Connector, DC-DC module and power supply system
By independently controlling the contact sequence of power and signal pins at the line and board ends in the connector of the DC-DC module, hot-plugging is achieved, which solves the arcing risk of quick-connect connectors under load and improves the reliability of connectors and power systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423004978.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-04
AI Technical Summary
The quick-connect connectors of existing DC-DC modules are prone to generating electric arcs when plugged in or unplugged under load, which poses a high risk of module damage and affects the reliability of the power system.
Design a connector in which the power pins and signal pins at the wire end and board end are controlled independently. The power pins are made to contact and then disconnected, while the signal pins are disconnected and then made to contact, enabling hot-plugging of the wire end and board end. The reliability and safety of the electrical connection are ensured by the control circuit.
This effectively avoids the generation of electric arcs during the insertion and removal of wire ends and board ends, improving the safety of connector use and the reliability of DC-DC modules, and enhancing the operational reliability of the power system.
Smart Images

Figure CN223898723U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic power, and in particular to a connector, a DC-DC module and a power supply system. Background Technology
[0002] Power supply systems are widely used in various power supply applications such as servers, data centers, and base stations. They are used to receive AC power from AC power sources and output DC power to DC loads.
[0003] As a core component of a power system, the DC-DC module can supply DC power converted by the rectifier module to the battery module for storage, or distribute electrical energy from the battery module to electrical loads. Currently, DC-DC modules can be connected to battery modules via quick-connect connectors to achieve rapid connection and disconnection. Quick-connect connectors typically include a board end and a wire end. The board end is located on the DC-DC module's circuit board, and the wire end is used for electrical connection to the battery module via a cable. The battery module and DC-DC module are electrically connected by plugging in the wire end to the board end. Because quick-connect connectors are used for high current flow, there is a high risk of arcing during the insertion or removal of the wire end from the board end under load, which could potentially damage the DC-DC module. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention provides a connector, a DC-DC module, and a power supply system for enabling live plugging and unplugging of the connector's wire end and board end, thereby improving the reliability of the DC-DC module and the operational reliability of the power supply system.
[0005] Firstly, this invention provides a connector comprising a board end and a wire end. The board end includes a first power pin and a first signal pin, wherein the first signal pin supports a current value less than the current value supported by the first power pin. The wire end includes a second power pin and a second signal pin, wherein the second signal pin supports a current value less than the current value supported by the second power pin. In this invention, the second power pin is used for conductive contact with the first power pin, and the second signal pin is used for conductive contact with the first signal pin. When the wire end is inserted into the board end, after the second power pin contacts the first power pin, the second signal pin contacts the first signal pin, and after the second signal pin contacts the first signal pin, the second power pin and the first power pin are electrically connected. When the wire end is pulled out from the board end, after the second signal pin separates from the first signal pin, the second power pin and the first power pin are disconnected from each other, and the second power pin is separated from the first power pin. Using the connector provided by this invention, hot-plugging of the wire end and the board end can be realized. Therefore, under load, the generation of electric arc can be effectively avoided at the moment of insertion and removal of the wire end and the board end, thereby improving the safety of the connector.
[0006] In one possible implementation of this invention, the board end further includes a first housing, with a first power pin and a first signal pin connected to the first housing. The first housing includes a connector extending along a first direction, through which the wire end is pluggably connected to the board end. Furthermore, along the first direction, the first power pin is closer to the connector than the first signal pin, and the distance from the end of the first power pin away from the connector to the connector is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the first signal pin away from the connector to the connector. Thus, along the first direction, the length of the first power pin is greater than the length of the first signal pin, and the first signal pin is located between the two ends of the first power pin. This allows the wire end to be plugged into the board end, and after the second power pin contacts the first power pin, the second signal pin then contacts the first signal pin. Similarly, when the wire end is pulled out of the board end, after the second signal pin separates from the first signal pin, the second power pin then separates from the first power pin. This improves the reliability of hot-plugging the wire end and the board end.
[0007] In one possible implementation of this utility model, the first housing includes a plug-in portion and a fixing portion connected together. The plug-in portion is disposed on the plug-in portion, and the fixing portion is used for fixed connection with the circuit board. Furthermore, along the first direction, the projection of the plug-in portion covers the fixing portion, and the projected area of the plug-in portion is larger than the projected area of the fixing portion. This allows the first housing to be tapered from the plug-in portion to the fixing portion, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the board end design and thus reducing the board area occupied.
[0008] Furthermore, in the projection of the first housing onto the circuit board, along the second direction, the width of the insertion portion is greater than the width of the fixing portion, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. This further reduces the projected area of the board end on the circuit board, thereby facilitating a reduction in the board area occupied by the board end.
[0009] In this invention, there are two first power pins, which can be arranged opposite each other along a second direction, and a first signal pin is located between the two first power pins. This optimizes the layout of the two first power pins and the first signal pin, thereby reducing the overall size of the board.
[0010] Furthermore, along the first direction, the first power pin extends from the insertion portion to the fixing portion, and the first power pin is electrically connected to the circuit board, as is the first signal pin. This allows the first power pin to extend from the fixing portion to the outside of the first housing to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board, avoiding the first power pin occupying additional circuit board space, thereby reducing the overall board area.
[0011] In one possible implementation of this invention, the first housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion detachably connected along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, a first power pin and a first signal pin are connected to the first housing portion. Furthermore, portions of the first power pin and the first signal pin extend through the second housing portion along the third direction. This improves the maintainability of the board.
[0012] In another possible implementation of this invention, the first outer shell is a one-piece molded structure. This simplifies the processing of the plate end and reduces the overall volume of the plate end.
[0013] In one possible implementation of this invention, the wire terminal includes a second housing, with a second power pin and a second signal pin connected to the second housing. The second housing includes an insertion end facing a first direction, and the wire terminal is pluggably connected to the board end via the insertion end. Along the first direction, the second power pin is closer to the insertion end than the second signal pin, and the distance from the end of the second power pin facing away from the insertion end to the insertion end is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the second signal pin facing away from the insertion end to the insertion end. Thus, along the first direction, the length of the second power pin is greater than the length of the second signal pin, and the second signal pin is located between the two ends of the second power pin. When the wire terminal is inserted into the board end, the second power pin contacts the first power pin, and then the second signal pin contacts the first signal pin. Similarly, when the wire terminal is removed from the board end, the second signal pin separates from the first signal pin, and then the second power pin separates from the first power pin. This improves the hot-swappable reliability of the wire terminal and the board end.
[0014] Secondly, this utility model also provides a DC-DC module, which includes a housing, a circuit board, and a connector as described in the first aspect. The circuit board and its terminals are housed within the housing, and a first power pin and a first signal pin are electrically connected to the circuit board. Because the connector's wire ends and board ends are hot-swappable in the DC-DC module provided by this utility model, it helps to improve the reliability of the DC-DC module.
[0015] In one possible implementation of this invention, the circuit board further includes a control circuit, with a first power pin and a first signal pin connected to the control circuit. The control circuit controls the first power pin and the second power pin to electrically connect after the first signal pin and the second signal pin make contact. Furthermore, the control circuit controls the first power pin to disconnect from the second power pin after the first signal pin and the second signal pin disconnect. This ensures the reliability of hot-plugging of the connector's wire ends and board ends.
[0016] In another possible implementation of this invention, the DC-DC module includes at least two connectors arranged side-by-side. This satisfies the requirements for multi-channel signal transmission in the DC-DC module, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.
[0017] Thirdly, this utility model also provides a power supply system, which includes a rectifier module, a battery module, and a DC-DC module as described in the second aspect. The rectifier module converts AC power from an AC power source into DC power and outputs it to the DC-DC module and the DC load. The connector's wire ends are used to electrically connect to the battery module via cables. The DC-DC module provides DC power to the battery module for storage or distributes electrical energy from the battery module to the DC load. In the power supply system provided by this utility model, since the wire ends and board ends of the DC-DC module can be hot-swapped, it helps to improve the operational reliability of the power supply system. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the topology of a power supply system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a DC-DC module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 An exploded view of the board end of the connector provided by this utility model;
[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the wire end of a connector provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the connector's wire end at another angle;
[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the connector's wire end at another angle;
[0025] Figure 8 A perspective view of a structure of a DC-DC module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A projection view of the housing of the DC-DC module shown in the diagram along a first direction;
[0027] Figure 10 Another structural diagram of the board end of the connector provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0028] Figure 11 A perspective view of another structure of the DC-DC module provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The projection view of the housing of the DC-DC module shown in the diagram along the first direction.
[0030] Figure label:
[0031] 100-Rectifier module; 200-DC-DC module;
[0032] 10-Housing; 20-Connector; 1-Board end; 101-First housing; 1011-Interface; 101a-Interface; 101b-Fixing part;
[0033] 101c - First housing part; 101d - Second housing part; 1012 - Welded positioning post; 1013 - First buckle;
[0034] 102 - First power pin; 103 - First signal pin;
[0035] 2-Wire end; 201-Second housing; 2011-Insert end; 2012-Second buckle; 2013-Wire insertion hole; 2014-Wire locking screw hole;
[0036] 2015 - Transparent wiring viewing window; 202 - Second power pin; 203 - Second signal pin; 204 - Pull ring;
[0037] 30 - Circuit board; 40 - Fan. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The terms describing position and direction in the embodiments of this utility model are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the protection scope of this utility model. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model are for illustrating relative positional relationships only and do not represent actual proportions.
[0039] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in many ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0040] The power supply system can be used in power equipment such as communication power supplies, energy storage cabinets or charging piles. It can receive AC power from AC power sources and output DC power to DC loads. The AC power sources include photovoltaic power generation, mains power or uninterruptible power supplies, etc., and the DC loads include servers, base stations, home appliances, lighting equipment or electric vehicles, etc.
[0041] Modular power supply systems utilize modular hardware design to support the access and dispatch of multiple energy sources, thus addressing the power needs of complex ICT (Information and Communication Technology) convergence scenarios. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power supply system topology provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The power supply system includes a rectifier module 100 and a DC-DC module 200. The input terminal of the rectifier module 100 can be connected to an AC power source, and the output terminal of the rectifier module 100 is connected to the input terminal of the DC-DC module 200. The output terminal of the DC-DC module 200 can be connected to a battery module. The rectifier module 100 is used to convert AC power from the AC power source into DC power and output it to the DC load and the DC-DC module 200.
[0042] With the development and maturation of ICT modular power supply systems, users have placed higher demands on them. For example, users expect DC-DC modules to have bidirectional conduction capabilities, meaning the DC-DC module can both supply power to the load and provide DC power to the battery module for storage. This ensures that when the AC power supply to the rectifier module 100 stops, the DC power stored in the battery module can be output to the DC load through the DC-DC module 200, guaranteeing the reliable operation of the DC load. This bidirectional DC-DC module allows for the sharing of battery modules of different types, capacities, or manufacturers, adapting to the construction and maintenance needs of communication base stations. To achieve connection with the battery module, the DC-DC module is equipped with a quick-connect connector. This quick-connect connector typically includes a board end and a wire end. The board end is located on the circuit board of the DC-DC module, and the wire end is used for electrical connection to the battery module via a cable. The battery module and DC-DC module are electrically connected by plugging in the wire end to the board end. Since the plug-in connector is used for the flow of high current, there is a high risk of arcing when the wire end is plugged into or pulled out of the board under load, which could lead to a higher risk of damage to the DC-DC module.
[0043] In view of this, the present invention provides a solution for hot-plugging of the connector's wire and board ends, which improves the reliability of DC-DC modules and thus enhances the operational reliability of the power system. To facilitate understanding of the solution provided by this invention, specific embodiments will be described in detail below.
[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a DC-DC module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The DC-DC module may include a housing 10 and a connector 20, wherein the connector 20 includes a board end 1 and a wire end 2. The board end 1 is housed in the housing 10, and the wire end 2 is used to connect to the battery module via a cable. The wire end 2 and the board end 1 are pluggable and detachable, so that the DC-DC module and the battery module can be connected and disconnected by plugging and unplugging the wire end 2 and the board end 1.
[0045] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the connector for the DC-DC module provided in this utility model, please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In this invention, the board end 1 of the connector 20 includes a first housing 101, a first power pin 102, and a first signal pin 103. The first housing 101 includes a insertion interface 1011 formed along a first direction, which is also shown in the diagram. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 1011 can be located at one end of the housing 10 of the DC-DC module to facilitate pluggable connection between the wire end 2 and the board end 1.
[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, portions of the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 are housed within the first housing 101, and the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 are connected to the first housing 101. It can be understood that portions of the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 are located outside the first housing 101 for electrical connection to the circuit board of the DC-DC module.
[0047] It is worth mentioning that in this utility model, the current value supported by the first signal pin 103 is less than the current value supported by the first power pin 102. For example, the first signal pin 103 can be used to support currents of 10A and below, while the first power pin 102 can be used to support currents of 100A and above. Thus, the first signal pin 103 can be used for the transmission of control signals, while the first power pin 102 is used for the transmission of power signals.
[0048] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the board end of the connector provided by this utility model. In this utility model, the first power pin 102 is closer to the interface 1011 than the first signal pin 103, and the distance from the end of the first power pin 102 away from the interface 1011 to the interface 1011 is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the first signal pin 103 away from the interface 1011 to the interface 1011. That is, along the first direction, the length of the first power pin 102 is greater than the length of the first signal pin 103, and the first signal pin 103 is located between the two ends of the first power pin 102.
[0049] in addition, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wire end structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present utility model. For example... Figure 5 As shown, terminal 2 includes a second housing 201, a second power pin 202, and a second signal pin 203, which are connected to the second housing 201. The second housing 201 includes components for connecting to... Figure 3 The insertion end 2011 is positioned opposite the interface 1011 shown. That is, the insertion end 2011 can be oriented towards the first direction. The wire end 2 can be connected to the board end 1 by the insertion end 2011 being opposite to the interface 1011.
[0050] In this utility model, to ensure the reliability of the connection between the wire end 2 and the board end 1, it can be further referred to Figure 3The first housing 101 includes a first latch 1013, which may be, for example, a protrusion. The second housing 201 includes a second latch 2012, which may be, for example, an elastic element. Thus, when the wire end 2 is inserted into the plate end 1 along the first direction, the second latch 2012 engages with the first latch 1013 to restrict the movement of the wire end 2 relative to the plate end 1 in the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby preventing the wire end 2 from detaching from the plate end 1 and improving the reliability of the insertion between the wire end 2 and the plate end 1.
[0051] Additionally, you can refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 5 The wire end 2 provided by this utility model also includes a pull ring 204, which can be fixedly connected to the second housing 201. In one possible embodiment, the pull ring 204 and the second housing 201 can be integrally formed to simplify the structure of the wire end 2 and improve the structural reliability of the wire end 2. In another possible embodiment, the pull ring 204 and the second housing 201 can also be separate structures, which are fixed by welding, riveting or threaded connection.
[0052] Depend on Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the pull ring 204 is located outside the second housing 201, and the pull ring 204 can extend in a direction away from the insertion interface 1011. This allows the wire end 2 plugged into the plate end 1 to be pulled out via the pull ring 204, which improves the ease of pulling out the wire end 2.
[0053] As described above, terminal 2 can be electrically connected to the battery module via a cable. Refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the connector's wire end from another angle. The second housing 201 may include a wire insertion hole 2013, into which a cable can be inserted to achieve an electrical connection between the cable and the second power pin 202. It can be understood that in wire end 2, there are two second power pins 202, therefore the second housing 201 includes two wire insertion holes 2013, allowing two cables to be inserted into the two corresponding wire insertion holes 2013 to achieve a one-to-one electrical connection between the two cables and the two corresponding second power pins 202.
[0054] To improve the reliability of the connection between the cable and the second power pin 202, such as Figure 6As shown, the second housing 201 also includes a wire-locking screw hole 2014, in which a wire-locking screw is installed. This allows the cable to be secured to the corresponding connector hole 2013, ensuring a reliable connection between the cable and the second power pin 202. Furthermore, the cable can be released by loosening the wire-locking screw, enabling a detachable connection between the cable and the second housing 201. This improves cable replaceability and end maintainability.
[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second housing 201 may also include a transparent wiring viewing window 2015, so that after the cable is inserted into the wiring hole 2013, the cable can be confirmed to be inserted in place through the transparent wiring viewing window 2015, so that the cable can be locked into the corresponding wiring hole 2013 by means of a locking screw after the cable is reliably in contact with the second power pin 202.
[0056] Understandably, in order for terminal 2 to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board of the DC-DC module via terminal 1, the second power pin 202 is used to make conductive contact with the first power pin 102, and the second signal pin 203 is used to make conductive contact with the first signal pin 103. Therefore, when terminal 2 is plugged into terminal 1, the second power pin 202 can achieve electrical connection with the circuit board via the first power pin 102, and the second signal pin 203 can achieve electrical connection with the circuit board via the first signal pin 103.
[0057] Since the current value supported by the first signal pin 103 is less than the current value supported by the first power pin 102, the current value supported by the second signal pin 203 is less than the current value supported by the second power pin 202.
[0058] Furthermore, since the first power pin 102 is closer to the interface 1011 than the first signal pin 103 in the board end 1 of connector 20, when the line end 2 is inserted into the board end 1, the second power pin 202 contacts the first power pin 102 before the second signal pin 203 contacts the first signal pin 103. Conversely, when the line end 2 is removed from the board end 1, the second signal pin 203 separates from the first signal pin 103 before the second power pin 202 separates from the first power pin 102.
[0059] Based on this, it can be understood that in this utility model, a control circuit can also be provided on the circuit board, and the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 can be connected to the control circuit. The control circuit can be used to output a control voltage signal to the first power pin 102 after the first signal pin 103 contacts the second signal pin 203, thereby controlling the electrical connection between the first power pin 102 and the second power pin 202. Furthermore, the control circuit can also be used to output a control voltage signal to the first power pin 102 after the first signal pin 103 separates from the second signal pin 203, thereby controlling the electrical connection between the first power pin 102 and the second power pin 202 to be disconnected.
[0060] In summary, using the connector provided by this utility model, when the wire end 2 is inserted into the board end 1, the second power pin 202 contacts the first power pin 102 before the second signal pin 203 contacts the first signal pin 103. Furthermore, only after the second signal pin 203 contacts the first signal pin 103 can the electrical connection between the second power pin 202 and the first power pin 102 be achieved. This prevents the generation of an electric arc at the moment of insertion between the wire end 2 and the board end 1 under load, thereby improving the insertion safety of the wire end 2 and the board end 1.
[0061] Furthermore, when wire terminal 2 is pulled out from board terminal 1, after the second signal pin 203 separates from the first signal pin 103, the second power pin 202 disconnects from the first power pin 102, and only then does the second power pin 202 separate from the first power pin 102. This avoids the generation of an electric arc the instant wire terminal 2 is pulled out from board terminal 1 under load, thus improving the safety of pulling wire terminal 2 out of board terminal 1.
[0062] Therefore, the connector 20 provided by this utility model can realize the hot plugging and unplugging of the wire end 2 and the board end 1, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the connector 20.
[0063] In the above embodiment, the first power pin 102 of board terminal 1 is closer to the connector 1011 than the first signal pin 103, and the distance from the end of the first power pin 102 away from the connector 1011 to the connector 1011 is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the first signal pin 103 away from the connector 1011 to the connector 1011. That is, along the first direction, the length of the first power pin 102 is greater than the length of the first signal pin 103, and the first signal pin 103 is located between the two ends of the second power pin 202. This is merely an exemplary description of the implementation method where the power pin contacts the signal pin before the signal pin when the line terminal 2 is plugged into the board terminal 1, and the signal pin disconnects before the power pin when the line terminal 2 is pulled out. In other possible embodiments of this utility model, other possible methods can also be used to implement this. For example, the distance between the second signal pin 203 and the second power pin 202 relative to the insertion end 2011 of the line terminal 2 can be adjusted. For example, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the connector's wire end from another angle. See also the attached diagram. Figure 5 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the second power pin 202 of the line terminal 2 is closer to the insertion end 2011 than the second signal pin 203, and the distance from the end of the second power pin 202 away from the insertion end 2011 to the insertion end 2011 is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the second signal pin 203 away from the insertion end 2011 to the insertion end 2011. That is, along the first direction, the length of the second power pin 202 is greater than the length of the second signal pin 203, and the second signal pin 203 is located between the two ends of the second power pin 202. This also achieves the purpose of the power pin contacting the signal pin before the signal pin when the line terminal 2 is plugged into the board terminal 1, and the signal pin disconnecting before the power pin when the line terminal 2 is pulled out. In other possible embodiments, the above two implementation methods can be combined. The specific settings can be referred to the description of each embodiment above, which will not be repeated here, but they should all be understood to fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0064] As power systems mature, users are demanding more multi-channel quick-connect connectors for DC-DC modules to meet future needs for connecting DC-DC modules to multiple battery modules. However, due to limited space within DC-DC modules for quick-connect connectors, miniaturization of these connectors is a significant challenge.
[0065] Based on this, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a DC-DC module structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which can be used to illustrate the arrangement of the board end 1 inside the housing 10 of the DC-DC module. Figure 8 As shown, in this invention, the first housing 101 of the plate end 1 may include a plug-in portion 101a and a fixing portion 101b connected to each other. (Refer to 9) Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows a projected view of the housing of the DC-DC module along a first direction. In this invention, the insertion interface 1011 of the aforementioned board end 1 is provided at the insertion portion 101a. It can be understood that the insertion portion 101a is used for insertion with the wire end 2. Additionally, the fixing portion 101b is used for fixed connection with the circuit board 30.
[0066] It is understood that, along the first direction, the projection of the insertion portion 101a covers the projection of the fixing portion 101b, and the projected area of the insertion portion 101a is larger than the projected area of the fixing portion 101b. This allows the first housing 101 to be arranged in a contracted shape along the direction from the insertion portion 101a to the fixing portion 101b, which is beneficial to reducing the volume of the plate end 1, thereby reducing the area occupied by the plate end 1.
[0067] To facilitate understanding of the structure of the board end 1 of the connector 20 provided by this utility model, please continue to refer to... Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first housing 101 includes a first housing portion 101c and a second housing portion 101d that are detachably connected along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction. This improves the maintainability of the plate end 1.
[0068] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 can be connected to the first housing portion 101c, and along a third direction, the first housing portion 101c and the second housing portion 101d are engaged. Therefore, in order to enable the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 to be electrically connected to the circuit board 30, a portion of the first power pin 102 and a portion of the first signal pin 103 extend through the second housing portion 101d.
[0069] This utility model does not limit the connection method of the first housing part 101c and the second housing part 101d. For example, the first housing part 101c includes a protrusion, and the second housing part 101d includes a snap fastener; or, the first housing part 101c includes a snap fastener, and the second housing part 101d includes a protrusion, so that the first housing part 101c and the second housing part 101d are detachably connected by snap fastener and protrusion engagement. Of course, the first housing part 101c and the second housing part 101d can also be detachably connected by other possible methods, such as screws, etc., which will not be listed here, but all should be understood to fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0070] Furthermore, since the fixing part 101b of the first housing 101 is used for fixed connection with the circuit board 30, it is also referred to in this utility model. Figure 4 and Figure 8 Along the first direction, the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 can extend from the plug-in portion 101a to the fixing portion 101b, and the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103 can extend from the portion of the second housing portion 101d located in the fixing portion 101b to the outside of the first housing 101.
[0071] You can continue to refer to Figure 4 The second housing portion 101d may further include a welding positioning post 1012, which is used to position the second housing portion 101d on the circuit board to lift the board end 1. Figure 8 The assembly precision on the circuit board 30 shown.
[0072] It is understood that the present invention does not limit the number of welding positioning posts 1012 in the second housing part 101d, and there may be two or more, to ensure the positioning accuracy of the board end 1 on the circuit board. In addition, in order to achieve the positioning of the board end 1 on the circuit board 30, the circuit board 30 may also be provided with positioning holes, etc., for mating and plugging with the welding positioning posts 1012.
[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, board terminal 1 may include two first power pins 102, which correspond to the positive and negative terminals, respectively. Furthermore, the two first power pins 102 are arranged opposite each other along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first and third directions. (See also...) Figure 4 The first signal pin 103 is located between the two first power pins 102. This allows for a reasonable layout of the first signal pin 103 and the two first power pins 102, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the board end 1.
[0074] It is worth mentioning that, since the cross-sectional area of a pin is related to its current-carrying capacity, generally speaking, within a certain range, the larger the cross-sectional area of a pin, the greater the current value it can support. Based on this, the current-carrying capacity of the connector 20 can be improved by adjusting the cross-sectional areas of the first power pin 102 and the first signal pin 103.
[0075] In this utility model, the first housing 101 of the plate end 1 can be either detachable as described above or integrally formed. For example... Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the connector plate end provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first housing 101 of the plate end 1 can be a structure integrally formed by injection molding or other processes, which is beneficial to simplifying the processing technology of the plate end 1 and reducing the overall volume of the plate end 1.
[0076] Additionally, you can continue to refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 It is also used to display the projection of the first housing 101 onto the circuit board 30, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the projection of the first housing 101 onto the circuit board 30, along the second direction, the width of the insertion portion 101a is greater than the width of the fixing portion 101b, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the board end 1 to be arranged in a tapered shape from the insertion portion 101a to the fixing portion 101b, which helps to reduce the projected area of the board end 1 on the circuit board 30, that is, to reduce the board area occupied by the board end 1. This allows for the reservation of space for the placement of other components on the circuit board 30 without changing the size of the circuit board 30, thereby improving the functional versatility of the DC-DC module.
[0077] Because the connector 20 occupies a small area on the board in this invention, it allows for the installation of two or more board terminals 1 in the DC-DC module. This makes it possible to implement two or more connectors 20 in the DC-DC module, thereby enhancing the market competitiveness of the DC-DC module. For example, in... Figure 11 The DC-DC module shown includes two connectors 20, which are arranged side-by-side along a second direction. Furthermore, since the plate ends 1 of both connectors 20 are tapered from the insertion portion 101a to the fixing portion 101b, a large gap exists between the fixing portions 101b of the two plate ends 1 in the second direction. This gap is, for example... Figure 11 The setup shown can be used for heat dissipation devices such as fan 40. (Refer to...) Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 11 The projection view of the housing of the DC-DC module shown in the figure along the first direction shows that, in this embodiment, by placing the fan 40 between the two board ends 1, the space inside the housing 10 of the DC-DC module can be fully utilized while meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the two connectors 20.
[0078] In other possible embodiments, the gap between the fixing portions 101b of the two board ends 1 in the second direction can also be used for the setting of other devices, so that while realizing the setting of the two connectors of the DC-DC module, the internal space of the housing 10 can be fully utilized.
[0079] In summary, the connector 20 design provided by this utility model enables live plugging and unplugging of the wire end 2 and board end 1 of the connector 20, which improves the reliability of the DC-DC module. Furthermore, by designing the insertion portion 101a to the fixing portion 101b of the board end 1 of the connector 20 to be tapered, the board end 1's footprint is reduced while still meeting the plugging requirements of the board end 1 and wire end 2. This allows the DC-DC module to have two or more connectors 20 without changing its overall size, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.
[0080] In the above embodiments, the application of the connector 20 provided by this utility model in a DC-DC module is used as an example. The design of the connector 20 provided by this utility model can also be applied to other electronic power modules with requirements for hot-plugging and miniaturization. Their specific configurations are similar and will not be listed here, but they should all be understood to fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0081] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes a board end and a wire end, wherein: The board includes a first power pin and a first signal pin; the current value supported by the first signal pin is less than the current value supported by the first power pin. The wire end is pluggable to the board end, and the wire end includes a second power pin and a second signal pin. The current value supported by the second signal pin is less than the current value supported by the second power pin. The second power pin is used to make conductive contact with the first power pin, and the second signal pin is used to make conductive contact with the first signal pin; when the wire end is inserted into the board end, after the second power pin contacts the first power pin, the second signal pin contacts the first signal pin, and after the second signal pin contacts the first signal pin, the second power pin is electrically connected to the first power pin; when the wire end is pulled out from the board end, after the second signal pin separates from the first signal pin, the second power pin is electrically disconnected from the first power pin, and the second power pin is separated from the first power pin.
2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The board end also includes a first housing, the first power pin and the first signal pin are connected to the first housing, the first housing includes a plug-in interface opened along a first direction, and the line end is pluggably connected to the board end through the plug-in interface; Along the first direction, the first power pin is closer to the connector than the first signal pin, and the distance from the end of the first power pin away from the connector to the connector is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the first signal pin away from the connector to the connector.
3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first housing includes a plug-in portion and a fixing portion connected together. The plug-in portion is disposed on the plug-in portion, and the fixing portion is used to fix it to the circuit board. Along the first direction, the projection of the plug-in portion covers the projection of the fixing portion, and the projected area of the plug-in portion is larger than the projected area of the fixing portion.
4. The connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the projection of the first housing onto the circuit board, along the second direction, the width of the plug portion is greater than the width of the fixing portion, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, There are two first power pins, which are arranged opposite each other along the second direction, and the first signal pin is located between the two first power pins.
6. The connector as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the first power pin extends from the plug-in portion to the fixing portion, and the first power pin is electrically connected to the circuit board.
7. The connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are detachably connected along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction; The first power pin and the first signal pin are connected to the first housing portion; along the third direction, portions of the first power pin and the first signal pin penetrate the second housing portion.
8. The connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first outer shell is a one-piece molded structure.
9. The connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The wire end includes a second housing, the second power pin and the second signal pin are connected to the second housing, the second housing includes an insertion end disposed in a first direction, and the wire end is pluggably connected to the board end through the insertion end; Along the first direction, the second power pin is closer to the insertion end relative to the second signal pin, and the distance from the end of the second power pin away from the insertion end to the insertion end is greater than or equal to the distance from the end of the second signal pin away from the insertion end to the insertion end.
10. A DC-DC module, characterized in that, The DC-DC module includes a housing, a circuit board, and a connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The circuit board and the board end are housed in the enclosure, and the first power pin and the first signal pin are electrically connected to the circuit board.
11. The DC-DC module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The circuit board further includes a control circuit, wherein the first power pin and the first signal pin are connected to the control circuit; the control circuit is used to control the first power pin to be electrically connected to the second power pin after the first signal pin and the second signal pin are in contact; and the control circuit is also used to control the first power pin to be electrically disconnected from the second power pin after the first signal pin and the second signal pin are disconnected.
12. The DC-DC module as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The DC-DC module includes at least two connectors, which are arranged side by side.
13. A power supply system, characterized in that, The device includes a rectifier module, a battery module, and a DC-DC module as described in any one of claims 10 to 12. The rectifier module is used to convert AC power from an AC power source into DC power and output it to the DC-DC module and the DC load. The wire end of the connector is used to be electrically connected to the battery module via a cable. The DC-DC module is used to provide DC power to the battery module for storage or to distribute electrical energy from the battery module to the DC load.