Temperature control electric connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a temperature control electric connector and a connector assembly. The temperature control electric connector comprises a first housing; the first mounting piece is arranged in the first shell; a terminal mounting cavity is formed in the first mounting piece, and a temperature control fixing groove and a wiring fixing groove which are communicated with each other are formed in the outer side of the first mounting piece; the first terminal is arranged in the terminal mounting cavity, and the butt joint end of the first terminal is surrounded by the temperature control fixing groove; the temperature control piece is arranged in the temperature control fixing groove so as to detect the temperature of the butt joint end of the first terminal; and a temperature control wire electrically connected with the temperature control piece is arranged in the wiring fixing groove. The device provided by the utility model can monitor the temperature of a butt joint point after the first terminal is in butt joint with other opposite ends in real time, and can timely find and accurately position abnormal temperature caused by abnormal conditions such as poor contact and looseness of the electric connector, infirm component connection, oxidation or exceeding of a safety value of the connector and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a temperature-controlled electrical connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic connectors are critical components in photovoltaic power generation systems, connecting various parts such as photovoltaic modules, combiner boxes, controllers, and inverters. In practical applications, they require high levels of safety and reliability. However, during long-term use, poor contact or loosening at the connection points between the two terminals, loose connections, oxidation, or current carrying capacity exceeding the connector's safety limits can all affect the connector's safety and reliability, even causing it to malfunction, reducing its lifespan, and impacting the normal operation of the entire photovoltaic power generation system. To mitigate these adverse effects, when a connector malfunctions, it should be located and repaired promptly. However, with increasing power density and the growing number of photovoltaic connectors, directly locating a faulty or damaged connector becomes challenging.

[0003] Therefore, timely detection and location of abnormalities in a photovoltaic connector has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, in order to overcome the above problems, this utility model provides a temperature-controlled electrical connector, which has a first mounting component and a temperature control component at the mating end of the terminal through the first mounting component. This component can detect temperature abnormalities caused by poor connection, oxidation, and excessive current in a timely manner, thereby enabling timely detection and location of connector abnormalities.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the present invention provides a temperature-controlled electrical connector, comprising:

[0006] First outer shell;

[0007] The first mounting component is disposed inside the first housing; the first mounting component has a terminal mounting cavity inside, and a temperature control fixing groove and a wiring fixing groove connected to each other are disposed on the outside of the first mounting component;

[0008] The first terminal is disposed in the terminal mounting cavity, and the mating end of the first terminal is surrounded by the temperature control fixing groove.

[0009] A temperature control device is installed in a temperature control mounting slot to detect the temperature of the mating end of the first terminal; the temperature control wire electrically connected to the temperature control device is installed in a wiring mounting slot.

[0010] Optionally, the outer side of the first mounting member is provided with a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion extending in the circumferential direction, and a temperature control fixing groove is formed between the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion.

[0011] Optionally, a first cutting plane is provided on both the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion, and a second cutting plane is provided on the inner circumference of the first housing. When the first mounting member is disposed inside the first housing, the first cutting plane and the second cutting plane are correspondingly disposed to fix the first mounting member and the first housing in a circumferential direction.

[0012] Optionally, a limiting step is provided on the inner periphery of the first housing near the first end, and the first annular protrusion is near the first end of the first housing relative to the second annular protrusion; when the first mounting member is disposed inside the first housing, the first annular protrusion abuts against the limiting step.

[0013] Optionally, the first terminal is connected to the cable, and the tail end of the first housing extends onto the cable; the temperature control connector also includes:

[0014] The first fastener is sleeved on the cable; the first end of the first fastener extends into the first housing and abuts against the first mounting part; the first end of the first fastener is provided with a clearance groove, and the temperature control wire passes through the clearance groove and then passes into the wiring fixing groove.

[0015] The first tail sleeve is fitted over the first fastener and is connected to the tail end of the first housing to secure the first fastener and the first housing to the cable.

[0016] Optionally, the second end of the first fastener is provided with a plurality of first fastening teeth, and the first tail sleeve is provided with a tapered hole section. The diameter of the tapered hole section gradually decreases as it moves away from the sleeve interface of the first tail sleeve, so that when the first tail sleeve is fitted onto the first fastener through the sleeve interface, the fastening strength of the first fastener to the cable gradually increases with the increase of the sleeve length.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a connector assembly, comprising:

[0018] The temperature-controlled electrical connector in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect;

[0019] Also includes:

[0020] An electrical connector includes a second housing and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is disposed within the second housing;

[0021] The temperature control electrical connector has a first mating connector on its first housing and a second mating connector on its second housing corresponding to the first mating connector. When the first mating connector and the second mating connector are connected, the second terminal mates with the mating end of the first terminal.

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0023] The temperature-controlled electrical connector provided by this utility model has a first mounting component inside a first housing, a first terminal inside the first mounting component, and a temperature control component outside the first mounting component, corresponding to the mating end of the first terminal. This allows the temperature control component to monitor the temperature at the mating point of the first terminal and its mating terminal in real time. This enables timely detection and accurate positioning when the electrical connector experiences abnormal temperatures (generally excessively high) due to poor contact, looseness, insecure component connections, oxidation, or current exceeding the connector's safety value. Furthermore, by providing a temperature control fixing groove and a wiring fixing groove on the outer periphery of the first mounting component, and placing the temperature control component inside the temperature control fixing groove and the temperature control wire electrically connected to the temperature control component inside the wiring fixing groove, the installation convenience of the temperature control component and its alignment accuracy relative to the mating end of the first terminal are improved, further enhancing the temperature detection accuracy of the temperature-controlled electrical connector. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temperature-controlled electrical connector provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first mounting component in the temperature-controlled electrical connector provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the first housing and the first mounting component in the temperature-controlled electrical connector provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the temperature-controlled electrical connector provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the structure of the temperature-controlled electrical connector provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mating electrical connector provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100-Temperature Control Electrical Connector;

[0034] 110 - First outer shell; 110a - Second cutting plane; 110b - Limiting step; 111 - First mating connector;

[0035] 120 - First mounting component; 121 - Temperature control mounting groove; 122 - Wiring mounting groove; 123 - First annular protrusion; 123a - First cutting plane; 124 - Second annular protrusion;

[0036] 130 - First terminal;

[0037] 140-temperature control;

[0038] 150-Temperature control line;

[0039] 160 - First fastener; 161 - First fastening tooth; 162 - Alternating groove;

[0040] 170 - First tailgating;

[0041] 200-Match electrical connector;

[0042] 210 - Second outer casing; 211 - Second mating connector;

[0043] 220 - Second terminal;

[0044] 230 - Second fastener;

[0045] 240 - Second tail sheath;

[0046] 300-Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this utility model. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of this invention, other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0051] Furthermore, to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features not relevant to the currently considered best mode for carrying out the present invention, or those features not relevant to implementing the present invention) may be omitted. Moreover, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below may be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This utility model embodiment provides a temperature-controlled electrical connector 100. Please refer to... Figures 1-5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature-controlled electrical connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The temperature-controlled electrical connector 100 includes a first housing 110, a first mounting member 120, a first terminal 130, and a temperature control device 140. The first mounting member 120 is disposed within the first housing 110. A terminal mounting cavity is provided within the first mounting member 120, and a communicating temperature control fixing groove 121 and a wiring fixing groove 122 are provided on the outer side of the first mounting member 120. The first terminal 130 is disposed within the terminal mounting cavity, and the mating end of the first terminal 130 is surrounded by the temperature control fixing groove 121. The temperature control device 140 is disposed within the temperature control fixing groove 121 to detect the temperature of the mating end of the first terminal 130. A temperature control wire 150 electrically connected to the temperature control device 140 is disposed within the wiring fixing groove 122.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connection end of the first terminal 130 is connected to the cable 300; the first mounting member 120 and the first housing 110 can both extend to be fitted onto the cable 300.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first mounting member 120 is fixed relative to the first housing 110. Specifically, two opposing fixing structures can be provided on the outer periphery of the first mounting member 120 and the inner periphery of the first housing 110 to achieve relative fixation between them. Specifically, the outer periphery of the first mounting member 120 can have a fixing spring, while the inner periphery of the first housing 110 can have a corresponding fixing groove; alternatively, threaded structures can be provided on the outer periphery of the first mounting member 120 and the inner periphery of the first housing 110.

[0056] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a first annular protrusion 123 and a second annular protrusion 124 extending circumferentially are provided on the outer side of the first mounting member 120 to form a temperature control fixing groove 121 between the first annular protrusion 123 and the second annular protrusion 124. At this time, in order to further simplify the structure of the temperature control electrical connector 100 in this embodiment, and also to facilitate the removal of the first mounting member 120 from the first housing 110 for inspection of the first mounting member 120 and the temperature control device 140, such as... Figure 3As shown, the first annular protrusion 123 and the second annular protrusion 124 can both have a first cutting plane 123a, and the inner circumference of the first housing 110 has a second cutting plane 110a. When the first mounting member 120 is disposed inside the first housing 110, the first cutting plane 123a and the second cutting plane 110a are correspondingly disposed, that is, the first mounting member 120 and the first housing 110 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction, without the need to provide other fixing structures on the first mounting member 120 and the first housing 110.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a limiting step 110b is provided on the inner periphery of the first housing 110 near its head end, and the first annular protrusion 123 is located near the head end of the first housing 110 relative to the second annular protrusion 124. When the first mounting member 120 is disposed inside the first housing 110, the first annular protrusion 123 abuts against the limiting step 110b. Those skilled in the art should understand that, at this time, as long as the first mounting member 120 is relatively fixed to the cable 300 at its tail end, the relative fixation of the first mounting member 120 and the first housing 110 in the axial direction can be achieved.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first end of the first housing 110 refers to the end used for mating with the electrical connector, while the tail end of the first housing 110 refers to the other end opposite to the first end.

[0059] In specific implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the temperature control connector 100 in this embodiment may further include a first fastener 160 and a first tail sleeve 170. The first fastener 160 is sleeved on the cable 300, and the first end of the first fastener 160 extends into the first housing 110 and abuts against the first mounting member 120. The first tail sleeve 170 is sleeved outside the first fastener 160 and is connected to the tail end of the first housing 110 to fasten the first fastener 160 and the first housing 110 to the cable 300.

[0060] In specific implementation, in order to improve the fastening effect of the first fastener 160, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second end of the first fastener 160 can be provided with a plurality of first fastening teeth 161, and the first tail sleeve 170 is provided with a tapered hole section, and the diameter of the tapered hole section gradually decreases as it moves away from the sleeve interface of the first tail sleeve 170, so that when the first tail sleeve 170 is fitted onto the first fastener 160 through the sleeve interface, the fastening strength of the first fastener 160 to the cable 300 gradually increases with the increase of the sleeve length.

[0061] In specific implementation, a seal can also be provided between the first fastening tooth 161 and the cable 300, or between the first fastener 160 and the first housing 110.

[0062] In practical implementation, to further prevent the temperature control wire 150 from disturbing within the temperature control connector 100, in addition to the aforementioned wiring fixing slot 122, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the temperature control wire 150 can be set to enter the temperature control connector 100 through the same through hole as the cable 300, and the first end of the first fastener 160 is provided with a relief groove 162, so that the temperature control wire 150 separates from the cable 300 after passing through the relief groove 162, and passes through the wiring fixing groove 122 until it reaches the temperature control fixing groove 121 and connects with the temperature control device 140.

[0063] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the docking of the first terminal 130 in the electrical connector with the second terminal in the corresponding mating electrical connector, the inner diameter of the plug end of the first mounting member 120 can be set to be larger than the diameter of the mating end of the first terminal 130 (the plug end of the first mounting member 120 is correspondingly set with the mating end of the first terminal 130) so as to form a plug-in receiving cavity at the plug end of the first mounting member 120. At this time, the diameter of the plug end of the mating electrical connector can be set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the above-mentioned hole. When the temperature control electrical connector 100 and the mating electrical connector are docked, the mating end of the mating electrical connector is inserted into the plug-in receiving cavity.

[0064] In summary, the temperature-controlled electrical connector 100 in this embodiment, by providing a first mounting member 120 within the first housing 110 and placing the first terminal 130 within the first mounting member 120, and placing a temperature control device 140 outside the first mounting member 120 and corresponding to the mating end of the first terminal 130, allows the temperature control device 140 to monitor the temperature at the mating point of the first terminal 130 and its mating terminal in real time. This enables timely detection and accurate positioning when the electrical connector is experiencing poor contact, looseness, insecure component connection, oxidation, or current exceeding the connector's safety value. Furthermore, by providing a temperature-controlled fixing groove 121 and a wiring fixing groove 122 on the outer periphery of the first mounting member 120, placing the temperature control device 140 within the temperature-controlled fixing groove 121, and placing the temperature-controlled wire 150 electrically connected to the temperature control device 140 within the wiring fixing groove 122, the installation convenience of the temperature control device 140 and its alignment accuracy relative to the mating end of the first terminal 130 are improved, further enhancing the temperature detection accuracy of the temperature-controlled electrical connector 100.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] This utility model provides a connector assembly. Please refer to... Figures 1-7 This is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly includes the temperature-controlled electrical connector 100 in any of the embodiments of the above-described embodiment 1, and also includes a mating electrical connector 200, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the mating electrical connector 200 includes a second housing 210 and a second terminal 220, with the second terminal 220 disposed inside the second housing 210; the temperature control electrical connector 100 has a first mating connector 111 on its first housing 110 and a second mating connector 211 corresponding to the first mating connector 111 on its second housing 210; when the first mating connector 111 and the second mating connector 211 are connected, the second terminal 220 is mated to the mating end of the first terminal 130.

[0067] In a specific implementation, there can be two first docking connectors 111 and two second docking connectors 211. In a specific implementation, the first docking connector 111 can be a snap-fit ​​groove, and the second docking connector 211 can be a spring-loaded snap-fit.

[0068] In specific implementation, similar to the first terminal 130 mentioned above, the connection end of the second terminal 220 is connected to the cable 300, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the mating electrical connector 200 may also include a second fastener 230 and a second tail sleeve 240. The second fastener 230 is sleeved on the cable 300, and the second tail sleeve 240 is sleeved outside the second fastener 230. The second tail sleeve 240 is connected to the tail end of the second housing 210 to fasten the second fastener 230 to the cable 300.

[0069] In specific implementation, the end of the second fastener 230 away from the second terminal 220 can be provided with multiple second fastening teeth, and the second tail sleeve 240 is provided with a tapered hole section. The diameter of the tapered hole section gradually decreases as it moves away from the sleeve interface of the second tail sleeve 240, so that when the second tail sleeve 240 is sleeved on the second fastener 230 through the sleeve interface, the fastening strength of the second fastener 230 to the cable 300 gradually increases with the increase of the sleeve length.

[0070] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A temperature-controlled electrical connector, characterized in that, include: First outer shell; A first mounting component is disposed within the first housing; the first mounting component has a terminal mounting cavity inside, and a temperature control fixing groove and a wiring fixing groove are disposed on the outer side of the first mounting component. The first terminal is disposed in the terminal mounting cavity, and the mating end of the first terminal is surrounded by the temperature control fixing groove. A temperature control device is disposed in the temperature control fixing slot to detect the temperature of the mating end of the first terminal; a temperature control wire electrically connected to the temperature control device is disposed in the wiring fixing slot.

2. The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the first mounting member is provided with a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion extending in the circumferential direction, and the temperature control fixing groove is formed between the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion.

3. The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion are each provided with a first cutting plane, and the inner circumference of the first housing is provided with a second cutting plane. When the first mounting member is disposed inside the first housing, the first cutting plane and the second cutting plane are correspondingly disposed to fix the first mounting member and the first housing in the circumferential direction.

4. The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting step is provided on the inner periphery of the first housing near the first end, and the first annular protrusion is closer to the first end of the first housing than the second annular protrusion; when the first mounting member is disposed inside the first housing, the first annular protrusion abuts against the limiting step.

5. The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first terminal is connected to the cable, and the tail end of the first housing extends to the cable; The temperature-controlled electrical connector also includes: The first fastener is sleeved on the cable; the first end of the first fastener extends into the first housing and abuts against the first mounting part; the first end of the first fastener is provided with a clearance groove; the temperature control wire passes through the clearance groove and then passes into the wiring fixing groove. A first tail sleeve is fitted over the first fastener and is connected to the tail end of the first housing to secure the first fastener and the first housing to the cable.

6. The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second end of the first fastener is provided with a plurality of first fastening teeth, and the first tail sleeve is provided with a tapered hole section. The diameter of the tapered hole section gradually decreases as it moves away from the sleeve interface of the first tail sleeve, so that when the first tail sleeve is fitted onto the first fastener through the sleeve interface, the fastening strength of the first fastener to the cable gradually increases as the sleeve length increases.

7. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The temperature-controlled electrical connector according to any one of claims 1-6; Also includes: A mating electrical connector includes a second housing and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is disposed within the second housing; The temperature control electrical connector has a first mating connector on its first housing and a second mating connector on its second housing corresponding to the first mating connector. When the first mating connector and the second mating connector are connected, the second terminal mates with the mating end of the first terminal.

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