Female terminal of photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a female terminal of a photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector, which comprises a copper pipe and an aluminum pipe, the diameter of the copper pipe is smaller than that of the aluminum pipe, a contact finger is arranged in the copper pipe and comprises a pipe wall sheet, a plurality of elastic sheets are arranged on the pipe wall sheet, and the elastic sheets protrude out of the inner surface of the pipe wall sheet. The multi-rib elastic sheet can increase the contact area with the male terminal, increase the friction with the inner wall of the copper pipe, prevent the male terminal from loosening, improve the connection stability and reduce the potential safety hazard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector technology, specifically to a female terminal structure for a photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector, which improves the stability and safety of mating between the copper-aluminum female terminal and the copper-aluminum male terminal and the male terminal of the MC4 connector. Background Technology

[0002] Common photovoltaic-grade copper-aluminum connectors on the market incorporate the MC4 male-female mating structure into the copper-aluminum connector, allowing for mating with commonly used MC4 connectors. However, the mating effect of different female terminal structures varies when using this connection method. Therefore, a female terminal structure design is needed that ensures proper mating of the copper-aluminum male terminal and the MC4 connector male terminal without displacement.

[0003] Existing copper-aluminum female terminals include copper and aluminum tubes, each with holes of different depths. The copper tube diameter is smaller than the aluminum tube diameter, and the copper and aluminum tubes are connected by friction welding. The copper tube connects to the aluminum wire, and the copper tube is mated with the male terminal. Generally, the copper tube of a copper-aluminum female terminal has a simple hole with a relatively smooth inner wall, resulting in low friction. During mating with the male terminal, there may be an interference fit or a clearance fit. If there is an interference fit, the male terminal will be difficult to mate, potentially scratching its surface and affecting the mating depth. If there is a clearance fit, the male terminal will become loose, reducing the contact area between the two connectors, thus increasing resistance and creating a safety hazard.

[0004] Currently, the mating assembly of copper-aluminum female terminals and male terminals is generally achieved by controlling the dimensional tolerance of the inner diameter of the copper tube. This results in a small tolerance for the copper tube diameter and high requirements for machining precision. If the dimensional accuracy is not well controlled, it is impossible to guarantee the proper mating assembly of the copper-aluminum female and male terminals. At the same time, this increases the difficulty of production and reduces production efficiency, leading to increased production costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a female terminal structure for a photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector. This structure can effectively solve the mating problem when the copper tube and the male terminal are inserted, prevent the male terminal from becoming loose, ensure the insertion depth of the terminals, improve the connection stability, and reduce safety hazards.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector includes a copper tube and an aluminum tube. The diameter of the copper tube is smaller than that of the aluminum tube. A contact finger is provided inside the copper tube. The contact finger includes a tube wall plate. The tube wall plate has multiple spring pieces. The spring pieces protrude from the inner surface of the tube wall plate.

[0008] In use, first insert the contact finger into the copper tube of the copper-aluminum female terminal, with the tube wall plate close to the inner wall of the copper tube. Multiple spring clips form deformable protrusions facing inwards from the copper tube. When the male terminal is inserted into the copper tube, it presses against the spring clips on the tube wall plate, causing the spring clips to deform and allow the male terminal to be inserted into the copper tube. The deformed spring clips press against the male terminal, increasing friction and securing the male terminal firmly inside the copper tube, thus improving connection stability.

[0009] Preferably, the diameter of the tube wall plate is larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube, and the length of the tube wall plate is greater than or equal to half the inner circumference of the copper tube. In use, the tube wall plate is squeezed to reduce its diameter so that it can be inserted into the copper tube. After the tube wall plate is inserted into the copper tube, it returns to its original position and fits tightly against the inner wall of the copper tube, thus securing the tube wall plate firmly inside the copper tube.

[0010] Preferably, the tube wall plate is an annular plate with a notch for reducing its diameter. In use, the annular plate is squeezed to reduce its diameter, allowing it to fit into the copper tube. Because the annular plate has a pre-drilled notch, it is not a complete circle; therefore, squeezing it causes it to shrink, allowing it to fit into the copper tube. After the annular plate enters the copper tube, it springs back and conforms to the inner wall of the tube. When the male terminal is inserted into the copper tube, it squeezes the spring clip on the annular plate, causing the spring clip to deform and allow the male terminal to be inserted into the copper tube. The deformed spring clip then squeezes the male terminal, securing it firmly to the copper tube.

[0011] At the notch, one end of the annular piece is provided with a snap-fit ​​boss, and the other end is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove that cooperates with the snap-fit ​​boss. The snap-fit ​​boss and the snap-fit ​​groove limit the two ends of the annular piece to prevent misalignment.

[0012] The tube wall plate includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, with multiple spring pieces sequentially and spaced apart between the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part, along with the multiple spring pieces sequentially connected therebetween, not only limit the movement of the male terminal and improve the stability of the male terminal connection, but also increase the conductive area between the male terminal and the copper tube.

[0013] Preferably, the height of the finger is equal to the depth of the copper tube hole.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the copper tube is provided with a constriction. The constriction is used to limit the movement of the finger and prevent it from detaching from the copper tube.

[0015] Preferably, the copper tube and the aluminum tube are connected by friction welding.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. The constricted design at the front end of the copper tube of the copper-aluminum female terminal can effectively prevent the contact finger from shifting inside the copper tube and increase the contact area between the female terminal and the male terminal.

[0018] 2. The design of the contact finger structure, with its multi-ribbed spring sheet forming annular surface, increases the contact area with the male terminal and the friction with the inner wall of the copper tube, preventing the male terminal from loosening, improving connection stability, and reducing safety hazards.

[0019] 3. The assembly of the contact fingers is simple. Operators only need to manually squeeze and push the contact fingers into the copper tube to complete the assembly.

[0020] 4. The structural design of the copper-aluminum female terminal is not only applicable to copper-aluminum male terminals, but also to the male terminals of MC4 connectors, making it highly versatile. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the finger plane of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the touch of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the utility model in use. Detailed Implementation

[0027] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the female terminal 1 of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector includes a copper tube 2 and an aluminum tube 3. The diameter of the copper tube 2 is smaller than that of the aluminum tube 3. The copper tube 2 and the aluminum tube 3 are connected by friction welding. The end of the copper tube 2 is provided with a constriction 4.

[0028] The contact finger 5 includes a tube wall plate, which includes a first annular plate 51 and a second annular plate 52 spaced apart. The first annular plate 51 and the second annular plate 52 are connected by a plurality of spring pieces 7. The plurality of spring pieces 7 are sequentially spaced between the first annular plate 51 and the second annular plate 52. The spring pieces 7 all protrude from the inner surface of the annular plate (the first connecting ring 51 and the second connecting ring 52), and the spring pieces 7 form a tangible protrusion facing the interior of the annular plate.

[0029] Both the first annular piece 51 and the second annular piece 52 are provided with notches 6. The notches 6 make the annular pieces form an adjustable telescopic ring, so as to realize the adjustment of the outer diameter of the touch finger 5.

[0030] At notch 6, one end of the first annular piece 51 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​protrusion 55, and the other end of the first annular piece 51 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​groove 56 that cooperates with the first snap-fit ​​protrusion 55; similarly, at notch 6, one end of the second annular piece 52 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the other end of the second annular piece 52 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove that cooperates with the second snap-fit ​​protrusion. The snap-fit ​​protrusions and snap-fit ​​grooves limit the two ends of the annular pieces to prevent misalignment of the two ends of the connecting ring.

[0031] The height of finger 5 is equal to the depth of the inner hole of copper tube 2.

[0032] The initial outer diameter of the contact finger 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube 2. During use, squeezing the contact finger 5 reduces the diameter of the annular piece, allowing the contact finger 5 to be inserted into the copper tube 2. Since both the first annular piece 51 and the second annular piece 52 have notches 6, they are not complete rings. Therefore, squeezing the contact finger 5 causes the two ends of the first annular piece 51 or the second annular piece 52 to come together, causing the contact finger 5 to contract and thus allowing it to be inserted into the copper tube 2. After the contact finger 5 enters the copper tube 2, the first annular piece 51 or the second annular piece 52 springs back and adheres to the inner wall of the copper tube 2. When the male terminal 8 is inserted into the copper tube 2, the male terminal 8 squeezes the spring piece 7 between the first annular piece 51 and the second annular piece 52. The spring piece 7 deforms, allowing the male terminal 8 to be inserted into the copper tube 2. The deformed spring piece 7 squeezes the male terminal 8, securing it firmly to the copper tube 2. The constriction 4 limits the contact finger 5 within the copper tube 2 to prevent it from detaching.

[0033] It should be noted that the initial outer diameter of the finger 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube 2. Specifically, the preset outer diameter of the finger 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube 2, not the outer diameter of the finger 5 itself. Because the finger 5 has a notch 6 and is not a complete ring, its diameter can be enlarged by external force to make its outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube 2, so that the finger 5 can spring back and fit against the inner wall of the copper tube 2.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first annular piece 51 and the second annular piece 52 can be arc-shaped pieces with a large notch, the length of which is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the inner circumference of the copper tube, and multiple spring pieces are connected between the two arc-shaped pieces. In use, the arc-shaped piece is squeezed to reduce its diameter so that it can be inserted into the copper tube. After the arc-shaped piece enters the copper tube, it returns to its original position and adheres tightly to the inner wall of the copper tube, so that the arc-shaped piece is firmly connected inside the copper tube.

[0035] In other embodiments, the aforementioned tube wall plate can be a single annular plate or an arc-shaped plate with a larger opening, with a spring protruding from the inner surface of the tube wall plate (one end of the spring is connected to the tube wall plate, and the other end faces the inside of the tube wall plate). By placing the tube wall plate inside the copper tube, between the male terminal and the copper tube, the stability of the connection between the male terminal and the copper tube is improved.

[0036] The above embodiments do not limit the present invention in any way. All technical solutions obtained by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A female terminal of a photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector, comprising a copper tube and an aluminum tube, wherein the diameter of the copper tube is smaller than the diameter of the aluminum tube, characterized in that: The copper tube is provided with a contact finger, which includes a tube wall plate. The tube wall plate has multiple spring pieces that protrude from the inner surface of the tube wall plate.

2. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the tube wall plate is larger than the inner diameter of the copper tube.

3. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the tube wall plate is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the inner circumference of the copper tube.

4. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tube wall plate is an annular plate with a notch, which is used to reduce the diameter of the annular plate.

5. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: At the notch, one end of the annular piece is provided with a snap-fit ​​boss, and the other end is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove that cooperates with the snap-fit ​​boss.

6. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The tube wall plate includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, and a plurality of spring pieces are sequentially and spaced between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

7. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the finger is equal to the depth of the hole in the copper tube.

8. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The copper tube has a constricted end.

9. The female terminal of the photovoltaic copper-aluminum connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The copper tube and the aluminum tube are connected by friction welding.

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