Branch connector

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic connectors, and discloses a branch connector. The branch connector comprises a shell, a cable and a fixing piece. Wherein the shell is provided with an accommodating cavity; a plurality of cables are arranged, and cable cores of the plurality of cables are arranged in the accommodating cavity; the fixing piece comprises a first ring part, and the first ring part is arranged outside the cable cores of the multiple cables in a sleeving mode and tightly presses the multiple cable cores. According to the branch connector, the cable cores of the plurality of cables are compressed and fixed in a surrounding compression mode, and the risk of connection looseness among the plurality of cables is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic connector technology, and in particular to a branch connector. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic branch connectors are essential components in photovoltaic systems used to connect multiple solar panel modules or distribute current. Common specifications include "two inputs and one output" and "three inputs and one output".

[0003] In traditional branch connectors, the connecting terminals clamp and secure the cores of multiple cables using riveting. As cost requirements for photovoltaic systems continue to increase, lower-cost aluminum core cables are gradually becoming a substitute for copper core cables. Therefore, aluminum core cables are often used with copper connecting terminals in branch connectors. However, during the operation of a photovoltaic power station, both the copper connecting terminals and the aluminum core cables experience high and low temperature variations. Due to the different thermal deformation coefficients of copper and aluminum, the riveting between the copper connecting terminals and the aluminum cores may loosen, leading to increased contact resistance. Increased contact resistance causes continuous heating at the connection point between the copper connecting terminals and the aluminum core cables, affecting the normal operation of the photovoltaic power station.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a branch connector to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a branch connector that connects multiple cables by wrapping and pressing, reducing the risk of loose connections between multiple cables.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Branch connector, including:

[0008] The housing has a receiving cavity;

[0009] The cable has multiple strands, and the cores of the multiple cables are all disposed within the receiving cavity;

[0010] The fastener includes a first ring portion, which is sleeved on the outside of the cores of the plurality of cables and presses the plurality of cores together.

[0011] Optionally, the branch connector further includes a terminal disposed within the receiving cavity. The terminal includes a connecting portion, which is used to tightly attach multiple wire cores by riveting. The first environmental protection sleeve is disposed outside the connecting portion and presses the connecting portion.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of the wire cores is bent at the end to form a bent section, and at least a portion of the bent section is sandwiched between the connecting portion and the first ring portion.

[0013] Optionally, the connecting part includes a main body and riveting pieces disposed on opposite sides of the main body. The riveting pieces are provided with notches, and the notches on the two riveting pieces are correspondingly disposed. After the connecting part is riveted to the multiple wire cores, the two notches form a solder filling area, which is used to accommodate the welding material for welding the multiple wire cores.

[0014] Optionally, the terminal further includes a fixing part connected to the connecting part, the fixing part having a fixing hole, and the bottom wall of the receiving cavity having a positioning post, the positioning post being inserted into the fixing hole.

[0015] Optionally, the fastener further includes a second ring portion connected to the first ring portion, and the plurality of cables include a main cable and branch cables. The second ring portion is sleeved around the outer periphery of the core of the main cable and presses the core of the main cable tightly.

[0016] Optionally, the fastener further includes a third ring portion connected to the second ring portion, the third ring portion being sleeved on the protective sleeve of the main cable.

[0017] Optionally, the fastener is a cylindrical structure; or, the fastener includes a cylindrical body and an opening disposed on the cylindrical body, wherein the opening penetrates the first ring portion or penetrates the cylindrical body along the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

[0018] Optionally, a conductive paste layer is provided between the plurality of said wire cores and the connecting portion; and / or, a conductive paste layer is provided between the connecting portion and the first ring portion.

[0019] Optionally, an insulating adhesive layer is wrapped around the wire core and the fixing member; or, the receiving cavity is filled with insulating adhesive.

[0020] Optionally, the connecting portion is covered with a tin layer, which is in contact with the plurality of wire cores and the first ring portion.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This utility model provides a branch connector, including a housing, multiple cables, and a fixing component. The fixing component includes a first ring portion, which is sleeved on the outer surface of the cores of the multiple cables and presses the cores together. After pressing, the cores are tightly fitted together, achieving an electrical connection between the multiple cables. This connection method, which uses the first ring portion to fix the multiple cores, ensures that the cores are circumferentially pressed by the first ring portion, resulting in a better fastening effect. Compared with the existing technology of fixing multiple cores through terminals, this method has a larger pressing area, higher structural strength, and reduces the risk of core loosening, thereby improving the problem of continuous overheating at the core connection point caused by core loosening. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the branch connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the branch connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fastener provided in this embodiment of the utility model being sleeved on the outside of multiple wire cores (the first ring is in an unpressed state);

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first ring pressing multiple wire cores according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the core connection of multiple cables provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a fastener provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between multiple cables and terminals provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing member sleeved outside the terminal according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fastener pressed onto the terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a connection between multiple cables, terminals, and fasteners provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the second ring and the cable provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of another fastener provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 14 This is a structural schematic diagram of another fastener provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 15 This is another schematic diagram of the connection between multiple cables and terminals provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0039] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of another connection point of multiple cables, terminals and fasteners provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] 100. Housing; 110. Receiving cavity; 111. Positioning post;

[0042] 200. Cable; 210. Wire core; 211. Bend section;

[0043] 300. Terminal; 310. Connecting part; 311. Main body; 312. Riveting piece; 3121. Notch; 320. Fixing part; 321. Fixing hole;

[0044] 400. Fastener; 410. First ring portion; 420. Second ring portion; 430. Third ring portion; 440. Opening;

[0045] 500, Wire clamp; 510, Glue dispensing port;

[0046] 600, top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between 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.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0051] This embodiment provides a branch connector that connects multiple cables by wrapping and pressing, reducing the risk of loose connections between multiple cables.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the branch connector includes a housing 100, cables 200, and a fixing member 400. The housing 100 has a receiving cavity 110. Multiple cables 200 are provided, and the cores 210 of each cable 200 are disposed within the receiving cavity 110. The fixing member 400 includes a first ring portion 410, which is sleeved on the outer surface of the cores 210 of the multiple cables 200 and presses them together to ensure a tight fit, thereby achieving electrical connection between the multiple cables 200.

[0053] In the prior art, multiple wire cores 210 are riveted together by connecting terminals, but only a portion of the circumferential direction of the multiple wire cores 210 is subjected to clamping force. However, the branch connector provided in this embodiment clamps multiple wire cores 210 by the first ring portion 410, so that the circumferential direction of the multiple wire cores 210 is subjected to clamping force, the clamping area is larger, the structural strength is higher, the risk of wire cores 210 loosening is reduced, and thus the problem of continuous heat generation at the connection of wire cores 210 caused by loosening of wire cores 210 is improved.

[0054] Optionally, the first ring 410 can be fixed to the outside of multiple wire cores 210 by crimping. The crimping process is simple, easy to assemble, and has a better fastening effect.

[0055] Optionally, the material of the fastener 400 and the wire core 210 can be the same metal or the same type of metal alloy. This arrangement prevents electrochemical corrosion between the fastener 400 and the wire core 210, reducing the contact resistance between the terminal 300 and the wire core 210. Of course, the material of the fastener 400 can also be different from that of the wire core 210, such as insulating material, depending on actual needs. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 5-11 As shown, the branch connector also includes a terminal 300, which is disposed in the receiving cavity 110. The terminal 300 includes a connecting part 310, which makes multiple wire cores 210 fit together tightly by riveting. The first ring part 410 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting part 310 and presses the connecting part 310.

[0057] The branch connector provided in this embodiment, with the first ring portion 410 and the connecting portion 310 together forming a clamping structure that clamps the cores 210 of multiple cables 200, has higher structural strength compared to the prior art method of fixing multiple cables 200 only through terminals 300. This reduces the risk of the cores 210 loosening, thereby improving the problem of continuous overheating at the connection point of the cores 210 caused by loosening. Furthermore, by connecting multiple cables 200 together through the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410, the structure is simple and compact, which helps to reduce the overall size of the branch connector.

[0058] It is understandable that in this branch connector, one of the multiple cables 200 is the main cable, and the other cables 200 are branch cables. The number of branch cables can be set to two, three, etc., depending on the actual needs.

[0059] It is worth noting that after the connector 310 is riveted to the cores 210 of the multiple cables 200, the cores 210 will deform and misalign due to compression, which will damage the oxide layer on the surface of the cores 210, thereby making the electrical connection between the cores 210 and the terminal 300 more reliable.

[0060] Understandably, the model of terminal 300 can be selected to match the size and model of cable 200, and the model of fastener 400 can be selected to match the model of terminal 300.

[0061] Optionally, the first ring 410 can be fixed to the outside of the connecting part 310 by crimping. The crimping process is simple, easy to assemble, and has a better fastening effect.

[0062] Furthermore, in one possible embodiment, the terminal 300 is made of metallic copper or a copper alloy, the fixing member 400 is made of metallic copper or a copper alloy, and all the wire cores 210 are made of metallic copper or a copper alloy. This arrangement reduces the contact resistance between the terminal 300 and the wire cores 210. In another possible embodiment, the wire core 210 of one cable 200 is made of aluminum alloy, while the wire cores 210 of the remaining cables 200 are made of metallic copper. The terminal 300 is made of metallic copper or a copper alloy, and the fixing member 400 is made of metallic aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This arrangement ensures that the wire cores 210 of multiple cables 200 are clamped and fixed while maintaining a lower cost.

[0063] Alternatively, when aluminum is used for the wire core 210, it can be made of multiple strands of wire core 210 bonded together, or it can be a single strand of thick wire core 210.

[0064] Optionally, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The branch connector also includes a wire clamp 500 and a top cover 600. The wire clamp 500 is sealed at the opening 440 of the receiving cavity 110. The wire clamp 500 is provided with a glue-filling port 510, and the top cover 600 is sealed at the glue-filling port 510.

[0065] Further, see also Figure 6 In one possible embodiment, the connecting portion 310 includes a main body 311 and riveting pieces 312 disposed on opposite sides of the main body 311. The riveting pieces 312 have notches 3121, with the notches 3121 on the two riveting pieces 312 corresponding to each other. After the connecting portion 310 is riveted to multiple wire cores 210, the two notches 3121 form a solder filling area, which is used to accommodate the welding material for welding the multiple wire cores 210. By providing a solder filling area, multiple wire cores 210 can be electrically connected together, further reducing the risk of loosening between the wire cores 210 and improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the multiple wire cores 210. Furthermore, by providing notches 3121 on each riveting piece 312 to form a welding filling area, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0066] Further, see also Figure 2 and Figure 6 The terminal 300 also includes a fixing part 320 connected to the connecting part 310. The fixing part 320 is provided with a fixing hole 321, and a positioning post 111 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 110. The positioning post 111 is inserted into the fixing hole 321. With this configuration, when the cable 200 is subjected to tension, the positioning post 111 will restrict the movement of the terminal 300, which to a certain extent improves the anti-pull capability of the cable 200 and reduces the risk of loosening between multiple cables 200.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the fastener 400 also includes a second ring portion 420 connected to the first ring portion 410. The multiple cables 200 include main cables and branch cables. The second ring portion 420 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the main cable core 210 and presses against it. This arrangement prevents the connecting portion 310 from cutting the main cable core 210 when the main cable swings, reducing the risk of the main cable core 210 breaking. Furthermore, the cooperation between the second ring portion 420 and the core 210 also improves the installation stability of the fastener 400.

[0068] It is understandable that the first ring 410 fitting and pressing the connecting part 310, and the second ring 420 fitting and pressing the wire core 210 can be completed in one crimping process or in steps.

[0069] Further, see also Figure 10 The fastener 400 also includes a third ring 430 connected to the second ring 420, which is sleeved on the protective sleeve of the main cable. By providing the third ring 430, excessive bending of the main cable core 210 can be avoided, further reducing the risk of breakage of the main cable core 210.

[0070] Optionally, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 7 In one possible embodiment, the fastener 400 is a cylindrical structure.

[0071] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in another possible embodiment, the fastener 400 includes a cylindrical body and an opening 440 disposed on the cylindrical body. Along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the opening 440 penetrates the first ring portion 410 or passes through the cylindrical body. By providing the opening 440, the size of the cylindrical body can be adjusted. This arrangement facilitates the fitting of the cylindrical body over the multiple wire cores 210; or even if the connecting portion 310 undergoes significant deformation after being riveted to the multiple wire cores 210, it can still ensure that the cylindrical body is smoothly fitted onto the connecting portion 310.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the end of at least one wire core 210 is bent to form a bent section 211, and at least a portion of the bent section 211 is sandwiched between the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410. That is, when the connecting portion 310 is riveted to multiple wire cores 210, a length is left at the front end of at least one wire core 210. After the connecting portion 310 is riveted to multiple wire cores 210, the reserved section of wire core 210 is bent in the opposite direction to the top of the connecting portion 310. Then, when the first ring portion 410 is fitted, the bent section 211 is positioned between the first ring portion 410 and the connecting portion 310, and finally the first ring portion 410 is pressed tightly. With this arrangement, the cross-sectional area of ​​the wire cores 210 is significantly increased at the connection point of the multiple wire cores 210, the connecting portion 310, and the first ring portion 410, which helps to reduce the contact resistance at that point and thus reduce the temperature rise at that point.

[0073] Optionally, in one possible embodiment, a conductive paste layer (not shown in the figure) is provided between the multiple wire cores 210 and the connecting portion 310. For example, conductive paste can be applied to the outer periphery of the multiple wire cores 210 before riveting them to the connecting portion 310. Thus, after the connecting portion 310 is riveted to the multiple wire cores 210, the conductive paste can fill the gap between the connecting portion 310 and the multiple wire cores 210, which not only improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the multiple wire cores 210 and the connecting portion 310, but also isolates the wire cores 210 from air, preventing oxidation.

[0074] Optionally, in another possible embodiment, a conductive paste layer (not shown in the figure) is provided between the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410. For example, conductive paste can be applied to the outer periphery of the connecting portion 310 before assembling the fastener 400. Thus, when the first environmentally friendly clamping device 310 is applied, the conductive paste can fill the gap between the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410, improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410.

[0075] In this embodiment, conductive paste layers are provided between the multiple wire cores 210 and the connecting portion 310, and between the connecting portion 310 and the first ring portion 410.

[0076] Optionally, in one possible embodiment, the wire cores 210 and the fastener 400 are covered with an insulating adhesive layer. This arrangement enables insulation and sealing of the multiple wire cores 210, the connection portion 310, and the fastener 400.

[0077] Alternatively, in another possible embodiment, the receiving cavity 110 is filled with insulating adhesive. This arrangement provides both insulation protection for the multiple wire cores 210, terminals 300, and fasteners 400, and also improves the tensile strength of the cable 200.

[0078] Furthermore, the connecting portion 310 is coated with a tin layer, which comes into contact with the multiple wire cores 210 and the first ring portion 410. By providing the tin layer, direct contact between the wire cores 210 and the connecting portion 310, and between the first ring portion 410 and the connecting portion 310, can be avoided, thereby preventing electrochemical corrosion between the wire cores 210 and the connecting portion 310, and between the first ring portion 410 and the connecting portion 310.

[0079] Optionally, the tin layer should have a large thickness to prevent tearing due to deformation during riveting.

[0080] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A branch connector, characterized in that, include: A housing (100) having a receiving cavity (110) thereon; The cable (200) is provided with multiple wires, and the cores (210) of the multiple cables (200) are all disposed in the receiving cavity (110); The fastener (400) includes a first ring portion (410) which is sleeved on the outside of the cores (210) of the plurality of cables (200) and presses the plurality of cores (210) together.

2. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch connector further includes a terminal (300) disposed in the receiving cavity (110). The terminal (300) includes a connecting portion (310). The connecting portion (310) is used to tightly fit multiple wire cores (210) by riveting. The first ring portion (410) is sleeved on the connecting portion (310) and presses the connecting portion (310) against it.

3. The branch connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the wire cores (210) has its end bent to form a bent section (211), and at least a portion of the bent section (211) is sandwiched between the connecting portion (310) and the first ring portion (410).

4. The branch connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part (310) includes a main body (311) and riveting pieces (312) disposed on opposite sides of the main body (311). The riveting pieces (312) are provided with notches (3121). The notches (3121) on the two riveting pieces (312) are correspondingly disposed. After the connecting part (310) is riveted to multiple wire cores (210), the two notches (3121) form a solder filling area. The solder filling area is used to accommodate the welding material for welding multiple wire cores (210).

5. The branch connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal (300) also includes a fixing part (320) connected to the connecting part (310). The fixing part (320) is provided with a fixing hole (321). The bottom wall of the receiving cavity (110) is provided with a positioning post (111), and the positioning post (111) is inserted into the fixing hole (321).

6. The branch connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing member (400) also includes a second ring (420) connected to the first ring (410). The multiple cables (200) include a main cable and branch cables. The second ring (420) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the core (210) of the main cable and presses the core (210) of the main cable.

7. The branch connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener (400) also includes a third ring (430) connected to the second ring (420), the third ring (430) being sleeved on the protective sleeve of the main cable.

8. The branch connector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The fastener (400) is a cylindrical structure; or, the fastener (400) includes a cylindrical body and an opening (440) disposed on the cylindrical body, wherein the opening (440) penetrates the first ring portion (410) or penetrates the cylindrical body along the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

9. The branch connector according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, A conductive paste layer is provided between the multiple cores (210) and the connecting portion (310); and / or, a conductive paste layer is provided between the connecting portion (310) and the first ring portion (410).

10. The branch connector according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, An insulating adhesive layer is wrapped around the core (210) and the fixing member (400); or, the receiving cavity (110) is filled with insulating adhesive.

11. The branch connector according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The connecting portion (310) is covered with a tin layer, which is in contact with the plurality of wire cores (210) and the first ring portion (410).

Images