the conductive terminals 120 by using a fastening assembly 220, so that the first sealing ring 140 circumferentially surrounds the position where the busbar 211 is connected to the conductive terminals 120 on the outside to provide a waterproof seal between the connector housing 110 and the busbar housing 212.

[0058] Exemplarily, an annular groove may be formed on the surface of at least one of the connector housing 110 and the bus bar housing 212, such as on the mounting surface 112 of the connector housing 110. Before assembly, sealant may be applied to the annular groove by a dispensing machine, or a separately formed sealing ring may be placed in the annular groove to form or serve as the first sealing ring 140, such that after the bus bar module 210 is mounted on the connector housing 110 by the fastening assembly 220, the first sealing ring 140 is squeezed between the bus bar housing 212 and the connector housing 110 to provide a reliable waterproof seal therebetween.

[0059] In a further embodiment, another annular groove may also be formed on the surface of at least one of the cap 222 of the fastening assembly 220 and the bus bar housing 212, such as on the inner surface 2223 of the flange 2221 of the cap 222. Before assembly, for example, before the shank of the bolt 221 is inserted through the second through hole 2124, the bus bar connection hole 2111, the first through hole 2122, the opening 1123, and the terminal connection hole 123, sealant may be applied to the annular groove by a dispensing machine, or a separately formed sealing ring may be placed in the annular groove to form or serve as the second sealing ring 150; subsequently, the shank of the bolt 221 is inserted through the second through hole 2124, the bus bar connection hole 2111, the first through hole 2122, the opening 1123, and the terminal connection hole 123, such that the second sealing ring 150 circumferentially surrounds the bolt 221 and the second through hole 2124 of the bus bar housing 212 on the outer side and is squeezed between the cap 222 and the bus bar housing 212 to provide a reliable waterproof seal therebetween.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made therein without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. In addition, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" used herein do not exclude other elements or steps. Additionally, any element number in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: an insulating connector housing (110); A conductive terminal (120) mounted in the connector housing; A busbar module (210), the busbar module comprising a busbar (211) and an insulating busbar housing (212) encapsulating the busbar, the busbar being electrically connected to the conductive terminal; and a fastening assembly (220), the fastening assembly mechanically and electrically connecting the busbar to the conductive terminal, It is characterized in that A first sealing ring (140) formed by dispensing is arranged on one of the connector housing and the busbar housing, and the first sealing ring circumferentially surrounds the position where the busbar is connected to the conductive terminal to provide a waterproof seal between the connector housing and the busbar housing.

2. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector housing has a mounting surface (1122), the busbar module is mounted on the mounting surface by means of the fastening assembly, and A first annular groove (1124) is formed on the mounting surface, and the first sealing ring is formed in the first annular groove by glue dispensing before the busbar module is positioned on the mounting surface.

3. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector housing comprises a housing body (111) and a cover (112) connected to each other, wherein a terminal insertion channel (1111) for at least partially receiving and retaining an inserted conductive terminal is defined in the housing body, and the cover at least covers a connection end (121) of the conductive terminal connected to the busbar, and The cover is formed with the mounting surface (1122), an opening (1123) is formed in the mounting surface, a portion of the connection end positioned in the cover is exposed from the opening for electrical connection with the busbar, and the first annular groove (1124) surrounds the opening.

4. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The busbar housing has two opposite surfaces in its thickness direction, and the first surface of the two surfaces is pressed against the mounting surface (1122) of the cover via the fastening assembly, so that the first sealing ring is squeezed between the first surface of the busbar housing and the mounting surface (1122) of the cover.

5. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first through hole (2122) is formed in the first surface (2121) of the busbar housing, and a portion of the busbar (211) enclosed in the busbar housing is exposed from the first through hole for electrical connection with the connection terminal (121), and The busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the first through hole is aligned with the opening in the thickness direction, a portion of the fastening assembly is inserted through the first through hole and the opening, and the first annular groove (1124) surrounds the first through hole.

6. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connection end (121) of the conductive terminal (120) is formed with a terminal connection hole (123). A busbar connection hole (2111) is formed at one end of the busbar (211) for connecting to the conductive terminal (120), and The busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the first through hole, the opening, the terminal connection hole (123) and the busbar connection hole (2111) are aligned in the thickness direction, and a portion of the fastening assembly is inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening and the terminal connection hole to fix the busbar module on the connector housing and electrically connect the busbar to the conductive terminal.

7. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The busbar module comprises at least two busbars (211), and the busbar housing (212) encloses the at least two busbars (211), so that the at least two busbars (211) are spaced apart from each other and are fixedly positioned in the busbar housing (212).

8. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fastening assembly (220) comprises a bolt (221) and a nut (223), the bolt having a rod portion with a threaded end (2211), the rod portion being inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening and the terminal connection hole from the side of the busbar opposite to the mounting surface in the thickness direction, so that the threaded end (2211) is threadedly connected with the nut (223) located on the side of the connection end (121) facing away from the busbar (211) and positioned in the cover.

9. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fastening assembly (220) further comprises an insulating cap (222), in which the head of the bolt (221) is positioned. The cap comprises a flange (2221), and a second sealing ring (150) formed by dispensing is arranged on one of the flange and the busbar housing, and the second sealing ring circumferentially surrounds the bolt to provide a waterproof seal between the cap and the busbar housing.

10. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: A second annular groove (2225) is formed on the surface (2223) of the flange facing the busbar housing, and the second sealing ring is formed in the second annular groove by dispensing before the rod is inserted through the aligned busbar connection hole, the first through hole, the opening and the terminal connection hole.

11. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The surface (2223) of the flange is pressed against the second surface (2123) of the two surfaces of the busbar housing, so that the second sealing ring is squeezed between the surface (2223) of the flange and the second surface (2123) of the busbar housing.

12. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: A second through hole (2124) is formed in the second surface (2123) of the busbar housing, and a portion of the busbar (211) enclosed in the busbar housing is exposed from the second through hole, and The busbar module is partially positioned on the mounting surface so that the second through hole is aligned with the busbar connecting hole in the thickness direction, the rod of the bolt is inserted through the aligned second through hole and the busbar connecting hole, and the second sealing ring formed in the second annular groove surrounds the second through hole.

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